Near Death Experiences: What Do We Know?

Near death experiences are actually a new phenomena brought on by the advent of modern medicine. Before people just died; they were not brought back from death’s doorstep by modern machines. Now we have several decades of reports of what people have experienced when they were between life and death, and the accounts are amazingly similar, even from small children.

For example, many people experience going through a long tunnel towards a bright light. They see religious figures that they recognize, relatives that have passed on or spirit guides who help them decide what to do. Others don’t leave the room they are in but they float over their body that the medical personnel are working on. They can remember conversations that the doctors or relatives had about them. This is more than imagination; it’s reported too often and in detail to be faked.

Therefore, our knowledge of “the other side” is building up. It seems that it’s a nice place, mostly. People report feeling blissful and completely relaxed. Is there a hell or purgatory? There are reports that some people when they “pass on” have to stay in one room for some time to “reprogram”. This might be like purgatory. It seems that everyone must also review their lives, the events and the reactions of people around them. There is some evidence that if something is not resolved in one lifetime that soul must repeat the situation in another lifetime, perhaps the next one.

I find it quite fascinating that souls do not just float on clouds after death. It seems they continue to work and progress in spiritual evolution towards a more pure and giving being. Want to know more? I recommend these books: Life After Death by Deepak Chopra and Life is Forever: Evidence for Survival After Death by David Howe and Susy Smith. While there are a number of sensational approaches to this subject, these two books are very grounded and clearly describe the experiences and conclusions.

The mystery to me is that if we do live multiple times and need to resolve some past issues, why don’t we remember all of this? Last words: here’s a video so you can see this visually

Spiritual Gifts for You Today

We have all heard the term, "charisma" but did you know that the original meaning coming from Greek meant spiritual gifts from God, not a compelling charm and attraction as it means today. According to the Biblical stories, especially from Paul, there are various gifts that we all could be granted in order to help others. They are not to be earned, purchased or used as rewards. In other words, they are given to us by the higher power for the benefit of everyone. It's a nice idea and perhaps it has happened many times. Here's a passage from Wikipedia about the different spiritual gifts.

It is generally acknowledged that Paul did not list all of the gifts of the Spirit,[8] and many believe that there are as many gifts as there are needs in the body of Christ.[12] The gifts have at times been organized into distinct categories based on their similarities and differences to other gifts. Some divide them into three categories using Old Testament offices. "Prophetic" gifts include any gift involving teaching, encouraging, or rebuking others. "Priestly" gifts include showing mercy and care for the needy or involve intercession before God. "Kingly" gifts are those involving church administration or government.[13] Others categorize them into "gifts of knowledge" (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, distinguishing between spirits), "gifts of speech" (tongues, interpretation, prophecy), and "gifts of power" (faith, healing, miracles).[14] The gifts have also been categorized as those that promote the inner growth of the church (apostle, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, teaching, word of wisdom/knowledge, helps, and administration) and those that promote the church's outer development (faith, miracles, healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues).[8] To read more click here.

Apparently one of the reasons for the early split between the Catholics and Protestants involved this type of spiritualism. The Catholics believe that these types of miracles continue while the Protestants think they ceased in the early days of the church. They are still held as a strong belief by the Pentecostals and the Charismatics (yes, there is such a group). I quite agree myself that they are still being given to certain people and indeed there is a line on some palms called the ring of Solomon that show inspiration - a gift from a higher source. I've seen people from all walks of life who have this line and indeed I consider them blessed. What do you think? Leave a comment as to you ideas or experience.

Crop Circles Move to Holland

On July 18, 2014 three crop circles appeared in Holland all 3 meters apart, one in corn and two in wheat fields. By plotting the three on a map they have been found to form an equilateral triangle with perfect angles. What is more amazing about this report is that one Dutch man, Robbert van den Broeke, predicted they would appear several days before they did. He even predicted which crops would "host" them. Here is part of the article.

Last night Robbert told me something I think I should tell you. He normally has not done this, but he said he “saw” it so clearly he was certain it will happen. This week (he thinks) 3 new crop formations will appear in his general area—all on the same night (remember that Holland is as far north as the UK, so the amount of darkness in the summer is about the same—5 hrs). Two of these will be in “grain” (wheat) and one in “maize” (corn). Further, when their locations are plotted on a google map they will be found to form a “perfect” (I think he meant equilateral) triangle. In all the years I’ve known him he’s never made a prediction like this, but he sounded so certain I thought I’d tell you just for the hell of it…and see what happens. Signed, Nancy Talbot To read the original click here.

