Touched by Eternity

Exploring Other Realms

In the Wisdom traditions associated with world religions, we find an emphasis on contact with other realms. I skirted around the edges of Wisdom for years, experiencing a resonance. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to take a deep dive into Wisdom associated with my own tradition, Christianity. Cynthia Bourgeault is one of the preeminent teachers.

In Cynthia’s book, The Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm, she writes about “… subtler energies science does not yet know how to measure but have demonstrable effect in the physical world (attention, will, prayer, love).”

The imaginal is that quality of aliveness moving through this realm … filling things with the fragrance of implicit meaning whose lines do not converge in this world alone but at a point beyond.

Cynthia Bourgeault

My major spiritual practice through the years has been what I now know is called lectio divina. I read spiritual literature and allow it to speak to me. It speaks most profoundly as I write what arises within.

At times, it is as though words that are not mine pour from the pen. In those moments, a realm beyond makes contact with me. A message emerges to take me to the next stage in my process of growth. I have years of journals containing these moments of being touched by subtler energies.  

In my memoir, I describe my most profound experience of being so touched … of being filled with the “fragrance of implicit meaning.” The remembrance of being surrounded by Divine Love continues to fortify me 23 years later.

The room seemed to shrink into a tunnel of soft radiance that surrounded my children and me. A transcendent moment, … I’m seeing my children, really seeing them for the first time. I’m in awe. I feel closer and more connected to them than ever.” 

A Long Awakening to Grace, Page 251

Transcending the Veil Between Realms

In Cynthia’s Wisdom Community, I have been intrigued by the emphasis on the 50 days between Jesus’ crucifixion, his resurrection appearances to his disciples, his ascension, and Pentecost. It is known as a “thin” time … when the veil between realms is thin.

Our search for an assisted living facility for Nicole occurred during this time. Aware that guidance from this other realm may be more easily accessed, I prayed to be attuned. The way our search unfolded left no doubt that a force greater than our own was at work.

Some of my friends speak of contact with spirit guides, family members or significant people in their lives who have passed on. That is something I have little recognition of having experienced. I decided to take steps to increase my awareness.

I created an Ancestral Wisdom Circle. I included, if I had them, pictures of significant people in my life who loved me, showed interest in my journey, guided me in my next steps, helped me believe in myself and my purpose for being here. I added notations of their role in my life, something significant they said to me … or, in the case of my granddaughter, what she meant to our family.

I also included an image representing Divine Love and of Jesus along with Mary Magdalene, the disciple who really got Jesus. She inspires me to grow into the fullness of my being.

And I placed it on the altar in my meditation room. My dearest friend, Barbara Hamilton, is prominently featured. She made her transition one year ago today in Oregon where she and her husband, Bill lived during the last seven years of their lives. Bill made his transition eighteen days after Barbara.

A Startling Touch from Another Realm 

Last week, a box from Oregon appeared on my front step. The return address label read “B. Hamilton.”  

To say that I was in startled is an understatement. I had been hoping to sense Barbara’s presence but certainly didn’t expect it to appear in such a tangible package.

Once the shock subsided, I realized the parcel came from Bonnie Hamilton, a member of Bill’s family who Barbara dearly loved. Bonnie had been my contact person during the time Barbara and Bill were making their transition.

When I opened it, I found a touching message from Bonnie and Kate, Bill’s daughter.

… we thought it was fitting to share some of Barbara’s love with you. It’s been almost a year since her passing. … but know that her kindness and support remains. As her dearest friend, I hope these remembrances bring you comfort and joy. With love

Bonnie & Kate … and I dare say, Barbara

Also enclosed were several pictures of Barbara and one of Bill’s son and daughter and their spouses and children. And a beautiful bright yellow quilt emitting Barbara’s love. I hugged it to me as tears rolled down my cheeks.

I added two of those pictures to my Ancestral Wisdom Circle.

This one I placed in my bedroom.

I greet her each morning and bid her good night as I climb into bed. I share with her my joys and my challenges … just as we did in life.

Her love … now etched with eternity.

I would love to hear of an experience you had of contact with another realm.