Life After Death

I believe most people profess a belief in life after death. I have to ask, "Do they truly believe in life after death or could they be running from hell."

I was raised as a southern baptist in Mississippi and attended the First Baptist Church in our small town. My family were regular churchgoers at least until my parents divorced. The preacher liked to shout and spit would come from his mouth as he preached his sermons about fire and brimstone and hell. I believed that hell was a place to be feared. In fact this fear kept me from growing spiritually because I focused on fear and my dread of hell--not growing spiritually. This and other beliefs that I had were very closed-minded and not accepting of others and other beliefs.

It's sad to say but religions and government uses fear as a means of controlling people. Whenever you see fear being used be careful! Someone may be trying to manipulate you for some reason whether it be money or control over you. Fear and religion should never go together, but unfortunately much too often it does. Now, I'm not saying that these church-going members are "lost" or "going to hell." I believe we are all eternal regardles.

In 2004, my brother introduced me to Yoga. I did the exercises and meditation for a year. During the next few years, I learned about various Eastern religious beliefs as well as other religions. It made me realize that many religions share many common core beliefs. As my mind began to open, I felt like I was growing spiritually. In other words, "Once the shade was removed the grass began to grow." I asked my self "Why did I not get anything out of my religion." Well, the answer is pretty simple. Religion is man made. I would always leave the church feeling great like I was at a pep rally only to have that feeling fade after a few hours as I returned to my old miserable self.

I also read about reincarnation. Well, before I thought this was the stupiest belief. As I read many books on the subject I really began to believe it. Actually it made sense that we come back to earth in order to pay karmic debts and to grow spiritually. I read many books on people who experience reincarnation mostly through the use of past life regression hypnosis.

During my readings, I read about the various planes (or dimensions) of existence. Without "dragging this out too long", basically when you die you go to the place that matches your level of spiritual growth. Some call it the Universal Law of Life. You go to a place with people who are like you or on the same spiritual level as you. There's a very low level which might seem like hell. The very bad people go here. However, you are capable of moving from one level to the next as you admit your mistakes and grow spiritually. But some people are not interested in changing at least not for a very long time.

When you die you are often met by friends, relatives or friends in past lives. (My mother had a near-death experience and it's a story I like to tell, but too long for this blog.) Then you will have a life-review as you will review all the thoughts in your life. All the pain that you have given others, you will experience. You might even get a little criticism or instruction from your spirit guide during this process. If you had an addiction problem in life then you'll be sent to a special place for healing.

The after life will be a wonderful place at least for those who are not on the lower plane of existance. It's comforting for me to know that we are all eternal and we are not forced to an existance of eternal torture, that is, unless we desire to stay there. We'll all on this spiritual journey which I believe ultimately results in a union with God.

So, what am I trying to say. My breakaway from the religions of fear has resulted in a peace, and calm that I never had. I'm not running from the fires of hell but instead looking forward to that day when I reunite with old friends and family as I begin a new leg on my journey with God.

Best wishes on your spiritual growth.

Cheers

Paul