Sensing a Spiritual Visitation

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In this after-death communication, Bill shares some examples of being alerted to a spiritual visitation, through sight, sound and smell.

Bill writes:
“I found your site in my own quest for answers to my grieving, having
recently lost my wife of 34 years.”

“My wife lost her father at a young age. She would always tell me about
the day after her father passed. When she was laying asleep in her bed,
suddenly, she was awakened by the smell of pipe tobacco. She looked
up, and standing in the doorway to her bedroom, was her father. Her
father smoked a pipe. She told me, that he said to her, “Everything
will be alright. I’m okay.” Then, he vanished.”

“Having never experienced anything like that myself, of course, I
believed my wife. However, I had some doubts as to exactly what it was
she experienced. That is… until the passing of my wife.”

“My wife passed from pneumonia after being in the hospital for 3
months. The last couple days before she passed, they had her on a very
loud respirator that constantly pushed oxygen to her lungs.”

“On the night that she passed, after we got home from the hospital, I could not
sleep in our bed. I chose to sleep in our daughter’s room, which is now
a spare bedroom, after my daughter moved out to live on her own.”

“During my last hospital visit with my wife, I stood by her bedside and held her head
in my arms. I could not hear her because of the respirator she was
wearing and how loud it was, but I felt her give a sigh of comfort as
I held her in my arms. I held her for so long, that I eventually fell
asleep standing up in that position, holding her.”

“Early on the morning after she passed, as I was laying in my daughter’s bed, I was suddenly thrust awake to the loud hissing sound of the respirator that my wife wore. It was as if she came to visit me, and the sound of the respirator was her way of waking me and letting me know how much she was comforted that day I held her in her hospital bed.”

“That morning, I explained my experience to our adult son, who still
lives with me. He said early that morning he was awakened by Mama
standing in his bedroom doorway. He said, “there was a glow of light
around her and she told him that she came in to say goodbye.” This experience for him was very much like her father’s visit with her when she was younger and he passed.”

“This was just the beginning of our experiences after my wife passing.”

Commentary-

Our Five Physical Senses

After our loved ones transition, common ways for us to experience them once again, are through our five physical senses. These senses include, seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touch.

In Bill’s examples, he related 3 physical examples of these senses.

His wife’s waking experience with the familiar scent of pipe tobacco that her father smoked..
Bill’s waking experience with the familiar sound of the hissing sound of the respirator.
Bill’s son’s waking experience with the sight of his mother in his bedroom doorway. This is much like his mother’s experience with his Grandfather.

Each of these experiences were upon awakening, and deeply personal and meaningful to the one experiencing them. I want to go into a few important things here that are related to the experiences mentioned in Bill’s post.

Spiritual Calling Cards

In my posts, I often refer to, what I call, a “spiritual calling card” from the departed. This spiritual signature is so familiar and personal to the person experiencing it, that it’s undeniable that the experience occurred. This is how they communicate that they are with us. And, whatever anyone else thinks, we know when that happens.

The Twilight Bridge

Many after-death communications happen during sleep or upon waking. As we drift off to sleep, we literally drift away from the cares of this world. As the physical world fades, we journey across The Twilight Bridge to venture off into higher realms.

There, for example, we meet departed loved ones, receive spiritual healing or guidance. However, we rarely remember as we travel back over the bridge into waking life. This is because the physical energetic frequency experienced by us, in the over-all spectrum, is far less than our spiritual frequency. Also, up until now, we may have not been aware of it.

The Twilight Bridge is the space between the states of dreaming and waking. This is a very special time where one is susceptible to a spiritual visit, a message or an epiphany that would be more difficult to access in waking life. So, it’s an important place/time to pay attention to, as some very interesting experiences emerge there.

A visit across the twilight bridge always ends with coming back into waking life. Our experiences there are so much easier for us to recall so it is prime time to connect with our departed loved ones. Actually, they don’t even have to be departed loved ones, you can have experiences with the living, too.

The Two Other Senses (Taste and Touch)

An old friend told me that after her father passed, although she was a non-smoker, she had the urge to smoke a cigarette. She was certain that was her father sharing the taste of a cigarette with her through her senses. This made her smile.
Touch happens all the time, although it is quite easy for people to disregard. The experience of touch, often, gets dismissed as imagination when it is really a loved one reaching out.

Beyond The Five Physical Senses

As I write this, I wonder how many of these five physical senses are actually more enmeshed with our spiritual senses than we realize. In other words, perhaps our spiritual senses are nothing more than our 5 physical senses, turned up in frequency, a bit.

It has been said that, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” This could be an interesting perspective from which to consciously live.

Seeing Is Believing? Believing Is Seeing?

One time, someone wrote to me in earnest. “Why do people believe in life after death? Why do people believe they can get a visit from someone who has died?” I told him, “You may never believe it if it has not yet happened to you. But, once it does, that’s a whole different story that you can’t deny.

It is difficult to understand spiritual experiences when you have no direct experience. The physical brain/body knows little of the spiritual self. You see, in this physical world, it has been forgotten. Spiritual experiences shared with us by others, alerts us to the possibility that it could happen to us, as well. This opens up a personal path to perceive them directly.

Bill Believed In the Possibility

Bill was a believer when his wife told her miraculous experience, because she was so sure that it happened. Even if Bill didn’t know the mechanics of how it was made to happen. Bill believed in the possibility, and… It happened to him too.

However, when Bill experienced his wife’s visit first hand, and his son, too? That’s not only believing, it’s well on the way to knowing. The experience is no longer conceptual, it’s experiential now. They know if it happened once, it could happen again at any time, because they know it is possible.

With Bill and his son’s experience, both were validated by the other one’s visitation. She wanted them to know that even though it may seem that she was in a different place than them at the time, she broke through on the Twilight Bridge that morning and made her way to them to say thanks, give comfort, love, peace and amazement.

Instead of thinking that our loved ones are “out there, somewhere else, far away”…
maybe, our departed loved ones are closer than we know. Perhaps, they are little more than a sensation away.

Photo credit: RoonzNL

Loneliness After Loss

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Among all the stages of grief, probably the hardest part is the loneliness. The vast missing of a beloved seems to extend forever in all directions for a time.

Art and Sally

Art and Sally were married for 54 years. When Art, suddenly passed away just over a year ago, It broke Sally’s heart. Since then, Sally has been grieving and missing her husband terribly.

Throughout their marriage, Art loved to take care of things for Sally, inside the house… and out. He was very handy, capable and could fix just about anything.

In the warmer months, you could see Art outside, wearing his sun hat, either on his tractor or physically working in the yard around the family house they built for themselves. In fact, he liked hats so much that when they would go on any adventure, he would buy a baseball hat as a souvenir.

One day when Art was still in the physical, he asked Sally, “What are you going to do with this big house when I’m gone?” Sally, thinking Art would surely outlast her, shrugged. She never would have imagined he would go before her. You see, the property is in a very secluded area without much traffic or many close neighbors. Art was wanting her to think about such a thing and be prepared in case it was necessary. Surely, It would be too much for Sally to take care of the whole house and property by herself, nor would she want to.

The Hat

Art’s garden hat

After Art’s passing, Sally has had some after-death communications from Art. Ironically, in one of them, he was still taking care of her by informing her of a possible plumbing problem. But the other week when Sally, so lonely and sad, was wanting yet another sign to give her confidence that he is still around, she went outside her house. On top of the flower bed, sat Art’s hat.

Although she can’t explain how the hat got there, Sally knew it was Art who left his it as a sign. No one else had been by the property since the gardeners were there, less than a week before. Enjoying the moment, she left it a day or so before the next time the gardeners would come. Then, she put it on her head and has worn it outside ever since.

Commentary- It’s clear that our loved ones perceive our thoughts and feelings. Although it doesn’t always happen, we do get these signs and after-death communications from time to time. And, it’s a real confidence booster and comfort when it does happen.

Art left his hat on the flower bed, as if to say, “I’m still here, I’m still in the yard and I’m still in the house with you. I have never really left.” It’s also a way for Art to give Sally flowers, and his hat being there, certainly got her attention. He also gave her his hat.

Putting on the hat is a way to merge on a spiritual level. It’s a way to acknowledge they are close to us. Having faith in our bond, we acknowledge and accept the possibility and truth of it.

Loneliness

loneliness

When a loved one passes, it is difficult. There is a particular kind of loneliness that one experiences in what seems to be the setting in of some kind of finality. Sure. Things are not the same. We feel alone even though we may be surrounded, and even supported by people we love.

We see people out and about without as much as a care in the world. We notice the stark contrast in the human state of mind that many never notice until something like this happens to them. The lightness to the heaviness and just how deep the heaviness goes with grief. Never do we go any deeper than this.

We find ourselves in new and uncomfortable places in our psyche. We want to escape but we feel stuck. Sometimes it is just too much to take. The loneliness, that is.

Lean into it

Look. Having gone through this, I know it’s tough. I know it hurts. It may even seem unbearable at times. However, when I am asked about this, I always say to, “lean into it.” Yes. Lean into the loneliness and into the pain. Have the courage to do so. To experience a love this deep as to grieve this hard is a blessing and an honor.

It is a blessing because you loved and were loved. Your relationship was deep and intricate. Your hearts, minds and souls merged together in a way that created this magnificent bond that is not so easy to get over. Good! It takes a lot of missing someone when they are no longer in the physical and sometimes, a whole lot of time. That’s called loneliness. Lean into it, it honors us, them and that sacred relationship.

They are right here

Our beloveds have not gone away. They are with us, love and care for us and reach out to help us where they can. At times, they leave their signs and after-death communications. Our relationships have not gone away. They’ve just gone deeper. We will be reunited with them again someday in the future in a way that satisfies us completely. Every day we live, paves the way for that. But remember, in the meantime, to live your life here, as well.

Shortly after this, another amazing thing happened. Previously, when Art asked her about what she would do with the house, she had no idea whatsoever. In what seemed like a miracle in her mind, she suddenly knew the right answer to that previous question, without any doubt at all.

With Art’s blessing, she will move into a new condominium in town where she will have a community there, no yard work, and will move forward and further into her healing path. And, of course, she knows that Art will follow her there, too.

Side note- Art’s souvenir baseball caps have all been adopted by family members who now spiritually merge with him and wear him close to themselves, as well.

A poem Sally got from one of her grief groups

Knock Knock. He’s there!

