The Mystic Paradigm: An Evolutionary Novel

by Heater, Brian M.

  Jasmine tried to calm him, massaging his temples and gently touching his shoulders, using her healing energy to help. She reflected on what he said and made her own observation. “As part of coming to Earth and being human, we experience the individual soul. This is partly our purpose so that we can grow. The ancient shamanic practice is partially focused on soul work, healing the individual soul. We are part of the One, but as humans we also experience and grow as individuals. This is the feeling I am getting with the mistrust going on. There is indeed some healing that needs to occur. The shadow we are exploring may need to be exposed to heal. We also need to view it on a larger energy level, that we are all still connected, that it is a collective issue that we need to come to terms with. Trust can be broken, but also rebuilt. The secrets will be revealed.”

  “That makes a lot of sense,” Talis said thoughtfully, calming down for a moment. “Grandfather taught me that there was still work to be done. That we always grow. I know our society still has issues that need to be addressed. And probably many of us need healing. He also spoke of a duality in humans, that there are two parts to each of us. It’s possible, as others are saying, that we have buried certain aspects of our shadow side for too long. It could be hidden collectively among the secrets of the lost mystics. Maybe that is what Grandfather was trying to tell me?”

  Jasmine cradled Talis and they both were silent for a time. In a moment of passion, her lips finally found his and their kiss connected them on a level neither had yet experienced. They were both surprised and elated at the synergy between them.

  “It is amazing how we have connected,” Jasmine said lovingly. “In many ways I feel like it’s the yin/yang energy that makes us relate so well. The physical and the spiritual. The duality of life that we have been discussing recently. Yin and yang interrelate and complement each other, separate yet intertwined and connected. It’s beautiful how our energy is becoming interdependent. And how we give rise to each other and interrelate to one another. I am beginning to feel this way.”

  “Am I the more physical one? My feet planted firmly on this earth?” Talis smiled as he caressed her long brown hair.

  “I think you may be that strong grounded force that I crave in my life as a mystic,” Jasmine said as she relaxed with his touches. “You make me feel more of the earth. My love feels human and this is something that feels wonderful.”

  Talis pondered this all. “I have always been practical, I guess. My friends call me pragmatic and I usually take that as a good thing. I very much believe in the spiritual realm, it is always part of me, but I tend to be more like my grandfather. He was always grounded in what he could do to help on the earthly level, what we call ‘sacred activism,’ or what I often refer to as ‘love-in-action’. This is a transforming force that is born of a deep connection of spiritual knowledge and radical action, along with a dose of courage, love, and passion. This is what the revolution was all about and what we have done here with our society for the last 60 years. What we have accomplished socially and culturally are part of the physical realm. It has transforming power. The University has been such an instrumental part in our transformation. You, too, are indeed love-in-action. Maybe we need to connect the physical and the spiritual on a stronger level? This is the intuitive feeling I am getting, the need for a stronger connection.”

  “Yes, me too; I feel the same.” Jasmine said. “It is possible that our new feelings of love will help us understand this balance, the blending of the physical and the spiritual. As you said, the sacred activism that has helped transform our society has an important place in the spiritual world.”

  “I agree. We will need to talk to the others soon. This may help us discover the truth that we seek.”

  They both looked at each other and reflected on the moment. They only wanted to stay in each other’s arms and forget their larger responsibilities. The peace they felt made them forget the task ahead. Tonight they would forget all else. As their bodies and spirits intertwined, they became one for a few hours, forming an inseparable passionate bond. The strongest force would overcome any challenge: the power of love.

  Chapter 23

  The Dreaming Journey

  Joshua spent much of his time in meditation, reflection and prayer at the University. He had a small private cob house on the far side of the gardens. It was self-contained with a small courtyard located in the middle where he could sit outside and not be disturbed. This place is where many went for isolation, when they needed time to sort things out. A perfect place for him to be at this time.

  The journey had affected him in many ways. He didn’t feel grounded, almost like part of him was still connected to the realm they had visited. He loved the earth, the physical beauty of it all, and wanted more than anything to get back to what he was doing on the collective farm. To be in the beautiful fields of organic fruits and vegetables, to smell the sweetness of the earth as he dug his hands into it, this he loved. Yet he knew his path was different now. He had taken this journey and it had altered him. He had changed even before the journey, when his dreams had started. Lillian had connected with him for a reason and he desperately wanted to dream again. He felt most at peace being quiet and trying to connect with the spiritual realm.

  He missed his time with Jonathan, their close talks in the evening and their intimacy, but he chose to stay on the University grounds in isolation. He put out a virtual note to let him know he was thinking of him. Jonathan was one who understood and he knew that their time together was limited. He replied with only love and support. This helped Joshua focus on his thoughts.

  It was during one of his long meditation sessions that he fell into a deep dream-like trance and began to see and speak to his spirit guide, Forena. They spoke in the spirit dream world like familiar friends.

