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Ben Loomis's avatar

That's an interestingly layered story with the spirit of the indigenous groups and the celestial Sofran character. Interesting that he starts his human life (or his new human life?) with a surf -- I've been toying with a little "surfing as spiritual exericse" essay for years, and while there are lots of ways in which it is (or can be) one, I always think about how when you go out to surf you literally turn your back on the world. Just staring at the orizon waiting for the ocean to bring you something to play with.

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JL Tooker's avatar

Thank you for reading 'Ascension.' I think surfing is a spiritual exercise for many. Sounds like an essay that needs to be written. And I absolutely love your observation that sitting on the board is removing the importance of the world behind and honoring the horizon that offers a primal mystery—if that makes sense. At times—most times—I can think of no more spiritual space than the ocean. Again, thank you for your thoughts.

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Joshua Robinson's avatar

I enjoyed reading this! It made me long for a visit to the beach myself, to feel the warm, salty breezes in that place that really lets you slow down and feel things. It's the perfect setting for a story like this, one of reflection, realization, and acceptance.

The idea of supernatural beings moving through the "normal" world and having these unseen conflicts reminded me of Terry Brooks' "Word and Void" trilogy, which I'm long overdue to reread.

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JL Tooker's avatar

Thank you, Joshua. I appreciate you reading the story. It seemed natural to have ‘supernaturals’ in a place of reverence like Laguna Beach…at least I revered it back in the day.🙂‍↕️

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