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In this After-death Communication, Marie is visited by her beloved husband, with a series of knocks on her window, on two separate occasions.

Marie writes to me:
“In April of 2023, my dear husband of 45 years, passed away suddenly from a fall in our garage. I found him, and was so sad I wasn’t there to help. He wasn’t sick. He had a vibrant life. He loved flying and was training for an aerobatics competition, and still had a beautiful head of blonde hair!”

“The day he died, there was a large white egret (water bird) in our tree. We live in the desert.”

First occurrence,
“A few months later in June, I was sitting in the family room with our dog. I was still very sad. There were two gentle knocks on my window. I thought I was hearing things. Then, there were three knocks on my window. Puzzled, my dog heard those, he got up ran toward the window and stopped.”

“My husband was a kind and gentle person. I was wondering if that could have been him letting me know he was ok but didn’t want to scare me? The knocks were deliberate and spaced. There was no one I could see.”

My 1st response to Marie:

“Absolutely, Marie. Yes, I think you read those experiences perfectly. The message would be something to the effect of, “Hello, I’m still here but don’t want to make you afraid. I love and care about you and am watching over you.”
I’m sorry for your loss. Hugs. May you have many more of these. They are so healing.”

(Four months later in October) Maria writes me again: “The week of April 4, 2024 was one year since I lost my dear husband. However, after that experience of knocking on the sliding glass door in June 2023, I hadn’t heard anything or received any signs. I was disappointed.”

Then… Second occurrence
“A week or so after I wrote you in October of 2023 about this, I was in our bedroom folding laundry, and there were six rapid knocks on that glass door, then five right after. I opened the door, but there was nothing there. I thought if it was my husband again, it sounded urgent and did he want me to help him?”

“I was sad and frustrated because I didn’t know how to help. Interesting that happened on the other side of the house from the first experience, like he came to find me. I wish I knew if he was still near me or has moved on. I don’t know what to make of these experiences. Could my husband have come to me to tell me he was ok? Was he just letting me know he was still around.. and is he still here? And can I do anything to help him… frustrating. I miss him terribly.

My 2nd Response:
“Much of the time, our departed loved ones have, what I call, their own unique spiritual signature. It’s like a calling card that lets you know how they are showing up for you. Your husband knocks. He’s not knocking because he needs something. He knocks because he is trying to get your attention. He is telling you that he is still with you! He cares about you, and he loves you.”

“I know you miss him terribly but please know that although your eyes don’t see him, your ears sure hear him. He will always be with you, now, and when you are reunited. That’s what love does. And, in the meantime, he is always with you in your heart. No. He really is! 🙂 But that’s another conversation.”

Great White Egret Photo: Paul Brennan

Commentary- White egrets are large birds that symbolize purity, grace and new beginnings. It is no wonder that Marie’s husband would be represented in this great bird. Egrets are predator animals which sends the signal that he will be there to protect her and help her to get through adversity. Winged, no less, this could represent a pure heavenly angel, straight from God’s presence.

Many say that if you see an egret, you are very lucky. Maybe even blessed. They are considered a good omen.

I find it interesting that Marie’s husband knocks on glass, whether it be a window or sliding glass door. This points to, not only transparency, but to a portal into the next world, as well. The next world is so close to us. Perhaps he is telling her that he is so close to her, but there is just this thin and easily breakable barrier between them. Maybe even, metaphorically, so close that if he knocks too hard, the barrier will shatter.

In my experience, windows represent entryways, openings or portals into the next world. It’s a common phenomenon. It’s definitely comforting to think about it that way, and like the “veil” that is often spoken of, implies that it is just that- a very thin membrane or fragile divide of sorts.

The softer knocking that happened at first, was to get Marie’s attention in a gentle way. A soft start can prepare us to be more consciously aware that a visit from our beloved is even possible. Paying attention and being willing to grow awareness often paves the way for visits more often.

Many times, through living in such a physical world, people have become spiritually tuned out against the finer and higher vibrations of the edges of our vibrational spectrum. We tend to focus mainly on getting through our day, let alone, getting through our life.

People tend to think that our experience of life exist within our 5 physical senses. It mainly does, but, being a spiritual being first, we can access more of these senses. Mainly, we have just forgotten how.

Dogs and cats are more spiritually attuned. Marie’s dog ran in the direction of the knock, then stopped. More than likely, he saw his master again. Perhaps he sees him quite a lot of the time. But this time was accompanied with some physical noise.

In April of 2024, Marie experienced her first year without her husband in the flesh. The experience of the loss of a beloved is devastating. However, he has always been with her. Always aware, always protective and always loving her. Marie has been able to tap into more than her physical senses. It feels good. It gives us hope and comfort.

Often, these reoccurring spiritual calling cards become the new way to communicate or send a message. The message usually serves as a reminder that our beloved “departed” is not so far away, but… actually very close to us, even to the point of being a part of us. But again… that’s a whole other conversation.

Photo credit: Bru-no (Pixabay)

Perfect and Whole in Heaven

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In this after-death communication, Lisa’s parents come for an interesting visit that leaves no doubt of their spiritual visitation into her realm.

Lisa writes:
“I’d love to share a wonderful visitation dream I had back in June of 2022. It was extra special because this time, both my mom and dad visited me in my dream. The dream took place in our country home where we once lived together. We hugged and kissed one another. The love was such a comfort to me. I was so happy to see them both together.”

“Lately, I had been cleaning out a storage unit in which I kept the contents of my parents’ home. In the visitation, they both knew this and actually told me that they knew I’d been sorting through things to sell at a yard sale. My mother was thrilled about this. She had always told me not to keep everything.”

The White and Fluffy Veil

Lisa’s family

“My dad was so happy to visit me as well. He explained to me that my mom talked about going through the veil between heaven and earth. Since they went through this veil together, it was thicker than if you go through it one at a time.”

“I even asked my Dad what it was like. He told me it wasn’t painful, however, my mom had complained that it’s white and fluffy on the other side, but as they passed through to this side it’s clear and almost like spider web material, then, a clear gel-like texture. She mentioned to my dad that she didn’t want to appear messy when I saw her. “I think that is amazing”, I said to my dad.”

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When Heaven Comes to Us

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In the last nine days of her brother, Joseph’s life, Marijo and her mother experience a preview of the heaven that awaited their loved one.

Marijo writes:
I was very blessed to experience a beautiful shared-death experience with my younger brother in July of 2021.

Just 8 days prior, he made the decision to pass peacefully in a hospice facility. His body had completely been wrecked by his progressive auto-immune disease and a pathogen found in his lungs after a bout of Covid. His physical body was in failure and he was working with a body that could no longer fight.

For nine days, my mother, Toni, and I sat with him. My mother’s worst fear was he would die alone. My fear was she would be alone to watch him pass. As other family came in and out, we left the room for brief periods to eat, rest, shower, and pray.

First Occurrence
As luck would have it, it was a beautiful hospice facility and there was a walking path lined with trees and benches. The benches outside his room became like an old friend. As I was relaxing and reflecting on how my little brother went from very verbal to completely non- responsive, I heard the most beautiful soothing music my human ears had ever heard. I struggle to find the vocabulary to explain the angelic sounds I heard outside Joseph’s room.

The music started off faint but rose up as if it was choir in a marching band, it got louder and louder. It was obvious that the beautiful choral of voices and soft instruments was coming closer and closer. This was the first of three experiences I believe to be shared-death experiences.

The Second Occurrence
The second occurrence happened that same night when my mother and I were both sitting bedside. For two days we watched Joseph experience what the hospice team defined as “the death stare”. However, his most dedicated and very lovey nurse explained, “he is just looking at the angels.” What happened next solidified this point for me.

As we sat quietly, an extremely bright, warm, and pure light projected across his room. My mother and I were speechless. When we were able to converse, we both confirmed the pure light. Once again, human language would not be sufficient to describe the beauty and love that filled his room.

Dragonfly

The Third Occurrence
On day 9, my last shared-death experience occurred. It was the night when my little brother left this Earth. After his death, I went back to the bench outside. I was needing to be alone for a moment. I sat in peace knowing he was experiencing true beauty. Suddenly I was surrounded by dragonflies. They were everywhere in the dark night.

If the other two signs did not confirm his soul was at peace, this last shared experience was unmistakable. The beauty I witnessed through the sounds of the music, the peacefulness of the bright light, and the glory of the dragonflies, constantly fill my heart. I have zero doubts about the magnificence of an afterlife now.

The Power of an Afterlife Perspective
I won’t say my grief was lighten but I will say my perspective was drastically changed. Death is not something I fear after sharing in the beauty of these moments. I can only dream of the experiences now and know they were not of this world. They were supernatural statements of a world much more splendid and amazing than this one.

Commentary- When we are young, we live our whole lives thinking that death is clear out there, far away from us. As we grow, being “old” becomes somewhat relative.

But as we come closer to the end of our lives, whether faced with an illness or old age, many don’t know what to expect as we near the mysterious door that we are told, opens before us.

When one is about to pass, it’s not uncommon for that one who is being gently lifted from this Earthly vibration to begin to experience these heavenly things of which Marijo speaks.

For us on the outside, it can look like something other than it actually is. One might observe their loved one staring off into space, trying to make out something with their eyes as their new home slowly begins to materialize. Sometimes, there is some talking to unseen beings or even exhibiting a careful listening to something from beyond.

What is so different about this case is that Marijo and her mother had the amazing gift of being privy to Joseph’s transition. Although at first, even one of these miraculous experiences would be enough. However, added together they gave Marijo a full understanding of what was occurring, specifically that Joseph, her younger brother, would be in great hands as he left his weary body to cross over.

Marijo and her mother experienced some pieces of Heaven. You know when it happens because you can’t explain it or describe it. As Marijo recalls, they were speechless and even with speech, there were no words to adequately describe their experience.

In the garden, Marijo heard the beautiful music appear to grow louder. This was to gently prepare her for what was soon to come. The light spread across the room was to comfort those therein. Lastly, the dragonflies (a spiritual symbol of an angel) were sent to say, “I made it into the beautiful light and now I’m free to fly.!” Btw, because of predators it is unusual to see dragonflies flying around in the dark unless they absolutely have to. Dragonflies are known to hide from predators at night and fly by day.

For Marijo and her mother, through these shared-death experiences, they don’t have to wonder if Joseph is okay and has made it to his destination in the light. They know he has.

