It's a rational life. I wouldn't give this up for anything. 

• an excerpt from the book Raymond by Sir Oliver Lodge
   

Lodge's son, Raymond, had been killed in WWI, but then communicated with his parents via psychic-mediums. The following is a message from Raymond, with the medium repeating what she hears Raymond saying:

"If you kneel down in the mud..."

Editor's note: Notice: There's real, honest mud in Summerland. See the paragraph below on gardening.

"If you kneel down in the mud, apparently you get your clothes soiled. The thing I don't understand yet is that the night doesn't follow the day here, as it did on the earth-plane. It seems to get dark sometimes, when he would like it to be dark, but the time in between light and dark is not always the same. I don't know if you think all this is a bore."

His father asks: "Do you see the stars?"

"Yes, he sees the stars. The stars seem like what they did, only he feels closer to them. Not really closer, but they look clearer; not appreciably closer, he says."

real mud and real rain

"Do you have rain?"

"Well, you can go to a place where rain is."

"He says he doesn't want to eat now. But he sees some who do; he says they have to be given something which has all the appearance of an Earth food. People here try to provide everything that is wanted…

"He wants people to realise that [life there is] just as natural as on the Earth-plane."

Raymond's corny sense of humor

Raymond, at one point, in a playful mood, a reference to his new home, gave his name as "SummerLodge!" And then, not satisfied with this corny joke, came up with "Summer R. Lodge."

"He does so want to encourage people to look forward to a life they will certainly have to enter upon, and realise that it is a rational life...

"Would you think it selfish if I say I wouldn't like to be back now? I wouldn't give this up for anything. Don't think it selfish, or that I want to be away from you all. I have still got you, because I feel you so close, closer even. I wouldn't come back [though], I wouldn't for anything that anyone could give me." ...

"We are in touch with a world of reality because we are in the outer rim of the world of illusion," he explained to his father. "We're more sure of the world of reality than you are. Father, the Spirit universe is the world of reality. Spirit and mind both belong to the world of reality."

snowed in

Editor’s note: I like nice summer days, who doesn't, and we’ll have plenty of that over there, but I once worried a bit, “what if I Iike some other climate?”

Well, for example, as Raymond said, if you want a warm summer rain, you can go to where there is rain. And guess what? If you have your heart set (as I do) on being “snowed in” at some hide-away mountain cabin, you can go to where they have that, too. They have everything in Summerland.

from Arthur Findlay’s The Way Of Life:

"Another native of Glasgow [Scotland], now in that beautiful world, told her sister [via direct-voice medium John Sloan]...

Oh, Jean, it is beautiful, and I have such a dear little cottage to stay in with a beautiful garden. I had never seen such a lovely garden before with glorious flowers of all colours, flowers that you never see on earth, and they do not fade. They bloom all the time, and, when you pick them, others just seem to come in their place. What beautiful perfumes they have, and, Jean, there is honeysuckle growing up at each side of my door, masses of it. I just wish you could see it, it is so lovely, but you will see it some day, dear. I will show it to you.

from Dr. Carl Wickland, “Gateway Of Understanding”:

“Shortly after passing from the physical life, a spirit, Mrs. H. R., sister of one of the members of our psychic circle, was brought to an understanding of her new condition while [speaking through trance-medium] Mrs. Wickland, and gave an enthusiastic description [in “real time”] of her [very] first spirit vision."

Oh, look at that picture! A beautiful walk, with beautiful flowers on each side. There are verbenas and forget-me-nots as far as you can see, then yellow daisies with black centers, and in another row white shasta daisies that come up like a wall. There are lilies, maidenhair fern, all kinds of dahlias and honeysuckle. All these make the wall on each side of the road.

verbenas and shasta daisies

Across the road is a gate which is made of three statues, a lady on each side and in the center another lady holding out her hands over the other two. The statue on one side is Love, on the other Truth, and the one holding out her hands is Wisdom - Wisdom gained through Love and Truth - the Understanding of Life beyond the Gateway. The gate is beautiful scroll work of roses. Now they open the gate and here is my sister, bringing beautiful flowers! She says, “Come with me to the everlasting home, where there is no sorrow, no sickness, only joy and happiness.” Such a beautiful home!

