May, 2016 | David M Masters

Quit Now Don’t Quit

Most people have had a dream, maybe even pursued it or gave-it-a-go once… The virgin attempt did not go as planned, so they gave up; quit.

One might resign one’s self to the belief that some people were just destined to be pawns in the game of life, thinking

“If I thought for a moment that I might have been beckoned by a higher calling, answered the call, and failed; why wouldn’t I conclude that I was not one of the chosen ones and just give up?”

Do you think Paul M. Zoll just woke up in the middle of the night with an idea of building a mechanism that you could surgically implant into a human body that would shock the heart into beating properly when necessary churned out a working model on the first attempt?

How many attempts do you think it took Percy Spencer to come up with a machine that would heat your food using microwaves?

What if Wilbur & Orville Wright had given up the first time they crawled out of the wreckage of their first attempt at flight?

What if Josephine Cochrane quit after her first attempt to create a device that would free housewives from having to wash dishes in the sink failed?

What if Les Paul would have given up when his first experiment at trying to create guitar that could be amplified without a microphone went up in smoke?

I can tell you the answer to what if.

If these individuals would not have answered the call to see their vision come to life, and pursued it with such dedication to not let countless failures dissuade them…

Someone else would do it.

When an idea desires to be born into our reality, nothing can stand in its way. The idea appears in the minds of many individuals at the same time… Many people can participate in the birthing process… and it can go through many stages before someone answers the call and is willing to accept the commitment to endure the birthing pangs that will bring it to life.

Sometimes, the idea is born as a futuristic story, like the nonsensical science fiction which has become present day science. Things that could not have been rationally conceived of, were making themselves known via minds that could do nothing more than document their visions in fictitious stories.

When laser technology was making itself known, Arthur L. Schawlow accepted the challenge as did Gordon Gould and Charles Hard Townes, all at the same time.

How many times have you (or someone you know) come up with an original idea… thought it was a good one… only to see it appear in the marketplace, with no credit to you (or the person that you know who had the idea)?

That’s a perfect example of how the universe evolves.

Have you been given a vision that yearns to come forth?

Did you try previously and fail?

Is your idea still waiting, or have you been given a new one?

Fear of failure is the mechanism, more often than not, keeping us from wanting to accept the call.

Plus, there’s no real responsibility; if I don’t accept the call, it will just go to someone else. It’s not like the world will suffer due to my reticence.

Here’s the rub:

You have come to this world for a reason.

You have a special purpose.

Are you ready to live the life you were born to live, contributing your innate skills and talents to the larger community, proclaiming your message to the world?

Are you a part of the growing populace awakening to answer the call?

Isn’t now the right time to start singing your song?

What You See is What You Get

Two people look at the same scene, one person sees one thing, the other sees something similar but completely different.

This has always bothered me somewhat, especially in the light of my law enforcement experience, when the report representing what someone has seen determines a person’s future.

It’s also disconcerting when someone says “I’ll believe it when I see it with my own eyes.”

More and more I’m thinking that our sight is not all its cracked up to be.

If you add the audio portion, certainly that can add a more credible view… Then, again, someone can say a sequence of words, and I hear something quite different from what the speaker spoke, even though what I heard was a correct representation of the actual words.

I’ve had people thank me following a talk, for specific insights that they received from my presentation. I’m surprised when they echo my words back to me, and the impactful message that they received, was nowhere to be found in my notes or presentation.

Then, I hear people say, “Trust your feelings,” which I encourage people to trust, possibly even more than what they see. Yet, for me, my feelings often betray me, not correctly representing the facts.

It’s as though truly objective perception is impossible from within.

Any single witness may be better than no witness at all but with many witnesses (maybe a hundred) one might be able to extract a reasonable representation of an event… but then again, what is the intention of those reporting the incident?

The group, entity or individual(s) collecting the various reports and extrapolating the facts may have a particular expected outcome that skews the end result.

Shifting Perception

If you can conclude that anything has an incomprehensible number of various interpretations, is it reasonable to assume that you – and any point in time and space – can choose to see anything from a different perspective?

