It is in our nature as human beings to understand things more that reflect who we are. I think it is for this reason that Chinese Medicine is gaining support in the West. With "hundreds of studies showing clinically significant results using TCM approaches", including the prestigious Harvard Medical School's 2002 review stating..."that acupuncture can safely ease chronic pain" medical directors are being persuaded to introduce TCM treatments to their patient services. The modern Western culture is one based on the scientific method and results driven scientific model. So, when the renown Tuft's-New-England Medical Center finds Tai Chi promotes cardio vascular fitness for chronic conditions, people listen.
Which is why 1/5 of our nation's hospitals now offer complimentary medical services since 2004, with noted American institutions such as Harvard and Columbia Universities leading the way as part of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine. These changes and new trends in thought, are based on the "empirical experience of what's worked for millennia" as expressed by Dr. Bradley Jacobs, internist at UCSF's Osher Center. Which is why 1/4 of American's who's conventional treatments have failed are turning to TCM; and why just as many people are being referred to TCM by their doctors. News of TCM's reported success rate with "multisystemic maladies" is getting around, and people (professionals and laymen alike) are taking notice. Even Western neuroscience is having it's own aha's that human being's "complex interactions between mind, body and brain" are "triggered by stress as well as physical and emotional trauma", as TCM has long known.
One of the challenges TCM still faces is to prove the efficacy of Chinese herbs; especially the Chinese formulas, which use multiple botanicals. This is complicated by the fact that many herbs work together synergistically and therefore are more effective in combination with other herbs, than they are when used individually. Another is from American trained doctors who are unconvinced that TCM is as beneficial as Western medicine -or- that it can meet "accepted standards", as defined in the west.
However, there is potential for success, since even the FDA is changing it's guidelines to allow that the "anecdotal evidence of the safety of an herbal remedy be used in lieu of safety tests on animals" for clinical trials...and this type of federal agency support bodes well for TCM in the court of public opinion.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Week 6: Significance of Language & Tools in Chimps
Necessity is the mother of invention! And food for a hungry stomach - no matter what the species - is one heck of a motivator to figure out new and ingenious ways for getting the food out of where ever it is and into our mouths. Whether you are a human being, a rook or a chimp it makes no difference. Intelligence, communication and ingenuity are all hallmarks of being conscious...and all these species share that in common. It's just that we humans tend to be an arrogant lot, and if we don't see our personal traits and habits reflected in another, we tend to look down on them and think that they aren't as smart or thoughtful or communicative...we even have done this to other (so-called) 'primitive' human cultures, let alone the animals. But, that's just our projecting our own biases, limitations and judgements onto another species. And frequently, when we do this, we misunderstand what we do observe, because we lack the species-specific framework for understanding what we are seeing.
Of course all species have some form of communication between them, we humans may just not understand it, and therefore discount it. Similarly, to the extent that it's necessary, different beings will develop the tools they need to accomplish the tasks at hand...which for most, are primarily focused around food acquisition and eating...since that's what they spend the lion share of their time doing. And when you think that chimps and humans share a common evolutionary history, and we humans went on to develop language and tools, it stands to reason that our common ancestors the chimps would have done so as well. It's just common sense!
Of course all species have some form of communication between them, we humans may just not understand it, and therefore discount it. Similarly, to the extent that it's necessary, different beings will develop the tools they need to accomplish the tasks at hand...which for most, are primarily focused around food acquisition and eating...since that's what they spend the lion share of their time doing. And when you think that chimps and humans share a common evolutionary history, and we humans went on to develop language and tools, it stands to reason that our common ancestors the chimps would have done so as well. It's just common sense!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Week 6: Living & Non-living systems
According to "The Nature of Life" there are three criteria that a living system must have: 1) pattern of organization -or- relationships that determine essential characteristics, 2) structure or the physical embodiment of the system's pattern of organization and 3) life processes -which- are the interaction of the pattern and structure in an on-going process of activity, as imagined by the designer/creator of the given systems. In addition, one other key element is essential to defining a living system: cognition -or- perception. According to this article, the last criteria is a function of autopoiesis and is what distinguishes a living system from a non-living system.
