ON THE OTHER SIDE OF HERE

You know those moments, hours, sometimes days that are so close to perfect that it almost frightens you? Moments or days that are so golden that it's like a tonic? Sometimes you get a taste of it, a glance, ---and it transports you to different time and place. But what if it is always there, that high that doesn't come from drugs, but perhaps does come from the smell of newly cut grass, or a lovely song, or the sight of children playing---or maybe just your own private epiphany that finally releases you from a guilt or worry? I have long suspected that there is a sort of parallel universe just waiting for us to live in it, when we finally allow ourselves to do so---a heaven right here on earth. "Seek and ye shall find", it is written, but we spend most our lives seeking, not finding.

A few years ago, a book titled, "The Secret", theorized that if you want something, you need only make it known to the universe, focus on that desire, and the universe will make it happen for you. Some people may call this prayer, but the author spoke of it more in terms of a magnetic, metaphysical response to one's wishes. In her view, it was a "secret" power that we all have, but don't use enough or in the right way. I decided to try it---I wished for something I had longed for and thought practically impossible. It worked! Within a short period of time my wish was granted, and then some. But maybe that's just the way positive thinking works---identify your wish, focus, and your mind begins to build bridges to get you there. It's a powerful thought, but so are our minds--- and so is the universe---and even more so, is the architect of it all. But, the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for", are words to be heeded. Think carefully before you open what may be a Pandora's Box, best left closed. On the other hand, employing "the secret" or wishing on a star ,is a lovely thought, and can bring great joy---life should not always be "good enough" or something to simply and only endure. Sometimes there is a serendipity kind of happening that can brighten your day or change your life; but there's also the possibility that a dream come true takes more than chance. It is just waiting for you on the other side of now, to be sought after, seen, and given to you---if only you'll ask, then take the steps to get there. And then, consider that you perhaps need not go anywhere---that there's magic and wonder all around---the glory of being is shimmering right in front our eyes, if only we'll see.

Studies have shown that the people in Denmark are the happiest because so many things are provided to them by the government. I personally think that's not a reliable fact, probably promoted by their chamber of commerce. Surely happiness is not derived from being the welfare recipients of a government. But who knows---maybe the Danes have discovered "the secret"!?

Some of the happiest, most fun people to be around are just naturally happy.Though money and security certainly help, some of these people are not the richest I have known---they are ordinary in their circumstances and have accepted that. Maybe it's an inherited gene, the happiness gene. I think it's a proven fact that some are born inclined to be more cheerful than others. I love being in the presence of those kinds of people---they seem to glow with an aura that says, all will be well, no matter what.

As we move ever deeper into this new century, there is much to worry about. But I will continue to wonder what's on the other side of my own self locked door---a shimmering universe, where "all is well" is the actual reality, and all else is the distorted illusion of life on this side of here? In the meantime, I now know "the secret", so I think I'll try it again---Paris, here I come!