Reincarnation and Patience

[deborah]

Something to ponder ---

One of the things I have learned over the past twenty three years - while researching past lives and experiencing them, is patience. I also have become increasingly aware that people want things instantly. Fast food, instant information via the Internet, constant contact via cell phones and the fastest route to understanding. Past life experiences will never be one of those instant things.

When I look back over the past twenty years, and review how my past lives have surfaced and observed the larger picture (meaning in what context they were revealed) I am in awe of the way in which they surfaced and why. Each is special to me now, because they came when I needed them most, when the patterns or circumstances needed healing or understanding and for that I am grateful.

I have watched people on the forum search, research and question their own experiences, wanting clarity, answers and definition. Bottom-line it doesn't come quickly, it is not an everyday occurrence, and usually we receive only bits and pieces to sometimes several life times. Which can be confusing. For some, it can even become an obsession which only leads to more confusion.

This forum is sometimes a quiet forum, that's because people cannot post everyday about experiences that happen every day.

So my question is - what is your experience with being patient as you search for meaning, understanding and self? Are you patient? What do you do to help yourself be patient?

As time passes and life takes you in other areas of interest - are you eventually led back to past lives - by way of a spontaneous experience, coincidence, or pl dreams? Do you do journaling? Do you meditate?

Reincarnation studies take patience, and an exploration of the self - even more patience. Funny, how we can instantly get historical information from a computer and the Internet, but how we struggle to get information about ourselves. We are the experience and yet - how we wrestle - with who we are, who we were and where we are going. Quite a conundrum heh?

 

[Karoliina]

A great thread, Deborah! :thumbsup:


I think patience really is a virtue in researching past lives. I have done the research only for a couple of years, but already I have learned I don't have access to all the PL information any time I might wish. Another thing I have learned is that there is such a vast amount of information to learn within this field - in general and in personal past life experiences - that there will always be something new for me around the corner, and I have all the time in the world. I'm not in a rush anymore.


Memories often come spontaneously when you need them. Usually then is a good time to start digging deeper. A couple of times I have been interested in some PL of mine, but it has been really hard to access the memories. I think the time hasn't been right. I have sometimes phases I don't really get any new memories or do any PL research, but then for a reason I'll probably understand only later, memories of past lives start flooding. Often I'd like to concentrate on one particular lifetime, but many times when the memories start to come, they come from several different lifetimes at the same time. I think then it's time to look at the bigger picture and patterns.


When I first started doing PL research I was way too eager to jump into conclusions with any little clue or inkling I had. Almost always there has been some truth to those clues and inklings, but often I've been too enthusiastic and started following a wrong path so to speak. For example I may have found a person online that has had some qualities to match my memories, and I have too quickly "decided" I was them, which has only led to unnecessary confusion later. (I'm not talking about famous people here, only personal data I have found from genealogy pages etc.) There's no use to believe your own fantasies, really. Nothing good comes out of it, and you can't create a past life for yourself - just play with the cards you have been given.


Of course we all can get impatient sometimes - it's only human. But for me it's been the best way to wait a little, gather more experiences, memories and validations before really "deciding" I had a certain kind of past life. It's sometimes hard, but you just have to live this life, too, and let the memories come and help you in a "natural" way - not forcing them. I'm glad I have a family, friends and hobbies to take my mind off past life research frequently - because despite everything I've said I admit it is very fascinating and can also be very time-consuming.


At the beginning it was all just very exciting for me, and there's nothing wrong with that imo. You can research your roots through genealogy and get excited - of course you can do the same thing with PL research. But with time I have started to learn the true reason for all this exploring, and that is to understand myself and everyone around me - the Universe - a little better. It really can change your life for the better. :thumbsup:


So yes - so far I have been coming back to PL research after some quieter phases, often because I've spontaneously remembered something. I meditate as often as possible, and keep journal and a reference photobucket about the past life experiences I've had. It's work in progress, and I'm sure it'll continue for as long as I'm able to think and analyse.