How to Shift Your Perception

Using your imagination, you can change your perspective by putting yourself inside the mind and body of the other person. What must it be like for them in that moment? Can you imagine (or maybe even feel) how they are feeling?

Shifting my view to an aerial perspective is often helpful, to imagine what this incident would look like from without myself, like from the view of an overhead news helicopter.

When Should You Initiate the Shift?

Your feelings can alert you that a change of perspective is in order. Ask yourself,

How am I feeling?

If you are not feeling good, it is likely the time for a change of perspective.

Feeling good could very well be the secret to continued enthusiasm, success and bliss in life.

Isn’t it true, when you feel good, you feel as though you’re on the top of the world, you feel good; and feeling good attracts more feeling good.

How good can you feel?

If what you see is what you get, then choose to change what you see.

Accept this challenge:

Choose to find new ways to see only the best, in ways that make you feel good, and let those good feelings grow exponentially.

Feel Good

I see you feeling so good, so much better than you’ve ever felt before.

How much better does it get?

You tell me…

Free Full Length YouTube Video 2 Hours

Let’s take a look at your life. Let’s see what it looks like if you reduce it to a 2 hour video on YouTube…

I find it so interesting in hearing clients’ responses to:

If you could live this life anyway that you want
And could reduce it to a 2 hour YouTube Video
What would your life’s movie look like?

Granted, I don’t propose this idea to everyone that I meet. I am inspired to suggest this process when someone has mentioned dissatisfaction with this life, or has intimated that this life is just too hard.

One of the YouTube Videos that comes to mind:

I win $150 Million in the lottery. Buy a large house on 40 acres with my own private lake, surrounded by great walls with a huge garage filled with all my favorite automobiles, a plush indoor theater, where I can watch TV – all the channels throughout the whole world 24/7 if I want – or films on demand all on the biggest screen ever. All my meals – anything I want, anytime I want – delivered any time. All my bills are automatically paid, and I don’t have to deal with people. I can enjoy my life and do whatever I want whenever I want. And if there are people outside the walls clamoring for my money; too bad, they have to win their own lottery.

I asked, “What about your family?”
Response: “What about them?”
“Okay,” I queried, “What about love?”
Response: “No such thing. You can’t trust anyone, and I don’t need anyone.”

Well, there you have it.

And you might find it as surprising that I do, when I discover that most of the YouTube Videos that someone would reduce their perfect life to, would undoubtedly be

The Worst
Most Boring
Movie Ever

Who would even want to watch such a film?

Two hours of watching a film, like that, would not be far from brutal torture, and I’m pretty sure, that even though people might click on the YouTube Video to voyeuristically tune-in to see what someone’s life looks like, I doubt anyone would want to watch such a film for the whole two hours.

I’d click it off, and look for something a little more entertaining.

The greatest stories – the best movies – are ones full of excitement, ups and downs, unexpected twists and turns, a good soundtrack, special effects and good editing.

When you’ve watched a film that takes you on a journey through all your emotions – where you identify with the hero or heroine, having tearful empathy in the hard times and cheering joyously in the good times – after two hours, you’re fulfilled, your soft drink and popcorn tub are empty, and you’re satiated, a clear indication of the best stories.

Maybe, you want to see what happens next, asking:

Is there going to be a sequel?

My life has been the most amazing journey and I wouldn’t change one scene.

My wish for you, is that you can enjoy your life’s film as much (or more, if that’s possible) as I do mine.

The good news:
When something happens unexpectedly
I look off-screen and ask,
Who writes this stuff?

As I continue to ad-lib and play-out the scene to see what the director has in mind.

I didn’t have the chance to read ahead in the script, but who knows? Maybe this scene will be one of the best performances in the final cut.

Or it could end up on the cutting room floor, or at viewable in the DVD extras as outtakes. Who knows?

All I know, is that I am having so much fun and feel so blessed to be in the cast of – what I believe is – the best film ever.

Vive la Resistance

When you’re making the transition from your complacent life to your enlightened journey, you will begin to notice (either directly or indirectly) resistance.