Moving forward
Of course, knowing this, we are happy for our loved ones. Even so, we do still miss them in our physical world. It takes something to walk the path of the grief process. It is winding with ups and downs. We will feel a plethora of emotions as we go forth.

Photo credit: Jill Wellington of Pixabay

But as we go forth grieving our loss, please remember that every step forward in this process, is one step closer to reuniting with them again. And, when we do meet again, imagine what joy there will be.

For more shared-death experiences, read here.

Communication with our Departed

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When Carol wonders if the conversations she is having in her head with her departed son, Kyle, are real… she puts it to the test.

Carol writes:
My son, Kyle, passed in May of 2020 at the age of 40 from an accidental overdose. I began having “conversations” in my mind with him a few months later. I was skeptical though, and wondered if it weren’t just my wishful thinking.

So one night I said to him: “Kyle, if it’s really you, send me a different sign right now – that will make me laugh and will be unmistakably you!” No more than a second later, my phone dinged – it was a text from the next door neighbor.

Now, first of all, I never get texts from her – let alone at 10PM! Second, she had been a very nasty neighbor. Kyle, his dad, and I used to joke about misfortune befalling her, e.g. “I hope her tree blows down”, I hope her roof leaks” etc. We would never actually do anything but we did joke about it a lot.

So here’s her text: “I just wanted to let you know someone let their dog poop on the sidewalk in front of your house and I just stepped in it and ruined my brand new running shoes!”

I just shook my head, looked up to the ceiling and said “Bingo, Kyle! You crushed it baby!” Just another example of spirits using other people to get a message to you!

Commentary- When our loved one passes away, it doesn’t mean our relationship with them goes away too. On the contrary, although things are much different now and there are a lot of adjustments that need to be made, our relationship still exists and continues.

When telling one of my college teachers about not being able to talk with my mom because she died when I was 13, he said, “She can hear you better than ever now.” I’ve often thought about that throughout the years. Although it made a certain amount of sense, could it be true?

It wasn’t until after Christian passed that I realized this was so. After many times of asking him for help and what not… and him responding accordingly, I had no doubt left how well our departed loved ones can hear us. Over the years of running GriefandMourning.com, I’ve heard it several times from others as well.

The Filters of Communication

Communication is a two way street Photo Credit: Alexas_Fotos

Normally, when you think about communication in the physical world, you think about at least two people taking turns speaking and listening. Of course, one would hope that they are speaking to each other, instead of at each other. Unfortunately, many times, it is our own filters we speak and listen through. Knowing that our own interpretation of what is actually being said is a huge part of that filter, it’s a wonder we have any successful communication to speak of.

The Capacity to Hear

There is another thing to consider. It is the capacity to actually hear what is being said. This might look like-

Looking like we are hearing but blocking something we perceive to be psychologically or emotionally threatening.
Perhaps our physical hearing is not so good anymore. Many people with hearing loss pretend to understand what has been said to avoid having to repeatedly ask.
Or maybe it’s a language barrier of some sort.

As you can see, there are many ways to not hear effectively.

Hearing in a Different Way

Now, let’s talk about Kyle and his mom, Carol. First of all, let me clarify what it means for our departed loved ones to “hear” us. When we think of hearing, we think about a variety of sounds that can be heard and even organized into a pattern so the human brain/ear can make sense of them. But my point is… you need to have human brain/ears to hear that, right?

While Kyle doesn’t hear the same as he used to, he hears much better than before. And now, in a way, so does Carol. Wondering if she was just imagining her conversations with Kyle, she put it to the test. She quickly found out just how well both could hear when Kyle delivered with a hilarious example for his mom to know for sure. She found out that Kyle was close enough to still in communication with her.

If there is any confusion at this point, I will add that there are more ways than one to hear. We are used to the ideal of hearing out of our ears because that is what we use mostly to hear sound. Even in the physical realm we often don’t think about hearing with our other physical senses such as our sight, touch, taste and smell… but we do.

But even more, being a spiritual being in a human body, we can also tap into our spiritual senses. That’s what Kyle and Carol did. Our spiritual senses are far superior to that of our physical ones. Being on this plane though and trying to survive it, we have learned to focus more on physical senses to navigate our day to day physical existence.

Thought Perception

Have you even noticed when people meet up with their departed loved one, whether in a dream state or not? They always notice that the communication they have with that loved one is telepathic. In other words, their mouth didn’t move throughout the whole communication. Some people don’t notice it until it’s pointed out because on a spiritual level we already know that as spirits we communicate like this. To the spiritual part of ourselves that we don’t normally tune into, it is natural. We even use it to silently pray.

Thought perception is a pure form of communication. It is superior to what we have on this earthly plane. It cuts through all the misunderstandings of not knowing what to say or how to say it, of not being able to hear or not wanting to hear it. It breaks through the many types of language barriers that divide us as well as our many interpretations as what is being said moves through our filters. There is so much between us all the time. With pure spiritual perception, there are no more filters, no non-sense, just clear, direct, simple and honest communication.

When communication doesn’t happen…

Of course, there are those times where we ask, even beg for communication with our loved one and it seems to go unheard, even unanswered. I’ve had this experience too. I don’t always understand why this is. When this happens it can make us feel sad and insecure. We may be left wondering, “Why doesn’t it happen for me like that?” It makes no sense and can leave us doubting.

Hang in there though, your relationship did not just end when they left the physical dimension. It continues on. But like I said, and what was demonstrated in this post, it helps to expand beyond the physical senses in whatever way you can. It helps to have a positive attitude and be confident that it will happen eventually.

Honestly, there is no time limit for them to communicate. Sometimes, they communicate in different ways. They communicate through songs, other people, dreams, signs, symbols, just to name a few. It takes listening differently to catch those communications.

Addressing a Misconception

There are those in the after-death communication community who believe our departed loved ones are only with us for a short while after their passing. Then, they leave us by going off somewhere over there. How cruel this belief is. When we need them the most they leave? When we are at the peak of our pain, they are gone? Really? I have found this to be simply untrue.

Where are they going? Where is more important to be than with us, assisting us from beyond? Where is “over there” when it’s really just one big thing and one big ball of consciousness?

It has been reported that a departed loved one can communicate immediately after passing or decades later. The frequency of these communications can be a lot or a little. What I’ve found is that many times we miss communications because either, they aren’t so obvious to us or we are listening for something else to occur. Again. It’s really about the listening. Our listening and how well we listen for them to communicate.

Our loved ones deeply care about us, they hear our thoughts and feel our pain. The want nothing more than for us to heal. Our departed loved ones are with us in ways we can’t explain, don’t understand and could never comprehend at this point. They are aware of us our whole lives until we are reunited. What else would love do? I hope that clears that up.

So next time you think you may be having a conversation in your head with your departed loved one, don’t immediately doubt it and brush it away. Put it to the test as Carol did when she just had to know. When she did… with the old familiarity of Kyle’s sense of humor, she got her answer! It is completely possible that you could get an answer too.

For more after-death communications- https://griefandmourning.com/afterdeath-communication

You’ll Never Walk Alone

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As Linda’s perception shifts, so does her pain level. Scarcity thinking is so common in humans that we barely even notice. Notice though. It makes a difference.

Linda writes:
I have been very blessed to have received several after-death communications of various kinds from my beloved soulmate, Thellis, since he transitioned 2 years ago on this very day.

Three of these after-death communications have been documented on Jade’s website.
Visitations Through the Portal, The Power of Sheer Will and The Medicine that is Hope.

In The Medicine that is Hope, I experienced the appearance of a flock of mourning doves in the dead of winter on a snowy morning. It came at a point in which I was so profoundly despondent. I thought that I surely could not survive his being gone and had asked that he please give me a sign of his presence. I had specifically been asking to see a mourning dove, his favorite bird. I also knew this was ridiculous request to be making in middle of winter in Vermont.

But one cold snowy January morning, when feeling I could not go on much longer in this depressed state and consumed with grief, I was driving out of my neighborhood, and lo and behold, there was not one mourning dove, but a flock of them on side of road. I could not believe my eyes, but I knew he had sent them to me that day, knowing how much pain I was in, hopeless, and missing him so much.

Although many hard times in the grief process were ahead of me still, I felt that there was an internal shift within me that had somewhat given me hope that he had not left me behind – that he was, indeed still with me.

But, in April of this year, a year and 3 months after the doves, I sunk into another abysmal state of mind, crying spells, days once again filled with sadness and longing as strong as in early months following his death. It was a particularly sensitive time of year related to his passing. Easter was here – a time of renewal, rebirth, but also a time reminiscent of the beginning of the end of our time together on this earth.

Things felt unbearable again and I was so shocked to be in this horrible scary place again. I was having difficulty functioning, going to work, just barely getting through the day. I had a favorite picture of him, one taken when he was very young, before we ever met. This picture was one of my favorites. He had a beautiful smile and a way in which his eyes smiled, too. In this picture, there was just the very slightest hint of that — not the full smile so common with him.

This picture was on my dresser in my bedroom, along with other mementos related to him. One day, I looked over at this picture through my tears as I had looked at it everyday for past 2 years, and something seemed different about the picture. It was somehow slightly different and I kept looking, trying to figure it out.

Then, I realized that this picture looked different because not only was he “looking” at me from this picture, but the smile was different; it was more pronounced. It was wider. I feared I was crazy, even hallucinating. I thought, perhaps it was just the lighting in the room, maybe the particular angle of the picture. So, I moved the picture around, sat it in a different location.

But, still, the look out of his eyes was warm and real. I was not just looking at a picture of him, but he was looking back at me. This could not be, I thought. Perhaps my grief is making me imagine or see things that are not really there.

However, since that day, 3 months later, it is still occurring on occasion. It is not every time I look at the picture, but it often still happens. I now believe that he knew the pain I was in and he came to tell me and show me that he had not gone anywhere —- that he was still with me and that things are ok, and that I am ok and will be ok.

Before this happened, I would sometimes just feel his presence once in awhile, whether there was a sign or not, and I would feel our strong connection. But much of the time, I would not feel his presence and feel that I had lost that connection to him. This is the loneliest feeling in the world.

But since that day in April, I have not felt that void, that feeling that he is “gone” or that I am ever alone. He used to tell me to remember the song, “You’ll never walk alone” and not to ever forget it. Now, I know it’s true — he walks with me always until we meet again. Just as I recently read somewhere — “There is no goodbye – just a period of time until we say ‘hello’ again.”

Commentary- Often, we think our departed loved ones are somewhere “out there”, “over there” and, if you really think about it, it’s anywhere but here with us. This thought makes us sad.