Karoliina

 

[Ailish]

Thank you for posting such a great thread, Deborah. :thumbsup:

Bottom-line it doesn't come quickly, it is not an everyday occurrence, and usually we receive only bits and pieces to sometimes several life times.

Isn’t that the truth! : angel I understand that waiting can be frustrating – I still have occasional moments of frustration where I don’t want to wait – I want to know right this minute! I think the excitement of the discovery keeps us jazzed and wanting more.

So my question is - what is your experience with being patient as you search for meaning, understanding and self?

I used to be an impatient little thing But – like you, I have learned to be patient and accept what comes – whenever it comes. It’s definitely not something you can force – and learning to appreciate the journey as it unfolds is part of the process. I think realizing that you get what you get when you need it helps to be more patient.


I seem to go through phases – where I may have a lot of information coming at me in different ways and then absolutely nothing for a very long time. Sometimes – it takes years to get information on a specific lifetime. It’s funny, looking back through my journals and realizing that some of these lifetimes I have been piecing together for yeaaaaars. For example – my memories of Madeleine’s life in France are mainly from journals I kept over 11 years ago – and only recently has some new information cropped up.

Are you patient? What do you do to help yourself be patient?

I am definitely much more patient now then I was as a teenager. I think I have a better understanding -- that this is a process of discovery of self, and something that important cannot be rushed. For me personally – I keep a journal, and have done so for most of my life. It helps me to go back and look at how far I've actually have come – and how much information I've collected over the years. I also make sure to stay grounded and present in the NOW. It's wonderful to explore your past - but it's also important to live in the present moment, imo.

As time passes and life takes you in other areas of interest - are you eventually led back to past lives - by way of a spontaneous experience, coincidence, or pl dreams?

Yes, definitely. I can be off doing my thing – and suddenly start dreaming about a past life. Then I start receiving information via spontaneous recall and/or meditation. I usually jot it down in my journal – so I can validate it at a later date Sometimes these memories are triggered by someone I’ve met – or something going on in my present life that I need to be aware of – such as a pattern about to repeat itself.

Do you do journaling? Do you meditate?

Absolutely – to both of your questions. In my personal experience – meditation for the purpose of pl recall is not something I do all of the time. I find that if I do it too often, it actually lessens the total experience. Too much of a good thing! : angel


Aili

 

[Sunniva]

I echo the others: a great thread


I can definitely relate to what you say about wanting knowledge instantly. I guess I am from a generation that have - more or less - grown up with the internet, textmessaging, etc. etc. I am used to getting my answers immediately.


Which is why researching past lives can be a very frustrating task indeed. I am still only learning to be patient, Deborah : angel


What I've most recently learned is that pl memories can't be controlled. When researching a past life, I don't only have memories or flashes from that particular life. They just float in and it's up to me to sort in all the impressions.


The prospect of this research being years and years from being complete is even more frustrating


So patience is needed indeed.


But I'm willing to learn to be patient.

 

[Axel]

Patience and Pace.


Heya Deborah

Something to ponder ---
One of the things I have learned over the past twenty years - while researching past lives and experiencing them, is patience. I also have become increasingly aware that people want things instantly. Fast food, instant information via the Internet, constant contact via cell phones and the fastest route to understanding. Past life experiences will never be one of those instant things.


(...)

Well... I understand it is a manner of speaking but I wish to underline the fact that this point of view can only be applied to the people who live in highly industrialised countries on Earth, like your country (the USA).