The resistance will come from without; other people will try to talk you out of your decision to forge your own path or ridicule you for doing so, even “coincidental” circumstances will create even more resistance, like thunderstorms, flooding, washouts, detours, flat tires, delayed flights or any other combination of distractions to disrupt your progress.

Resistance will come from within; you will begin to second-guess your decision to move forward and away from the mob, you will have thoughts of unworthiness, self-doubt, you will ask yourself, “Am I being selfish?” All due to your programming that started at birth to make you feel the best that you can do is to settle for upper middle class mediocrity.

There is an underlying baseline train of thought designed to keep us (the greater human race) minimalized and manageable. To have to deal with a world full of enlightened (and powerful) individuals would be impossible; how could a group of people ever be able to control such a planet?

These subtle (or not so subtle) forms of resistance are present to prevent you from allowing your body, mind and soul from evolving into your higher form of conscious human being. The tug that you feel in your heart and spirit is you being called forth by everything that is.

Something inside you tells you that this is true; you know there has to be more to this life than what you’ve accepted ‘til this point and there is a yearning to realize the “something more” in your life…. And there is so much more…

Still, things pop-up; you think, “I’m on this amazing journey… It should be easier.”

There is a way that you can circumvent the resistance.

Opt Out of the Resistance

You only have to choose to opt out of the resistance and embrace the change that awaits you. To effectively opt-out, it requires two parts.

#1 Decide to Opt Out

You must have made the conscious decision to not participate in the resistance and the drama associated with it. And I find it is helpful to create a trigger to mark the spot where you recognize the resistance and create a stopping point; in effect, drawing a line in the sane.

Your trigger could be anything you want. For me, I tap on my right temple (that area to the side of my right eye) or my wrist (if I feel the need to be more discrete) as I think (or say out loud, if I am in private), “Stop!” I recognize the resistance and I refuse to participate.

#2 Embrace the Change

A little practice may be appropriate at first, but it will get easier as you perform the embrace the change routine.

Resistance is frustrating and can engage all kinds of emotions running the gamut, everything from fear and anger to sadness and self-loathing. Some more stealth forms of resistance may recruit good feelings, like gleeful excitement, happiness and a sense of calm, making it more difficult for demarcation.

After, you’ve recognized it and put it on notice, the next step is to change it, love it, enjoy it and keep moving.

For instance, if you are on your way to a meeting that is part of your individual plan to move forward, and you get a flat tire on the highway. This is unexpected. You did not include time for a tire change in your travel plans. You may be mad, upset or feel like crying to the sky, “Why!?”

In that moment when you feel the rub, tap your temple (or whatever your trigger is) and shout (aloud or not), “Stop!” (#1)

Then change it; tell yourself a positive version of the story from a different perspective, like, “Wow, even though this looks bad, inconvenient and is holding me up, this… Yes, even this, flat tire is for my highest and best.”

Then continue, “I know the resistance meant this to discourage me, to keep me from my evolution, but it is actually for my good because there me an accident up the road that I am not involved in.” And keep stretching the idea positively forward until you’re actually grateful and happy about the mishap…

Then continue onto your scheduled if you make it to the meeting late, don’t beat yourself up about it. You looked adversity straight in the eye, resisted the resistance and continued to evolve on your own terms. You emerged victorious.

Vive la resistance!

Mothers Are the Gateway to Life

Where would we be without them?

There’s no doubt (unless you crawled out of an extra-terrestrial spaceship, and even then) you wouldn’t be reading these words, right now, if you didn’t have a mother.

I am so impressed with the role of the woman in the creation of life and propagation of the human race, that when I heard that in Europe men could be impregnated, carry babies to term and deliver via cesarean section in 1994 in the tabloids, I extended a certain degree of effort to research the idea with the intent of participating myself.

It turns out the tabloids used creative license, based on actual scientific reports, peer reviewed medical documents and urban myth. In fact, though impregnating a man is theoretically and scientifically possible, the risk to the man and the baby is too great at this point in time to actually go forward with a live experiment.

