Gabriel's Great Christmas Hope
Part 1
“Oh my freakin dead ears! Am I hearing, ‘Angels we have heard while high?’ Emily punched Joshua, who pretended to sway.
‘Gloria in Excelsis,- Angels we have heard on High,’ is the official name of this beloved Christmas Carol. It was my solo offering at a Christmas concert in my last year of High School. People said they had never heard anything quite like it.’ Susan sighed, looking to the others for a response. Joshua pressed his lips tight together to keep from saying anything.
The Ugly Brown Birds, who were perched in their tall cage in the central courtyard, were singing the melody with passion. One had their wings spread out with its tiny head tilted up towards the vaulted ceiling with a window at the top that showed stars, planets and asteroids on their ancient journey through the heavens.
‘What is this all about?’ Khalid looked around bewildered. ‘I mean it looks like Christmas in here, minus a tree.’ Tall red candles were lit with heavy ropes of garland draped over arched doorways, small vases of holly sat on the café tables and the brightly colored cushions on the seats had been replaced by Christmas- themed scenes.
They continued their way towards the kitchen with Alter, the old Jewish man from 16th century Venice, peppering Sunita with questions about Christmas. Sunita did her best but the old man kept muttering his confusion. She looked at the rest for help but they were already in the kitchen.
Chunky knit stockings hung by a crackling fire with boughs of evergreen laying on top of the ancient mantle. It was this room only that they could smell. If they could smell throughout this realm, they would relive their moments of death. Cinnamon, gingerbread, roast chestnuts and Christmas pudding mingled, evoking for some, memories of Christmases past. Reinhardt stood at the head of the long golden hued table wiping a tear away that didn’t appear. In the center of the table an elaborate Advent wreath with three of the four candles lit. ‘Did you know the tradition of Advent began in my hometown of Hamburg? My Mother made sure we celebrated every year.’ Reinhardt spoke to no one in particular.
Loud sleigh bells jolted them out of their brief reminisces. When any kind of bell rang they were to come out of the grand library or the Room of Reflection or step away from the Wall of the Seven Heavens, or the Great Green Sanctuary or sitting about the café and assemble in the central courtyard. Gabriel, (not that Gabriel) their Angel-navigator would be waiting for them.
‘For chrissake, what now? Do we draw for secret Santa gifts or some other Christmassy crap?’ Joshua was sliding into a grump.
It’s rare to shock all people at the same time but Gabriel did just that. In the middle of the courtyard, he stood there wearing a Doctor’s lab coat with a mask covering his handsome face. When he saw their looks of confusion and shock, he remembered what he was wearing and ripped off the mask.
‘Sorry, dear ones in a bit of a rush these days. We have a situation and I believe each of you can help.’ Gabriel took of his stethoscope and sat down.
‘Gloria in Excelsis,- Angels we have heard on High,’ is the official name of this beloved Christmas Carol. It was my solo offering at a Christmas concert in my last year of High School. People said they had never heard anything quite like it.’ Susan sighed, looking to the others for a response. Joshua pressed his lips tight together to keep from saying anything.
The Ugly Brown Birds, who were perched in their tall cage in the central courtyard, were singing the melody with passion. One had their wings spread out with its tiny head tilted up towards the vaulted ceiling with a window at the top that showed stars, planets and asteroids on their ancient journey through the heavens.
‘What is this all about?’ Khalid looked around bewildered. ‘I mean it looks like Christmas in here, minus a tree.’ Tall red candles were lit with heavy ropes of garland draped over arched doorways, small vases of holly sat on the café tables and the brightly colored cushions on the seats had been replaced by Christmas- themed scenes.
They continued their way towards the kitchen with Alter, the old Jewish man from 16th century Venice, peppering Sunita with questions about Christmas. Sunita did her best but the old man kept muttering his confusion. She looked at the rest for help but they were already in the kitchen.
