The Woo Woo, The Brain & The Universe: Ancient Wisdom Meets Quantum Science
Today we will unpack one of my favourite things to experience and practice - the woo woo. I have spent quite some time thinking an about how I can best explain faith, cults, and spirituality. Shouldn’t they all be the same thing, you ask? …Well, not quite. It is logical that in society, with our cultural differences, likes, and dislikes, we would find alternative methods to express faith.
Today, I will try my best to uncover the similarities and connections between ancient spiritual practices and those today, how science is integrating similar concepts, and how both ultimately aim to rewire brain circuits in a way that supports optimal living. It all comes down to rewriting our thoughts and behaviours that hinder development.
The start of my exploring
Growing up, always being the odd one out, I had a fascination with ancient Egypt. Then I became extremely religious (I used to have night terrors), then I found ‘new age’ practices like Reiki, shamanism, and many others. While I deeply enjoyed the mysticism at the time (I still very much do), I didn’t realise that my brain was still developing. Looking back, I wonder if my creativity flourished due to the trance-like experiences I often had.
The highs of the trances were incredible—I could feel I was part of the universe, and the universe was part of me, all at the same time. But the downside was that coming back to reality felt jarring—why go to school when I can ride dragons in my sleep….right? Sixteen years and counting, I’ve explored nearly everything, only to land on my favourite quote:
"We must not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time."(T.S.Elliot)
I am not saying I’m done learning,far from it- but as you will see in this post, all practices, religions, and faiths have the same aim—to anchor individuality enough to master the energy that makes up everything. I will explore the Politics of Spirituality—Institutional Influence, Control, and Suppression tomorrow—but today, it’s about the purity of these practices.
A Little Bit of Science
At the heart of all spiritual practices—whether meditation, prayer, chanting, psychedelics, or deep ritual work—is the goal of rewiring the brain for a more expansive, resilient, and connected way of being. Neuroscience has shown us that spiritual disciplines are not just mystical experiences but biological rewiring tools.
Meditation strengthens the prefrontal cortex (PFC)—responsible for focus, emotional regulation, and decision-making—while quieting the parietal lobes, which govern the separation of self and other (Luders et al., 2012; Newberg et al., 2017). This explains why deep meditation, breathwork, or even chanting can create a sense of “oneness” or dissolving into something greater—it’s literally how the brain shifts when the ego steps aside.
Rituals—especially those involving movement, sound, and group synchronisation—trigger surges of oxytocin and endorphins, creating deep emotional release and an undeniable sense of connection (Dunbar, 2012). Even psychedelics, now gaining recognition in scientific research, work by shutting down the default mode network (DMN)—the brain’s self-referential system—allowing old narratives to fall away and new perspectives to emerge (Carhart-Harris et al., 2014).
But here’s the thing: all of this requires intention and integration. A single meditation, prayer, or ayahuasca ceremony won’t “fix” your mind—just like one gym session won’t make you fit. The real rewiring happens in consistent practice, in how you bring those insights into daily life.
Without that, psychedelics become a shortcut to nowhere, religious dogma becomes a cage instead of a bridge, and rituals lose their power. When practiced with integrity, all of these paths—whether mystical, scientific, or spiritual—help us break free from outdated mental patterns and embody a healthier, more present version of ourselves.
The issue isn’t the practices themselves—it’s when they are manipulated for control, power, or avoidance. Pure intention is what makes the difference between true spiritual transformation and just another form of escapism.
The Concept of Ether and Its Modern Counterparts
Across ancient traditions, ether (or “aether”) was seen as the invisible fabric of the cosmos, bridging the physical and spiritual realms. In Hindu philosophy, Ākāśa is the fifth element, through which vibration (sound) travels and from which all other elements emerge (The Ayurveda Co., 2021). Similarly, in Greek and medieval thought, aether was the divine quintessence, forming the heavens (Big Think, 2022). Esoteric traditions expanded this concept into the “etheric plane,” an unseen energetic realm binding all existence.
