What do you think?
Rate this book
Adventures of the Soul: Journeys Through the Physical and Spiritual Dimensions
Adventures of the Soul is a manual for anyone who has ever questioned where they come from, why they are here, and where they go after they die. Sharing his intuitive experiences of communicating with the Spirit World for the past 30 years, internationally renowned medium James Van Praagh takes you on a spiritual sojourn to discover the unique design of your very own soul and explore its various adventures as it travels between worlds. You’ll learn to open up your mind to your soul’s unbounded wisdom and gain a bigger perspective on life and a better grasp of your significant part in it.This book will further assist you in understanding and recognizing the soul lessons you came back to Earth to learn, such as sorrow, forgiveness, grief, compassion, and joy. By utilizing this knowledge, you will come to identify your soul’s intricacies and start to live a life that truly fulfills your soul’s following the path of love.This is one journey that will force you to look at life and death in a completely different light!
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
243 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
James Van Praagh
63 books295 followersHis very natural, easy-going style would lead you to believe that James Van Praagh is chatting with a friend on the telephone, not communicating messages from the grave. James is a survival evidence medium, meaning that he is able to bridge the gap between two planes of existence, that of the living and that of the dead, by providing evidential proof of life after death via detailed messages. "I'm clairsentient," he explains, "which simply means clear feeling. I feel the emotions and personalities of the deceased. I am also clairvoyant," he adds, clarifying that, "the first is feeling, the second is seeing, very much like Whoopi Goldberg in the movie, Ghost." The true essence of the messages are the feelings behind the words. James is an expert on this subject, since he has been in touch with those feelings most of his adult life. "The spirits communicate by their emotions. No words exist in the English language, or any other for that matter, which can describe the intense sensations."
Personality traits come in as well. If a person was talkative while alive, he will come through with plenty to say. James also relays physical traits and death conditions as evidence. "If I convey recognizable evidence along with even a fraction of the loving energy behind the message, I consider the reading successful."
James' public popularity began during his appearances on the NBC talk show The Other Side. The show concentrated on paranormal issues, and James became the favorite guest and resident expert on the subject of life after death. Even Howard Rosenberg, the Los Angeles Times distinguished television critic, dubbed James "spectacular".
Through the years his message of hope has touched a great many more people due to his television appearances on such shows as Oprah, Larry King Live, Dr. Phil, A&E Biography, Maury Povich, 20/20, and 48 Hours. His unique paranormal experiences during the past twenty-five years have seen him author best-selling books, create meditation programs and development videos, teach mediumship classes, conduct seminars to sold-out audiences, and produce successful television projects.
Personality traits come in as well. If a person was talkative while alive, he will come through with plenty to say. James also relays physical traits and death conditions as evidence. "If I convey recognizable evidence along with even a fraction of the loving energy behind the message, I consider the reading successful."
James' public popularity began during his appearances on the NBC talk show The Other Side. The show concentrated on paranormal issues, and James became the favorite guest and resident expert on the subject of life after death. Even Howard Rosenberg, the Los Angeles Times distinguished television critic, dubbed James "spectacular".
Through the years his message of hope has touched a great many more people due to his television appearances on such shows as Oprah, Larry King Live, Dr. Phil, A&E Biography, Maury Povich, 20/20, and 48 Hours. His unique paranormal experiences during the past twenty-five years have seen him author best-selling books, create meditation programs and development videos, teach mediumship classes, conduct seminars to sold-out audiences, and produce successful television projects.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 14, 2014
3.5
“It’s all about constructing a belief system that works for you, makes you the best person you can possible be, and encourages you to treat others with honor. There is not one correct way.” - one of my favorite quotes from this book
I had not read anything from this author before nor have I seen I'm inaction but I have heard of him, so I had some light idea what to expect. I got much more than I expected, I was overwhelmed and lost in the levels of out of body experience and remote viewing, what the soul is compared to spirit. Phew, way over my head, lost me there completely. I found him to be a little repetitive in is teaching for my taste.
I loved the Skyscraper image he offered with his levels of emotions and his control over them. I will use that in my daily awareness activities. It was comforting to read of the should we travel with, joyful to know we share so much with those around us we are unaware of. Perhaps that knowledge will have us behave better towards those who we may see again int he next life. It’s a hope from this reader at least. There are many great though provoking moments here, it’s up to the reader to pull what they re looking for out of it. I got the skyscraper and some very emotional touch points I need to consider more.
This is a hard book for me to rate. It was so unknown to me I got glassy eyed and tried to turn way from some of it. Then there where the great connection moments the connection to those around us, the history of our souls. I think I would have done better with a beginners guide or some knowledge of his work.
“It’s all about constructing a belief system that works for you, makes you the best person you can possible be, and encourages you to treat others with honor. There is not one correct way.” - one of my favorite quotes from this book
I had not read anything from this author before nor have I seen I'm inaction but I have heard of him, so I had some light idea what to expect. I got much more than I expected, I was overwhelmed and lost in the levels of out of body experience and remote viewing, what the soul is compared to spirit. Phew, way over my head, lost me there completely. I found him to be a little repetitive in is teaching for my taste.
I loved the Skyscraper image he offered with his levels of emotions and his control over them. I will use that in my daily awareness activities. It was comforting to read of the should we travel with, joyful to know we share so much with those around us we are unaware of. Perhaps that knowledge will have us behave better towards those who we may see again int he next life. It’s a hope from this reader at least. There are many great though provoking moments here, it’s up to the reader to pull what they re looking for out of it. I got the skyscraper and some very emotional touch points I need to consider more.
This is a hard book for me to rate. It was so unknown to me I got glassy eyed and tried to turn way from some of it. Then there where the great connection moments the connection to those around us, the history of our souls. I think I would have done better with a beginners guide or some knowledge of his work.
June 8, 2017
É um livro simples mas com um conteúdo surpreendente. O tema é abordado de uma maneira descomplicada e informal, parecendo apenas que estamos sentados num café a ter uma simples conversa.
