Thanks, Bob! This was a great topic for Thanksgiving time. My step-daughter was visiting, and while politics and religion were discussed with impunity, after I brought up the topic of psychic investigation to my friends and my interest in pursuing it, I was severely chastised by her when we got home.
What do you think is the best thing I could try to attract for her to open her mind on this.
Hi Janet, that's the million-dollar question. I think the article I'm sending out today might help to answer that for you, although not directly. To be more direct, I might suggest viewing her chastising as fear being expressed. She doesn't know what she doesn't know, and she's resisting what scares her. It reminds me of what Robert M. Pirsig wrote, “The truth knocks on the door, and you say, ‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth,’ and so it goes away.” I think that the best thing you can do is to serve as an example of the benefits gained from having an open mind to these interests, which you are doing, and simply view her chastising as that part of her that's sending truth away. Thanks for your comment.
So so so true. There are a LOT of people interested in the afterlife and death itself. I do what you do at times, go around the subject to feel them out, then go in for the kill! Haha! Too many people are afraid to admit it, and I must say, mostly men. Not sure why. My son is one of them. It scares him I think. Truth is, it exists...death, the afterlife, spirits. Run away or not.
Hi Jeanne, you have such a practical tone to your writing. "Truth is, it exists...death, the afterlife, spirits. Run away or not." I LOVE that! Nonetheless, fear of these subjects--fear of the unknown--is common, as you say. Just goes to show that if we don't allow our fears to stop us from exploring or getting a little more information, what was once a fear might become a sanctuary of comfort and peace. I appreciate your comment.
Hi Bob, I really enjoy your articles! This one really struck me. After I began getting signs from my son I was reluctant to share, fearing people would think I was crazy. At some point I didn’t care anymore, and began sharing. I was delighted that the more I shared the more people shared their own stories. ❤️
Thank you, Brenda. I'm so happy to hear that's your experience. I think you're going to enjoy my article titled "The Art of Preserving the Sacred," going out a little later today. You'll know after reading it why I'm so pleased that you landed on this conclusion. Thank you for sharing this with me.
This was a great article as all of them are. I always want to leave a comment, but sometimes can’t find the time. I related to this one very acutely I suppose because I lost my son almost 8 years ago. So, very much like u, when asked what u do for a living, I feel the same kind of dread when after meeting someone new, they ask how many children I have. To say one, ( to avoid conversation about his death) seems extremely disrespectful. So I usually say, two. One lives in ( and I name the town) & the other lives in heaven. The reactions are varied. Often after talking about how he passed, ( if they aren’t too afraid to discuss the subject) I usually follow with something like, he still finds a way to communicate with us or send messages! This invariably brings up the conversation of “afterlife”. I can usually tell in an instant if this was the a good idea or not. If the person isn’t really open, I shut down pretty quickly. I didn’t always though. I used to try to convince people about all I have learned & what I believe. I realize now, that this isn’t always a good idea, & so I stopped trying. Still, I feel I have made a believer out of some. I’m so glad that woman stopped to talk with u after the dinner party to tell u her experience. I love when that happens. Anyway Bob, wanted to mention that I was happy to hear u r bringing back your show Afterlife TV!!! Really excited! Happy Thanksgiving to you & Melissa. The very best to u always!
Hi Shari, I always understand that people's lives are busy and don't always have time to respond. Think nothing of it, because it just makes the moments you can respond even better.
Your example is such an important one. I'm sure many people can relate. Innocent questions like "How many children do you have?" create such conflicting thoughts and feelings. You described it so well.
I've certainly recognized the changes over the years in my life, which I've witnessed in others as well. I'm speaking to what you mentioned about starting off wishing to share the good news with everyone. "If you just hear my story, you'll feel the comfort that I feel." Until you realize it doesn't work that way. Basically, it comes down to my article from last week about us sharing our "personal experiences" with others, which are only "vicarious experiences" to the people we're telling.
Eventually, we realize to be cautious with our "sacred" experiences (the subject of an article I'll be writing), because we learn the hard way that when we share our sacred experiences with others, we give them the opportunity to diminish the experience for us due to their adverse reactions.
And yet, every so often, someone asks you the innocent question, which somehow leads to an incredibly meaningful conversation, and the result lifts you and the other person in ways that can't fully be articulated, but it's always appreciated. And both parties walk away a little different than before. These are the small moments that make a life precious and full. Your comments do this for me. I wish you more of these moments in your life, Shari. Thank you for sharing with me, and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to not only share the investigative side of your work, but taking time to share your personal and life experiences with us too. That is invaluable, so thank you again.
