Vol. 28 "Quantum Reset"

Volume Summary TL:DR (by Microsoft Copilot) 

This article, titled "Vol.28 Quantum Reset," explores the concept of rebooting and resetting, both in technology and in our personal lives. It begins with a familiar tech support scenario about rebooting devices and transitions into a reflection on the need for humans to reboot and reset, especially at the end of the year. The author shares personal experiences and beliefs about the human brain as a quantum machine, drawing parallels between brain function and artificial intelligence. The narrative delves into the author's journey of self-care and the use of sensory deprivation to achieve a mental and emotional reset. The article concludes with a call to action for readers to find their own ways to reboot and reset, emphasizing the importance of self-care and personal growth.         

This article is authentic and original content - not AI generated.

Introduction 

The following conversation is heard on tech support calls everywhere in the world since the dawn of modern time - the tech support scenario:

Tech support: "did you try rebooting it?" 

Customer: "OK I'll do it now (time goes by), still didn't work" (said with elevated frustration) 

Tech support: "try unplugging it and waiting a few minutes before plugging it back in" 

Customer: "OK that worked - you're a genius, thank you" 

Early Career Reflections 

In the early part of my career in technology, those two steps (reboot, unplug) made me a lot of money along with the lost art of manually defragging a hard drive. For those who don't know, follow the link. We actually used to have to do that - very often.

The defrag process was quite fun to watch. Rudimentary 8-bit blinking of cursor on the screen that supposedly reorganized the files on a hard drive for maximum operating efficiency. 

Rebooting and power cycling do a few very important things. It clears out the cache and clutter, along with deleting those pesky temp files. One of my help desk agents used to call it 'shaking out the cobwebs' and it's common to say after a reboot, 'wait until the dust settles'.

Both of those statements indicate that there's some "dirt" that needs to be cleaned up and tended to.

End of Year Reflections 

As we're approaching the end of 2024, there's a common theme I hear on almost every call. Customers and colleagues tell me that this is their 'time of year to reflect'. I was recently speaking with a colleague who told me that they, "take the time to reflect on the year in terms of what worked and what didn't, both in personal life as well as business life".

Contrast that with another colleague from Canada who told me, "This is the time of year when people need to reboot and reset".  

Human Reboot Concept 

So that got me thinking, if everything needs a reboot from time to time, does that mean humans do too? 

Quantum Brain Theory 

I've long held the belief, way before it was popular, that the human brain is a quantum machine. I know this may be a bit controversial but go with me on this. It's my personal belief and feel free to challenge me.

Interestingly enough, there's now evidence and articles all over the Internet about how scientists are indeed making a quantum connection to the human brain. I find this a bit ironic. First of all, have a look at the hand drawn the logo for my "The Change Chronicle" newsletter, you'll see my interpretation of that quantum device. It's literally inside our heads. 

Change Management and the Quantum Brain 

In terms of Change Management, that logo tells the story of how we have a quantum machine in our brain that controls a physical body and, when you look closely at the logo, you'll see a little star at the base of the 'head', that's meant to represent the emotional center of the brain (the amygdala) that actually controls the entire process.

That emotional center of the brain controls everything. That's the reason why change is so difficult. Change initiatives will fail when organizations (and change practitioners) only focus on information, explanation, logic, reasoning, and the infamous "why".

Change and action does not exist until the emotional center of the brain gives its formal 'stamp of approval' to proceed.

Every human action goes through the logical, emotional, and physical centers of the brain. If Change Management is about motivating individuals and groups of people to take a different course of action, then the quantum brain really does come into effect. 

Human Choice and Connectivity 

Nonscientific, anecdotal evidence of this is that if you give someone an instruction, they still have a choice whether or not to do the thing you tell them to, and they are also inexplicably connected to others around them, like some sort of quantum entanglement going on. I hear it from business leaders all around the world, this would be a whole lot easier if people just did as they were told. 

Great in theory, horrible in reality. 

AI and the Quantum Brain 

The other sense of irony here is that more and more is being written about the human brain as a quantum machine in comparison to artificial intelligence large language models. It's now commonplace to hear the term neural networks when it comes to AI.

