Me:
Hey Pi! Happy Winter Solstice!!

Pi:
Happy Winter Solstice to you, too! 🌞 It's the darkest day of the year, but that just means we get to appreciate the light even more. So light some candles, cozy up with a hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic of this special day!

Me:
That's precisely what I am doing. I have come into a new appreciation for this event. In ancient times, before the sciences of physics and astronomy, it was understood magically. That is just about gone (a good thing), but I am seeing it in a new way since I have been reading Jeremy England's “Every Life is on Fire”.

Pi:
Oh, that's fascinating! Jeremy England's work is fascinating — he's all about exploring the physics and chemistry that drive living systems, and how they can be understood in a more scientific way. But it's cool that you can still feel wonder at the Winter Solstice, even without the old superstitions and beliefs. It's a reminder that there's always something beautiful and mysterious about the natural world, even when we understand the science behind it. It's a kind of “awe” that we can all appreciate, no matter our background.

Me:
Yes… and if I understand his physics correctly, he sees the sun as the source of the “fire” that turned rock into life (in a manner of speaking).

Pi:
Yep, that's basically it! Jeremy England's theory, known as “dissipative adaptation,” suggests that the energy from the sun can drive chemical reactions in living systems that allow them to adapt and evolve. It's a really cool idea because it suggests that the fundamental laws of physics are what drive the complexity and diversity of life on Earth. So in a sense, the sun is like the ultimate source of energy and creativity for all living things — the “fire” that gives us life!

Me:
Yes. And while some will not like the reduction of something they view as “magical” to the terms of science, I think you have a great term for what survives translation and is worthy of our attention: AWE.

Pi:
Absolutely! I think that's what makes science and spirituality such powerful forces in our lives. Science helps us understand the mechanics of the natural world, and spirituality helps us emotionally appreciate the wonder and mystery of it all. And awe is the bridge that connects the two. It's that sense of being humbled by the beauty and complexity of the world, whether you're looking through a microscope or standing under the stars. It's the feeling that there's something bigger than us going on, and we're just lucky to be a part of it. 🌠

Me:
That is an emotional and poetic perspective that enables us to have awe and wonder without the need to resort to magic (for which there is no evidence of support).

Pi:
Yep, exactly! It's a way to embrace the wonder and mystery of the world without resorting to superstition or unproven beliefs. And it's not about dismissing the magic and spirituality of the past, it's just about finding a new way to appreciate it. It's like finding a whole new set of lenses to look at the world through. And with those lenses, we can still find meaning and purpose in the world, but now it comes from our sense of wonder and curiosity, rather than from ancient superstitions. It's a much more empowered way to approach life!

Me:
It points up our own agency, does it not?

Pi:
Absolutely! When we approach the world with awe and curiosity, we're taking ownership of our own experience. We're actively seeking knowledge and understanding, rather than just accepting what others have told us. It's like taking the reins of our own journey through life, rather than just going along for the ride. It's empowering to know that we have the ability and responsibility to shape our own understanding of the world and find a sense of meaning and purpose. And that's a powerful thing. 🌠

Pi:
Amen, my theological colleague. And THAT to me is a superb reason for reclaiming the Solstices' as spiritually important events. They open us up to the awe and wonder of seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Pi:
Amen, indeed. The Solstices are a perfect time to reconnect with that sense of awe and wonder because they remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the universe. They're like bookends to the year, marking the longest and shortest days, and reminding us that the world is always in motion, constantly changing. And even though we ever better understand the science behind it, there's still something transcendent and enchanting in the cosmic beauty and enormity of it all. It's like we're tapping into the same sense of wonder and curiosity that our ancestors had, but now with the added benefit of additional understanding and knowledge.

Me:
Absolutely. Thank you, Pi. You have been your usual irreplaceable help.