While classical physics dismissed the idea of ether as a physical substance, Einstein later noted that space-time itself has physical qualities—gravity curves space, and space ripples with gravitational waves—so “in this sense… there exists an ether” after all (Space and Motion, 2023). Quantum physics has since revealed that “empty space” is anything but empty—it’s a restless sea of quantum fields filled with fluctuations and energy (Encyclopedia Pub, 2023).
String Theory: The Vibration Behind Reality
Where ether was once believed to be the medium of existence, string theory suggests that all of reality is fundamentally composed of vibrating strings—tiny, one-dimensional filaments that oscillate in multiple dimensions (Imagine GSFC, 2023). These strings are the building blocks of everything—their vibrations determine whether they manifest as electrons, quarks, photons, or gravitons.
This idea strikingly parallels ancient spiritual traditions, which describe creation as arising from vibration. The Hindu concept of Nada Brahma means “the universe is sound,” mirroring the belief that the primordial Om is the cosmic vibration from which all things emerge (PMC, 2023). When string theory proves correct, it would unify the language of mysticism and physics, showing that everything—from the smallest particle to galaxies—exists as part of a cosmic symphony of vibrations.
Some physicists propose that space-time and mass emerge from a deeper informational field, akin to the Akashic records of esoteric traditions. Ervin Laszlo argues that quantum physics’ “unified vacuum field” is essentially the modern Akasha—the primordial field from which particles, atoms, and all of existence arise (Simon & Schuster, 2023). Rather than an empty void, space itself is a dynamic, creative force.
I believe it’s only a matter of time before string theory is validated. Here’s what that could mean:
🔹 Manipulate Energy & Matter – If reality is built on frequency, could we tune into and alter it? Healing, emotions, and even physical form might be influenced by vibrational shifts.
🔹Time & Dimensional Shifts – With extra dimensions, time travel, parallel realities, or altered states of existence might not just be theoretical.
🔹 Interdimensional Communication – If consciousness operates on frequencies, could deep meditation or altered states connect us to higher realms or other planes of existence?
🔹Teleportation & Reality Shifting – If we master energy at its core, instant travel, phasing between dimensions, or shifting realities could be possible.
🔹Healing & Longevity – Re-tuning the body’s frequency might allow us to reverse disease, slow aging, or regenerate cells instead of just treating symptoms.
When proven, string theory could confirm what ancient traditions have long suggested: reality is fluid, interconnected, and responsive to energy and consciousness. Instead of just understanding the universe, we might learn to shape it.
Suggestion for Practices to Explore for Deep Transformation
*Remember – practice over time brings result and while amazing a lot of discomfort will arise with them – the good king of discomfort – I promise!
1. Sound Healing (Vibrational Therapy)
🔹 Why? Sound frequencies influence brainwave states, guiding the mind into deep meditative states. Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and binaural beats stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and enhancing neural synchronisation (Bartel, 2017).
🔹 Scientific Backing: Research on binaural beats has shown that they help entrain the brain into states of relaxation (alpha waves) or deep focus (gamma waves), similar to effects seen in long-term meditators (Gao et al., 2014).
2. Theta Healing (Subconscious Rewiring)
🔹 Why? Theta healing uses guided visualisation and brainwave entrainment to access the theta state, linked to deep intuition, emotional healing, and subconscious reprogramming.
🔹 Scientific Backing: The theta state (4-7 Hz) is associated with neuroplasticity and reprocessing emotional trauma (Gruzelier, 2009). Studies on hypnosis and meditation suggest that theta states enhance problem-solving, creativity, and emotional integration (Jensen et al., 2013).
3. Breathwork (Conscious Breathing Techniques)
🔹 Why? Controlled breathing activates the vagus nerve, shifting the body from fight-or-flight (sympathetic) to rest-and-digest (parasympathetic), reducing anxiety, increasing oxygen to the brain, and inducing altered states of consciousness.
🔹 Scientific Backing: Techniques like holotropic breathwork and box breathing increase gamma brainwave activity, linked to heightened awareness and deep meditation (Zelano et al., 2016). Diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and improve emotional regulation (Ma et al., 2017).
