How do we define death? The stopping of all biological processes? When the heart, lungs and brain cease to function? The cessation of metabolic processes? The soul leaving the physical body? A spiritual process that involves both physical and metaphysical processes? While doctors and scientists and clergy all have their own definitions of what death is – allow me to present another idea that may bridge the gap between science and spiritualism.
The human heart has its own electrical system hidden within the cardiac tissue; they are called intercalated discs. These discs conduct electrical impulses which cause the heart to ‘beat’ or contract, thus pumping blood. Intercalated discs are not found in any other tissue in the body, they are unique to cardiac muscle tissue. There is some debate about whether or not they need the human brain to produce the heart’s pumping action. Scientists have used a 3-D printer to literally print layers of cardiac tissue, complete with intercalated discs and observe the tissue beating, like the heart does. So, is the heart a separate entity unto itself that can work without the command center of the brain? We don’t know the answer to that yet.
Let us move to the lungs – which are involved in gas exchange. Specifically, oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The lungs are fascinating organs – they instantaneously switch O₂ and CO₂ in and out of the blood that circulates through the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein. Hemoglobin is a protein in our blood that binds to O₂ and delivers it to every tissue, every cell in the body (it’s also what gives our blood its red pigment). But, this small protein drops off O₂ and at the same time picks up CO₂ and brings it back to the lungs to be expelled from the body every time you breathe out and it picks up O₂ every time you breathe in – faster than the blink of an eye.
So, aside from all the other organs – the brain, the heart and the lungs are the big 3, they are what keep our bodies, our tissues and our cells in what is called homeostasis. That’s a fancy scientific word for equilibrium – order – normal functioning. So, inevitably, when one or all of these organs stop working and are beyond repair – every other body process stops working. No other organs or tissues in the body can continue working without electrical impulses from the brain, blood pumping from the heart or gas exchange from the lungs. That’s death, according to biology and medical science. And as you know dear readers, death comes in all shapes and sizes – from disease, environmental hazards, caused by other humans or self-harm, old age, wear and tear; there are thousand ways a person can meet their death.
Now, I ask you – is there another side to this coin of death? Is it all biology? Enter the world of quantum energy. Most people’s head explodes when they try to wrap it around quantum theory, quantum energy, quantum physics – quantum anything! What does that word even mean? And how does it relate to biological death or human existence? According to Oxford Dictionary the word is a noun and has 2 meanings listed:
- Physics: a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents. (What the heck does that mean, right?)
- Layman’s term: a required or allowed amount, especially an amount of money legally payable in damages. (i.e. – The court must determine the quantum of compensation due.)
The second definition seems to make a little bit more sense, it’s at least obvious that ‘quantum’ is a synonym for ‘amount’. But it’s the first definition that I want to explore in more detail with you and how it relates to the human body and death.
Hundreds of years of science has taught us about molecules and atoms, the simplest building blocks of literally everything – from stars and planets to the grass on your front lawn to the kitchen table and chair. Everything can be broken down into molecules and atoms. So, a quick lesson in chemistry – molecules and atoms are held together by bonds, basically the ‘glue’ that allows these tiny, microscopic particles to form larger and larger molecules, that go on to take shape in things that we can see and touch.
A quantum signature is even smaller than molecules and atoms. In fact, molecules and atoms would be considered macroscopic (able to be seen with the human eye) compared to quantum signatures – that’s how small they are. Yet, they govern everything in the Universe, on Earth and in our bodies all the same. A quantum signature is a vibrational state of energy, it has mass, it has physical properties and can be measured – just like us. We are literally held together by in innumerable amount of tiny quantum particles vibrating at a certain frequency. So, wouldn’t it make sense – that there is more to our anatomy and physiology than just the biological processes identified by medical science? And, if there is more to us than just what our brains, hearts and lungs do as part of death, it would stand to reason that the quantum part of us would also play a role in death as well – since they are literally what we’re made of.
Of course, this is pure conjecture – because we do die. Our bodies do stop working and our biological processes do cease. But even after that happens, where does our quantum, molecular and atomic energy go? It would seem to make sense that if everything in the Universe and everything that exists has this vibrational energy, and we are a part of that system – wouldn’t we be able to ‘plug into’ other vibrational energy? Think of what people call ‘supernatural’ – the unexplainable area of strange happenings that seem to operate outside of the natural world. Or does it? Science teaches us that energy and matter cannot be destroyed, only changed into different states of energy and matter. For example, when you burn wood, does the wood disappear? No, it becomes ash, a change from its original state of matter into something different. What if humans are the same?
Upon death, our quantum signature doesn’t die with us – it remains, because it cannot be destroyed so it becomes something else. Maybe our quantum signature is the only way to transform into a form that can enter a different realm (Heavan, The Elysian Fields, The Great Mystery, Valhalla) or maybe our quantum signatures linger here on Earth (ghosts, apparitions, paranormal activity). When people say that they feel the presence of the divine, that’s your quantum signature connecting to a higher power – is it God, Yahweh, Jehovah, The Goddess Diana. Every one of us has a spiritual antenna and I believe that it’s our quantum self that is able to pick up those invisible frequencies from the divine. Of course, this is only an opinion.
Upon death, our quantum signature doesn’t die with us – it remains, because it cannot be destroyed so it becomes something else.
Whatever the case, more humans believe that there is something beyond our physical and biological existence than not. No matter what their religion, faith, belief or disbelief – I encourage you to ponder this question. What happens when we die both biologically and quantumly. Follow your hearts and your gut feelings, they serve you well. And, no matter what you believe, keep an open mind – especially with regards to other’s beliefs. Understand that everyone has their own beliefs and that we don’t really know whose right and whose wrong. Personally, I don’t think the words right and wrong belong in this conversation – until there is a definitive answer, we will continue to ponder and philosophize these questions and only by being accepting of others will we all find the answers together.
So, in accordance with my beliefs – May the Goddess Oya watch over you always, and the Sister Moon guide you paths – Blessed Be my friends!
De’-Niece Elaquoia Eowyn Micare, RN, NEDA Proficient Certified Death Mid-Wife and End of Life Consultant, Certified Home Health Case Manager