I think of the "patterns of organization" as the subtle, energetic systems of life. Examples of these would be the energy fields that underlie the human body, including the chakras and the various layers of the auric field. Another subtle underlying energetic pattern around which humans and other living systems are organized includes the TCM meridians and points or Ayurveda's marma points. Similarly, the various functions of the bodies systems are also patterns of organization (including the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, metabolic and immune systems). The actual organs of these systems is what would be the physical being and expression of the subtler patterns of organization. And of course, DNA is the most fundamental physical structure underlying embodiment. However, the energy behind DNA, which supports its physical structure, is referred to in the field of Epigenetics-the study of Epigenomes- is contained in the chemicals and switches behind the scenes that tell the different genes how to operate and when.
And, we are told that it is cognition and perception that determine whether a system is alive or not. Yet quantum physicists tell us that the basic 'stuff' the universe is made out of is a unified field of non-local energy -consciousness if you would- which when it interacts at a local point with itself, produces an expression of that interaction we experience as different things, be they a person, animal, plant or bacteria. Similarly, this interaction between the underlying pattern of this unified field, and the structure that it produces, is what is considered the activity involved in the life processes inherent in a living system's pattern of organization. However, if that same conscious unified field underlies everything in existence, perhaps distinguishing between a living versus a non-living system, is simply an exercise in semantics. More food for thought.
I think of the "patterns of organization" as the subtle, energetic systems of life. Examples of these would be the energy fields that underlie the human body, including the chakras and the various layers of the auric field. Another subtle underlying energetic pattern around which humans and other living systems are organized includes the TCM meridians and points or Ayurveda's marma points. Similarly, the various functions of the bodies systems are also patterns of organization (including the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, metabolic and immune systems). The actual organs of these systems is what would be the physical being and expression of the subtler patterns of organization. And of course, DNA is the most fundamental physical structure underlying embodiment. However, the energy behind DNA, which supports its physical structure, is referred to in the field of Epigenetics-the study of Epigenomes- is contained in the chemicals and switches behind the scenes that tell the different genes how to operate and when.
And, we are told that it is cognition and perception that determine whether a system is alive or not. Yet quantum physicists tell us that the basic 'stuff' the universe is made out of is a unified field of non-local energy -consciousness if you would- which when it interacts at a local point with itself, produces an expression of that interaction we experience as different things, be they a person, animal, plant or bacteria. Similarly, this interaction between the underlying pattern of this unified field, and the structure that it produces, is what is considered the activity involved in the life processes inherent in a living system's pattern of organization. However, if that same conscious unified field underlies everything in existence, perhaps distinguishing between a living versus a non-living system, is simply an exercise in semantics. More food for thought.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Week 5: Broccoli & Veggies Prevent Cancer
Ask any herbalist and they'll tell you that you can't single out an individual component or constituent of a given plant or herb, standardize the chemical and state that it is the one compound that will cure cancer or any other disease. Rather, it's the synergistic action of all of the constituents of that specific plant, taken together as a whole (including trace elements that can't even be measured), that create the desired effect we are looking for on our health.
So, while I heard back in the late 80's that cruciferous vegetables (members of the mustard family such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts) help prevent cancer and therefore one should eat more of them in their diet; that is much different from trying to identify and extract the single 'active' ingredient from a plant and use that as the next 'magic bullet'.
Not only that, but it is even more important that we make sure the veggies we are eating are organic, and not pesticide laden. More and more studies and research are coming out (http://www.toxicsinfo.org/Lawn/Pesticides%20&%20Cancer.htm) linking many different forms of cancer to the exposure to pollutants in our environment (including our air and water). Of particular concern are the contamination of our foods from pesticides, exposure to chemicals in home cleaning and lawn care products, as well as through recreational sports on chemically treated fields (think: golf). Here, once again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And especially for us as students of Acupuncture, using Food Therapy and Nutritional Counseling with our clients; while I personally do make specific recommendations to clients of herbs and food remedies to help them come more into balance and live healthier lives, the priority request is to eat organic; secondary to that is what specific recommendations are made for their particular dietary needs.