Fiquei encantada com esta leitura e para quem procura as respostas para questões que estão além da nossa compreensão ao nível do senso comum, é o livro indicado.
Esta não é uma narrativa sobre relatos de a vida para além da morte é, como próprio titulo indica, um livro sobre os caminhos da alma, como ela constituída, para onde vai e de onde vem, qual o seu objectivo, como cresce e evolui. É uma leitura muito esclarecedora e que nos faz reflectir sobre o verdadeiro sentido da vida e sobre o nosso papel neste plano espiritual.
Fiquei encantada com esta leitura e para quem procura as respostas para questões que estão além da nossa compreensão ao nível do senso comum, é o livro indicado.
Esta não é uma narrativa sobre relatos de a vida para além da morte é, como próprio titulo indica, um livro sobre os caminhos da alma, como ela constituída, para onde vai e de onde vem, qual o seu objectivo, como cresce e evolui. É uma leitura muito esclarecedora e que nos faz reflectir sobre o verdadeiro sentido da vida e sobre o nosso papel neste plano espiritual.
May 30, 2015
An interesting book that reveals a lot of biographical hints about its Author. It is refreshing, because it is not a simple series of episodes of Van Praagh's programs, but rather the successful attempt to explain his philosophy and his life principles.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 30 May 2015.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 30 May 2015.
January 19, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
I have followed James Van Praagh for as long as I can remember. I must have a small library just of his writings. May I say that this is the holy spiritual James Van Praagh Bible!. This is his very best book to date. A lot of things make me go "I just had an a-ha moment of clarity" or "Now I get it!"
Many other reviewers may have already given a synopsis of the book. I would like to share some of Mr. Van Praagh's insights. He talks about our souls and what it means to be a soul and the meaning of spirit. We are all drops of GOD, each and every one of us.
He goes on to say that our lives should be about love and positive thoughts. That is the only way to vibrate at higher levels. Our souls are about love. Every thought we think have consequences. We should be mindful of what we say and do. Like attracts like.
My favorite part of his book is when he is talking about positive energy and thoughts. He goes on to say that we can manifest positive outcomes if we have to confront someone else. He says that we must listen to the little voice inside of us: our intuition. If something doesn't feel right, to trust what your gut tells you. And, lastly, I love that he explains that we can either react with love or fear. Our souls are made to love, and that is what is in heaven; only much more intense than can be explained to us in our limited human bodies.
Take it from me, the Van Praagh mavin. I have read everything I can that he has written. He not only tells us something, he makes sure that we get his point and he explains things in ways that we understand. I love this book. Like I said, this is the quintessential Van Praagh book to read. Nearly every question or unclear writing from anyone, he clears it all up in a way that we can comprehend, from the human side.
I have followed James Van Praagh for as long as I can remember. I must have a small library just of his writings. May I say that this is the holy spiritual James Van Praagh Bible!. This is his very best book to date. A lot of things make me go "I just had an a-ha moment of clarity" or "Now I get it!"
Many other reviewers may have already given a synopsis of the book. I would like to share some of Mr. Van Praagh's insights. He talks about our souls and what it means to be a soul and the meaning of spirit. We are all drops of GOD, each and every one of us.
He goes on to say that our lives should be about love and positive thoughts. That is the only way to vibrate at higher levels. Our souls are about love. Every thought we think have consequences. We should be mindful of what we say and do. Like attracts like.
My favorite part of his book is when he is talking about positive energy and thoughts. He goes on to say that we can manifest positive outcomes if we have to confront someone else. He says that we must listen to the little voice inside of us: our intuition. If something doesn't feel right, to trust what your gut tells you. And, lastly, I love that he explains that we can either react with love or fear. Our souls are made to love, and that is what is in heaven; only much more intense than can be explained to us in our limited human bodies.
Take it from me, the Van Praagh mavin. I have read everything I can that he has written. He not only tells us something, he makes sure that we get his point and he explains things in ways that we understand. I love this book. Like I said, this is the quintessential Van Praagh book to read. Nearly every question or unclear writing from anyone, he clears it all up in a way that we can comprehend, from the human side.
August 4, 2024
Dit boek is een soort handleiding voor iedereen die vragen heeft over je ziel en je geest. Over je bewustzijn, energie en de kracht van je gedachten. Wat er met je gebeurt als je doodgaat. Maar ook hoe dat nu zit met alles tussen hemel en aarde.
Hij gebruikt iets andere metaforen dan ik maar het idee wat hij duidelijk wil maken is hetzelfde. Hij ziet de ziel als een rivier die constant stroomt. Soms komt er een klein meertje waar het iets minder snel stroomt maar na een tijdje gaat het weer verder om weer bij een ander poeltje uit te komen. Er is altijd beweging. Er is altijd een doel en er is altijd een groei. De rivier kan rechtuit gaan, afbuigen maar het ultieme doel is om uiteindelijk uit te komen in de grote oceaan……het grote universum. Om als energie “thuis te komen in de bron”
Dit is een uitnodiging om op zoek te gaan naar je eigen antwoorden. Je eigen waarheid. Het is een begin van een avontuur. Het avontuur van je eigen leven. Waarbij jij degene bent die het script schrijft, de casting van de acteurs doet, de plaats van de scenes uitzoekt etc. etc. Maar je kunt natuurlijk je eigen metafoor kiezen.
je kunt ook heel makkelijk alleen de hoofdstukken lezen die je interesse hebben. Het is geen boek wat je van voor naar achteren moet lezen om het te snappen. Maar één van de belangrijkste quotes van het boek vond ik nog wel deze:
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Buddha.
Ik denk dat ik dit ook de lading dekt voor alles waar ik over blog op mijn websites. Dit is mijn waarheid maar dan zitten altijd meerdere kanten aan een verhaal. En jouw waarheid is net zo waar als mijn waarheid.
Voor meer blogs: https://theteacoach.nl/category/whats...