There is so much to unpack with this article. I could relate to so much, but will focus on a few things that were especially personally meaningful.
1) You and Melissa. Oh my gosh, you have been together for so long. But not only that.....more importantly....you continue to love, grow and support each other through your journey together. Do you know if the two of you continue to partner with each other in different roles through your various incarnations? I think it's really beautiful how you both support each other in this lifetime and bring such beautiful information/experiences to share with us. I loved that you shared your precious book's cover - "Don't Be Afraid to Die" with us too. Who would have ever thought that all these years later it has become such an important part of your work. So beautiful.
2) Thank you also for sharing your dad's wise words to only participate in events that are personally meaningful to you. There is so much hurting and so many crises in the world, that if we tried to help everyone, we would be overwhelmed and drained so that we ourselves would essentially be left a shell with nothing left to give. I'm glad that he was able to impart that wisdom to you as a young man, to offer grace, so that you wouldn't feel the need to constantly give all of yourself to things that were not able to give back because there was no personal connection.
3) The dinner party and the unveiling of what you do for a living....wow...did this ever resonate! It reminded me of an instance in my own life that happened about 10 years ago when I was going through a divorce. My ex husband decided to tell all of my family that I was into tarot cards, reincarnation, etc. so that he could try to hurt me more because my family were all Christians and all thought that stuff was satanic. (For the record, the good news is that my ex husband and I have grown and put all of that stuff behind us and have healed that in our relationship, thank goodness). However, at the time, it really hurt because my family didn't understand and really thought I was going to hell by getting involved in this stuff and felt the need to tell me any chance they could. My brother even showed up at my house unexpectedly one day to tell me how much in error I was, being influenced by the devil and asked me how I could possibly turn away from the way we were raised. I remember grabbing stacks of books on the subject of past lives, astrology, psychic investigations, Budhism, Carl Jung, etc. off my table and handing them to him saying "with all due respect, I don't feel you are qualified to even have this conversation with me right now because you haven't done any investigation into these things. Please read these books and then we can have a discussion about things, because even if you disagree, at least I know you took the time to try to understand where I'm coming from." I will never forget his answer...he said "Leasa, I don't need to eat a sh*t sandwich to know that it tastes like "sh*t" and without any hesitation, I immediately responded "Brother....if I was concerned about you going to hell, I would be trying to understand so badly, that I would not only eat one sh*t sandwich....but would ask for second helpings as well!!!!" The conversation was over. Fast forward December 2021 and my dear brother passed away from COVID. Not long after, I visited a medium who did not know that my brother recently passed, but as soon as I walked in the room she started saying "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry...." and I asked "why are you sorry?" She said your brother is here and he said he just passed.... I said "yes, that is true..." she said some more personal things about him that validated it was definitely my brother. At one point in the conversation she said that he wanted me to know that he was truly sorry for being a jerk and giving me such a hard time about this stuff and that now he understands. I of course told him that I loved him and never held anything against him. It was just a really nice feeling to know that he finally understood why I was moving in the direction I was moving. Sometimes you really need that validation along the way....because when you break from the fold....it can be really scary and can get really messy. He now shows up almost always at readings that I go to and I am so glad that he is such a champion for me on the other side. So again thank you for your courage and for supporting all of us who also want to be courageous.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving to you, Melissa, your family and all your readers. I am thankful for this community of support, love and healing. Thank you all.
HI Leasa, I'm so grateful that you take the time to share with me as well. I love hearing what it is about my articles that resonates with people. RE: #1) Melissa had a life-between-lives regression where she learned that we have had many lives together and that we do hang out in between lives. It's not something I expected as it is rather rare, but it makes sense and I believe what she learned in that deeply meaningful regression. Our relationship certainly has reflected that idea. It's been clear from the start that we did not come into this world to know relationship issues. It seems we're here to experience other challenges and fulfillments that couldn't be distracted by a lifetime of searching for love.
RE: #2) I'm glad you pointed that out about my father's wise advice. It was a helpful lesson to learn at such a young age. I had thought that I was representing my student body by attending the wakes and funerals of students I didn't know. I just hadn't realized what a toll it was taking on me. That advice has served me well in my lifetime, especially in this work.
RE: #3) I love these stories because they touch upon the core of my point in the article. Many people follow my work in secret, only telling friends or family members about their interest in these subject with those who they know have similar interests. You ex-husband outed you, and it affected your relationship with your brother. I'm glad you forgave him for that. That was definitely taking the high road. More importantly, what you taught your brother in your interaction with him reveals a wisdom and clarity about what it means to love someone. The world can learn from what you hoped to accomplish by sharing those books with him. If each one of us could follow your example--eating those sh*t sandwiches to understand one another--we would all benefit dearly to the point where there would be less separation because we would be at least trying to understand each another. Well done.
I'm so happy that your relationships with your ex and brother found a healing--one in this life, one from the other side. It's one of the first things I think of when a person passes. I think, "Now they truly know me. They know without a doubt how I feel about them. And they know how much I love them." I find peace in that. I imagine your brother's words coming through that medium were incredibly healing.
Your stories have fed and nourished me, Leasa. There might be no room for Turkey. Thank you for writing, and Happy Thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you, and Melissa. I enjoy reading your internet articles especially because so many people are uncomfortable with these subjects and you face them straight on. It may be of interest to you, there’s s great TV program on Travel TV entitled,”Kindred Spirits” that I find very interesting. It’s not on all the time so you have to look for it. Try it.
Hi Ann, I think my articles often fall into the category of people's "secret" pleasure for that reason. I'll check out that show, thank you. I like the name. Happy Thanksgiving!
I again loved todays story. I have been reading and studying all
Of the things you share each week for many many years. I found your radio show years ago and loved it and purchased many more books that were recommended by your guests.
I feel I want to share so much you share with us about NDE’s & life after to everyone. Obviously I do not because I have been looked at like I have 3 heads. Lol.
But thank you thank you (perfect time of year for that as is every day) for your message on suicides and when we die and we most times leave our bodies at the time of our death. I can’t even begin to tell you the comfort hearing it again in a new way. So, you and Melissa have a blessed holiday and again thank you for the inspirations, the reflections, & the peace & joy I feel when reading them. Always. lin
Hi Linda, I understand people looking at you like you have 3 heads. I'm so pleased to hear that those pieces brought you comfort. Have lovely holiday on Thursday. I hope it's filled with love and joy. Thank you for writing.
Thanks, Bob! This was a great topic for Thanksgiving time. My step-daughter was visiting, and while politics and religion were discussed with impunity, after I brought up the topic of psychic investigation to my friends and my interest in pursuing it, I was severely chastised by her when we got home.
What do you think is the best thing I could try to attract for her to open her mind on this.
Hi Janet, that's the million-dollar question. I think the article I'm sending out today might help to answer that for you, although not directly. To be more direct, I might suggest viewing her chastising as fear being expressed. She doesn't know what she doesn't know, and she's resisting what scares her. It reminds me of what Robert M. Pirsig wrote, “The truth knocks on the door, and you say, ‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth,’ and so it goes away.” I think that the best thing you can do is to serve as an example of the benefits gained from having an open mind to these interests, which you are doing, and simply view her chastising as that part of her that's sending truth away. Thanks for your comment.
So so so true. There are a LOT of people interested in the afterlife and death itself. I do what you do at times, go around the subject to feel them out, then go in for the kill! Haha! Too many people are afraid to admit it, and I must say, mostly men. Not sure why. My son is one of them. It scares him I think. Truth is, it exists...death, the afterlife, spirits. Run away or not.
Hi Jeanne, you have such a practical tone to your writing. "Truth is, it exists...death, the afterlife, spirits. Run away or not." I LOVE that! Nonetheless, fear of these subjects--fear of the unknown--is common, as you say. Just goes to show that if we don't allow our fears to stop us from exploring or getting a little more information, what was once a fear might become a sanctuary of comfort and peace. I appreciate your comment.
