Cheese Bread, Chaos, Kabbalah, and Choice

by Cindy Draughon

What could these four things possibly have to do with one another? Respectively, they represent deterministic linear systems, scientific theory, mysticism, and God's gift of free will. What if we understood the ways of chaos and were then able to comprehend why it is apt to show up in our own lives and how it might manifest? And what if it were possible to control the amount of chaos we experience with a simple technique brought to us by an ancient text called the Zohar? Would you be open to the possibility that choosing to be proactive at all times will activate the energy known as the beneficence of the Creator? Are you ready to recreate your life? Read on to explore this small part of the bridge between science and spirituality.

The State of Cheese Bread

One evening several years ago, we were at the dinner table when my twelve-year old son asked why I was always in the office, "What are you working on, Mom?" He seemed to truly want to know, so I briefly explained that the essay I was writing dealt with the idea that everything has an opposite and how the play of opposites affects the life cycle. One of my younger children held up his cheese bread at that point, and with total disbelief etched into every contour of his face said, "Oh yeah? Well what's the opposite of this?"

I didn't know whether I was angry at his impudence, or at my inability to answer him. What is the opposite of cheese bread? From the results of my research, I was convinced that everything does have an opposite, but for the life of me I couldn't think what the opposite of cheese bread might be, not even to save face in front of my children!

Cheese Bread as a Deterministic Linear System

Eureka ! I finally figured it out. Not only do things exist on a continuum, the movement along the continuum is either in a linear fashion-like the several days that constitute the life of cheese bread-or it progresses in a nonlinear, chaotic fashion like the days of our lives.

What sort of life does cheese bread have? Well, at that point in time our cheese bread existed in a state of being a wonderfully fresh hunk of processed grain which cooking had transformed into a tender and aromatic accompaniment to our meal. So the continuum it existed on (the possible days of its life) ranged from being a cylindrical piece of uncooked dough lying on a greased baking sheet that would soon become bread or, at the opposite end of the continuum, it would eventually become useless if not eaten, a hard and moldy mass taken over by the consumers of the microscopic kingdom.

Cheese bread is a deterministic system that behaves in a linear manner. We know it goes from dough to dumpster when mold sets in, unless, of course, it is eaten. We know how the story ends. While pondering this, I suddenly realized it is the movement of energy along a continuum called " being " that actually creates the life cycle, even for something as inanimate as cheese bread. Certain laws govern this movement of energy.

Chaos and The Laws of Thermodynamics

Science says, "All things in the observable universe are affected by and obey the Laws of Thermodynamics ." A very brief, skeletal definition of these laws is included here for those of us who like to have information lined up like dominos or presented in ditties (see the B utterfly Effect ) in order to understand the big picture.

These laws state that:

• The quantity of energy in a closed system (cheese bread) remains constant over time and merely moves from usable to unusable along a continuum.
• Usable energy is inevitably used for productivity, growth, and repair. In the process, the quality of usable energy deteriorates and it becomes, irretrievably, unusable energy.
• Unusable energy manifests as "disorganization, randomness and chaos" (also known as entropy).
• Unusable energy is increasing in the universe - in other words, the universe is becoming more and more chaotic. (Isn't it interesting that as we deplete the natural resources on this planet we are experiencing more chaos both globally and in our personal lives?)

In other words, all the available energy in the universe exists on the same continuum, a one-way street that, over time, moves the universe's finite energy supply from a state of being useful to one of being useless. The inescapable by-product of this movement is chaos.

Chaos and The Butterfly Effect
(A more complicated version of chaos, found in nonlinear systems)

Another aspect of the chaos theory is demonstrated by a principle called the butterfly effect, which simply states that the wind from a butterfly's wing might be responsible for creating a hurricane half way around the world. This phenomenon is possible because even though these two winds are disproportionate in energy level, they exist on the same continuum of being (air). The wind pattern generated from the butterfly's wing is a fractal of the wind pattern found within the hurricane (we will get to fractals and the Law of Correspondence later). The butterfly effect demonstrates the potential inherent in little things. Something seemingly microscopic has the inherent capacity to walk tall and carry a big stick, like the straw that broke the camel's back.

