Today scientists believe that there may actually be parallel universes; indeed, there may be any number of parallel universes. These parallel universes contain space, time and matter. Some of them may even contain a parallel you, in a slightly different form. Amazingly, scientists believe that these parallel universes exist less than one millimetre away any of us. Recent discoveries in quantum physics and astrophysics have shed new light on how the mind interacts with matter.

These discoveries compel the acceptance of the concept that there is far more than just one single universe and that our own universe or dimension is constantly interacting with several or perhaps all of these hidden universes. For instance, the force of gravity may be a weak signal from another universe.

If any of these ideas sound strangely familiar, it could be because they have been heard many times before. The notion of multiple parallel universes has been a mainstay of science fiction writers for years. But the idea that several universes exist in conjunction with our own is not an invention of modern day sci-fi authors. Mystics, metaphysicians and Gnostics have been discussing the existence of parallel universes for centuries. The idea that hidden worlds exist close to our own is as old as the human race itself.

In physics the theory of alternate universes is generally known as the Many Worlds Interpretation. This theory was first introduced by physicist Hugh Everett III in 1957. Everett formulated the Many Worlds theory to explain the more troublesome aspects of quantum mechanics. Everett explained that whenever numerous possibilities exist, reality divides into many worlds or universes; one universe then exists for every possibility. In essence, for every choice that is ever made a universe is created to accommodate it.

If tomorrow morning you choose to stay home from work a universe exists in which this is the reality. If you chose to go to work, another universe will exist in which this is the reality. Every choice, every action, every possibility creates a distinct universe in which a separate reality is in effect, an infinite number of possible universes, an infinite number of realities.

The theory of multiple universe and realities is enough to boggle the mind. I feel that the most important aspect of this theory relates to how it affects our personal futures. How are our decisions affected by the idea that with every choice made, we create a new universe?