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After Death Communication
~ Joyous Reunions With Deceased Loved Ones ~
©1995; by Bill Guggenheim & Judy Guggenheim
co-authors of Hello From Heaven! published by Bantam Books
Have you been contacted by a loved one who has died? After-death communication (ADC) is probably as old as mankind, but ours is the first complete research study of this field. These spiritual experiences are extremely common, and in many other parts of the world they are discussed openly and freely.
Between 1988 & 1995, we interviewed 2,000 people who live in all fifty American states and the ten Canadian provinces. Ranging in age from children to the elderly, they represent diverse social, educational, economic, occupational, and religious backgrounds. We conservatively estimate that at least 50 million Americans, or 20% of the population, have had one or more ADC experiences – and the actual numbers may be closer to double these figures!
We collected more than 3,300 firsthand accounts of ADCs from people who have been contacted by a deceased family member or friend. These are spontaneous and direct communications that may occur anytime and anywhere, but no third parties such as psychics, mediums, hypnotists, or devices of any kind are involved.
Based upon our research, the following are the twelve most frequent types of after-death communication people report having with their deceased loved ones:
Sensing A Presence: This is the most common form of contact. But many people discount these experiences, thinking, "Oh, I'm just imagining this." It's a distinct feeling that your loved one is nearby, even though he or she can't be seen or heard. Though most often felt during the days and weeks immediately after the death, you may sense his or her presence months and even years later.
Hearing A Voice: Some people state they hear an external voice, the same as when a living person is speaking to them. However, the majority of communications are by telepathy – you hear the voice of your relative or friend in your mind. When you have two-way communication, it is usually by telepathy. In fact, it's possible to have an entire conversation this way.
Feeling A Touch: You may feel your loved one touch you with his or her hand, or place an arm around your shoulders or back, for comfort and reassurance. You may feel a tap, a pat, a caress, a stroke, a kiss, or even a hug. These are all forms of affection, nurturing, and love.
Smelling A Fragrance: You may smell your relative's or friend's favorite cologne, after-shave lotion, or perfume. Other common aromas are: flowers (especially roses), bath powders, tobacco products, favorite foods, and his or her personal scent.
Visual Experiences: There are a wide variety of visual experiences, which we have divided into two broad categories: partial visual and full visual ADCs. Appearances range from "a transparent mist" to "absolutely solid" with many gradations in between. You may see only the head and shoulders of your relative or friend, or someone you love may make a full appearance to you, and you will see the entire body as well, which will appear completely solid. Some visual ADCs occur in the bedroom, next to or at the foot of the bed. Others may happen anywhere – indoors or outdoors – even in a car or aboard a plane. Typically he or she will be expressing love and well-being with a radiant smile. Loved ones virtually always appear healed and whole regardless of their cause of death. Verbal communication may take place, but not always.
Visions: You may see an image of a deceased loved one in a "picture" that is either two-dimensional and flat or three-dimensional like a hologram. It's like seeing a 35 mm slide or a movie suspended in the air. Visions are usually in radiant colors and may be seen externally with your eyes open or internally in your mind. Communication may occur, especially during meditation.
Twilight Experiences: These occur in the alpha state – as you're falling asleep, waking up, meditating, or praying. You may have any or all of the above types of experiences while you are in this state of consciousness.
ADC Experiences While Asleep: Sleep-state ADCs are much more vivid, intense, colorful, and real than dreams. They are very common. Both one-way and two-way communications are typical. You usually feel your loved one is with you in person – that you're having an actual visit together. These experiences are not jumbled, filled with symbols, or fragmented the way dreams are.
Sleep-state ADCs are similar to those that occur when you are wide awake. Your relative or friend can come to you more easily, however, when you are relaxed, open, and receptive, such as while you are in the alpha state or asleep.