There are several billions of people on Earth who cannot even dream of such easy food- and information-networks We are lucky and blessed for we can use all this wealth for sharing our feelings and thoughts with one another in Carol Bowman's web-forum

(...) When I look back over the past twenty years, and review how my past lives have surfaced and observed the larger picture (meaning in what context they were revealed) I am in awe of the way in which they surfaced and why. Each is special to me now, because they came when I needed them most, when the patterns or circumstances needed healing or understanding and for that I am grateful.
I have watched people on the forum search, research and question their own experiences, wanting clarity, answers and definition. Bottom-line it doesn't come quickly, it is not an everyday occurrence, and usually we receive only bits and pieces to sometimes several life times. Which can be confusing. For some, it can even become an obsession which only leads to more confusion.


This forum is sometimes a quiet forum, that's because people cannot post everyday about experiences that happen every day. So my question is - what is your experience with being patient as you search for meaning, understanding and self? Are you patient? What do you do to help yourself be patient? (...)

Personally, I started my inner-exploration last summer 2003 C.E., after I had to take a radical decision in my life: enough was enough. It is what I call my self-healing process


I really think & feel that I am patient. But even more: I respect my own pace. This not only requires patience but also a full awareness of what I can bear as I evolve.

(...) As time passes and life takes you in other areas of interest - are you eventually led back to past lives - by way of a spontaneous experience, coincidence, or pl dreams? Do you do journaling? Do you meditate? (...)

I realise how lucky I am: I live in a rich country, I can eat each time I am hungry, I live under a roof, I can use electricity (the electricity-company provides me such a service because I can pay the bills), I own a computer (it costs one month-work for most of the people of the country I live in), I have an internet-access (internet is widely used in France since year 2000 CE only) because I can pay the internet-provider.


I am glad that I can write in english (my family members have difficulties to write in french, their mother tongue). Even though more and more people in France can go to fast-foods, have an easy access to internet, can use a cell-phone wherever/whenever thet want, I think that most of them are patient. I don't think that most of Americans are that patient


I get PL-remembrances thanks to PL-dreams but also (and more and more) thanks to some rare people in real life, through unexpected ways (I'll start a topic about this in this forum when I feel it is the right time to).


I distinguish PL-milestones from PL-remembrances. I write them into my personal diary.I do meditate. I use crystals & minerals for this.

(...) Reincarnation studies take patience, and an exploration of the self - even more patience. Funny, how we can instantly get historical information from a computer and the Internet, but how we struggle to get information about ourselves. We are the experience and yet - how we wrestle - with who we are, who we were and where we are going. Quite a conundrum heh?

Well, I hope you'll find an answer soon Personally, I use internet more as a communication-mean and as a picture data-bank I am used not to trusting at first sight any kind of information displayed on my internet-computer screen


Thanks to your topic, dear Deborah, I realise how lucky I am.


Kind regards,


Axel

 

[lonewolf]

I am very impatient by nature. I want clear answers and I want them now! That can lead to obsessiveness. Sometimes the only way to handle it is to turn away. I haven't done a self-regression for several months and didn't even think about reincarnation much. Now I'm coming back to it with (I hope) a little more patience and perspective.


Great post, Deborah.


Lonewolf

 

[michaldembinski]

Patience comes with multiple reincarnations. In my experience, young- or new souls are impatient; as the soul matures over numerous lifetimes, so it becomes more patient, being able to take the long view.


Michal

 

[michaldembinski]

I think impatience is more of a personal trait than something dependent on soul age. But I also think an impatient young soul is more impatient than an impatient old soul.

Karoliina - well nuanced! There's a level of biological drive to be factored in, as well as one's own spiritual predisposition.


Michal

 

[Marc Ross]

Patience and open minds.


Hello,


Thank-you for starting, and maintaining discussions on patience.


Ironically, patience allows “an open mind;” the very ‘open mind’ which is favorable for strong deja-vu like memories. A self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. (lately, I’ve been using the term ‘strong deja-vu like memories’ instead of ‘past-life memories’ as most mediation imagery has been inconclusive at best, and probably not past life related e.g., one of these images is my avatar). Memories are spontaneous, yet not totally by chance and accident.


