The Wake-Up Dream

When I woke up, I felt like I had been sleeping for a very, very long time.

I was in a state of languor, perfect for remembering the dream I just had.

It had been a lucid dream. My participation was conscious, mostly, and often proactive.

And it was a long dream, a life dream.

It began when my dream mother's contractions were imminent and I was filled with anticipation of being born. It ended 43 dream years later.

The dream was so clearly remembered that I was able to review every aspect of it.

But the dream felt incomplete.

You've probably experienced waking up from a pleasant dream and wanting to go back to sleep to continue dreaming the dream? That's what it felt like. I wanted to continue dreaming the dream.

I was about to slip back into the dream state when I felt a presence nearby.

It was hazy about, but I could perceive the clear outline of someone standing there. And someone else, too, behind the first person, almost lost in the haze.

The nearest person said, "Welcome back."

The other person said, "All welcomes you back."

It was confusing. Who were these people!

They seemed benevolent, so I answered, "I just woke up."

"Yes, that's why we're here."

"But I'm not done with my dream."

"Yes, your return may be premature. It's your decision."

"I want to continue the dream."

"We'll protect your essence while you continue the dream."

So I floated back into a state of being unconscious of the awake reality.

Then I woke up — to continue living the dream.