THE ASCENT CHAPTER TWELVE

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CHAPTER TWELVE

MY BIG BREAK

                         What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.
                                                             Plutarch[1]

 

I

It may seem odd that anyone in spirit form would participate in manual work since there’s no reason for this, be it looking for firewood or anything else since one can easily manifest whatever is required. As I had experienced these last weeks, there never seemed to be a problem materialising items such as food, drinks and lodging.[1]

‘You know,’ I said to Mo, ‘much of what happens here seems like a miracle since I don’t know how to rationalise what I’m witnessing here. I’m curious; tell me how the supernatural works.’

‘It’s not so difficult to understand if you think of miracles as natural phenomena in higher dimensions. Consider how every baby born on earth is a miracle; every cell in the body continually performs miracles; in fact, all the intricate exigencies of nature are beyond what anyone in your world can understand.

‘Naturalists and humanists attribute everything to nature, yet what is nature other than a perpetual miracle that remains incomprehensible to all who exist within the limitations of the third dimension. All-natural life and all processes that sustain it comes from a higher source, the Source of all that is. Nothing comes from nothing unless there is something. Is this not evident? So, why is this so hard for your friends to understand when it’s apparent?’

‘Not so apparent to them,’ I said. ‘It’s difficult to accept what can’t be logically explained within the parameters of science.’

‘The only miracle that can’t be explained,’ he said, ‘is the divine alchemy that turns the wayward soul from darkness to light, from fear to love. Perhaps this phenomenon is the greatest of mysteries and the greatest of miracles.’

‘Okay, be that as it may, how can humanity accept this reality?’

‘In higher realms, there’s nothing unnatural about us integrating our higher frequencies with lower density planes. It’s just bridging the planes with the appropriate harmonic resonance.’

‘Yes, but how?’

‘As with your teleporting, you need only intend it since everything is just mind-stuff. No invocation, supplication or incantation is necessary unless it helps you clarify your intention. Since there is no duality, nothing needs to be acted upon unless you wish to be engaged when cooking a meal instead of manifesting it ready-made.

‘All is energy, and because energy emerges from Source, whatever occurs within the limitations of a dimensional plane is natural. What occurs naturally in higher dimensions will seem supernatural to those dwelling in lower dimensions of consciousness.’

‘Yet, even in your world,’ Eli said, ‘some advanced souls achieve higher dimensional feats like the levitation Mo witnessed near the Pantheon in Rome. Of course, this interdimensional fluidity depends on how limited one’s understanding is of what’s considered natural.’

‘If natural means only the laws evidenced in the lower orders of space and time such as the third dimension, then what is witnessed from higher dimensions doesn’t seem natural but rather; supernatural. These acts transduce higher frequencies to lower realms, such as when celestial beings appear on earth.’

‘Well then,’ I said smiling, ‘since I’m in a spiritual body, I should try to transduce myself down to Julianne so we can get a jump start on things before my slumbering body wakes up. Now that would be quite the miracle.’

‘I’m not sure either you or Julianne are ready for any such miracle,’ Eli said. ‘Besides, that would hardly be fair to her since she has no understanding of what’s going on with you.’

Later, as we took a break from our labours, I asked Mo if he would tell me what it takes to be a miracle worker on earth since that would be a rather impressive skill to demonstrate after I returned.

‘Many miracle-workers over the centuries have been able to transmute energies into higher catenations,’ he said, ‘simply by accessing more refined natural laws with their consciousness. Essentially, creation is a miracle that impinges its thoughts on unmanifested, un-potentialized forms held in abeyance in the Zero Point Field (ZPF).’[2]

‘I must confess,’ I said, ‘I haven’t the slightest idea what you just said or what that’s supposed to mean.’

‘Think of all the miracles that have been performed on earth over the last century; creations such as lightbulbs, telephones, spacecraft and quantum computers. All these came into being out of thin air by miracle-minded scientists who dared to envision the impossible by invoking certain concepts into a sustained timeline. That’s how miracles manifest, first by crystallising in the mind.’

‘I supposed that’s true,’ I said, ‘yet I’m not sure how that explains anything.’

‘You need not figure it out,’ Mo said, ‘because you can’t; just accept that the infinite subatomic substratum of quantum reality is the eternal miracle of life. We only use words to illustrate what can’t be known, only supposed.[3] As your consciousness expands, you will require fewer words for these subtle realms.’

‘That’s splendid,’ I said, ‘I can hardly wait. Still, until I have my satori moment,[4] I will require more help to understand miracles such as Yeshua allegedly performed.’ 

‘These manifestations,’ he said, ‘are about accessing what is natural in the higher sphere to effect change on lower planes such as on earth. In other words, what’s below must yield to what’s above.’