Chunky knit stockings hung by a crackling fire with boughs of evergreen laying on top of the ancient mantle. It was this room only that they could smell. If they could smell throughout this realm, they would relive their moments of death. Cinnamon, gingerbread, roast chestnuts and Christmas pudding mingled, evoking for some, memories of Christmases past. Reinhardt stood at the head of the long golden hued table wiping a tear away that didn’t appear. In the center of the table an elaborate Advent wreath with three of the four candles lit. ‘Did you know the tradition of Advent began in my hometown of Hamburg? My Mother made sure we celebrated every year.’ Reinhardt spoke to no one in particular.
Loud sleigh bells jolted them out of their brief reminisces. When any kind of bell rang they were to come out of the grand library or the Room of Reflection or step away from the Wall of the Seven Heavens, or the Great Green Sanctuary or sitting about the café and assemble in the central courtyard. Gabriel, (not that Gabriel) their Angel-navigator would be waiting for them.
‘For chrissake, what now? Do we draw for secret Santa gifts or some other Christmassy crap?’ Joshua was sliding into a grump.
It’s rare to shock all people at the same time but Gabriel did just that. In the middle of the courtyard, he stood there wearing a Doctor’s lab coat with a mask covering his handsome face. When he saw their looks of confusion and shock, he remembered what he was wearing and ripped off the mask.
‘Sorry, dear ones in a bit of a rush these days. We have a situation and I believe each of you can help.’ Gabriel took of his stethoscope and sat down.
Part II
‘A plague!’ Alter shook his head. ‘This is very bad. Is God angry at these people?’
Gabriel began to pace, his long white coat flapping behind him. ‘My dear, Alter, no, God is not angry. My dear ones, we don’t have time for our usual discussions or explanations. Here’s the situation. People are sad, scared and some are very lonely. For those of you who celebrated Christmas, you know it is a time of year when people expect to gather with their dear loved ones.’
“Or, barking crazy loved ones.’ Joshua quipped. Silence. One thunderous look from Gabriel sent Joshua sinking into his chair, tossing one of the Christmas themed cushions on the intricate stone floor.
‘Where are all the people who died?’ Emily asked in a small voice. ‘Will any of them be coming here?’
‘We, meaning yours truly, and some of my colleagues quickly arranged a special realm for them. They need a special level of healing and releasing that this new, temporary realm will provide.’ Gabriel sat back down, gazing, for a moment towards the Great Green Sanctuary.
‘The situation is grim for lots of people but there is one little girl in New York who has...’ he stopped and turned around. Gabriel continued with a lingering catch in his voice. ‘The little girl’s Grandmother died from this Covid and her Mother’s heart is hollowed out with grief. Christmas is days away and there are no gifts, hardly any food and the Mother...’
‘Well, what about the Father? Where is he?’ Susan’s voice was infused with blistering outrage.
‘The Mother’s wife, who serves in the military, is on duty at a long-term care home. She is not allowed to go home. This grieving Mom and her child are all alone. They are in lockdown with no help. You, my dear ones, are going to help
bring this little girl some joy. Alter and Reinhardt, I want you to stay behind. All supporters need support. Both of you are well suited to offer that. The rest of you will leave now.’
Gabriel drew near Alter and Reinhardt as the rest gathered near the everlasting stairway. In a moment they were gone. ‘I’m baffled why I was asked to come here; I know bugger all about Christmas. Well, I do know I felt more bloody excluded than usual.’ Khalid was standing outside a tall, drab apartment building with the others. Light snow was falling in the late afternoon darkness of December.
‘Of course, you will be helpful, Khalid! Your work as a comedian can be put to great use. Humor eases tension and is excellent for the immune system. Is anyone else feeling this energy? It feels so heavy with fear, sadness and anger.’ Emily was startled to see Sunita begin to fade and moved closer. An older man, the only person on the sidewalk, rushed through them, wearing a neon orange facemask. He shivered, pulling his scarf tighter around his bulky neck.
