At the tender age of four, my senses were alive, absorbing the world around me. Life was blissfully simple, filled with the purity of a child whose utmost happiness came from the gentle embrace of a spring day and the boundless love of my mother. But on a tranquil afternoon, the universe unveiled itself in a way that surpassed my wildest expectations.
My mother, a woman of unwavering faith, spoke to me about God as we stood in the garden, surrounded by the vibrant blooms of spring. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of blossoms and freshly cut grass. As she kneeled, her voice as soft as a lullaby, she whispered, “God’s in Heaven, watching over you. He loves you, always.” Her words acted as a key, unlocking a hidden chamber within me. A weightlessness overcame me, and I felt as if I were floating, my heart swelling with uncontainable joy. At that moment, I knew with absolute certainty that God was real and He loved me. His presence seemed to radiate from every corner of the world.
Armed with this newfound understanding, I ventured through the garden, my small hands delicately plucking buttercups to fashion a bouquet for my mother. The grass brushed against my bare ankles, tickling them playfully. The sun’s warmth caressed my skin, filling me with profound peace. I sang to God with the innocence of a child, my nonsensical words rising from my lips like a prayer of gratitude. I had always known that my mother loved and cherished me and that I was an integral part of something greater than myself. But at that moment, I grasped the immense vastness of that something, stretching far beyond the boundaries of my comprehension.
As I bent down to pluck another delicate flower, the velvety petals brushed against my fingertips, releasing a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. At that moment, my mother’s voice echoed in my ears, reminding me of God’s ever-watchful presence. Her words reverberated through my being, carrying a newfound weight. Mother left and went into the house, leaving me alone outside. Slowly rising to my feet, I clutched the vibrant bouquet, the delicate stems tickling my palm. With each step towards the house, I carefully navigated over the low picket fence, the wood excellent beneath my bare feet. But as I prepared to cross, the world around me shifted.
The familiar garden vanished instantly, replaced by an ethereal shimmering, and time seemed to hold its breath, freezing my raised foot in mid-air. A gentle hum enveloped my senses, filling my ears with its soothing melody. And then, without warning, I vanished.
There was no falling or stumbling, only a sudden absence from the Earth. The next moment, I was aboard the Mothership, a strangely familiar yet forgotten place. Memories of this place flooded my mind when I arrived, recognizing it as my true home. It wasn’t the house I had just left or the flower-filled yard, but this magnificent vessel suspended high above the Earth.
Though I couldn’t see them, I could sense other beings, their comforting aura surrounding me. Their voices didn’t resonate in the physical world but in the depths of my mind, clear and soothing. They reassured me there was no need for fear that everything was as it should be. Surprisingly, instead of fear, a sense of calm washed over me as if this journey was familiar, and my connection to these beings spanned eternity.
Communication with these beings transcended words, taking the form of feelings, thoughts, and vivid images. Their telepathic connection was so seamless that it felt like the most intuitive form of communication. And with each interaction, I remembered. I was not just a little girl standing in her backyard; I was Ki’Ra, an ancient soul who had experienced countless lifetimes on Earth and beyond. The Mothership, this floating sanctuary, was where I came from before embarking on this current existence. And now, I had returned.
The ship pulsed with vibrant energy, illuminating the surroundings with soft, ethereal lights that bathed everything in a warm, comforting glow. The air hummed with celestial music, its harmonies resonating deep within me, stirring memories of a time before my human existence. It filled me with profound joy, surpassing even the bliss I had experienced in the garden. My bliss was more than just the joy of being loved by God; it was the ecstasy of merging with the divine and becoming an integral part of the cosmic tapestry.
Though unseen, the beings surrounding me radiated a love and compassion that enveloped the entire ship. They saw me not merely as Janet, the child, but as the eternal soul I was. They had watched over me for eons, guiding me through countless lifetimes. Now, they welcomed me back with open hearts, marveling at the sacrifice I had made to inhabit such a limited form—a fragile human body plagued by illness. They understood the immense challenges of my mission and honored the courageous choice I had made to embark on this life.
Guided by these benevolent beings, I traversed the ship, comforted by their presence. Their love embraced me like a tender hug, while their profound empathy dissolved any remnants of fear in my heart. In this realm, I reconnected with the vastness of my existence. I was not merely a child or a human; I was a divine being named Ki’Ra, intimately connected to the Source, God, and the essence of creation.
We stepped into a room that resembled a grand theater adorned with velvet curtains and ornate chandeliers. A hush fell over the room as the lights dimmed, and a colossal screen materialized before me. I watched in awe as a breathtaking image of Earth emerged, suspended in the vastness of space. It appeared whole and flawless, captivating my senses.
Suddenly, three brilliant beams of light burst forth from different points on the planet’s surface, converging at its core. The Earth shattered into billions of fragments in a split second, scattering across the cosmos. The magnitude of the devastation struck me deeply, and my heart broke alongside the planet. I felt the pain of every living being that had perished, and their anguish resonated within me, overwhelming my senses.