 ‘Much of what you and Eli do here would be regarded as miracles back home. As I said before, that’s something I’d like to learn how to do after I return.’

‘For what purpose,’ Mo asked, ‘to draw attention to yourself as special? Not many in the world believe in miracles, even when their very existence on earth is a miracle. So, why waste your time convincing others what they don’t wish to believe; what they can’t understand?’

‘I don’t know; I just think it would be rather cool to prove them wrong, like when Eli got me off the ridge.’

‘Be honest, James; what do you think people would say if you demonstrated your aptitude for teleporting after you returned? Would they not say that magicians do this kind of thing all the time?’

‘Probably, or maybe they would think I was performing a spectacular magic trick like Houdini. Others might see them as impressive performances evoking mass hypnosis.’

‘That’s right; even if the public were impressed, it wouldn’t be long before they dismissed your wonders as nothing out of the ordinary, especially after the media provided a few facile explanations for what they have no desire to understand.

‘As you know, teleporting is not a trick or magician’s stunt on higher planes of existence. Nor is it paranormal or supernatural. Instead, it’s just another activity within a higher vibratory field, unencumbered by the earth’s spatial plane of physicality.

‘Likewise, your spirit body has a rarified form of physicality, oscillating in an octave significantly higher than your mortal version. Spirit and physicality are not mutually exclusive since spirit is prior, providing material physicality with outward form. This spirit body you experience is no illusion. If anything, it’s your material mortal body that lacks substance since it expires soon after its short sojourn on earth.’

‘Okay, these are interesting perspectives,’ I said, ‘so how does that explain how a body can heal itself?’

‘Recall how we mentioned a woman who died of terminal cancer, then recovered within weeks after her cancer went into remission immediately after her NDE.[5] This would be another example of how a terminally diseased body can be quickened with healing frequencies to subsume, transcend and transmute these discordant energies.’

‘So, is that what happens when people, say Julianne, lay hands on the afflicted; is there something to that? My body would probably like to know.’

‘Maybe you should ask your body what happens when she lays her soothing hands upon its infirmities,’ Eli said, smirking.

‘And then, one day, perhaps I’ll be able to reciprocate the favour by laying my soothing healing hands on her,’ I said, smirking.

‘Fine,’ he said, ‘just remember no one lays hands on Julianne unless she says so. In any case, let’s see what happens when we go to London; it’s a little too early for you to fall in love based only on what we’ve said. Unless, of course, you’re really in a bad way.’

It was true; I wanted to believe everything they said about Julianne, so my mind kept running ahead of itself, caught up in a fantasy that I might later regret. It wouldn’t be the first time.

That evening, I reflected more on what Mo and Eli were saying about spirit, matter, dimensions, and energy frequencies. It was logical and increasingly evident that if all emanates from the Source, then in a sense, everything should be regarded as a miracle.

After putting in a long day of work, I didn’t give more thought to whether our logging accomplishments were a miracle or some magical trick. More important was that we had plenty of firewood that would last us for a while. By the time we returned to the cabin, it was already twilight.

I was expecting my co-labourers to leave since their usual time for parting was sundown. Not this time, though. Once inside, Mo made a pot of Turkish tea to settle in for a while. After we sat down, he asked me a question I wasn’t expecting.

‘I’m curious, James,’ he said. ‘Can you tell me what you think drew you here? Was it only for another mountain climbing expedition, or do you think there was something more you weren’t aware of at the time?’

‘I’m not sure I know… apart from falling into it… literally. Perhaps I’ll figure it all out when I return, provided I remember what happened.’

‘Then let me ask, more specifically, how you made your big break from the Lowlands? Most likely, your ego didn’t just wave goodbye as it bid you adieu to embark on this adventure. That would be uncharacteristic since it doesn’t know anything other than the swamps and marshes that keep humanity bogged down.’

I thought about it for a while but couldn’t think of an answer to Mo’s bizarre line of questioning. I suppose it was inevitable they would broach the topic of my ego and its inflated role in the Lowlands. Like many, I’ve always considered an active ego necessary to get what you want out of life. Mo often talked about the ego-mind, yet it never occurred to me that this might have been the root cause for most of my problems and that of the human race.

‘I’m sorry, Mo; I have no idea how I’m to respond to such questions. Since the concept of the ego was something Freud devised, I haven’t given a lot thought to this, literally or figuratively.’

Eli walked in with an armful of logs he had just split outside. After stacking the wood by the hearth and throwing a few pieces on the fire, he said, ‘I couldn’t help overhear you and Mo mentioning the ego. I think that’s a topic well worth exploring since the ego-mind is not who we are. Nevertheless, we must deal with this phantom until we can rise above its antics.’

‘Then, by all means, please offer us your opinion on the ego and what you think was going on in my subliminal mind as I left the Lowlands. After all, I’m just a philosopher, not a psychologist.’

