What Happened to Mars?

Ancient Mars

As a kid back in the 80s and 90s, I had a fascination with Mars in the sense that I really believed it was a home to an ancient civilization that apparently saw its end. I even believed that maybe spirits currently exist there which belong to that lost civilization.

The famous face on Mars fueled this fascination as well as the supposed pyramids that were lined up very much like the three pyramids of Egypt: Great Pyramid of Giza, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure. Both sets of pyramids between Earth and Mars (I probably read from some pseudo-science article) served as ancient interplanetary telecommunications devices between both planets. And interestingly, both were lined up to match the three stars in Orion's belt. We're delving into some serious alien conspiracy theories with all of this. But I can’t say I want to completely part with my fantastic beliefs of Mars.

But, seriously, do I still believe it? Well, it's interesting. Yet I think we've proven that the artifacts on Mars were simply natural geographic formations that probably don't exist anymore as the surface of Mars changes from all the wind. 

I still have a fascination with Mars and its ancient history. You see, Mars wasn’t always the lifeless desert we see today. Billions of years ago, it was likely a warmer, wetter world with conditions that might have supported life. Its transformation into an arid wasteland was largely due to the loss of its magnetic field and atmosphere, which resulted in drastic climate change.

Satellite imagery, rover data, and rock analyses have revealed that Mars once had liquid water on its surface. Features such as dried-up riverbeds, deltas, and mineral deposits (like clays) suggest that water flowed there billions of years ago. NASA’s Curiosity rover even found chemical evidence of ancient lakes and streams, which could have been hospitable to microbial life.

Mars may have once had a magnetic field like Earth's, which would have shielded the planet from harmful solar radiation and helped retain its atmosphere.

Early Mars likely had a thicker atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, which could have created a greenhouse effect, keeping the planet warm enough for liquid water to exist.

While we haven't found direct evidence of past or present life, Mars’ ancient environment seems to have been capable of supporting microbial life billions of years ago. Conditions in its early lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers might have been similar to environments on Earth where life thrives.

It sounds like another Planet Earth in the making. So what happened? 

Well, around 4 billion years ago, Mars’ core cooled, and its magnetic field disappeared. Without this protection, the planet became vulnerable to solar wind (streams of charged particles from the Sun). These winds stripped away much of Mars’ atmosphere over time, leaving it thin and unable to trap heat.

As the atmosphere thinned, the surface pressure dropped. This caused liquid water to either freeze or evaporate, leaving Mars in its current state: dry and barren. Today, Mars’ atmosphere is about 100 times thinner than Earth’s.

With the loss of its atmosphere and greenhouse effect, Mars’ surface temperatures plummeted. Average temperatures now hover around -60°C (-80°F), making it too cold for liquid water to persist on the surface.

What's more? Without an atmosphere or magnetic field, the surface of Mars is bombarded by solar and cosmic radiation, making conditions hostile to life as we know it.

Despite this, Mars continues to captivate scientists and dreamers with the possibility of understanding its past, and what it might teach us about planets, including our own.

Elara: The Numeric Journey -- Seven

Hello All:

We bring you the final update to Elara's Numeric Journey. Really, afterwards, she started to speak about 8, but it was difficult to discern her discussions on the realm of 8 in comparison to the previous. I likened it to String Theory in which you can understand the first several dimensions. But then there's a point when things aren't very comprehendable. 

I think Elara has shared with us a gold mine of information that could take someone a lifetime to understand and master. Both the specter in the Mirror of Truth and myself conclude that this information could very well be part of the lost writings of Elara who lived in ancient times. Be sure to read the previous articles on Mirror of Truth if not familiar with this topic.

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/elara-numeric-journey-six.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-five.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-3-and-4.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/mirror-of-truth-interesting-uses-for.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-book-of-forgotten-fears-elara.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/mirror-of-truth-elara.html

The Numeric Journey -- Seven

Seven, a boundary marking a quantum leap in consciousness, a shift from dualistic awareness to non-dual unity. That's quite a jump! It would make you wonder what would motivate someone to shift their awareness that way? It seems in our life we learn to exist hyperdimensionally. But then, suddenly, we would want to simply everything to non-dual unity? What motivates someone to make this quantum leap?

