THE FALL

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The picture featured above was near where I almost had a near fatal fall off a mountain. I never forgot that! In fact, I felt unnerved by the experience for several weeks after.
What happened is that I took a 'short cut' approach to the mountain summit where felt confident there would be no big impediments. But the further I went up, the more challenging things became where at time I had difficulty raising myself to the next ledge. I knew I was in trouble if I came to an impasse because it would be nearly risky to lower myself down if I needed to retreat. Even if I found the proper footing while lowered myself down would, it be very dangerous.
Then, when I was very near the summit, I came to an area where I only had one choice to advance. Before me was chasm that I had to cross but the footing to get across appeared very questionable. The thin soft ledge might hold me and it might not while crossing. Take another look at the picture and you will have an idea of how I felt when I looked down. My stomach was in knots. If I thought I could safely retreat down at the point, I would. It seemed both options were equally suspect.
Well, the only reason I'm here to write this, is that each step held.
My hero James in ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: THE SUMMIT, was not so fortunate.
I've included a few pages from the first chapter that illustrate what he was feeling. It's much the same as what I felt.
If you wish to find what happened after that, you can read in Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 posted in this blog. Perhaps you will then wish to purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, hardcopy or eBook.
I hope so.
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I trust you will find enjoy reading the following excerpt from Chapter One:
By the time the sun was lowering, I had scaled most of the way up. It was then the realization suddenly hit me like a boulder catapulting down from the ridge above. Yes, this was it, just over the next ridge. I could see it, not much distance remained to reach the summit. The long, weary ascent was almost over! As I pulled myself to the top of a plateau ledge, I wanted to jump up in celebration, but my leg muscles were too strained and fatigued from this last frantic scramble. So instead I staggered up to my feet and stood there in awe of my impossible feat. I was almost there now! I raised my right arm in victory, fist clenched.
But then, as I looked upward towards the summit, I thought I saw something moving far off at the pinnacle of the Summit ridge’s eastern end. I dropped my arm. Hardly discernible at first, it moved closer to the edge, becoming clearer and brighter. Yet I had no idea what this was, except it seemed to be a shining orb of shimmering light. Curiously, the longer I focused on it, the brighter it seemed to glow. Then I saw two, now three more orbs; it was difficult to tell what was going on, since they kept shifting about. Suddenly they disappeared! Most peculiar, I thought… and most startling!
I moved forward slowly, with my eyes still fixed on the summit ridge. The euphoria I felt minutes ago was now displaced by whatever was spooking me up there. I felt my heart beating even harder than when I scaled up this last ridge. Then came an eerie premonition that something extraordinary was about to happen; possibly an encounter with something unknown, whatever that might be. How strange that at this moment of triumph, my gut was being twisted into knots. Possibly, this was delirium setting in from the high altitude. Was I losing my mind from oxygen deprivation? Or were the Mountain gods not pleased with my intrusion into their sacred domain, sending their flaming chariots to hold me at bay?
I knew something was about to happen, I just didn’t know what. I could sense a disturbing presence… seemingly not of this world. And it wants me! Oh God, I thought, I’m not only delusional, but paranoid. Whether something was out there to get me or not, I could feel the air charged with electrified ions. It was like when a flash of lightning is about to hit the earth, except there were no storm clouds in the sky. So was Zeus about to strike me down?
In spite of these unnerving premonitions of doom, I burst forward to meet the adversary, if that’s what it was. Perhaps it was reflexive, but that's how I deal with fear: head on! I’ve always despised cowards and so always do the opposite of what I think they might do. Or was this more about being a moth drawn towards the light of the candle, only to be consumed by its flame? Lurching now towards the summit with all my might, at times faltering, I clambered up the next crag, as though attacking this final precipice.
I was most of the way to the top, when my legs wouldn’t carry me any further. As I stood hunched over, gasping for air, I sensed I was being watched. Then, as I looked up towards the summit again, I saw the orbs hovering about on top. At the same time, some forced seemed to be impinging on my brain, as though something was attempting to get through to me. Next, I heard something, but I didn’t know what if may have been.
I told myself I was only imagining voices from the winds sweeping over the summit. And those throbbing light -- probably the sun's reflection off something. But off what? It couldn’t be from the landscape of shrubs and boulders. Nothing natural could have that brilliance and then just vaporize in the air. Whatever it was; continued to flit about like fireflies at night, even though it was still daylight. Aliens!?
At this point, I knew there was no way out if they wanted to take me. With my body now overwhelmed with exhaustion, I didn’t know what to do… stay here, continue upward, or attempt to lower my way down the precipice. Then run like bloody hell all the way back to Santiago.
But no; I couldn’t just slink away. I’d rather die. I had to continue forward! Was I being mesmerized by subliminal trance inducing waves emanating out of the orbs, something like the hapless Eloi who would passively stroll into the caves and clutches of the cannibalistic Morlocks?[1]
Whether it was an irrepressible impulse or not, I forced myself to proceed further until I found I couldn't go any further. I was at an impasse. On the right was a very large chasm, perhaps the result of a giant earthquake or some cataclysmic overthrust from a million years ago. On the left I couldn’t proceed upwards to the Summit because the vertical rock was too smooth and sheer to grasp.
