Theta consciousness and quantum physics
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By seedy
- Theta consciousness and quantum physics
- Created: Apr 7, 2008
- Last updated: May 6, 2008
- After episode: 4.8: Meet Kevin Johnson
- Status: Current
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One only has to look at the names used by the Lost writers to understand that quantum physics plays a key role in the series e.g. Hawking, Minkowski, Faraday. I want to apply a couple of theories from quantum physics to my existing theory on theta brain waves.
The firstly, the idea of the multiverse – the belief that all possible outcomes from an individual situation are played out in alternate universes. I want to adapt that slightly to the possibility that all possible thoughts exist and are present, not within alternate universes but within a universal consciousness.
Secondly, is the simple fact of observing an event has a profound and direct influence on that event i.e. You (the observer) can influence your environment (the observed) through thought and emotion.
Now a quick recap on brain waves. Beta brain waves predominate when you are most aware of your external environment. Alpha (e.g. daydreaming) to Theta (e.g. dreaming) to Delta (e.g. deep sleep) represent a progressive move towards your deep sub-conscious. So far, hard science confirms this. Before I go any further, let me just point out that I am a neuroscientist by training, and as yet science cannot explain the brain on a purely biochemical basis – therefore I remain open minded on this subject.
It is believed that the further we move into the subconscious, the more we are able to access the universal consciousness. Delta consciousness remains a completely unknown entity, but it is possible to access theta consciousness and retain knowledge of and possibly exert influence over events in this state. The ability to access theta consciousness relies on a process called Remote Viewing. Canon evidence proves that one of the Dharma stations is called the Accelerated Remote Viewing Training Facility – which really proves the writers are aware of theta consciousness.
A large number of Island events can be explained due to a connection between quantum physics and theta consciousness. I believe this was certainly what Dharma had in mind – can you change something purely by the power of thought? As I have explained previously, it is interesting that research shows that electromagnetic fields are capable of promoting the development of theta brain waves! Therefore the Island promotes a connection to your deep sub-conscious.
On to the explanations! Firstly, if you enter Theta healing into Google, what becomes apparent is that there is a strong belief that accessing Theta consciousness can promote healing. Not only does it promote healing, but can bring about an almost instantaneous healing at the level of the DNA! I will definitely retain an open mind on that one, but I do believe it is a perfectly valid tool for the Lost writers to use – and it is important to remember that the ‘placebo’ effect is well recognised where healing is dependent solely on your belief that you are being healed!!! Rose & Locke, whose deepest sub-conscious desire would be to be healed crash on an Island finely attuned to the sub-conscious! Hey presto!! Interestingly, one could promote DNA capping with new telomere and potentially extend life - Richard Alpert anyone?
The visions that the Losties feel are an incredibly strong expression of the sub-conscious. In addition, the visions are (1) usually associated with feelings of guilt and (2) manifested visually by the reasons for that guilt e.g. Jack’s Dad, Eko’s brother, Boone (for Locke), Ben’s mother, Libby (for Michael). It is interesting that there is a strong association between guilt and schizophrenia – a disorder characterised by hallucinations. I do not think that guilt is the only emotion that has the power to promote visual manifestations of the sub-conscious on the Island. It is just that guilt is such a powerful, at times all consuming, emotion that it explains why these visions are commonly associated with this feeling.
If the Island does promote a Theta state and access to a universal consciousness it could also explain how Locke could dream of Eko’s brother. Or how individuals could share each other’s visions e.g. Kate & Sawyer with the black horse.
I’ve stated in a previous theory that I think Cerberus/Smokey is somehow connected to this universal consciousness. The wild thrashing at the beginning of Series 1 has never been repeated – is this due to a large increase in the collective consciousness causing confusion. Or perhaps more likely, a large increase in the collective consciousness – of which the overriding emotions are fear and confusion. I also think that Smokey reacts to the individual sub-conscious. In ‘Walkabout’, Locke claims after seeing Smokey, that it was ‘beautiful’ – at that point Locke was in awe of the Island that had cured him. However, Smokey kills Eko – a man who cannot overcome his sub-conscious feelings that he is a bad man.
