Ask the Metaphysician

By Rhonda Smith, D.D.

From Ana in Woodstock: What is Metaphysics and how does it apply to life?

R.S.: First of all, you must realize that language imposes limits on concepts. Because of this, the precise definition of metaphysics does not begin to explain the vastness of the subject.

Metaphysics is both a way to study and a study in itself. It is a way of thinking and analyzing “Life, the Universe, and Everything”. The word Physics means the study of matter and energy. The word Metaphysics means the study of everything else in addition to physics. For example, the latest paradigm of study based on the concept of holograms is very Metaphysical in nature even though it is “based” in Physics. Everything in the universe, no matter how “scientific” it may seem on the surface, has a Metaphysical element.

The basic idea of Metaphysics is that Thought Creates. Thought comes from whatever Belief System you have chosen. The Creation comes when “energy follows thought”. This is the essence and core of all Metaphysical study.

The Metaphysician first studies the physical manifestation in matter of everything and then looks “beyond” and “behind” it for the First Cause that created that manifestation. If you, as Swami Beyondananda says, “Drive your karma and curb your dogma,” you will truly enjoy answering the eternal Metaphysical question, “Why?” You didn't realize how Metaphysical your three year old is, did you?

It applies to all aspects of life because Metaphysics requires the individual to know and understand what they believe and why they believe it, what they are thinking and feeling both consciously and subconsciously and making choices in accord with and true to those beliefs, thoughts and feelings. When this occurs, you, first of all, have accomplished what has been the advise from all cultures throughout time of “Know Thyself” and second, you truly have command of what you choose to create as your reality. From this point you are truly “free”.

From Olivia in Carnesville: What is “shielding” and why is it needed?

R.S.: It is a common occurrence for people to insist upon “wanting their space“. How many times have you had someone move closer and closer to you during a conversation and find yourself automatically backing up?

Metaphysically there is a very valid reason for this. The Eastern belief systems have always spoken of the “aura” that surrounds all living things. Now, the Western world, thanks to people such as Barbara Brennan, Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil and many other individuals, is also admitting the existence of an “energy field” surrounding people and other living things. The force that creates this field, although not admitted by the “scientific” community, may well be generated by the simple fact that, as biophysiologists determined several years ago, each individual's DNA actually vibrates at a slightly different rate. Everyone has an auric field and where they are emotionally usually indicates and creates how you feel when someone comes close to or into your auric field, when someone does not “give you your space”.

The auric field is controlled and commanded by your thoughts. It can be “strengthened” in different ways ranging from diet to visualization. When the field is “strengthened” you have, in essence, surrounded yourself with a “shield” against another's auric field.