she was eighteen again, vibrant, wrinkle-free, beautiful - and so much more

Caroline D. Larsen, in her book, “My Travels In The Spirit World” (1927), recounts a spontaneous and unexpected out-of-body experience. Startled by the event, she now observed her mortal body lying in a bed. Attempting to make sense of what had happened, she walked out of her bedroom to the bathroom and gazed upon her astral body in the large mirror above the wash basin:

"Looking into the mirror I became aware for the first time of the astonishing transformation I had undergone. Instead of seeing a middle­-aged woman, I beheld the figure of a girl about eighteen years of age. I recognized the form and features of my girlhood. But I was now infinitely more beautiful. My face appeared as if it were chiseled out of the finest alabaster... My eyes, quite strong in the physical body, were piercingly keen now. They shone with such luster... My hair, no longer gray, was now, as in my youth, dark brown, and it fell in waves over my shoulders and down my back. And to my delight, I was dressed in the loveliest white shining garment imaginable, a sleeveless one-piece dress, cut low at the neck and reaching almost to the ankles. I looked down at my legs and saw that they were as beautiful as my arms, neck and face. I walked forward and backward before the mirror reveling in my newly­found beauty…  My joy and enthusiasm were unbounded at seeing myself so beautiful. Eagerly I drank in the glory. It was also an exhilarating sensation to be conscious of the fact that I was out of my physical body and that I lived in the astral."

Editor’s note: Ms. Larsen was granted the rare opportunity to experience her “Summerland body” before crossing over. We're already in possession. It’s a field of energy just below the surface of the mortal shell. As she discovered, the inner-body is our natural home, a natural delight to us, and - as Caroline reports - "infinitely more beautiful" than the one we struggle to maintain during our Earth-mission.

And you might wonder, where did the classy evening-gown come from? It’s a thought-projection of our truest desires, what we really like and feel good in. See more discussion below.

Do we experience time passing in Summerland?

There is much confusion on this subject. Some say there is no time in Summerland. But this assertion is just a misunderstanding. Seemingly contradictory definitions of time might be presented in a single afterlife account.

The following quotations represent channeled information via the mediumship of Mrs. J.A. Samson Lender, receiving testimony from her daughter Mrs. Effie Shirey in Summerland, published in the book “The Angels Diary and Celestion Study of Man” (1903).

Effie makes this comment:

“We paid no heed to the lapse of time; indeed, there was no time in this beautiful world. Everybody was young and there was eternity to live in.”

Now if this statement were all we had to go on we might easily be led to assume that time does not exist over there. But this is not the case at all. Within close proximity of this declaration, Effie also says:

"I wanted to stop and examine everything that I saw, but as this would require too long a time, I interested myself in taking glimpses of the things that we passed. I could not measure the time, for to spiritual eyes there was no darkness..."

"I must not take too long a time in describing the pictures, for there were many of them..."

"It seemed that I spent days in that delightful home, but there was nothing to indicate the flight of time— no weariness, no darkness, or no hunger."

"We spent many hours in the delightful home..."

"I trust that it may have many new and wonderful truths to tell you as this journal is continued at some future date."

Clearly, time flows in a somewhat normal manner in Summerland. It may seem faster or slower on occasion but one reason for this is that we don’t usually sleep or eat and there’s no nighttime over there, so it would be easy to lose track of time.

Further, as Effie herself said, because one does not become weary or fatigued but can just go on and on with an activity if that’s what you want to do, the passing hours could easily be swallowed up without one's notice. Then, too, another factor, especially in the worlds beyond Summerland, there’s a kind of “interactive environment” such that time itself becomes “elastic” offering us just the right amount of time to satisfy our desires. See this in the “holodeck” writing.

There must of necessity be time. Summerland is composed of matter, atoms and subatomic particles, and these vibrate at certain rates – and it takes time for atoms to vibrate. And it takes time to walk across a room or a flower garden. Without time, there could be no such thing as motion. Philosophers, for centuries, have pointed this out. Scientists sometimes define time as a measurement of the movement of particles, or a measurement of any motion; however, more than measurement, time is a necessary condition without which there can be no movement or change of any kind.

Statements asserting "there is no time in Summerland" are imprecise "chatterings in the marketplace" or maybe just nonsense.

We will need time as long as we travel at velocities less than the speed of light; because, for the photon, there is no time, distance, or mass. Spirit beings transporting themselves at the speed of thought might not be burdened by time, at least while “in flight,” but, for ordinary living in Summerland, time of necessity absolutely will exist.