Because, I'll always remember the stunning example a particular Mom used to make her point about eating organic at an Eco-Farm conference one year. She placed white carnations in water colored with green food coloring. After awhile, once the flowers soaked the green water up their stems, soon their once white petals had turned green as well. And the Mom presented the flowers to the onlookers and said: "Just try to wash that off". The point being, pesticides -like the green water- find their way into the ground water of the plants they are sprayed on with the intention to protect, only to be pulled up into the stems, leaves, flowers and fruit of the plant itself...and once consumed, into our bodies as well. Just try to wash that off...
So, while I heard back in the late 80's that cruciferous vegetables (members of the mustard family such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts) help prevent cancer and therefore one should eat more of them in their diet; that is much different from trying to identify and extract the single 'active' ingredient from a plant and use that as the next 'magic bullet'.
Not only that, but it is even more important that we make sure the veggies we are eating are organic, and not pesticide laden. More and more studies and research are coming out (http://www.toxicsinfo.org/Lawn/Pesticides%20&%20Cancer.htm) linking many different forms of cancer to the exposure to pollutants in our environment (including our air and water). Of particular concern are the contamination of our foods from pesticides, exposure to chemicals in home cleaning and lawn care products, as well as through recreational sports on chemically treated fields (think: golf). Here, once again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And especially for us as students of Acupuncture, using Food Therapy and Nutritional Counseling with our clients; while I personally do make specific recommendations to clients of herbs and food remedies to help them come more into balance and live healthier lives, the priority request is to eat organic; secondary to that is what specific recommendations are made for their particular dietary needs.
Because, I'll always remember the stunning example a particular Mom used to make her point about eating organic at an Eco-Farm conference one year. She placed white carnations in water colored with green food coloring. After awhile, once the flowers soaked the green water up their stems, soon their once white petals had turned green as well. And the Mom presented the flowers to the onlookers and said: "Just try to wash that off". The point being, pesticides -like the green water- find their way into the ground water of the plants they are sprayed on with the intention to protect, only to be pulled up into the stems, leaves, flowers and fruit of the plant itself...and once consumed, into our bodies as well. Just try to wash that off...
Week 5: Chicken and Egg Question Answered
I would have to agree, with our distinguished panel of guests, that the egg itself would have had to precede the adult chicken. As we have seen with our other studies into the process of evolution, many species have gone through various genetic mutations and changes along the way in their development. However, there comes a time when the organism no longer interbreeds with the species of origin, but in fact goes through a process of speciation, based on random chance and natural selection. It is at this moment, with the solidification of that particular gene pattern in the DNA, that the next generation contained in that egg, evolved into what we now know today to be the species: chicken.
Week 5: Can Diversification Save Species?
Actually, diversification is the only thing that can save a species. Any other approach is the short path to extinction. Just like with the Irish potato famine of the 19th century, when we plant a mono crop, it means that we are depending on that single variety of that plant to withstand whatever diseases and pests that might attack it. And the diseases, whether in the form of a fungus in the soil or a pest in the form of a beetle or fly, those organisms are continuing to to evolve; and their single mandate is to bypass the plant's natural defenses. Unfortunately, when we grow mono-cultures, frequently they produce sterile offspring which can only be propagated through identical cuttings; this means that the genetics are not only all the same, but get weaker with each succeeding generation. This further diminishes the odds of the plant being able to withstand the onslaught of pests in whatever form.
As as matter of fact, this very situation happened not too long ago much closer to home. According to our local CA Ag Commissioner, who used to work for the state of Oregon, one of their main crops had been mint for the essential oil market (specifically for tooth paste companies such as Colgate). What happened in Oregon is similar to what is happening with the British banana variety, the Cavendish: a fungus infected the soil and spread throughout the state, ravaging the rhizomes of the entire mint crop along the way. And once, the soil was infected, it was no longer possible to grow mint in the state of Oregon!
It is for this very reason that organic farmers stress using seeds from open-pollinated, heirloom varieties of plants: to insure that their genetics, and thus the plants themselves, are strong because they are diverse.
As as matter of fact, this very situation happened not too long ago much closer to home. According to our local CA Ag Commissioner, who used to work for the state of Oregon, one of their main crops had been mint for the essential oil market (specifically for tooth paste companies such as Colgate). What happened in Oregon is similar to what is happening with the British banana variety, the Cavendish: a fungus infected the soil and spread throughout the state, ravaging the rhizomes of the entire mint crop along the way. And once, the soil was infected, it was no longer possible to grow mint in the state of Oregon!