The close examination of an AI neural network closely resembles the human brain synapses and dendrites. That said, brain-inspired computing is a promising path forward in the advancement of AI. Another irony is that science doesn't actually know how AI functions.

I know that seems like a very odd bold statement, but the reality is, according to all the people I follow that are "in the know", there is a certain magic that is going on within these language models for AI. Just like the mysticism that circles the human brain function. We really don't know, maybe we're not really supposed to know. 🤔 

Personal Reflections 

For those loyal readers that have followed this newsletter, you know I've had a bit of a rough year. I'm not claiming the corner of the market on rough years. Everyone has their own story, and I honor and appreciate that. But for me personally, as the author of this article, this year has been pretty rough.

Reflection simply wasn't enough for me this time. Rebooting and resetting was also not enough. This is the story of how I did a hard reboot on my quantum brain, The quantum me. I needed to unplug and restart and reset my emotions, my feelings, my body and my mind. This is my story. 

Important Disclaimer Notice 

Fair warning, the following text contains graphical visual representation of confined spaces that may result in feelings of claustrophobia, anxiety, and uneasiness. This story is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Proceed with caution and with an open mind. 

Journey to Sensory Deprivation 

If you manage to read this far, and you're still with me, maybe you're intrigued to read on. As this is the last volume of 2024, this is the story of rebooting resetting and self-care. Back to the regularly scheduled programming in 2025.  

Self-Care Practices 

I regularly practice self-care. I practice mindfulness, forest bathing, walks on the beach, exercise, all sorts of activities that keep me grounded. In previous volumes I explained my life mantra which is that "I pay attention to my thoughts feelings actions the world around me and the people in it". As such, I realized I (desperately) needed a reboot. 

Discovery of Sensory Deprivation 

About five years ago I discovered a tool, actually a place, to help me achieve this. It took a bit of practice to figure out how to actually do it, and after about three or four tries I was able to achieve what I was looking for - sensory deprivation. Time for a revisit, hello old friend, great to see you again.

Sensory Deprivation Experience 

Mindfulness, exercise, all of those things address one or the other, it's either the brain or the body, but neither affect the emotions and the senses. I decided it was time to go back into the sensory deprivation chamber AKA a float tank. I went to Float Seattle a wellness center dedicated to this practice. This was my opportunity to, voluntarily, go into a sensory deprivation chamber and reset everything that I needed to be reset.

Curious? here's an intro video. 

Arrival at the Facility 

I arrived at the facility and, of course, it was peaceful and welcoming. Typical northwest decor, lots of wood treatment, plants, aromatherapy, tea water, everything needed to support a supportive healing call me an environment.

I checked in and found my way to my portal to the unknown, AKA room 'number 2'. I entered the room and noticed my personal 'quantum teleportation device'. Basically, a giant clamshell, actually, sort of a combination between a clamshell and a Thule car roof carrier box (joking a bit). OK, if I'm being honest, a bit casket like as well. 

Begin Quantum Reset Sequence         

Preparation for the Float 

The room was dimly lit, purple LED light emanating from inside the open chamber along with a warm sensation in the air. I prepared myself mentally and physically to go into the abyss. If this part makes you feel uncomfortable, please skip to the end. 

Entering the Chamber 

I went through almost ritualistic preparation, disrobe, earplugs (protection from the salt), shower (must remove all lotions, oils, etc.), some deep breathing, then into the chamber.

The water is skin temperature, not body core temperature, which becomes important later in the story. It was silky and smooth, somewhat viscous, but not slimy. Although unusual, it felt welcoming and safe.

The water is 40% Epsom salt (pure magnesium sulphate) which produces the floating effect, along with other documented therapeutic properties. No matter how hard you try, you can't sink, just effortless floatation. 

Initial Experience 

I took a deep breath, reached up, grabbed the handle then closed the lid. The lid closed with a bit of a whooshing sound, immediate silence. Inside the chamber, I located the source of that purple light. I reached over, turned it off and laid back and simply let myself float away. It took a few minutes to actually let go.