Brother John of Glastonbury: "Our world is not an extension of the Church." 

The 500 Leslie Flint "direct voice" tape-recordings include a testimony by Brother John of Glastonbury (1393-1464 CE), a former monk during his Earth-life.

The following is from the January 12, 1966 recording:

Brother John states, in the course of his service-work, he frequently has to make trips to our troubled world. It's not pleasant for him to come here; no surprise there. He comments on the environment of Summerland, to the effect:

"Our world is not an extension of the church -- that's over. We don't live our lives continually praying and singing hymns. There is no 'great throne' with a visible deity to whom constant obeisance is offered -- that's nonsense. Our world is an extension of your world, but with greater vision. Here, we have real work and real lives that give us joy and meaningful existence."

I can't breathe, I cannot be, until you're resting here, with me

"I didn't hear you leave, I wonder how am I still here, and I don't want to move a thing, it might change my memory, Oh I am what I am, I'll do what I want, but I can't hide, and I won't go, I won't sleep, I can't breathe, I cannot be, until you're resting here, with me..." Dido
 

we wear the clothes we like and feel good in, whatever makes us happy and comfortable

The following testimony, from a fallen soldier of World War I in Summerland, was sent to his mother via psychic-medium (from “Claude’s Book”).

Those who wear white robes, along with those who continue as church-goers, are the religious traditionalists. But, in Summerland, no matter what you've heard from certain factions, there is no de rigueur dress-code supporting exclusive white-robe fashion.

Dressing one’s age loses meaning entirely in Summerland where people present themselves at their age of choice.

Instead of one’s apparel issuing as age-appropriate, how we dress over there will, or should, reflect our inner life-force, the hidden soul’s individualized sense of artistry and joie de vivre, a visual and colorized hint-of-manifestation of one’s particularized definitions of “truth, goodness, and beauty.”

Also, another good example of “wearing what you like,” Father Benson has a friend, a Native American named Radiant Wing. He works as a healer for those still on the Earth, conducts healing missions to our world accompanied by his pet, a large dog, and also teaches his healing art to anyone desiring to pick up the trade.

Radiant Wing, a cultured intellectual, is sometimes seen wearing, what is for him, a traditional tribal feathered head-dress (of humanly fabricated materials), and no one interferes in the slightest with this personal-taste embellishment.

Might there be such a thing as a “black tie” dress-code for gala events in Summerland? This could be the case. Father Benson comments that when visiting “upper management” dignitaries address the local-neighborhood crowd in an auditorium, the speakers invariably are attired in fancy robes: colorful, gilded, embroidered with precious stones. On these formal occasions, given the standard of dress-wear set by the leading figures, it would only be natural for the entire audience to reflect this touch of ceremonial decorum. However, these are somewhat rare events. Nevertheless, extrapolating from the formal event dress-code, it’s not difficult to understand that a segment of the Summerland citizenry might assume that the “proper” thing to do is to wear robes all the time. But this would be an unwarranted conclusion.

I say this because there are too many reports from Summerland indicating that it’s entirely ok to dress as you like on an “everyday” basis. When we say “dress as you like,” this freedom comes with the caveat that, whatever mode of attire one chooses, it should always conform to principles of modesty and good taste. For example, it would not be a good idea to parade oneself in very tightly fitting clothing that leaves little to the imagination; this would not be considerate to those of the opposite sex, and this does not happen in the “better neighborhoods” of Summerland. However, all this acknowledged, if you and the boy you love forever have decided to spend the afternoon on a secluded turquoise-water, pink-sand, “Blue Lagoon” beach somewhere, then, you will wear as personal desire and private occasion invite.

Intra Muros [“Within the Walls”] by Rebecca Springer (1898):

“The bright water soon bubbled and rippled several feet above my head. To my surprise and delight, I found I could not only breathe, but laugh and talk, see and hear, as naturally under the water as above it.”

"you can't catch me"

Footnote: Concerning our happy friends on the pink-sand beach, we might find them, similar to the joyous children in the movie “Blue Lagoon,” playing like dolphins in the waves.

We see them laughing and teasing with games like “you can’t catch me” and “I’ll race you.”

By the way, as we discussed in the "holodeck" article, advanced spirit persons can, if they like, manifest as children, or other outward form; and so your day on the beach, frolicking as young giddy kids, is quite possible.

