Afterlife Adventures

by William Fergus Martin

  People not yet living in those higher levels are able to have brief visits to them if supported by someone who lives there. The experienced leaves them feeling very grateful (“deeply blessed” would be more accurate) and happy to continue with their activities and continue to make progress because they know what even greater wonders are ahead of them.

  "You will not be obliged to change until you wish to do so. But neither do you need to dread the higher spheres. As a child, you would probably have dreaded high school, though later you longed for it. And that is the way it is here. Progress is natural, following the development of the mind.” — Spirit World and Spirit Life

  Even those who have not had such an experience of glimpses or a visit higher often have a friend, or colleague who has, and they can partake of their insights and their happiness. They have also met or seen people from those higher levels and say that they are truly embodiments of love, compassion, wisdom, intelligence and kindness.

  The combinations of all these things, the glimpses of, or visits to, the higher levels by themselves or friends, or others they trust, the assurances and information from visitors from those levels and so on, gives them confidence that all is well and that their new life will take them from wonders to greater wonders.

  One of the characteristics of the Higher Spheres is that people learn to be more conscious and deliberate in the ways they create their environment. On the Lower Spheres, this often happens partially automatically through habitual desires and feelings, plus there are the contributions made by visitors from the Higher Spheres. On the Higher Spheres themselves, there is much more deliberate use of thought to create and more discipline and training in use of the mind.

  “On higher planes of being your intellectual power is so greatly increased that you can control form; you learn how to draw life to it. As a sculptor takes up the formless clay and shapes it, so does your mind draw life and light to it and shape your own surroundings according to your vision. In the [Lower Spheres], your vision is limited by your earth experiences and memories, and so you create your own version of the appearances you knew on earth. Understand, however, that in [the Lower Planes], you do not consciously create your surroundings through an act of thought. Your emotional desires, your deeper mind manufacture these without your being actually aware of the process. “ – Road to Immortality

  One recipient of messages from an Afterlifer did not like the idea of the Higher Spheres, as they seemed strange to her owing to their unfamiliarity. She was assured that it would not be so when the time came as people only go to the Higher Spheres when they are ready. They can stay where they are as long as they want. Besides, they are often given brief excursions into the Higher Spheres as preparation before they move there so these feel familiar and welcoming.

  "We have only those experiences which we are able to enjoy. I have been to the next plane, but only on a visit. It was quite familiar but more beautiful.” — Travellers Return

  Dwellers on the Higher Spheres sometimes refer to the Astral Plane as being an illusion and that real permanence is not fully experienced till we exit the Astral Plane and move to the Spiritual Planes. This process some people, rather dramatically, call The Second Death. However, it is gone through consciously and eagerly when the person is ready to move upwards. It is always possible to return to function on the Astral Plane when the need arises. There are Higher Levels on the Astral Plane which we would find of astonishing beauty and wonder, yet these are limited to the highest aspiration of an Earthly consciousness. The Spirit Planes have no such limits.

  “I am told that when the time comes to pass on from this sphere to a higher one, that a similar process [(to passing over) takes place. But that as there is no dust, or decay here, the elements that compose the vehicle of expression in which we now function are, simply, absorbed back into the ether. We shall, again, find ourselves in a yet more refined body on a higher plane of consciousness. This process continues until ultimate perfection is achieved. However, as you so often remark, ‘Eternity is a long time’, and for the present, I am quite content to enjoy my life here. There is so much to do, learn and achieve in this sphere, that I shall, probably, be in it a long time. I am, at present, well content.” — Letters From Mother

  "I belong to a higher plane, but I can move to those still higher in pursuit of knowledge, and return to my own plane to teach that knowledge. We are more free as we ascend, and visit many planes far higher than the one we especially inhabit and call our home. But at first, the earthborn mortals would only be confused, like a stranger in a strange city with unaccustomed manners and habits. The freedom of moving to other planes is therefore confined to those already advanced.” — Spirit World and Spirit Life

  “[Difference between the Astral Plane and the Spiritual Planes:]

  1) Physical matter has vanished entirely.

  2) Space is non-existent.

  3) Time is nearly non-existent, although there is something akin to chronological order.” – Subaltern in Spirit land

  Although they say, “Physical matter has vanished entirely,” they don’t necessarily mean that there is no substance which they can experience as solid. They can experience Spiritual substance as solid when they want. They mean that the Earth, and the even the subtle planes of Earth, do not affect the Spiritual Planes.

  How Many Higher Levels are there?

  In being asked how many levels there are in the Afterlife, it seems that they go off into infinity. There is a state where the levels associated with the levels of our Earth planet overlap with the Afterlife levels of other planets.