It is the thinking that we are now, somehow, separated by death’s door. How final it seems. Any beliefs we might have of reuniting in an afterlife is of little comfort in these moments of grief. How horrific are these thoughts that cause us so much pain? How lonely to be separated in this fashion. Where is the compassion in it?

It would seem that only a cruel God would allow us to love someone so deeply, our companions who bravely walk with us through this already challenging world, only to have them ripped away from us. No, whatever intelligent force is out there, God, the Universe, Higher Self or whatever you may call it or not, it is not cruel. Perhaps there is something we are missing.

What gives us an extraordinary amount of pain are our thoughts. At a time like death, our worst fears surface as we try to cope and navigate the new horrifying reality that is now our life. Sometimes death is expected, while other times death catches us off guard. That is the worst, with no time to prepare or say our goodbyes. These tragedies of loss are hard enough to fathom, however, when you really look at it, the kind of thinking that does the most damage is scarcity thinking.

Thoughts of scarcity include,

“My loved one is gone now.” (No more)
“They’ve been taken away.” (Removed)
“They are out there, over there, somewhere else but here.” (Limited to a location)
“We are separated now.” (Not enough)
“I’m all alone now.” (No one left)
“I should/shouldn’t have done/said this or that (Fell short)
“My life is finished.” (It’s over now)
“They left me.” (Not worth staying for)

Beliefs of lack, limitation, inadequacy and/or all things finite are all tied to scarcity thinking. Of course, being that we live in the world of opposites and the death of a loved one is generally considered a “bad” thing, we are already in a dark place when we begin to think about how to process our thoughts and feelings. We feel like we’ve experienced a loss, a disconnect. This is human nature. Although it’s horrifying, we tend to go there first when it’s the most painful thing we could do.

Of course, there is something we can do in our grief process when we can. Somehow, if we can become conscious of this dark and limited way of thinking, at some point in our despair, we might just catch a glimpse of the possibility that we can shift our way of thinking into something more useful. If even a little at a time. It is possible to come out of the darkness a little more often and for longer periods of time. With the awareness of the impact that scarcity thinking has on our state of mind, perhaps we can recognize it as unhelpful to our healing and well-being in every way.

You see how Linda, with some after-death communications, became more and more aware of this lighter consciousness. She also became more grateful, which is a response to recognizing the abundance in her life. She mentions an internal shift. This was an actual shift in her thinking. And, as she did shift, she felt more and more connected to her Beloved. Now, he even looks and smiles at her from his picture from time to time. This is a thing, by the way, it’s more on the rarer side but it does happen.

So no. It’s not God, the Universe, Higher Self or whatever else you want to call it or not, being cruel. In fact, most, if not all of our pain comes from our own thinking that involves scarcity, whether it’s lack, limitation, inadequacy and/or all things finite. The compassion I asked about? That needs to come from us, toward our smallest, most unaware self that suffers without end.

Maybe our departed loved ones are not “out or over there” at all. Maybe they are “in and over here.” Some say, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within.” Maybe we never actually thought that was real? Literal or metaphorical… What if it is?

In the end, what has been missing is the thinking that no matter what happens with those we love, we are always connected. We are connected in life and in death… because it is all the same infinite and abundant life. We just have to have these thoughts more often as it truly creates a shift in consciousness and an evolution in thinking that could bring us greater peace, healing and comfort. And, we need to be compassionate with ourselves.

In the song of hope that Linda mentioned earlier in this post, we are reminded once again, that despite our best stab at the scarcity of dark and depressing thoughts as a knee-jerk reaction to death, loss and pain, “We’ll never walk alone.” Maybe that means never.

May the light of consciousness shine the way for you always. May you experience abundance and take compassion on yourself.

Light of Consciousness Photo credit- Geralt

“Shedding Light on Trauma”

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A Tribute to Beloved Christian, New personal challenges on the horizon and the “Shedding Light on Trauma” modality, all tied together in one post

Our Beloved Christian

It was on March 31, 2010, that Christian suddenly left this plane. When I think back now, I remember the severe pain and trauma created from his death and what it brought up for me.

At one point, the pain was too deep to describe. My grief had no language yet, to express what I had suddenly been bombarded with. This is a thing, for sure. With so much bombardment, the brain gets scrambled in many different directions. These are some very challenging times without the words. But eventually we do find them again.

Using the light of the Sun/Son to heal

Photo credit: MGLife/Pixabay

In dealing with this trauma back then, I accidentally discovered a healing tool/modality that helped immensely. I call it, “The Shedding of Light.” For those who prefer a trendier name to the modality, I recommend, “Getting Lit.” It just popped into my head just now.

In deep despair, I would go outside and sit with my face toward the direction of the sun. While gently closing my eyes, I would seek the light of God there; the father of my soul. Surely, If anywhere, I would find comfort there.

Well, the modality worked well. In the light, I would come away enlightened, if even for a moment, I experienced a reprieve. I did this often as I spoke to my Heavenly Father seeking guidance, insight, comfort and peace.

One could use this same modality to seek Divinity, Higher Self or just the healing, life-giving rays of the sun shedding its light. Whatever you choose will work because all light shows us the way in the darkness.

New Developments

It’s just over a month from Christian’s 12 year anniversary now. There have been some new big developments on the horizon. On his life celebration anniversary, I had just been released from the hospital after having had major surgery for Ovarian Cancer. Although, my official story is that I was attacked by a Grizzly bear and won. I crawled off to live another day and tell my tale. I’m not going to say it was easy, however, I was victorious!

I have the mutated BRCA gene which puts me in a high risk category. The serous cancer is a fast and aggressive moving cancer that was running rampant in my body. I inherited this gene from my mother who died of breast cancer at age 44. I was but a child, so I admit that I do have some old baggage with watching her go through all this, and watching her die anyway. So, I have the opportunity to work through this.

Even though I am diagnosed in the beginning of Stage 3, I am fortunate that I even caught this in the first place. It’s a wonder that I even had a single sign to warn me as many do not find out until it’s too late. I am grateful for my body that has always seemed to tell me when something is not right so I can address it. It’s important to tune in and listen to your body. It is the sacred vessel that carries you through life.

The Stages

To get a thorough examination, I was cut open for a good look. They found additional areas of cancer outside of the ovaries/fallopian tubes. Small spots on the pelvis and abdomen were also detected and removed. That is considered 3 different areas or stages of spread. Over the past 5 weeks I have healed well. The body is amazingly resilient.

Systemic Therapy/Systemic Spa Day. Yay!

Today, May 2nd, I have begun Chemotherapy to kill any remaining microscopic cancer cells. Here at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, they are beginning to call this a more transformed name, Systemic Therapy. I have re-labeled my upcoming treatments as my Systemic Spa Day and I hold the IV bags to my body to prepare them and then bless them before they enter my bloodstream.

I’m hoping I’m not being too unrealistic and that the systemic spa part of it holds true throughout this process. Nevertheless, I am calm and peaceful about my choice to do this. It will save my life as without it, my chances of getting cancer again are 100%.

Remembering the Healing Light

On Christian’s life celebration day and while I was freshly home from the hospital, in a weakened state, with eyes closed, the sun shone upon me at that very moment. I instantly remembered the power that, “The Shedding of Light” had on a previously bereaved me. How that light supported and sustained me in my earthly challenges. I actually rediscovered it and realized once again how this simple modality really does work so well. So I used it and immediately felt relief. I will continue to use this in my journey now. I hope you adopt this as well.

My Point

Besides honoring Christian’s life celebration and letting you know about what I’m up to these days, there is something I want to express to you in this post. Through any challenge you may face, as you walk your particular path in life, remember the light that outshines the darkness. Let it gloriously shine upon you in which ever way you choose. Let it shed its healing, loving and nurturing rays upon you.

While I also am a Hypnotherapist and use the helpful imagination of light penetrating the body and space around a person all the time, I love using the actual brightness and warmth of the sun to achieve this bliss, if even momentarily. I escape the human struggle for a while. It’s great to be in the light’s presence.

I use “The Shedding of the Light” as communion with God. Closed eyes are absolutely for protection from the actual burning-star sun, but also represents a holy and sacred moment with the Divine. Please don’t look at the sun. Thank you.

The Road Ahead…

I’ve got a long road ahead of me. Six treatments every 3 weeks followed by 2 years of immunotherapy. However, I know that this is a part of my path in life and the lessons I can learn, the compassion I can expand in myself for me and others. I think about all the ways I can use this experience to grow and develop in this school of life.

Christian’s Light

I also know that graduating from this school early was Christian’s path. I was told this several times but it didn’t make sense then. I once thought that a huge light was taken from the earth when he left. But now, more than ever, I know that his beautiful light is shining down too, guiding the way through the darkness. Thank you for this, Christian. He would do nothing less for the people on this planet.

Facing challenges on your path? Who are you going to be in the matter?

No matter whatever challenges befall you on your path in life, please know that it is these most fearful experiences, such as, grief, trauma and pain that have the best possibility of bringing the most growth. All challenges like these build courage and greatness. That is… if we bravely and powerfully step into them and do not run away .

Again, these teaching moments are designed to overcome fear and to show you who you are… and even extend the possibility of becoming your new level of greatness. Through these challenges, are you going to be your weakest self (Victim), or your strongest self (Victor)?

I see it as a marker for how far one has come and reveals what is left to transform. Transforming these challenges is where the treasure is. This path leads to achieving personal growth by stretching oneself and a more fulfilling and consistent path of peacefulness and faith.

In the end…

Although you may go through trauma, in the face of it, you get to choose in each moment who you want to be. Sometimes you will forget, and then you will remember again. It’s all about who you are going to be in the matter. Life confronts us with challenges. We must use them for good. To grow, develop and overcome. This is life’s process.

I always see myself as a flower growing toward the sun. Ever-growing, for the sun is my source and provides me with energy. When I don’t feel well, whether in brain, body or spirit, I know I need to go to the source of light. It just works. And sometimes part of our path is to actually go to the light, the ultimate source.

In the end, I have learned from my own spiritual experiences as well as others, that whatever happens, as an infinite soul, we can never really die. In that, I have peace and assurance.

Photo credit: Jill Wellington/Pixabay

A Heartfelt Plea for Unity

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Lisa’s beloved mother, Mimi, once visited her daughter in a mind-blowing after-death communication. Then came, Mimi’s next visit.