‘This is probably a very challenging place for healers. You girls okay?’ Susan pointed her concern to both Emily and Sunita. ‘This building is soul sucking. I have a good mind to give it some of my special fairy treatment.’
‘No time for your artsy, fartsy, dabblings Susan. We gotta get in there, NOW!’ Joshua moved towards the well-locked front door. Susan humphed but followed the rest, her flowing dress trailing behind.
The little girl stood on tiptoes as she tucked the corner of a blanket around her Mother’s shoulders as she lay sleeping. She walked out to the living-room, pulling a well-worn blanket with her and laid on the floor near an artificial tree. Few ornaments dangled from its branches and the floor beneath was bare.
‘Okay, okay, there is no time to stand here and feel sorry for this wee mite,’ Khalid’s voice cracked. ‘Joshua, there’s an I-pad on the sofa. Why don’t you show up and play Santa?’
Emily snorted a laugh but the rest reigned in their mirth. ‘Are you for effing real, man?’ But, Joshua walked over to the sofa and picked up the I-pad. ‘What the hell...’
In seconds, Joshua was on screen and had assumed a full Santa guise. ‘Ho, umm ho, umm...’ The rest of the group were keeling over laughing but the little girl came running over, eager, perhaps desperate, to believe in magic. Susan stepped up and began coaching Joshua in Santa speak.
‘Okay, let’s relate to the Mom,’ Emily ran towards the bedroom but stopped short at the doorway. The woman was sitting up in bed. ‘I can see you,’ she whispered. ‘I can see all of you.’ J
Gabriel began to pace, his long white coat flapping behind him. ‘My dear, Alter, no, God is not angry. My dear ones, we don’t have time for our usual discussions or explanations. Here’s the situation. People are sad, scared and some are very lonely. For those of you who celebrated Christmas, you know it is a time of year when people expect to gather with their dear loved ones.’
“Or, barking crazy loved ones.’ Joshua quipped. Silence. One thunderous look from Gabriel sent Joshua sinking into his chair, tossing one of the Christmas themed cushions on the intricate stone floor.
‘Where are all the people who died?’ Emily asked in a small voice. ‘Will any of them be coming here?’
‘We, meaning yours truly, and some of my colleagues quickly arranged a special realm for them. They need a special level of healing and releasing that this new, temporary realm will provide.’ Gabriel sat back down, gazing, for a moment towards the Great Green Sanctuary.
‘The situation is grim for lots of people but there is one little girl in New York who has...’ he stopped and turned around. Gabriel continued with a lingering catch in his voice. ‘The little girl’s Grandmother died from this Covid and her Mother’s heart is hollowed out with grief. Christmas is days away and there are no gifts, hardly any food and the Mother...’
‘Well, what about the Father? Where is he?’ Susan’s voice was infused with blistering outrage.
‘The Mother’s wife, who serves in the military, is on duty at a long-term care home. She is not allowed to go home. This grieving Mom and her child are all alone. They are in lockdown with no help. You, my dear ones, are going to help
bring this little girl some joy. Alter and Reinhardt, I want you to stay behind. All supporters need support. Both of you are well suited to offer that. The rest of you will leave now.’
Gabriel drew near Alter and Reinhardt as the rest gathered near the everlasting stairway. In a moment they were gone. ‘I’m baffled why I was asked to come here; I know bugger all about Christmas. Well, I do know I felt more bloody excluded than usual.’ Khalid was standing outside a tall, drab apartment building with the others. Light snow was falling in the late afternoon darkness of December.
‘Of course, you will be helpful, Khalid! Your work as a comedian can be put to great use. Humor eases tension and is excellent for the immune system. Is anyone else feeling this energy? It feels so heavy with fear, sadness and anger.’ Emily was startled to see Sunita begin to fade and moved closer. An older man, the only person on the sidewalk, rushed through them, wearing a neon orange facemask. He shivered, pulling his scarf tighter around his bulky neck.
‘This is probably a very challenging place for healers. You girls okay?’ Susan pointed her concern to both Emily and Sunita. ‘This building is soul sucking. I have a good mind to give it some of my special fairy treatment.’