Grief consumed me as tears streamed down my face, mourning the loss of the Earth and the countless lives it harbored. The screen flickered, and a new image materialized before my eyes. Slowly, the Earth reformed, each manifestation more vibrant and alive than the last. Life flourished on the planet once more, captivating my attention as verdant plants sprouted, graceful animals moved about, and harmonious humans lived perfectly.
The following scenes unfolded, revealing beauty, joy, and love. It was an extraordinary vision that seemed beyond imagination, yet its tangibility was undeniable. I realized then that I wasn’t merely an observer but an integral part of this future. A profound connection enveloped me, intertwining my being with every living entity and the essence of the Earth itself.
I could feel the planet’s consciousness, the rhythmic pulse of life coursing through every rock, river, and tree. It embraced me wholly, merging my existence with its own. In this remarkable state of unity, I realized the inseparable connection between myself and the intricate web of life. I realized I was an integral part of the tapestry of existence, just as it was an essential part of me.
Finally, the screen flickered and went dark, enveloping the room in a gentle, comforting darkness. A velvety voice reverberated inside my mind, the same voice that guided me throughout this transformative journey: “What reality do you choose?”
In that profound moment, I realized that the power of choice rested solely in my hands, not just for myself but for the destiny of our beloved Earth. I stood at the crossroads, feeling a serene hush fill the room, torn between the path of destruction and life. Without a moment’s hesitation, I unequivocally chose life. I embraced love. I forged a reality where humanity coexisted harmoniously with the divine, where the Earth thrived as a vibrant, living entity brimming with boundless joy and creative energy.
Once I decided, I was back on the Earth, paused in my backyard with my foot hanging in the air, eventually crossing over the tiny six-inch picket fence. Now low on the horizon, the sun cast a glorious golden hue across the garden, painting everything in a warm, ethereal glow. The passage of time had been elusive as hours slipped away like mere moments. I gazed down at the delicate bouquet of buttercups in my hand, a gentle smile on my lips. Then, I comprehended the profound magnitude of my existence, realizing that I was an integral part of something far grander than my wildest imaginings.
Feeling light-hearted, I leisurely returned to the house, fully aware of my privilege to be present on Earth at this crucial time. My mother’s words echoed through my mind, resonating with newfound clarity: God is in Heaven, watching over you, always loving you. God’s presence encompasses more than just the celestial realm. God filled every aspect of my being, the Earth, and the air I breathed. I was an inseparable fragment of the divine, an integral part of the awe-inspiring cosmic ballet of creation.
Deep within the recesses of my soul, I had chosen life, and I vowed to devote the remaining days of my sojourn on Earth to guiding and inspiring others to make the same life-affirming choice.
This article is featured in Dragon at the End of Time: Cosmic Rights coming in Winter 2024.
DRAGON AT THE END OF TIME: COSMIC RIGHTS
In Cosmic Rights, 1962 and 1963 present pivotal moments for Earth and the broader cosmic struggle for equality and justice. Both extraordinary advancements and profound challenges marked these years as humanity grappled with its growing identity on Earth. At the same time, a deeper awareness of cosmic rights—the inherent rights of all beings across the universe—took root.
1962: A Year of Contrasts
1962 was a year defined by contrasts: fear and hope, innovation and crisis. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a hazardous period during the Cold War when the world came close to the brink of nuclear annihilation. This showdown between the U.S. and the Soviet Union symbolized the dangers of unchecked power struggles, just as cosmic beings in the stars observed similar challenges in their realms. In this tension, beings in the stars observed identical challenges in their realms and sowed the seeds of cosmic rights. This idea echoed across the universe, envisioning a future where no being lived in fear of obliteration by another, regardless of their world.
Meanwhile, space exploration offered hope. John Glenn’s historic orbit around the Earth was not just a triumph for America; it symbolized humanity’s potential to explore beyond Earth and encounter other civilizations, further highlighting the importance of universal, or cosmic, rights. As civil rights protests swept across the United States, demanding equality for all, these earthly struggles mirrored a greater cosmic calling—the right to freedom, dignity, and respect for all beings, no matter their origin.
Cultural revolutions simmered. The rise of psychedelics and the youth rebellion against the status quo suggested that humanity was awakening to a broader consciousness. These movements pushed the boundaries of art and culture and opened doors to new ideas about unity and rights beyond Earth. The cosmic rights framework calls to recognize all sentient beings, urging a world where Earth’s civil rights struggles reflect the larger cosmic order.
1963: The March Toward Justice
The civil rights movement experienced a significant upswing in 1963, with influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. emerging as vigorous proponents of racial equality. The Birmingham campaign in April and the March on Washington in August were watershed moments in the fight for civil rights, culminating in King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. King envisioned more than just racial harmony on Earth in his dream.
However, 1963 was also a year marked by profound sorrow. The world was stunned by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which served as a powerful symbol of how fragile progress can be. Kennedy had advocated for civil rights, and his death marked a sad reminder that the fight for equality—on Earth and across the cosmos—was far from over. Losing such a figure underscored the sacrifices required to secure the rights of all. Meanwhile, distant civilizations understood Earth’s chaos and recognized that their struggles mirrored the plight of humanity.