The above letter was written on July 13, 2014 before they appeared. The usual comments were then posted by readers - everything from "what a scam" to "I believe in these people". For those who are reading this post I suggest you will like to read some of my past posts regarding the geometrical perfection of crop circles (many of which are not circles now) and also a post on the music or tones that have been heard when they are being constructed. I'm always interested in people being educated about the realities of crop circles. Yes, there is a lot we don't know but to think they are all man made is just plain ignorance. What do you think? Please leave us your comments or questions.   

Australian Tour Company: Journeys of the Spirit

Here's another spiritual tour company that is worth checking out. With the internet so easy to access these days and the use in international calling using plans such as Skype, there should be no problem making reservations from North America. Julie Barker is at the center of this company who says, "Her personal interests have always included a commitment to health and wellbeing of mind, body and spirit.."  The trips include some of the usual places such as Bali, Thailand and Machu Picchu. However, there are some other alternatives that look intriguing - Kerala Ayurvedic retreat including an audience with the Dalai Lama, Byron Bay Yoga, Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos), and Bhutan (going on right now). There are also "tailor made journeys" available that let you and a small group of friends set up a private journey.  Here are some more details about a trip that is soon to happen to Peru and Chile (9/13 - 10/14). The website states there are only 4 places left.

Walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, we explore the many breathtaking natural wonders of this very sacred land. A soul nourishing and uplifting experience!

Perhaps we will be blessed with the sighting of the rare pink dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon, enjoy a hike to the Chacan Rainbow Temple in Cusco and explore the magical realm of the Andean spirituality. Magnificent, extraordinary, breathtaking - words cannot fully describe what you will receive from our experience at Machu Picchu.

It seems that these trips are very popular. For example, their Kerala Ayurvedic retreat sells out a year ahead of time. The tour guides that Julie hires seem experts in their own fields and worth accompanying just to get to know them.  Here are two examples - Peter Bliss and Cathy Brown. However, these are only two of several more very knowledgeable and colorful guides.

Peter ~ is a dynamic business educator who has a very practical yet holistic approach to business and lifestyle. He has studied, coached and presented through keynotes and seminars throughout the corporate world both in Australia and overseas and combines simple western business intelligence with traditional eastern wisdom. He has experienced and is very aware that stress affects us all in different ways. If unaddressed it can be detrimental to all aspects of our lives and halt our full potential. Peter is passionate about mental wellbeing and has a unique ability to impart techniques with humor and practicality, bringing awareness to support you in creating a more balanced and fulfilled life. He has changed his own life through practicing what he teaches. We are delighted Peter will be guiding our Bhutan journeys 24th October to 6th November, 2014.

Cathy started her healing journey 24 years ago when she was diagnosed with secondary melanoma and was told she had only a couple of months to a couple of years to live and that chemotherapy and radiotherapy wouldn’t work. Her children were only six and eight and she knew she had to find ‘another way’ to heal.

After visiting 3 other doctors and told the same story, Cathy joined Cancer Support WA, which was the first place to give her hope and support. Over the years she has facilitated and instigated Wellness Programs, Support Groups, Women’s Healing Circles, the Gawler Foundation Healing and Wellbeing Program and many other groups. She has also been teaching Reiki for 20 years which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the spiritual aspect of life. We are delighted to have CSA Wellness Facilitator, Cathy Brown guide our mid- September's upcoming Kerala journey.

There are also trips to spiritual places right in Australia such as this trip proposed for 2015 to Karijini, Australia to learn from the Aboriginal elders.