The few strong memories I’ve had seem disjointed; yet not totally disconnected i.e., the analogy of archeological digs, and piecing together finds applies.


The half-asleep/half awake states may be favorable times to experience deja-vu memories of interest. The ‘sleep dream states’ are not necessarily the most favorable times for possible past-life recall.


Memories must be allowed to surface from ‘the unconscious mind;’ as impatience (very much from ‘the conscious mind’) interferes with ‘memories of interest.’ I’m glad to find that people who view the possibility of reincarnation as inconclusive (even with a touch of skepticism) would view Carl Jung’s work (as well as this forum) with open minds.


P.S. I felt my inquiry “Can Changes in ‘Daily Routines’ Serve as Triggers for ‘PL Memories?’ was answered; as life takes us in other areas of interest, past-life memories may surface. Like any discussions on ‘triggers’…inconclusive.


Later,


Marc

 

[Aaron]

I think this is invaluable advice for people in the sense that you cannot force things to happen when it comes to other life memories, you have to accept what is experienced and move on once you aren't experiencing any more memories. It's a true blessing to experience other life memories. I have vaulted a lot of my personal stuff away for now, so that I don't have to focus on the fact that I have fewer memories than other people and that people might laugh or think that I made them up.


If you haven't experienced one yet.....your time might come, but if it doesn't ....it doesn't mean you are not special. You are just blessed with being focused directly on the life you are living now, and that's a good thing too. :thumbsup:


That's where I am right now, in the here and now, seeing life as an invaluable gift, and making this one the best one yet. :thumbsup: To know and to love yourself is the most beautiful gift you can receive.

 

[deborah]

I thought perhaps new members might have something to add - or just enjoy reading this particular thread.

So my question is - what is your experience with being patient as you search for meaning, understanding and self? Are you patient? What do you do to help yourself be patient?
As time passes and life takes you in other areas of interest - are you eventually led back to past lives - by way of a spontaneous experience, coincidence, or pl dreams? Do you do journaling? Do you meditate?


Reincarnation studies take patience, and an exploration of the self - even more patience.


Funny, how we can instantly get historical information from a computer and the Internet, but how we struggle to get information about ourselves. We are the experience and yet - how we wrestle - with who we are, who we were and where we are going. Quite a conundrum heh?

 

[Marc Ross]

Hello,


Thank-you for "bumping-up" this post.


Patience allows “an open mind;” the very ‘open mind’ which is favorable for strong deja-vu like memories. A self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.


Memories are spontaneous, yet not totally by chance and accident.


The half-asleep/half awake states (when we are "most patient") may be favorable times to experience deja-vu memories of interest.


Patience and practice apply; as "deja-vu like" memories of interest may occur more often.


Marc

 

[Phoenix]

I'd say that patience is an important virtue when trying to figure out where you've been, who you were, and why.


Otherwise, we jump to the wrong conclusions based on snippets of information. And unless we are willing to let go of those conclusions when new information comes in, we either end up spiraling deeper into storytelling about our past lives, or we discount the very information we were looking for because it doesn't fit what we believe.


And, getting those memories to come out can be an uphill battle that takes a lot of patience and persistence.


It's worth it, but still a struggle.


Phoenix

 

[Kislany]

Well I'm not a new member, but a 'coming back' member.


I joined the forum a while ago and read everything I could about reincarnation, and also every book that I got my hands on. I tried meditation, regression CDs, but I only got a few small flashes, even now I'm not very sure whether they were actually past lives I've been 'reflashing', or some fragments of my imagination. Then eventually life made another turn, and I sort of forgot all about it.


A few days ago I picked a book on reincarnation and read it eagerly, and now here I am again. Catching up with old threads, trying meditation again, and also self-hypnosis mp3s. We'll see how long this time will last. I think I tend to give up sometimes because I don't get immediate results when I try. But then the interest gets peaked up again and here I am again


So yes, I'm sure for me this is a life-long journey from ever since I got interested in the topic. And yes, I'm sure patience plays a strong role in it

 

[kingkoopa]

Great thread


I'm new to the whole past life memories. I admit I can be impatient when it comes to past life memories. I'm always trying to find out about my past and wishing I had past life dreams. After reading this thread something you said really stood out to me.

