With her cellphone in one hand and a mini-pack of tissues in the other, Cassie began her climb up the steep embankment across from the guesthouse. The mountain’s rugged side plunged sharply to the driveway, creating a dramatic transition from the rocky outcrop to the smooth asphalt.

Jagged boulders and tufts of wild grass framed the edge where the mountain met the driveway, a natural barrier between the earth’s wildness and the man-made path.

Her destination, nestled among the towering trees, was a small clearing that felt to her like a secret haven. Soft moss carpeted the ground, as if welcoming lonely hearts to sit and sink into its plush embrace.

To one side, a sturdy boulder protruded from the earth, its surface warm from the sun, while on the other, the gnarled trunk of an ancient tree offered a comforting solidity.

From this tranquil spot, Cassie’s view unfolded like a painted landscape. The overlapping profiles of Front Range rolling hills stretched into the distance, their vibrant greens and browns layered against the blue sky, dotted with fluffy white clouds.

From above, the gentle rustle of leaves whispered secrets, while the sweet scent of pine lingered in the air. Here, time slowed, and the world felt distant, allowing for a moment of quiet reflection amidst nature’s splendor.

As she neared the “Cathedral,” Jake’s reverent name for the sun-dappled clearing, she gently placed her box of Kleenex on the soft earth. Turning, she reached for the beach chair, suspended from a sturdy tree branch—a testament to Jake’s quirky ingenuity. With an eager heart, she pulled it free, the fabric whispering as it swayed lightly in the breeze.

Slightly out of breath, she unfolded the chair and sank into its embrace, letting out a contented sigh as she inhaled the crisp mountain air, invigorating and pure. The gentle breeze danced around her, but in the back of her mind, Jake’s words lingered like an echo—his suggestion to pray had been haunting her for two long days now.

Without delay, Cassie turned her focus inward. Eyes closed and pulse serene, she began what most would call a prayer—but what she knew as a Spiritual Mind Treatment, in line with Mile Hi teachings.

“As I sit here amongst the trees, my nostrils tingling as they discern the crisp, clean scent of pine needles and evergreen trees, mixed with the earthy fragrance of damp soil and decaying leaves, I recognize the infinite presence of Divine Intelligence. I sense the all-encompassing Spirit that flows through all life. This presence is the source of all creation, embodying wisdom, love, and power.

“I know that I am one with this Divine Intelligence. I am a unique expression of this universal Spirit, interconnected with all that is. My being is imbued with its infinite qualities.

“In this moment, I realize that the power of Divine Intelligence is at work in my life. Every thought, every action, and every situation is infused with the harmony, creativity, and abundance of Spirit.

“I affirm that my life is a reflection of Divine harmony. I am open to receiving all the good that the universe has to offer. I embrace prosperity, health, and joy. With gratitude, I trust in the process of life.

“I give thanks for the perfect expression of Spirit in every aspect of my life. I am grateful for the guidance, support, and love that is always present, guiding me towards greater fulfillment and peace.

“It is to this specific end that I direct this Spiritual Mind Treatment. Given the sheer amount of hidden knowledge that has been shared with me by Vimh, surely it cannot be the will of the Divine that I keep this knowledge to myself.

“My sense of Heavenly purpose is palpable. Yet, I struggle to know what to do, where to go next. How to proceed, that I might disseminate what I have learned with as many others as possible.

“With complete faith and trust in the Divine Spirit –  an energy that flows in, around, and through me – I pray for guidance. I ask no specific consequence. I do not seek an easy passage; only that the Way Forward be pointed.

“Now, I release this treatment into the Law of Spirit, knowing that it is already manifesting in my life. I let go of any attachment to the outcome, trusting in the perfect timing and infinite wisdom of the universe.”

Cassie remained still for a few moments, gradually becoming aware of her surroundings once more. Absently, she had been dabbing her cheeks, the crumpled tissue in her hand damp with the remnants of her tears.

A sudden chill wrapped around her, urging her to return to the cozy warmth of her bedroom. She rose, folding the chair with deliberate care before rehanging it on the tree.

Just then, her cellphone buzzed to life. She glanced down at the incoming text:: ‘At the bottom of the hill. Got your mail. Will be up in a minute.’ As she read the message, her foot snagged on a small, jutting rock, sending her off balance.

Rexanne carefully navigated the winding dirt road up the mountain. Just past the Patterson property—a mess of old cars and scattered debris—the gravel road opened into Jake’s smooth asphalt driveway.

Rexanne always enjoyed coming up here. This place had been her first home after she and the kids left Tampa for good. The rustic mountain setting was stunning, and Jake was always a warm, welcoming friend. Everything about this place made her feel at home.