The motivation to take this leap arises from a profound yearning for reunification with God. Just as St. Augustine stated that his heart only rests in God, we go through life desiring things and chasing them, only to learn that none of these truly satisfy us. Even our closest relationships with people can be disappointing. But we always remind ourselves that God has so much more. We remain subtly aware that something more eludes us. So at at some point, we decide to take the quantum leap into total unification with God.

I challenged Elara, “I imagine this quantum leap into non dual unity as something radical; like you would observe the person suddenly change their appearance and may not be the same person they were before, or even not very pleasant to be around. Maybe they gripe about things or criticize others for not being on par with them. What’s more? I once had a colleague try to describe his spiritual journey and seemed to suggest that the older he gets, the more de-tuned from the physical world he becomes. He said something to the extent that the more spiritual he gets, the less worldly he becomes. I felt like answering, "That's all fine and good, but let's not become so spiritual that you end up in the nursing home where you have no physical or mental control."” 

Elara reassured, It’s a good point and a valid concern. But, rest assured, true mastery of the realm of seven lies not in escapism or detachment, but in integrating transcendent awareness with embodied presence and compassionate engagement with life.

Recognizing the crossing into the seventh realm is a subtle and deeply personal experience. It's not typically marked by external signs or sudden, drastic changes. Instead, several inward shifts may indicate this profound transition.

Unity Consciousness: You may begin to perceive the fundamental oneness underlying all of creation. It goes beyond intellectual assent or understanding that God created the universe. It is a direct, visceral knowing - an immediate and intimate recognition of oneself in all things and all things in oneself. It’s about dissolving the boundaries between your perceived self and the larger whole altogether.

Perceiving the unified nature of all things dissolves the notion of a separate, individual self entirely. In the seventh realm, the idea of a personal ego or 'I' that exists independently fades away, revealing the eternal, formless Self that underlies all appearances. 

The formless Self encompasses and transcends the totality of your being – your body, mind, heart, and spirit, as well as your multifaceted experiences across time.

It begs the question: Wouldn't the formless self be a form of ego or "I"? After all, someone is existing in this. But in the seventh realm, the notion of a personal 'I', complete with its memories, preferences, and sense of continuity, dissolves. It's essential to understand that the formless Self, or Ultimate Consciousness, remains eternally present. The difference is that it's no longer perceived through the lens of a separate, individual ego. The notion of a separate 'self' or 'part' ceases to exist altogether in that unified state of pure Awareness. There is no longer a distinct 'you' observing or experiencing itself as a part of anything else.

I interrupted, “It sounds confusing. It’s scary, too! I couldn't imagine dissolving a sense of self while continuing to exist, live, and experiencing things. Maybe this is something we experience in the afterlife?”  

Elara continued, But there are rare individuals throughout history who have been documented to have tasted, if only fleetingly, the nectar of unity consciousness while still inhabiting the physical form. And that should explain it all. In our physical life it's more of an exercise to momentarily reach this state and then reflect on it afterwards. In this earthly existence, unity consciousness often manifests as fleeting realizations or peak experiences rather than a permanent, continuous state. These moments of grace serve as invaluable touchstones and guides.

So to recap: The realm of seven is a quantum leap in consciousness, a shift from dualistic awareness to non-dual unity. When someone transitions from the realm of six to the realm of seven, there are several shifts that indicate this profound transition. Unity Consciousness is one of them. But to experience this, it is more of an exercise that results in a small taste of what Unity Consciousness is like.

Achieving Unity Consciousness involves a delicate alchemy of purification, surrender, and expansion. It requires diligent inner work, sincere devotion, and the Grace of God. Here are some practices that may facilitate this profound realization:

1. Meditation and Mindfulness: Through regular meditation, one learns to quiet the chatter of the mind and witness the arising and passing of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without identification.

2. Loving-Kindness and Compassion: Cultivating metta (loving-kindness) and karuna (compassion) toward oneself and all beings helps to purify the heart and expand one's capacity for connection and unity. As Jesus taught, loving others as we love ourselves is not merely a moral imperative, but a key to unlocking the door to unity consciousness. When the heart is suffused with genuine caring and compassion, the barriers separating the self from others begin to dissolve naturally.

