“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

The outer senses perceive only certain given distinctions within an open, infinite system, and these distinctions therefore become the apparent boundaries of the system. A closed system is, in other words, the result of the limitations of the outward senses, whose nature it is to distinguish as a meaningful reality only one portion of an open infinite system.

The distinctions formed by the outer senses therefore actually limit perception as a whole, while intensifying it into a small but vivid, seemingly enclosed radius of reality. When conceptual thought develops far enough, then it is imagined that all energy originates from what seems to be a closed system; and this misconception then colors all deductions made concerning the nature of energy itself.

I repeat that no system, either microscopic or cosmic in size, is ever a closed system. No closed system exists. I will not at this time discuss the deeper issue of one infinite and open system, although this is reality which has indeed theoretically no limitations. Energy completely and constantly does renew itself.

This may be a poor analogy. However, imagine a small room, a very small room, into which a light Ping-Pong ball has been flung with great force so that it bounces back and forth against the narrow walls. From within the room inhabitants watching would be able, through mathematical deductions, to deduce exactly how long the ball would keep its continuous bouncing activities, at what rate the motion of the ball would lessen, and at what future time the motion would cease entirely.

The structure of reality, including all physical phenomena, is composed of mental energy, expanding in terms of psychological value fulfillment. In this sort of reality there can be no closed systems.

An idea, that cannot be scientifically observed in any of your laboratories, definitely exists. An idea is hardly a closed system, but the reality of an idea, its growth and potential, comes much closer to a description of the characteristics of the universe than any current theory.

While it does appear spontaneously, a good deal of conditioning and expectation is behind it, and your subconscious mind brings it forth. A somewhat similar loss of the props can also be achieved by partial immersion in an idea with which you are already familiar, as a stepping stone; and this is really what contemplation is.

The idea should be an abstract philosophical concept. This at least, can be done by initial conscious intent. Contemplation of an abstract nature often leads further into valid psychic experience. You may try this for a change of pace. There must always be a balance between necessary conditioning, ritual and habit, and spontaneity, freedom, and what we will call instantaneous psychic relaxations.

Conditioning therefore must also be enlivened, and intuition will help you here. Your physical nature is, as I have told you, an approximation and materialization of inner reality on a physical level. Therefore, such simple activities as walking in the rain, lying upon grass, walking in windy weather, all represent gateways to psychic experience.

Now. Sensual immersion implies dropping momentarily the barriers between the ego and what the ego is enjoying. This should be simple enough to follow, and the information given this evening will be of much value.