  “It is wonderful to speak with you again Joshua. I have been watching and waiting for a chance to communicate.”

  “Forena, I’m very glad to see you also. It has been a strange and somewhat difficult path to be back on Earth. I love it here so, yet something in me connected with your realm.”

  “Yes, I know. It is a strong part of you, always has been. You are one of the old souls that drift back to Earth to complete your ascension and growth.”

  “And what is it I am to complete?” Joshua asked in honest confusion.

  “That is your journey to decide. I am here to guide you though. And now, what questions do you have of me?”

  Joshua was silent for several moments as he became more familiar with this realm. He felt a comfort here and this made him clear.

  “I have been wondering about my path this lifetime. It has been a road-less-traveled kind of journey for me. Do I have a stronger purpose for this time?”

  Forena spoke in a gentle fashion. “Joshua you have a strong love in your heart. You are connected with us and you are a beacon to help in this world. Your light is strong. You have sought the earthly ways so that you can become more grounded. Yet you continually look to us as the way.”

  “But I feel like I am needed as the bridge in the gap, possibly a way for us to increase the energy.”

  “This is possible, but it is not the only way. Do you want to speak with the Collective again about these matters?”

  “You mean the Mystic Collective that Lillian is part of?” Joshua asked excited at the chance again to connect with them so soon.

  “Yes, we can go to them now for a brief time.”

  “Take me there please.”

  “We will go there, but there will be another visitor that joins us.”

  In a brief moment they were there. Quickly he saw a familiar face and beamed with great joy.

  “Layia, is that you?” Joshua said a bit surprised that they were in the dream realm together.

  Layia smiled and greeted her friend with a hug. “Yes. It seems we are seeking the same answers.” Just then a sudden flash appeared and the collective energy of the mystics had arrived.

  “My Earth friends, y
ou are here to speak with us again. I am glad.” It was what sounded like Lillian, yet the form was not human, but instead a large orb of light.

  “This is our collective energy—the Mystic Collective. As Lillian, I am part of a larger whole. You will hear my voice, but in our realm we are One. I cannot always come to you in single form. There is simply not enough energy nor is it wise.”

  They understood and Joshua spoke first. “I come here to seek guidance. Is there something we can do to help bridge the energy gap?”

  “There are many paths that lead to the solution. Your earth realm will need to rebalance itself in order to raise the energy.”

  “And how can we do this?” Layia asked

  “Ah my dear Layia, that is the question you will have to answer, yet if you seek it deep within yourself you will know. It is not possible for us to decide such things for you. We can, however, try to guide you.”

  “What can you tell us about raising the energy?” Joshua asked. “Can our understanding and connection with you help?”

  “Yes, your connection with us will help. As I said to you before, Layia’s grounded energy is part of the solution. Yet we still may need to increase the energy gap on a different level. We will need mystics who can bridge the energy with us for a time.”

  “This will give us some time?”

  “It is possible. Keep seeking the solutions on the earthly plane also. We will be here to connect with you.”

  Joshua hesitated for a moment, but could not ignore what had happened to them at the portal. “Is there any reason someone would want to stop us from this task?”

  The Mystic Collective was silent, its energy field fluctuating. There was no answer for quite some time. Then the Collective finally spoke. “There was a time when decisions were made that cannot be undone. We are not here to reveal this to you. It may be that part of your healing on Earth will be this discovery. This truth will be revealed to you as you seek the answers.”

  “What discovery?” Joshua asked in a confident, but slightly irritated way.

  “Focus on the present. If you relive the past all we ask is that you forgive those that meant no harm.” Both Joshua and Layia were puzzled with that remark. They wanted to ask more, but the collective energy started to fade and disappear. “Many blessings, my Earth friends. We will speak again when it is time.”

  As quickly as they had appeared the collective energy force was gone again and there was no other vision. Joshua awoke from his dream suddenly. He was a bit disoriented and confused as he opened his eyes and gathered his thoughts. Just then there was a quiet knock on his door.

  “Come in,” he said partially alarmed at this late night visitor. It was Layia.

  “You were there also, yes?” Joshua asked still jumpy from the experience.

  “I was indeed with you.” Layia commented as she came in and sat down next to him. “I have entered the dream trance many times. This was the first, though, in which I saw you. I was very happy to be there with you my friend.”

  Joshua looked at her warmly. “Me too. What do you think we are meant to do?” He picked up some tea he had just made and offered a cup to Layia.

  “I am not sure, but it sounds like they may need our help while our Earth comes up with a solution. That is the feeling I am getting.”

  “Yes, I feel we are needed, I am just not sure what to do.”

  “Should we tell the others?” Layia asked not sure what he would suggest.

  “I think at least Talis and Jasmine should know, although I am not clear if it will help. I feel that you and I will need to also decide what we can do. We are being brought into the dream together for a reason. It may be up to us to help the larger group, even if it’s for a short time.”