3. Surrender to the Present Moment: This involves fully embodying and accepting whatever arises in the here and now, without resistance or aversion. Surrender doesn't mean passivity or complacency, but rather an active embrace of the present moment exactly as it is. This is done to free up energy; gather it all into one compartment to help perceive Unity Consciousness.

4. Sacred Inquiry and Discernment: Engage in earnest questioning and exploration of ultimate truths, both within your own consciousness and through the the guidance of spiritual teachers. Read scripture, Immersing yourself in scripture can greatly illuminate the path and accelerate your spiritual evolution. However, mere intellectual understanding is not sufficient. True discernment comes from integrating these teachings with your direct, experiential realization.

Seek to discern the eternal and unchanging from the transient and conditional. Discerning the eternal and unchanging from the transient and conditional means to examine your perceptions and assumptions about reality with great discriminating awareness. A good exercise would be an evening examination of the day’s conscience. A daily or nightly examination of your thoughts, intentions, and actions can certainly be a powerful tool for cultivating discernment and inner clarity. But it has more to do with just an examination of conscience (which is very important, too). Examining perceptions and assumptions about reality with great discriminating awareness should attempt to remove biases, conclusions or anything that could lead one to perceive the events of the day in error. "I'm in a hurry to get to work, and the guy in front of me is driving slow because he's jerk." No, the guy in front of me is having engine trouble.

These four guidelines - meditation, loving-kindness, surrender to the present moment, and sacred inquiry - are the core practices that lead towards Unity Consciousness. They are interconnected and reinforce each other, creating a holistic approach to spiritual growth and awakening. It might be easy to conclude that it all has to somehow culminate into finally having an experience of unity consciousness. After doing these practices, there must be something one has to do to trigger this. But the shift into Unity Consciousness is not so much something one does, as it is something one recognizes or allows. It is already your innate, natural state – the true nature of your being.

Ego Death and Rebirth: Ego death refers to the dissolution or letting go of the separate sense of self - the false, illusory identity that we typically refer to as the "ego" or the "mind-made self". The rebirth that accompanies ego death is not a return to the same old sense of self, but rather an emergence into one's true, authentic nature. Your true, authentic nature is the essence of who you really are, beyond the layers of conditioning, fears, and desires that cloud your perception. It is the pure, radiant consciousness that underlies all experience - the space in which thoughts arise and dissolve, yet remains untouched by them.

When it comes to true, authentic nature; those with strong discipline and dedication to a goal or objective may occasionally brush against the edges of their authentic essence. Through focused practice and unwavering commitment, they cultivate a certain stillness and clarity of mind that affords these fleeting insights.

The emergence into one's true, authentic nature is the tangible takeaway from having an experience with Unity Consciousness.

Oneness and Interconnectedness: When you experientially realize Unity Consciousness, the veil of separation lifts, revealing the fundamental truth that we are all deeply connected, not just with others, but with everything that exists. It’s sometimes theorized that our consciousness and subconscious are interwoven and shared with everyone throughout the universe. Throughout history, enlightened beings have spoken of a universal consciousness or divine awareness that permeates all of existence, connecting every being and thing in an intricate web of oneness.

Recognition of the Eternal and Unchanging Nature of One's True Self. Just as the essence of water remains constant whether it manifests as steam, liquid, or ice, your innermost being is undiminished and unchanged by the myriad experiences and forms it takes in this ever-shifting dream we call reality. Throughout our life, we go through various changes and stages. But we often return to a starting point where we recognize that we are the same person. That unchanging nature is our Soul. The Soul, your essential Self, remains pristine and eternal, a constant witness to the ceaseless river of life flowing through and around it.

