We had descended beneath the hyper-modern Japanese architecture of the DHC Inn outside of Tokyo, and into The Heavenly Spa. Upon first entering the lobby I had gasped in recognition of something only dimly remembered, except in my dream life: sweeping white walls, phantom lit translucent glass, curved walls that seemed both small and enormous at the same time. The reception area to this, The Heavenly Spa, and the sea-water treatment rooms, the massage areas, all glowing from within, courtesy of concealed lighting, and filled with understated relaxation music … all surprisingly overwhelming my rational mind.
Then it hit me. This Japanese Spa looked and felt like the great white hospital in the Astral World. A huge and brilliant-white building, the Astral hospital is one of the places that recently-departed souls may visit if they have undergone a traumatic or sudden physical death. If we are impacted by a rapid transition from the physical realm into the non-physical, or if we leave the material world disorientated or traumatized, we may find ourselves transported to a triage facility, for immediate help. But, soon after, we will be moved up into the Astral Hospital, for long-term recovery, and for necessary spiritual healing. Physical death can be tough on a soul; sometimes you need time to integrate the life lessons just learned, in preparation for your return to your next physical incarnation.
The late Robert Monroe, a master in the art of Astral projection, had often referred to this facility as a “Way Station”, a place where souls transition from one life time to the next. I have spent time at this Astral Hospital myself, although I have almost no memory of why I was there. Today the impact of the DHC Spa architecture and ambience was evoking a powerful déjà vu experience for me. Something triggered my animal body to breathe deeper, and I dropped into the Astral Hospital altered state. No effort, no time, and no agenda were present, here in this bone-white healing space. Only rejuvenation awaited, only compassionate release from painful memories, and the preparation for a new adventure and a new body. It was delightfully familiar to me.
Three hours later, we had left the salt-water Spa for a traditional Japanese dinner, ending when our Kimono-clad hostess brought in the final course: fruit jelly, topped with a scoop of cream. The entire meal to that point had comprised of outrageously-fresh seafood, rice, and vegetables. As the dairy in the dessert hit my taste buds, my body woke up anew, joyously impacted by a familiar taste from the West. For the second time in the day I was shocked awake by a memory of the past. Once again my soul dropped unexpectedly into the place of wholeness, and the recognition of what we we gain when we choose to embrace life. In this moment of sensory delight, where novelty danced with the familiar, all was well. We are reminded, again and again, that the shock of any event we can experience in life can ultimately be healed, leading us to regain what we thought had been lost.
The Astral Hospital remains out there still, ready for any of us that may need it should this incarnation thing ever get out of hand.