A couple of things have occurred in my life this past summer that have brought me to an incessant curiosity about what happens after we die.

Background on my fascination

The backdrop to my new obsession was my 64^th birthday which I celebrated last month. In recent years I’ve begun to be keenly aware that my life here on Earth is not limitless. I’ve been feeling a greater pressure—totally self-imposed—to identify my divine calling. What can I do in or with my life to feel like I’ve used my gifts and talents in the way they were intended? This is a question I’ve been pondering for the last two decades. Yet I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve not done the work to the deeper level that it deserves. No wonder I still have no answers.

Another incident that inspired my probing about life after death was the sudden passing of a favorite client of the marketing firm I manage. In great physical shape and with so much going for him at age 62, our client was taken by a heart condition which was a hardening of the heart muscle itself. The condition often offers no warning signs that something may be wrong. We learned a few days after his passing. My business partner and I were devastated.

This was a tragedy that hit home. It was a wake-up call on how vulnerable we are at any time, but particularly as we age. My thoughts have ranged from how can I make the most of every day to how can I prepare myself for death to what have I really come here to do?

A fascinating resource

I had great respect and affection for my client who recently passed. The loss inspired me to want to learn more about his spiritual transition to the afterlife, as well as educate myself on what my own transition might be like. I pulled an old book off my bookshelf that was given to me by a dear friend some 20 years ago, Journey of Souls, by Michael Newton, Ph.D.

As someone who believes in reincarnation and the infinite nature of our soul, I find this book to be incredibly fascinating as it chronicles the reports of 29 clients who have recalled their experiences between lives as eternal spirits with Dr. Newton while in a state of deep hypnosis.

My greatest takeaways

It’s only been a few days since I began reading and I’m just shy of the half-way mark, but the impact on my thoughts and consequential actions has been immense. Reminding myself that we are all spiritual beings here on Earth facing lessons inspired for our growth as souls has brought me a sense of peace that I’ve not experienced in a while.

I think the greatest takeaway from the book was being introduced to the idea that we all have personal spiritual guides that are here for us in both our Earthly and spiritual plane lives. My meditation practice now feels so much more accessible to the answers I seek.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Do you feel the presence of a personal guide?