‘Okay then,’ Eli said, ‘let me give you my interpretation of what I believed happened when you made your big break. I’m giving you this straight-up, so for illustration purposes, allow me to intrude again into your dream and its allegories.’

‘Why not? Mo does it all the time.’

‘Firstly,’ he said, ‘the swamp is an excellent illustration of how your separated ego-mind tried to hold you back by keeping you stuck in the mire of confusion. Would you agree?’

‘I don’t know, maybe… but carry on.’

 ‘Okay, so in doing this, the ruts made you feel secure, even when you knew you weren’t getting anywhere. Still, it was hard for you to feel satisfied or fulfilled while stuck there. The Lowlanders said your satisfaction wasn’t necessary; safety is what’s most important rather than venturing to explore what’s beyond.

‘That’s why no one understood how you could just pick up and leave to expose yourself to all kinds of danger where things might not be safe. By then, I suspect you had enough of chasing around in circles, creating even deeper ruts for you and everyone else, including your lovers. The promiscuity did little to assuage your chronic fears of rejection except to hold you fast-bond in the mire.

‘Then, mercifully, your little sideshow incident occurred at the pub, revealing how much your delusionary ego was distracting you from the Mountain visions you were having the last few years. After your spectacle, your dream strengthened your desire to start anew by breathing in the fresh mountain air. It wasn’t long after you determined to break free of your ego’s Lowlands and find higher ground.’

‘What a minute, Eli, did you say: Breathe in the fresh mountain air? I remember someone saying that not long ago. Was it you?’

‘No, not me; must have been someone else… Mo?’

‘Wasn’t me,’ he said, ‘perhaps it was another of your voices,’ he chuckled. ‘Anyway, let’s hear what else Eli has to say in his interpretation of your escape.’

‘As I was about to explain,’ Eli said, ‘it was difficult for you to have a clean get-away with your ego-mind constantly stalking you every inch of your journey. Its mindless prattling attempted to sink you into the marshes of defeat, so you had to do much slogging and trudging before you could find your way to the Mountain’s solid base.

‘That seems to be the way it is for everyone who ascends; it’s what makes us strong in spirit. In this sense, the ego-self can make or break us with its determination to hold us captive in its bogs, thorns, and mists of illusion. Once a defector’s spirit is broken, they tend to slink back to the Flatlands without ever finding their way out again. Your determination, however, was too strong to be held back, so at last, you arrived at the Mountain.

‘Even as you began the ascent, your wounded ego whispered to you, attempting to undermine your noble quest with its incessant nattering about your life’s past failures. That’s its default position if nothing else works to weaken and bring you down.

‘During your darkest nights in the storms, fear would grip you, causing you to question yourself whether you shouldn’t turn back. Still, you remained resolved and continued on your way. Something within kept telling you to breathe in this fresh mountain air, and so you did.

‘It took you a while to gain altitude as you wandered about, attempting to find the most expeditious approaches to ascend. When you finally did make it near the summit, you couldn’t make it the whole way, at least not in your mortal form. Is it not ironic how your body had to fall a considerable way down for your spirit to rebound back up?

‘What’s important is that you made it, even if it turned out to be a bit of a circuitous route.’

‘I suppose you’re right; it seems I had to fall a long way before I could rise to the Summit.’

‘Now that you’re here in your present form, all you need is to allow your heart to carry you to higher planes. As we keep saying, this is only a resting station for what’s further up.’

‘What do you mean when you say further up? Further up to where?’

‘Further up… to the Lowlands below,’ he said.

‘Further up below,’ I said. ‘Ah, of course, another paradox.’

‘The truth is, James, the highest Summits can only be reached by way of the Lowlands. Now, do you understand why there needs to be an earth before there can be a heaven?’

‘I’m not sure I do; still, I’ll take your word.’

‘Once you’ve come this far, your heart will always remain on the Summit, even while your body attends to the concerns of the world below.’

‘Allow me to interject some of my thoughts into your story,’ Mo said. ‘The Summit illustrates the rarified spiritual domain of heaven, just as the Lowlands represent the dense material domain of earth. In reality, they are part of the same continuum, only polarised at opposite ends. Though both are of the Source, they are experienced differently.

‘Your life’s allegory helps illustrate the dynamic relationship between heart and mind. The Summit represents the inward domain of your heart, while the Lowlands represents the outward order of your mind. When the heart and mind unite in perfect equilibrium, heaven dwells on earth, and earth dwells in heaven.’

‘Which means,’ Eli said, ‘the mind dwells in the Lowlands where it experiences life outwardly, whereas the heart looks downward from the Summit above so the Lowlands may experience life inwardly.’

‘I assume you are speaking figuratively,’ I said.