In their great fun, they not only gleefully dart and swim underwater (among the colorful fish, possibly, for long periods of time), they can zip and chase around at the speed of thought. And not only in lateral movement, but with vertical displacement, as well.

Here’s Father Benson’s account on this:

"In contemplating this world of spirit we must abandon ... that idea of distance which we measure with the eye, since distance becomes annihilated by our immensely rapid means of transit ... We are not confined to keeping our feet on the ground. If we can move ourselves laterally ... by the power of our thought, we can also move ourselves vertically ... And I must say that this had never occurred to Ruth and me as yet. We were still in some ways limited by our earthly notions and habits of thought. If we could sink beneath the waters without harm, but rather with enjoyment, then, of course, we must be able to mount into the ‘air’ with the same safety and enjoyment! Ruth did not express any very keen desire to do so -- just yet! She preferred to wait, she said, until she had become more thoroughly acclimatized. I wholeheartedly shared her sentiments in the matter, which caused our good friend [Edwin] the greatest amusement."

Ruth was a little skittish about heights at the start, but she's right in there now with the best of the adventuresome.

What does this mean? It means that, when you’re playing a game of “you can’t catch me” with your friend on the beach, don’t be surprised when, in order to avoid being caught, she launches herself, even, from underwater, like a Poseidon missile, or like Supergirl, high into the sky, or even into outer space!

oh, how transparent and pure seemed the sky of living blue

The following was given by Margaret Fuller (Countess Ossoli), December 5, 1852, via the mediumship of Mrs. Elizabeth Sweet, reported in The Future Life.

Editor’s note: Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) died, with her husband and little boy, in a shipwreck. One of the Transcendentalist intellectuals of her day (with Emerson), she advocated human rights and enlightened feminism. The first American female war correspondent, Fuller wrote for Horace Greeley's New-York Tribune. Two years in Summerland, she offered this account:

This privilege of conversing with earthly friends, I have long desired to enjoy, that I might communicate a few of the spiritual experiences which have occurred to me since my departure from the flesh.

My sojourn in your sphere seems now as an indistinct dream, in comparison with the real life which I now enjoy. And I regard the raging of the elements [with the shipwreck] which freed my dearest kindred and myself from our earthly bodies, as the means of opening to us the portals of immortality.

And we beheld that we were born again—born out of the flesh into the spirit. How surprised and overjoyed was I, when I saw my new condition. The change was so sudden—so glorious—from mortality to immortality — that at first I was unable to comprehend it. From the dark waves of the ocean, cold, and overcome with fatigue and terror, I emerged into a sphere of beauty and loveliness.

How differently everything appeared! What an air of calmness and repose surrounded me! How transparent and pure seemed the sky of living blue! And how delightfully I inhaled the pure, life-giving atmosphere! A dimming mist seemed to have fallen from my eyes, so calm and so beautiful in their perfection were all things which met my view.

And then kind and loving friends approached me, with gentle words and sweet affection; and, oh, I said within my soul, surely Heaven is more truly the reality of loveliness than it was ever conceived to be on earth by the most loving hearts!

Already are my highest earthly impressions of beauty and happiness more than realized. And I now see that my most elevated ideas of truth and immortality were but faint reflections of celestial light…

Are there oceans in Summerland? - subtitled, would you like to live on a houseboat?

from Father Benson's "Life In The World Unseen, Book I"

Ruth asked Edwin a question… Was there a sea somewhere? If there were lakes and streams, then, perhaps there was an ocean? Edwin’s answer filled her with joy: Of course, there was a seaside — and a very beautiful one, too! Ruth insisted upon being conducted there at once… [We transported ourselves to the] edge of the grassland, and then the most glorious panorama of ocean spread out before us. The view was simply magnificent. Never had I expected to behold such sea. Its coloring was the most perfect reflection of the blue of the sky above, but in addition it reflected a myriad rainbow tints in every little wavelet… [And there] were the most beautiful boats… I wondered who could own these fine vessels, and Edwin told us that we could own one ourselves if we so wished.

Many of the owners lived upon them, having no other home but their boat… Edwin [who was friends with one of the boat owners] sent a message across to the owner, and in reply received an instantaneous invitation to us all. We therefore wasted no time, and we found ourselves upon the deck of this most handsome vessel, being greeted with great good cheer by our host, who immediately took us off to present us to his wife...