But don't get the idea that the butterfly effect is a linear phenomenon and therefore confined to things or events existing exclusively on a mutual continuum. How much easier would life be if this was the case, for then we could project to some degree what was going to happen and therefore avoid getting broad-sided by random events.

If chaos has ever reigned supreme in your life you will be able to appreciate the following childhood ditty that clearly portrays the butterfly effect.

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost
For want of the shoe, the horse was lost
For want of a horse, the rider was lost
For want of a rider, the message was lost
For want of the message, the battle was lost
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost!!

Like dominos suddenly set off by a breeze, a sneeze, or a missing nail, random events sometimes tumble us about in a pattern so huge and so intricate that we cannot possibly discern the outcome. Kabbalah teaches that chaos (i.e., losing the kingdom) is nothing but an energy that must follow the Laws of Thermodynamics, and that is good news for us! For through the understanding of these laws, comes triumph over chaos.

Humans as Nonlinear Dynamic Systems

At this point you might be scratching your head in confusion asking, "What in the world is a nonlinear dynamical system and why might the laws of thermodynamics interest me?" Yet perhaps you are cognizant of feeling vaguely grateful that you are not a linear system manifesting as cheese bread! The fascinating difference between cheese bread and human beings is not attributable to differences in size and shape or even the fact that one system sports mind and personality. Rather, it is that we as dynamic, nonlinear systems are defined by our complexity, a complexity that stems from the proliferation of continuums that intersect our paths at any given point on the number line of life. It is this proliferation of possible vectors that produces unpredictability within the system and, subsequently, in our lives. And it is this that makes us more interesting than cheese bread.

Every person we meet and everything that occurs within the periphery of our lives affects the dynamics of our system. We are buffeted by more than wind generated by either wings or hurricanes. We are susceptible to the ravages of chaos that show up in life as missing nails, missing riders, and missing messages-all of which tend to turn our kingdoms inside out and upside down. Then the internal chaos starts-thoughts, feelings, doubts, and anger beset us to the point that our kingdom is ultimately lost.at least for a day.

In the final analysis, it is impossible to predict the path of any extended circumstance threading its way through our lives, especially if other continuums get involved. Most of us have no idea what the long-term consequences might be of finding ourselves one nail short any more than most meteorologists know what the ultimate destination and devastation of the next hurricane will be. You guessed it! Hurricanes and weather, in general, are also nonlinear dynamic systems. Thankfully, Kabbalah offers practical advice for practical people. It is a lighthouse, a beacon to follow through the stormy days of our lives if we but use its tools.

Kabbalah

Jewish mysticism is being made available to the general public now largely through books written by Rav and Michael Berg. But Kabbalah cannot be contained in a book; it is a way of life. Michael Berg calls it "technology." This technology melds accepted modern science with information from the Bible to form a system designed to all but eliminate chaos from your everyday life.

All you have to do is align your thoughts, words, deeds, and, oh yeah, emotions, and then be proactive in every moment. Sound simple? It isn't. Congruency of being takes intention, focus, and concentrated effort. But the fact that we are made up largely of fractals tells me how important this concept is. Read about fractals and then let's get back to the meat of Michael Berg's Kabbalistic teaching.

Fractals

If you like fractal [images], it is because you are made of them.
If you can't stand fractals, it's because you can't stand yourself.
~ Homer Smith, computer engineer with Art Matrix

Fractals are self-similar and reportedly replicate infinitely in both directions. Self-similarity with regards to fractals means that contained inside a triangular shape, for instance, are infinitely smaller triangles that are similar to each other and to the original triangle. And this process can extend infinitely outward, as well, which means that the original triangle can be found alongside a multitude of others inside a much larger triangle that is self-similar and so on and so on. Fractals repeat themselves on both the micro and macro levels to become ever grander in size and scope, or ever more minute.