Hij gebruikt iets andere metaforen dan ik maar het idee wat hij duidelijk wil maken is hetzelfde. Hij ziet de ziel als een rivier die constant stroomt. Soms komt er een klein meertje waar het iets minder snel stroomt maar na een tijdje gaat het weer verder om weer bij een ander poeltje uit te komen. Er is altijd beweging. Er is altijd een doel en er is altijd een groei. De rivier kan rechtuit gaan, afbuigen maar het ultieme doel is om uiteindelijk uit te komen in de grote oceaan……het grote universum. Om als energie “thuis te komen in de bron”
Dit is een uitnodiging om op zoek te gaan naar je eigen antwoorden. Je eigen waarheid. Het is een begin van een avontuur. Het avontuur van je eigen leven. Waarbij jij degene bent die het script schrijft, de casting van de acteurs doet, de plaats van de scenes uitzoekt etc. etc. Maar je kunt natuurlijk je eigen metafoor kiezen.
je kunt ook heel makkelijk alleen de hoofdstukken lezen die je interesse hebben. Het is geen boek wat je van voor naar achteren moet lezen om het te snappen. Maar één van de belangrijkste quotes van het boek vond ik nog wel deze:
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Buddha.
Ik denk dat ik dit ook de lading dekt voor alles waar ik over blog op mijn websites. Dit is mijn waarheid maar dan zitten altijd meerdere kanten aan een verhaal. En jouw waarheid is net zo waar als mijn waarheid.
Voor meer blogs: https://theteacoach.nl/category/whats...
March 18, 2015
The title sounds inviting but there is nothing adventurous about this book and definitely not worth the read! Absolutely zero material that a spiritual reader wouldn't already know. The author should have at least added a different or unique spin of his own on this subject. I would tell my goodreads friends to pass on this one!
March 19, 2017
This was the first book I've read from James Van Pragh, and I really appreciated his straightforward, easy to understand messages. It certainly provided a lot of food for thought, and I recommend it to anyone looking to expand their view of life, death, love, connection, and the higher power (whatever you understand that higher power to be).
August 20, 2017
As soon as he mentioned "Celestial Plane," on page 8, I lost interest. Uh . . . . never heard it called that before and doesn't pass the BS test. Not one of his best books.
September 10, 2016
I've started reading "Adventures of the Soul" by James Van Praagh, got to page 13 and already had an "Aha" moment! I was so inspired I wrote a blog post which is also a bit of a book review. I'm looking forward to seeing how many more "Aha's" I'll have! I recommend this book! The post should appear in my blog feed on my author page!
On Reconnecting Back to Love!!
I'm going to be very honest and candid right now about how I became disconnected from Divine and Spirit love.
It was a gradual process brought on by very low book sales, having had no income or salary for over a year and a half, and struggling with a plummeting self worth.
I poured my heart and soul into writing On Becoming a Lemonade Maker and the first Art journalling workshop, having a sense deep within my soul that I was compelled to do it, that it was my life mission to do so.
I felt deep love for people, for humanity and for my environment.
I think I just assumed that my books would be welcomed and received wholeheartedly by people close to me and by many more people in the world. My self worth was wrapped up with this far more than I could have ever imagined.
So, when over the course of time there continued to be sluggish sales, scant reviews and low interest, it started to permeate into my soul and spirit as rejection and as proof of my lack of worth.
I've never been without an income for this extended period of time, never had my daughter pay my bills for me because of the lack of income.
***I should state here that just over a year and a half ago my daughter took a job in a town an hour and a half away, plus she works ten hour shifts, so she leaves at dawn or before and comes home at 8:30 pm or so. This means that the responsibility of childcare for three children ages nine, nine and four, fall on me. I haven't been able to work at a job because of this, hence my lack of income.
While this is perhaps noble to sacrifice to help one's family, it can take a personal toll on a person... It did on me.
I don't think that it was one particular thing, but everything together which started the unraveling of my self worth and my spirit.
I was getting depressed, feeling lower and lower, internalizing the external issues as proof of my unworthiness as a person.
My older granddaughter is starting to get hormonal and trying to flex her wings as a budding woman, in spite of her age. This is manifesting with her getting very emotional. She cries over everything. The gets angry easily. She has fits of temper and gets mouthy.
In our world of a person's self worth being so tied into how much we have, how much we earn, she holds me in low regard and displays it through her behavior towards me. This is learned behavior from her former stepmother and one or two other people on that side of her family. She was told that her mom and grandmother are stupid, don't know anything and don't have to be listened to.
When she starts her fits with me, I don't have patience for it. Somewhere along the way I lost my vast reservoir of patience and love.
Don't get me wrong. I love her very much. I just struggle to have patience with her. I raise my voice sometimes and afterwards I feel even worse about myself.
Before I wrote this book I was just a normal, regular person. I was fairly invisible.
Since writing this book, I feel a pressure to be a much better person, one who is in control of her emotions at all times, someone who has answers.
Is this pressure coming from what people say to me or is it coming from someplace deep inside of me?
No one has said anything to my face. I think it's internal.
I've always believed in walking the walk, and not just talking the talk.
Slipping down this slippery slope of low self worth has had me feeling like a hypocrite, which has been further intensifying my negative feelings about myself.
So what's changed? How am I able to write about this now?
I received a free eBook from Hay House Publishing, titled "Adventures of the Soul", by James Van Praagh.
I'm only on page 13, the chapter where the essence of he soul is explained, but already I'm feeling reconnected to my own soul and life purpose.
I feel the weight of the negative thoughts about myself lifting. I feel I have the inner strength again to do the work I need to to lift myself up again.
I feel hope returning into my spirit. I feel I'm worth more than just my present physical circumstances, even though my life hasn't yet changed.
Notice I said "yet".
I knew this truth before. We're worth far more than our physical circumstances. We have value which goes well beyond our physical senses and what we logically see.
I had forgotten this truth. I had forgotten that I had worth. I had forgotten that everything in life is temporary!
We're spirit beings living in physical bodies so we can learn soul lessons that only living a physical life can teach us.
As such, we're here only for a certain amount of time here on earth. A blink of an eye in millennia. A temporary existence.
Since our existence is temporary, our troubles are too, even though they seem immovable and permanent.