Bloody hell, I thought! Earlier in the day I was deciding how best to precede upward since it appeared there were only two alternatives. Unfortunately, I chose a trajectory that brought me to this chasm. Had I taken the longer route to the right, I may have spiraled around to the other side to reach the summit. It may have been much easier, although my aerial photo showed evidence of a very steep glacier which may have been very difficult to traverse without ice picks. If I were to retreat all the way down to the ravine below, in search of a less precarious approach, it could easily take another half a day to recover this altitude.
I found the chasm’s walls to be steep and unforgiving, but it appeared there may be enough of a ledge to make it across to the other side. It would be risky though… very risky! Once across, however, I could do a few switchbacks and then scramble to the top. It wouldn't take long; then I would be able to confront whatever was waiting for me up there.
I looked down the deep abyss. It was dizzying. Attrition over eons of time had created a formidable canyon that I hadn’t anticipated from the angle I approached the summit. No person in their right mind would attempt crossing this without proper equipment. It would be insane. So I took a few deep breaths, relaxed my muscles, and offered a quick Hail Mary in case there was a Mary out there listening.
I took the first few steps by leaning inward to the rock face while using my hands to help secure my balance. It seemed I would be able to make it across… provided the footing held. Then after about a dozen steps across, my knees began to tremble as I realized I had gone too far; the ledge was now too narrow for me to turn around. You`re committed now, James, I thought. You've no choice; it's either do or die.
Though looking down was something I preferred not to do, I couldn`t help but gape into the dark chasm below as I continued to carefully position my feet one step at a time. I thought of what Nietzsche once said, when you stare into the abyss the abyss stares back at you.[2] Indeed it was staring… most terrifyingly so. This would be a very, very nasty drop: a very long way down with nothing to break my body's descent until near the bottom. A fall would almost certainly be fatal.
‘Oh God,’ I breathed out frantically, ‘what have I got myself into?’ With still about another twenty feet to go, things weren’t looking good. There was no fissure close enough for me to wedge an anchor to rappel out. Even then, my rope wasn’t nearly long enough to swing far enough off to the chasm’s side to find ground. At this point, it was difficult to determine how thick the protruding ledge was and whether it would be sufficient to hold me. If only I was able to offset some of my weight by finding something to grasp, even a tuft of grass. But there was nothing to cling to. Again, I tried to turn around, but couldn't. Why didn't I notice how treacherous this would be before I started to cross over? Probably because I was afraid and too impulsive to make a rational choice!
But here I was. Though I wasn’t a believer, out of nowhere in my mind, came the words, Father into thy hands I commit my spirit.[3]
I too must commit, I thought, there’s no other choice. As I stepped forward and placed my foot down, I thought, careful James, this could be your final…
And so the dream ended.
…but was it just a dream?
[1] In reference to H.G. Wells’ science fiction novel, The Time Machine (1895) and the 1960 film version of the Eloi falling into sound induced trances that caused them to saunter into the dark tunnels of the brutish Morlocks to meet their fateful demise.
[2] Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher, Beyond Good and Evil, 1886
[3] The words attributed to Jesus as he died on the cross, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke ( 23:46)
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READER REVIEWS
The following comments are excerpts from among the first readers including a number of Amazon five star reviews. To read the full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com or directly at https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/reader-reviews
"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture and humour; Mr. Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”
"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…"
“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."
"I am really enjoying your book, it’s fantastic! It is so incredible and diversified that I can’t really explain it other people, so what I say is just read this book. Thank you so much for the blessings that you’ve given the world!"
“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 humor 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)
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CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
EMAIL: nmeyers@shaw.ca
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/elysiumspassage/
Elysium's Passage Novel Series Elysium's Passage Group page
Elysium's Passage Author's Page
TWITTER My posts can be viewed at: https://twitter.com/Neil1113
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/meyersneil/
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.ca/neilmeyers/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-meyers
YOUTUBE: YouTube: Elysium Passage - YouTube
Elysium's Passage Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXpzFH6VNMQLOtqOK2SrXpg
For more blog postings click: https://digitalbloggers.com/articles/elysiumspassage
AMAZON: Elysium's Passage: The Summit and is now available. Click this link:
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SUMMARY OF ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: THE SUMMIT
This the first in a series of five Elysium 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 about life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed, or could believe.
An engaging and sometime 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.
To read a sample press review at: https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm
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VIDEO INTRODUCTION
Doulbe click image to view my first time amateur video
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PENDING PUBLICATIONS IN THE SERIES
The Summit, is now available for purchase. With the exception of the last novel, the other three have been written but still require more editing before publication.
The following titles in the Elysium's Passage series are projected to be released as follows:
THE SUMMIT available
SURREAL ADVENTURES summer 2019
MYSTICAL ROMANCE fall 2019
HE ELIXIR spring 2020
THE RETURN sometime in 2021/2
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