When I look back over the past twenty years, and review how my past lives have surfaced and observed the larger picture (meaning in what context they were revealed) I am in awe of the way in which they surfaced and why. Each is special to me now, because they came when I needed them most, when the patterns or circumstances needed healing or understanding and for that I am grateful.

This made me look back at my own past life memories/dreams and at the time in which they were revealed to me. It all connects, they all helped me feel stronger and in a way put my mind at ease.


Let me give you an example. Now looking back on it I remember my first past life dream came when I was feeling incompetent in this life. I'm only 18 unemployed, and without a license, sometimes I feel like I'm behind the people my age and not exceptionally good at anything. I was kind of down about this. Then I had the past life dream about being a military commander. It made me feel powerful again, like I could do whatever I set my mind to. It made me feel like I was back there again.


Anyway, interesting topic definitely makes me realize I have to be more patient about past lives.

 

[deborah]

Thank You Kingkoopa. I am glad you enjoyed reading it. To me past life memories are a blessing. : angel You are still so young - don't be in a hurry. :cool Enjoy the moment and be aware of life as it happens. It is after all, about the journey.

 

[jhskulk]

Hi, Bowser.


I'm also 18, without a job, and have had self-confidence issues in the past. I think it's very common for people our age to go through a period of feelings of "worthlessness." However, when I really looked around and rationally assessed my situation, I think I'm better off than 98% of people. After all, you're 18 and you believe in reincarnation, at a time in life where it's fashionable to be an angry atheist reductionist materialist (as I once was) without honestly assessing the evidence. You certainly seem beyond that.

 

[ButterflyPsyche]

Thought-provoking. Though, I am not quite sure of how I feel yet. It is hard when you want answers, to have to wait and wonder if you will ever get them. This lesson comes at a timely instance for me- lately I have been practically begging for some validation of the psychic/spiritual variety.


I think I might be "opposite side of the spectrum" having been raised in an extremely conservative Catholic family, I was raised to be patient and wait for divine providence. In a way, coming to reincarnation has taught me more about self-reliance and that we must first save ourselves.

 

[ButterflyPsyche]

Great thread
I'm new to the whole past life memories. I admit I can be impatient when it comes to past life memories. I'm always trying to find out about my past and wishing I had past life dreams. After reading this thread something you said really stood out to me.


This made me look back at my own past life memories/dreams and at the time in which they were revealed to me. It all connects, they all helped me feel stronger and in a way put my mind at ease.


Let me give you an example. Now looking back on it I remember my first past life dream came when I was feeling incompetent in this life. I'm only 18 unemployed, and without a license, sometimes I feel like I'm behind the people my age and not exceptionally good at anything. I was kind of down about this. Then I had the past life dream about being a military commander. It made me feel powerful again, like I could do whatever I set my mind to. It made me feel like I was back there again.


Anyway, interesting topic definitely makes me realize I have to be more patient about past lives.

Wow, that does sound like it came at the perfect time! Great story.

 

[Alexnovo]

Small steps


Deborah: Thanks for bumping this up; as a new member I found it very interesting to read through these threads. Like one of the prior posters, there have been several times in my life when I have thought about reincarnation but I was also looking for quick information and validation. Now that I am a bit older, 47, I find that I am not looking for quick proof or instantenous recall. Small memories are like a pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and I am simply happy to be putting the puzzle together. It may take me 30 years or even 30 more lifetimes to see the whole picture, but I am finding peace in the process and for me that is validation enough.

 

[W.A. HEART]

Great thread Deborah!