Out-Of-Body ADCs: These may occur while you are asleep or in a meditative state. They are dramatic experiences during which you leave your body and often visit your loved one at the place or level where he or she exists. These are extremely vivid, intense, and real – some say, "more real than physical life." The environments usually contain beautiful flowers and butterflies, colorful bushes and trees, radiant lighting, and other lovely aspects of nature – and are filled with happiness, love, and joy.
Telephone Calls: These ADCs may occur during sleep or when you are wide awake. You will hear a phone ringing, and if you answer it, your loved one will give you a short message. Two-way conversations are possible. His or her voice will usually be clear but may seem far away. If you are awake, you will probably not hear a disconnect sound or a dial tone when the call is completed.
Physical Phenomena: People who are bereaved often report receiving a wide variety of physical signs from their deceased relative or friend, such as: lights or lamps blinking on and off; lights, radios, televisions, stereos, and mechanical objects being turned on; photographs, pictures, and various other items being turned over or moved; and a long list of "things that go bump in the night."
Symbolic ADCs: People frequently ask a Higher Power, the universe, or their deceased loved one for a sign that he or she still exists. Many receive such a sign, though it may take some time to arrive. Occasionally these signs are so subtle they may be missed, or they may be discounted as mere "coincidences." Common signs include: butterflies, rainbows, many species of birds and animals, flowers, and a variety of inanimate objects such as coins and pictures.
According to our research, the purpose of these visits and signs by those who have died is to offer comfort, reassurance, and hope to their parents, spouse, siblings, children, grandchildren, other family members, and friends. They want you to know they're still alive and that you'll be reunited with them when it's your time to leave this physical life on earth – and they'll be there to greet you when you make your transition. Their most frequent messages, expressed verbally or non-verbally, include:
"I'm okay ... I'm fine ... Everything is okay ... Don't worry about me ...
Don't grieve for me ... Please let me go ... I'm happy ... Everything will be all right ...
Go on with your life ... Please forgive ... Thank you ... I'll always be there for you ...
I'm watching over you ... I'll see you again ... I love you ... Good-bye ..."
You may be asked to give a message from your loved one to somebody else. We urge you to write down the message verbatim and to deliver it, if possible, because it may help the recipient far more than you realize.
Nearly all ADCs are positive, joyful, and uplifting encounters that reduce grief, provide lasting comfort and hope, and accelerate emotional and spiritual healing. We encourage you to trust your own experiences and to accept them as being real for you.
Unfortunately, some people react with fear when they have an ADC. This is usually because they are startled by the suddenness of the event, or they may have never heard of one happening to anybody else. Such people may assume they are "losing their mind and going crazy." And others find it difficult to reconcile after-death communications with their philosophical or religious beliefs.
Not all people are contacted by their deceased loved ones. We don't know for certain why some are and some aren't, but it seems that fear, anger, and prolonged heavy grief inhibit the possibility of having an ADC.
Based upon our research, we suggest the following: Ask for a sign that your relative or friend continues to exist. Pray for him or her and others who are affected by the death, including yourself. We recommend that you learn how to meditate, especially if you are currently bereaved or have unresolved grief. Meditation will enable you to relax and soften any fear or anger you may have. It will reduce your depression, improve your ability to eat and sleep, and facilitate your healing process. These deep relaxation exercises will also allow you to unfold your inner, intuitive senses. In fact, you may have an ADC experience while you are meditating.
Our research indicates that after-death communications are a natural and normal part of life. Therefore, we feel ADCs deserve the same public awareness and acceptance that near-death experiences (NDEs) have already received.
For most people, an after-death communication from a deceased family member or friend is valued as a sacred and profound experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. ADC experiences usually expand one's understanding of life and offer a deeper awareness of life after death. They consistently communicate an essential spiritual message: "Life and love are eternal."
Copyright © 1995 - 2009 The ADC Project. All rights reserved.