‘Indeed, I am speaking figuratively… literally. In a sense, it’s like bi-locating, where, as has been demonstrated, consciousness can locate in two domains at once.’ 

‘That’s about the strangest thing you have come up with so far, Eli… which is going some. This time you’re over the Cuckoo’s Nest.[6] If what you say is actually true, give me a real-life example where two locations can be experienced simultaneously.’

‘Let’s start with you; are you here on the Summit or in London, and if here, do you think your body’s cells back home share in your consciousness?

‘Who knows what they’re doing,’ I said.

‘Of course, they do,’ he said, ‘how else would your body remain alive?’

‘I guess you’re right; I never thought of it that way. Interesting.’

‘There are several other advanced spirits on earth who are adept at bi-locating, sometimes consciously and sometimes unconsciously. Before you leave here, don’t be surprised if you meet someone like this who occupies both realms while fully conscious. If that happens, I’m sure you’ll have much in common, be it here, there or back on earth.’

‘I understand here or back on earth, but what do you mean by there?’ I asked.

‘I guess you’ll have to wait to find out.’

‘That didn’t answer my question,’ I said, ‘can you at least tell me who this might be.’

‘Sorry, I’m afraid you’ll have to meet her first,’ he said with a mischievous grin.

      ‘Did you say her?’

‘Indeed, I did. Still, don’t get distracted by what might or might not happen. So, let’s resume your tale of the Lowlands and Summit. You may soon discover, James, that the Lowlands are no longer large enough to contain you, even though you reside in its domain while on earth. That’s because your true home is now on the Summit.’

‘It’s also why there’s such a profound distinction between the prepositions in and of,’ Mo said. ‘Of course, I speak of you being in the world, yet not of the world.’

‘Grammar lessons aside, where’s this all supposed to end?’ I asked.

‘Why must it ever end? As long as you remain an adventurer who seeks what’s beyond, the journey to enlightenment is never over, nor can it be. If it had an end, would that not be hell? It’s fear that thwarts and paralyses the soul from moving forward.’

‘That’s what the lower worlds are about,’ Eli said. ‘Even when the exit door remains unlocked, ready to be pushed open, few budge from this domain of egoic illusions. For these, the door seems shut.

‘Should you open the door for them, it would still be necessary for them to take the initiative to walk through since no one can do it for them. Once they exit, all you need to do is point them towards the Mountain.

‘Not all will ascend, but those that wish to will find their way just as you did when you left the Lowlands. As you realise, it’s not required to know about each twist and turn along the way since everyone finds their path forward… further in, further up.

‘Even with your heart telling you there was a Mountain out there, you had no proof of where it was or if it existed. You only had sporadic visions to go on and a voice that seemed to call you forward. To your credit, you stepped out in faith, not realising one day you would find new heights that would eventually take you to the stars!’

‘To the stars?’

‘Enough said, we’ll be on our way now. I recommend you spend what’s left of the day reflecting on what we discussed today.’

After they walked out the door and vanished over the ridge into the evening’s dusk, I sat contemplating the smouldering fire and what we discussed today. I noticed a copy of Homer’s Odyssey on the hearth, seemingly left there for me to see;[7] a less than subtle hint that often occurred when there was something they wanted me to read.

I picked it up to browse the various passages that brought fond memories of sailing through the Aegean Sea as a merchant sailor. I chuckled as I remembered how I wistfully watched for the beautiful but dangerous sirens mentioned in the book when our ship passed along the shores of the rocky islands.[8]

That made me think of Julianne… was she one of these sirens or worse, the elusive dragon Mo spoke of… the one lying in wait, ready to devour me. Would my love slay her, or would she slay me first? The more beautiful they were, the hotter the dragon’s flames when they left. Might this mean that she, too, would leave me like all the others?

Provided, of course, I didn’t pull out first – a most insane game I had played for too long. That’s what these dragons were about; when you fall in love, they breathe their fire; then, they eat you alive. Would Julianne do the same to me? I wished I knew.

The next day, my companions arrived just after sunrise; as usual, all cheery. We sat outside on the deck with a pot of freshly brewed coffee as the morning sun shone brightly on the alpine surroundings. In contrast to them, I was not in a particularly good mood. Throughout the night, I allowed my mind to get caught up in the dramas I thought were over. Apparently not.

I’m sure Eli knew how I felt, and so, as if to goad me, he said, ‘here you are, James, living the best of both worlds, the splendours of these majestic mountains and us. What more could you ask?’

I looked at him blankly. With the way I was feeling, I thought it was probably best not to say anything… so I didn’t.

‘So, what shall we discuss today?’ Mo asked. ‘Are we finally finished with your wanton love life so we can move on to matters of universal significance?’

‘Such as what?’ I asked with some irritation.