It is for this very reason that organic farmers stress using seeds from open-pollinated, heirloom varieties of plants: to insure that their genetics, and thus the plants themselves, are strong because they are diverse.
Week 4: How & When Did Chimps & Humans Diverge?
By combining both genetic DNA analysis and data from the fossil record, the article "When Humans, Chimps Were Kissn' Cousins" postulates that the process of human-chimp speciation probably occurred over time, included several inter-bred variations of chimps and humans along the way. Further they conclude that, of these inter-bred human-chimp variations some may have given rise to a sterile offspring while others may have produced fertile offspring for awhile, eventually tapering off to a dead-end for that particular in-bred species. And all of this predates when the final "interbred hybrid groups ultimately began the human lineage".
It makes sense to me that inter-breeding would naturally occur within the context of species development until the final chimp and human species permanently separated, especially since our DNA is 99.4% the same! However, I think that while it is plausible, this theory is still just that: conjecture. We don't really know when or how the human and chimp lines split, and scientists are just making their best guess with the data they have to date. As more information becomes available through cross-pollination between different scientific approaches (anthropology and genetics) and new technologies continue develop, undoubtedly, so, too will our theories of chimp and human evolution.
It makes sense to me that inter-breeding would naturally occur within the context of species development until the final chimp and human species permanently separated, especially since our DNA is 99.4% the same! However, I think that while it is plausible, this theory is still just that: conjecture. We don't really know when or how the human and chimp lines split, and scientists are just making their best guess with the data they have to date. As more information becomes available through cross-pollination between different scientific approaches (anthropology and genetics) and new technologies continue develop, undoubtedly, so, too will our theories of chimp and human evolution.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Raising our Dopamine Levels
According to Dr. Eric Braverman, author of "The Edge Effect" (http://www.pathmed.com/) , Dopamine is one of 4 main neurotransmitters that our bodies produce to help maintain optimal brain function. "Beta brain waves are created in the frontal lobes from neurons that produce the biochemical dopamine, which controls our electrical voltage. Dopamine monitors the metabolism. It works like a natural amphetamine and controls our excitement, about new ideas, and motivation. Dopamine controls bodily functions related to power, including blood pressure, metabolism, and digestion. Dopamine generates the electricity that controls voluntary movement, intelligence, abstract thought, setting goals, long term planning, and personality. The dopamine edge is characterized by its by-product, adrenaline. When we loose our dopamine edge, the physical effects can include addictive disorders, obesity severe fatigue, and Parkinson's disease."
Depending on if we are in physical health or not, our dopamine levels may be out of balance, either on the high or low side. "Producing too much dopamine makes you overly tense, driven, and impulsive. For Example. At the extreme, criminals, especially repeat sexual offenders are often high-dopamine natures with overactive libidos". When our dopamine is on the low side, the symptoms can range from anemia, blood sugar problems and diabetes to kidney disease, thyroid disorders and narcolepsy. Attention deficit disorder, lack of working memory, mood swings and hyperactivity are other symptoms of too little dopamine being produced.
Not only can we produce dopamine, but we need to, and in the proper amount in order function properly. Depak Chopra was speaking to this point in his audio CD "Magical Mind, Magical Body". On that CD, Depak was explaining how the placebo effect worked. What he said basically is that upon being administered a placebo that supposedly would have the effect of boosting the dopamine levels, an individuals belief in actually receiving the treatment would cause the body to respond in kind, creating dopamine of its own...and thus, experiencing the effects of this neurotransmitter in the body.
However, if we have a dopamine deficiency, it can be corrected by using a combination of what Dr. Braverman calls the "seven treatment modalities: medications, hormones, supplements, diet, lifestyle, environment and electrical treatments". In terms of natural remedies, they include nutrients such as DLPA (phenylalanine), tyrosine, methionine, pyridoxine (B6), B complex and phosphatidylserine; as well as Chinese herbs such as the long-used, ancient herb and adaptogen rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and ginko biloba (Yin Guo Ye Wan), a 5,0000 year old TCM remedy, for increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body and brain.