The principle of “setting right what once went wrong” served as theme of the hugely popular 1980s tv series, Quantum Leap. Divinity itself, Dr. Sam Beckett came to believe, orchestrated the remedial work. There is something about second chances that deeply moves all of us. We crave the make-over.

It’s said that the brain doesn’t even reach its physical growth potential until age 25; and yet, the way this world works, we’re required to enter, or stumble into, binding agreements, life-defining decisions, in high school or the early 20s. And those of us with many decades behind us mentally revisit the early years and shake our heads with chagrin: “There was no way to make it work back then, I was so young and immature, it took me most of my life just to grow up, I didn’t know what I was doing at age 18 or 23.” Lawyers would call this a voidable contract due to lack of capacity. Obviously, this world is not meant to be the place where we get what we want and need. We came here for another reason.

Happiness is elusive on this planet; truth be told, it’s impossible to find here, in any meaningful and lasting sense. There’s so much loss, so much illusion, and mistaken identity; plus, with our internal guidance systems offline, we can't see straight, and so we stagger around in the dark.  

Summerland is designed to answer this confusion. It’s where we come of age, where destiny has its day with soul-pledges fulfilled; it's where what ought to have happened, "what once went wrong" - and with whom - is finally corrected and brought to fruition.

when you arrive in Summerland, your loved ones and relatives, going back generations, will probably throw a big party to welcome you

The following is channeled information via the mediumship of Mrs. J.A. Samson Lender, receiving testimony from her daughter Mrs. Effie Shirey in Summerland, published in the book “The Angels Diary and Celestion Study of Man” (1903).

When Effie arrived in Summerland, she met her brother who suggested they go to a party, but when they got there, she had a really big surprise…

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the tropical birds, on their own island of safety and peace, enjoying their own eternal life 

from Father Benson's "Life In The World Unseen, Book I":

Edwin, Ruth, and Robert, with their hosts, take the boat out for a short cruise. They decide to explore a nearby island.

Editor's special note: I must admit, the following scene concerning the tropical birds I find to be one of the most moving in all of Benson’s reports. The image of these joyous birds, God’s creatures, “enjoying their own eternal life,” fills the soul with peace and wonder.

plumage as riot of color

We had by now approached sufficiently near to the island to be able to view it quite well, and the boat turned in her course and followed the coastline. After continuing along in this fashion for a little while, we sailed into a small bay which formed a picturesque natural harbor. The island certainly came up to our expectations in its scenic beauty.

There were not many dwellings upon it; those that were to be seen were more summerhouses than anything else. But the great feature of the place … we could see scores of the most wonderful birds, whose plumage presented a riot of color. Some of the birds were flying about, others—the larger variety—were walking majestically along the ground. But all of them were unafraid of us. They walked with us as we strolled along, and when we held up our hands, some small bird would be sure to perch upon our fingers. They seemed to know us, to know that any harm coming to them was an utter impossibility.

enjoying, as we do ours, their own eternal life

They did not require to make a constant search for food nor exercise a perpetual vigilance against what on Earth would be their natural enemies. They were, like ourselves, part of the eternal world of spirit, enjoying in their way, as we do in ours, their eternal life.

Their very existence was just another of those thousands of things that are given to us for our delight… it was [the birds’] trusting friendliness that was so delightful by comparison with the earthly birds… Here we were part of the same free world, and the understanding between the birds and ourselves was reciprocal. When we spoke to them we felt that they knew just what we were saying, and in some subtle way we seemed to know just what their thoughts were. To call to any particular bird meant that that bird understood, and it came to us. The perfect blaze of color from all the birds we could see about us was almost too much for us to take in at one visit. They were beyond description, and I shall not even attempt it.

an absolute enchanted fairyland of nature

We strolled on through delightful groves … as in an absolute fairyland of nature. We met people on the way, who called a greeting to us, or waved their hands. They were all happy among the birds. We were told that this part of the island was exclusive to the birds, and that no other form of animal life intruded upon them. Not that there was any fear or danger that they would come to harm, because that would be impossible, but because the birds were happier with their own kind. 