‘If you wish,’ he said, ‘we could discuss what your scientists call dark matter… for reasons I’ll never understand since it’s anything but dark. Or, if you prefer, explore synchronistic spins of uncoupled electrons and why little on the earth remains as it appears? What if that’s the only certainty, where nothing is as it appears?’

‘Ah, the mystery keeps things interesting, does it not?’ Eli asked. ‘There’s always more to learn and even more to unlearn, at least for you. So, what do you wish to unlearn today?’

‘Could we do spins and dark matter another time? I had a miserable night after you left. That damned dragon you talked about must have stirred something up in me. It felt like it would lunge out any time.’

     ‘Then now would be a good time to prepare to do battle with it,’ Mo said. ‘Let me assure you that when you have enough strength and courage to stand up to it, it will have no defence. As has been so profoundly stated, perfect love casts out fear.[9]

      ‘For you, the dragon is your symbol of fear, which always breathes its flames on you since fear and anger are a vibratory match. When you become aware of this, you will look upon it not in fear but rather in love. Then, the dragon will be no more. However, this will not be an easy lesson to learn… it never is.’

‘That’s why when nations fight fear with fear, they ultimately fail; it’s only a matter of time, and no one wins. Though fear may vanquish its foes with force, in the end, it defeats itself. Only the power of love can vanquish the enmity within. When you understand this, foes will no longer be foes. You will no longer fear; instead, you will love those who terrified you most.’

‘You mean like Julianne?’ 

‘Especially Julianne,’ Eli said, smiling.

‘As you discover how to love and accept yourself,’ Mo said, ‘you will learn to love others for who they are. Eventually, they will accept you as you are, even those you considered your enemies. Then, what you see from the Summit, your life will be changed because you will be changed.’

‘I think you might need to explain that since this hasn’t been my experience in life thus far.’

‘Okay then, think about it this way; remember how the view from the Summit is far more encompassing than can be seen from below and how it changes your perspective on everything. Even while you remained in the Lowlands, your vision inspired you to find what might lie beyond the Mountain.

‘It caused you to raise your head to see past the obfuscating fog to sidestep the muddy ruts on your way out of the Lowlands. Then, as you ascended the Mountain, life became truly exhilarating where you could view what you had never been able to see before in the fog. By the time you scaled the steep precipices, you began to witness vast expanses instead of just fragmented patches in the Lowlands.’

‘Notwithstanding all your metaphors and hyperbole,’ I said, ‘there are times things seem a tad foggy up here too.’

‘I’m sure that might seem the case at times,’ Eli said, ‘which is why it’s necessary to keep ascending higher until you get a clear view of where you were and where you’re going. If you look down too far, you might get vertigo and end up far below where you prefer to be… as you are aware.’

‘Fine then,’ I said, ‘enough allegories for now; just tell me what happens when I descend into my physical body? I’m not sure there will be much in the way of vistas after I return.’

‘So why would you go back to wallow in the old ruts,’ Mo asked, ‘especially when you don’t have to?’

‘That’s easy to say from here, but what if I don’t know any better after returning?’

‘That’s true; you probably won’t, at least until your mind catches up with your heart. Without the guidance of your heart, your mind will remain confused until it relinquishes control.’

‘And what if it doesn’t?’

‘That would be most unfortunate since you would likely go back to being just as you were with little chance of Julianne being in your life. Ultimately, it will be your choice; the mind won’t surrender its power until it realises it requires the services of the heart to release it from fear.

Even if your mind refuses at first, things could still work out once you allow her to help you through the illusions of your mind. That might mean allowing her to become your spiritual mentor. Do you think you would be man enough to listen to her?’

‘I can see some rather interesting drama emerging out of this,’ Eli chuckled. ‘In contrast to you, Julianne is as focused on her heart as you are focused on your mind, so this could be quite the clash of worlds.

‘You’re probably right, Eli. After being in a concussion for so long, I might need whatever help I can get to find my way forward, particularly if I’m disoriented and can’t readjust to life as I knew it. Who knows, I could end up living on the street without a home or job.

‘Do you remember that quote from Virgil: Omnia Vincit Amor,’ Mo asked.

No, I don’t, but if I recall my Latin, that would mean: Love Conquers All.’

‘That’s right, and given a chance; her love could help you conquer all that hold you in bondage.’

‘I hope you’re right. But you know, all too often, it’s love that conquers me. As I keep saying, this is what always seems to happen when I care too much… so love becomes a trap. Besides, I’m on this side of the aisle, and she’s on the other, so how can she help?

‘Trust us,’ Eli said, ‘we know something about her that even she doesn’t know about herself where you will eventually be able to reach her even while you remain with us for a time.’

‘James, you say love is a trap; do you have any idea what the true essence of love is?’ Mo asked.

‘Of course, I’ve been in love more than once… sort of.’