Lisa wrote:
“Years ago after my mother passed, you posted the extraordinary after-death communication I had with my mother, called, Mimi’s Heaven. It really rocked my world back then. Well, recently, my mother came back to me in a visitation dream that was even more profound. I’m excited to share it.”

“As with my last experience with my mother, again, she took me through time and space, stopping briefly at nebulas and star clusters to view their glory. This time she reaffirmed to me that God had created all living things, all creatures big and small.”

“However, she added even more. Plants, animals and humans are not the only things God created, but even other beings as well. My mother showed me that there are many planets that have intelligent life. Some of them, even living underground on these different planets. This is why, those looking, may not see obvious signs of life.”

“However, she told me that there is so much more than we can ever imagine. These beings she spoke of are empathetic and are very curious about our people. They, as a community can no longer reproduce. They come to our earth and sometimes extract DNA from women to use to help repopulate their beings. They are peaceful and want us to know that we must protect nature and also, nurture our children with more love and focus on our earth rather than material things.”

“My mother also told me that some of these beings live deep in our oceans and also in Antarctica under the ice underground. When they first arrived at Antarctica, it was not covered in ice. The earth had turned on its axis and it changed our planet millions of years ago.”

“She told me that early man was visited by them to help them build things. These early men worshiped them as Gods like we see in Egypt with the pyramids and the Mayan culture of early man. You can look back and trace evidence of them worshipping them because they gave them knowledge to continue to grow.”

“In ancient times, people lived in small groups or tribes.They all related to one another as a part of themselves, so they were close-knit communities. Their energy to be one people was strong. As a group they could work wonders because of that unity. They were humble people and sought for light, not darkness, for unity, not division. They were stronger together than divided. They prayed and practiced their faith in a higher power to guide them.”

“On a personal level, in my dreams, I’ve seen many different species of intelligent beings that wish humans could be more loving and positive in our spiritual sense. All throughout the Universe there are pulse’s of energy everywhere. Every living thing has, and is energy. What holds us back from our greatest potential is the lack of positive energy within ourselves and how we, as individuals, or as a whole, treat one another.”

“God created all creatures and that everything is connected. What we do with our planet affects all others.”

Commentary- Lisa’s recent after-death communication, as well as her insight, offers a very important message to consider in these troubled times. After thinking about the messages in Lisa’s experience, I offer some thoughts on the how’s and why’s for our division, and how we, as bridge builders, can make a personal difference for good in our world. Thank you for your consideration.

The Division

Today, with so many of us living on this increasingly crowded planet and vying for its resources, it can be easy to forget about the whole. What I mean is the “whole tribe” of our fellow beings. Fear has run rampant as we separate into our own groups against those “others” we perceive as our enemies.

Our world has become larger than that one united tribe that existed long ago. It’s become more diverse, complicated, chaotic and therefore; threatening on one level or another to those who fear some sort of extinction. Because of this threat, consciously or not, humans have divided themselves into distinct categories according to their own worldview, and with their distain, prepare for various forms of battle against their own human kind- no holds barred.

A Room With a View

A singular View : Image by Franz26, Pixabay

While each of us are the room in this metaphor, it’s important to realize that the view from the window in that room is very fixed, as the window is only in one location and sees in one direction. We can’t see around, behind, on top, or below what we are looking at. All we see is just our singular point of view. Unfortunately, this very specific and misleading view, tends to become “the truth” of our worldview, which can be very limiting and grossly inaccurate.

The Battle for Survival

Having a narrow point of view provides a strong foundation for intolerance and impatience for those “others” who are perceived as “not our tribe.” Perhaps they even think differently than us, and that’s the problem.

Narrow mindedness appears to stem from a belief in scarcity. Perhaps a human’s greatest fear is that there is not enough of something. Specifically, “there is not enough for me, so I must take as much as I can get, no matter the cost.” A fear of not surviving in some way, with thoughts and feelings of insecurity, inadequacy and instability continually feed the beast. With the same narrow way of thinking and feeling, the cycle perpetuates and doubles down to become worse.

Us Versus Them Mentality

Far from just small tribes, a very dangerous “us versus them” mentality has taken hold all over the world. Some current examples of this can be found in issues of ethnicity, religious beliefs, government politics and other ideology. Then… there are all our manufactured lies that people adopt as weapons of war against those not like them and who have now become their enemies. The hatred is palpable. Is this of God?

Physical, spiritual and psychological scarcity runs rampant on our planet as individuals perceive their very survival is in jeopardy. Even if it’s actually not, it is in some heads. We are so caught up in our own internal wars of our thoughts and feelings, fueled by our singular viewpoint and worldview, that we forget that in some way… what is done to one is done to the rest. That includes all of us.

Coming from a Christian background, I don’t know whatever happened to the Golden Rule in the Gospel of Matthew 7:12, “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” but it no longer seems to be a moral rule guiding our world. Perhaps we have become wicked in the rightness of our blindness.

The Need to be Right or Better Than

That poor ego that would destroy everything and itself to be right, superior and in power, doesn’t make much sense but it’s happening all around us. Much of our world is very sick, intoxicated by the lure of raw power, control and cruelty, for cruelty’s sake. It’s done in the name of politics, money, power and dare I say… religion as well.

For example, there are those people of faith who believe that some people are so different than them, and therefore, beneath them, then go on to pretend we don’t all share the same Creator. That we are not of the same creation? It doesn’t make sense to me. When will we go back to the Golden Rule? This darkness and destruction is removing us from what matters most- our planet, creatures big and small, our lives and our whole human tribe.

There is such a drive to be ‘right” about things, even made up things., just to be right and therefore, superior to others. But, where does that get us? Constantly, we get in our own way. When will we ever see? Together we are stronger and better. Divided we fall apart. Would good divide us? No, but evil would.

The Good News about a Viewpoint

The thing to realize about a viewpoint is that, with awareness, and having the desire to come from a good and open space from which to look, a singular viewpoint has the possibility of expanding into many viewpoints. That expansion becomes the possibility of compassion, mercy and patience. Another thing to know is that, a fixed viewpoint has the possibility to become flexible. Flexibility will lay a space for tolerance, peace and unity. It is also a path to our survival. I mean, if one is willing, of course.

Some Final Thoughts

Our world depends on us to find our way through the darkness and confusion of the now. We live in troubled times. Through love and compassion we must build bridges not walls. If we are to survive as a species, we must choose peace and faith over destruction and fear. It serves the individual to take care of the whole tribe.

Are we no longer our “brother’s keeper?” We must take care of each other and our planet. The way to unity is through cooperation and by practicing love, patience and peace. It is a practice, that’s for sure. But, it’s an honorable and worthy way to live one’s life.

Even if it’s a small bridge, it’s a bridge nonetheless.

Bridge : Image Andibreit on Pixabay

The Power of Sheer Will

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The power of sheer will is a real one. As a Hospice Nurse, Linda realizes this when she prevents her patient from dying on the toilet.

Linda’s experience as a new hospice nurse

It was in 1995 when Linda began working as a new hospice nurse. One of her first home visits was to take care of a man who was dying from cancer.

In his younger days, he was a handsome, well-educated bank executive who was fastidiously groomed and very sophisticated. When he was up and around his home, he was impeccably dressed. Although he was terminally ill, representing himself well in public was still important to him.

One day when his family was out doing chores, Linda took him to the toilet. Suddenly, as he sat, he slumped over with no pulse. Holding onto him, Linda could feel his spirit actually leaving his body… after which, she felt nothing in his body. There was no presence whatsoever, just dead weight.

The Power of Sheer Will

Knowing how dapper he was and imagining how mortified he would have been by such a thing (death by toilet), Linda became resolute, “This cannot happen. Not like this. Dying on the toilet has no dignity and I will not accept this.”

Determined to change the outcome of the situation, with all the strength she could muster, Linda lifted and carried his limp body back to his reclining chair. As she did, surprisingly, Linda felt his spirit coming back in as he breathed the breath to life into his body once more.
Linda was much relieved for this man, as he made it back safely to his chair without anyone but Linda knowing what had happened.

He died in his bed with dignity just two days later.

The Spiritual Nature of Sheer Will

One should never underestimate the power of sheer will. It is a power to be sure, a super power, in fact. A super power that, to one degree or another, makes impossible things possible.

Maybe you’ve heard the stories before about a mother doing the impossible as she lifts a car off of her injured child. In that moment, it is life or death… do or die. And, if she has anything to say about it, she is not giving death an option.

But…it’s not just a mother for whom the power of sheer will works. It is for anyone who immediately acts and will not accept anything less than what one’s will demands.
It’s for the one who uses, previously unknown and untapped power. I would dare to say that this power is not just physical but enlists spiritual power as well.

In those instances, it’s like every fiber of one’s being has become a breakthrough possibility from the realm of impossibility itself. Their determination… so powerful that what are seen as life’s rules bend in their favor, if even for that instant. The result is… the manifestation of a breakthrough event in this world. And… some might call that having some serious faith.

The Clear Intent Component to Sheer Will

Sheer will is about being instantaneously, so clear, so precise, so relentless in declaration that the words you say will do nothing other than obey the intention of their commands. “This shall be. This shall not be,” said with true power has the possibility to shift the reality of a situation, as we know it.

You see this in times when humans rise above their own perceived limitations, small or large. In those times, they don’t think about what they can do, they just do it because, in that moment, that’s what must be done. To one extent or another, this happens on the regular. We gloss over these times quite often by passing them off as luck or coincidence.

A Collaboration of Sheer Will

You might wonder, “whose will was effecting the situation the most? Was it solely Linda’s? Or the man’s will?” In discussing this memory with Linda, we have settled on the thinking that this result was a joint collaboration.

Our intuition informs us that Linda was compassionate enough to go to bat for him. As he was leaving his body, looking down at her struggle, barely able to carry the dead weight of this man back to his chair, how could he not go to bat for her as well? So, coming back to his body gave him a few more days with his family and avoided what could have been an embarrassing death.

You can see how each one of these two demonstrated determination for him to have a nice ending to a life well-lived. This was accomplished through the power and force of their sheer will.

You’ve heard the saying… “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Well… If there is that strong of a will, then there’s definitely a way.

Also see, Shared-death experience, Near-death experience and After-death communication.

If there’s a will, there’s a way: Photo/Pixabay: Tambira Photography

A Spiritual Intervention

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In a near-death experience, an impending death is interrupted when Ryan’s deceased Grandpa comes in an after-death communication, for the ultimate intervention.