Science tells us that fractals make up a large part of the living world, and human beings are no exception. Our arteries, veins and bronchial tree are fractals, as are some duct glands and even the surface of proteins, to name but a few fractal systems in our bodies. In fact, although I don't know this for sure, I would bet that the underlying structure of DNA is fractal-based and that other less tangible parts of our selves, like thoughts and emotions, replicate profusely on both the micro and macro levels-a scary thought if one isn't careful with thoughts and emotions!

Hermetic philosophy describes a Universal law called the Law of Correspondences, which basically states that if something is true for one thing, it is true on many levels from the macro to the micro. As above, so below. Picture the movement of the planets around the sun and the self-same movement of electrons orbiting the nucleus of an atom. And that is only one example.

Could self-similar movements be fractals, as well? It seems to me that the Universal Law of Correspondences is based on the concept of fractals. The point of bringing it into this discussion is to suggest that fractals repeat themselves in a self-similar manner according to the Law of Correspondences, and that this propensity might be an archetypal energy pattern that is constant throughout the known world. And if that is so, then it is possible that all things have a depth and breadth heretofore unrecognized.

A question occurs to me as I write this, "What is the opposite of fractals on the continuum of being? What energy might stand in opposition to the energy responsible for creating the incredible beauty, perfection, and organization of the fractal world?" It must be a destructive energy since fractals are creative, and it must exist in a state of utter randomness and disorganization since fractals are organized and precise on all levels. It seems to me that the opposite end of the fractal energy continuum is the unusable energy in the universe - the energy of chaos. How powerful and all-pervasive must the beautiful and creative energy of fractals be if it takes the most abundant energy in the universe to oppose and, therefore, balance it on the continuum of existence, the continuum of being? Which energy do you choose to experience in your life, in this moment?

Choice

Kabbalah talks about choice as though it is the most important concept in the world. It is through the power of choice, Michael Berg explains, that we avoid chaos and therefore invite the beneficence of the Creator into our life. But before anything useful can be said about choice, it seems necessary to understand the available choices. There are only two.

Kabbalists believe that the universe is a system comprised of two energies - the energy of the Creator and the energy of chaos, or Satan (rhymes with baton). Science defines these same energies in the context of the Laws of Thermodynamics. This discipline also recognizes two energies present in the Universe - usable and unusable energies. Usable energy is useful by being available for growth and repair. Unusable energy is basically useless since it cannot be consistent, organized, or directed. The Creator is aligned with creative, useful energy, while Satan is aligned with the unusable, useless energy of chaos.

In "The Power of Kabbalah," Michael Berg describes the nature of the Universe and the concept of choice something like this:

To some indigenous people in undeveloped countries who have never seen a radio and suddenly hear music coming from one, might logically assume that the contraption was producing the sound. However, we know that Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, oldies but goodies, or the latest political debacle (oops, I mean debate) are found on a particular frequency and are carried to us on naturally occurring and ever-present sound waves. The radio's filter isolates the station (frequency) we choose and brings us the particular type of music or program we want at that point in time.

Berg goes on to say there are really only two stations to choose from: WLIGHT or WKAOS. Furthermore, the choice of frequency (station) determines the quality of our lives. If, for any reason, you choose to not choose, you still get something. And baby, it ain't light!

The Second Law of Thermodynamics is the default switch. Since you are not choosing and using the energy of growth, repair, and creativity (LIGHT), you get the booby prize: a dark abyss of useless, unusable energy (KAOS). And by now we all know it by its real name: Chaos (and if you believe the Kabbalah.Satan).

Kabbalists say that the single most important action we can take is to be proactive at all times. To be proactive in each moment means choosing thoughts, words, deeds and emotions that support your goals in a spiritually uplifting manner. Being proactive means seeing beauty and truth in all things. Being proactive means appreciating and allowing the opportunity that change brings and believing that life is good. Being proactive means anticipating what new vector might intersect the continuum of your life and, if you can't anticipate the butterfly effect, then redirect, rearrange or transform the subsequent chain of events as they occur to support your spiritual and personal growth. Being proactive means choosing the highest path available at any given time. Being proactive means transforming yourself as each new person, place and thing touches your life. Being proactive means becoming the highest version of yourself you can imagine in the present moment.