The magic of the Pilbara is a world in which land, people and culture are intimately linked. One of the last frontiers covering 500,000km, the Pilbara is home to some of the most striking landscapes in Australia ~ ancient rock art, spectacular waterfalls, pristine rock pools and magnificent gorges. Blessed with spectacular red beauty, we will explore the spiritual heart of the Pilbara in Karijini National Park, offering you a truly unique outback experience that you will never forget. We share this mystical area of the world with Aboriginal elders, immersing ourselves within the wisdoms of this sacred land & observing through the focused lens the many landscapes surrounding you. Our breathtaking walks will have you discover the hidden gems of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Have I got you interested? Best to visit their website: http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.au/ and find out for yourself what they have to offer. I found the website to be a refreshing change from North American companies with the Ausie bent on the spiritual world. Julie herself has an interesting story of working in some high profile companies and then returning to Australia to set up her own company. As usual, if you go on one of these trips please send a comment so other readers can benefit from your experience.

Deepak Chopra on Life After Death

Deepak Chopra with his combination of Western and Eastern thinking is a wonderful person to explore this topic of death and the meaning of life. Here in a conversation with Allan Gregg in 2010 he describes his ideas of what happens after death as he has written in his book, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof. Please enjoy this half hour discussion of what will happen once you die. For those who are not familiar with Deepak Chopra he "is an Indian-American physician and an alternative medicine and New Age guru known for his view that healing is primarily a mental rather than physical process", according to Wikipedia. He has published over 15 best seller books and founded the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. He recently spoke at the headquarters of LinkedIn and Google to instil the ideas that we can heal the world. You can purchase his book or just look inside by clicking on the link below:

Mythic Journeys: New Film

It's always a great day when a group of our spiritual leaders get together to make a film. This one, Mythic Journeys, includes Deepak Chopra, Michael Beckwith, Sobonfu Some and Tricia Klink with the voices added of Tim Curry, Mark Hamill and Lance Henriksen. As you'll see in the following preview trailer, the message basically is we live in this amazingly beautiful planet so help make it better. Get busy. Actually we have an increasing number of activists, so this is a hopeful sign to counteract the "bad guys" who pollute, squeeze out small businesses, bankrupt hard working middle class and poor families, etc. Hope you enjoy this version of mythic journeys with animation. Of course you can purchase the entire film online and download it or get the DVD at a 50% discount right now (time limited offer) by going to this website: http://mythmovie.net

Spirit Skies Silent Retreat Center Reopens

Red rocks of Sedona, Arizona

Some readers may remember a past article about the man Bodhi Heart and his retreat center in the high pine forests between Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona. After finishing a third cabin, the retreat center has reopened and is available for a silence, yoga, meditation, writing, planning - anything you want to do away from the bustle of the modern world. The website suggests that you can also take a side trip to the Grand canyon or to hike near Sedona in the red cliffs. If you are looking for a good place to experience self discovery or relaxation, this is the place for you. You can contact Bodhi Heart by phone or e-mail, both of which are listed on the website. Here's what one of the past guests has to say.

"Of all the wonderful retreat places that I have visited, the private hermitage at Spirit Skies is my favorite. The elk are almost a daily treat to see. And the stillness and sounds of nature are sublime." ~ George M

"I traveled from Ireland to spend 6 weeks. The retreat experience is an open canvas that one can shape in whatever way spirit seeks." ~ Oonagh C

"I found myself settling easily in to stillness, taking time to meditate, to walk in the nearby National Forest, to do meditative dance and do yoga in the gazebo, and to talk to Bodhi about spirituality." ~ Emily M

If you tire of silence, Bodhi Heart will gladly talk to you. Here are some comments about his gentle way of helping others.

A gentle guide, an open heart, a place to find spirit and self. Bodhi Heart offers his land, his haven, his being to those who come to find peace in a fractured world. It is exactly what you make it ...and it is beautiful."   ~ Maggie D

Bodhi helped me clarify my intentions and laid the spiritual groundwork for my personal retreat. What started out to be a week of pure solitude ended up being a time when I wished for a gentle connectedness. Bodhi’s friendship was a gift.  I didn’t just stay at Spirit Skies; I brought it home with me." ~ Dawn D

"Bodhi Heart supported my process and fearless intention with integrity. He mirrored my spirit and helped me to release some fears and illusions and have a deeper experience of my true self and following the heart."     ~ Grace K

"This retreat was life changing. Time did not seem to exist while I was there. Bodhi gave generously of his time to help guide me in my purpose"       ~ Michelle B

Check the website for availability of the cabins. They do fill up so book one soon and enjoy this unique spiritual journey.