  “Think what it means to study any of the great sciences from this side! To study the stars and suns, for instance, the homes of multitudes of spirits. For each planet has a spirit zone surrounding it to which their own spirits go. There is, of course, intercommunication between the planets, and we are made happy by visitors from far away zones. They tell us of a spirit life the same as ours, but of differing conditions in each planet; and that their bodies are made to conform to the conditions.” — Life Here and Hereafter

  You may wonder at this as from Earth it looks like other planets of our solar system are not inhabited and uninhabitable. Physically that may or may not be true, but the subtle planes of some of the planets are inhabited. The subtle planes of a planet are inhabited long before, and long after, the planet is physically inhabited, or even physically habitable. Other planets can have their equivalent of the Astral Plane and Spiritual Planes and have their own evolutionary path to follow.

  Further ahead, there is the state where the higher spiritual levels of our solar system overlap with those levels of other solar systems and so on.

  The Astral Plane of a planet is the composite of the Astral Bodies of the beings in and around that planet. As I understand it, the overlap of the levels beyond our planet are at the Spiritual levels and not the Astral levels, as the Astral is the emotional body of a planet and therefore closely associated with it.

  Interplanetary

  “There are many worlds in the universe of which we are a very minor part. These other worlds are also manifestations of the Divine Imagination. They are occupied by living beings, who are also, like ourselves… creating in their own way. We are all part of this host who, having their origin in the Mind of the Supreme Intelligence, are able, if willing, to carry out the plan for His purpose, for the great and ultimate divine event, which is our ambition over here.” — Travellers Return

  “There is a little span of time, as you call it, while we are crossing the millions upon millions of miles of space. We can move faster than light at times, but that is a matter of study. Law is in control as certainly here as there, but we can attain greater speed by studying the laws of speed and motion and vibration." – Spirit World and Spirit Life

  Keep in mind that ‘Forever is a long time!’ as the old joke goes. We human beings have a destiny that will take us beyond the Earth and on to spheres and experiences we cannot even dream o
f at this phase in our evolution. Ultimately, we are, or will become, an interplanetary species – at least as far as the subtle levels area is concerned- and will continue to evolve and grow into a wonder that presently only those on the Higher Planes can conceive.

  "We have teachers who can go with the speed of spirit motion to far away spaces. And when they return, they entrance us all with descriptions of the journey and conditions that are strange even to us. Speed is through vibrations far more rapid than light, or they would be many years in making the trip. The vibrations we use, and the training we receive in using them, permit a velocity unthinkable by earth computations.” — Spirit World and Spirit Life

  Consider that there is a plan and purpose to our time on Earth and our time within the Earth environments, including the subtle realms. We are told that purpose is magnificent, far-reaching and far beyond our ability to know, at this time. The whole universe is upheld and sustained by a power and force that we but dimly recognize and give the name “love.” In the times ahead, we will become more familiar with what that word really means and delight in our discovery. For the knowing of what the word Love really embodies is part of our destiny.

  Currently, in the cosmic scheme of things in our development, we are not even beyond the cosmic equivalent of potty training! Yet, that takes nothing away from our potential and what we will eventually become. And that is something we will discover as life unfolds both here and in the Afterlife.

  "There are worlds not so immersed in material thought as the earth; worlds where spirit predominates, and where communication with the unseen becomes a natural occupation with the people. It is one of our delightful tasks to go to such worlds to give and receive information. To make this easier, such communication is part of our work, for language differs, and signs and symbols often have to be used. Yet, when spirit predominates comprehension is easy without any language, just a reception of the idea without any spoken word.” — Spirit World and Spirit Life

  “Then we have work for other planets and other universes altogether away from any conditions that you know. We are in some ways more advanced than they are; in others, they are superior to us. There are many problems, and in solving them we are climbing upward in many ways.” — Spirit World and Spirit Life

  "I think you will understand [higher planes or spheres] better as a sort of higher grade, like college after high school. It is a different plane or sphere or space where those of a certain degree of advancement can remain for a time. These spheres or planes are separated more by spiritual advancement than by distance, though the latter is sometimes great. We ascend as we grow, or we remain to teach others. But it is all normal, and like the different grades of advancement in college or school, if I may use the comparison. Each grade has its peculiar work or degree of advancement, not set by any rule except that of congeniality.” — Spirit World and Spirit Life

  Chapter 12: How to Have a Good Afterlife

  “The life of person may be described as a mere episode. We [experience] many episodes on various planes of consciousness in the world beyond the grave.” — Beyond Human Personality

  The conditions in the Afterlife, as expressed via a wide variety of messages, sound very much like poetic justice. What could be more perfect than going to a place, with people and an environment, which mirrors our general state of consciousness, or attitudes? What could be more perfect justice than the kind benefiting from being with those who are as kind as themselves; and the cruel being confronted with those just as cruel as themselves too? The kind can progress even further on their path; and even the cruel can move upwards when they are able to genuinely change their ways.