Yet, look back on your life. A year ago. Five years ago. Ten. Twenty.
Has your life always been the way it is now? No? Neither has mine!
Yet, when we're In the midst of a long term struggle, isn't it all too easy to beat ourselves up, get down on ourselves, berate our souls that we somehow deserve this?
Does it feel hopeless to see ourselves in a good light, to think that things will change because we deserve something better?
Or do you find yourself in the rabbit hole I was in, thinking that maybe they won't because we secretly have come to believe that this is all happening because we somehow deserve all the troubles and difficulties?
Well, maybe you don't think that about yourself, which is good!!
I come from a past of extreme criticism, both from my mother and from a couple churches I was in, so when I start to slide down a depressed slope, my mind still finds ways to bring those negative tapes to life.
I really thought I had worked on myself a LOT! I thought that I had left all those negative thoughts BEHIND me!
Truth is, I'm a flawed human.
I wish I were as awesome as Deepak Chopra or Wayne Dwyer. *sigh*
My self worth evidently has been much more tied into my finances and low book sales than I wanted to acknowledge or admit before.
However, I need to admit it to myself if I'm to be able to move beyond this limited self belief.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this book and seeing how many more "Aha" moments I will have, how much knowledge I will remember that I knew before, and to see where I need to grow!
Even when we think we've reached a stage where we think we should know better, we can still stumble, fumble and fall down.
I don't think these experiences are meant to keep us down. We're all here to learn and grow.
Sometimes we keep moving forward, and sometimes we don't. Standing still or moving backwards happens. It's a fact of life for many of us!
I think the trick is to reconnect with our soul and to understand that we're loved, we have value, we're here to learn and we will grow!
Some plants grow quickly and some slowly. If we're in the second category, we will grow, even if our progress takes more time than it seems to take other people around us!
When I wrote On Becoming a Lemonade Maker, it was a compilation of my life lessons. To me they were profound and difficult to learn. Other people may find those lessons easy and basic. That's okay, because I'm sure there's many people like me who struggle to learn stuff other people seem to know intrinsically.
Those lessons were so difficult for me to learn for me that I tried to take very complex ideas and write in a way which would make it easy to understand without talking down to anyone.
As you can see, I'm still learning more about life and myself. I'm learning how deeply our myths can run and the potential devastating effects it can have inside of one's spirit!
Today I've rediscovered the love... The love the universe has for me, the love I had gently nurtured inside of myself for myself, the love of my place in life.
These are hard lessons to learn because there's so much to unlearn!
The good news is that it can happen quite quickly! The work to maintain it will be there long term, but we can become changed by learning we ARE loved, and we ARE worthy!
Peace to you, and thank you for reading this all! Sending thoughts of LOVE and understanding to you!
On Reconnecting Back to Love!!
I'm going to be very honest and candid right now about how I became disconnected from Divine and Spirit love.
It was a gradual process brought on by very low book sales, having had no income or salary for over a year and a half, and struggling with a plummeting self worth.
I poured my heart and soul into writing On Becoming a Lemonade Maker and the first Art journalling workshop, having a sense deep within my soul that I was compelled to do it, that it was my life mission to do so.
I felt deep love for people, for humanity and for my environment.
I think I just assumed that my books would be welcomed and received wholeheartedly by people close to me and by many more people in the world. My self worth was wrapped up with this far more than I could have ever imagined.
So, when over the course of time there continued to be sluggish sales, scant reviews and low interest, it started to permeate into my soul and spirit as rejection and as proof of my lack of worth.
I've never been without an income for this extended period of time, never had my daughter pay my bills for me because of the lack of income.
***I should state here that just over a year and a half ago my daughter took a job in a town an hour and a half away, plus she works ten hour shifts, so she leaves at dawn or before and comes home at 8:30 pm or so. This means that the responsibility of childcare for three children ages nine, nine and four, fall on me. I haven't been able to work at a job because of this, hence my lack of income.
While this is perhaps noble to sacrifice to help one's family, it can take a personal toll on a person... It did on me.
I don't think that it was one particular thing, but everything together which started the unraveling of my self worth and my spirit.
I was getting depressed, feeling lower and lower, internalizing the external issues as proof of my unworthiness as a person.
My older granddaughter is starting to get hormonal and trying to flex her wings as a budding woman, in spite of her age. This is manifesting with her getting very emotional. She cries over everything. The gets angry easily. She has fits of temper and gets mouthy.
In our world of a person's self worth being so tied into how much we have, how much we earn, she holds me in low regard and displays it through her behavior towards me. This is learned behavior from her former stepmother and one or two other people on that side of her family. She was told that her mom and grandmother are stupid, don't know anything and don't have to be listened to.
When she starts her fits with me, I don't have patience for it. Somewhere along the way I lost my vast reservoir of patience and love.
Don't get me wrong. I love her very much. I just struggle to have patience with her. I raise my voice sometimes and afterwards I feel even worse about myself.
Before I wrote this book I was just a normal, regular person. I was fairly invisible.
Since writing this book, I feel a pressure to be a much better person, one who is in control of her emotions at all times, someone who has answers.
Is this pressure coming from what people say to me or is it coming from someplace deep inside of me?
No one has said anything to my face. I think it's internal.
I've always believed in walking the walk, and not just talking the talk.
Slipping down this slippery slope of low self worth has had me feeling like a hypocrite, which has been further intensifying my negative feelings about myself.
So what's changed? How am I able to write about this now?
I received a free eBook from Hay House Publishing, titled "Adventures of the Soul", by James Van Praagh.
I'm only on page 13, the chapter where the essence of he soul is explained, but already I'm feeling reconnected to my own soul and life purpose.
I feel the weight of the negative thoughts about myself lifting. I feel I have the inner strength again to do the work I need to to lift myself up again.
I feel hope returning into my spirit. I feel I'm worth more than just my present physical circumstances, even though my life hasn't yet changed.
Notice I said "yet".
I knew this truth before. We're worth far more than our physical circumstances. We have value which goes well beyond our physical senses and what we logically see.
