Note 10 - Bi-directional Nature of Space and Time: Two Applications


This integral (bi-directional) approach to space and time in the physical world can be fruitfully illustrated in the following manner.

It takes about 8 seconds for the light of the sun to reach the Earth.

Therefore if we take the Sun as reference point, the reception of its light on Earth is 8 seconds forward in time from the Sun. In other words we witness an event on Earth eight seconds after it has taken place on the Sun.

However if we now reverse our procedure by taking the Earth as reference point, the light from the Sun (when received on Earth) is now 8 seconds back in time (with respect to the Sun).

So by the time the light is received on Earth, time has moved 8 seconds forward on the Sun (with respect to the Earth).

Alternatively time is now 8 seconds backward on the Earth (with respect to the Sun).
 

We can equally apply the same logic to distance in space. Again what is forward or backward (i.e. positive or negative) depends on the frame of reference adopted.

Thus taking the Sun as reference frame, it is 90 million miles forward in space (with respect to the Earth). Alternatively the Earth is now 90 million miles backward in space (with respect to the Sun).

The remarkable point here is that - again in dynamic terms - such reasoning applies to all observations.

Now in terms of everyday observations because of the short distances involved they seem to be instantaneous. However strictly speaking this is never the case. Therefore depending on reference frame (like in the example of our two drivers), all observations that take place are both forward and backward (i.e. positive and negative) in space and time.

Again the reason why we do not appreciate this fundamental fact is because we base our observations on isolated reference frames, where the exterior aspect of observed "objective" reality is separated from the "subjective" observer.
 

We can equally apply the same dynamic understanding to space and time in psychological terms.

For example - again because we use isolated reference frames - in our experience, the past tends to become clearly separated from the future. Thus from this perspective, events in the past have happened (i.e. have an objective validity). Events in the future have not yet happened (i.e. have as yet no objective validity).

However from a dynamic perspective, the past is closely connected to the future through the continual present moment.

So if I recall an event which in - conventional interpretation - happened a year ago, this event is a year back in time (taking the present moment as reference point). However from the reference point of the event the recollection in the present moment is now a year forward in time. So again depending on reference frame, the event is - relatively - either a year forward or backward in time.

It is similar with respect to future events. An event - which conventionally - will happen in one year's time, is one year forward in time (with respect to the present moment). However equally the present moment is one year backward in time (with respect to this event).

So again - depending on reference frame - this event can be viewed as either forward or backward in time.

We can of course extend the same logic to distances in space so again all events are both forward and backward in space and time.

Now the relativity of these positive and negative directions emanates from the present moment.

Thus once we accept in experience the dynamic nature of this relativity, we have the power to continually change both past and future (with respect to the present). Thus through the realisation that - in dynamic terms - an "object" has no meaning without relationship to a corresponding "subject", we can continually change the meaning of "past" events (through relationship to the present).

Likewise we can continually change the meaning of anticipated "future" events though relationship to the present.

Indeed this is the very basis of the power of healing in our lives. Ultimately it points to the realisation that the spiritual present moment alone truly exists. All phenomenal events are then merely secondary - and paradoxical - expressions of this primary reality, the meaning of which can be continually changed with respect to the present moment.

Finally, I just wish to emphasise that psychological interpretations of space and time directly complement physical interpretations. Again - to use an analogy - we are not travelling (in regard to space and time) along just one road. Rather from this perspective, we are journeying along two roads simultaneously (which are mirrors of each other). Thus what relates to movement in space and time in physical terms (along one road) relates in complementary fashion to movement in space and time in corresponding psychological terms (along the mirror road).