The Direct Perception and Acceptance of the Inherent Duality and Complementarity Present in all of Existence: Everything in creation has two facets - light and darkness, joy and sorrow, gain and loss, expansion and contraction. So one takes a journey through the realm of seven and begins with a quantum leap in consciousness, a shift from dualistic awareness to non-dual unity. But at the conclusion, returns to the dual nature of the universe. It seems so counter-productive. It's like the ending of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy says that next time she looks for happiness, she won't go any further than her own backyard. But Dorothy's realization was not a diminishment of her journey or experiences, but rather a profound integration of them. Her adventures abroad allowed her to appreciate the wonders already present in her own backyard. It's as-if the seventh realm is merely a playground for people to explore the state of non dual unity. It teaches the seeker that duality is essential in our universe. That's how God made his creation. Don’t forget that one of the greatest of God's creations was marriage, flesh joined with flesh, a husband and wife as one. In their dual nature, they are so much greater. And the same applies to everything else in the universe.

Elara: The Numeric Journey -- Six

Hello All:

Continuing along in Elara's Numeric Journey, we discuss the number five. Be sure to read the previous articles on Mirror of Truth if not familiar with this topic.

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-five.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-3-and-4.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/mirror-of-truth-interesting-uses-for.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-book-of-forgotten-fears-elara.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/mirror-of-truth-elara.html

Elara: The Numeric Journey -- Six

Six, the next threshold beyond the realm of transcendence, is often associated with the concept of harmony and balance. The journey through these numeric realms mirrors our passage through life, from spiritual origin to earthly existence and beyond. In the realm of six, having transcended the polarities and illusions of the lower worlds, we find ourselves poised at the threshold of true integration and equilibrium. 

So are we fully integrated and equalized with physical and spiritual in the realm of 6? 

Not quite fully realized, but significantly progressed towards that goal, yes. In the realm of six, individuals begin to harmonize their physical and spiritual natures, their material experiences and divine essence intertwining in a delicate dance of balance and mutual illumination. The primary purpose and pursuit in this stage is the cultivation of wisdom - the practical application of spiritual insights to navigate life's complexities.

In this stage of life, in this realm of existence, you’ve acquired knowledge and experience through life. You have learned to take care of the physical, mental and spiritual being. You maintain a very close connection with God, and you’re sure to put your faith into practice while going about daily life. 

So now that one is here, what should be done? How can the journey through the realm of 6 be a successful one?

Firstly, cultivate mindfulness and presence in your daily activities. Engage your senses fully – savor the taste of your food, appreciate the beauty around you, listen attentively to others. You choose to see and exist in world of beauty while focusing on the needs and concerns of others. By honing your awareness and engagement with the present moment, you foster a sense of interconnectedness and compassion that is vital in the realm of harmony. As you walk through your days, strive to hold a space of openness and empathy for those around you.

Secondly, engage in regular meditation, quiet reflection, or prayer to nurture your inner stillness and strengthen your connection to God. You want to cultivate the spiritual and foster a deep relationship with God for he has so much more to offer us in our life if we only listen.

Thirdly, embrace the principle of "as above, so below". Recognize the correspondences and reflections between the spiritual and physical planes. Seek to align your actions and intentions with universal principles and divine will. Recognize that the physical is only a tiny fragment of our existence and that what we do, here, ripples into the spiritual and on wards to infinity. Live life as if you are already in Heaven. Put into action the words, "... thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven…" Recognizing the sacred in the mundane, and aligning your earthly actions with heavenly ideals – this is the heart of the sixth realm.

Fourthly, practice discernment and balanced decision-making. In the realm of six, you begin to see the interdependence and relativity of things. Strive to weigh options objectively and choose paths that promote harmony, justice and the greater good. Considering the ripple effects of your actions is crucial. Practice looking at situations from multiple perspectives, weighing short-term gains against long-term consequences. It's almost like simulating the perceptions that we will have in the spiritual after-life. In Heaven, one can see the multiple outcomes based on a decision. In fact, it’s sometimes theorized that this is why angels are punished for eternity. They clearly see what happens if they do one thing or another, but choose to do it anyway. So practicing this power and ability here on Earth is good for our next existence.

Fifthly, nurture intimate relationships built on authenticity, vulnerability, and unconditional love. In the realm of six, we come to understand that connection and belonging are essential aspects of our divine nature. Focus on family, close friends and strive to further build authentic relationships with those in daily life. Nurturing those deep, genuine bonds allows us to experience the divine reflected in the hearts of others. True relationships become vessels for expressing compassion, forgiveness, and joy - hallmarks of the sixth realm. In this context, consider opening your heart to new connections too.