I had forgotten this truth. I had forgotten that I had worth. I had forgotten that everything in life is temporary!
We're spirit beings living in physical bodies so we can learn soul lessons that only living a physical life can teach us.
As such, we're here only for a certain amount of time here on earth. A blink of an eye in millennia. A temporary existence.
Since our existence is temporary, our troubles are too, even though they seem immovable and permanent.
Yet, look back on your life. A year ago. Five years ago. Ten. Twenty.
Has your life always been the way it is now? No? Neither has mine!
Yet, when we're In the midst of a long term struggle, isn't it all too easy to beat ourselves up, get down on ourselves, berate our souls that we somehow deserve this?
Does it feel hopeless to see ourselves in a good light, to think that things will change because we deserve something better?
Or do you find yourself in the rabbit hole I was in, thinking that maybe they won't because we secretly have come to believe that this is all happening because we somehow deserve all the troubles and difficulties?
Well, maybe you don't think that about yourself, which is good!!
I come from a past of extreme criticism, both from my mother and from a couple churches I was in, so when I start to slide down a depressed slope, my mind still finds ways to bring those negative tapes to life.
I really thought I had worked on myself a LOT! I thought that I had left all those negative thoughts BEHIND me!
Truth is, I'm a flawed human.
I wish I were as awesome as Deepak Chopra or Wayne Dwyer. *sigh*
My self worth evidently has been much more tied into my finances and low book sales than I wanted to acknowledge or admit before.
However, I need to admit it to myself if I'm to be able to move beyond this limited self belief.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this book and seeing how many more "Aha" moments I will have, how much knowledge I will remember that I knew before, and to see where I need to grow!
Even when we think we've reached a stage where we think we should know better, we can still stumble, fumble and fall down.
I don't think these experiences are meant to keep us down. We're all here to learn and grow.
Sometimes we keep moving forward, and sometimes we don't. Standing still or moving backwards happens. It's a fact of life for many of us!
I think the trick is to reconnect with our soul and to understand that we're loved, we have value, we're here to learn and we will grow!
Some plants grow quickly and some slowly. If we're in the second category, we will grow, even if our progress takes more time than it seems to take other people around us!
When I wrote On Becoming a Lemonade Maker, it was a compilation of my life lessons. To me they were profound and difficult to learn. Other people may find those lessons easy and basic. That's okay, because I'm sure there's many people like me who struggle to learn stuff other people seem to know intrinsically.
Those lessons were so difficult for me to learn for me that I tried to take very complex ideas and write in a way which would make it easy to understand without talking down to anyone.
As you can see, I'm still learning more about life and myself. I'm learning how deeply our myths can run and the potential devastating effects it can have inside of one's spirit!
Today I've rediscovered the love... The love the universe has for me, the love I had gently nurtured inside of myself for myself, the love of my place in life.
These are hard lessons to learn because there's so much to unlearn!
The good news is that it can happen quite quickly! The work to maintain it will be there long term, but we can become changed by learning we ARE loved, and we ARE worthy!
Peace to you, and thank you for reading this all! Sending thoughts of LOVE and understanding to you!
March 18, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. SOUL REJOINS SPIRIT:
- When the soul rejoins Spirit, it becomes very aware of how it lived in the most recent lifetime and the impact that had on other souls.
- Your soul will have a sense of joy and peace, with a focus on service to others.
- The major fuel that gives a thought focus and energy is emotion.
- Think positively, because positive thinking is more in alignment with your soul.
2. OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCES:
- Involves a relaxed state between consciousness and sleep. Intent to leave the physical body.
- We can visit our loved ones who have made the transition, and we can seek counsel from our guides and teachers.
- The process of slipping out of your body is not painful at all.
- On the spirit side of life, there is a telepathic knowing of your upcoming return.
3. TRANSITIONING:
- You must know that no soul ever transitions alone.
- Dying patients will suddenly open their eyes, apparently feeling no pain at all, and reach out and speak to deceased loved ones.
- Many new souls will be advised by their guides to visit their funeral or memorial services as confirmation that they are indeed no longer physical.
4. LOVE:
- Evolve to our higher nature of love.
- When on earth, people could hide their thoughts and be very private about who they are, but it’s quite the opposite now in the spirit world.
- The drop of water that was their earthly awareness has been released into an infinite ocean.
- You are what you believe, and you expand and grow and evolve in your own time.
- Your thoughts and words helped and deeds have consequences.
- ACTION: Random acts of kindness such as smiling at a stranger carry more weight than attending church every day out of obligation. You change the energy field around you by keeping your thoughts high-minded and only attracting those who gravitate towards the higher vibration.
5. ADVENTURES:
- The soul's adventures are always about learning, experiencing, expanding, and evolving.
- We are the total of every past life experience we have ever had.
- Within the ethereal world, the slow-vibrating part of ourselves meets the faster-vibrating part of our souls. It is the place where the higher self resides.
- The soul is a vast network of data and information. - Through eons of time, it has learned to express itself and attempts to perfect its strengths and reduce its weaknesses.
6. BRING LOVE INTO EVERY DAY:
- The ultimate goal of reincarnation is to bring the consciousness of love and understanding into our everyday existence.
- Utilizing knowledge of past incarnations and providing rich opportunities for it to evolve and learn. Everything is a progression.
- The soul always remembers, and sometimes those memories bubble up from the subconscious to the conscious.
7. CONSEQUENCES:
- Our words and deeds belong to us, and there is no hiding from the consequences.
- Not following your soul's true desire is the biggest cosmic speedbump out there.
- Following the path of love is always your soul's true desire.
- Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.
8. RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE LESSON:
- Most of the curriculum is defined by the relationships they were experiencing on earth.
- Relationships are the cornerstones of a soul's growth and learning.
- If you’re able to look at your family dynamic objectively, that insight can reveal the book of the lessons your soul has come back to learn.
- People in your life who present the greatest challenges are usually your greatest teachers.
- The elements demonstrated to you by family members represent what you must learn about yourself.
- Heal generations and lineages of imbalance in this harmony, resulting in tremendous advancement for the soul family.