Depending on if we are in physical health or not, our dopamine levels may be out of balance, either on the high or low side. "Producing too much dopamine makes you overly tense, driven, and impulsive. For Example. At the extreme, criminals, especially repeat sexual offenders are often high-dopamine natures with overactive libidos". When our dopamine is on the low side, the symptoms can range from anemia, blood sugar problems and diabetes to kidney disease, thyroid disorders and narcolepsy. Attention deficit disorder, lack of working memory, mood swings and hyperactivity are other symptoms of too little dopamine being produced.
Not only can we produce dopamine, but we need to, and in the proper amount in order function properly. Depak Chopra was speaking to this point in his audio CD "Magical Mind, Magical Body". On that CD, Depak was explaining how the placebo effect worked. What he said basically is that upon being administered a placebo that supposedly would have the effect of boosting the dopamine levels, an individuals belief in actually receiving the treatment would cause the body to respond in kind, creating dopamine of its own...and thus, experiencing the effects of this neurotransmitter in the body.
However, if we have a dopamine deficiency, it can be corrected by using a combination of what Dr. Braverman calls the "seven treatment modalities: medications, hormones, supplements, diet, lifestyle, environment and electrical treatments". In terms of natural remedies, they include nutrients such as DLPA (phenylalanine), tyrosine, methionine, pyridoxine (B6), B complex and phosphatidylserine; as well as Chinese herbs such as the long-used, ancient herb and adaptogen rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and ginko biloba (Yin Guo Ye Wan), a 5,0000 year old TCM remedy, for increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body and brain.
Antibiotics and Superbugs
My answer to the question as to whether or not there is a drug for just about every malady, is that we don't need drugs for everything, because, we have herbs for that! In his enlightening and empowering book, Herbal Antibiotics, Stephen Buhner "provides conclusive evidence that plant medicines with their multiple antibiotic compounds, are remarkably effective against drug resistant bacteria". In Stephen's book, "you'll learn how herbs such as aloe, garlic and grapefruit seed extract represent our best defense against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureous, E. coli and Salmonella - and how their use will ensure that, in the future, antibiotic drugs will still be there when we need them". Basically, the antibiotic compounds in herbs are so complex in their nature, that it is impossible for the bacteria to become immune to them, unlike with 'silver bullet' antibiotics.
Similarly, the power of essential oils are another example of the superior efficacy of plant medicines against even super bugs such as MRSA, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphlococcus aureous and similar pathogens. Just ask Anne Vermillye, owner and E.O. formulator for BioExcell LLC. Ann was successful in having her two E.O. blends "Breathe Great" and "Dental Delight" clinically tested, alongside the leading antibiotics, against the diseases listed above, and the E.O. blends were successful where the antibiotics were not. Read the JANA article on Anne's website: http://www.bioexcel.com/.
Whether it's Western Herbalism, TCM's herbal formulas (patent and otherwise), Ayurveda's treasure trove of remedies, or Homeopathy these are just a few of the age-old herbal medicines that have been used effectively for millennia. Not to mention the as yet undiscovered plant remedies that are potentially available in the Amazon Rain Forest. Using these time-tested plants and herbs will not only provide the cure to most of our common diseases, but will ensure we don't create any more multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria, while leaving the antibiotics we do have for when we really need them.
Similarly, the power of essential oils are another example of the superior efficacy of plant medicines against even super bugs such as MRSA, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphlococcus aureous and similar pathogens. Just ask Anne Vermillye, owner and E.O. formulator for BioExcell LLC. Ann was successful in having her two E.O. blends "Breathe Great" and "Dental Delight" clinically tested, alongside the leading antibiotics, against the diseases listed above, and the E.O. blends were successful where the antibiotics were not. Read the JANA article on Anne's website: http://www.bioexcel.com/.
Whether it's Western Herbalism, TCM's herbal formulas (patent and otherwise), Ayurveda's treasure trove of remedies, or Homeopathy these are just a few of the age-old herbal medicines that have been used effectively for millennia. Not to mention the as yet undiscovered plant remedies that are potentially available in the Amazon Rain Forest. Using these time-tested plants and herbs will not only provide the cure to most of our common diseases, but will ensure we don't create any more multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria, while leaving the antibiotics we do have for when we really need them.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Human Genetic Evolution
Human Genetic Evolution seems to be like a giant Rubix Cube...with anthropologists throughout history and the world over attempting to add the latest find and piece of DNA data to solve the puzzle. However, the contradictory evidence and theories prove only one thing: we don't really know our how our deep ancestry developed, interacted and inter-related the world over. There are as many opinions as there are different types of data available...be it the "Replacement Model" arguments, based on fossil records and DNA evidence or the "Regional Continuity Model" based on fossil evidence alone.
