Part II: Connected

The mundane clamor of the outside world was silenced by the otherworldly sounds of electronic dance music flowing through Derek’s headphones. What began as a fleeting moment became an evening’s pursuit—listening to the latest electronic music. One of the tracks resonated with Derek so deeply that he set it on repeat. Acting as a conduit, the track’s dreamy melodic sound ushered in a sense of euphoria, bearing a mysterious alchemy. The music continued to cycle, captivating Derek as he swayed his body in unison with the synthesized beats, falling deep into a self-induced trance. An awareness arose, and suddenly Derek felt he was not alone.

The warmth of a solar star uplifted from Derek’s heart, jolting his anatomy with an intense shiver accompanied by a tingling sensation. The innate affinity Derek possessed for the music gave rise to a flame so bright it could only be felt within his heart. Goosebumps traveled up his neck and down his arms as the field surrounding his being fused with a benevolent energy, immersing his inner world in harmonious bliss. The energy ascended to his crown, where it radiated like laurel.

The music, along with the mysterious heart connection, faded out, marking the passage of the experience. Derek marveled at the sincerity that had taken hold within him. He opened his glistening eyes to allow the tears to stream down his cheeks. A buzzing body reverberation and metallic ringing in his ears lingered as Derek stared in disbelief. That evening had harbored a gift bestowed—one that was no longer dormant within.

Derek’s initial experiences with the benevolent energy were spontaneous and sporadic in nature. Remaining inquisitive, he wondered whose presence he had felt while his heart connected through electronic music. Derek questioned whether others could experience the benevolent energy through music themselves. That would be his hope—for everyone’s hearts to connect with the harmonious feeling, even just once.

Unexpected encounters with the energy progressively began to unfold in open environments. A particular occurrence came about while Derek was driving on a desolate stretch of two-lane freeway. As electronic music played through the car’s speakers, a warm tingling sensation oscillated from Derek’s chest, face, and arms. His perspective drifted upward, gently elevating to the vantage point of the car’s roof. Anchored in the driver’s seat, Derek’s blissful float sustained for several miles before peacefully returning to his earthbound perspective.

Over time, experiences with the benevolent energy began to manifest in the presence of others. One such experience unfolded during a DJ set while attending an annual electronic dance music festival. The combination of the high-vibration atmosphere and heavy techno bassline initiated a transcendence that connected Derek with the energy. When the experience came to an end, Derek discovered he was now able to gradually lower his energy and reenter his body, no longer ending abruptly with a startling slam as it had before.

By fate, electronic music harmonized perfectly with the essence of Derek’s being, awakening a feeling that left an inexplicable impression, transporting his senses into space. His heart was forever set ablaze and became his beacon of truth—one that spoke in a universal language. It connected him with his Spiritual Guides: Shaula, Shiyleah, Aylonius, Azrael, along with the rest of the Universal Beings by his side. There was a natural order to it all—an experience that could imprint a lasting sparkle in your eyes.

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## Notable Tracks

|Year|Track |

|:---|:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

|2002|Ascension – For A Lifetime (OceanLab Remix) |

|2004|Matt Hardwick vs Smith & Pledger – Connected (Radio Edit) |

|2005|Armin van Buuren Feat. Justine Suissa – Wall Of Sound |

|2006|A.M. – Arise (Hammer & Funabashi Remix) |

|2006|Super8 & Tab – Helsinki Scorchin’ (Original Mix) |

|2006|Leama & Moor – Everything Matters (Niklas Harding Mix) |

|2007|Markus Schulz vs Chakra – I Am |

|2009|Mike Shiver vs Matias Lehtola Feat. Andrea Britton – Captured (Joonas Hahmo Radio Edit)|