  “I understand and agree completely.” Layia said firmly as she sipped her tea. “And what about the event that occurred at the portal? From what I can tell there is something that is not being revealed to us.”

  “I know,” Joshua said with slight anger. “It is starting to get to me. Why does everyone speak in riddles and avoid telling us the truth? Lillian seems to be avoiding the subject. And Tythia at the Council meeting recently? She is a respected Elder. Why am I feeling that something is being hidden from us?”

  The two sat in silence absorbing what had just happened. They would have to reflect on their journey and decide what could be done to help.

  Chapter 24

  Unrest in the United Continents

  It was fairly quiet on the University grounds as many took time to look inward and examine themselves and their utopian society. There was, however, much communication coming into the Joint Councils of the Cascadia Bioregion about the heightened fear and increased unrest in the world. It had only been a week since the travelers had returned with their news of the lost mystics, and many people did not know what to think of it all. There were many unanswered questions about the decreasing energy field and confusion about what should be done. Knowing that a solution was needed soon, Helena met with several key members of the Joint Council to discuss what could be done to help. Many on the councils were concerned with what they were hearing. Locally, the level of trust had been compromised with the recent events. This was something that hadn’t occurred in their society on this level for decades. They were indeed at a crossroads.

  The meeting took place in the chamber balcony overlooking the expansive gardens of the University. The patio made of local grey stone absorbed the heat of the morning sun as the group sat out in the fresh air. The familiar scents of the nearby gardens calmed them as they sipped their morning tea in silence, each one deep in thought. Although they were in a peaceful place, they knew that much of the world felt apprehensive over the situation. They too felt disharmony and wanted to begin the healing as soon as possible.

  Helena began the discussion with a serious focus. “My friends, as we all know, the energy field is decreasing. In turn, there is a level of fear gripping people that we have not experienced since before the revolution. Many of our younger generations have never felt these things. We also have our three young travelers almost becoming victims of a tragedy for an unknown reason. What is happening to us? Many have fear of the unknown and fear of themselves. Many are now saying that perhaps we focused our efforts and culture so much on unity consciousness that we have missed a key point in living the earthly experience.”

  The group stayed silent as they reflected on Helena’s question. Had they forgotten something in their peaceful world? They all knew unity consciousness had indeed brought the world to a higher state of enlightenment. For the last 60 years people had focused on piercing the mask of illusion that had limited the world for so long. This illusion had created so much separation and fragmentation in the past. They had overcome this in so many ways and had advanced as a civilization. Yet had they focused too much on this higher consciousness? Were they missing a key component in the way they lived? Many did not really know what the answer was. It was a time of great inner reflection for the people of the world. The members of the Joint Council continued to ponder this quietly in the morning sun.

  Michael had been visibly tense since the last meeting. He was quiet for the most part, but his energy reflected a different intense tone. He had changed even more since the portal accident and seemed to be battling something inside himself. After holding off long enough, he was the first to add his input to Helena’s questions.

  Michael spoke with intensity. “With this questioning and nervousness there will be continued unrest. We are indeed hearing that people are more agitated and in many ways more fearful of how we have lived. Have people been suppressing the need to express all parts of themselves? Have we focused too much on our higher spiritual energies and not enough on our accomplishments? My feeling is that our institutional changes since the revolution and the way we have set up our new culture are the foundation that makes us strong.”

  He paused and looked at Helena and the other mystics present. “And no offense to you, H
elena, and the mystics here at the University, but I simply think we make too much of our need for this energy stuff. I have all respect for your work, but without a core foundation of institutional system change such as we have done here for 60 years, all the vibration in the world couldn’t do any good.”

  The mystics were slightly taken aback by Michael’s attitude, yet they kept their calmness, allowing everyone to speak and express their opinion. Everyone was on edge, not knowing who to trust or what the solution was to their dilemma. Each individual sitting here today knew what they had accomplished. Indeed, society had transformed in major ways in the last six decades. Even with the present unrest, violence was still fortunately at a low level. For most it was neither necessary nor desired. Was this peace the work of a higher energy and unity consciousness? Or was it the actual system changes that had been implemented as Michael had suggested?

  Marti, being the pragmatic scientist, focused on the practical side of the issues and tried to look at the reality of the situation.

  “I think both a higher energy and a stable state system are both needed. In defense of what Michael said, people on a system level now have what they need to survive and take care of their families. Let’s all remember that even with the decreased energy violence is still very low because of two major factors. The first is the founding principle of our society, that all people’s basic needs are met. There is no hunger or homelessness. All people are taken care of regardless of their situation. There has been a sense of well-being now for many decades.

  “The second major factor that I feel is a key to our stability is the distribution of wealth. There is no longer a large separation of income levels as in the old pre-revolution society. There is not an elite wealthy class, nor large corporations that control the economic system like the older, unbalanced ways of the world. It is democratically controlled at the local grassroots level. It is cooperative, not competitive. Our sacred economic system has transformed our way of life. I believe these factors will keep our world and culture stable in the long run.”