Waiting in the ferry line after a retreat with hubby, Phone rang, and I saw an unfamiliar phone number from a familiar area code, and answered. "Hi Elke, this is Dane (not his real name), do you know what's happening?" His voice was strained. "No, " I said, and felt a sense of dread. "It's Tony, he died." First response is often denial, right? "NO! NO!" and then I listened carefully to his tear-soaked voice and heard the news that a close friend's life was taken.
As the grim story of his death unfolded over the next few days, I felt shock and dismay that this kind and gentle bear of a man would be so ruthlessly taken from us. It didn't make sense, and I sensed he was not prepared for his sudden departure. And then I remembered, and thought: "His departed soul is launching into a new life. Take a pause from your grieving to talk with him and tell him you love him, and wish the best for him."
Lately, I've had news of sudden deaths by suicide, homicide, accidents. I've heard word of people releasing their bodies after long illnesses too. Which brings me to a topic we in Western society do not deal with very well, if at all: Death, in all its forms, is a necessary topic to explore--with loved ones, with our community, with the world.
Today I broach the subject from the perspective of the person who has made the transit: how can we support those who've died? I believe that, just as a newborn requires care to adjust to life on earth, the newly-released-from-a-body could use support too. This is especially true if it was a sudden, unexpected death.
In the movie, Ghost, the protagonist is murdered, and suddenly finds himself out of a body. The ensuing scenes of confusion and desperation are a pretty accurate portrayal of what might happen after death:
When a person leaves suddenly, there can be confusion: "Where am I?" "What just happened?" "Is this a dream?" "Who am I now?" and so on. This is often followed by...
The suddenly deceased can feel anger: "Wait!" "No, this can't be!" "Dammit, give me my body back!!" "Wake me up from this nightmare!" And eventually...
The soul will let go or resign him or herself to the fact that they are no longer in physical form. This can be either an uplifting experience of letting go to the next adventure, or a dismaying experience, often depending on how attached the soul is to his/her previous life.
This is where those of us on this side of the veil come in. We can support the soul in his/her new "life."
Create a sacred space around you: light a candle, or breathe deeply a few times, close your eyes and connect to the soul.
Assure the soul that s/he is still loved and cared about.
Ask: "What do you need?" Expect all kinds of answers! Be open, and assure the soul that everything s/he needs to adjust will happen.
See them surrounded by a team of angels, or in the company of a guardian soul--maybe someone they know who will take care of them and help them to adjust.
If it feels appropriate, tell them to go towards The Light, or God's Light.
We are amazing creations of spirit and matter, human and being. My belief is that when we drop this human form, we do continue the soul's adventure. And with support of Spirit and friends, we return to life as a Free Spirit, ready for an infinity of next chapters.
Blessings to you human being/human beaming. Elke
PS: Below, on my activity list, there is the first of a monthly Spiritual mentoring/support group this Sunday the 20th. Ou rfirst topic will be exploring the afterlife. I woudl love to see you, if you can make it. Peace.
Elke's Activities:
October 18, 7:30 Full Moon Drum @ Studio 1010, 1010 6th Street, Anacortes The full moon illuminates the sky and our lives with its vibrant light. During the full moon, thoughts, feelings, and dreams are amplified. It's a great time to reveal our true wishes. It's also a time to reveal what needs healing. Bring your drums and rattles if you have them, or borrow Elke's. $5-$10+ donation requested. Thank you ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ** Mama Shaman's Spiritual Mentoring and Support Group:
4 Sunday afternoons, October 20, November 17, December 15, January 19 from 2:00 til 5:00 PM.Green Spirit House (home office), Anacortes WA Need a safe space to talk about your spiritual life? Want to learn new spiritual tools you can use in everyday life? Have you thought about mentorship, but didn’t know where to find a mentor? Join a small group of spiritual explorers in this once a month group. Learn new things. Share and practice what you know. Gain support for vexing dilemmas. All with a person who values you for who you are, and will support you in your spiritual growth with the enhancement of group support.
If you’ve been searching for a non-judgmental spiritual group process, this might be what you are looking for $35 fee. Limited to 12 people. Contact me to register
October 20th: The first support group theme centers on "Beyond the Veil: This lifetime and beyond". Recently, I know of people dying suddenly or committing suicide, and I teach this in their honor: For all of us on this side of the veil, I'll discuss what I know: tools for grieving, forgiving, and moving on. Plus tools for supporting those who've crossed over: what do THEY need? Questions welcome. See you soon!