Ryan’s experience

Since the age of 13, Ryan had used some sort of drug or another. He used them for fun or as an escape. By the time he was 33 years old, he had been through drug rehab five times. However, right before having one of the most life-altering experiences one could ever have, Ryan was into one of the most addictive drugs, Heroin.

Ryan lived with his girlfriend and their two small children in his mother’s house. One day, when Ryan’s girlfriend and children were gone visiting relatives and his mom was out of town, Ryan had a profound experience.

Having been overworked, stressed and overwhelmed by life at the time, Ryan felt the need to escape for a while. Without fear of getting caught, the opportunity was there. The moment was right and he was going to seize it… just one more time.

Craving the sense of relief that only heroin could provide at the time, after doing some gaming, Ryan shot up and zoned out.

As Ryan entered this expected world of bliss, Ryan was met by his Grandpa… his mother’s father. He was a good man who Ryan, as a child, loved and admired. He was a positive influence and an active part of Ryan’s young life. Then, when Ryan was 8 years old, Grandpa passed away, leaving Ryan to miss him dearly.

In their spiritual reunion together, Grandpa talked to Ryan about many things. Things that he still can’t recall to this day, but knows are embedded in his psyche. But what Ryan could remember… is the message of how important it was for him to stay alive in this realm. Grandpa told him that his family needed him and depended on him to get this right. Ryan was told that his time on Earth was not yet finished and that he still had important things to do before he could come back to his heavenly home.

When Ryan returned from his visit with his Grandpa, he was struggling to breathe as he was gasping for air. Ryan says this is the way many heroin users die. They just stop breathing and never wake up in this life again.

What Ryan’s story tells me is that Ryan was going to be one of those people who never woke up. He would have been found by his family and their pain would have been devastating. Their lives would have never been the same.

Grandpa intervened as Ryan was playing with fire and may not have realized the grave danger he was in. This was a wake up call for Ryan. In this intervention, Ryan learned that he was needed in the world, that he had a purpose to fulfill. It was not yet time to drift off into the great slumber that leads us away from this realm and into the next.

With Grandpa’s intervention and basically, having been startled and shaken back to life, Ryan would go through his drug detox over the next week. His family would feel some mix of betrayal, anger, gratitude, love and concern for Ryan. However, as Ryan made it through one week of pure hell, as he would call it, things would begin to shift in his life.

Somewhere between Ryan’s escape, the intervention with Grandpa, then back to his loved ones, something profound occurred. Whatever was said in that pivotal conversation with his Grandpa was profoundly life-altering. Ryan, an already good soul, was converted furthermore into the man he would become along the path of his spiritual progression.

Almost 4 years later, Ryan shares with me his story. His life has been transformed immensely. Remarkably, he no longer has the urge to use. His family is everything to him. I used the word “converted” to describe his progress, which means a change in function, because he has successfully re-routed his direction. Ryan says he now sees his world in color and meaning, where before it was not so sharp and bright, just dull. This is common for near-death experiencers, as life for them often takes on a new dimension as a new sense of purpose is realized.

Something happened in Ryan’s soul that day. Was he shown his full life? Did Grandpa reveal to Ryan his ultimate purpose? Whatever it was, Ryan remembered something important enough to get back on track with his life. Perhaps getting off track was even a part of his track too. Whatever it was, it made the difference between Ryan being here or not, as he was quickly on his way out on that day, it was just a matter of one breath.

Although you could say that Ryan had an after-death communication, you could say it was a near-death experience as well. One day, probably in this lifetime, Ryan may begin to remember even more parts of his Grandpa’s message. He says he gets bits and pieces even now. Often, the information given is so much that it is revealed on a need to know basis. When it is the right time, Ryan will comprehend more of the content, its meaning and get a fuller picture.

A heavenly intervention is an approach designed by heavenly beings to change someone’s mind or trajectory. It can influence will through necessary information or cause one to remember something that they have long since forgotten, something that would make a big difference for them if they were to act. In other words, encouraging and inspiring someone’s will to make a choice that gets them back on track. In this case, it was not Ryan’s time to go. Nevertheless, he might have died had he not used his will to choose to live. Grandpa’s job was to influence and be persuasive. Ryan’s job was to chose his life through sheer will, and bring himself back. We are glad that he did.

What Ryan experienced that day was a miracle on so many levels. Here are just a few.

Ryan’s saw his Grandpa again
He received his message and was likely shown his life and purpose
Ryan’s life was saved when all was lost
Something in Ryan was so altered that he never looked back
Ryan knows for a fact now that there is more than just this life

What Ryan can be sure of is this- His Grandpa’s intervention showed him that he is in great hands with his Grandpa’s love shining upon him. Although out of sight, even for many years, Ryan can still be sure that his Grandpa watches out for him with great care.

Heaven- Gerd Altmann / Pixabay

Adjusting to a Spiritual Relationship

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Sometime after Kenneth’s husband, Jon, passes away, Kenneth realizes they can still hang out at times.

Kenneth writes:
“My husband, Jon, passed away in June of 2016. I had a very hard with handling him not being here in the physical.”

“It’s been over five years now. I had to realize that just because he was gone, it didn’t mean we couldn’t see each other. To this day, he often communicates with me in my dreams. That is our new way of being with each other. When he is in my dreams we are all over the place- places I don’t know and people I don’t know.”

Angel: Pixabay-The Digital Artist

“One dream, I was looking into another room from where I was. As I walked closer toward that room, I could feel an arm as I walked into the room, it was Jon. I paused just looking at him. There was a mysterious but familiar lady with him to the side. She has been around me since I was a child. She also appeared to me on the day that Jon died.”

“When I saw him again, I asked him if I could hug him, to which Jon said, “Yes.” Our hug felt like he was with me in the physical. It felt so real and so good. Then, he was gone.”

“After I wake up from these events, I thank him for hanging out with me and hope that we can hang out again soon. I don’t always remember the messages he tells me, and sometimes it could be months later when I understand what he was telling me. For example, right before Covid-19 broke out, Jon told me that life was going to get really bad for awhile until it would get better. At the time, I didn’t understand. Now, I do.”

Commentary- Adjusting to the new non-physical relationship of a departed loved one can be challenging. For some, even to be able to make that leap in their own thinking, that a continuing relationship might even be possible, could prove difficult and stop them in their tracks. For others, “if there’s a will, there’s a way.” Some of them go forth to find it.

The Fragility of Life

Our whole experience in this world is mostly focused on the physicality of people, places and things in this realm. After one’s passing, although, the places and things still remain, it comes as quite a shock when those same people who were so real to us, disappear from our physical realm. Some might say, “I was just with them and now they are gone. I just don’t believe it.” The fragility of one’s life is difficult for our brains to reconcile, hence the denial phase of the grief process.

The experience of our physical lives seems very permanent until a beloved is snatched up by the unseen that we call death. It is only then, that we realize with such impact that impermanence was there all along. The strong image of a life in this world and the people in it turned out to be so precarious all along, and we didn’t even realize it. We didn’t plan for it to happen as soon as it always does. We had no say, and it hurts to think something so precious could ever be taken away with such ease and disregard.

Our Earthly Perception

Many people live with unquestioned beliefs that include the thinking that, “people only die when they are old and gray.” “The young have the rest of their lives to live.” Or, there is such a thing as a “fairytale ending” in this life and that we “live happily ever after” in it. For sure, death would not dare to interrupt our bliss. Right? Unfortunately, as many of us now know firsthand, there are no set rules about how long we are able to stay in this world. Sometimes it seems like there is no rhyme or reason to one’s timely death either.

Is it a possibility to continue a relationship with a departed loved one?

When we experience the passing of our loved one, we may become resigned and cynical that our beloved relationship could ever continue outside a physical context. After all, isn’t it impossible? Although our brains may say it’s impossible, our hearts want what they want and some have found a way to bridge the two worlds together.

If so, how do you do it?

Reaching between worlds Pixabay:Geralt

Kenneth has discovered his dreams as a vehicle for being together again with his beloved, Jon. In dreams, Kenneth is reassured that Jon is accessible and still loves him. Kenneth has opportunities to communicate, touch and be with Jon in this way. This experience informs Kenneth that their love is still alive as their relationship continues on, even until this day.

Other Mediums

Others have learned to be together at times through the medium of meditation, hypnosis, prayer and out of body experiences. Some use toning, music, walks in nature, talking to them and listening as well as sheer faith and trust that a connection will happen. This will lead to a sure knowledge that they are always accessible to you, and, of course, any relaxation serves as a wonderful space of nothingness to clear the path for connection. Nothingness is an amazing state in which to discover something-ness…something that’s magnificent.

The Beauty of Simplicity

There are many simple ways to connect. Our problem is mainly that we make it too hard and in our brains, we have decided it to be impossible. Is it? It’s not. We overthink things instead of allowing them to happen. Having some faith and trust in the power of love is simple and goes a long way.

I can think of no big dance you have to do, no chant, nothing loud or complicated. There is nothing to learn if you don’t want to. It’s simple. Let it be simple. Practice grace.

Understanding Balance in the Physical/Spiritual Adjustment

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that you zone out of this life and the people in it, in order to chase the one in the next life. That would be irresponsible and unhealthy. Although that may be what you want in your grief, that serves no one, but you may still try to do it. That can be part of your grief process, too.

An important part of healing grief is to eventually be able to accept your loved one’s passing in a healthy way. It is also important to realize that just because you no longer see your departed loved one in the way you once did, it doesn’t mean they are no longer with you. These two things can go hand in hand.

After Christian died, in my grief, I remember being told so clearly, “Your relationship has not gone away. It’s just gone deeper.” I knew from that message that this was actually a promising message as “deeper” seemed much more comforting than “gone.”

I realized that I would have to make some adjustments in my thinking of what is possible. It was now our new spiritual relationship. I realized I would have to exercise my faith in the unseen until I could see this possibility clearly for my seIf.

I saw this as an opportunity to develop my spirituality more substantially, more completely to better access his world and he, mine. At first, I did it with faith as my guide. And now, knowing has overtaken that faith. There is nothing that could ever convince me that my own experiences with him after his death, were/are not real. They are more real to me than ever now.

