Space and time

Space and time

By Jimmy Henderson

The natural limits of our human perceptual processes could also explain the phenomena of space and time. As far back as 1787, Immanuel Kant expressed his belief that these were not scientific absolutes, but rather ‘categories’ of the human mind which allow us to structure and manage reality. In thus regard, recent thinking in quantum physics also suggests that time and space are mental formulations, providing us with a particular framework with which to understand the workings of the universe, and are both relative to the observer.

For example, regarding our notion of space, imagine a situation where two friends are parting after a meeting. As the one friend moves further away, a position is reached after which he can no longer be seen by his friend. However, from a vantage point a few hundred meters above the ground, both friends can still be seen, although they are already a few kilometers apart. If taken to the extreme, this suggests that to a person with an infinite view (an extremely high consciousness), nothing is ever out of sight and the concept of space (distance) is therefore relative to the depth of our perception.

‘for us physicists believe the separation between past, present, and future is only an illusion, although a convincing one.’

Albert Einstein

Similarly, measurements of time are also relative. According to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, our sense of time is determined by our speed of movement, in this case, the movement of the Earth relative to the Sun and the stars. In other words, when travelling in space at extremely high velocities, even exceeding the speed of light, our experience of time would be different.

This relativity can be practically demonstrated during lucid dreaming, in which an experience which lasts only a few minutes during a dream ends up being a half-hour in real time. This also suggests that time and space are linked to our powers of perception and consciousness. In other words, experiences that are being processed three-dimensionally and sequentially by our limited mental processes create the perception of space and time, whereas if viewed holographically (multi-dimensionally), our concepts of space and time may change. 

  ‘The universe is a Thought of God, a divine intention that you be blessed in all you do.’

Marianne Williamson

Finally, in recent years you may have noticed that events in the world also appear to be speeding up, which suggests once again, that time and space are relative to our perception. 

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via the Metavarsity website as well as his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com