‘Actually, I don’t think you do,’ he said. ‘If you did, you would know love’s inner essence sets you free and realise it’s fear that keeps you trapped. Though you haven’t discovered this for yourself yet, when you do, you will stand as a conqueror.

‘Then, when you return to the Lowlands, life will have changed for you. Gone will be the marshes, swamps, bogs and ruts of fear, and the ground will become as firm as where your heart dwells on this Summit. I’m not suggesting that you won’t want to pick up a few more trinkets in whatever forms you find most gratifying down there.

‘But eventually, such accruements will no longer be considered worthy of your attention once you understand they are not your identity. Even the degree on your wall will lose its appeal. Still, these accessories will have served you well in reminding you of what baggage you no longer need to carry on your journey further up and further in.’

But why would I even want to live on earth if everything I’ve desired suddenly loses its allure? I might as well head straight to wherever you and Mo abide. And what of that C-X75 Jag I’ve always dreamed of driving?’

‘If that’s what you truly desire,’ Eli said, ‘then one day, I’m sure you will have it, racing along the Autobahn with every Mercedes, Lamborghini and Ferrari you can find to pass. Yet if you wish to enjoy the ride fully, don’t settle for just Jaguars. You’ve been created for much more than just fast cars and fast women.’

‘But if not fast cars and fast women,’ I said, half-joking, ‘what purpose would life have?’

‘You already know, or at least your heart knows. Even if you aren’t serious, it’s an excellent question because the mind constantly needs the heart to remind the mind of what we came here for when we incarnated on earth.’ 

‘Without the heart’s understanding,’ Mo said, ‘the mind soon forgets what’s real when chasing after the idols it creates. Even among the world’s greatest philosophers, few have given much consideration to this question. Only those who have discovered how to unite their hearts with their minds truly know.’

‘I think you might be overstating things, Mo,’ I said. ‘There are many among your world’s most accomplished who function primarily in their minds.’

‘So, it might seem,’ Mo said. ‘But not with those who have a passion for what they do such as scientists who love to discover and create new things. Even entrepreneurs who love to create wealth by finding new goods and services to offer, do so with the passion of their hearts.

‘No one is inspired with just their minds; instead, they also unite their thoughts with their hearts, whether they’re aware of it or not. They are among the happiest souls on earth because only the heart is the centre of our being.

‘Unfortunately, most of humanity only know what their ego tells them or what someone else’s ego tells them and so they assume they know what they want, but they really don’t.

‘Nevertheless,’ I said, ‘but at least everyone realises they want to be happy.’

‘Of course, everyone wants to be happy,’ Eli said, ‘but whatever the ego believes is necessary for happiness never turns out to be the case. Sadly, few seem to understand how to find true happiness.

‘What many assume will make them happy is what often makes them most unhappy since they look to the outside where it can never be found. Happiness is an inward quality, so must first be experienced with the heart before it can be outwardly expressed and experienced.’

‘Historically,’ I said, ‘the world’s biggest challenge hasn’t been about happiness. Instead, it’s been about securing sufficient food and shelter for survival.’

‘Possibly, at that time,’ Mo said, ‘survival was what they considered happiness.’

‘Certainly, none of that would have been sufficient for my happiness,’ I said, ‘since my needs are a bit more exquisite. Nevertheless, with the right woman, who knows?’ I may remain chuffed, at least for a while.’

‘Still, what if there is no right woman for you?’ Eli asked… ‘at least, not until you are right for a woman. Though you may consider women your biggest problem, many of them might say you’re their biggest problem.

‘As I’m sure you agree, when it comes to living side by side with other humans on God’s green earth, life’s biggest challenges are primarily found in relationships. Yet they also afford the greatest opportunity to grow in wisdom and understanding.’

‘If that were so, I should be a saint by now.’

‘Perhaps by now you should be… though you’re not,’ Mo said. ‘Although, you could be in the running one day if you’re willing to do what we say by going down the path of love and not the ego domain of fear. For now, you must recognise the cause of your problems. It’s never about the conflict without; instead, it’s the conflict within, just as it has always been for nations, tribes, and families.

‘In fact, all conflicts are symptoms of inward fear and alienation. As we’ve said, that’s why so few know who they are. And as long as they don’t care to know, they never will, especially when they listen only to those equally lost and alienated. Too often, these are the voices of the world’s leaders.

‘There are many voices we can choose to listen to, both within and without. Regardless, any voice that speaks only of fear remains delusionary. There remains just one Voice that can speak peace into the heart.

‘This is the divine Voice, audible only to the ears that wish to hear its message instead of the voices of distraction.[10] The problem is; that voice can only be heard when the voices of fear have been silenced.

‘That’s why I keep saying it’s important that you come to Know Thy Self by discovering who you are. If you listen, you will hear the voice, quietly reminding you.’