‘No time for your artsy, fartsy, dabblings Susan. We gotta get in there, NOW!’ Joshua moved towards the well-locked front door. Susan humphed but followed the rest, her flowing dress trailing behind.
The little girl stood on tiptoes as she tucked the corner of a blanket around her Mother’s shoulders as she lay sleeping. She walked out to the living-room, pulling a well-worn blanket with her and laid on the floor near an artificial tree. Few ornaments dangled from its branches and the floor beneath was bare.
‘Okay, okay, there is no time to stand here and feel sorry for this wee mite,’ Khalid’s voice cracked. ‘Joshua, there’s an I-pad on the sofa. Why don’t you show up and play Santa?’
Emily snorted a laugh but the rest reigned in their mirth. ‘Are you for effing real, man?’ But, Joshua walked over to the sofa and picked up the I-pad. ‘What the hell...’
In seconds, Joshua was on screen and had assumed a full Santa guise. ‘Ho, umm ho, umm...’ The rest of the group were keeling over laughing but the little girl came running over, eager, perhaps desperate, to believe in magic. Susan stepped up and began coaching Joshua in Santa speak.
‘Okay, let’s relate to the Mom,’ Emily ran towards the bedroom but stopped short at the doorway. The woman was sitting up in bed. ‘I can see you,’ she whispered. ‘I can see all of you.’ J
Part III
The young woman sat up and leaned over, clutching her head. She spoke without looking up. ‘Who the hell are you? Where the fuck is my daughter and why are you here?’ Her voice was dry and scratchy.
Emily spoke up, ‘We were sent here to see if we could bring your daughter and you, of course, some joy. I know, this may not seem possible right now but...’ Emily looked to Khalid and Sunita.
The woman raised her head, her long lank hair obscuring her face. ‘Where is my Mother? Is she okay? Why didn’t she come? You know she fully believed in ghosts. That’s what you are right? Ghosts?’ Her voice trailed off.
‘Well, yes, I guess you can call us ghosts. We have been told that your Mother is with the rest who have died from Covid. I, or we, have it on good authority that she’s fine. Perhaps, there will be a time when she can visit you or your daughter but for the time being she has to heal. Right now you have to come around.’ Khalid turned his head towards the shrieks of little girl laughter coming from beyond the bedroom.
‘Come around? Did I hear you correctly? I cannot imagine ever feeling happy again. Ever. I can’t imagine my life without her.’ She started to quietly weep.
Sunita sat on the bed, her sari was almost translucent. ‘My dear woman, I was told a few things about your beloved Mother before we came here. I heard she worked tirelessly to give you a good home after your Father died. She did this without support and with good cheer. It likely took a great deal of courage, resoluteness and love for her to step outside her grief and show you joy. She did it and now it is your turn. Do what she did.’ Sunita spoke with calm passion.
The woman nodded, ‘but what do I do with this sorrow. It feels like too much.’
‘I know this is hard to believe but you will find a place for this unspeakable sorrow in your heart. Not to sound corn pops or anything but my Granny used to say our lives were like quilts. Some pieces are beautiful but sometimes you see a square that is rather homely but somehow it makes the quilt more beautiful or interesting. Your heart is big enough to hold this sorrow and love.’ Emily peeked outside the door. ‘Come with us and see what is going on in your living room.’ Emily’s hand reached out. The woman shrank back but offered a small smile.
All of them gazed in wonder. Every inch of the once drab living-room was glittering with twinkling lights, bells that rang merry and gingerbread houses with snowmen on sleighs sliding down rooftops. A Fairy topped the tree. Emily and Sunita paused and enjoyed sweet memories of their childhood Christmases. Khalid could feel their happiness and smiled. For the first time, Khalid felt he understood Christmas. He felt not only included but embraced by the warmth.
‘Susan, you outdid yourself!’ Sunita exclaimed. Susan beamed.
