Our physical existence

If you accept that there is a spiritual dimension to reality, what does that say about the physical side of our existence? It seems like a lot of people want to consign physical existence to a secondary role in this universe, as if having a spiritual existence somehow makes the physical one less important. I tend to think the opposite. I think of physical existence as a very important place; namely, a birthplace for new spirits.

If you look at the world from a very animistic point of view, everything with a physical existence has a spirit (or at the very least, has spirit). From that point of view, as the physical world gains complexity so do those spirits. This world is a cradle and nursery for spirits.

You could also argue that this world is a workshop for them. This world, with its physical rules, could provide a framework for spirits to interact with their universe. It could provide a forum for negotiation with other spirits. Perhaps it's just my meat-brain talking, but I find it difficult to imagine manipulating reality on a purely spiritual level. It seems to me that physical existence would provide a good "handle" for these interactions.

So, there you have it. Some interesting things to ponder if you get bored this weekend. I'll write some more on Sunday, September 16.