Hi Bob, I really enjoy your articles! This one really struck me. After I began getting signs from my son I was reluctant to share, fearing people would think I was crazy. At some point I didn’t care anymore, and began sharing. I was delighted that the more I shared the more people shared their own stories. ❤️
Thank you, Brenda. I'm so happy to hear that's your experience. I think you're going to enjoy my article titled "The Art of Preserving the Sacred," going out a little later today. You'll know after reading it why I'm so pleased that you landed on this conclusion. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Hi Bob-
This was a great article as all of them are. I always want to leave a comment, but sometimes can’t find the time. I related to this one very acutely I suppose because I lost my son almost 8 years ago. So, very much like u, when asked what u do for a living, I feel the same kind of dread when after meeting someone new, they ask how many children I have. To say one, ( to avoid conversation about his death) seems extremely disrespectful. So I usually say, two. One lives in ( and I name the town) & the other lives in heaven. The reactions are varied. Often after talking about how he passed, ( if they aren’t too afraid to discuss the subject) I usually follow with something like, he still finds a way to communicate with us or send messages! This invariably brings up the conversation of “afterlife”. I can usually tell in an instant if this was the a good idea or not. If the person isn’t really open, I shut down pretty quickly. I didn’t always though. I used to try to convince people about all I have learned & what I believe. I realize now, that this isn’t always a good idea, & so I stopped trying. Still, I feel I have made a believer out of some. I’m so glad that woman stopped to talk with u after the dinner party to tell u her experience. I love when that happens. Anyway Bob, wanted to mention that I was happy to hear u r bringing back your show Afterlife TV!!! Really excited! Happy Thanksgiving to you & Melissa. The very best to u always!
Hi Shari, I always understand that people's lives are busy and don't always have time to respond. Think nothing of it, because it just makes the moments you can respond even better.
Your example is such an important one. I'm sure many people can relate. Innocent questions like "How many children do you have?" create such conflicting thoughts and feelings. You described it so well.
I've certainly recognized the changes over the years in my life, which I've witnessed in others as well. I'm speaking to what you mentioned about starting off wishing to share the good news with everyone. "If you just hear my story, you'll feel the comfort that I feel." Until you realize it doesn't work that way. Basically, it comes down to my article from last week about us sharing our "personal experiences" with others, which are only "vicarious experiences" to the people we're telling.
Eventually, we realize to be cautious with our "sacred" experiences (the subject of an article I'll be writing), because we learn the hard way that when we share our sacred experiences with others, we give them the opportunity to diminish the experience for us due to their adverse reactions.
And yet, every so often, someone asks you the innocent question, which somehow leads to an incredibly meaningful conversation, and the result lifts you and the other person in ways that can't fully be articulated, but it's always appreciated. And both parties walk away a little different than before. These are the small moments that make a life precious and full. Your comments do this for me. I wish you more of these moments in your life, Shari. Thank you for sharing with me, and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Hi Bob:
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to not only share the investigative side of your work, but taking time to share your personal and life experiences with us too. That is invaluable, so thank you again.
There is so much to unpack with this article. I could relate to so much, but will focus on a few things that were especially personally meaningful.
1) You and Melissa. Oh my gosh, you have been together for so long. But not only that.....more importantly....you continue to love, grow and support each other through your journey together. Do you know if the two of you continue to partner with each other in different roles through your various incarnations? I think it's really beautiful how you both support each other in this lifetime and bring such beautiful information/experiences to share with us. I loved that you shared your precious book's cover - "Don't Be Afraid to Die" with us too. Who would have ever thought that all these years later it has become such an important part of your work. So beautiful.
2) Thank you also for sharing your dad's wise words to only participate in events that are personally meaningful to you. There is so much hurting and so many crises in the world, that if we tried to help everyone, we would be overwhelmed and drained so that we ourselves would essentially be left a shell with nothing left to give. I'm glad that he was able to impart that wisdom to you as a young man, to offer grace, so that you wouldn't feel the need to constantly give all of yourself to things that were not able to give back because there was no personal connection.