This is not to say, within the next 20 years, that it may be possible. Since 1994, I resolved my issues and am fairly certain that if I have the opportunity in 2036, I will not be tempted to try it.

You Can Pick Your Nose
But You Can’t Pick Your Mother

Some people may not know the identity of their mother (or father, and this can be frustrating when searching for one’s identity and development of one’s self along our life’s journey), but most of us do.

Even Louise Brown (the first “test tube baby”) born July 25, 1978 (about the same time we were told to imagine that a man could fly via Superman: The Movie), owes her life to her mother, Lesley Brown (who passed four years ago).

Though it’s a cute, childlike refrain (you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your mother), allow yourself to consider that you deliberately did select your mother before you started your journey to this planet. If that’s the case, you really did pick your mother.

There is no doubt in my mind that I absolutely chose my mother to be my maternal parent and childhood best friend. She was young, full of life and we grew up together. She encouraged me to be and do anything that crossed my mind – and largely due to her urging me to tray anything – it did (with varying degrees of success).

I owe not only my biological life, but the wildly amazing life that I have lived and continue to enthusiastically enjoy, to her. None of this would have been possible without her. And I am so grateful for every moment… and I couldn’t have done it without her.

Love Your Mother

I see clients who struggle with issues that stem from unresolved issues with their mother, and though I do not go there, many therapists dealing with clients suffering from psychological stress look first at the relationship between the patient and his or her mother.

Regardless, once the chasm (if there was one) is able to be traversed by building a bridge, it is amazing how lives begin to fall into a sense of harmony with the world.

Mothers are the most important (and influential) force on this planet.

If you don’t love your mother with all your heart… build a bridge… find a way…

A Mother’s Love Never Ceases

If your mother has passed, she is loving you 24/7 (even if you don’t know who she is). She is right there.

Even if she wasn’t the best mother on this side, once she transitions to the other, she understands more (not being restricted by her focus on the physical world) and loves you more thoroughly and purely than possible while she was here.

So, as you remember and honor her today; she is aware of it and loving you in return.

To all mothers, here and beyond

We love you with all our hearts

And are grateful for everything you have given us.

I love you, Mom.

Are You a Victim of Spiritual Abuse?

In my practice, I meet many different kinds of people. Certain people are attracted to me because of my skill of dealing with people who have been victims of spiritual abuse. It is possible that my experience in the God business, as well as my continued spiritual growth is appealing to people along with my success in working with people who felt as though they were dealing with issues of spiritual abuse.

Based on my experience, one could conclude that there is no one way to define, “spiritual abuse,” as it takes on such a wide spectrum of issues. Without a clear definition, only the individuals can correctly diagnose themselves as suffering from spiritual abuse.

You know if you’ve been a victim of spiritual abuse

You probably have the idea that spiritual abuse comes from religious environments, like churches – though this is the most prevalent source – you might be surprised to find that victims of spiritual abuse come from all walks of life, both religious and non-religious.

Spiritual abuse can come from religious organizations, clergy, religious psychopaths, parents, and other family members, husbands and/or wives, friends, neighbors, employers, counselors, therapists, doctors, and coaches, just to name a few…

The implication is that pretty much anyone could be the source, the source of spiritual abuse; not to mention the invisible spiritual abuse that comes from deep within (or without) one’s self.

This kind of abuse (like any kind of abuse) can show up in someone’s character in what would be perceived as negative (or abrasive) attributes, though this appears without cognitive effort from the individual who suffered the abuse.

If left buried and untreated, it will spread from an attitudinal presupposition to other areas of life, affecting relationships within one’s inner circle and lead to deterioration of health, leading to the spreading of disease, premature aging, and death.

A true zest for life, happiness and joy can be more difficult to grasp while feeling oppressed by spiritual abuse. The happiest and most effective people on the planet have a pleasant balance between the things of this earth and those of the beyond (and this can take an unlimited variety of styles and colors).

There is no right way – and there is no wrong way – for you to find a healthy spiritual expression, and this can have a completely new source that has not remotely connected to the type and style of spiritual expression that may have been the source of the abuse.