Joshua fake-coughed, ‘What about me? Hey, Jessie, who’s the best Santa ever?’ The little girl screamed her pleasure, pointing her finger at the screen.
‘My name is Charlotte and I want to thank each of you. If you see my Mom, please tell her how much I love her and will honor her memory...always. I promise to do what she did. I just don’t know how she freakin’ did it but will go all in.’
‘You know, another loved one who has passed may pay a visit. I have heard those who have transitioned....’
‘Died, Susan, died.’ Joshua interrupted, still on screen.
‘Loved ones who have,’ Susan looked around the room, ‘died are wanting to comfort all of you in these hard times. I would keep an eye out for your Grandmother.’
Joshua said his goodbyes to Jessie and in a moment reappeared as himself.’ Okay, I think we better scat.’
‘I can’t believe any of this but I am grateful.’ Charlotte hugged her daughter close.
‘That’s a start! Gratitude moves you to a joyful state of being.’ Susan blew a kiss to the sparkling fairy on top of the tree.
‘Did you memorize every hokey new age message ever written?’ Joshua shook his head.
Khalid spoke up, ‘Let’s keep this moment sweet. But, yeah, we better get going.’ He noticed both Emily and Sunita fading again.
They were back on the sidewalk but could see a violet and red glow coming from the apartment. Emily danced and air high-fived the rest. ‘Oh, Sunita, I didn’t know you celebrated Christmas!’
‘My western-loving parents? They loved it! Imagine every cliché thing about Christmas you’ve ever seen in the movies. Yeah, we did ALL of it.’ She laughed.
‘Guys, I don’t want to alarm you but I think we are in a bit of a bind. I’m not sure we can get back. Happily I don’t know anything about energy but if I were to hazard a guess, I would say that all this fear, anger and sadness is keeping us bound here. Susan, oh wise woman, does this make sense?’ He tried to make his tone sarcastic but a deeply worrisome concern was evident.
‘Yes, Joshua, you are probably right but we can do the very thing we have just asked of that poor grief-stricken Mother. We can elevate our vibrations and align with the energy we need to go back. Love and joy will raise our vibrations. We can do the hard thing. This is our last gift. Come on, all of you. Let’s stand together and think and feel and visualize our most loving moments.’
Emily thought of warm summer fields of newly cut hay. Sunita dreamed of colorful, noisy festivals in Jaipur. Khalid tasted his Mother’s cooking. Susan felt a well-loved paintbrush in her hand. Joshua remembered drinking beer with his best friend. Each of them felt a keen sadness for the all the people suffering and, each of them felt immense love.
They were back. Music drifted from the kitchen. One by one they entered. Reinhardt was standing near the crackling fireplace with a glass of schnapps in one hand and his other hand conducting Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. The golden hued table, adorned with a red and gold table cloth, seemed to heave under the weight of the feast. Alter, who sat small and quiet, smiled a rare smile when he saw the rest had returned.
‘Did you leave a gift?’ He asked. They nodded, gaping at the feast. ‘I’ve been missing my family lately.’ He looked down at his gnarled hands. ‘I have one question for all of you.’ He looked up. ‘Will you be my family?’
The End
Gabriel
All of them! All of the Angels in my Order of Angels were in century-rare agreement that I not contribute my profound thoughts or musings to this forum. I won’t trouble your already troubled minds with the ferocity in which they voiced their concerns. Not yet anyways.
In this book, there is a part where I reveal the challenges us Angels encounter when we attempt to help. We care, we care deeply, so it pains us to see you practice pain when we were trying to guide you to joy. My dear ones, it’s not easy being an Angel! The big reason though, why I went rogue, was to see if I can breach the walls of anger and fear to reach some of you. The usual ways are not working.
Mrs. Potts, who you met earlier, thought it would be nice if I shared the joys us Angels feel when we make a heart connection or when we witness faith that is crisis-proof. I will offer just a few examples. All of us gather closer at these times.
When we see you reach out to soothe another even though your own hand maybe trembling.