9. LEARN HOW TO LOVE CORRECTLY:
- If we make a conscious effort to be mindful every day of how we treat ourselves and others, life becomes easier.
- Partners assist us in finding within ourselves the truth that is there but maybe we haven’t taken the time to acknowledge or express it.
- We’re more in control of our lives, and we make better choices concerning how we interact with everyone in our sphere. By changing ourselves and our perspectives, we change our value systems and lifestyles.
- As we rise in vibration, all of our relationships will change because we are changing.
- Become aware and mindful of which people and situations make a strong emotional impact on you.
- The choices we make are a huge responsibility because even the little things that we do in life can impact many.
10. SELF-DISCOVERY:
- Explore the road of self-discovery.
- Align yourself with its inner truth and make a conscious effort to be mindful every single day.
- You are completely responsible for the present-day you.
- We do have control over our microworld and our choices.
- The universe will test our commitment to our decision.
- You must trust your intuition, your soul’s knowing.
- Stay mindful of your actions and become consciously aware that your power lies in the present moment. You will begin to not take things for granted. You’ll quickly see the little elements of life that bring sincere happiness and joy.
- Inner peace is your soul's voice becoming clearer.
- The more fuel you give emotion, the stronger it becomes.
- The conscious choices meld into natural ones. True wisdom comes from the soul.
- Your soul’s path is when everything seems easy. When life is full of coincidences and synchronicity instead of obstruction in roadblocks. That’s when you know you’re on the right track. A soul-filled life is being consciously aware that you’re connected to the source and trusting that events will unfold for you in divine order. Freewill always makes the best decisions.
- Positive, happy people attract positive happy people. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to your thoughts and the energy you’re giving out.
- Being joyful is essential in spiritual life.
- Being honest about who I am and listening to my soul's advice, I permit myself to make choices that are correct for me and in turn will sustain a more appealing, exciting, and soul-filled life.
- Set your intentions, and be clear. Only manifest what will bring you joy.
- Carve out a section of your day to make yourself happy. If you feed your soul, it remains healthy.
- A consequence is always the result of any action, and you can manifest the most joyful consequence possible.
- Grief, hurt, and pain are physical tools the soul can use as stepping stones to enlightenment.
- Embrace the ideas that make you the best person you can be and that allow you to treat others with kindness and respect.
ACTION:
- When a critical thought pops into your head, immediately think of something that brings you joy or laughter.
REFLECTION: review each major life choice. What motivation was behind that decision? What was the result?
1. SOUL REJOINS SPIRIT:
- When the soul rejoins Spirit, it becomes very aware of how it lived in the most recent lifetime and the impact that had on other souls.
- Your soul will have a sense of joy and peace, with a focus on service to others.
- The major fuel that gives a thought focus and energy is emotion.
- Think positively, because positive thinking is more in alignment with your soul.
2. OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCES:
- Involves a relaxed state between consciousness and sleep. Intent to leave the physical body.
- We can visit our loved ones who have made the transition, and we can seek counsel from our guides and teachers.
- The process of slipping out of your body is not painful at all.
- On the spirit side of life, there is a telepathic knowing of your upcoming return.
3. TRANSITIONING:
- You must know that no soul ever transitions alone.
- Dying patients will suddenly open their eyes, apparently feeling no pain at all, and reach out and speak to deceased loved ones.
- Many new souls will be advised by their guides to visit their funeral or memorial services as confirmation that they are indeed no longer physical.
4. LOVE:
- Evolve to our higher nature of love.
- When on earth, people could hide their thoughts and be very private about who they are, but it’s quite the opposite now in the spirit world.
- The drop of water that was their earthly awareness has been released into an infinite ocean.
- You are what you believe, and you expand and grow and evolve in your own time.
- Your thoughts and words helped and deeds have consequences.
- ACTION: Random acts of kindness such as smiling at a stranger carry more weight than attending church every day out of obligation. You change the energy field around you by keeping your thoughts high-minded and only attracting those who gravitate towards the higher vibration.
5. ADVENTURES:
- The soul's adventures are always about learning, experiencing, expanding, and evolving.
- We are the total of every past life experience we have ever had.
- Within the ethereal world, the slow-vibrating part of ourselves meets the faster-vibrating part of our souls. It is the place where the higher self resides.
- The soul is a vast network of data and information. - Through eons of time, it has learned to express itself and attempts to perfect its strengths and reduce its weaknesses.
6. BRING LOVE INTO EVERY DAY:
- The ultimate goal of reincarnation is to bring the consciousness of love and understanding into our everyday existence.
- Utilizing knowledge of past incarnations and providing rich opportunities for it to evolve and learn. Everything is a progression.
- The soul always remembers, and sometimes those memories bubble up from the subconscious to the conscious.
7. CONSEQUENCES:
- Our words and deeds belong to us, and there is no hiding from the consequences.
- Not following your soul's true desire is the biggest cosmic speedbump out there.
- Following the path of love is always your soul's true desire.
- Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.
8. RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE LESSON:
- Most of the curriculum is defined by the relationships they were experiencing on earth.
- Relationships are the cornerstones of a soul's growth and learning.
- If you’re able to look at your family dynamic objectively, that insight can reveal the book of the lessons your soul has come back to learn.
- People in your life who present the greatest challenges are usually your greatest teachers.
- The elements demonstrated to you by family members represent what you must learn about yourself.
- Heal generations and lineages of imbalance in this harmony, resulting in tremendous advancement for the soul family.
9. LEARN HOW TO LOVE CORRECTLY:
- If we make a conscious effort to be mindful every day of how we treat ourselves and others, life becomes easier.
- Partners assist us in finding within ourselves the truth that is there but maybe we haven’t taken the time to acknowledge or express it.
- We’re more in control of our lives, and we make better choices concerning how we interact with everyone in our sphere. By changing ourselves and our perspectives, we change our value systems and lifestyles.
- As we rise in vibration, all of our relationships will change because we are changing.
- Become aware and mindful of which people and situations make a strong emotional impact on you.