I have never been a patient person in my life. It's not that I am demanding or restless. But whenever I am "onto something", be it a book, a film, a kind of music, or anything that envolves discovering/learning new things, I hardly ever stop until I get everything out of it, whatever it is. If I like an author I read everything he/she ever wrote. If I find a subject interesting I research until I am satisfied that I have gone through every resource that is available (to me, that is... :laugh. And whenever I could not know everything there is to know, I always wondered and revolved things over and over in my mind and speculated endlessly...


When the sequence of events that brought me here began everything changed. For starters, my notion of reality was a little shaken, and that made me stop and ponder, slow down.


Then I realised that I am responsible for a lot more than I believed myself to be (karmic responsibility), and that too made me slow down and look at my options in a different way.


Then all sorts of coincidences began to happen - and one thing I noticed about myself was the fact that I developed this intimate belief that things happen when they have to, and that kind of timing is important.


I am still a terribly curious person, and I will always be, I guess : angel. But patience has lately been a part of my life, as it is a natural consequence of accepting the meaning of lifes' synchronisms....

 

[alaskanlaughter]

I totally agree. I want all the memories now and it's very hard to wait for things to come on their own. In other areas of my life, I've been told that I'm very patient - such as working with my students. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to pertain to PL memories.

 

[Nightrain]

Thanks for activating this thread, Deborah. It is, perhaps, one of the most prevalent emotions I have experienced while treading this path. When I read books by noted experts in the field of parapsychology, and realize that I nearly traveled the same paths at one time or another, I also realize how far behind I am. While they earned their Phd's and forged new realities, I was dropping out of college and raising a family; all the time feeling that I was wasting my time drawing engines at Ford Motor Company.


Now that I'm in my 60's I think of the many more fortunate paths that I could have followed, the lives that could have been saved, and the impact I could have had on other people's lives. Now, it is too late to write a meaningful book, or make a profound discovery. Yet, unquestioningly, I continue to pursue this search without hope of attainment. Should one call that patience, or is it simply resignation?


I don't really regret the paths that I've chosen. I had to follow those paths to learn what I know today. And what I have learned is how much more there is to discover. It is clear, now, that we are not only reincarnated souls, but that we all have memories of some past lives whether we realize it or not. Furthermore, we are spiritual beings capable of having access to all knowledge. A couple of years ago I wouldn't have thought such things; but I now realize that I had been blinded to the truth by cultural dogma, which did not allow for such knowledge.


It seems that the urgency of learning about our spiritual existence grows ever greater with the knowledge one acquires. The more one seems to learn, the more intense and impatient one seems to become. The more enlightened people become, the more intense they seem to be in their dedication to learn. It is as if we are approaching a point at which the "ship" of wisdom will be taking off and leaving without us.


It is true, that patience is a virtue, in and of itself. But, it is also the means by which our subconscious is allowed to plumb the depths of our innate wisdom. It is the key to meditation. And, if our minds are encumbered with the urgency of knowledge, we cannot connect with our subconscious. Yet, without the urgency, where is our motivation to learn?

 

[Woodrow]

Patience is not something I'm good at, but I want to learn.


I've been studying PLR for a few years now, and have had some memories flash into my head while using the guided regression CDs by Dick Sutphen and Roger Woolger. I mostly use the Sutphen CD because of the incredible relaxation track at the very beginning. There's also something about his voice that helps me relax and lets my mind flow with him.


But, as I said, patience is not something I've ever been good at. I think a lot of us in Generation X were brought up with the whole instant gratification attitude. I think it was the 80's that did it to us.


There are a lot of things in my life that need work, which is one of the reasons I'm researching PLR. I deal daily with almost crippling anxiety, low self-worth and a detachment from the world in general. I don't like that about myself. I know in my heart I'm so much better than that. I want to fix these things NOW.