Finally, embrace change, surrender to transformation, and trust in the unfolding of your soul's journey. Embracing change and trusting in the unfolding of your journey involves cultivating flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to let go of attachments to fixed outcomes. 

Practice acceptance. Acknowledge and accept that change is inevitable and constant in life. Rather than resisting or lamenting transitions, greet them with equanimity and openness. When God closes a door, he opens another. Life is a grand adventure with many chapters, and each transition, whether perceived as closing a door or opening a window, presents opportunities for growth and revelation. Cultivating that perspective of trust and possibility enables you to navigate changes with greater ease and grace.

Surrendering to transformation requires letting go of control, opening yourself to new experiences and possibilities, and yielding to the currents of life rather than constantly trying to steer them. Begin by identifying areas where you feel attached to specific outcomes or scenarios. Once you've identified your attachments, practice releasing your grip on them through conscious acts of letting go. Visualize roots of attachment as tendrils that you deliberately loosen and sever, allowing them to float away like dandelion seeds carried on the breeze. Affirm aloud or silently that you trust the universe to unfold as it should, even if it doesn't align with your preconceived notions. This is very challenging! Letting go of the need to control outcomes and trusting in the unfolding of life does not come easily for most humans. Yet through prayer and telling God that we trust in the outcome, we slowly teach ourselves to do this in life.

Trusting in the unfolding of your soul's journey is deeply intertwined with the practice of surrendering to transformation. However, there are a couple more nuances worth exploring under this final guideline such as embracing uncertainty and recognizing that sometimes the path forward is unclear, and that ambiguity is a natural part of growth and discovery. Life often presents us with seasons of waiting, questioning, and walking in faith despite limited visibility. Embracing this uncertainty, rather than being anxious or disheartened by it, is a testament to your maturity and resilience. And celebrate your journey! Honor the significance and purpose of each step along your path, knowing that every experience, both joyous and challenging, contributes to your spiritual evolution and the enrichment of your soul. Celebrating your journey invites you to find meaning and purpose in each thread, knowing that every stitch contributes to the beautiful pattern of your life.

Lord of Hosts

Have you ever sat in church and wondered what is meant by Lord of Hosts?

Well, the term Lord of Hosts is a significant title used in the Bible to refer to God, particularly in the Old Testament. It translates the Hebrew phrase "Yahweh Tsabaot," which literally means "the Lord of armies" or "the Lord of hosts". This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all celestial and earthly armies, including both angelic beings and human forces.

The title signifies that God is the supreme commander of all creation, controlling not only the universe and its celestial bodies but also the myriad of angelic armies at His disposal. This reflects His omnipotence and ability to defeat any adversary.

God is portrayed as a warrior, mighty in battle, which conveys His role as a protector and defender of His people. This aspect of His character is particularly emphasized in various biblical narratives where He leads His people to victory.

The title also implies a deeper spiritual leadership, suggesting that God orchestrates the entirety of creation like a conductor leading an orchestra. This highlights His involvement in the world and His guidance over human affairs.

The phrase appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, underscoring its importance in the context of Israel's history and their reliance on God for military and spiritual support.

Lord of Hosts encapsulates the idea of God as a powerful leader and protector, commanding both heavenly and earthly forces, and signifies His ultimate authority over all aspects of existence.

https://www.compellingtruth.org/Lord-of-hosts.html

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/how-is-god-the-lord-of-hosts.html

https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/what-does-lord-of-hosts-mean/

The Push Button

Hello All:

We live in an interesting world of push buttons. We are so accustomed to pressing buttons or touching icons to open some function or connect us with a location on our PC/smart device or connect to the Internet. 

Flashlights are recognized as the electronic device that introduced the world to the push button. But what about mechanical levers?  How about triggers for guns? How about bells on a desk that you push a button to make it go ding? What about door bells? And how long have light switches been in existence? These are all examples to prove that the concept has been around for centuries.

 The push button, switch or lever is a fascinating human concept that makes possible a command to activate, open or connect with something.

