(10-26-2021, 07:53 AM)KYDoug Wrote: We seemingly remember only one historical path (albeit “fuzzily”) but it is possible that if we somehow changed from one past timeline to another but still maintaining this present, our memories would change with us.

(10-26-2021, 07:53 AM)KYDoug Wrote: So the question is, what is nonlinear time and, as a focusing mechanism, how does it relate to the grandfather paradox?


Finally, even though we are told that time is nonlinear, another sort of irreversible time does seem to march on since a Harvest is a one shot deal - no do overs. And spiritual evolution proceeds in stages - another manifestation of a higher linear time. Is it possible that the higher linear time itself is itself an illusion. Oh boy...

All this is beyond us I am sure, but can we glean snippets? Thanks.

(11-04-2021, 07:28 AM)KYDoug Wrote: Let's say that, in nonlinear time, we can go back and forth along the multiple versions of "history" (both froward and backward) experiencing what we will in various fashions.

(10-26-2021, 07:53 AM)KYDoug Wrote: I hope this intro to my question is not too long and confusing (though I’m pretty sure it is both), but here goes. Forum searches did not yield the exact answers to my particular confusion.

Since true Reality is beyond our comprehension, let’s start with a “simpler” base of quantum mechanics. All possibilities are available to Reality, but we are in one present because of some mechanism - could be our consciousness, a Bohmian pilot wave, luck of the draw, whatever. All we know for sure (or maybe not!) is the present. The present is here and is a manifestation of a collective agreement between all. There are an infinite number of possible futures consistent with this present as well as an infinite number of pasts consistent with this present. We may not realize the latter, but what happened in, say, Japan yesterday to one individual at noon local time is unknown to us. I do not think the deterministic “butterfly effect” applies. Going even beyond that, the more distant past is truly unknown and multiple past histories could be compatible with our present. We seemingly remember only one historical path (albeit “fuzzily”) but it is possible that if we somehow changed from one past timeline to another but still maintaining this present, our memories would change with us.

So the question is, what is nonlinear time and, as a focusing mechanism, how does it relate to the grandfather paradox? That is, I read about our misunderstandings due to a linear time perspective. Now I get that in a limited way from the previous paragraph. However, that discussion was limited to a static present with perhaps different historical and future paths that still lead to that one present. True nonlinear time interactions would seem to lead to the grandfather paradox and perhaps free will violations in general. So does nonlinear time somehow apply to an understanding of how we got to where we are right now and where we go from here, or is it really a much bigger deal. Something like, could we actually jump from one possible present to another possible present, still obeying free will perhaps by allowing it only through mutual agreement (subconsciously?). But there’s that grandfather paradox again.

Finally, even though we are told that time is nonlinear, another sort of irreversible time does seem to march on since a Harvest is a one shot deal - no do overs. And spiritual evolution proceeds in stages - another manifestation of a higher linear time. Is it possible that the higher linear time itself is itself an illusion. Oh boy...

All this is beyond us I am sure, but can we glean snippets? Thanks.

(04-29-2022, 11:48 PM)Quincunx Wrote: I once drove past a city and then realized I needed to gas up. I exited and went down a road to look for a gas station. I had never been in that area before. I always kept track of the sky so that I could remember which way the highway was. After traveling for a few minutes I decided to stop and figure out where the nearest gas station was on my phone. There was one near a pharmacy. The gas station building was closed and I needed to use the restroom so I entered the pharmacy to use it's facilities. I came outside and saw a man sitting on the ground making something with palm leaves. He wasn't ready to sell his stuff so I continued to my vehicle. My mother was stopped by a man asking for money. She told me about it when she got in. I decided to step out of my vehicle and give the man 5 dollars. He blessed me while I said good luck. Was I in the right place at the right time or was I guided to find this man who needed help?

This is not the first person I have helped under the most unusual circumstances. How is it that these small experiences here and there are always leading us to something we could have never predicted. Was it my choice at all to keep driving toward the next city or did something within attract me to someone in need.

@J.W. My curiosity has been answered. I see rabbits always thinking they need to be somewhere. If they only knew that it doesn't matter how long it takes, eventually someone will come along and say "here you go, this is what you need."