Subtle energy is a term that refers to any type of energy that has some empirical scientific support for its existence (like qi—life force energy), but nonetheless lies outside of the four forces accepted by mainstream science: the strong and weak nuclear forces, electromagnetism and gravity. (Some scientists accept magnetism as a fifth force in physics.)

Although the emerging field of subtle energy research indicates that there are numerous varieties of subtle energy, each with unique associated qualities and effects, there is evidence that, in general, subtle energy is intimately related to consciousness. In fact, Dr. Claude Swanson, in his wonderful book LIFE FORCE, The Scientific Basis, referred to the field of subtle energy research as “the natural bridge between the old physics and the new science of consciousness.”

Psychokinesis, as defined by Wikipedia, is “an alleged psychic ability allowing a person to influence a physical system without physical interaction.” This kind of interaction is made possible because the mind has not only a physical basis, but a subtle energetic basis as well, and this subtle energetic framework of the mind is what is projected by the mind onto any object on which it focuses. Hundreds if not thousands of scientific studies over the last five decades has revealed a subtle but measurable non-physical connection between the human mind and various physical systems (including other human minds). 

Dr. Charles T. Tart has been involved with research and theory in the fields of Hypnosis, Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Parapsychology, Consciousness and Mindfulness since 1963. He has authored over a dozen books, two of which became widely-used textbooks; he has had more than 250 articles published in professional journals and books, including lead articles in such prestigious scientific journals as Science and Nature, and provides regular public speaking appearances.

In this video, Dr. Tart discusses the long history of scientific research on psychokinesis and its implications for the nature of consciousness.