I am not saying that people without any spiritual component cannot find happiness; I am just saying that – statistically – those who possess a healthy spiritual perspective (doesn’t have to be religious) are far more successful and happy.

Hidden Abuse

Spiritual abuse is more a taboo subject than sexual abuse because there is far more training focused on sexual abuse in current therapeutic curriculum. It is important to find a counselor or coach who is open-minded, non-judgmental and will not further abuse the victim even more.

Treating Spiritual Abuse Can Be Spiritually Abusive

This is where the victim needs to get a grip on their own personal spiritual perspective and feel free to defend it fervently while moving forward. Everyone will have suggestions, advice, and prescriptions to help you discover and treat your underlying spiritual issues.

Only You are Responsible for Your Own Spirituality

Take responsibility for your own spiritual growth a pursuit. Don’t let anyone else tell you what is best for you. Let them listen and give you ideas, then you decide what to do with the information. Stay true to you – and be willing to change – when it serves you and feels good to you.

It’s a Process

Simply know – and resolve to be okay with – the idea that your spiritual journey is a process. There is no time limit, nor is there any limit to the variety of spiritual expression that is available to you.

Decide what is acceptable and good for you each day and be open to allowing other expressions to be revealed to you on your journey. Something that may not resonate with you today, may seem more like a more viable option in the light of a new day, as you continue to heal and grow.

See you at the Recovery from Religious Trauma Event in Olympia, September 21st

You Are Sui Generis

If you are pursuing a path that leads to your highest and best, you are sui generis. That is to say that you are creating a higher version of yourself, which defies limitations that previously, defined who you were as a person.

For the fervently seeking sui generis, every day – if not every passing moment – further compounds your evolution toward higher thoughts, ideals, interaction, living life and expression on this planet.

You take full responsibility for your own personal growth and are amidst a grand transformation that is an ever-changing metamorphosis.

Though you may biologically be defined as homo sapien, your evolution is expanding both in consciousness and physiologically, that the person that you were yesterday is quite different from the person that you are today; even your DNA is documenting the changes as it also evolves on a regular basis.

You are discovering thought patterns; situations, circumstances and concerns of the masses are decreasingly resonating with your evolving state of being, though your capacity for compassion and thirst for higher resonance increases and the things of earth grow strangely dim.

In fact, some things that apply to the masses are beginning to fade away in regard to yourself; disappointment, depression, anger, judgment… even infirmities, disease, pain and advanced aging are applying to you less and less.

Your life changes and love wells up within, you discover that who you are becoming is not easily definable, the sui generis you is so individual as you attract and possess unique characteristics that defy classification.

As your status aparte begins to grow and mature, your realizing that you are

In the world but not of the world

You have followed no prescribed notions, your sui generis self is evolving at its own pace without regard for others, without measure, nor in competition or comparison to others.

Your spiritual awakening no longer meets characteristic definitions, nor do you fit within standard genre boundaries. No reason or explanation is due to justify your sui generis status as you continue to simply be and allow others the same respect and consideration.

And while you are increasingly not of the world, you are still in the world, so you find ways to contribute in an effort to make the world a better place.

You maintain the highest regard for others who choose to follow their individual paths, whatever they may be, while you strive to maintain a communication style and relationships with others compassionately to, in effect, be all things to all men without compromise.

You are not alone

You are part of a expanding evolution in consciousness that simply is. It defies definition and transcends scientific method. This awakening is occurring throughout this planet without regard to origin or who, what, when, where, why and how. It just is… as you are… and together we will be completely and individually separate and sui generis.

Never question your unique authenticity or doubt who you are. Maintain a stealth presence as you traverse your journey through time and space as you continue to question everything else, continuing to gather information and arrive at your own conclusions; which are never set in stone.

You cannot be easily defined as you are fluidly ever evolving and humbly embracing you’re sui generis.

Fear of Failure

I work with people every day (and have every day of my adult life) who second-guess themselves. Even you, reading these words right now; you have a dream… Something you want so bad you can taste it… but something keeps you from reaching out to grab what is already yours.