- The choices we make are a huge responsibility because even the little things that we do in life can impact many.
10. SELF-DISCOVERY:
- Explore the road of self-discovery.
- Align yourself with its inner truth and make a conscious effort to be mindful every single day.
- You are completely responsible for the present-day you.
- We do have control over our microworld and our choices.
- The universe will test our commitment to our decision.
- You must trust your intuition, your soul’s knowing.
- Stay mindful of your actions and become consciously aware that your power lies in the present moment. You will begin to not take things for granted. You’ll quickly see the little elements of life that bring sincere happiness and joy.
- Inner peace is your soul's voice becoming clearer.
- The more fuel you give emotion, the stronger it becomes.
- The conscious choices meld into natural ones. True wisdom comes from the soul.
- Your soul’s path is when everything seems easy. When life is full of coincidences and synchronicity instead of obstruction in roadblocks. That’s when you know you’re on the right track. A soul-filled life is being consciously aware that you’re connected to the source and trusting that events will unfold for you in divine order. Freewill always makes the best decisions.
- Positive, happy people attract positive happy people. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to your thoughts and the energy you’re giving out.
- Being joyful is essential in spiritual life.
- Being honest about who I am and listening to my soul's advice, I permit myself to make choices that are correct for me and in turn will sustain a more appealing, exciting, and soul-filled life.
- Set your intentions, and be clear. Only manifest what will bring you joy.
- Carve out a section of your day to make yourself happy. If you feed your soul, it remains healthy.
- A consequence is always the result of any action, and you can manifest the most joyful consequence possible.
- Grief, hurt, and pain are physical tools the soul can use as stepping stones to enlightenment.
- Embrace the ideas that make you the best person you can be and that allow you to treat others with kindness and respect.
ACTION:
- When a critical thought pops into your head, immediately think of something that brings you joy or laughter.
REFLECTION: review each major life choice. What motivation was behind that decision? What was the result?
February 3, 2024
Wow…. What a fantastic read. I’ve compiled some quotes and learnings to hopefully inspire someone else to pick this up-
Divine energy is the mass ocean, then poured into our human vessels. Confined and limited, but still the same water
Thoughts are real and have profound impacts on our lives
Every decision I make, is it based on fear or love?
Choices are creative expressions of our soul selves.
The creative power of the universe is within me! I shall never feel separate from it!
Wake up and sit in silence. Reflect on the comings of the day. How does my body feel? What am I preparing for? Are my thoughts positive or negative?
Set a clear positive intention - I want to be kinder today
Be steadfast and play. Assess frequently. Attitude of gratitude!
Hold onto happy thoughts and take care of your body. Create a belief system, let go of judgement and unhappy thoughts (they only weigh you down)
I am here on earth to vibrate with the energy of love!
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with god, whatever you conceive him to be,
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, surgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Desiderata, max erhmann
Divine energy is the mass ocean, then poured into our human vessels. Confined and limited, but still the same water
Thoughts are real and have profound impacts on our lives
Every decision I make, is it based on fear or love?
Choices are creative expressions of our soul selves.
The creative power of the universe is within me! I shall never feel separate from it!
Wake up and sit in silence. Reflect on the comings of the day. How does my body feel? What am I preparing for? Are my thoughts positive or negative?
Set a clear positive intention - I want to be kinder today
Be steadfast and play. Assess frequently. Attitude of gratitude!
Hold onto happy thoughts and take care of your body. Create a belief system, let go of judgement and unhappy thoughts (they only weigh you down)
I am here on earth to vibrate with the energy of love!
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with god, whatever you conceive him to be,
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, surgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Desiderata, max erhmann
March 27, 2018
Sometimes a book seems to fly off the shelf at you like it’s words are needed to be read at this very moment. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down and finished in almost one sitting.
Each page was read with care as most of the info was new to me. It left me feeling peaceful and happy for our departed loved ones and a deeper understanding of what happens to us as we leave our bodies. It also discussed the importance of our thoughts now and especially on the other side! Big Ah-ha moment for me!
The message was simple. We are all connected, and always will be as we continue to thrive for constant evolution of our lovely souls. Learn love. Share love, peace and kindness.
Each page was read with care as most of the info was new to me. It left me feeling peaceful and happy for our departed loved ones and a deeper understanding of what happens to us as we leave our bodies. It also discussed the importance of our thoughts now and especially on the other side! Big Ah-ha moment for me!
The message was simple. We are all connected, and always will be as we continue to thrive for constant evolution of our lovely souls. Learn love. Share love, peace and kindness.
December 10, 2014
A reasonably interesting book (non fiction) about various aspects of spirituality.
He covers quite a lot of topics such as Near Death Experiences, Out of body experiences (astral projection) and reincarnation. Praagh explains all these topics in an easily understandable manner, but there is not a lot of detail. Perhaps it is that I have read many similar books, and found that there was little new in this one. But if this is one of the few books you've read on psychic things, then you are bound to find it interesting.
It's a fairly short book, but does cover quite a lot: Death: The Doorway home, The Spirit world, Memories of the Soul, and your Soul's Lessons. And naturally, he does discriminate between Religions and Spirituality. If you are looking for a book on the teaching's of mainstream religions, then you will be disappointed.
I found the guided meditations at the end of the book quite helpful. These are something not easily found elsewhere, and should be of assistance to anyone applying them.
More book reviews here
http://read-all-night.blogspot.com.au/
He covers quite a lot of topics such as Near Death Experiences, Out of body experiences (astral projection) and reincarnation. Praagh explains all these topics in an easily understandable manner, but there is not a lot of detail. Perhaps it is that I have read many similar books, and found that there was little new in this one. But if this is one of the few books you've read on psychic things, then you are bound to find it interesting.
It's a fairly short book, but does cover quite a lot: Death: The Doorway home, The Spirit world, Memories of the Soul, and your Soul's Lessons. And naturally, he does discriminate between Religions and Spirituality. If you are looking for a book on the teaching's of mainstream religions, then you will be disappointed.
I found the guided meditations at the end of the book quite helpful. These are something not easily found elsewhere, and should be of assistance to anyone applying them.
