Recently, I watched a series involving near-death experiences. This phenomenon has never happened to me. I guess you might say, Thank God! Yet, I have always been intrigued by the undeniable reality that there is a metaphysical world. Catholics, of whom I am one, are taught there is life beyond our earthly existence. Does that mean we never have doubts? Of course not. How can you never be dubious of something you cannot visualize? Then I ponder the enigma more closely and remind myself why I do believe.
Five thousand years ago, an ancient group of people developed rules, laws, and a strict moral code that served them for centuries. They survived persecution, attempted genocide, and pogroms, managing to establish a civilization that advanced humanity and western culture. I heard an Israeli Prime Minister indicate the similarities between Israel and the U.S. One is that our constitution has some of its founding principles from the ancient Israeli code.
My challenge to the doubters is how did one group of people become the “chosen,” prevailing against chronic, attempted massacres through the ages? My answer is divine intervention.
My faith in the divine starts with the miracle of a chosen people that provided the foundation for Christianity. As I continue my Book of Life, I become even more convinced. Many years ago, I read Raymond Moody’s book Life After Life long ago. From what I read and what I saw in this recent series were similar experiences from individuals with a wide range of beliefs. Some were people of faith. One, in particular, was not a believer. Until his event, he was agnostic, being a neurosurgeon who relied solely on science. Sharing similar experiences of an intense visit to an indescribable place, the individuals had a choice to stay in their surroundings of immense peace or return to their earthly existence.
Interestingly, I learned a hypnotic technique referred to as a “Place of Beauty” from a talented hypnotherapist Dr. Claire Frederick. I took the original that was brief, and I expanded on it with many details. When I bring a client into a trance, I suggest they experience it on a multisensory level with spectacular visuals, gorgeous sounds, sumptuous aromas, and exquisite touch. I encourage the subjects to imagine with much vividity.
As I watched this series about a destination considered Heaven, I thought about the visualization I often suggest under hypnosis. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I request they think of a place like no other. I create this grand view in my mind as I am encouraging them to consider theirs. Although I do not verbalize “heaven” in hypnosis, I realize I am thinking of my version. What a vision it is!
I do not believe our minds have the power to evoke the majesty of this place visited by others. What I do celebrate is the divine gifts bestowed upon every human being. How we use them is up to us, and if we choose, capable of creating our unique perspective of a place like no other. Increasingly, I am convinced that something greater exists. For me, it is not only comforting but exciting to think of a magnificence beyond our present life.
Over time, many, especially in my profession, have balked at my belief, but it gives them pause when I share some of the stories I hear from clients. I do not take it further because I do not impose my faith on anyone. Simultaneously, I do not shy away from mine.
September 11th reminds us of the terror from twenty years earlier. Many lost their faith as a consequence, while others became stronger in their belief.
As I have written many times, life is most unfair. Darkness often feels perpetual. During these times, we must look for the “collateral beauty.” In times of the abyss, what choice do we have? Perhaps, if one is open to this flicker of light amidst the blanket of darkness, hope will shine through, and maybe, just maybe, faith in something or someone bigger than us will permeate. You might even start to consider the divine.
I invite you to share your thoughts.
Thanks for writing, Darlene, I have a slightly different perception of things. I refer to myself as a recovering catholic, and I’ll tell you why. Very much like the 9/11 zealots who took airplanes into buildings in the name of and at the behest of their god, I believe catholicism, like islam both have missed the most momentous opportunity in human history to demonstrate exactly what you’re referring to, the astonishing beauty and power that ‘should’ define religion. It’s beyond sad to me that both those institutions instead have evolved as mechanisms of control rather than spirituality and belief in the energy the universe provides to all of us to simply love one another. If it was possible to rewind the tape, and start either religion over, I would sincerely hope their founders would insist on emphasizing spiritual and compassionate impulses, instead of those that demonize the ‘other’, and rely on shame and guilt to maintain control. Is it too late? It is for me, I’ve chosen my own path, and it’s rewarding beyond measure.
This is my second reply after the first was edited and deleted. Thank you for your response. Many people agree with you. Obviously, I do not. I am well aware of the flaws of the catholic church. I lived outside of Boston during the sexual abuse scandals, discovering later that my highschool also was rocked by these crimes while I was there. I left the church for a while, a long story, but I am not going to rewrite it. I returned after discovering hypocrisy in those so-called ultrainclusive churches. They welcomed everyone but put down anything related to Christianity.
Unlike you and many others, I do not feel controlled by shame or guilt from the church. At times, however, those feelings aren’t so bad when it comes to immoral (whatever that is these days) behavior. I do not believe in compassion for sociopathic murderers or pedophiles who destry children’s lives. Also, I do not liken a religion that at one time was tyrannical but now is far less to one that promotes radicalism in its most extreme forms. Are there fanatics in the catholic church, probably, but they are a minority.
Finally, you missed my message entirely. It was about the life of the world to come, not the Catholic religion. When I watched the movie about the Boston scandals, they asked the catholic researcher who discovered the earlier number of abuse victims, about his beliefs. He indicated that he no longer supports the institution, but he continues to believe in the message of the life of the world to come. Many people catholic, non catholic, Christians, Jewish, Islamic share that belief which was my point.
Wonderful you feel so much peace and reward as I do.