Truthfully, we have lot of clues about how life evoloved on this planet, but the jury is still out about how our solar system came into existence...or how life first developed on this planet, let alone evolved. It's interesting that we like to pretend that we know for certain how things developed on the planet and within our species, and we teach it to our kids in school as if it were fact -but- the truth is it's just a series of conflicting hypothesis!
On the other hand, it's interesting that NASA has astrobiologists working for them, and are actually considering that life on earth may have been delivered via meteor from the building blocks of outer space; but, then again, maybe they are just trying to guarantee their funding and existence in the future.
I must admit that, as a species, we certainly have been fascinated with the age old question. "where did we come from"? And to that end have been busy studying and classifying all kinds of information about life forms on earth, from the effects of natural selection on the Peppered Moths (I think it's amazing that during the Industrial Revolution the black mutation of the Peppered Moth concentrated in the soot-filled cities, while the naturally speckled moths lived in the country where lichen still flourished!) to the organization and categorization of the various species of life on earth...one thing is for certain, humans have been busy trying to solve this age old riddle. However, the definitive answer still eludes us.
Truthfully, we have lot of clues about how life evoloved on this planet, but the jury is still out about how our solar system came into existence...or how life first developed on this planet, let alone evolved. It's interesting that we like to pretend that we know for certain how things developed on the planet and within our species, and we teach it to our kids in school as if it were fact -but- the truth is it's just a series of conflicting hypothesis!
On the other hand, it's interesting that NASA has astrobiologists working for them, and are actually considering that life on earth may have been delivered via meteor from the building blocks of outer space; but, then again, maybe they are just trying to guarantee their funding and existence in the future.
I must admit that, as a species, we certainly have been fascinated with the age old question. "where did we come from"? And to that end have been busy studying and classifying all kinds of information about life forms on earth, from the effects of natural selection on the Peppered Moths (I think it's amazing that during the Industrial Revolution the black mutation of the Peppered Moth concentrated in the soot-filled cities, while the naturally speckled moths lived in the country where lichen still flourished!) to the organization and categorization of the various species of life on earth...one thing is for certain, humans have been busy trying to solve this age old riddle. However, the definitive answer still eludes us.
Autopoiesis & Cybernetics
I am trying to meaningfully hold the perspectives about the above systems theories within an context large enough to embrace the vedic and shamanic systems that form the basis of my outlook on life. To resolve that potential paradox, it seems to me that self-sustaining autopoietic systems are inter-related and can be seen to be nested within each other...from the tiniest bacterium, to an individual human being, to society, the earth itself, our solar system and beyond.
When I think about what Depok Chopra said in his audio book "Magical Mind, Magical Body", he spoke about the unified field theory and how the experience of being seemingly separate lifeforms, arises out of this all-pervading morphogenic field of consciousness. Further he explained, what was happening is that the non-local field interacts with itself and at a localized point of this interaction, it creates a reflection of that interaction; a hologram image if you would representing that interaction. If God/spirit/creation is one huge self-sustaining, interrelated field of consciousness, then everything that exists withing that system creates an interactive, feedback loop capable of self-production. And as such, divine consciousness then would meet the criteria for Autopoiesis.
When I think about what Depok Chopra said in his audio book "Magical Mind, Magical Body", he spoke about the unified field theory and how the experience of being seemingly separate lifeforms, arises out of this all-pervading morphogenic field of consciousness. Further he explained, what was happening is that the non-local field interacts with itself and at a localized point of this interaction, it creates a reflection of that interaction; a hologram image if you would representing that interaction. If God/spirit/creation is one huge self-sustaining, interrelated field of consciousness, then everything that exists withing that system creates an interactive, feedback loop capable of self-production. And as such, divine consciousness then would meet the criteria for Autopoiesis.
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