Webmaster: Will Guggenheim
Comment
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Comment by Emily Elizee on August 25, 2011 at 7:17pm
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I had a dream 3 days after my boyfriend was murdered and I have been wondering ever since if he was trying to communicate with me. My dream went like this, Joe was telling me," sorry he could not wake up, that he had tried to wake up but could not, and I am responding by saying it is alright, that it was ok." It seemed so real, like he was there with me, I woke up immediately after the dream and was looking around for him. This dream of him have really helped me in my grieving!! I think I am going to try to meditate and try to remain calm, and ask for signs. I really want to see him again. I also talk to him like he is there with me.
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Comment by Cheryl Kolve on August 25, 2011 at 2:04pm
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Cynthia, I do understand this and I am sure he is still with you in the only way he can be right now! I truly believe that! I feel something brushing by me all the time. I know it's Jordan. I instantly know, just like you do! When I was at his grave yesterday, I saw a shadow as I was sitting on the ground talking to him. I looked up and the sun was in my eyes but I know I saw a shadow behind me. I felt him. I knew he was there.
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Comment by Cynthia Horacek on August 25, 2011 at 11:44am
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I have to tell someone about this, and this seemed like the best place to do it. Last night, I felt movement in the bed; it felt like when Don would get up... you know how you feel someone moving, and the weight shifts when they get up? And I was awake; it was the movement that woke me (and no, it wasn't an earthquake!) I put a new headboard on the bed yesterday; I don't know if that had anything to do with it, or if Don was just letting me know he'd been there by my side where he used to be... I also bought a new bed after he died; I never did put our old bed back in the bedroom - I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep in it without having a total meltdown every night. Last week one night I cried until about 3 a.m.; I just couldn't put him out of my thoughts or how much I've missed him and how lonely it is here without him. My daughter's wedding is next week, and they have both asked me to keep his ties so they can have some - I"m going to use them in a quilt for each of them though. Well, anyway, that's my latest contact. I know he's here with me a lot; I feel him. My realtor said she felt him when she was in the bedroom after showing the house; she said she was by the window (he slept on that side of the bed) and she felt something brush her arm. He's here.
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On the way back from my sons funeral last May, we stopped at a stop sign in the country and when I looked up at the sky, I saw Jordan riding his BMX bike and behind him was his friend that had passed about a year before he did. I saw them just as plain as anything on earth, only it was in the sky. I know we see "images" in the sky all the time but this was different and I will NEVER forget it! I instantly felt that he was at peace when I saw him having fun with his friend, Matt! They were both BMX bikers. Jordan would choose many bike items on "Dan's Comp.",a favorite website of his, and then say to me, "Mom, I got my wish list down to $1300.00!!! I would say to him, when you get a job and can pay for most of it, I will help you but I am not going to pay that much for bike parts! I would give anything to have those moments back!!! At the time he passed away, he had his wish list down to $830.00.
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Comment by MIchael A Ballard on August 24, 2011 at 12:17am
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The Rainwater brought my wife to me for a visit.......Just a dream??
I had a dream last night of my wife Jami. She was lying beside me and she was all in white.
She said something about she was able to spend a little time with me. Her face was very pure and vivid, and she was dressed in white (or just glowed in white).
Some of her words she spoke of were that she will always love Nicki and me and everything will be alright.
Holding her,kissing her and smelling her perfume were also obvious during and after the dream.
I remember such a free and peaceful and happy feeling, then the sound of very loud thunder and hail woke me up and I had to convince myself that it was a dream because it was so very real.
I started to get out of bed to go around the house looking for her.
Jami always lit candles and just loved nature and it's sights, smells and sounds.
I had a previous dream a couple of months ago of going throughout our house in my dream, and seeing lit candles in all of the rooms.
We spent many nights lying in parks on a blanket, talking and gazing up at the stars when we dated.
There is a magical love we have between us!