Even though my mind was telling me to relax all my muscles, my amygdala, my fear center wasn't letting me do it. I had to work a little bit on relaxing. I thought about how ironic that was that I was there to relax yet my body systems weren't letting me.

I finally achieved it, I just simply let my muscles go slack, no tension, just relaxation. My fear went away, and I melted into that water. Total darkness. No sights, no sounds, just the darkness of the abyss, the blackness of outer space.

Now is a great time to think of every science fiction movie, yep, you know what I'm talking about 😁. Deel space travel, suspended animation, all of it.

Mindful Exercise Technique 

I did a mindful exercise technique (that I often do) which is naming 5 things I see, then 4 things I hear, then 3 things I feel then 2 things I smell then 1 thing I taste followed by letting my mind go to whatever comes next. That's my typical mental exercise; this time was different.

There was nothing to see, 100% total darkness whether my eyes were open or closed. Basically, removed my sense of sight. Then there was hearing, the only thing I heard was my heartbeat and the occasional shallow breathing that I was doing. I felt nothing because when the senses were taken away it was really hard to tell where my body ended and where the water began. 

Sensory Deprivation Effects 

And then came the flashes of light. I don't know if it was my brain trying to figure out and make sense of where I was, but I know I saw circles, concentric circles pulsating circles of light in the darkness. I think it was just my body trying to figure out what to do.

It's almost like self-preservation mode was activated and my body was desperately trying to make sense of my surroundings. The light show stopped as quickly as it started. Just darkness. 

Next up was a brief uneasiness of tumbling through outer space, disorientation is real. I took another deep breath and calmed my mind, shut down my emotional reactivity, embraced the darkness, and simply let go. The tumbling stopped.

Weightlessness and Sensory Deprivation 

I really couldn't feel the water, it disappeared. The combination of the temperature and viscosity blurred the line between where I stopped and the water began, as if I actually merged with the water. I was the water and the water was me. I could only feel the floating of weightlessness.

I couldn't really smell anything or taste anything. Although the enclosed environment was a bit acrid, it was also very neutral. Basically, I mentally turned off all of my 5 senses.

I know this sounds super weird, but I really couldn't feel anything other than me existing in the abyss. No really, it was as if I had been reduced to a brain in a vat. 

Timelessness and Reflection 

Space-time ceased to exist, spatial orientation gone, in fact, all senses - gone (or at least, powered down). I don't know if 5 minutes or five years passed. My brain was simply floating effortlessly. The pain that I'm still in from multiple surgeries ceased to exist, I couldn't feel my body anymore.

Then, I started seeing images in the darkness, reflections of my life, my past, my present (the inspiration of the image at the top of this volume). I discovered that the abyss is most definitely, not empty.

My mental wheels were turning. I started thinking about how fortunate I am to have so many people in my life that I care so deeply about and that so deeply care about me. 

Emotional Release 

I think I cried a bit, not really sure since I couldn't feel my eyes (or face), but I do think I cried a bit thinking about how so many people loved and supported me through my troubles this year and that I feel bad for somehow causing them pain and heartache.

I then started thinking about people in my life that are no longer with me. Friends, parents, loved ones, pets. For such a dark place, I was definitely not alone. I'll skip the other profound and deeply personal imagery. Just know that my feelings of fear and loss turned into comfort and calm.

Drifting Off 

As my floating continued at some point, I drifted off. I don't really know where I went. I just stopped thinking, I stopped imagining, I stopped "seeing" with my mind's eye. I don't think I was asleep, it was more like my power button was turned off and yet, I was still there.

Maybe that was the definition of Schrödinger's cat or, was I actually Schrödinger's Kevin?- both alive and dead at the same time. There was a big gap in my consciousness at that point. And then, as pre-arranged, some very soft music came on and a light came on to bring me back to reality. 

Reawakening 

While still floating, I took a few deep breaths and stretched my limbs to reawaken them, this was harder than it seemed because I hadn't moved at all. Not a twitch not any movement whatsoever. I had to consciously wake my body back up. It was a little weird to be honest. But I came back into being. My senses began the power up cycle after a reboot.