The pregnancy problem? Ben is the leader of the Others – presumably because he can most easily access the collective theta consciousness. What little we know of young Ben suggests he is an introspective individual – the more internalised the individual, the more likely they spend more time out of beta consciousness. If Ben is finely tuned to the collective consciousness, then his guilt (strongly enhanced by his Father’s attitude) at being the cause of his mother’s death, could infiltrate other pregnant women via this collective consciousness. If I remember they all die round about the same time Ben’s mother died. It also seems to be due to an immune attack (Juliet’s comments in the Other Woman) i.e. the body’s own cells working against it. Ben (the observer) influencing the Island women (the observed) by thought alone i.e. his inescapable feelings of guilt about his mother’s death.
As for the relationship between consciousness and time travel, I will leave this to an eloquent quote from ‘The Time Machine’ by H.G. Wells. ‘There is no difference between time and any of the three dimensions of space, except that our consciousness moves along it’.
Key characters
| Short Name | Full Name | Episodes | Theories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eko | Mr. Eko | 2.21, 3.5, 2.7, 2.10 | 263 |
| Jack | Jack Shephard | 1.1, 1.5, 2.11, 1.11, 1.16, 1.20, 3.9, 3.22, 3.1, 4.10, 4.12, & 3” href=”/episodes/theres-no-place-home-parts-2-3/”>4.13 | 1336 |
| John | John Locke | 3.3, 2.17, 1.4, 1.19, 3.13, 3.19, 4.11, & 3” href=”/episodes/theres-no-place-home-parts-2-3/”>4.13 | 1076 |
| Kate | Katherine “Kate” Austen | 3.6, 1.2, 1.3, 2.9, 1.12, 1.16, 1.22, 3.15, 4.4, 4.12 | 659 |
| Sawyer | James “Sawyer” Ford | 3.4, 2.3, 2.6, 2.13, 1.16, 3.10 | 417 |
Key episodes
| # | Title | Aired | Central character | Theories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | The Other Woman | 3-6-2008 | Juliet | 31 |
| 3.20 | The Man Behind The Curtain | 5-9-2007 | Ben | 372 |
| 2.10 | The 23rd Psalm | 1-11-2006 | Charlie, Eko | 88 |
| 1.5 | White Rabbit | 10-20-2004 | Jack | 124 |
| 1.4 | Walkabout | 10-14-2004 | John | 106 |
Key events
| Theme | Relevant Episodes | Theories |
|---|---|---|
| Locke Can Walk | 263 | |
| Locke has close encounter with the monster | 1.4 | 177 |
| Michael shoots Ana-Lucia and Libby | 2.20 | 108 |
| Oceanic Flight 815 pilot is killed | 1.1 | 94 |
ok, I like how this ties to your other theories. How do you think the theta consciousness applies to what is commonly referred to as the “mob mentality”? Also, does the theta consciousness apply to what I would call shared hallucinations/delusions?
RIght over my head!
Who am I to argue with a neuroscientist? I really enjoyed reading this.
Excellent theory and I hope it gets the kudos it deserves. Dharma would certainly be experimenting in that direction. And Smokey was definitely agitated when people first arrived, so too much all at once? I’m no expert to be able to poke any holes in this theory, nor would I want to try.
I have read your previous posts and have enjoyed them very much. I honestly believe that your observations and applications of theta consciousness are on the mark. This idea of tying the concious mind to the unbelievable happenings on the island seems to tie in very nicely. The voices seem to have a mind feel to them for sure. The voices seem to have a real-time presence to them. It would also make sense that Ben is the one in control of the remote viewers (whispers). I just watched the movie Paycheck. In that movie they tie-in the mind waves or thought forms into science and more importantly make it easy to follow and thereby not ‘losing’ the audience. I could see Lost following such a kindred theme.
+1 for a believable way in which this could go. And I like your idea of tying in quantum physics with theta consciousness. There’s so much going on that I think it’s highly likely more than one theme will be involved.
Seedy, You tied this in beautifully with your other theories, and I believe that you are indeed correct. An outstanding job!
A superbly written theory, and is well researched! Many +++++1
Seedy, that was awesome. Beautifully written and comprehensible. It explains many mysteries in the show without distorting what we already know to be true (ie, the “island” healing Locke). And the pregnancies, spot on. What would you propose as to stop the fatal conceptions? Ben just simply leaving the island?
