The recent preview of my life on a small planet in a solar system on the edge of an ordinary galaxy among billions of other galaxies in one among many millions of galaxy superclusters had gone well enough. I had requested that I spend some time with Sophia, my twin flame, before I took the proverbial plunge.
With Sophia, the scene on the balcony was just one of several rehearsals of my life on a rather dense planet called Earth. The Elders had warned me that Earth was a particularly difficult place to go to fulfill a serious purpose. They told me that many who go there are easily lured into distractions and lose their way.
Now, on the edge of a summit, I know the time is near for me to take the plunge, but I feel uneasy about leaving before I can be sure about my fitness to meet my purpose in a place where the reality of need and pleasure dominate the overall social climate. My question is simply this: am I ready?
"The time is near, Christos."
I nod thoughtfully. "And so it is." Humanity on Earth had reached a point in its cultural evolution where any one of its members could access any and all knowledge relevant to practically any purpose, but its members also had access to the most exquisite entertainment, making many of them immune to effort.
"On one level, you will forget everything you know here."
"Yes, I know." And that was part of the problem. Without the benefit of my knowledge and wisdom here, I was vulnerable to losing sight of my ultimate purpose on Earth. My only recourse, if I could remember it, was to undergo a spiritual hypnotic regression there to recover my memories here.
The trees below the summit shimmer like a mirage under a noon-day sun, a signal for me to prepare myself for the plunge.
"Any last words, Christos?"
"Will I see you on Earth, Sophia?"
"I would like that very much." She speaks softly, almost wistfully, into my mind.
I sigh. We both knew that our journeys on Earth carried the possibility of not meeting. I knew this uncertainty to be integral to my purpose.
I turn to Sophia, place my hand on the rim of her jaw, and caress it with exquisite care. "Good-bye, my love."
We embrace.
She steps back, tears welling, speaking these words aloud: "Until next time, Christos."
"Until next time, Sophia." My voice breaks. I kiss her long and tender on the lips.
I walk away from the edge. I turn suddenly and run back to it with all my might, lunging and plunging into vast empty space.
