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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 Storyas Fawnfeather on October 2, 2012 at 5:00pm
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jb - my mom used to say all the time when we were little that she thought they put something in sodas to make them addictive, because my brother was and still is bad addicted. He must drink a 12 pack a day or more now and would drink as much as he could get his hands on when he was a kid. I don't know if it's just the caffeine or if it's something else, but my mom used to say that all the time. In reality, in its early days Coke was addictive. It's called Coke cuz it had cocaine in it for hang overs. It was originally a hangover medicine. But, they stopped putting that in decades ago. I don't know what is in it now, but I think it is addictive too.
That is so cool that you are doing art. I bet that makes your dad happy. And, what makes a good artist is someone who is willing to experiment. That is cool.
There was a lady who led a grief support group locally, and she said she'd heard lots of stories as a moderator of people who walked into a room and saw their loved one sitting in a chair. It seems that a lot of the time they are sitting in chairs - maybe. I believe you saw your dad. I think I would be so scared if I actually saw my mom or dad, and I think that is why they have not shown themselves to me visibly. I've thought about wanting to see them and always know I will be too scared. I think that is why I've never actually seen them.
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Comment by Kali Grainger on October 2, 2012 at 4:45pm
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I had a very brief dream about Chris last night that felt so real... He was lying next to me in bed and I grabbed his arm and pulled it over me like I used to.. Thinking about it now makes me sad.. I don't know if it was him or just what I wanted/needed.
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Comment by dream moon JO B on October 2, 2012 at 2:59pm
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it is hard to giv thngs up storyas i sum times thnk thy put thng in diet coke and other stuf to makes us buy mre and i dont thnk u aree a nut case storyas ul proberly thnk i am 1 this morning wen i went in to the front room i thort i saw my dad siting in the chair i looket again but nobody ther and lucy this morning wen she woz looking out of the windo she woz mewing and hissin at 2 cats who had bean warking on the front wall wen im doing my art i exspermint with paints i tryed mixing acrikilic paint and oil paint togeta that woz a distarer i tryed mixing indian ink that woz a disaster i tryed doing acrickialic and poster paint but that woz ok even with the water paint im still trying difrent exsperments to sea wot is ok and wissh 1 s is a disater
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I know it's hard to give it up. If I had one, I'd be hard pressed not to just be drinking them all the time - like people giving up cigarettes. I'm sure it is addictive. But, my point was, the longer you are away from it, the easier it does get. I guess that is true with anything though.
I've had the most beautiful calico cat that is as tame as can be dropped off on my porch. She's tame, so I know someone dropped her off. I've been feeding her, but I can't bring her in. My husband won't let me, because we took in my dad's pets when he died, and my husband is right that we've got too many. But, I feel so sorry for her and I'm worried for her through the winter and I'm worried for her that the stray cats around here are going to start beating her up. She's an exceptionally pretty cat. I can't believe someone set her off and just left her. Unlike Lucy, my dad's Nugget wants to play with her, but I won't let him out the front door for fear he will catch a disease from her since she's been outside around strays. But, he is a boy and she is a girl, so I'm not surprised he wants to play with her instead of beat her up. I wish I could bring her in.
It's been a year and five months since my dad died and a few years since my mom died, and I've been having a real hard time with grief. I went through their paperwork the last few days and threw out anything we still didn't need, and it put me right back in a time when we were all together in my head. I realized that life - the life energy around me - felt different when they were alive. I felt that again while I was going through their stuff, and then I came downstairs, and it was gone. I realized how lucky I had been with they were alive. Even with all the problems of life, the energy that was around me all the time with their love and support and the things we did together was so wonderful. Now, the energy around me just feels flat compared to how I felt when we were together all the time. Even after I got married I still hung around my parents all the time. I still did everything with my mom. Does that energy feeling I'm describing make any sense to you jb, or anyone else, or do I just sound like a nut case right now.
I'm gonna go. I'm taking a class at church on Monday nights, and I need to get over there. It's a neat class. It is taught at my church but it is taught by professors from a seminary, so you learn the things that pastors and priests learn, and I realize there is so much we don't know. One thing I learned that made me smile and be happy last night was that in the creation story of Mesopotamia and Babylon around Jesus time, the people had multiple Gods who saw them as slaves and playthings. Yet, the Hebrew God, the God of Judaism and Christianity, was the only God where there was only one God, and we were not his slave or plaything. Instead, we were made in his image and given dominion over the world, because he loved us so much that he didn't want us to just be his slave. That was a pretty neat thing to learn. That made me feel really good.
Well, I'll talk to you soon.
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i tryed giving it up onse diet coke storyas but i only lasted 1 day then i had to go and get a can of diet coke i now no its very adiktefed bean drinking the stuf sinse the age of 14 now thy put a helth warnin on it and dont let under 16s buyy it my dad used to be a chokaholic he did he cudnt say no to the sweat stuff im sure thy put thnks in diet coke and sweats to get u adicted that u want more thn 1 im pleased u like the fotos i posted yestaday lucy bean lookinng out of the windoww she has sean anotha cat i thnk it woz a cat shehad a fite with a few monthss ago all the cats seam to bash tht cat up all i no lucy scard it off
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jb - those are some interesting cloud formations. And, as always, you take very nice pictures. Any time I take a picture of the sky, it just looks flat. Yours do not look flat.
I know what you mean. i used to drink diet coke like it wuz going out of style. I loved the taste. My friends would ask me - don't you want a drink with some sugar in it. Doesn't that taste awful. I'd tell them I thought it tasted wonderful. I wasn't drinking it to diet, I was drinking it because it was so good. Sometimes I'd be drinking diet coke with a dessert or some candy, and people would laugh at me and say it defeated the purpose, and I would say I'm not drinking it cuz it's diet - I like it. Then, I started having swelling that I noticed happened right after I drank the diet coke. I think I was having a reaction to the Nutra Sweet. I heard that will happen to a certain percentage of people. I tested it for a few months and noticed the swelling happened right after a diet coke. So, I switched from nutra sweet to Splenda and then I just slowly got off them. I almost never drink a pop now, and decided it was the nutra sweet I like the taste of but my body can't take it, so I quit. My point is that it gets easier over time. When I first gave up diet coke (and it had to be coke - not pepsi) I would just crave it. It's been about a year and a half since I gave it up, and I don't even think about it any more. It does get easier. Good luck with trying to cut down.
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wen i sean it i felt so carm and relaxed it woz if my dad woz saying im watching u i can play pranks on u it felt so weid it did but a nise weid
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wen i saw it i cudnt help but take a few fotos of it u can sea the time i took them at the btom of the foto
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i thnk its my dad telling me to cut my diet coke in take doon but its sush a nise drink it tastes to nise to say no i now no diet coke is worse to cum off then it is to pack in smoking wish i dont smoke im starting to get back in to my art abd tring to fix sum old fotos up but my sister wanet me to throw all the old foto albums out but my mum tlod her to leve them alone earler on wen i went out in the back to put sum rubish out the sky looket so nise it did i had to take a few fotos of it it felt like heven oping up
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