Chapter 1: Reflections on Existence

Recently, I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with my close friend Ronald about the nature of miracles, perception, and the intricate order of the universe. I posed a question: Do you believe that God answers prayers and performs miracles? The following text stems from that dialogue, but before diving into the divine, let’s contemplate some of the universe's nearly unfathomable constructs.

At one moment, Ronald shared a childhood memory of sitting in a barber’s chair, observing his infinite reflection in the mirrors positioned before and behind him. He pondered which version of himself was the most authentic. This idea lingered with me. While reflections expand our perception of the physical world, does something need to be tangible to be considered real? Emotions such as love, hate, happiness, and grief seem undeniably real, even if they lack physical form. They may manifest physically, but their essence exists beyond the material.

This complexity may explain why the concepts of Heaven and Hell are often oversimplified in Sunday school teachings. Ironically, as children grow, the ideas surrounding the afterlife remain childlike in their simplicity. Surely, a God capable of creating everything that exists could offer more than just simplistic notions of harps and fiery pits.

The following is my lengthy response to the question about infinite reflections, beginning with an exploration of soap bubbles. Picture living inside a soap bubble, nested within another, ad infinitum, similar to a Russian matryoshka doll. There are so many layers that you can catch only fleeting glimpses of the vastness of existence, often just a faint reflection of yourself on the bubble's inner surface. You perceive just enough to sense the possibility of something greater, yet not enough to grasp the full spectrum of realities.

Now, imagine that the bubbles in which you reside are interconnected in every direction with the nested bubbles of all beings and potential timelines. Each bubble contains infinite copies of yourself, each encased in its own nested bubble. This visualization resembles the idea of fractals. For those unfamiliar, a basic definition of a fractal is that it possesses self-similarity; its smaller parts resemble the whole, and this pattern continues indefinitely. Essentially, a self-similar object maintains its structure regardless of scale.

Chapter 2: The Dynamics of Change

Life is dynamic, not static. We don’t simply exist within our bubbles—most of us engage with the world. This brings to mind thoughts about persistence and transformation. Consider Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, a colossal storm larger than Earth that has persisted for centuries. It is in constant motion, evolving yet enduring, consuming smaller storms. I often liken our lives to this storm—interconnected and impactful, while simultaneously being shaped by our environment.

Apply this concept to our intertwined soap bubbles, which are now influenced by the wind. To form a bubble, a certain air pressure is required—perhaps this represents the essence of life. However, excessive pressure or an external force can cause these bubbles to burst. One could discuss limit points and bifurcations here. As circumstances evolve, we adapt, and our reactions influence our surroundings.

Reflecting on Ronald’s insights about the perceived barrier between the exterior and interior (the barber's mirror), the inherently fluid nature of air, and the fragility of bubble walls starts to clarify things. Every bubble eventually pops, leading to various possibilities. Perhaps a bubble's burst expands our perspective, or it merely disperses it into broader realms. The rupture of any bubble might trigger a cascade of minute yet systemic changes, some fostering stability while others introduce chaos.

In the first video, "Colors at the Park and SURPRISE Super Miracle Bubbles," we explore how soap bubbles can create beautiful, colorful displays, reminiscent of the miraculous moments in life.

Drawing a rigid line between stability and instability creates a misleading binary. Order and chaos are not mutually exclusive. Those leading highly structured lives cannot control external factors such as reckless drivers or unexpected storms, just as free spirits must navigate the constraints imposed by economic systems. While it may be comforting to believe in a "natural order," that perspective often falters under scrutiny.

Michael Küsters, a blogger, succinctly encapsulates this notion: ordered systems are stable but rigid, lacking energy, while chaotic systems are energetic yet unstable. The challenge lies in determining which state is preferable, depending on one’s objectives. We must recognize that the choice between order and chaos is a false dichotomy.

Chapter 3: Timelines and Miracles

I previously mentioned the notion of timelines. Logically, we perceive time as linear. Seconds progress to minutes, which become hours, days, years, and lifetimes. While our minds acknowledge this flow, memories manifest as moments: the day he proposed, the birth of a child, the job loss, the tragic accident. Alongside these moments are emotions that may evolve or remain fixed, anchored in the joy or sorrow of the experience. These moments help us navigate life, preventing it from becoming an overwhelming jumble.

This linear view of time aids us in understanding causality—action A leads to outcome B. For this to hold true, A must precede B in time. Events like the Big Bang serve as a “known zero,” a reference point for everything that follows. I prayed, and a miracle occurred.

However, this perspective can become convoluted. If we treat Creation as a yardstick, we become bound by the a priori/a posteriori framework of rational causation. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle illustrates this issue: the act of measuring a particle's variable introduces inherent uncertainty. The more precisely we know a particle's position, the less certain we are about its momentum, and vice versa. This highlights the difficulty of attributing causes in life, where we often lack a clear starting point.

In the second video, "Julius Sumner Miller: Lesson 9 - Soap Bubbles and Soap Films," we delve into the scientific principles behind soap bubbles, illustrating the intersection of science and wonder.

This brings me back to my initial question: if my perspective is limited and incomplete, how can I influence a state conducive to miracles? Reflecting on the interconnectedness of my existence with infinite timelines and realms, I wonder if the divine architect of this cosmos also governs it—or do we?

As I contemplate my role, I consider whether the act of popping bubbles can lead to a connection with wisdom, knowledge, or divine power. Does this proximity to God’s intercession arise from remaining perfectly still, attuned to the contours of my existence, allowing me to hear the divine whisper?

It seems reasonable to assume that no one seeks miracles when life is proceeding smoothly. Such requests stem from chaos and represent a desire for order, though not necessarily for stasis.

Where, then, do love and healing emerge in times of need? Is it possible to know, or is it sufficient to accept that a profound mystery flows through us, guiding us toward mercy and tranquility?