RISING ABOVE: EXTRATERRESTRIAL WISDOM

II   FIRST CONTACT   (Continued)

TANGLED BRANCHES

     you'll meet us first where your most tangled branches grow   the greatest fear isn't of death but of the Unknown   we're part of the Unknown you've yet to discover at the crux of your own being   foray into that primal wilderness now  where all your ghosts and shadows play   there's someone waiting for you here who's not from your safe and familiar surroundings   what if what you most deeply fear guards the secret of who you most truly are?

     where is your real home?   it's not a big mansion at the crossroad of two busy highways  nor a penthouse atop a towering skyscraper   your real home lies hidden away in a clearing in the forest of your innermost self   it's a humble refuge where you meditate in solitude   at the same time it's a hearth where you welcome both known and unknown guests    we're among the unknown guests who seek to be known

     just step out your door and the adventure begins   turn any corner and you can't be certain who or what you'll meet   even if you try to cleave to the seemingly secure and easy path   sooner or later you'll find yourself knocked for a loop by the unpredictable--which never was under your control   far better then to travel light and live bravely   unafraid of mystery   another name for this is "Miracle"

     the soul sees so much clearer by starlight   that's because it's the outer shining which most vividly reflects an inner Illumination   grasp a rough branch with one hand    but keep your other hand open and ready for any new encounter   this way   dwelling wide awake in both worlds   you'll realize they're not separate   they're One

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VISITOR

     we meet   as if for the first time   although we've always known each other   amazing isn't it?  that the strangest stranger should also be your closest friend   across a billion light years  yet not even spanning the tiniest hair's breadth  we say "hello"   but there's no separation   apart is illusion   Oneness is all

     come nearer   don't be afraid   you're only encountering your own deepest  highest  vastest Self   the journey of seeking   finding   knowing  loving   has spiraled outward to greater and greater inclusiveness   now your consciousness expands   encompassing the universe!  here is your destiny   created from the stars   you're returning to the stars   we reveal the wormhole opening to that destination

     while a frightened child's locked in a dark closet   she weeps   he rages   then a Friend finally comes   unlocking the closet door and swinging it wide   at first that child's blinded  confused  terrified   but after a time the truth gradually dawns--liberation!  so it is now with you  you're still blinded by the Light   but soon you'll understand   It's the Beacon of your soul's freedom   blazing brightly at last!

     the whole story's changing   radically  inescapably   everywhere    the rigid  deadening armor forged from fear  hatred  and cruelty is splintering   and through each fissure and crack an Ocean of Light is seeping   even pouring through!  this Flood cannot be stopped   transformation's inevitable   we're its messengers   we're your awakeners to the only Reality there is:  One Is All  All Are One   You Are That   We Are That

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(TO BE CONTINUED)