+1,000,000
Seedy, Persistence pays off! Finally this theory is getting the attention it deserves!
This is one of the best theories I’ve read on this site~easy to follow~i loved it! Thank you, +1
nice thoery +1
any idea how proust’s involuntary memories fit into the alpha theta delta wave scheme?
Wow… a +1 for you… I’ve been following your theories and it is quite good. It also reminds me of the Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov… At one point he describes a planet were everyone and everything is connected in a single mind. It’s a very complex and very beautiful thing and he describes it so well.
he people in this planet no longer felt guilt or shame about anything, because they were aware of their connection with everything… So I believe that if someone like us was put all of a sudden in a place were we can access our darkest secrets we would die of shame and guilt, let alone if someone found out or new about those things we don’t share with other people.
But anyways, on a more negative side, I believe that there is something more tangible about lost. Like the Swan station and the numbers… They go beyond just theta consciousness, they were tapping into something more alive, more physical I guess… But that’s just me saying it.
seedy, +1 Another hit out of the park! Well written, well researched and even I could see this fitting into Lost perfectly!
Congrats :)
seedy, I agree with everyone else’s positive comments on this theory! I have a question for you concerning the aspect of Delta(Deep Sleep).
I have had many dreams myself where they seem so real ,that upon first awakening, I have the feeling of really being in another place at the time.Yet completely forgetting any details after being fully awake.I guess my question is are you saying that the island possibly enhances a persons ability to experience their dreams also in a waking state of mind. Even that it might be possible to interact with others on another level of deep sub consciousness. Does that make any sense? + 1
seedy,
I like your thesis, but have a couple of questions, so I can better understand what you are suggesting.
Quote:
“but it is possible to access theta consciousness and retain knowledge of and possibly exert influence over events in this state.”
So, are you suggesting that accessing “theta consciousness” is the same thing as accessing one’s dreams?
In your opinion, do you think Desmond’s “mind travels” are only dreams, and others like Mrs. Hawking and Faraday have been able to access his dreams and possibly exert influence over Desmond in this “dream state?”
Quote:
“a strong belief that accessing Theta consciousness can promote healing”
Excellent theory; I like this idea very much. +1
Seedy, fantastic post. I really liked it. I’ve been doing neuropharm this last year as one of the modules in my degree, and I’ve been trying to get several of my lecturers to watch Lost.
I posted a theory ages ago about possible telomerase and cancer links,(Cancer and Immortality) and that kinda got one of them interested, but if you can somehow tie in NMDA in to this I know I’ll catch the other one’s interest bcoz she ties that in to everything in my lectures! At one point I began to loathe the word excitotoxicity.
Anyway I read a lot about Donald Hebb and LTP and that was weighing heavy on my mind when I watched the constant, but I could not link it. Protein biochem & genetics are my main specialities, but I think your area of neuroscience is a better contender for some answers.
There was one lecture I found immensely interesting where she linked LTP/NMDA/pyramidal neurons/terminal clusters/feedback loops & bifurcation all together in an attempt to explain the emergence of consciousness, I am going to print out your theories and show them to her, but if you can think of neurological bait for her then I will spring the trap! p.s any news on the forbidden planet ‘ID’ monster yet?
+1 for a fantatsic post
Many thanks for the comments. Will answer your questions later today - but for now I have to put the brain on hold to look after 4 kids!!
seedy, great theory +1.
However, when Locke crashed on the island he had no reason to believe that he could walk again even if he very much wanted to. What instantaneously led him to believe that he could. The placebo effect presumably relies on the recipient believing that he/she is being cured.
Is this similar to What the Bleep Do I Know? There are similarities between your theory and Bleep’s content. Links have been made to Lost (Arzt / Arntz) but mentioning it seems to cause a pseudoscience uproar. Sorry to mention Bleep but would be interested in seedy’s opinion.
What the Bleep Do We Know is awesome JacksEyes!