I can tell you, right now, the only thing that is holding you back is fear of failure (atychiphobia). Fear of failure is the reason that most people (19 out of 20) do not pursue what is rightfully theirs.

Why do I boldly say, “what is rightfully yours?” Because Thought is Precognitive. That is to say, if you have the idea, you have the right to see its fulfillment; if you can overcome your fear and take action.

Certainly there are many methods to overcome fear and build courage, just as Uncle Albert (Einstein) is quoted as saying, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Which means that you must be willing and able to do what needs to be done, even if it’s not perfect or may fail altogether, to get what you want.

You learn far more from a strikeout than a home run. Innovation (doing something that has never been done before) comes from trying something in a way that might not work (so, there is some element of risk).

You must be willing to

#1 Take Action

and to do so, even if it means that you must

#2 Be Willing to Fail

Here are some things that can help to bridge the gap between the fear and the satisfaction that comes from doing the very thing that once intimidated you.

Visualize

Just like Edison’s light bulb (he saw it in his mind’s eye as being already completed) and after many attempts (1,000) the light bulb became a reality. You must visualize before you materialize. So, make a vision board, and utilize the gift of your imagination to see it in its completion, as if it is already done.

Dig Down

Sometimes its good to spend some time introspectively to see if you can uncover those things that exist inside of you that may be impeding your progress. Keep in mind, the deeper you dig, you could discover programming that goes all the way back to your earliest childhood. When you uncover these nasty weeds that are choking out your potential harvest, pull them out – roots and all. You may realize, when you find them, that they were silly in the first place, yet served their purpose to give you a sense of safety and security in those formulative years.

Create a Map

Make a map delineating where you are and where you want to be (your completed goal). Make sure to note all the towns you must go through (smaller goals or milestones between here and there) on the way to your destination. The more mile markers you can pass between here and there, the closer you are to what you want.

Remove the Fear

If you’re still feeling the fear, embrace it, then eliminate its emotional impact. Using your imagination, increase your fear, hesitation and anxiety to as high a level as you possibly can, then use the Penny for Your Thoughts routine to remove the emotional component.

What if I Fail?

Fail Forward

Stop looking at “failure” as failures. Look at them as stepping-stones, but give them all the honor and value they deserve. For instance, ask yourself these questions:

#1 What was the blessing?

Sometimes the interruption of your progress, changes your direction to something far better, other times (though you may only realize it later) you were able to circumvent a potential catastrophe. See the blessing.

#2 What did I learn?

You can learn far more from a failed attempt than a wildly successful endeavor that comes easily. Look for the Return On Failure. What were the (sometimes hidden) secrets that you now possess, having not succeeded in the manner that you anticipated?

#3 How can I do it better?

Armed with the knowledge of potential pitfalls (due to your own personal experience) what can you do the next go-round to make sure that the same outcome does not repeat itself.

Sometimes people ask me what I am afraid of? Regardless, I push-through to

Be Willing to Make Mistakes

I like to say,

“I make mistakes but I don’t make the same one twice.

I make new ones.”

This creates the necessary momentum to keep moving forward.

You Are Never Alone

I saw you sitting there, looking a little forlorn, by yourself.

I know how you’re feeling.

You feel like all of this – this world, this life – is almost too much to handle.

You’re thinking, “Why?”

Really? The answer is all around you. I think it’s so interesting how you can’t see it, when it’s everything that is.

You are the reason for all of this.

You are the why.

Every blade of grass, every grain of sand, every drop of water, every leaf on every tree, every flower, fruit and vegetable is here for you.

Every insect, every sea creature and fish; every bee, butterfly, bird, earthbound creature and creepy crawly-thing, all of it here for you.

Every living thing (and even the things that you think are not alive), all things seen, unseen, to be experienced and less likely to be experienced – all available to you.

You are the only reason why the rain falls, the wind blows and sun shines.

The air that is breathed would not be, if not for you.