'their own eternal life' - part two

The following was reported in "Letters From the Spirit World,” channeled information via the mediumship of Carlyle Petersilea who accessed testimony from his father on the other side:

“… within the waters here, glide beautiful fishes — the spirits of those that have died on earth, and it is the same with our animals… nothing is crowded here and there are vast areas of space… When wild animals die on the earth, their spirits rise into great spiritual forests which… human spirits seldom or never visit ... when great sea monsters die, or smaller fish, their spirits ascend and find homes within boundless spiritual oceans. Your globe of earth, that seems so vast to you, is but a small speck, or like a grain of sand, compared to eternity and its eternal heavens… Forms come up through the material, not that they may perish, but that they may be conserved to fill eternity with beauty and intelligence — not only the intelligence of mankind, but the lesser intelligence of beasts, birds, reptiles and fishes — these forms, to Nature, are just as beautiful as is that of man.”

Editor’s note: It strikes me just now that certain ones of us, particularly drawn to the animal kingdom, might choose, while a rare opting, to live among our feathered, furry, and finned brethren on a somewhat permanent basis. No one would stop you.

And just think – the dinosaurs would be over there somewhere, too! and in far greater numbers than our familiar mammals. Why? - the “age of dinosaurs” lasted for about 200 million years but mammals have been around a mere 65 million. For the adventurous, there’s a real jurassic-park to be explored, and you can play fetch with Dino.

Does some, or all, plant life survive planet Earth and enjoy eternal existence in the next world?

Recently, during a walk in a wooded area, I encountered a few young trees that had obviously been vandalized by human agency.

Witnessing this violence to these noble floral creatures, I found myself prompted to pose the question, does plant life survive this world?

Though I’ve reviewed nearly 200 channeled books, I’ve never known anyone over there to address this issue. However...

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horse-riding in Summerland, the 2.0 upgraded software

from Excursions to the Spirit World by Frederick C. Sculthorp: "I sensed that this horse had been long in spirit and was used to the love and kindness in the thoughts of the people of this plane. To describe a ride on a spirit horse seems to call for some swift, Pegasus-like ride, but it was not so... We simply walked, and I did not wish for anything better. Sometimes I would be attracted by the beauty of a scene and, my desire being known, the horse would halt and give a half-turn so that I could dwell on it and then on again. We seemed to be of one mind. The happiness this apparently simple ride gave me is hard to describe. Every time my thoughts strayed to the horse there would be an answering thought which was an utter love for humans. I could not detect the slightest trace of 'subjection by mastery'."

the extreme delight of being known and understood as one knows oneself

An excerpt from Andrew Jackson Davis’ “Death And The Afterlife: Eight Lectures On The Summer-Land”:

"In the Summer-Land this ‘language of the heart’ is carried to an inconceivable degree of perfection. For instance, suppose you and [a lost love] should meet — you who have not met for long, lonely years… two persons, meeting face to face, meet also heart to heart, and are forever friends. On Earth it is but the hands, or eyes, or lips that touch and speak. There, it is the indescribably sweet and perfect meeting of soul with soul.

"They thus inhale and thoroughly understand each other. For the first time there sweeps through the gladdened heart the eminent satisfaction of receiving perfect appreciation through the deathless wisdom of a brother, a sister, or a [romantic] companion. Your most secret history is wordlessly told and forever known; the details of your earth-life appreciated, and with all their innumerable bearings upon the shape of your character; and so, too, are comprehended all the steps that have brought you to that position in the upper existence…

"The delightfulness of this conjunction constitutes the beautiful, glorious happiness which diversifies, gladdens, and exalts the inhabitants of the Spheres.”

from Excursions to the Spirit World by Frederick C. Sculthorp:

“There were hundreds of people here [at the social gathering] whose faces I had never seen before, yet I could not see a 'stranger'. We all 'knew' one another. I cannot attempt to explain this."

"When two sincere friends meet on a pleasant plane, each will radiate a thought of pleasure which will be received by the other. Each recipient's pleasure is therefore doubled and the returning thought is consequently doubled. This multiplication of the original thought many times and at electrical speed gives some idea of the happiness on some planes."

"There is a complete absence of 'class', 'sets' or 'cliques'. There are no critical thoughts or lionizing some to the exclusion of others. There are no sects, dogmas, or denominations with their earthly trimmings that have led to so much division and bloodshed throughout history."

I became herself...

Archdeacon Wilberforce, Letters from the Other Side:

"On this side, when I met my beloved ... I became herself - she was transformed into me. All that she knew and felt became the content of my consciousness. All that I had attempted and achieved, all that I had failed to accomplish, yet battled and struggled to complete, was known to her as no words, no thoughts even, as earth uses the terms, could have conveyed. We were one, yet individually our own very separate selves, knowing as we were known, to the full extent of each other's capacity. Capacity is the only limitation in the spiritual realms."