3) The dinner party and the unveiling of what you do for a living....wow...did this ever resonate! It reminded me of an instance in my own life that happened about 10 years ago when I was going through a divorce. My ex husband decided to tell all of my family that I was into tarot cards, reincarnation, etc. so that he could try to hurt me more because my family were all Christians and all thought that stuff was satanic. (For the record, the good news is that my ex husband and I have grown and put all of that stuff behind us and have healed that in our relationship, thank goodness). However, at the time, it really hurt because my family didn't understand and really thought I was going to hell by getting involved in this stuff and felt the need to tell me any chance they could. My brother even showed up at my house unexpectedly one day to tell me how much in error I was, being influenced by the devil and asked me how I could possibly turn away from the way we were raised. I remember grabbing stacks of books on the subject of past lives, astrology, psychic investigations, Budhism, Carl Jung, etc. off my table and handing them to him saying "with all due respect, I don't feel you are qualified to even have this conversation with me right now because you haven't done any investigation into these things. Please read these books and then we can have a discussion about things, because even if you disagree, at least I know you took the time to try to understand where I'm coming from." I will never forget his answer...he said "Leasa, I don't need to eat a sh*t sandwich to know that it tastes like "sh*t" and without any hesitation, I immediately responded "Brother....if I was concerned about you going to hell, I would be trying to understand so badly, that I would not only eat one sh*t sandwich....but would ask for second helpings as well!!!!" The conversation was over. Fast forward December 2021 and my dear brother passed away from COVID. Not long after, I visited a medium who did not know that my brother recently passed, but as soon as I walked in the room she started saying "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry...." and I asked "why are you sorry?" She said your brother is here and he said he just passed.... I said "yes, that is true..." she said some more personal things about him that validated it was definitely my brother. At one point in the conversation she said that he wanted me to know that he was truly sorry for being a jerk and giving me such a hard time about this stuff and that now he understands. I of course told him that I loved him and never held anything against him. It was just a really nice feeling to know that he finally understood why I was moving in the direction I was moving. Sometimes you really need that validation along the way....because when you break from the fold....it can be really scary and can get really messy. He now shows up almost always at readings that I go to and I am so glad that he is such a champion for me on the other side. So again thank you for your courage and for supporting all of us who also want to be courageous.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving to you, Melissa, your family and all your readers. I am thankful for this community of support, love and healing. Thank you all.
In deep gratitude,
Leasa
HI Leasa, I'm so grateful that you take the time to share with me as well. I love hearing what it is about my articles that resonates with people. RE: #1) Melissa had a life-between-lives regression where she learned that we have had many lives together and that we do hang out in between lives. It's not something I expected as it is rather rare, but it makes sense and I believe what she learned in that deeply meaningful regression. Our relationship certainly has reflected that idea. It's been clear from the start that we did not come into this world to know relationship issues. It seems we're here to experience other challenges and fulfillments that couldn't be distracted by a lifetime of searching for love.
RE: #2) I'm glad you pointed that out about my father's wise advice. It was a helpful lesson to learn at such a young age. I had thought that I was representing my student body by attending the wakes and funerals of students I didn't know. I just hadn't realized what a toll it was taking on me. That advice has served me well in my lifetime, especially in this work.
RE: #3) I love these stories because they touch upon the core of my point in the article. Many people follow my work in secret, only telling friends or family members about their interest in these subject with those who they know have similar interests. You ex-husband outed you, and it affected your relationship with your brother. I'm glad you forgave him for that. That was definitely taking the high road. More importantly, what you taught your brother in your interaction with him reveals a wisdom and clarity about what it means to love someone. The world can learn from what you hoped to accomplish by sharing those books with him. If each one of us could follow your example--eating those sh*t sandwiches to understand one another--we would all benefit dearly to the point where there would be less separation because we would be at least trying to understand each another. Well done.
I'm so happy that your relationships with your ex and brother found a healing--one in this life, one from the other side. It's one of the first things I think of when a person passes. I think, "Now they truly know me. They know without a doubt how I feel about them. And they know how much I love them." I find peace in that. I imagine your brother's words coming through that medium were incredibly healing.
Your stories have fed and nourished me, Leasa. There might be no room for Turkey. Thank you for writing, and Happy Thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you, and Melissa. I enjoy reading your internet articles especially because so many people are uncomfortable with these subjects and you face them straight on. It may be of interest to you, there’s s great TV program on Travel TV entitled,”Kindred Spirits” that I find very interesting. It’s not on all the time so you have to look for it. Try it.
Hi Ann, I think my articles often fall into the category of people's "secret" pleasure for that reason. I'll check out that show, thank you. I like the name. Happy Thanksgiving!
I again loved todays story. I have been reading and studying all
Of the things you share each week for many many years. I found your radio show years ago and loved it and purchased many more books that were recommended by your guests.
I feel I want to share so much you share with us about NDE’s & life after to everyone. Obviously I do not because I have been looked at like I have 3 heads. Lol.
But thank you thank you (perfect time of year for that as is every day) for your message on suicides and when we die and we most times leave our bodies at the time of our death. I can’t even begin to tell you the comfort hearing it again in a new way. So, you and Melissa have a blessed holiday and again thank you for the inspirations, the reflections, & the peace & joy I feel when reading them. Always. lin
Hi Linda, I understand people looking at you like you have 3 heads. I'm so pleased to hear that those pieces brought you comfort. Have lovely holiday on Thursday. I hope it's filled with love and joy. Thank you for writing.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Melissa and your family! Thanks for your articles - I always look forward to reading them!