The “meaning”
got lost in translation,
distorted through all
the seeming years.

The second coming of ******
is actually the return TO ******.

****** has been
inside of you all along.

You keep
looking outside
of your self
and not finding ******.

All the while,
****** is looking out
through your eyes,
laughing ******’s *** off.

****** comes when you come.

Trail Wood,
3/4

---

The Inner Awakening

Realizing Oneness with the Source

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The journey toward spiritual enlightenment is an inward voyage, a profound realization of unity with the source that resides within each of us. This image, a rich tapestry of light and symbol, captures the essence of such an awakening. It invites us to consider the notion that the true ‘second coming’ is not an external event but an internal revelation of oneness with the divine essence that permeates all existence.

Merging Self with the Universal

Through the visualization of ethereal lights and figures in states of deep meditation, we witness the dissolution of boundaries between the self and the universal consciousness. Symbolic elements like lotus flowers and glowing orbs serve as beacons of enlightenment, guiding the soul towards its ultimate union with the source. This scene embodies the peaceful, understanding, and deeply connected state that comes from realizing our inner divine potential.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

This visual representation of spiritual awakening underscores the inward turning required to achieve oneness with the source. It is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the realization that the divine dwells within. The expansive format of the image mirrors the boundless nature of this realization, suggesting that the journey to enlightenment is as vast and profound as the universe itself.

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Summary

The concept of the ‘second coming’ as an internal realization of oneness with the source is a powerful reminder of our spiritual potential. In this journey of self-discovery, we find that enlightenment lies not in seeking external validation but in turning inward and recognizing the divine essence that is inherently ours. This image serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards understanding and unity with the universal consciousness.

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Glossarium

• Oneness: The state of being completely united with the source, recognizing no separation between oneself and the universal consciousness.
• Enlightenment: The state of gaining spiritual insight and finding universal truth; the realization of oneness with the source.
• Divine Essence: The fundamental, spiritual nature that is present within each individual, connecting them to the universal source.

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“The kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke 17:21

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Within the heart, a light does shine,
A path to the divine,
Where self and source are intertwined.

In silent breath, in whispered prayer,
The journey inward takes us there,
To find the oneness we all share.

Awake, arise, to this grand view,
The second coming, ever true,
Is the awakening of the divine in you.

When you’re gaming,
do the higher levels
get harder or easier?

Would you like it
if the higher levels
got easier?

Why do you think
life is supposed to|
get easier as you go?

Life gets harder,
but you get better
at playing the game.

You live, you die,
you live, you die.

There is no point
in killing yourself
because you always come back.

Just play the game.

Trail Wood,
3/4

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Navigating the Game of Life

Embracing Challenges with a Playful Spirit

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In the grand tapestry of existence, life unfolds as an intricate game, a series of levels each with its own set of challenges and rewards. This image captures the essence of our journey through life, symbolized as a path winding through various terrains, each representing the increasing complexity and richness of the experiences we encounter.

Progression and Resilience

As we navigate through the game, it becomes evident that with each level, the challenges grow, but so do our strength, wisdom, and ability to overcome. The figure in the image, standing at the threshold of this path, embodies our initial innocence and potential. With each step, this figure becomes more adept, reflecting our own growth as we face life’s trials.

The Cyclical Nature of Existence

Echoing the poem’s themes, the image reminds us of the cyclical nature of existence—living, dying, and living again. This cycle is not a grim reminder of futility but a call to engage with life fully, to learn, grow, and embrace the endless opportunities for rebirth and transformation.

A Playful Approach to Life’s Complexities

The journey depicted in this visual narrative encourages a playful spirit in the face of life’s complexities. It suggests that by viewing challenges as part of a greater game, we can approach them with determination, creativity, and a sense of adventure. This perspective not only makes us more resilient but also enriches our experience of life, making each moment more vibrant and meaningful.

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Summary

Life, with its inevitable challenges and cycles of rebirth, is a game we are all playing. This reflection invites us to embrace each stage with courage, curiosity, and a playful heart. As we progress through the game, we become not only better players but also more profound beings, capable of navigating life’s complexities with grace and wisdom. Just play the game, and remember, the point isn’t to avoid challenges but to grow through them.

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Glossarium

• Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; emotional strength.
• Cyclical Nature: The concept that events and stages in life occur in cycles, repeating over time.
• Playful Spirit: An approach to life that involves joy, creativity, and a willingness to explore and experiment.

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“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

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Through the game of life, we dance and sway,
Across each level, in night and day.
Challenges rise, and we meet them, bold,
In this endless story, forever told.

With every fall, a chance to rise anew,
Each cycle brings a perspective fresh and true.
Just play the game, with heart light and free,
In every moment, the key to be.

Faith
can be seen
as confidence
or arrogance
or love
or stupidity
but it’s
just faith.

The faith of others
is merely a mirror.

If we don’t have faith,
it seems nearly impossible
for us to see faith
for what it is.

Just faith.

Trail Wood,
3/3

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Reflections on the Essence of Faith

In the quiet dawn, where reflections merge with reality, we delve into the nature of faith.

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Faith, in its purest form, transcends the boundaries of human interpretation, existing as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for belief and trust beyond the visible and tangible. It is an enigmatic force, simultaneously simple and complex, that weaves through the fabric of existence, binding the seen with the unseen, the known with the mysterious.

