Introduction
Human beings bridge the gap between the earth and the stars. We are never neutral. We always connect. Like the moon pulls oceans through tides, invisible forces also pull our emotions. Scientists now refer to the phenomena as emotional gravity. It is a mysterious field connecting the cosmos and the mind.
The universe, and the mind
To begin with, modern physics demonstrates the pull of gravity as well as every star and galaxy in the universe. Similarly, researchers investigate the influence of gravity on the brain. To be clear, NASA scientists found that most astronauts do not maintain their emotional balance. During time in space, where Earth’s gravity is not present, astronauts can change their mood, sleep, and experience anxiety. To be clear, we do not simply exist in a state of being (not to mention, we can better ourselves through learning) based on the factors of pure motion with physics. It is more than our inner world is affected by other factors.
Biological Evidence of Emotional Weight
Furthermore, neuroscience reveals important links between physical forces and emotions. In 2019, researchers studied changes over the course of a year in human moods (circadian rhythms) and were particularly interested in solar events, including solar flares, geomagnetic changes, and storms. They discovered an increase in anxiety and irritation related to solar storms. Harvard studies would also show that circadian rhythms depend on cosmic light cycles. Cosmic cycles not only affect mood but also subtly guide the release of hormones to put our bodies in a condition of happiness or stress.
The Charm of the Moon
Simultaneously, people have run to the moon for centuries. It controls the tides, sets calendars, and may even shape human behavior. Oddly, in 2021, researchers studying sleep in Switzerland began to notice that during a full moon, the participants in their research slept shorter periods of time, and slept shorter periods of deeper sleep than during the rest of the month. With less sleep, emotion can go out the window. Therefore, the moon was “pulling” and pulling on us, and not just on the oceans, but smothering our dreams and emotions.
Understanding Emotional Gravity in Psychology
In psychology, gravity sometimes serves as a metaphor. I think of emotional gravity in that it can pull our thoughts downward, as well as upward. Often, negative emotions pull in a downward fashion like a black hole. They consume our energy, motivation, and peace of mind. Conversely, emotions like love, gratitude, and hope pull us towards a source of light. These more positive feelings act like inner suns – something that can guide our thoughts and actions.
Read more: When Stars Die: Supernovae & Psychology
Islam and the Cosmic Connection
Islam uses the same perspective regarding cosmic forces and human hearts in harmony with regularity in the universe. The Quran states, “And the sun runs on its fixed course.”(36:38). This verse shows how the order of the universe reflects divine wisdom. In another verse, Allah states, “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth are signs for people of understanding.”(3:190). In this verse, Allah is calling us to think and reflect. Our emotions are not separate or divorced from universal laws. Rather, they relate to a larger design.
Case Study: The Prophet’s gravity of soul.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) experienced windstorms of hate, rejection, and loss. However, he maintained a “balanced” human response. He had achieved emotional gravity – ALLAH was his anchor. His example at Ta’if provides insight. When insulted and stoned, the profound pain at a human level was unbearable; he went inward. His du’a, and not a cry of hopelessness, was a resignation to Allah. The emotional pain of humanity could not pull him down. Rather, he was able to rise. The example shows how devising our approach to daily challenges with divine gravity is a source of power in preventing an emotional crisis.
Emotional Gravity in the Modern World
In today’s world, we disregard cosmic phenomena more than ever before. We spend more time looking at devices and screens than at the sky or the stars. Our sleep cycles become disrupted, and our natural balance is lost; in turn, rates of depression and anxiety are increasing. In 2020, following the pandemic, the World Health Organization stated a 25% increase in depression cases. Scientists suggest one cause of this increase is the unprecedented disruption of our circadian rhythms from stress and artificial light. Clearly, turning away from cosmic balance diminishes emotional health.
Interesting Fact: Humans Are Made of Cosmic Dust
One interesting finding has demonstrated that we are literally made of stardust. Astronomers have shown that 97% of the atoms in our bodies come from stars. This means that the universe is not only around us. The universe is also inside of us. When we feel emotional weight, perhaps it is the pull of that cosmic gravity.
Emotional Black Holes
Our most recent theory comes from astrophysics. Black holes consume everything within close range. Trauma can also serve as an emotional black hole. If the trauma is not healed, it creates a pull of thoughts, hope, and energy inward. Psychologists suggest that unresolved grief functions are like a gravitational collapse. Ways to escape emotional black holes are therapy, prayer, and self-examination.
Psychological Implications of the Gravity of Emotions
In 2020, the American Psychological Association published research on emotional contagion. It outlined how one develops emotions and spreads them like gravity. The research concluded that one person can make a whole group descend towards lower levels of emotional energy, just as an elevation towards more positive feelings takes one positive person; a leader is an example. This explains that the gravity of emotions is not strictly personal, but a collective experience that will shape families, communities, and nations.
Gratitude and Its Role
Gratitude is the positive gravity of emotions that can function in group settings. At the University of California, Berkeley, a study revealed that grateful people sleep better, are less stressed, and have better immune systems. Spiritually, the Quran states: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor” (14:7). Gratitude aligns our inner gravity with the divine blessings around us. You attract additional peace in your life and have many more blessings!
Earth-Sky Balance
We are both earth-bound and sky-bound creatures. Our feet are firmly planted on earth; our hearts point upward. Emotional gravity reminds us of limits, creating humility. The divine connection we share pulls us beyond limits.
Read more: What is Dark Flow? A Cosmic Enigma
Final Thoughts
Emotional gravity is certainly more than a metaphor. It is a reality that connects the cosmos, the body, and the soul. Today, we can see physical evidence for how cosmic forces impact hormones, emotion, mood, behaviors, and sleep. Islam teaches we reflect universal laws; in other words, god’s wisdom. Even these interesting facts indicate we are made of stars, attuned to the earth’s frequency. Together, we have learned one thing: to be balanced, we must respect the cosmic design.
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