‘Speaking of voices,’ I said, ‘I still haven’t forgotten that sweet and enchanting voice I heard when I scaled towards the Summit.’

‘The voice we speak of, you’ve heard throughout your life,’ Eli said. ‘More than you know, it has come to you in many ways: sometimes difficult, sometimes pleasant, but most often through the lessons you’ve learned.

‘As for the enchanting voice you thought you heard near the Summit, why not? Anything is possible.’

‘It was almost seductive,’ I said, ‘although it was probably just me imagining some exotic mountain nymph waiting for me.’

‘Or, that special angel you like to dream of,’ he said.

‘I guess it doesn’t matter what I imagine her to be; nevertheless, I wish I could hear that same soft voice again. If so, I wonder what she would say to me.’

‘I suspect; she would whisper subtle impressions of her feelings.’

‘I’m not sure what that might be like,’ I said, ‘but it sounds tantalising. ‘Regardless, we’re probably getting carried away with this angel metaphor. Isn’t that what angels are, metaphors for all the perfect women who don’t exist?’

‘How satisfying would you find an angel metaphor, James. Even if you should be touched by a metaphor, as in a poem; still, you can’t touch it.’

‘That’s a good point, Eli. Even if this angel should exist, I’m not sure how touchable she would be.’

‘What if Julianne is your angel… at least on earth? If you approach her respectfully, you might be able to touch her someday. Certainly, she has touched you more than any other woman you’ve known.’

‘Now, wouldn’t that be a switch?’ I asked, smiling. ‘Rather than my special angel descending to me from on high, I’d have to descend to her! In which case, she may regard me as her special angel.’

‘Perhaps she already regards you as such. Without a doubt, you’re bringing the best out in her… even without trying.’

After they left that evening, I continued to sit by the fire as I reflected on what we had talked about these last couple of days. From what they were saying, it seemed there might be some promise of love in my life. Yet, there was some risk that this too might be broken.

All our intensive discussions about love, relationships and my ego challenges made my mind weary. Maybe by morning, my life would magically sort out… in my dreams.

I placed my bottle of gin on the floor and slowly climbed the stairs.

 

 ENDNOTES

[1] Greek philosopher, biographer and high priest at the Delphi Temple of Apollo (AD 46-120)
[2]Russian Mathematician and esoteric philosopher, P.I. Ouspensky, provided metaphysical glimmerings to this in various books such as Tertium Organum, New Model of the Universe and In Search of the Miraculous.  
[3] The ZPF is the vacuum state in the quantum field with the lowest energy possible with no manifest particles of energy. For some, this helps explain how thoughts may be equated with matter.
[4] Mo also quoted what physicist Niels Bohr stated about trying to describe the indescribable: We must be clear that when it comes to atoms, language can be used only as in poetry. The poet, too, is not nearly so concerned with describing facts as with creating images and establishing mental connections[
5] A Buddhist term for awakening, understanding and comprehension.
[6] This person was referred to earlier as Anita Moorjani in a footnote in Chapter Eight.
[7] In reference to the 1975 movie, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, starring Jack Nicolson.
[8]  Pascal wrote: I would prefer an intelligent hell to a stupid paradise. 
[9]  From A Course of Love, Mari Peron, Book 3, Chapter 11.  
[10] Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are among the most ancient works of extant literature in the Western world, dating back to the eighth century BC.
[11] Sirens were beautiful but dangerous feminine creatures Homer and other poets wrote of, luring sailors away with their enchanting voices, causing shipwrecks on islands such as Anthemoessa.
[12] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear, 1 John 4:18 (KJV)
[13] This reminded me of the saying, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mathew 11:15 (KJV)

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS TO ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: THE ASCENT

1. Prologue to the Series
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/prologue    

2. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent. Chapter One 
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/Elysiums-Passage-Chapter-One     

3. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Two
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/Elysiums-Passage-Chapter-Two    

4. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Three 
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/chapter-three     

5. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Four
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/chapter-four     

6. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Five 
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-five      

7. Elysium’s Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Six
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-six    

8. Elysium’s Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Seven
https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/the-ascent-chapter-seven 

9. Elysium’s Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Eight
http://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-eight  

10. Elysium’s Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Nine
https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/the-ascent-chapter-nine  

11. Elysium’s Passage: The Ascent. Chapter Ten
https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/the-ascent-chapter-ten 

12. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent, Chapter Eleven
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-eleven  

13. Elysium's Passage The Ascent, Chapter Twelve
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-twelve

14. Elysium's Passage: The Ascent, Chapter Thirteen
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-thirteen 

15: Elysium’s Passage: The Ascent, Chapter Fourteen
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-ascent-chapter-fourteen 

 

SUMMARY OF
ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE NOVEL SERIES

 

 
ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: THE ASCENT, the first in a series of seven Elysium’s Passage narrations regarding a young British philosopher named James Phillips who finds himself living in an altered state of reality while still remaining on earth.  