You are the reason for all the peoples in all the lands in all their various types and styles… all of them in all their contrast and differences, all for you.

For you, and you alone, everything in this universe, the stars and planets – and all the universes that have been discovered – and all the universes yet to be known… all here because of you.

You are my eyes, my ears and thinker of my thoughts.

Without you, nothing that could be experienced, felt, thought of or known could ever be.

Without you, all of this – nothing – would exist.

I apologize for others who have made your life appear to be hard, there is much liberty and a certain randomness that is in the mix, to increase your experience of all that is.

What kind of life would you have, if there were no surprise, no love, no struggle, no loss; no contrast?

You have the opportunity to experience and learn all things, choose what path(s) to take, feel what you feel, think or do anything you want… and there are challenges.

Every challenge a new opportunity to maximize your experience of all that exists for your pleasure or pain… you get to choose your experience.

Every emotion that you feel is a choice.

All of this is for you; to have the full spectrum experience of all that is, has been or ever shall be.

Every nanosecond of every day of your life I am grateful for the life and knowledge you have given me.

You are never alone.

We share all of this – together you and I – for without you not only would none of this be, neither would I be.

I do not want to impact, disrupt or influence your experience in any way, but sometimes wish that you could see from our perspective, everything that you mean to us (you and me).

Then, you would not be sad.

You would savor each and every moment and opportunity to experience all that is and choose to feel good and live the best life ever.

Thank you for letting us do this life together.

Carmen is Safe and Secure

Try to imagine what it must be like for Carmen…

She has wrapped herself up as if swaddled and for the moment she feels safe. The life that is teaming all around her is going on, everyone doing his or her own thing but she is safe and secure.

She hears laughter but she also hears fighting, arguing and feels a potential sense of impending danger outside of her snug cocoon. “Safely I’ll remain, here inside,” she assures herself, better than having to deal with the potential threats that she can hear.

Time passes, sometimes she can hear – and even feel – compassion, love and tenderness, only to be interrupted by the stark contrast of selfishness, hate and cruelty. Almost tempted to exit this safest of places, thankful that she decided to wait for an, “All clear,” the sign that never seems to come… yet she waits.

Carmen is safe and secure Who is Carmen — Carmen is safe and secure. Who is Carmen?

“Water,” she thinks, considering a short escapade to risk exposure for a drink. Then, she thinks about the water; how it’s not the authentic water that she’d heard so much about. The water that quenches one’s thirst and satisfies; clean and pure. She realizes that she has no access to that level of hydration because the water has so many additives and toxins. Even thought it is somewhat palatable, it is actually quite toxic. Rejecting the idea of running the risk of certain death, she assures herself that her body has enough moisture to carry her through this time of withdrawal.

She hears the news of hate crimes and wars; can even make out the sounds of sirens, gunfire, warring aircraft and bombs exploding in the distance. Snuggling her swaddling around her even more tightly, she is safe and this level of solace and safety is far more pleasant than being exposed to the cruel world outside.

Continuing to wait, Carmen considers her need for nourishment. She thinks about what food may be available; she knows it’s not good. What with all the food originating from sources with faces, full of hormones, additives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with bacteria running rampant and potential exposure to radiation; Carmen reasons she’s better off spending her own natural reserves while she waits… and remains safe. Besides, there is so much starvation throughout the world, her portion would better serve someone else embroiled in the ensuing battle.

Carmen hears a familiar voice, a warm, calm voice that makes her feel even more safe and secure. Maybe it’s time to consider coming out, risking what the future may hold… she pauses… listens intently… hears only silence… What could it mean?

Suddenly the silence is breached with sound of mayhem and the strongest feelings that she is better of here, secluded, than exposed to possibly the end of the world, as we know it.

Carmen is feeling tired, weak and sleepy, as if the very life were passing from her… Never knowing if and when her current concern of thought might be her last…

If there is another life after this one, it must be better than this; Carmen considers this to be a better option as she feels the life slipping away… Clinging to her cocoon, she senses this is her end, as she feels compelled to embrace the light calling to her from within and/or beyond…