  Throughout the centuries, wise sages have been telling us what we need to know about how to have a good Afterlife - as it is basically the same as what we need to do to have a good, decent life here. Therefore, you should hopefully find this chapter as a confirmation of what you already believe or already suspect to be true, that leading a good life produces its own rewards. These rewards are the natural consequence of immutable laws of attraction. Due to these laws, when we pass over, we will also find ourselves in an environment matching or usual state of consciousness. Forgiveness will serve us far better than any thoughts of vengeance.

  We probably all know the old saying, ‘What goes around, comes around’ and that is as good a basis in which to understand what we need to do in order to have a good Afterlife. If we don't want something to come back to us, then best not to send it out in the first place. If it does not come back to us in this life, it will surely come back to us in the Afterlife. Another way of looking at it is to see it as being the operation of the Law of Attraction, as that seems to work out more speedily over there than on Earth.

  What interests you, presumably, is going to the place where the kind people go; rather than to the place where the cruel people go. The obvious place to start with this would be to cultivate kindness, compassion or caring for our fellow human beings. However, that is not always an easy thing to do, especially if we feel that we are alone or isolated. If, as some elderly people do, we feel abandoned by our relations and are living alone with uncertain health, it can be tempting to give way to anxiety and worry. If we feel afraid to step out our door because we live in a dangerous neighborhood, it can be hard to feel much caring for anybody.

  It is essential that we try to lift ourselves out of the negative psychic smog in which so many people immerse themselves. People can fall into a trap of feeling resentful, lonely and anxious as a matter of habit. They see or hear of others around them feeling that way, so they assume that, because of a similarity of their situation, they have to feel that way too. Yet, it is all a matter of choice and of habit.

  A lot of the pain of loneliness comes from what we tell ourselves about it. If someone who is on their own thinks to themselves, ‘Everyone has abandoned me. I have no friends. I will die alone,’ they are sure to make themselves miserable. However, if they take the time for quiet contemplation, not just numb themselves with constant television and videos, and look for their fulfillment as something that arises from within, then things can start to look very different. They could try thinking to themselves, ‘Finally I have time to learn about those things I have wanted to investigate for such a long time. I can lift up my mind to higher things now that I am not so busy with day-to-day concerns. What do I want to do?’ And, ‘Are there ways I can reach out to others and help them?’

  The art of life is simply making the most of our current circumstances rather than becoming embittered and complaining about them. A habit of complaining is a guaranteed way of becoming isolated, as it is hard for other people to bear listening to that. A little bit of love cultivated in a challenging situation counts for much. If we feel that love is missing from our life, rather than focus on the lack; we can look to how we can cultivate and express more of it to those around us.

  A good place to start is to set out some time each day and spend a few minutes thinking a kindly thought for other people. Make a list, starting with people you like, then after using it a while, see if you can add some people you feel more or less neutral about. The people on your list do not have to be people still in their body; they can be Afterlifers too. After a while longer, see if you can add some people you don’t really like to your list. Think of each of them, one at a time, as being very happy and ‘over the moon’ about something.

  You can either picture them or use a phrase like: ‘May they be happy, may they be well, may they feel safe’ for each of them as you go through your list. As you practice this, the feeling of caring and goodwill you feel towards these people will grow stronger. Even if you don’t enjoy this exercise much to begin with, it will really grow on you. It will help you get into a good mood and you will find yourself smiling and being happy more often, sometimes for no obvious reason. Your fellow human beings may well smile at you more often too, and you will start to feel yourself to be part of something. These odd quirky creatures, your fellow human
beings, will become much dearer to you.

  You can do other simple things such as making sure you show courtesy to those you meet. Courtesy is one of the royal qualities of the Soul and is often underestimated. Things like smiling at people behind the checkout in the supermarket, thanking the bus driver as he lets you off (unless that would seem weird where you live), taking time to talk to someone who might be lonely, even if you think they are bit boring, or smell a bit odd. Simple things like these pave a path of gold through your life.

  Afterlifers often say some of the small kindnesses that they did that stand out for them as highlights in their life here, when they look back on it. Spontaneous acts of caring, without expecting any return, stand out. For some of us, it is easier to show caring towards animals than humans. Just start where you are and build on what you do already so that in whatever areas of life you show kindness, courtesy or consideration is gradually expanding. Small compliments can be part of this too. Taking a moment to tell someone about something they are wearing, ‘I like your shoes!’ makes them feel seen and acknowledged and often goes deeper than we realize. As we help them to feel more visible and appreciated, we become more visible and appreciated too. None of this is going to set the world on fire. Yet, it could well change your life for the better, as well as being excellent preparation for the Afterlife.

  Vengeance Not Required

  Sometimes, it looks to us like the greedy, brutal and selfish ones get away with it; and the kind and caring get little or nothing back for their efforts. Yet, the Laws of Life are always at work and sooner or later there is a reckoning. The law automatically places us in the Afterlife, where we best fit in harmony with our attitudes, sees to that. There is no need for God to punish anyone for the Laws of Life do that through natural consequences, till such times as regret and remorse have done their work and the person starts to change their attitude.