But, I know it's a gradual process. While I'm not regressing myself every night I do take about a half an hour before I go to sleep to use a meditation CD. Dr. Jeffery Thompson works, as does Steven Halpern. I'm not alway trying to get past life answers, most of the time I lie there, let the music and sound relax me and I let my mind drift wherever it feels it needs to go. I use it to relax, and try to sort out my issues in life and why it is I feel the way I do about myself. I'm getting better, too. I've been much happier over the last few years than I have been most of my life.


Anyway, enough randomness from me. I got way off the subject as I tend to do. What it boils down to is that I'm trying to learn patience not only with PLR, but also with every other aspect of my life and growth as a human being.

 

[Nightrain]

There are a lot of things in my life that need work, which is one of the reasons I'm researching PLR. I deal daily with almost crippling anxiety, low self-worth and a detachment from the world in general. I don't like that about myself. I know in my heart I'm so much better than that. I want to fix these things NOW.

Hi Woodrow! And, welcome to the Forum. Thank you very much for posting your reflections about this subject. If it helps matters at all, I can suggest that the anxiety you feel is possibly a temporary side effect of rapid personal growth. It seems that as one grows spiritually, one also realizes the mistakes of the past. As knowledge of oneself increases, so do the embarrassing memories of how we blindly stumbled through life, saying the wrong things and making horrible decisions. And, as one learns the skill of meditation and being alone with one's objective judgment, we are often confronted with a myriad of realizations which can often have a devastating effect on one's self image.


I believe that the best way to restore one's own self-image is to read about the revelations experienced by other travelers on the same path of enlightenment. When one realizes how similar those experiences are, one also realizes that those people must have done some horrible and stupid things, themselves. The act of sharing is what enables one to get past the old mistakes and emboldens the spirit to reach out for new experiences. The great thing about reincarnation is realizing that our lives are all open books that are exposed to the scrutiny of every living thing. When we muddle through this life's embarrassing moments, we should realize that there will be thousands more opportunities to improve.

 

[liberty]

A great topic!


Thank you everyone for posting. A valuable thread.


As I read through Michael Newton's books I'm seeing more of the past-life/reincarnation picture. According to his research, this *IS* a big stage play down here on earth and our performance will be compared, blow-by-blow, with the very tasks and behaviors we assigned to ourselves before we reincarnated in this life. We will be held accountable by the fellow sojourners in our soul group (and our personal spiritual guides) for those goals we agreed to achieve/work on in choosing this particular life. It sounds like we are to press forward through all adversity, take reasonable risks that don't harm others, make mistakes, fall down, get up, learn to believe in ourselves until we find the path that resonates with the truth we are passionate about, then live that life to the fullest!!


What seems to matter a lot is that we heed the signals for changing direction in our lives and not get stuck in old ruts (such as anger, abuse, addictions, avoidance, self-recrimination, power trips, etc). The ruts pre-date this life and are the very things we signed up to work on/conquer in this life.


Love and compassion rate highest on the list of qualities we are all working on to bring out in ourselves and one another, along with patience and forebearance. The people in our lives have also agreed to their own contracts involving us, so as one of us changes and matures, we help the others around us do the same.


According to these books, we spend a big portion of the between-life times with our soul group figuring out how we could have made better use of the lives just past (and rejoicing over the good parts) and planning for the next incarnation. We agree to take certain roles with one another to help each other conquer shortcomings, including being a victim if that is necessary. All karma is voluntary and there is never a sense of punishment. It's all about learning and growing at one's own pace.


Surprisingly, our souls are not always good fits with the physical bodies we inhabit and we must learn to work around limitations like being prone to depression, madness, anger, jealousy, physical handicaps etc. We may choose bodies with these tendencies on purpose. Our souls meld with the unborn baby and we use differing amounts of 'soul energy' to live in that body. sometimes we don't bring enough energy and we feel quite drained or overwhelmed. Our soul energy can be in more than one body, while a remainder always stays behind in the spirit realm. Newton brings out this whole world of how souls fit into human bodies that his clients described to him while under hypnosis.