When you step into an unknown space with little support but do it anyway.
When you bravely acknowledge a prejudice and replace it with empathy.
When you are lonely, and fear and doubt loom large, we time our wingbeats in rhythm with your heartbeats. Keep going. You are loved beyond measure.
Cheers and Blessings, Gabriel
In this book, there is a part where I reveal the challenges us Angels encounter when we attempt to help. We care, we care deeply, so it pains us to see you practice pain when we were trying to guide you to joy. My dear ones, it’s not easy being an Angel! The big reason though, why I went rogue, was to see if I can breach the walls of anger and fear to reach some of you. The usual ways are not working.
Mrs. Potts, who you met earlier, thought it would be nice if I shared the joys us Angels feel when we make a heart connection or when we witness faith that is crisis-proof. I will offer just a few examples. All of us gather closer at these times.
When we see you reach out to soothe another even though your own hand maybe trembling.
When you step into an unknown space with little support but do it anyway.
When you bravely acknowledge a prejudice and replace it with empathy.
When you are lonely, and fear and doubt loom large, we time our wingbeats in rhythm with your heartbeats. Keep going. You are loved beyond measure.
Cheers and Blessings, Gabriel
Reinhardt
Is it the end of the world? My Root Guru said that would be wishful thinking. It’s clear and becoming clearer that we have the tools to fuck things up, but it is also true we have the tools to get out of this mess. Where, or how do we begin? May I suggest we consider the role of blame?
Blame has been used quite effectively by politicians, lovers, Spiritual leaders and my sixteen-year-old hippie self. It’s a cheap trick used to deflect inadequacies and give the illusion of superiority. Blame contributes to entrenched mind-sets that are incapable of hearing with heart-wisdom. It is also a howling; a searing pain we are scared to face or heal. When we blame others, we don’t use our tools. The tools that help us help ourselves and others. If we engage in this cheap trick too long, we may forget the value of our tools.
Lose your mind and take a seat. Meditate. Consider the tools you will find that have been obscured behind blame.
Blame has been used quite effectively by politicians, lovers, Spiritual leaders and my sixteen-year-old hippie self. It’s a cheap trick used to deflect inadequacies and give the illusion of superiority. Blame contributes to entrenched mind-sets that are incapable of hearing with heart-wisdom. It is also a howling; a searing pain we are scared to face or heal. When we blame others, we don’t use our tools. The tools that help us help ourselves and others. If we engage in this cheap trick too long, we may forget the value of our tools.
Lose your mind and take a seat. Meditate. Consider the tools you will find that have been obscured behind blame.
Emily
My Father use to say that being grateful too late is called regret. Of course, I was young and didn’t understand what he was saying, but I clung to every word he said as though it was the Holy Gospel! So I tried as hard as my super earnest five-year old self could try to be grateful. However, I have learned it’s easy peasy to be grateful when life is good. And my young life was very good, until…
For a long time I forgot, or perhaps refused, to be grateful. I would preach it but couldn’t feel it, not much anyways. Do I have some regrets? Yes, but with the help of my friends here in this realm I am working on it! So, my advice to each of you is to try, try five-year-old me hard to be grateful. If your life feels shitty or is downright shitty, then practicing gratitude is even more important! Gratitude will help heal your heart and in turn you may heal others! Do not be grateful too late!
For a long time I forgot, or perhaps refused, to be grateful. I would preach it but couldn’t feel it, not much anyways. Do I have some regrets? Yes, but with the help of my friends here in this realm I am working on it! So, my advice to each of you is to try, try five-year-old me hard to be grateful. If your life feels shitty or is downright shitty, then practicing gratitude is even more important! Gratitude will help heal your heart and in turn you may heal others! Do not be grateful too late!
