Being part of the oneness

Renee Lehman

(6/2023) Today, modern quantum physics tells us everything is energy (or Qi). Quantum physics also presents the theory of a unified field; that, at the deepest level of reality, in the energy field, everything in creation is connected. Separation is an illusion. Who we are, is pure consciousness or Oneness, expressing itself in different forms at different times in our evolution. In fact, David Bohm, PhD, American-born quantum physicist, philosopher, and neuropsychologist (one of the most significant theoretical physicists of the 20th century and born in Wilkes-Barre, PA!), said: "In some sense man is a microcosm of the universe; therefore, what man is, is a clue to the universe. We are enfolded in the universe." He also said, "Deep down, the consciousness of mankind is one."

An example in Nature of the Oneness expressing itself in different forms could be the following: Imagine your favorite flower (mine is a Zinnia, so I’ll use it). Basically, a Zinnia plant has roots, a stem, leaves, and blossoms. Each part of the Zinnia has a role to play for the WHOLE Zinnia to be healthy and for bees to want to come for the pollen. The roots, stem, leaves, and blossoms must reach their own individual ultimate potential to do their individual job for the WHOLE Zinnia to be beautiful. And guess what? The Zinnia roots never want to be the leaves, and the leaves never get jealous that they are not the blossoms! Diverse parts of the plant come together and are a part of the Oneness of the Zinnia! This cooperation results in beautiful expression of Qi (energy).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the oldest continuously practiced form of healthcare, is also based on a profound understanding of energy (or Qi). Simply put, without Qi (defined as Universal Life Force) there is no life. Qi is the intelligent Universal Life Force of wisdom, consciousness, and purpose. As Qigong Grand Master Nan Lu, OMD says, "Everything is Qi. All Qi has consciousness. All consciousness has a purpose."

TCM is based in Taoism (pronounced Dowism) which is a nature-based philosophy. Taoism and TCM start and end with observation of nature. The Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dow Deh Jing), translated as The Book of the Way, was written by Lao Tzu (570-490 BCE). Below is an excerpt from of the Tao Te Ching, translated by Stephen Mitchell:

In the beginning was the Tao. All things issue from it; all things return to it. To find the origin, trace back to the manifestations. When you recognize the children and find the mother, you will be free of sorrow. If you close your mind in judgements and traffic with desires, your heart will be troubled. If you keep your mind from judging and aren't led by the senses, your heart will find peace. Seeing into darkness is clarity. Knowing how to yield is strength. Use your own light and return to the source of light. This is called practicing eternity. (Chapter 52)

A modern perspective on Chapter 52 will require you to ask the following question: "Where do you come from?" You come from the Oneness. The Oneness that has no beginning or end. It is the potential of all things; manifests all things; disintegrates all things; is at one with all things. Change is Oneness’s constant. Oneness is the essence of peace and harmony. Therefore, flow in peace and harmony by remembering the Oneness of all things.

So, thousands of years after the beginnings of TCM, scientists like Albert Einstein and quantum physicists like David Bohm arrived at a similar conclusion through scientific research: Everything is energy, and in the energy field, everything is connected.

This may be challenging to understand. As David Bohm said, "We often find that we cannot easily give up the tendency to hold rigidly to patterns of thought built up over a long time. We are then caught up in what may be called absolute necessity. This kind of thought leaves no room at all intellectually for any other possibility, while emotionally and physically, it means we take a stance in our feelings, in our bodies, and indeed, in our whole culture, of holding back or resisting. This stance implies that under no circumstances whatsoever can we allow ourselves to give up certain things or change them."

So, let me use a real-life business illustration of how we are all a part of the Oneness. Imagine your dentist’s office. There is probably a receptionist, a person in the billing department, a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, and of course, a dentist. The Entire Office represents the Oneness. Each person plays a different role; however, no matter how diverse they are, they are all a part of the Oneness of the Office. Each person plays a significant role in the office coming together as Oneness. It is important for each person to be accountable for themselves, and to reach their ultimate potential so that the WHOLE Office will function at its ultimate potential (operates smoothly and efficiently and provides positive outcomes for each patient). Diverse individuals come together, using their individually recognized gifts as a part of the Oneness of the dental Office.

So, energy being, how can you begin to ‘see’ and experience how you are part of the Oneness? First, I challenge you to take some time for reflection and introspection on what your unique gifts are. Once you recognize these gifts, appreciate them. Acknowledge how your gift fits into the Oneness, and then be accountable for sharing/using these gifts.

Secondly, look at yourself in the mirror. Every part of your physical body is part of the Oneness of YOU. Your ears, eyes, shoulders, etc. each play an important role in you reaching your ultimate potential. How are you taking care of each part of your body to achieve health and wellbeing? There are many ways to achieve health and wellbeing. I would encourage you to consider beginning a Qigong practice. As Grand Master Nan Lu, OMD says, "Qigong is the path—the energy exercise that allows you to become part of the Universe. Qigong is much more than just energy work. Qi is Universal power and Universal life. Qigong movements help you build your connection to this Universal life. Through Qigong, you become the mirror of the Universe—the wisdom of the Universe."

"A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." – Albert Einstein

Renee Lehman is a licensed acupuncturist and physical therapist with over 36 years of health care experience. Her office is located at 249B York Street in Gettysburg. She can be reached at 717-752-5728.