The Mirror of Perception

Our understanding of faith is inherently personal, shaped by the depths of our experiences, fears, hopes, and dreams. It is a reflection, much like the sunrise mirrored in a tranquil lake, of our innermost thoughts and feelings. This reflection does not alter the essence of faith itself; rather, it reveals our perceptions of it, colored by the lenses through which we view the world.

The Many Faces of Faith

To some, faith is a beacon of hope in times of darkness, a steadfast companion through life’s storms. To others, it may appear as a leap into the unknown, a choice to believe in what cannot be proven or seen. Yet, at its core, faith remains constant—unchanged by our varied interpretations, unaffected by the labels we attach to it.

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Summary

Faith is a multifaceted concept that defies simple categorization. It is both a deeply personal experience and a universal phenomenon, reflecting the diversity of human thought and emotion. Through the mirror of our perceptions, we may see faith in many lights, yet its true nature remains steadfast, a constant in the ever-changing landscape of life.

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Glossarium

Faith: A complex belief in something beyond empirical evidence, often associated with trust in a higher power, the unknown, or the inherently good.

Perception: The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.

Reflection: A thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation.

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“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

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In the silence of dawn,
where shadows merge with light,
there lies the essence of faith—
a belief, steadfast and bright.

It dances on the water’s surface,
a reflection of the sky,
a mirror of our inner thoughts,
underneath the vast, open sky.

Faith, a journey of the heart,
a leap into the unseen,
a testament to the spirit’s strength,
in the space where dreams convene.

If it seems obvious
that nothing you believe
has any bearing on this reality,
consider the possibility
that you’re already moving
towards the next one.

Remember,
you are an eternal being,
imagining otherwise.

Trail Wood,
3/3

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Beyond the Veil: A Journey to the Next Reality

As the twilight city transitions into the realm beyond, we explore the thresholds between realities.

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The concept of “reality bypassing” presents a fascinating paradox, where the boundaries of our current existence blur into the possibilities of the next. This journey, often unseen yet deeply felt, challenges our perceptions and beliefs, inviting us to contemplate the infinite expanse beyond our physical realm.

The Thresholds of Perception

In the bustling life of our cities, amongst the neon glow and holographic dreams, lies a pathway to understanding that transcends our conventional grasp of reality. It is a reminder that what we perceive as the end may simply be the beginning of another understanding, another reality waiting to be acknowledged.

Eternal Transitions

The notion that we are eternal beings navigating through a series of realities offers a profound sense of continuity and purpose. Our current experiences, beliefs, and perceptions are but a fraction of our journey, a single note in the symphony of existence.

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Summary

The idea of moving towards a new reality, of bypassing our current understanding to embrace the unknown, is a testament to our eternal nature. It challenges us to expand our perceptions, to see beyond the immediate, and to consider our place within a larger, ever-unfolding universe.

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Glossarium

Reality Bypassing: The concept of transcending beyond the current perception of existence into another reality.

Eternal Being: The notion that one’s essence or spirit exists continuously through various forms or realities.

Perception: The process by which individuals interpret and organize sensation to produce a meaningful experience of the world.

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“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

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In the city’s heart, where light meets dark,
we stand on the verge of the unseen spark.
A step, a leap, into the night,
towards the unknown, beyond the sight.

Through neon jungles, to realms anew,
our souls whisper of the journeys due.
Eternal beings, in transient guise,
seeking truth beyond the skies.

In this dance of light and shadow play,
we find our path, our own way.
To bypass reality, to embrace the dream,
in the endless flow of the cosmic stream.

I am sorry,
but you are not
going to trick me
into hating you.

If I decide to hate you,
that’s all on me.

Trail Wood,
3/3

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The Choice Within: Paths of Emotion

At the crossroads of the heart, where paths diverge, lies the power of our choices.

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In the intricate dance of human emotions, hate stands as a formidable presence, casting shadows across the landscapes of our hearts. Yet, it is a presence summoned not by the actions of others, but by our own invitation. The realization that hate is a problem of the self, and not of the other, illuminates a path of profound empowerment and responsibility.

The Crossroads of Decision

Confronted with the divergence of paths—one shrouded in darkness, the other aglow with the promise of peace—we stand at the crossroads of choice. This moment, symbolic of our internal struggles, challenges us to choose not between two roads, but between two versions of ourselves.

The Burden of Hate

Acknowledging that hate is a self-imposed burden transforms our understanding of it. It is not an inevitable response, but a choice—a choice that we have the power to reject. By refusing to be tricked into hatred, we assert our autonomy and our commitment to a path of understanding and forgiveness.

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Summary

The journey of self-awareness reveals that hate is a choice, a burden that we impose upon ourselves. In recognizing this, we find the strength to choose differently, to choose paths that lead away from hate and towards understanding and peace. This choice, fundamentally ours to make, defines the essence of our emotional landscape and our journey through life.

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Glossarium

Hate: An intense feeling of dislike or hostility towards someone or something, often resulting in harmful actions or attitudes.

Choice: The act of selecting between two or more possibilities, emphasizing personal agency in decision-making.

Forgiveness: The process of overcoming feelings of resentment or anger towards someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

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“In the end, we are our choices. Build yourself a great story.” – Jeff Bezos

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At the heart’s crossroads, under the forest’s gaze,
a choice lies before me, in the morning’s haze.
To hate, to wither, in the dark path’s embrace,
or to love, to heal, in the light’s gentle grace.

This burden, mine alone, to bear or to release,
in the silence of choice, I find my peace.
For in this moment, the truth I see,
the path I choose, defines me.