For most people, death and dying as a topic of conversation is reserved for when someone they know or love is, well, dying. I find it more effective and less fear-inducing to start exploring your thoughts, feelings, and fears about this inevitable topic before circumstances demand it.
As a psychotherapist for over 15 years, I can honestly say that fear of death and dying is one of the top five fears clients present. Some of the most common forms of this fear are fear of losing your parents, fear of something happening to your children, and fear of your own mortality.
I want you to take a moment to ask yourself: How fearless are you about death? How much have you explored this topic? By "fearless about death," I am not suggesting skydiving, bungee jumping, or engaging in death-defying acts (pun intended) to prove your fearlessness. I am using the idea of being fearless about death as a way to let your fear inform you but not dominate you.
In exploring these feelings, I am going to ask you the same question I ask my clients: What do you think happens when you die?
I refer to dying as "transitioning," which reflects my beliefs. It irks my sister Kathy, who responds, "It's not 'transitioning,' Terri; it's dying. Please just say 'dying'" -- which reflects her beliefs. So the question is, what do you think happens when and after you die?
I started my journey of exploring this topic in my 20s. Although I was raised Presbyterian, there was no organized religion that resonated as truthful for me when it came to the question of what happens when we die. My oldest sister, Tammi, almost died in a car accident when I was 23, which brought the idea of death closer than it had ever been. Now, this same beloved sister, wife, and mother of four has liver cancer and needs a transplant as soon as possible. The work I have done around death and dying affords me the ability to do what is in my power to do -- to help raise money for uncovered, immense expenses, while keeping an open, loving dialogue with her. I truly believe that what is right and perfect for her journey is what will happen. I accept that I do not know what that is. But I do know what my earthly heart desires -- which is about another 40 years together -- so I will do anything I can to expand that possibility.
One of the first books I read on this quest for understanding death was Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch, which felt like reading what I already knew. The possibility that we live more than once on this planet, learning what our souls need to learn while spreading as much kindness as humanly possible, resonates with me.
I also studied with Dr. Brian Weiss and was extremely influenced by his book Many Lives, Many Masters.
Experiencing the death of my father within three months of my own cancer diagnosis really accelerated my deep dive into my personal feelings and fears about death. My beliefs continued to take shape as my involvement with the cancer community expanded and my work with near-death-experience clients increased. I just finished a thought-provoking book about a near-death experience by Anita Moorjani, Dying To Be Me, which really intrigued me. Also, studying with Dr. Deepak Chopra profoundly informed my personal belief system about what happens next.
As with my clients, I encourage you to go on your own journey. I have shared with you a small piece of my truth, having no idea or judgment about yours. To gain clarity, start reading and talking to people about spirituality, death, and dying. I encourage you to question your downloaded blueprints from your childhood and family culture so that your truth can emerge.
It does not matter how old you are or what your state of health is, death is a part of your life right now, this minute. You do not have to wait until you are diagnosed with an illness, become elderly, or have someone in your life die before you figure out your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This is such a rich opportunity for self-discovery that many let pass, unexplored, because of fear. By facing your feelings about death and dying, you normalize the experience, releasing much of the fear.
I would love to read your thoughts, so I encourage you to answer the questions I've posed in the comment section of the video, and/or share your thoughts on what being fearless around death and dying means to you.
Love Love Love,
Terri
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Karen M. Wyatt, M.D.: What Dying Can Teach Us About Saving the World
Every path is unique and some may find comfort and progression in their level of love and intelligence from having a mentor and a coach. Some may not. To each his own if done in love and intelligence.
This author was brave enough to write about one of, if not the greatest of human's fears called death. Actually we become more alive after this physical life is over.
The physical can be like a heavy veil over one's life. I.e. vibration level lower in the physical realm of existence.
Most parents start telling their children to fear for their lives with the constant banter, “That could kill you!” This belief then becomes ingrained and they fear death. Well … it is our instinct to survive.
But death is not to be feared. I agree we should call death a transition.
I read Carol Bowman’s book Children’s Past Lives. The author healed her frequent lung infections by remembering a few of her past lives. I wanted to know more. I then read all of Dr. Brian Weiss’s books. His patient inspired me too. I wanted to experience it myself. At this point in my life, I was very frustrated with my asthma. Today, after remembering nearly 40 past lives, I no longer worry about asthma.
Through remembering several past lives, I re-experienced many of my past incarnation’s deaths. I immediately realized I was not “dead” after I died. I saw my guardian angels and many other angels. I experienced trying to comfort my loved ones and attending my funeral after my “death”. I saw the awe inducing light.
I released my fear of death through past life regression. Anyone can see what happens after they die in a past life regression.
I am writing a book about my experience so I can inspire others to be comfortable with experiencing their own past lives – www.KarenKubicko.com
There is no loss of identity we are our same sweet or not so sweet selves. Consciousness does not evaporate after we leave this physical world.
Consciousness evolves (unfolds) actually awareness evolves and as our soul’s awareness evolves its level of light meaning its vibration level changes and one can progress to a higher level of awareness or sphere of existence. I.e. many mansions thing.
This is not a religious statement, as religion knows very little about the afterlife and religion does not seem to be interested in learning about it.