Early this morning (same day of this dream and just prior to the dream), I was awoken at 1:11 am, and the day before after going to bed, I woke up and looked at the clock and it said 1:11 am. Now I always heard that the #'s 1111 mean that someone is trying to get in touch with you and/or the earth and universe are in balance by these numbers.
Also, the date of her death was 040111.
I am not a numerology person or fan of it, but it is unusual, or is it obvious that there was contact?
Whatever it is, I do believe it was Jami stopping for a visit!
I am 100% honest of all of this with everyone on here and believe me, I have been very enlightened today and very wide-eyed about my life! There was something tremendously holy and spiritual about this experience and I feel so very lucky!
Our loved ones are always with us, and we all have to believe it and trust in it. It can be very hard to go on with our lives, but it is all about re-learning new ways, while still loving them, and making it a daily ritual of thinking happy thoughts!
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I have had several after death experiences in my life. The first one was when my mom died when I was 16. I didn't get to the hospital the night before she died but she had been sick ever since I was a little girl. I barely remember her being up and around at all. The morning she died, my dad got a phone call from the hospital and he called me downstairs to tell me. I screamed and cried and carried on. (My poor dad!!!) Then that night, I was sleeping and I awoke to my mom talking to me. Just her head was on the side of my dresser. I remember she looked like she felt so good and had red lipsick on. She told me she was fine and I would be ok and that dad would take care of me. She also said she forgives me for everything that I feel bad about doing or not doing when she was alive. As a teenager, I did some really stupid things so she knew I would feel this way and wanted me to know that she forgives me. That has been a great comfort to me over the years and is to this day! remember crying and crying during that night and just feeling such sadness but relief at the same time!!! When I woke up the next morning, my pillow was still wet from my tears and I knew it wasn't just a dream.
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Comment by Crystal (BluSkyy) on August 17, 2011 at 8:00pm
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7 Hours before my grandma was rushed in I.C.U at Covenant Health Care I was going to my truck to open the passager side door and from the passanger side mirror i seen this lady standing behide me she was about 5 or 6 feet away and i turn around so fast to see who this lady was and what she wanted and when i turned around the lady was gone.. I never seen this lady before in my life.. She wasnt see thru or didnt look like a ghost... I told my mom and my mom told me that was my grandma's mother... I only seen this lady thru my mirror on my truck for only 1 second and i turn around so fast but its feels like i was looking at this lady longer.. I remember everything how she looked and clothes she was wearing and she was looking at me sooo serious and after seeing this lady i felt something was going to happen... And it did.. My grandma's mother came to take her home...
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Comment by Cynthia Ann Shepherd on August 15, 2011 at 11:06pm
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My Dad passed away 3-29-2005. So this was really weird to have a dream last night. I was with him in an apartment with looked like he was living there. Then I was standing in a family get together my grandma was there she died when i was about 5 she took me in her arms i started crying and she took my face in her hands and said youve been through alot she said were all here for you i felt such relief during the dream but im still depressed after losing my brother to murder and my mom and dad i had my oldest child 2 weeks after my brothers death and had to care for my mom off and on while pregnant with my 2nd childand trying to hold a job
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Comment by Kelly Husak on August 10, 2011 at 9:53pm
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I don't know if this is him trying to communicate with me, or if it's just an odd occurring thing. I went to a donor walk for Robert a few weeks ago, and he had a sign that said his name and birth/death days. it was posted where other people in the walk could see it, and i visited it occasionally after the walk was over. I have his favorite song on my iPod playlist, and each time i would go to his sign, it would play. It did this 3-4 times in a row, and after the walk was over, I've been randomly thinking of him (of course) and i would suddenly notice that that song is playing. It's happened a lot, and i'm trying to figure out if it's actually him, or just convenient.
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Comment by Marcia Henne on August 10, 2011 at 7:02pm
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I had a dream that woke me up that my boyfriend who passed away 2 weeks ago was holding me. I could feel him. I still want more signs that he is somewhere happy and looking over me.
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