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In the early 1990's I ran across a book of Native American Prophecies called Black Dawn, Bright Day. At the time it might have seemed odd that a 20-something guy of European descent from Texas would be reading books about Indigenous prophecy, but to me what seemed odd was that more people weren't. There is so much wisdom available for us, if we only listen.

Back in 2010 I met Michael Tamura and his wife Raphaelle at a workshop in Petaluma, CA. At the time I was researching reincarnation, and after seeing several of his past lives documented on Walter Semkiw's website, it seemed he might be a good person to interview. Sitting here 13 years later, I don't remember what the workshop was about, and I don't even remember exactly what we talked after the last day of class, but I do remember his laugh. He was able to communicate a lot of very helpful and sometimes profound information, between his near constant stream of humor, jokes and laughter.

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Yesterday I watched an interview with him where he told the story of a recent near-death experience. Essentially, he went to what seemed like a very nice conference room where there were elders sitting in a semi-circle around a table, interviewing him. They said he had acheived what he set out to do in this life, so it was up to him whether he went back. He did choose to come back, but ultimately he died again in October this year, and this time did not return.

Watching the interview brought up mixed emotions, as I remembered talking with him in the early stages of my research into reincarnation, but his mission was accomplished. After reflecting on my own life last night, and what might happen if I were to wake up in a conference room surrounded by elders, it's clear that my mission has not been accomplished.

I have learned enough about reincarnation these last 14 years, that fear of death seems silly. However, if there is anything to fear, it is regret that we were not able to accomplish what we had hoped to do in this life. Even though we are free to live our lives however we want, I want to contribute to the bright day that is immediately ahead.

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And that brings me to this moment, New Years Eve 2023. There are signs of impending doom, and there are signs of a bright future ahead for everyone. What we experience, how all of this unfolds in our own lives, depends on us.

We all have the ability to be the best version of ourselves, whatever that means for us. And if we make that choice, it will contribute to making the changes we collectively are going thru, a little easier to navigate. At the end of the day, that matters more than anything else.