Visiting Earth

[Lisa Walford]

Last week we enjoyed, albeit a light weight distraction from other more extreme things, images of earth from up high. I was inspired and moved, as I often am, when I see the galaxy, stars, planets shimmering soft lights. Here, in Oregon, the night sky is dark enough to feel the vastness of space.. so, this poem rings true in a soft, whimsical and poignant way. Read it several times.. and imagine..  

Instructions before visiting Earth                      James McCrae

 

In the event that you wake up

and find your soul separated from source

and manifest into material form, don’t panic.

Your condition is only temporary.

 

You have been selected for the opportunity

of human incarnation.

 

This 3D simulation is designed

to break up the monotony of eternity

by giving you a fully immersive experience

as a distinct ego identity.

 

Your body will serve

as your physical avatar

as you navigate a dense and dramatic reality.

There will be many distractions

causing you to forget your true nature and origin.

You will experience a range of emotions

from joy to loneliness to despair.

 

But remember — no matter

what trials and traumas you encounter,

your soul remains perfectly safe.

 

At times you may feel lost or afraid.

This is totally normal.

If you ever need guidance,

simply slow down your busy mind

and bring your awareness

to the quiet place

inside yourself.

 

On this planet, nothing is permanent.

People and things will come and go.

You will fall in love and form sentimental attachments

only to lose everything you hold dear.

 

So cling to nothing too tightly, even yourself,

and when it’s time to let go, let go with grace,

for nothing is owned, only borrowed.

 

As you walk among

the people on the planet,

try to be a good guest.

Tread lightly. Remember

that you are only visiting.

Don’t make a mess.

Listen more than you speak.

Give more than you take.

 

Don’t keep your soft heart

locked inside a glass cage,

protected from wear and tear.

 

You’ll never make it out alive

and time passes quickly.

So come back with some battle scars

and good stories to tell.