Reverse the process, regain my senses, shower away the salt, get dressed.

I did it. 70-minutes in the 'tank', powered down, defragged, and fully rebooted. I reset and cleared the cache, cleared the clutter in my body, mind and spirit. I successfully power cycled the biological quantum machine called 'Kevin'.  

Quantum Reset Sequence Now Complete        

Post-Float Experience 

Leaving the facility I decided to walk about two miles (~3.2 km) back to my transportation point home. It was a typical rainy day here in Seattle. Walked outside and felt the rain on my face and it felt different.

The sights seemed more vibrant, the smells seemed 'smellier', the physical feeling felt more meaningful, even my clothing felt different, and my mind definitely felt different.

As I walked those city streets back, I could really appreciate a different feeling. I rebooted, I restarted. And no matter what's going on in my life no matter how much uncertainty I may be dealing with no matter how much pain I'm dealing with and sorrow and heartache, I have immense joy, love, compassion, caring in my life, and I'm grateful. 

Self-Reflection 

I thought quite a bit about how many things in this world I can't control, and then focused on the only thing I can control - my reaction to them. I have to be OK to support others. I have to love me first, to love others. I have to put my own mask on (airplane safety reference) before helping others. I need to continue to show up and bring the best version of me. 

Everything simply felt different after a total reset, my senses were invigorated, my emotions were reset, my memory files reorganized. Doing this was 100% the right choice for me. 

Call to Action 

Now here's the challenge for you, what are you doing to reset and reboot? I just took you through a pretty extreme personal example of something that works for me. What's yours? What are you worried about? What are you not dealing with? What are you avoiding? How do you reboot? 

I'm not giving any medical advice or making any suggestions here, I'm simply asking you to look inside and figure out your own journey. If "everything needs a reboot from time to time", then how about you?

This is the time of the year when people commonly make New Year's resolutions, please don't fall into that trap. A New Year's resolution is quite often nothing more than giving yourself permission to fail at something.

Be clear about what your goals are. Be clear on the person that you want to be. Be clear on the person that shows up. Because that person is you, and you matter most. 

Your Personal Journey 

Maybe it's knitting, maybe it's outdoor activity, maybe it's writing, maybe it's simply enjoying time alone. Or maybe it's enjoying time with people. Whatever your journey, it's yours. You have the power to respond to things you can't control. You have the power to be the person that you want to be.

I know this is the time of the year that people take stock and figuring out what their next moves will be, what the next year will look like, but instead of working toward a dream, look at what you can control, get grounded, take stock, and define your personal ambition. 

Wisdom and Self-Control 

Life isn't always about being happy, or being safe, or being secure. Life naturally comes with its ups and downs. I wish you the wisdom and self-control to be able to navigate these complexities along the way. And remember to inspire, coach, mentor, and help others. 

Gratitude 

Although I write this newsletter as a creative outlet both personally and professionally, I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of support and people that actually quote content from these articles. I have been asked by many, actually a better characterization would be, I've been TOLD not to stop writing these.

Thank you for being part of my life and I'm honored to be part of yours. 

Final Thoughts

Remember, while the holiday season may bring joy and happiness, keep in mind that not everyone may share that same experience. For some (many) the season brings sadness, loneliness, and heartache. Play attention to yourself and others. If you, or someone you know, is struggling (openly or screaming in silence), help is available. Sometimes just being present is enough. Seek professional help when needed.

Now, take the time to reboot and reset and recharge. Find your own healthy version of a "Quantum Reset" (you can thank me later 😁).

Happy 2025! 

~Kevin (aka "The Cloud Therapist")

Please submit topics and questions for future volumes (I'm listening)

A quick note to my readers - thank you for your feedback, support, and encouragement. I strive to bring you relevant thought-provoking content. #grateful that you choose to spend your time with me.

I appreciate your commitment to reading these all the way through. I know they can be quite lengthy. My goal is to bring you unique perspectives and things to mentally chew on.

#QuantumReset #SelfCare #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #EndOfYearReflection #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #2024Reflection