The Takeaway

It is possible to adjust to the non-physical relationship of a departed loved one. Of course, your relationship won’t be exactly the same as it was in the physical, we need to be reasonable. Our relationships will still be there in a spiritual sense… which are just a more stealthy version of connection.
Like with Kenneth’s gradual realization that a continued spiritual relationship with Jon was possible, open your mind to the miracle that this could be so. Just because it comes time for one to pass on, it doesn’t mean the relationship is gone or that love dies in the process. In Kenneth’s adjusted thinking about life and death and all that it means about his relationship and connection with Jon, he has found a way for them to be together at times. I’d say that’s pretty special.
Let the spiritual connection with your departed loved one be simple, in other words, likely to happen. All of this happening takes place in the territory of what and how you think of it. You don’t need to overthink it, make it hard or even do anything at all. Allow it to come in its own time with ease.
Have faith. You may not realize the continued connection at first, but once you do, faith will no longer be a requirement as you will know for yourself that it is possible, in whatever way that it is.
Most importantly, trust in your loved one and in the love you shared and still continue to share. Without giving up and becoming resigned and cynical to the sad thinking of “that’s it, now our relationship is gone.” Instead, realize one of life’s greatest possibilities that your relationship has just gone deeper. Trust that sooner or later, love will find a way. It will. It’s never too late to realize what Kenneth did.

For more posts about Kenneth’s experiences with Jon, please read, A Place of Nothingness and Thought Perception

Love will find a way Pixabay:jplenio

After-Death Communication Message Types

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While there are many different types of after-death communications, in a dream, Rose receives the one of practical guidance.

Rose writes:
“I’ve had so many beautiful and amazing visits from my Mother, and lately from my Dad which made me so happy. A little while ago, here in the Hudson River Valley, we had severe thunderstorms with large amounts of rain. One night, my father interrupted a dream I was having. It was so shocking, knowing that he just popped in unexpectedly.

My Dad said, “All is well, however, please watch the rainfall nearby and remember the generator I gave you.” I woke up the next morning, remembering what he said. My day went on and by early evening, the storms came through again, thunder, lightning, severe winds and flooding.

At around 9:30 pm, my neighbor, Dustin, called me to ask how we were doing with all this rain. He is a volunteer fireman. After checking outside and taking one look at our basement, I called him right back because the entire property was a lake! The basement steps were covered in water swirling around to the top of the basement door.

Dustin called the fire department and Central Hudson Company turned off the power to our house. That night was a very long, hot and sweaty night with no power and basement under six feet of water.

The next morning, the water subsided as the catch basins nearby, finally caught up and were doing their job. David, my partner, and I were tired, hot and stressed out. That was the moment when I suddenly remembered the dream and that my father reminded me about the generator. David has one and we never touched my father’s. When I told David the dream I had, we went to the garage. David’s generator which was newer, would not start at all. I told him to please try my dad’s, I knew it would work because he told me it would.

David pulled the generator out of the garage and dusted it off. It started with one pull! We had power again. I sat in the garage and said a prayer to God and to Jesus, thanking them for letting my father come to me to help. I am always so thankful to God and Jesus daily for the blessings of the day.

Commentary- If you know anything about after-death communications, you know the messages that are sent to us by our departed fall into many different categories. Here are some of them that are most common.

Checking in.

This message conveys something to the effect of,

“Hey, I made it.”
“Please don’t worry about me, I’m good.”
“It’s beautiful here.”
“I’m in a good place.”
“I’m reunited with loved ones.”
“I just wanted to let you know.”

Reassurance. (“I got you.”)

“I’m aware of you.”
“I’m still with you.”
“I love and care about you.”
“Everything will turn out well in the end.”
“Don’t worry. This is temporary.”
“We will be reunited again someday.”
“You can get through this.”
“I approve. You have my blessing.”
“We are one.”

Informational. Insight. Enlightening. (On a need to know basis)

“This is what happened.”
“This is what will happen.”
“This is why.”
“This is how it works.”
“Here’s some information about you, your life, life in general, and the afterlife.

Giving Thanks.

After-death communications that say,

“Thanks for everything.”
“I appreciate you so much.”
“I see you.”

Subtle Promptings. (Guidance, Advice and Practical reminders)

“Remember ‘something’ now. It will be helpful to you later.”
The mention of a particular person and that, “So and so might be able to assist you with that dilemma.”
A very familiar and meaningful song plays on the radio. “This is a reminder that I love and care about you. We are still one.”
“Remember who you are.”
“I’m here guiding you.”

Protect with Urgent Directives. (Warning, Caution that screams, “Do or don’t do this.”)

“Don’t drive that same way you normally do or even in that direction.”
“Stay clear of that person.”
“Get out of the house, car, whatever, NOW.”
“Get out of the way!”
“That’s a bad situation. Don’t get involved.”
“Go a different way.”
“Do something different with your life.”

Touching base. (Can occur as a unexpected visit because time has passed with less frequent visits)

“Yep. I’m still here.”
“Yep. I’m still very aware of your situation.”
“Here’s an idea for you.”
“Yep, I’m still doing great.”
“See all the healing you’ve accomplished? You are doing so much better now. I never wanted you to suffer.”
“Yep. I still love and care about you. We are one.”

Conclusion

When Rose’s dad came to her in her dream with his message about the generator, it was just what she needed to hear. Without it, her father’s generator would have collected even more dust when it could have been put to good use.

Since our departed loved ones have a much different perspective than we do, they don’t get all worked up about the small stuff. Rose’s dad knew that, although the rains were coming, Rose and David would be just fine, just hot, uncomfortable and without power. That’s where the generator was such a great idea. Rose’s dad was prompting her in a dream, guiding her, assisting her to remember what he would have done. He would have pulled out that old dusty generator and fired it right up.

Our Angels

We often imagine that our departed loved ones are off, somewhere, clear over there, separate from ourselves and that they have no idea what is going on in our lives. Rose’s father shows how untrue this actually is. Think about this. Rose’s dad knew a rain storm was coming. Just wow! He wanted his daughter to have everything she could need for it. The old, dusty generator started with one pull of the cord. I’d say that’s pretty miraculous. I’d say he was very aware.

Our departed loved ones do watch over us. They love and care for us from beyond. They are familiar with our struggles and our accomplishments. They do their very best to guide us through the situations in our lives. They are our angels, and… we will be angels to the ones we leave behind, as well. We will guide and protect them, too. Because that’s what love does.

Angel: Photo credit: cocopariseenne

The Beauty of a Spiritual Practice

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One morning while Jennifer meditates, she is privy to an extraordinary event- her brother’s release from this world and his transition to the next

Jennifer writes:
“On the morning March 31st, I had returned to my bed to meditate quietly as my husband had not yet awakened. I was in a quiet place with my thoughts subsiding and a beautiful indigo blue vision appeared in front of me. Awake but with closed eyes I was overwhelmed with deep calm peacefulness, joy and bliss.”

“The vision was like a balloon inflating and deflating …very deep dark edges and lighter fading into a centre of almost white. It was a light dimming and glowing before me. I felt if I reached my hand out I would feel it but did not want it to go away so I enjoyed the bliss while it lasted, which felt like 2-4 minutes.”

“I got up feeling incredible. I was still in a pure state of joy, I sat with my iPad researching such things as archangel Michael, the throat chakra, blue visions and I was convinced from the feelings of comfort and peace I had felt a blessing of sorts.”

“I sat talking to my husband of the wonderful peacefulness that I felt. As we were talking, my MSN chimed and on my brother’s message his wife asked if I could call her. I rang her. She said my brother had gone. Confused, I asked, “Where has he gone?” Tearfully, she explained that she had found him. He had died by suicide that morning.”

“Of course, grief struck me immediately but after some tears had subsided I came to the realization that my vision had occurred during my brother’s transition. I naturally felt he had peace and comfort after the turmoil that had been facing him here in this world. I felt an enormous comfort from this.”

“The deep blue seemed so significant to me that I put a blue bottle out on a ledge near my kitchen window. That evening I was listening to music, reflecting on our lives and remembering my brother with his big beautiful smile. My house was all closed up bar one door to the entry courtyard area. I had a dim lamp so the room was quite dark.”

“Outside, it was night and there wasn’t much moonlight so it was very dark. Just then, a bird flew into the room. It landed on the blue bottle I had out for my brother. I was thrilled, overjoyed, in fact, then it found it’s way back out through the courtyard. My husband saw it leave. I was sad it had gone but not even two minutes later, this bird returned and sat looking at me. I felt so calm after a couple of minutes, I picked it up, opened my kitchen window and set it free. This bird did not fly away but perched itself just beyond the window on a chain that hung to the window sill.”

“As I closed the window, it flew away. There was so much peace in my heart, I felt my brother near me again. We used to rehabilitate birds. It was our thing.”

“I went to bed in comfort, knowing he was in a good place. Over the next few days I received many signs. One morning I was lucid dreaming and could hear my phone buzzing but in my dream, I looked at the screen and there were constellations, black and white, of course, as that’s how the sky looks at night. When I woke up I had 3 messages on my phone. My daughter-in-law had sent pictures of my brother at her wedding to my son. The pictures were in black and white which is quite unusual these days and the wedding was last year. Most of the pictures taken were in color.”

“On a site I always look up for my morning quote, it read, “I took the road less travelled” by Robert Frost. This made perfect sense to me. A little while later, I was listening to a talk by a fellow I listen to who had the same Christian name as my brother, Neville, and of all the random talks I happened to pick, within the first few minutes of a 40 minute talk, he spoke of Robert Frost. Everything was connecting!

Neville’s birth year

Then, of all things, my husband got dressed and on his shirt was a Roman numeral, MCMLX5. This was the year my brother was born.”

“Everything, all these signs and synchronicities have given me courage, strength, faith and reassurance. Lots of evidence that God is always in/with us, eternally. Things keep happening and I am so comforted. Blessings to everyone and love to all.”

“I live In Australia. I looked to see which bird breed it was. It was a Graceful Honeyeater.”

Commentary- When Jennifer heard the tragic news about her dear brother, Neville, she already had a deeply spiritual foundation in place through her practice of meditation. Without it, she may have missed this amazing experience as well as the spiritual understanding of what it all meant. Grieving would have been much more painful and difficult without her spiritually grounded foundation.