As I have stated many many times on huff post don’t look to religion or science for answers about the afterlife; they have their own agendas and dogma’s to protect at all costs.
Enjoy your time here...sounds like there will be plenty of time there. thank you for sharing your experience here with us
What wilt thou offer to him ?
Oh, I will set before my guest the full vessel of my life;
I will never let him go with empty hands.
All the sweet vintage of all my autumn days and summer nights,
All the earnings and gleanings of my busy life,
Will I place before him at the close of my days,
When death will knock at my door. . . "
-- Rabindranath Tagor
Your faith is only as good as who you put it in.
MATTHEW 7:1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
The evidence I looked for was qualitative evidence that can be documented by sincere seekers not true believers. World of difference between these two aspects of the human mind.
Once a true believer other data outside the realm of beliefs is rejected at a subconscious level. I.e. the paradigm effect demonstrated very well by both the religious and the materialists.
One of the greatest of fears the human mind has is the fear of nothingness and annihilation of their identity after "dying". Religion has done little to reduce that fear and scientific materialism treated as a holy grail of truth has added to that fear.
In fact religious books like the left behind series has increased those fears. Religion is a double edge sword with its emphasis on hell and our religion is special and all truth.
Many feel that evidence using the scientific method of observation and documentation and repeatability of communication with those in these “astral” dimensions can reduce some of that fear and maybe for some most of that fear.
Not everyone has had an NDE to reduce that fear; qualitative evidence may help. Qualitative evidence abounds for those brave enough to seek it. Few do.
TO: researcher *****************
YOU STATED: “This “evidence” you quote relies on faith alone and if that works for you so be it.”
All of what you have written is predicated on history. Based on your assessment of “faith”, you must rely on “faith” as well. Scripture and history are alike in this humanistic approach to validity. In fact, the Scriptures have proven to be more historically and archaeologically accurate than any other ancient book. It has been subjected to the minutest scientific textual analysis possible to humanity and has been proven to be authentic in every way.
“Last eve I paused beside the blacksmith’s door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then looking in, I saw upon the floor,
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.
“‘How many anvils have you had,’ said I,
‘To wear and batter all these hammers so?’
‘Just one,’ said he, and then with twinkling eye,
‘The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.’
“And so, I thought, the Anvil of God’s Word
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The Anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.”
—Attributed to John Clifford
But the word of the Lord endures for ever... 1 Peter 1:25
You should always follow the data. I love looking at data, could you link me some to look at?
This place will be so beautiful, I heard the butterfly's are as big as our birds. All the plants are outlined in neon colors, colors like we've never seen here. Huge flowers of so many varieties and colors as far as you can see. Can see the tips of the ripples on the water light up. Every plant, animal makes sound and it's the most beautiful music ever heard. Even the blades of grass have sound.
From there I will choose, with council what I want to do next. What lessons I want to learn. Where I want to go and in what form. Maybe reincarnate?
You have done a good bit of research into evidence for life after this life.
Usually I make some kind of statement as to my views and research into the afterlife. not with your words. I hope those reading your words will take note as they are as good as it gets concerning the conditions of the afterlife.
Well written response. :o)
None of the books revealed in this article have your knowledge of the afterlife. most impressive.
"Every plant, animal makes sound and it's the most beautiful music ever heard" yep the evidence is there for all to find but they must give up their religious dogma and materialist paradigm.
But who are you?
What is this 'I' that wills and chooses and that seeks council and learns lessons and that might reincarnate?
How wonderful it is to live in the shadows with a mere hint of such resplendence in shades of diluted colors. Ah, one can espy the subtle variations of shade and with a keen eye a hint of the brilliance that lies hidden in them. It is not the brilliance of a blinding sun but that of the cool shade.. And butterflies remain small but delicate and die by season end. And the ground is carpeted with the soft pastel petals of cherry blossoms gathered by the wind. It is here in this life, over here, where sight, sounds,and smells touch.
I believe we are all saved anyway. It is just lessons we learn while here on Earth. All the murder and mayhem. We are in school here and when we die we graduate to our next class. When my own death comes, I'm not afraid, in fact, I'm looking forward to the trip but won't rush it. We need to finish class. I hope to be fully conscious and be able to experience the entire journey.
I will float out of my body, feeling light as a feather, with the most peaceful, loving, warmth I've ever felt. I will go to the other side/next dimension (through a tunnel?) where I will meet my passed loved ones, maybe get to met Jesus, Ala, Moses, Buddha, all the pure energy beings, being of light. They will take me where I will get rest, council, and all the sustenance I'll need. cont.
there are no schools.
We are already here
as beings of light..
I have always been curious about death and I like to explore and ask questions about it. Just today, I was asking my mom if she passed away would she want a wake.
I did have a near death experience when I was 16 and it changed my life. It was the most peaceful experience I have ever felt and wished I can feel that in this reality. I'm trying my best.
Thank you for your positive thoughts for my sis and for sharing your experience here with us. I love this incarnation on earth this time around and am so grateful for all of you in my orbit who are thinkers and seekers and lovers of life
May we find the peace that is beyond understanding, that is available in God through his Eternal Son, the source of Life. Phillipians 4:7, 1 John 5:11-12