"Consciousness seems to be somehow connected to physics, as if consciousness plays some sort of role in the cosmos"
I remember reading the "Secret Lives of Plants" about 25-30 years ago and was astounded at the experiments in it. It proved there is a consciousness in all living things that re=acts to thought alone.
As if we all are emitters and there are transceivers at all levels.
That all things remain at rest until observed.
I found the work of Cleve Baxter exceptional.
If you are unaware of his work ER, you might find this interview and explanation of some of his experiments <fascinating.>