More book reviews here
http://read-all-night.blogspot.com.au/
July 5, 2015
So I read about half of it one Sunday morning before service at my local Spiritualist church. It was really on with my beliefs and even confirmed so many things that I kind of thought were true, but wasn't really able to put words to it. Then I accidentally returned the book to the library and I keep wishing that I hadn't done that. It is one I would like to see available in our church library, or even use as a book club discussion group. I haven't yet read anything else by James Van Praagh, but I enjoyed his writing well enough that picking up another one of his books is certain to be in my future.
August 2, 2017
Short book but jam packed with information. The book was clear and concise and opened up the eyes of the reader to the journey of the soul and how we today can make the changes in our lives to not only feel more fulfilled in life today but also in the future. Was very enjoyable to read and had me hooked straight away.
March 17, 2020
Excellent work on the Soul and what it is. Van Praagh speaks to the reader in a calm voice about the Soul and allows each of us to understand to the best of our own ability, to make decisions as to whether to live in Joy or Fear. This is one of the first "mainstream" books to say that god is not an old man on a throne but is energy.
The guided meditations at the end of the book are very useful.
The guided meditations at the end of the book are very useful.
November 10, 2014
Good overall definitions and explanations of the soul. I personally enjoy the personal stories that are added into the book to add depth and a greater understanding. Thereby allowing to reader to feel we are "not alone" in this world or the next. Beautifully written.
April 19, 2015
This book is different than the author's previous books and he discloses this in the introduction. It is informative and is written in a format that answers people's questions on death, reincarnation and the after life.
March 14, 2015
Inspiring book that confirms my beliefs that the souls lives on after death.
July 1, 2015
Incredibly enlightening, reassuring and comforting.
December 7, 2016
A very interesting look into the other side and James an Praagh's experiences with it.
March 29, 2018
I can see already, just 21 pages in, that this is going to be amazing! 👏🏽 yay! I’ve read his previous books and I’d say this is the best one. I’m dreading the end!
July 7, 2020
I'm so glad James changed his mind about the spirits of animals being lesser than human spirit!!! After all, my God is an Orca whale.
July 15, 2017
Wow!
Thankyou James for such a compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. Written in such an easy dialogue that feels as though you were sat in front of me telling me these things. 8 years ago my mum went on her journey and last September my brother went on his journey too,both due to Alcohol addiction. I have heard from Mum many times through Mediums etc my dad has had many dream visits from her. I have heard from my Brother twice so far through Mediums. It is so nice to have an insight of what their surroundings are like now. My Brother has had counselling and has finished his reflection on his life review,my Mum is still struggling with feelings of guilt,but my Brother is now helping her through this.
Well worth reading I can't wait to try your meditations now.
Thankyou again
Thankyou James for such a compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. Written in such an easy dialogue that feels as though you were sat in front of me telling me these things. 8 years ago my mum went on her journey and last September my brother went on his journey too,both due to Alcohol addiction. I have heard from Mum many times through Mediums etc my dad has had many dream visits from her. I have heard from my Brother twice so far through Mediums. It is so nice to have an insight of what their surroundings are like now. My Brother has had counselling and has finished his reflection on his life review,my Mum is still struggling with feelings of guilt,but my Brother is now helping her through this.
Well worth reading I can't wait to try your meditations now.
Thankyou again
March 20, 2018
Le pondría dos estrellas, pero mejor le pongo tres, porque después de todo fue un regalo de la buena gente de la radio Hay, una de temas esotéricos que oigo a veces, y la que de vez en cuando me regala libros.
No es que éste no sea bueno, es que es... demasiado elemental, y al lado del otro que leí de Van Praagh, decididamente fome. Creo que podría ser adecuado para los que están recién interesándose en este tipo de temas, pero aun así encuentro que le falta espíritu, y definitivamente no sería mi elección inicial.
Muchas gracias, en todo caso, radiecita. Es lindo que regalen libros así. <3
No es que éste no sea bueno, es que es... demasiado elemental, y al lado del otro que leí de Van Praagh, decididamente fome. Creo que podría ser adecuado para los que están recién interesándose en este tipo de temas, pero aun así encuentro que le falta espíritu, y definitivamente no sería mi elección inicial.
Muchas gracias, en todo caso, radiecita. Es lindo que regalen libros así. <3
September 16, 2018
Best book Ever
I read this book one time when I had a different perspective and was more Bible based. I was really frustrated because the Bible more and more just didn't resonate with me anymore. I revisited reincarnation on youtube and pretty much always leaned towards it and think I have a partial memory of a past life. This book feels much more real and educational as well as nurturing to the soul. Second time I read this book with a new perspective and feel this book is exactly what I need to change my life for the better. Thank you, James Van Praagh!!!!!
I read this book one time when I had a different perspective and was more Bible based. I was really frustrated because the Bible more and more just didn't resonate with me anymore. I revisited reincarnation on youtube and pretty much always leaned towards it and think I have a partial memory of a past life. This book feels much more real and educational as well as nurturing to the soul. Second time I read this book with a new perspective and feel this book is exactly what I need to change my life for the better. Thank you, James Van Praagh!!!!!
July 28, 2020
I read this book years ago and picked it up again as I was grieving... it is comforting to find answers in such a time.
Approach it with an open mind: it is written by a medium, not a physicist - so expect an anecdotal and personal account, rather than an academic one. If you’re looking for a more scientific book where every theory presented is backed up and referenced, don’t waste your time.
I personally couldn’t put it down. Anyone interested in NDEs would find it especially fascinating.
Approach it with an open mind: it is written by a medium, not a physicist - so expect an anecdotal and personal account, rather than an academic one. If you’re looking for a more scientific book where every theory presented is backed up and referenced, don’t waste your time.
I personally couldn’t put it down. Anyone interested in NDEs would find it especially fascinating.
June 30, 2019
Unfortunately, there was nothing that I have not read before in other books. However, what really put me off was the "name dropping", which felt like an advertisement for Doreen Virtue and other famous people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews