Today people seem more interested in a personal search for truth and understanding than in pre-packaged, spoon-fed concepts. Those who desire an understanding of 'the scheme of things' may struggle in reconciling their thoughts with the explanations given from dogmatic faith. Individuals might seek compromise between faith and rational thought, but it is sometimes easier said than accomplished.

It's likely that the overall framework of the universe is simply beyond our comprehension. Our interest in the scope of the system is understandable because the universe is indeed wondrous. Science and religion have repeatedly attempted to define these matters but continue to reveal only a portion of the truth. How can either body define such a grand concept when our scope of knowledge is so small, and we ourselves are within and part of the whole?

It also occurred to me that the place humankind has called 'heaven' or the 'afterlife' may essentially be a neighboring dimension of reality, where our conscious identity continues to flourish after physical death.

In Western culture, the 'miracles' referenced in scripture seem to have been relegated to the past as if to imply that they were reserved exclusively for certain historical periods.

For some, reassessing concepts about truth and reality can be a scary proposition.

First, I have culled evidence that physical death is not the end of the road for any of us. I know this message is critical because I've seen people consumed by fear of death or suffering unbearable grief after losing a loved one. Some can draw into a shell, ceasing all efforts to reach their potential, or even give up on life.

Some contemporary mediums dislike the term 'psychic' because they feel it carries a negative connotation, leading people to associations with crystal balls, tea-leaf reading, fortune-telling, or other stereotypes.

People can fall into habitual programmed patterns of thinking, underpinned by long-held beliefs and blind acceptance of conventional wisdom. Lying beneath such surface thoughts are mental cues that operate on the subconscious level, compelling people to act in certain ways, yielding conclusions that fit within their pre-existing biases. Many people are unaware that these processes are even occurring.

Through discussions, reading, contemplation, and practice I've come to recognize the importance of subtle feelings and symbols. By paying attention to subtle energy, typically in the form of thoughts and feelings, we began to tap into our inner capacity to commune with those we've loved and lost, as well as other streams of consciousness and information.

Perhaps the day will come when Western science is able to confirm the existence of immaterial forces and realms. Compelling research in the field of parapsychology indirectly points to this possibility, yet most people in mainstream science can't bring themselves to consider the implications.