Universe to Alexandra: We’ve got a message for you. Are you listening?

Alexandra: Kind of. It’s a great message to encourage someone I know. Thanks.

Universe: There’s someone else you know for whom it’s an important message.

Alexandra: Oh? Who’s that then?

Universe: You, my dear. You.

3 months later…

U: Oh! Welcome back!

A: Thanks! It’s been a while.

U: Did we scare you off?

A: No. I scared myself off. As usual.

U: Then why the return today?

A: I’m fed up of being a wannabe. Or a wannado.

U: We can understand that. Do you remember what we were talking about three months ago?

A: Of course not! I know it was good, but I’m clueless beyond that.

U: No matter. The main thing is that you’ve stopped second-guessing yourself, at least for this October night in 2022.

A: Thank you. It’s a lifelong habit, second-guessing myself. Otherwise known as doubting myself.

U: We’ve noticed that about you. So this evening is important, auspicious, even!

A: Time will tell, my friend, time will tell. And you are my friend, aren’t you?

U: Yes. We like to think so. We hang on your every word, your every thought, your every feeling, and we supply you with experiences that match those words, thoughts and feelings as faithfully as we can.

A: So…I am at the centre of The Universe?

U: Not quite. You are at the centre of your universe. Humans talk of the Multiverse. All that means is that every different living being – and there are many – has its own universe.

A: I see. Can I affect the other universes?

U: You do so every time you affect yours.

A: Oh! Then there really is no private good!

U: That’s right. Or private evil. Every thought, word, gesture, action has repercussions everywhere. Partout, as the French say.

A: Isn’t that too much responsibility for a mere mortal?

U: You tell me. Is it? And is that all you are, “a mere mortal?”

A: Well they told me that when I was young.

U: Ah yes. When you were indoctrinated into your culture’s beliefs. How did that work for you?

A: No comment. You know full well it was pretty darn disastrous, whether I went along with it or rebelled against it.

U: But you’re better now.

A: Yes, I’m happy to say. Because I’m happy. I’m actually happy!

U: We’re delighted to hear that. It’s so enjoyable to supply you with experiences that match that feeling.

A: Thank you. It’s so enjoyable to live them, also! Would you have some pithy piece of advice to give me before we part? What’s the most important thing I need to know or do at the moment?

U: Certainly. Know that we never part. Anytime that you open your consciousness, you open to our Oneness. That’s the point of the spiritual practice we’ve watched you do for more than 40 Earth years now. And we thank you for it, for it nourishes our life energy as well as yours.

A: Yes, Buddhism. It’s great. We’re back to the “no private good” idea again.

U: Just so. And as for the most important thing to do, continue to take better, more loving care of yourself. Humans on Planet Earth surprise us frequently with the appalling way you treat not just each other, but also yourselves. All life is precious. Every aspect of it deserves reverence, including the life within you.

A: Thank you. I guess you’re talking about evolution.

Universe: We sincerely hope so!