Joseph Selbie is a master at simplifying complex concepts. As an author and speaker, he bridges the gap between modern science and ancient spirituality, making profound ideas accessible to all. With over fifty years of experience in Kriya yoga meditation, Joseph has shared his wisdom on yoga, meditation, and universal spirituality across the US and Europe. Nominated for Trailblazer of the Decade in 2022, Joseph’s work has been featured in numerous interviews and conferences, showcasing his ability to blend science and spirituality seamlessly. MysticMag has the pleasure of chatting with Joseph.
Joseph, how does neuroscience explain the phenomenon of self-realization, and what role does our brain play in either revealing or concealing our true potential?
In many respects, neuroscience falls short in explaining superconsciousness. One of its fundamental limitations lies in its strong commitment to the idea that the brain generates consciousness, thoughts, and emotions. However, most spiritual teachings assert that consciousness, thought, and emotion transcend the physical body, including the brain. Instead, the brain serves as a connector to these non-local aspects of existence. To illustrate, consider a computer connecting to external sources like websites, music streams, or visual images. Similarly, the brain acts as a switchboard, facilitating our connection to elements that exist beyond its physical confines.
You mentioned that by late childhood, many of us have “unintentionally rendered ourselves neurally blind to everything except what our senses reveal”. How can individuals begin to reverse this neural wiring and expand their awareness beyond the physical world?
Many children possess an awareness of realities beyond what their brain and senses can directly perceive. They may see beings like angels or communicate with invisible companions. However, due to a lack of support from parents or societal disbelief, children often lose interest in or disbelieve these experiences. As infants, our brains begin wiring neural circuits at a rapid pace, primarily focusing on sensory input. While we retain the ability to connect to non-physical phenomena, the overwhelming emphasis on physical experiences leads us to become “neurally blind” to more subtle realities as we age. This state is considered normal by the time we reach adulthood.
In your book, “Break Through the Limits of the Brain,” you discuss how our brain’s neural circuitry wires to focus our attention on the physical world around us. Can you explain how this wiring affects our perception of reality and our ability to tap into higher states of consciousness?
This narrowing of focus to the physical realm affects our perception of reality, as we become deeply entrenched in sensory experiences. The broader, more profound reality described by saints and sages throughout history remains present, yet we often neglect to seek it out. Due to the way our neural circuits develop, we tend to default to sensory awareness upon waking, making it a deliberate effort to connect with extrasensory realities.
How do meditation and other spiritual practices help in rewiring the brain for superconscious awareness, as discussed in your book?
The brain creates neural circuits to support our activities, from basic tasks like tying shoelaces to interpreting sensory inputs. However, these circuits are primarily geared towards interactions with our physical bodies and the sensory information they receive. When we engage in practices like meditation, inspired by spiritual traditions, the brain adapts by wiring new circuits that facilitate these practices. Meditation helps us overcome the challenges of restlessness, lack of focus, and emotional turbulence, which tend to keep us anchored in body consciousness. By cultivating stillness, concentration, and emotional calmness, we can perceive the greater consciousness beyond the physical. This requires a deliberate choice and the formation of new perceptual habits. Once achieved, we can experience profound consciousness beyond the limitations of the physical body.
What are some practical ways individuals can tap into their superconscious potential, and what benefits can they expect from doing so?
The most direct way to deliberately connect with higher consciousness is through meditation, which systematically transcends sensory input. Another approach is to consciously invite superconscious assistance into daily activities, from chores to creative endeavors. This conscious effort to infuse creativity into everyday tasks can be complemented by meditation, enhancing intuitive insights and expanding awareness. Raising our energy levels can also facilitate this connection, leading to a more positive emotional state characterized by joy and happiness. This elevated emotional state, irrespective of external circumstances, is a profound experience of superconsciousness that can infuse all aspects of life. Therefore, embracing creativity, intuition, and positivity in our daily lives is not only a result of connecting to superconsciousness but also a pathway to further experiencing it.
If you would like to find out more about Joseph Selbie, please visit http://www.physicsandgod.com/