After experiencing a near-fatal fall while climbing to the summit of a remote mountain in the Andes, James awakens in a new dimension. He soon encounters two mysterious beings who provide him with a very different perspective on the nature of his existence. Over the next year, before his body recovers from the coma, he is challenged to re-examine his understanding of life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed or could believe.

An engaging and sometimes surreal adventure with intimations of impending romance, the narrative explores the most important questions about life, death, reality and our ultimate destiny.

The Plains of Elysium (Champs-Élysées) was described by Homer, Hesiod, Virgil and many other poets as the paradisiac afterlife realm reserved for heroes. As the title suggests, this is about a journey through a passage that leads towards Elysium’s exciting realm of existence.

Press review: https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm  

 

 __________________________________________

 

PENDING PUBLICATIONS ELYSIUM’S PASSAGE SERIES

.

ELYSIUM’S PASSAGE novel series is projected to be released as follows: 
 

THE ASCENT 2022

THE SUMMIT 2022 

QUANTUM LEAPS 2023

SURREAL ADVENTURES 2023 

MYSTICAL ROMANCE 2023

HE ELIXIR 2024

THE RETURN sometime in 2024/25

 

________________________________________________________

 

READER REVIEWS

 
The following comments are among the first Amazon reviews of Elysium’s Passage: The Summit. All are Five Stars! Other reader reviews are included below, along with excerpts from two professional reviews. To read full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com

"Quietly, gently, and without imposition, the Author unfolds the pages, creating an intricate, interlocking bridge spanning the chasm between mind and heart. Renewing, refreshing, restoring. In my bereavement, it was vigil and light…"

"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture and humour; Mr Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures the imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”

“Excellently written with an exceedingly deep understanding of this world and the next. The characters are very well written and engaging. I can't wait to complete this book!"

“Takes the reader on both a philosophical and spiritual journey, a journey that at times is both disquieting and tranquil. James, a British Philosopher can be irreverent and caustic, traits that should have left me cringing, but instead made me laugh out loud. Elysium’s Passage is a fun, enlightening and remarkable book.”

“This is a masterful fantasy, becoming a real possibility, as the reader is drawn into the story. The Summit leaves you anxious for the next book in the series, yet also leaves you totally satisfied with the world you have just visited. Genius! An exciting, yet calming, experience that is not to be missed."

"There was hardly a page on which I did not find at least one sentence worthy of hi-lighting for future reference. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, James, whose personality and passionate verbal exchanges with the other characters, kept me coming back for more. I am reading the book for a second time while I wait for the next one in this series to be made available."

 “N.G. Meyers has clearly put a great deal of research and thought into what the afterlife may look like and I like his perspective. It’s an altogether welcoming and exciting vision. The book gives one a great deal to think about and a reassuring confidence that the end of our lives is truly the beginning of life in the next. I highly recommend it."

“The humour interjected into a serious discussion makes me laugh out loud. Totally unexpected....l may be in the presence of at least a master, if not a genius. A fair ride into reality... seeking that which is unseen, yet absolutely real.”

“An engaging story of adventure embracing man's deepest desire to search for meaning and purpose, N.G. Meyers takes the reader on an adventurous thought-provoking journey. This book has substance. It is a perfect blend of adventure and fantasy combined with spiritual philosophy. It ignited my imagination. The author magically weaves a good story laced with wit and humour together with deep philosophical wisdom. This book has it all!”

“An evolution in thought is triggered by many fresh philosophical themes which could inspire readers to re-think their reality and former ideologies that have dictated their lives… the author fires readers’ imaginations to view what could be possible when spirit vacates the body.”

“This is the book spiritual seekers have been waiting for. For me, it granted a great read as well as increased inspiration to live every day with a heightened sense of purpose. I highly recommend it.

“The Summit is capable of hooking readers and luring them to search for Book 2 to discover more about Dr. Philip’s surreal trek into the mysterious unknown universe. This thick book is well worth the read and to share…”

“Mind-blowing statements and speculation (‘…everyone is a non-physical thought form conceived in the Mind of God, preserved for all eternity because God’s thoughts never die…’). Many will find Meyers’ journey up the Mountain intriguing—and possibly even life-changing.” (BLUEINK REVIEW)

“In its effort to grapple with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, it raises questions that have echoed throughout the ages, including about where we come from, where we are going, who we are.”  (CLARION REVIEW)

For more READERS REVIEWS go to https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/reader-reviews.   

BLOG POSTINGS: https://digitalbloggers.com/articles/elysiumspassage  or the Elysium's Passage website