Distance in the spiritual world is proportionate to inward qualities, for the more inward spirits are, the more distant they are; but apparent distance is another matter. However, when a spirit is carried up into heaven, then he is thought to have disappeared entirely by [other] spirits, even though [those carried up] are present and leading. As to my inward parts, I was to a degree in heaven, as I realized because of the angels' choruses, which, of course, I did not understand, but I did realize that my inward parts were in heaven. I then heard spirits asking after me, and saying, "He is not here," not knowing where I was. They were, however, speaking by material mental images, such as pertain to the memory of personal matters, thus by voices. So I realized that I was very closely present, even [hearing]* their conversation, which they did not know. * See the index at Externa and Interiora.