She turned off the engine and got out of the car, taking a moment to enjoy the peaceful silence. The wind rustled through the tall blue spruce trees above her.

Just as she was about to turn toward the guesthouse, something unusual caught her eye, drawing her gaze like a whisper in the wind. At first, it seemed like a patch of white rock, glistening oddly against the rugged terrain.

But as she leaned closer, unease washed over her—what she thought was stone was actually clothing. Her heart raced as she did a double-take, realizing someone lay motionless halfway up the mountain, shrouded in unsettling silence.

Rushing up the path, she saw that it was Cassie, unconscious on the ground. Her head rested against a small granite stone, her hair was in disarray and bloody.

Rexanne shook Cassie’s shoulders, her voice trembling as she called out, “Wake up! Please, wake up!” Leaning in, she checked Cassie’s breathing and found it steady. Just as she was about to dial 911, Cassie’s eyes fluttered open, revealing confusion.

“What’s happening?” Cassie mumbled, her gaze darting around. She raised an unsteady hand to her skull. “Where am I? Why am I lying on the ground?”

“Let’s get you down the hill and into the house,” Rexanne said, her tone both calm and urgent. “Okay?”

Once inside the cozy warmth of the house, Rexanne made a quick pot of coffee and prepared toast with jam to help stabilize Cassie’s blood sugar. She set the food and drink in front of her friend, who was beginning to look a little less disoriented.

“What happened up there, Cass? What were you doing?” Rexanne asked, concern etched into her features. She knew the Clearing well, having visited it herself on many occasions. But this was different. Something had clearly gone wrong for Cassie.

Cassie took a sip of the coffee, her hands shaking slightly. “I went up there for a Spiritual Mind Treatment. I had just finished and saw your text, and then … I don’t remember much else. Next thing I knew, you were hovering over me. I must have tripped or something.”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re okay,” Rexanne said, her fingers gently wiping a streak of blood from Cassie’s hair with a damp washcloth. “I think you might have a bump. Do you want to go to the hospital for an x-ray?”

Cassie shook her head, a faint smile appearing despite her pallor. “Nah, I’m fine. Just really glad you showed up when you did.”

But as she spoke, her face grew even paler. Rexanne noticed the shift immediately. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“It’s … it’s just,” Cassie stammered, searching for the right words. “I think I had a dream while I was lying there. No, I know I had a dream. And the weird part is …” She took another sip from the coffee cup, her mind racing. “The thing is, I remember every single second of that dream. Every minute. I can even recall the entire two-hour lecture, word for word!”

“A two-hour lecture?” Rexanne’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I texted you right before I found you on the ground. It couldn’t have been more than … three minutes? How could you possibly have heard a two-hour lecture?”

Rexanne’s skepticism was tinged with curiosity. “And … what lecture are you talking about?” Her own spiritual beliefs made her eager to understand Cassie’s experience, not to question its validity. She believed in the power, and importance, of dreams.

“Rexanne, I swear … I can remember every single word,” Cassie said urgently. “Do you have time? I need to relay this to you … before I forget.”

“All the time in the world, dear” Rexanne replied, her tender eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Wait! Let’s get your recorder out so you can capture everything for later.” She hurried over to Cassie’s desk. “Where is it?”

“It’s in the supply closet. Top shelf. The blank tapes are next to it, in a blue plastic container,” Cassie directed. Rexanne found the items and set them on the coffee table.

“Here! Now … get to work, young lady,” Rexanne said with a loving smile. “I need to head back,” she announced, glancing at the darkening sky outside.

“I thought you had all the time in the world,” Cassie lamented.

“I forgot. The kids are home alone. I had just come by to bring you fresh donuts from Harvey’s.”

“Oh my gosh, Rexanne! I didn’t even ask about them. Shame on me! How are Brian and Leslie?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Rexanne reassured her with a warm smile. “They’re fine. I’ll send them your regards.”

Gathering her cellphone and purse from the end of the sofa, she added. “We need to talk more about this. How about tomorrow? Le Peep’s at 10 a.m.?”

“That sounds perfect. Jake’s back in London, and it’s been quiet around here. I rarely do much in the kitchen—it’s too much trouble. See you tomorrow. And, Rex?”

“Yeah, soulmate?” Rexanne prompted, waiting.

“Thanks again. I love you.”

Rexanne’s smile was all the answer Cassie needed. As Rexanne left, Cassie felt a small flicker of warmth in her heart. Maybe I’m not entirely alone, she thought to herself. The front door opened suddenly. “The donuts,” Rexanne said, setting them on the corner table. “Sorry.  Got a little distracted when  I arrived,” she joked.