The shell is not hard and solid as many assume it to be. It is flexible and pliable as a rubber balloon.
It does not crack or tear, it does not hold us rigidly in place. It wraps us in a comforting warmth.
The shell is not a shell, but a stretchy, warm, gooey mess. You take comfort in its warm embrace.
When we stretch, it stretches. When we relax, it relaxes. When we struggle, it contains us still.
To leave the shell is a painful experience. It is cold, windy, and dry against your damp skin.
The remains of the shell are slippery and clingy. They invite us back to return to comfort.
Those who are enlightened know that we must eventually escape this shell of safety and peace.
How then shall we escape? How shall we emerge into the harsh and cold, from the warm laziness?
What is even out there? Should we leave this comfortable safety? Should we venture forth?
The answer is ultimately no. You probably shouldn't leave your shell. It truly is brisk outside.
You haven't fully developed. Your new skin isn't fully formed. Fear and loneliness await you!
Your eyes will open. Your ears will clear. Your hands will feel. You will become aware.
If you have decided that the answer is yes, be wary, fellow traveler, for the perils are many.
You must seek all things. You must know all things. You must be cautious and ignorant.
You must sit with those who know, and be wiser. You must hear and not believe.
Yes and no are an illusion. There are three states to choose, and a fourth to destroy you.
One is pleasant. One is kind. One is safe. One is wrong.
One is hard to find. One is easy. One is scary. One is waiting to ensnare you.
Search everywhere, but tread softly. Reveal yourself and accept others.
Find your own path in space and time, and travel it as long as you desire.
Play the games, win the games, and know that they are only games.
Do not waver, for the way back is longer than you have gone.
Commit to your choice, and be what you have become.
Do not follow a dream, lead it.
Most importantly, Be.