Susan
I’m thrilled I finally have a turn to share my wisdom! Yes, I admit I am confused and angry why the others were chosen first, especially that Joshua! Come to think of it, my many Spiritual teachers never mentioned that you could be angry in the afterlife. I guess they assumed, due to my high vibrations, I was above those feelings. I will try that calming mantra that my Indian Guru gave me, or was it my Shaman from Peru or my Native American guide, or my metaphysical teacher or… I guess it doesn’t matter.
Try to be around people whose vibrations are aligned with your own. Now, Gabriel doesn’t agree with me, but it is my turn! Being with those who have lower vibrations will diminish your light! Practice judging those who operate on a lower level so that you may keep a safe distance. Gabriel says this leads to elitism and worse but I think he is wrong. I am sure you will be eagerly anticipating reading more of my wisdom but there are others who have some things to say.
Try to be around people whose vibrations are aligned with your own. Now, Gabriel doesn’t agree with me, but it is my turn! Being with those who have lower vibrations will diminish your light! Practice judging those who operate on a lower level so that you may keep a safe distance. Gabriel says this leads to elitism and worse but I think he is wrong. I am sure you will be eagerly anticipating reading more of my wisdom but there are others who have some things to say.
Khalid
Yes, it’s me Khalid. My friends, can you believe your beloved Kaboom ended up in this wild place, with these crazy people? News of my death was a shock to many and sent social media sites crashing. The usual conspiracy theories began before my poor parents were able to bury me. I can tell you the police reports are true. End of story. If you can, please help and stop the rumors. They are hurting my parents.
So, what advice does your devastatingly handsome Khalid have for you? Since I am dead and have no need to maintain my carefully crafted persona I will tell you a secret. On stage I made you laugh with my exaggerated sense of myself and insights into my culture and religion. I was celebrated. Inside, I felt like the chubby kid who was never enough and was bullied and threatened. The outer me and the inner me were very different. I am not alone. Most people present one side of themselves in hopes of love and approval. The other side may not be so lovable, so we keep it hidden, safe from harsh view. This caused me a great deal of pain. Depression? So my advice for each of you is to learn how to weave your inner and outer you. If some reject you, then that’s okay. Deep down, we know and we are drawn to authenticity. Be real.
As- Salaam-Alaikum
So, what advice does your devastatingly handsome Khalid have for you? Since I am dead and have no need to maintain my carefully crafted persona I will tell you a secret. On stage I made you laugh with my exaggerated sense of myself and insights into my culture and religion. I was celebrated. Inside, I felt like the chubby kid who was never enough and was bullied and threatened. The outer me and the inner me were very different. I am not alone. Most people present one side of themselves in hopes of love and approval. The other side may not be so lovable, so we keep it hidden, safe from harsh view. This caused me a great deal of pain. Depression? So my advice for each of you is to learn how to weave your inner and outer you. If some reject you, then that’s okay. Deep down, we know and we are drawn to authenticity. Be real.
As- Salaam-Alaikum
Sunita
My parents used to say that I was born hopeful. This made them happy and anxious. What if my undefeatable hope led me to dangerous people and places? In Medical school, a few of my professors noted the same quality. One said hope was oxygen for healers. How could we go on day after day without being hopeful? Of course, there were many who tried to dash it. I would just laugh and show them my latest Bollywood dance moves.
So my advice to each of you, young and old, is to be outrageously hopeful. No matter how grim things may seem, practice being hopeful. You may be surprised to know that the slums I have visited in India and Australia were often hopeful places. They need it and seed it!
Here’s an image for you to try! Picture yourself as a surfer. You choose your board with care and set out on the water. Your aim is to reach the shore. To be successful in this aim, you will have to trust your board and your body. Keep a light awareness of changing conditions but keep your focus on the shoreline. The moment you turn your attention to the problems that develop around you, you will wipe out. Instead, adapt and adjust without undue focus. Be aware and know where you need to go.
Grow hope, share hope and help others! Oh, and dance every day!
Namaste,
Sunita
So my advice to each of you, young and old, is to be outrageously hopeful. No matter how grim things may seem, practice being hopeful. You may be surprised to know that the slums I have visited in India and Australia were often hopeful places. They need it and seed it!
