Free The Mystic Paradigm: An Evolutionary Novel by Brian M. Heater Page A

life: someone to calm him and help him stay centered. And although couples did commit to each other, especially when raising children, society had broadened its view of relationships. The larger community was an important part of everyone’s lives. Traditional relationships and marriage based on the old models of the single family were not as necessary, and not always desired. People were part of a larger whole and they expressed themselves in this way. There were many paths in which to grow and contribute to the larger consciousness. This made relationships more harmonic and healthy than they had been in the past. This new way had naturally evolved over several decades with the advancement of society. Joshua grew up understanding and respecting this process. Experiencing it directly with such a dear friend as Jonathan helped him heal in many ways.
    Joshua’s generation had indeed expanded their understanding of love; it was expressed in many forms. Individuals learned from an early age that serving and giving to others was an important focus. Children were cared for by the whole community with many nurturing adults to help with the task. Parents were supported by a larger network; they were not alone. This allowed people to let go and love. Joshua and Jonathan understood that they were part of a larger whole. Although where life took them was a mystery at times, they accepted this and worked on serving others and finding inner peace. They learned to focus on the present and express their love as openly as they could.
    They spent time together when they could, often sitting in complete silence, overlooking the breathtaking valley during the day, holding each other at night. They felt comfortable in each other’s presence. After many years questioning his identity and at times his sexuality, Joshua finally felt whole in this sense.
    The thought of not having Jonathan around made Joshua feel anxious, yet he knew what he must do. He needed to let that go and give himself to the higher good of all. Jonathan understood and supported this. Joshua told Jonathan about what had happened at the Council meeting. He knew that he would have to return and perhaps stay for a long period of time. This distressed him. The thought of leaving the magic of this place without the comfort of a true friend was at times unimaginable.
    Joshua looked into Jonathan’s eyes, tears flowing freely. “I will miss your energy when I go back to the University. You have been my best friend with gifts that soothe my soul.”
    “And I will miss you, Joshua. I will pray for you wherever you go. Feel my presence when you are alone. I will be there. We will always be connected by our love.”
    They both cried and held each other close as Joshua thought about the upcoming changes. Tonight he was with someone he loved. He abandoned himself to the moment and for the night forgot about the future.
    Joshua awoke the next day feeling confused about his purpose. He sat on his deck and knew that he needed help. He still was not ready to work on the farm and except for seeing Jonathan he kept himself fairly isolated. He needed time to think and calm himself. Fortunately he had recently heard from Talis, who would be coming to visit soon. He was happy that he could share time with his old friend in person. They had always had a special bond.
    Joshua thought about his dreams and his time with the seers. What did they want him to do? Why did they want him to come back? He understood it had to do with his dreams, but he wondered how he would help the trained seers with their work. Did they truly not know what happened in the time of the uprising? He had reflected many times on the amount of destruction caused by war, poverty and environmental abuse. The revolution had changed all of this. It was hard to believe this destructive world was less than 70 years in their past, yet he had known only this peaceful society. He relished the idea of how the world had transformed