Solarchap, I remember your awesome theory. ; )
Hey seedy,
I’ve been without internet access for awhile so haven’t been on the site but I’m pleased that theories like this are still coming up. Totally agree with others’ comments +1
I don’t know. I read this three times and I can’t follow it. Nothing personal, but I think that if the writers take the “physics, scientific, biochemical, etc.” approach there will be a lot of disapointed viewers (including myself).
I, personally, would rather a completely unrealistic explanation that I can understand, over a scientific, realistic explanation that you need a Masters in Physics to understand. After all, it is a fictional TV show. It can be somewhat unrealistic.
I’m giving a +1 because it appears to be a well thought out theory with lots of support, but I just can’t understand it.
Simply brilliant +1
“Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experincing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves… Here’s Tom with the weather.” – Bill Hicks
couldn’t resist.
http://www.hirnwellen-und-bewusstsein.de/brainwaves_1.html I found this while looking for more info on this. It helps make a little more sense.
lockeko - if we’re assuming that there is some sort of collective consciousness, then this explains mob mentality and shared hallucinations. If in a group of individuals the majority share the same conscious or subconscious feelings/emotions, then there can be both a conscious mob mentality or a more subconscious effect via the collective consciousness. As for the hallucinations, if the Island promotes the expression of your subconscious, then why shouldn’t this be a shared experience.
katrinicity - I think Ben would have to leave the Island. The psychological abuse that Ben’s father heaped upon him would make this problem too deeply ingrained.
Stonegiant - I’ll have to get back to you.
Katesawjack - yes. The Island promotes the expression of your deep subconscious. But I have a feeling that possibly strong emotion is required to really access this level of consciousness whilst awake. Accept for certain individuals - Ben, Walt.
Alice 1 - It is accessing your deep subconscious, not necessarily your dreams (dreams are just the usual mechanism by which we access this level of consciousness). It’s not that Desmond is dreaming, it is just that the collective consciousness (possessing all thoughts ever!)allows for your individual subconscious to pass back in time to previously held thoughts. When you dream (which is the only way the common man accesses this collective consciousness, do you ever feel that you have visited a previous time? As for Locke & Rose - a large amount of illness is due to a defective response within the body. We are unaware of when this illness is initiated and cannot control it’s progression. Unless, you could activate your deepest subconscious desire and cause your body to heal itself. This is what happened to Locke & Rose.
Solarchap - I will post something else on this subject, but one problem is that at the scientific level we understand so little of consciousness. The ID monster did send me in this current direction, so thank you very much for that - unfortunately when I tried to include it, it rather distracted from the overall theory.
Jackseyes - see above
Damn I need more time. Still +1 Seedy. Soon I shall have time to respond fully to several good posts. Until then keep this line of thinking going.
So when Eloise was bombarded with whatever at 11Hz, was faraday trying to force her theta waves into beta waves? Bringing her unconcious mind into her conscious mind?
I think this and your other theories are definitely on the right track, seedy. It’s particularly good that you’ve offered a mechanism for the phenomenon that many others have suggested, i.e. Ben’s consciousness causing the pregnancy issues. Well done.
My main reservation to this is the physical nature of some of the “sub-conscious” visions. In Hurley’s flashback episode to his days in the loony bin, his imaginary friend loses a shoe, slaps him in the face, etc. While Libby later says that she never saw the shoe when they were sitting on the beach, he was hiding it.
One theory friends have discussed with me is the “Monster”/Smokey taking on physical form. That would perhaps explain a dropped “shoe,” the visions, multiple people seeing the same vision, etc.
I definitely agree that there is some sort of “there is no spoon” action going on here, but I don’t think it is going to be explained by strictly scientific theories.
Take Jack, a man totally rooted in science and having zero faith, as opposed to Locke, who doesn’t always know, he just believes. Jack’s future and “rescued” self is left with the feeling he needs to return, whereas Locke (not one of the Oceanic 6) may very well be where he’s supposed to be on the Island. That and the old-school “hostiles”/”Others” are on their way to a temple.
Thus it seems like Locke’s belief in the supernatural is hinting towards something that science can’t explain, however much it may try to understand it.
in the way in which the show is presented to us it does seem that it is difficult (if not impossible) to distinguish what a character is experiencing and what he or she is imagining.
your theory is brilliant in its simplicity. well said.