Universe
Stories about the greatness of space, as well as the depths of matter, recur in many places in the material. An interest in astrology, that is, that the positions of celestial bodies have an impact on the individual's personal qualities and well-being, is represented. However, references to conventional astronomy as well as to things like quantum physics are more frequent. The extent of the universe, as well as one's own and humanity's relative insignificance, is mentioned in relation to the perspectives that the spiritual worldview opens up. One of the respondents has seen a picture of the Craig nebula and believes that such large structures suggest that there should be levels of development both below and across humanity. That climate change would be due to human influence is possibly a misunderstanding and can be explained by larger events, in the solar system and galaxy. Several of the respondents state that they meditate and that this can give a feeling of "emptiness" or "space".
It cannot be ruled out that the many references to the universe and the like may fulfil the function of cancelling or diminishing the challenges or conflicts associated with life in the here and now. It is reasoning that can be used to lift the individual out of the usual framework or boundaries of human life. Perhaps it is even a way for the individual to comfort or cradle himself to rest. It is possible to think about dissociation or the milder form of absorption, which can be achieved through various new age practices and which Granqvist, Fransson and Hagekull (2009) write about. Examples of things that can be interpreted in this direction also appear in this material. It is also possible to imagine a related state that is self-induced using the thought system or reasoning that this stimulates. This could be likened to diffusion.