What Jennifer experienced is also called a “Shared Death Experience” where, like her brother, Neville, she was privy to the actual moment of his release from this world and his transition to the next. The beautiful thing about this is that Jennifer was a witness to Neville’s sudden peacefulness. She can be comforted that he safely made it back home to all that is love and understanding.

chakras Kirtlane/Pixabay

The Indigo color that Jennifer experienced is the color of the spiritual third eye chakra. This is the seat of intuition and spiritual sight/vision according to yoga traditions. It is characterized by a deep blue with deep purple mixed in, so the color is very rich. The third eye chakra is just below the crown chakra which is a vibrant violet. This Chakra is considered to be the highest chakra and access to the Divine and Universal consciousness.

So, it makes sense why Jennifer was easily able to witness this, as she was already in sync with its vibrational frequency. It would appear that Neville was reaching out from a spiritual context and in her peaceful meditation she was there at the perfect moment and state of mind to receive his communication to her, as well as his communion with God.

The spiritual signs and synchronicities that Jennifer received are very obvious. Recognizing that the blue she saw was significant, she left a blue bottle on the ledge. This indicated that she got Neville’s spiritual communication on a spiritual level. When he flew in her home as a bird to land on the blue bottle, he verified that this profound experience was real. This was no coincidence. But please tell me. How many birds do you see flying at night, no less inside your home to land on the very thing you put out for them to land on?

But, just ignoring that, how often will a bird in the wild allow you to pick it up to hold for a bit before sending it on its way? And then it flies in once more? What are the odds? There is no doubt that this was Neville celebrating his flight of release with his sister who, having worked with wounded animals, would understand this so well.

Lastly, it would seem that Neville had chosen to be a bird for a bit. Perhaps this was because he and his sister spent time rehabilitating birds when they were younger. This would allow Jennifer, if she had any doubt whatsoever, to know for certain Neville was communicating that he is good, happy and free from the wounds that plagued him in his life. And, although he dearly loved those he left behind, he felt his wounds were far too great to be mended and had to fly to the world beyond. His sign to Jennifer said it all. This bird had now been rehabilitated.

Even though, to our physical senses, we may think of our departed loved ones as gone, from a higher perspective, they are always here with us, guiding and loving us from beyond. This is why a deep spiritual foundation is so helpful. With it, we are more sensitive to our spiritual side and journey. We are more calm and peaceful in general.

But, when a tragedy strikes, we have a greater understanding, and even knowledge that this life is just a pit stop in the whole scheme of things. That maybe, there is a larger chain of events to look at- a much larger perspective that we don’t always understand in the moment. Until we do. And often, it is trust and faith that does the heavy lifting. But like the physical eyes from which we see, trust and faith become our spiritual eyes when all seems so dim.

Path: Ben Kerckx/Pixabay

What I know is that our departed loved ones are still with and very much aware of us. That’s what love would do. And often, in their pure spiritual form it is far easier for them to help us with our worldly needs, as well as the spiritual things that really matter in the end, as we travel the path that we are meant to take. All paths lead to our spiritual blossoming and evolution as we grow ever closer to the source of our existence.

May you always have comfort, peace and joy on that journey.

A Poem written by Jennifer to her beloved brother, Neville.

My brother was small in stature but his heart was as big as the sky,
We so wanted him to stay here.. but ours is not to question Why?
Our hearts felt so torn that day ..we didn’t get to say goodbye
As he freed himself from this world and finally, found a way to fly.

We still feel his gentle spirit …. yet his soul has found embrace.
May he always be at peace as he moves on to a brighter place.
We may not understand, as our tears are overflowing …
Yet none of us could realize just how much his pain was growing.

When we were young together, we found beauty in simple things ,
Rescuing birds, insects, tiny bats, trying to repair their broken wings.
Sometimes we would see that their journey here had ended,  and that, Not everything you SEE or HOLD can easily be mended.
As we laid those fragile creatures down, we hugged each other tight,  and although their lives were cut short, we knew everything was alright.

I imagine that there is a Heaven, maybe you mend the Angel’s wings?
I can see you there, you’ve grown your hair,
there is beauty in such things. ……

Shortly after you departed …a bird flew into my room ,
It sat with me for a moment, it seemed to take away my gloom ..
It flew outside again so I thought that it had gone ,
but it returned a moment later which gave me strength to carry on .

I understood at that moment that even though you’d left our lives,
you’ll remain in our hearts forever ….it helped me to realize ..
The people who we love ……they really Never go away.
They just slip inside our hearts and help us ,each and every day.

When I think of you …THE OCEAN ,THE SKY ,they always come to mind,
The peace they gave …as you were engulfed in BLUE
Was where you could leave your worries behind.
In my dreams I watch you sail away …..and I see you soaring free,
throughout the skies and up to the stars as you leave that wondrous sea.

Now at this moment as we are those …that are all engulfed in blue,
we can picture your kite sailing freely, Soaring ….as you were meant to do.
So, as the pain arises and tears flow SALTY from our eyes,
We can smile and remember you flying freely… with your heart as big as the SKY.

Forever in our hearts, Jenni

Hugging a Departed Loved One

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After Jan repeatedly asked her departed mother for a hug, her heart’s desire is realized. Twice!

The Twilight Bridge

Jan writes:
“I had a couple of “dreams” again of my mom, but I am not sure if it was a regular dream or a “twilight bridge” dream. What I wrote to you before in “The Twilight Bridge” post were definitely not dreams. That much was obvious.”

“Now, I will try and explain my question to you. I had said out loud for many weeks that I wanted to hug mom. Then, I had two different dreams. Both were in the same setting, it seemed outside somewhere, not here in the house. It was like I drifted into an outdoor area where my mom was socializing with some people. She noticed me, smiled and greeted me with these people around her. It seemed like she was by a car. In trying to make sense of it all, I thought we were going on one of our short trips for the weekend or maybe we were there already.”

“Although there were a few other people with her, I could not see faces as they were more like shadows. My mom seemed much brighter, easy to see I mean, and very close. I was right there with her and she seemed happy, smiling, enjoying chatting with people. Relatives? I do not know but that was really all there was to it. Then, I must have woken up.”

“The next time I had this dream, it was the exact same place…. same people and situation, except my mom’s light around her seemed brighter and she was in color while everything else was a darker colorless shade. My mom was very clear. She had her pink fuzzy bathrobe on- she definitely stood out among the other shadows of people there. I went to her and hugged her. She never said anything to me but she was smiling and seemed happy. Then, I must have woken up.”

“When I woke that morning, I remembered it clearly and the feeling of hugging and being freshly hugged still lingered. I mean, could have been my imagination or not, but somehow, I felt like I had hugged her close. I had felt her, I had hugged her for real.”

“Anyway, this may not be anything… maybe just a wishful dream as it was outside the house in a different setting. So I have been thinking it was just a dream. It did not last long. Nothing happened really except I met my mom for a short time and felt her presence plus she was smiling (which I am glad of)”.

“So, I guess sometimes it may be hard to distinguish a dream from something else?”

Commentary- Because of the spiritual visitation experience spectrum that spans anywhere from ‘nuanced” to ‘blow your socks off’ obvious, it can be hard to distinguish a dream from a visitation, although this was clearly a visitation… except it was Jan that was doing the visiting.

Space, Place or State of Mind?

While “The Twilight Bridge” is considered a neutral meeting “place” or “space” between this realm and the next realm, where we sometimes go to meet our loved ones, “The Twilight Bridge” is also experienced as a state of mind or place of spirit and not necessarily an actual place. But having said this, it could also be experienced as an actual place. What was different about this experience from Jan’s experience at “The Twilight Bridge” is that Jan didn’t meet her mother at the bridge, she went over the bridge to where her mom was in another realm.

Entering another realm Pixabay: Jplenio

What makes this so?

The fact that Jan felt herself drifting (a thing of the spirit) into another space, an outdoor space, which represents somewhere other than where Jan’s life normally play out. The outdoor setting Jan describes is a metaphor for… another location besides here at my house… or where I live in this Earthly realm.

Jan’s mom was seen thriving in her new community of people, smiling, happy and certainly aware because she saw Jan, as if she was waiting for her to visit. She was. The car represents travel, reminding Jan of their prior weekend trips, as well as, pointing to, that this is a possibility of a new way to spend time together for short trips now.

Jan notices how much clearer and even brighter in the second visitation that her mother appeared compared to those around her. The explanation here is that the other people around her were not considered the focal point, her mother was being that Jan asked to see and hug her mom again. The other people in the experience, sort of seen/not seen are clearly not the most important take away, although it does point to her newfound acclimation, happiness and a community that she enjoys in her current realm.

Having the same dream twice is sort of like saying to Jan, “If you don’t believe I heard you about seeing me to get a hug, I did. To prove it, here is the second dream with even more certainty, clarity and brighter colors! I’m at home here. I’m even wearing my bright pink bathrobe. You will recognize me immediately, can’t miss me!” In other words, she heard Jan loud and clear.

Why we doubt, dismiss and discount spiritual visitations

It’s really common to dismiss a spiritual visitation as an ordinary dream since it doesn’t always make perfect sense. Sometimes it is abstract or unclear. Often, we are afraid to believe our experience because… what if it were just our imagination and not really so?

We don’t want to be the fool. We don’t want to get our hopes up only to be let down again, which would only add to our hurt of seeming to live a life alone without them now.

However, why doubt, dismiss and discount first when having these experiences, then, have to be convinced of their validity? Given that we can react the way we want (sometimes), why not look and listen to your experience of what it is trying to tell you? Why not look and listen for the possibility of spiritual visitations/after-death communications, signs and messages from beyond?

These spiritual communications are so precious but they are fragile and fleeting. We must believe these special gifts from heaven are completely possible and probable and to see it as such. We must gather these seeds of faith and nurture them and perhaps they will grow into profoundly meaningful experiences that will tide us over throughout our lives.

So what if we don’t understand everything or it’s abstract and unclear? So what if we make a fool of ourselves but we see special spiritual things that physical eyes can’t or won’t see? And, so what if we get our hopes up? Take the hopeful message from the visitation and use it for comfort.

The Takeaway

There is a lot that happened in Jan’s experience with her mother. There is a lot of information to glean from it for Jan to hold as precious in her heart, mind and soul. But perhaps, most importantly… Jan’s heartfelt desire to hug her mom again was heard and realized. A hug that lingers is a real hug that follows us back over the bridge to this plane of existence. Jan got to hug her mom again! Yes, it was a real hug, Jan!

Love survives and thrives beyond the grave. Your mother still lives, and loves you… and when the time is right, you will reunite together in a way that brings you both the greatest joy, leaving all sadness behind.

For more after-death communications click here.

Another realm- Pixabay: Thomas Skirde