Here’s an image for you to try! Picture yourself as a surfer. You choose your board with care and set out on the water. Your aim is to reach the shore. To be successful in this aim, you will have to trust your board and your body. Keep a light awareness of changing conditions but keep your focus on the shoreline. The moment you turn your attention to the problems that develop around you, you will wipe out. Instead, adapt and adjust without undue focus. Be aware and know where you need to go.
Grow hope, share hope and help others! Oh, and dance every day!
Namaste,
Sunita
Joshua
Jeezus, what next? I have played along with this long, dog-shit weird dream, hanging about with religious nutters; one who irritatingly corrects me and declares she is spiritual, not religious, and now, NOW I am to give advice! Holy crap there better be some pay off for this freak-show dream.
Okay, so what brilliant, fucking illuminating wisdom can my dream-brain offer? How ‘bout this...I dunno...so, lately I’ve recognized that I am a tad rigid. Yeah, many have told me but I guess the time is right and I see it. You know the right food, the right apartment, the right clothes...it’s beginning to wear me out because there is no flipping end. The more I try to get everything right, the more miserable and anxious I feel. You know, I think I have missed some good stuff while I was focused on getting everything right. Perfect leaves no space for fun. So, all you imaginary social media people that are reading this imaginary post, chill. Yep, calm the eff down. I hope I wake up soon. I think the others are starting to rub off on me. Crap. |
Alter
I am Alter and I died a long time ago in Venice, or so I am told. I have no reason to doubt them, but some of the stories the others tell me about your world are hard for this old man to believe. This Gabriel told us the other day that you have a plague! He asked me if I could give some advice. His words, ‘Alter, you had to deal with this in your time. You are just the person to give some wisdom.’ Then he left, which is his way sometimes. So, here is my humble advice for living with a plague.
Help each other and be kind. Give each other food and pray. Stay away from gossips like Noya. She had the cleanest stoop in all of our ghetto. Sweeping, sweeping and listening to all the talk. Noya wanted to be an expert and believed all the talk she heard. She claimed that the Gentiles were trying to kill us. She also claimed that some were blaming us Jews for the plague. All of this talk made our difficult relationship even harder. Life became harsher, hearts colder and some turned away from G-D. It makes me very sad to hear this blame is happening now. Listen to this old man, it will not help.
Your plague will go away. If you are blessed like I was, you will have love. Be good and take care of each other.
Help each other and be kind. Give each other food and pray. Stay away from gossips like Noya. She had the cleanest stoop in all of our ghetto. Sweeping, sweeping and listening to all the talk. Noya wanted to be an expert and believed all the talk she heard. She claimed that the Gentiles were trying to kill us. She also claimed that some were blaming us Jews for the plague. All of this talk made our difficult relationship even harder. Life became harsher, hearts colder and some turned away from G-D. It makes me very sad to hear this blame is happening now. Listen to this old man, it will not help.
Your plague will go away. If you are blessed like I was, you will have love. Be good and take care of each other.
Mrs. Potts
I don’t know why I have to go first. I have nothing worthwhile to say to anyone. Don’t mind me if I sound a bit grumpy. It’s been awhile since Gabriel paid me a visit and I am a bit worried. Okay, so I will introduce myself. I am the scribe, as Gabriel calls me. I am still alive so I lack the vantage point of the rest who are not bothered by the bothers of daily living in a creaky body and an old dog who is crankier than me.
For what it’s worth: The other day, when I was editing my list for who I will haunt when I die, I thought again about acceptance and forgiveness. My advice for those of you who are struggling to forgive some wrong-doer is to first accept. Forgiveness is a bunch of phoney baloney if you don’t accept whatever bullshit happened. I know this is hard but what isn’t? Fully accept who you are and accept others. Oh, and before I go and feed that fool dog of mine, remember to find your hopeful you. Until Gabriel and the rest came into my life, I would have tossed out any fool who whimpered such nonsense. Run along now. |