The alternative invites chaos into not only your own life, but the rest of the world, as well. The following is an example of this.

I know a man who has read many, many "new age" books. So many, in fact, that he feels enlightened and doesn't mind saying so. The Power of Now and the Conversations with God series were particularly influential. He lives his life nearly free of any structure. He makes few plans, develops fewer goals, and acknowledges only slight responsibility or commitment to any person or thing in his life. If you ask him to join you in an activity, he will respond by saying "probably" or "right NOW I feel I will be there" or "I don't know how I will feel at that time." He is apt to do anything at any time. He feels that only love is real and that freedom is love. Therefore, if you love him anything goes and you embrace it all and do not judge him for what he does or does not do.

He shuns, deliberately, choosing one thing over the other, for choosing gets in the way of what the Universe is trying to bring him in any given moment. He avoids "wanting" anything, for wanting pushes the object of his desires away. But he always goes with what he is feeling in the moment. While I can intellectually understand the basic principle underlying his choice to merely float down the river of life instead of steer his canoe, this sort of behavior creates chaos in the lives of those around him. His answer to that, though, is "I can only be responsible for my own life and my own choices."

Spiritually and intellectually, I did understand his truth. But after spending time with this man, I felt totally lacking in light and understanding. I was remiss in my own spiritual growth and certainly out of sync with the energy of God and the Universe. I began to question lifelong values and beliefs and whether or not I even had a mind. Then, suddenly, I found myself teetering at the steep edge of reality clawing and scrambling for a hold amongst the slipperiest banana peels on earth. Chaos definitely ruled, and my Kingdom was lost.

But I didn't think the relationship was. Shouldn't we allow others to be the highest version of themselves and support them along the path of their choosing? I was determined to follow Gandhi and "Be the change I wished to see in the world"-be love. Isn't that what spiritually-mind folks do?

Yet my thoughts rebelled and ultimately some of my actions became alien to whom I am because I was experiencing life on a level inconsistent with my core values and beliefs. So, even though I was consciously choosing the frequency of WLIGHT, the filter in my radio (my thoughts, words, deeds and emotions) was only receiving WKAOS. The levels of my being were incongruent, and I was allowing myself to be totally immersed in energy that was disorganized and chaotic, unusable and useless.at least for me. What do you think I was broadcasting out into the world?

I've come to believe this happened because I forgot what Kabbalah teaches. I was not proactive in thought, word, and deed in every moment. I did not choose and use the energy of creation in a way that would support my life and who I was in the moment. Therefore, I was unable to receive the beneficence of the Creator. I allowed the usable energy on the continuum of my life to be overrun by the useless forces of chaos. Instead of becoming the highest version of myself I could imagine, I was becoming old and moldy and losing my kingdom (along with my hair)-all because every level of my being was not fully tuned to WLIGHT.

Everything in this article really boils down to five things:

• KNOW: Understand how the things in our physical world work-continuums and systems, fractals, energy, and how the Laws of Thermodynamics and the Law of Correspondence affect them.

• BECOME: Take stock of who you are now and what personal and spiritual heights you wish to attain. Move energy along the continuum of your life until you become that which you envision.
• CREATE: Align the many levels of your being with the creative energy of God, the usable and useful energy of the universe. Open to the beneficence of God.
• CHOOSE: Choose to be proactive in thought, word, and deed in every moment .
• BE: Always be authentic, responsible, committed, engaged in life, and enroll others in believing in the highest versions of themselves that they can possibly imagine.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Gandhi

 For more information about the Kabbalah and the concepts discussed in this article, visit www.kabbalah.com . Cindy Draughon has been a student of metaphysics, theoretical physics, the new physics and spirituality as a path of personal growth for more than 30 years. She can be contacted via email at bluefeather11@hotmail.com .