Souls who are mal-adapts, who continually misuse their lives and harm others, are treated differently, but are not sent away to a place of eternal torment. They always have the option of 'getting it right'. Loving, involved counsel is mandatory (and desired) for every soul, and growth is expected but never demanded. In fact, there seem to be no demands at all; everything is voluntary and we choose the entire path that our soul takes, with suggestions from the more experienced souls in the between-life state and lots of time to consider all the options.


This outlook makes my life far more valuable to me, and has given me the courage to step out and do the things I always wanted to do. Hell, I'm 56 and going back to college. Maybe in the years I have left, I can tackle more of my issues than I ever dreamed possible.


Nighttrain, it is not too late to go after any of the great plans you talked about in another thread. Maybe that's why you've been given this curiousity about past lives to begin with!


Woodrow, it's so good to hear your story. I sure as heck don't meditate with the consistency that you do, that is a huge plus.

 

[deborah]

I think being patient is the hardest part about past life memories. One small memory can spark enthusiasm, excitement and a yearning for more. But sometimes experiences are far and few between. What do you think?

 

[liberty]

Reading past-life stories gives the impression that patience has nothing to do with it-- that most people have spontaneous experiences or reach a past life with just a few tries. Thank you for pointing this out. I've been somewhat frustrated in my attempts and decided to 'let it rest' and work on other aspects of my life for now so that I'm more receptive.

 

[Totoro]

Deborah, that's a really good point.


I too have been at it for a couple of years and I haven't had any outright memories, dreams or regressions.


But I also wanted to mention that there are tons of other clues in your own life right now that can provide you with directions to look in and are as equally valid. Following some of these clues can also in turn unlock memories.


So if you find yourself frustrated, try looking at different approaches. Consider yourself and look closer at something you've always been interested in and don't exactly know why, especially if you haven't had any (or much) exposure to it.


Music, hair styles, food, environment, personal habits, unexplained knowledge, talents or insight you may have or just anything out of the ordinary that you've always been curious about are places to start. It's also easy to get started with the internet!


In general, the more exposure you have you to things, the better you'll be able to get a feel for which direction your personal compass is point you in.


Don't give up and keep trying! We've all been through it and are still going through!

 

[Ceridwen]

...and isnt it such a shame to live in a culture that simply doesnt believe (overall....) in reincarnation.


Maybe "objective observers" could see things about me that are pointers to past lives that arent clear to me as the person concerned - in the same way that I can see (as an objective observer) some facts about other people. In a culture that "doesnt believe" its impossible to share. I would be fascinated to know if there are some aspects of me and/or my appearance that blindingly obviously indicate who/what I was in a previous life - instead of having to rely on the fact that I go into "imperious Edwardian lady" mode often enough to indicate that that is what I must have been last time round - and then promptly have to remind myself that this time round I'm pretty impoverished/yer "ordinary person in the street" mode - so I must work out other ways to handle Life than Miss/Mrs Imperious Edwardian would have used....


I know that right now I can see which era the most recent past life of some people was in:


- ie there are that I've noticed:


- one person from 1930s England


- one from 1930s America


- one from 1920s England


- one from a specific African culture (and an object lesson in not being too attached to a particular bodily feature that is regarded as highly attractive in a particular society - because the next society one incarnates in will probably regard it in a totally different light:freak. I felt very very sorry for the woman who had been an African in a previous life in that African state that regards very long necks as beautiful and wears lots of "neck collars" deliberately to elongate them even more - as the poor woman loved her long neck from that life so much that she brought it with her into this life and it looks very odd indeed in our current society). Lesson there as to never be too attached to our current appearance....as there don't seem to be ANY aspects of physical appearance that are regarded in ANY society in ANY era as being attractive and its by far the easiest option to fit in with whatever is currently regarded as "attractive" in the society one is currently in..:cool