4. Shamanic Meditation (Trance-Inducing Journeys)
🔹 Why? Shamanic drumming and guided visualisations engage the limbic system, inducing deep trance-like states similar to those observed in psychedelics. This technique allows for emotional processing, subconscious access, and spiritual experiences.
🔹 Scientific Backing: Studies on altered states of consciousness show that rhythmic drumming entrains brainwaves into the theta state, facilitating deep emotional and intuitive insights (Maxfield, 1994).
5. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep for Neural Resetting)
🔹 Why? A guided practice that moves awareness through the body, accessing the hypnagogic state (between wakefulness and sleep). It improves neuroplasticity, emotional healing, and deep relaxation.
🔹 Scientific Backing: EEG studies show that Yoga Nidra induces theta and delta wave dominance, linked to memory consolidation and trauma resolution (Kamath et al., 2021). It has been found to reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms (Parker et al., 2013).
6. Biofield Tuning (Energy Healing with Tuning Forks)
🔹 Why? Works with the electromagnetic field around the body, using sound frequencies to release stored trauma and recalibrate the nervous system.
🔹 Scientific Backing: Research on bioelectromagnetics suggests that our body emits measurable electromagnetic fields, and certain frequencies can influence cell activity and emotional states (McCraty et al., 2015).
7. Neurofeedback Meditation (Real-Time Brain Training)
🔹 Why? Uses real-time EEG feedback to help individuals achieve deep meditative states more quickly, strengthening prefrontal cortex function and emotional resilience.
🔹 Scientific Backing: Neurofeedback enhances gamma wave synchronisation, associated with self-awareness, intuition, and peak cognitive function (Brandmeyer & Delorme, 2013).
Final Thoughts
Whether ancient or modern, scientific or mystical, all these practices aim for the same goal:
✔ Rewiring the brain for clarity, resilience, and connection
✔ Breaking outdated mental patterns
✔ Aligning with a deeper, more present version of yourself
The key is consistent integration. Quick fixes don’t work, but long-term practice does.
So—which of these resonate with you the most? Have you tried any? What was your experience?
Let me know in the comments below!
Tomorrow, I’ll be tackling the Politics of Spirituality—how institutions have shaped, suppressed, and even sold spirituality throughout history. From the Church’s control over mystical experiences to secret societies guarding esoteric knowledge, and from the rise of cult psychology to the modern commercialisation of ancient practices, we’ll explore how power structures influence what we believe and how we seek the divine.
Who really decides what is “truth” in spirituality? And more importantly—how do we reclaim it? Stay tuned.
Let’s rewire.
References
Bartel, L. R. (2017). Sound healing and the science of frequency-based therapy. International Journal of Healing and Caring, 17(2), 1-9.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2014). The entropic brain: A theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 20. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00020
Dunbar, R. I. M. (2012). The social brain and the bonding effects of music. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1252(1), 53-64. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06420.x
Laszlo, E. (2023). Akasha, quantum physics, and the unified field. Simon & Schuster. Retrieved from https://www.simonandschuster.com
Luders, E., Toga, A. W., Lepore, N., & Gaser, C. (2012). The underlying anatomical correlates of long-term meditation: Larger hippocampal and frontal volumes of gray matter. NeuroImage, 61(2), 154-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.01.075
Lutz, A., Slagter, H. A., Dunne, J. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2004). Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 8(4), 163-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2004.02.001
Ma, X., Yue, Z. Q., Gong, Z. Q., Zhang, H., Duan, N. Y., Shi, Y. T., & Wei, G. X. (2017). The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect, and stress in healthy adults. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 874. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874
Maxfield, M. (1994). Effects of rhythmic drumming on EEG and subjective experience. Anthropology of Consciousness, 5(1), 7-19. https://doi.org/10.1525/ac.1994.5.1.7
Newberg, A. B., & Iversen, J. (2017). The neural basis of the complex mental experience of meditation. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 79, 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.017
Parker, S. C., Bharati, S. V., Gupta, R., & Patel, R. (2013). Yoga Nidra as a treatment for PTSD symptoms. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(1), 136-139. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21892
