THAT DAY

I just read Man and Time by J.B. Priestley. On a broadcast, he asked the public for anomalous experiences with time; and got over a thousand responses, some of them extraordinary. Using these, he slowly buttresses arguments for a three-dimensional time: Time 1, linear, time as we experience it daily; Time 2, a fixed 4-dimensional space that allows predictions; the physicists' spacetime. Time 3, the alterations in that space we're able to make with will and knowledge: either meta-time or a multiverse. His examples make it clear that any theory of time does have to explain both prediction (including some forms of ESP) and thus some preexisting future dimension, but also some flexibility or a sideways time-dimension, whether just occasional branching timepaths or a full-blown many-world theory... in short, the shaman's traditional Tree of Time.

Interesting: most of his correspondents report predictions about either major (often disastrous) matters, or else trivia. But mid-range predictions (even on topics like love and money that you'd expect lots of interest in) are rare. He argues cogently this is signal not noise: suggests that where effort and will are focused, the future is made fluid, unpredictable. Accurate predictions are easier when events are just too big to shift, or else too trivial to try shifting.

This theory is the first to explain the unusual number of predictive dreams I get, even in this midrange: I refuse to use willpower in most areas.

As I go to sleep, I decide to experiment: try to set my intent, steer my timepath. I focus on getting well. As always when I do try to use my will, I feel something slippery there. Can't quite grasp the illness, can't get leverage. Not as if it's impossible, but as if I shouldn't; as if I'm cheating.

Wake at 2 AM, head still sore. Take Naprosyn and slowly the pain fades. Not a perfect cure but better than mystical willpower--sometimes. Back to sleep...

THAT NIGHT

On a steep street, a teenage girl I know and like suddenly hops up onto a stone wall a yard high, to pull out and start playing her flute. She's in a short many-layered gown of gauze and her long bare legs are in my face. I'm so tempted to kiss her thighs and push my head up under that filmy dress...

But I decide that'd be one-way love. Unrequited. I've hovered and served so often!

So instead, I do something strange: I summon her in another moment of linear time! Her time-double sits on the wall by me, free to enjoy her alter ego's music too. And free for other things. I put my arm around her and kiss her deep... and wake intensely aroused.

NOTES

• Time-double: Looks like my dreams agree with Priestley's time-theory!
• Wall: encouraging! Seems like I'm done worshiping women on a pedestal, ready to see myself as their equal.
• Flutist: advice on who to chase? Musicians and other artists do turn me on. But (like me) they're busy creating. Does the dream hint the only realistic love for two creative kooks is part-time?
• ACTION: Date now! Don't wait till they diagnose my mystery fever. I asked about health not dating, so the dream also implies: I'll heal when I have a life worth being healthy for. So date for fun! Don't worship, rescue or over-romanticize. And expect time off! When the girl needs to play, let her play.

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