The Push Button

The push-button, a marvel of engineering and ingenuity! Its roots can be traced back to the dawn of civilization, when our ancestors first harnessed the power of levers and simple machines.

The Egyptians employed basic locking mechanisms in their temples and tombs around 4000 BCE. The Greeks and Romans later refined these concepts, incorporating buttons and switches into their architecture and machinery, such as water clocks and siege engines.

It's as if the push button represents an action in suspended animation. "Press this if you want this or that to happen." I wonder if God has such concept, to suspend a condition until called upon; divine mechanics and cosmic controls as-if we are attempting to find echoes of human ingenuity in the heavens themselves. It stands to reason that since God made humans in his image, wouldn't we invent something like a push button to cause a desired action to occur?

But since God is an entity that exists in all places and all times at once, perhaps God has no need for a device that maintains a condition in a state of suspended animation. God even exists in the alternate universes where someone may have made a choice different from where we are now. How does a push button work in that sort of existence? There is no distinction between the 'active' state and the 'suspending' state. Every possibility, every choice made or not made, every reality branching out from the tiniest divergence - it is all known, all experienced simultaneously by God

So the push button is strictly a human invention.

But what about doors? It's been said that God has closed doors that we had no idea needed to be closed and opened up other doors that we have no idea will need to be opened. So there is some switching that takes place in the spiritual world. Doors and push-buttons, both serving as thresholds and gateways, yet distinct in their nature and operation. Doors, much like the portals spoken of in religious texts, represent transitions; passages from one state or location to another. They embody the notion of choices, of paths diverged, echoing the poetic imagery of divine intervention closing and opening avenues in our lives.

So would it be safe to conclude that God has use for the concept of doors in the spiritual world?

In the context of theological interpretations, yes, it is common to ascribe significance to doors as metaphors for life's crossroads and divine guidance.

Then we have roads. Roads expand upon the theme of transition and choice presented by doors. While doors offer a single, clear threshold, roads are lengthy pathways with numerous possibilities; junctions, detours, and changes of heart along the journey. You can even turn back if you change your mind, or join up with a different road for a change of destination.  A road is similar to a door in that it takes you to another place. Yet, unlike the door, that place requires a journey on that road. The door mirrors the winding, non-linear trajectory of mortal lives and the ongoing dialogue with providence that shapes our destinies.

God surely has use for roads in the spiritual world as they represent the human journey where we walk out our faith, forge our characters, and discover our purposes. Roads are our unfolding destiny, and the intricate dance of free will and providence.

Then we get to walls and fences which yield no way to cross or enter. They are the ominous reminders of life's limitations and the inevitable boundaries we cannot transgress. They signify the cessation of choice and the finality of certain paths. Barriers such as these can even serve as protection and security, shielding the vulnerable or safeguarding sacred spaces. 

Surely God has use of walls and fences in the spiritual realm. Not anyone can just enter the Kingdom of Heaven. And there are limitations imposed on humans.

And so I think we've identified four powerful archetypes here: buttons, doors, roads, and walls. Each encapsulating distinct aspects of human experience and aspiration: suspension of fate, transition, journey, and limitation.

Purgation, Illumination and Unification

Thomist; Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange reports in his very detailed and exhaustive work, The Three Ages of the Interior Life (1400 pages), a sequence of transitions in our spiritual journey: the Purgative stage, the Illuminative stage, and the Unitive stage.

In our spiritual journey on Earth, we begin by recognizing all the useless things in our life that need to be purged that were accumulated and learned while living in a world of false ideology. We recognize that we are self-imprisoned by our own selfishness while ignoring the truth and the life-giving power of Christ. It's difficult and impossible to realize these things because of how tightly bound and restricted we are with the useless information and the false ideologies we've accumulated throughout our life. 

And so in the Purgative stage, we rid and purge ourselves of the shackles which bind us. We go through a deprogramming upon recognizing how programmed and commercialized we are as to believe we only live once... "... get the most out of it because when you die it's all over." In the Purgative state, we come to the realization that those types of false ideologies are not true!