The fight for cosmic rights—the rights of all beings, whether human or extraterrestrial—has taken on new resonance these years. As humanity grappled with its inequalities, the universe looked on, with civilizations across the cosmos envisioning a future where every sentient being, whether from Earth or distant planets, could live freely without fear of oppression or injustice. 1962 and 1963 were chapters in Earth’s history and a crucial moment in the unfolding story of cosmic justice—where civil rights and cosmic rights converge in the fight for universal dignity and equality.
Long Narrative for 1962-1963 from Janet’s Perspective:
When Janet turned eight on February 6, 1962, she felt the world was catching up to what she had always known about the universe. The Space Race was in full swing, and John Glenn’s orbit of the Earth just days after her birthday filled her with excitement. It was a tangible sign that humanity was finally reaching out to the stars. Having had extraterrestrial contact, Janet knew how vast and full of life the universe was, but the rest seemed far behind. Though small in her eyes, this progress gave her hope that one day, she wouldn’t have to hide her knowledge of extraterrestrials.
But fear cast a shadow over her optimism. Living in Pittsburgh, a city that was a top target for nuclear strikes because of its steel mills, the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 terrified her. The threat of nuclear war felt immediate, and the fear in the air was overwhelming. Janet understood more than most how fragile Earth was but knew that extraterrestrial beings wouldn’t step in to prevent such a disaster. The lessons of peace and unity had to come from within humanity, making the crisis even more challenging. For days, she lived with the fear of an impending catastrophe, feeling helpless in the world’s face’s fragility.
Amid the fear, there were glimpses of a hopeful future. When The Jetsons premiered in September 1962, it offered Janet an escape. The futuristic world of flying cars, robots, and space-age technology felt like a vision of what Earth could become. It wasn’t just a cartoon to her—it was a possibility, a look at how humanity could live in harmony with advanced technology. The Jetsons gave her hope that the world might someday embrace the future she knew was possible from her extraterrestrial encounters.
As 1963 began, Janet turned nine and found even more reasons to feel excited about the future. That year, she discovered the juvenile books of Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein at the library. Their stories of space exploration, technology, and humanity’s potential spoke to her in profound ways. Asimov’s logical, futuristic worlds and Heinlein’s adventurous spirit mirrored the reality Janet already knew. These weren’t just fictional stories—they were windows into the possibilities humanity could achieve. Discovering these books made her feel like life was about to get exciting as if humanity was on the cusp of something greater.
In 1963, her love for science fiction expanded through television and film. The Outer Limits, which premiered in September 1963, offered stories of eerie alien encounters and strange technologies. With each episode, Janet’s conviction grew stronger: the universe was a vast expanse of the unknown, and humanity had just unraveled its mysteries. Meanwhile, The Twilight Zone continued to captivate her with its explorations of human nature, morality, and the mysteries of the universe. It reflected many themes, Janet pondered as she thought about Earth’s potential and flaws.
Movies like The Day of the Triffids (1962) also captured her imagination, though in a more exemplary way. The film’s portrayal of alien plants taking over the Earth reminded her of the planet’s vulnerability to forces beyond its control. In Janet’s eyes, it was a metaphor for humanity’s dangers if it didn’t learn to unite and protect itself from more significant threats. The time’s speculative fiction mirrored her concerns about Earth’s future and its place in the larger universe.
But 1963 wasn’t all about hope and excitement. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November hit her hard. Janet admired Kennedy, believing he could guide humanity toward peace, progress, and the eventual acknowledgment of extraterrestrial contact. His death felt like a step backward, a loss of potential that weighed heavily on her. As the nation mourned, Janet mourned for the president and the future she hoped he could help create. It was a profoundly personal sadness, as if the world had lost a chance to grow and develop.
Still, the Civil Rights Movement offered a glimmer of hope. Janet admired Martin Luther King Jr. and the brave souls who marched for equality. In space, she knew, beings of all kinds coexisted in peace and harmony without the divisions of race or nationality. However, those divisions were prevalent on Earth, and Janet found herself surrounded by individuals who could not look beyond their own lack of knowledge and animosity. It was frustrating, but the courage of the civil rights activists gave her some faith that Earth could still change for the better.
Music also provided some solace. The Beatles’ rise and the beginning of Beatlemania in 1963 filled Janet with excitement. Their music represented a new cultural wave, something fresh and unifying. She got caught up in the frenzy, finding joy in how the Beatles seemed to unite people. It was a reminder that even in a world full of fear and uncertainty, there was still room for creativity, happiness, and shared experiences.
As Janet looked back on 1962 and 1963, she felt complex emotions. She was excited by the advancements in space exploration, the rise of science fiction, and the cultural shifts brought by music and civil rights. But the shadow of fear, ignorance, and tragedy loomed large. The world had so much potential, but its divisions and fears held it back. Still, Janet held onto the hope that one day, humanity would rise to meet its destiny among the stars.
If you are interested in purchasing this book, email janetlessin@gmail.com.