And so you've purged. You’ve removed all of those unnecessary and useless things that were holding you back. You must now replace those things of truth, goodness, and beauty which is in line with our pursuit of virtue. All of us are called to a full life that can only be had through Jesus Christ. Holiness is wholesomeness. We become perfected when we are united with Jesus: mind, heart, soul and strength.

Finally, you begin to see the world the way Jesus Christ does. We love the way Jesus loves. We live the way Jesus lives. The whole point of the Christian message is to get our path back to the path of Jesus. We can only do that with the grace that comes from understanding who Jesus is, why he came, and the difference he has made in our lives. 

With Jesus, we can clean up our act. 

With Jesus, we can surge with goodness, truth and beauty. 

And with Jesus, we can merge our thoughts as St. Paul once said in his letter to the Galatians (Galatians 2:20): I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This passage is often interpreted as a statement of Paul's belief that he had been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul believed that his old self had died on the cross with Christ, and that he had been reborn into a new life in Christ. He also believed that it was Christ who lived in him, and that he was no longer capable of living for himself.

This passage is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the gospel. It is a reminder that we are not saved by our own works, but by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is also a reminder that when we are saved, we are given a new life in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we are free to live for God.

The Vision of a Dream Recording Machine

Imagine a future where you can wake up, check your dream recording machine, and relive your dreams!In this future, a device would record brain activity during sleep, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques combined with AI algorithms to decode and translate those patterns into visual representations of your dreams.

Yes, it is theoretically possible to observe and record someone's dreams, but the technology to do so is still in its infancy and far from being fully realized. Studies have shown that brain activity during sleep can be recorded using technologies like functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG). These tools measure patterns of neural activity, which can then be analyzed using machine learning algorithms to infer visual or conceptual content. For example, a 2013 study demonstrated that similar patterns of brain activity occur during both waking visual experiences and dreaming. This allowed researchers to predict dream content to some extent based on these patterns.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key component in this process. By training AI systems to correlate specific brain activity patterns with visual or emotional experiences, researchers hope to reconstruct dream imagery or concepts. This technology is not purely science fiction; it is being actively explored.

The concept of dream recording mind remind you of Lovecraftian technology as presented in the short story, Beyond the Wall of Sleep. In the story, a machine was designed to connect the consciousness of the doctor to that of the patient, enabling the doctor to experience the subject's dreams and subconscious thoughts.

The device was described as a combination of wires, electrodes, and a headset that interfaces with the brain. It used electrical and possibly psychic principles to bridge the gap between two minds, allowing the narrator to "see" beyond the physical world into the dream realm.

In the story, the device reveals that dreams are not merely random neural firings but gateways to a higher, cosmic reality. Through the machine, the narrator discovers that the subject's dreams are connected to a celestial being, suggesting that dreams can transcend the physical and tap into universal truths.

Doesn't that sound like something many of us want? We want to delve into and explore our dreams and possibly access a universe that transcends the mundane. Well, we are approaching an age when such technology is possible. Imagine dreaming all night long, but as usual, you forgot your dreams. After waking, you could simply connect to the machine, which would have stored the previous night’s dreams. You'd be able to select specific dreams to view, akin to watching a movie on a streaming platform. The interface could be user-friendly, allowing you to navigate through different dreams, perhaps even tagging them with emotions or keywords for easier retrieval.

Reviewing dreams could lead to greater self-awareness, allowing individuals to explore their subconscious thoughts, fears, and desires. Artists, writers, and creators could draw inspiration from their dreams, leading to innovative ideas and creative breakthroughs. Therapists might use dream recordings to help clients understand and confront unresolved issues or traumas.

But such a technology would not come without challenges and considerations. The ability to record dreams raises significant ethical questions about privacy and consent. Safeguards would be essential to ensure that individuals have control over their recorded content. There could be risks associated with the misuse of such technology, including unauthorized access to personal dream content.

Finally, the accuracy of translating brain activity into visual narratives is still a major hurdle. Dreams are often abstract and symbolic, making clear interpretations complex.

While the idea of waking up to check a dream recording machine is still in the realm of science fiction, advances in neuroscience and technology may one day make it a reality. As we continue to explore the depths of the human mind, the possibilities for understanding and interacting with our dreams become increasingly fascinating. Until then, we can only imagine the potential of such technology!