Compare to the following, from Excursions to the Spirit World by Frederick C. Sculthorp:

“So I concentrated my thoughts on her and simply said: ‘Come!’ After a short pause my wife suddenly appeared in the lane walking towards me. I felt very happy at the success of my telepathic call… as she came closer, I noticed that her features were exactly as they had been on earth. Then, as our auras met, there was a transformation. [Her features] were perfection. She was my same companion, but different; yet I knew her better than I had ever done before. I would have recognized her unfailingly, even with my eyes closed, because her whole life and personality were contained within her aura and I could sense the years of her companionship with me. I was also aware that she knew me better than she ever did before. There seemed to be a wonderful harmony between us, for we both uttered the same words of greeting and blessing at the same instant. After that we did not trouble to speak with our lips -- speech was too slow… we were able to exchange thoughts with unbelievable rapidity.”

mad as a box of frogs 

Mad Hatter: What a regrettably large head you have. I would very much like to hat it.

Mad Hatter: You used to be ..."muchier." You've lost your muchness.

Mad Hatter: No wonder you're late. Why, this watch is exactly two days slow.

Mad Hatter: What is the hatter with me?

Mad Hatter: Would you like a little more tea?

Alice: Well, I haven't had any yet, so I can't very well take more.

March Hare: Ah, you mean you can't very well take less.

Mad Hatter: Yes. You can always take more than nothing.

March Hare: Then you should say what you mean.

Alice: I do, at least I mean what I say, that's the same thing, you know.

Mad Hatter: Not the same thing a bit! You might just as well say that "I see what I eat" is the same thing as "I eat what I see"!

Oh, what is the hatter with you?

oh, what joy, for every girl and boy, knowing we're happy and we're safe

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus's garden in the shade, he'd let us in, knows where we've been, in his octopus's garden in the shade, I'd ask my friends to come and see, an octopus's garden with me, I'd like to be under the sea, in an octopus's garden in the shade, we would be warm below the storm in our little hideaway beneath the waves, restin' our head on the sea bed in an octopus's garden near a cave, we would sing and dance around because we know we can't be found, I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus's garden in the shade, we would shout and swim about the coral that lies beneath the waves lies beneath the ocean waves, oh, what joy, for every girl and boy, knowing we're happy and we're safe, we would be so happy you and me, no one there to tell us what to do, I'd like to be under the sea, in an octopus's garden with you, in an octopus's garden with you, in an octopus's garden with you...

Editor’s note: What a great song by Ringo. All this expresses a very deep universal yearning. Notice why the octopus lets us in – “he knows where we’ve been.” Life on planet Earth, as I’m wont to express, is more or less a disaster for everyone, but this old world is good for one thing: it's great for aversion therapy. The suffering here, for sure, will make believers out of us to appreciate a better world -- “he knows where we’ve been.”

There will be those who'll say that all this talk of Summerland sounds like a fairy tale. Yes, I understand. It’s a far cry from life down here in the trenches. But we will discover that this Earth-world, this illusion-world and dream-world, is the fairy tale, with the life to come, as they call it over there, as “the real world.”

a huge jamboree or convention at which each shares new insights and knowledge

The following was reported in "Letters From the Spirit World,” channeled information via the mediumship of Carlyle Petersilea who accessed testimony from his father Franz on the other side:

"The higher or more progressed spirits from various planets, often meet together, midway between the various planets, in immense conclaves, something after the style of an enormous camp meeting; they thus remain together for an indefinite period and those who have attained to great heights in wisdom ascend what might be called a rostrum and impart their knowledge to all the spirits there assembled.

"Now at these conclaves there are great masters in all the various branches of knowledge and whatever new law or new truth has been discovered is then and there revealed to all assembled, and when each one has imparted his knowledge to all, in this way, they break up and go their several ways…

"My dear son, you know that I have been away from you for quite a length of time; and, during my absence from you, I have attended one of these conclaves, and I never can express to you the joy and satisfaction I have experienced while there. Think, my dear son, of a vast assemblage of spiritual beings — all of the wisest and best who have lived on quite a number of different planets — meeting together and each giving to all the new truths that they have discovered — all the natural laws which they have learned more about…"

Editor’s note: In an interview published on June 3, 2005, Mike Tyson, with great candidness and honesty, offered: "My whole life has been a waste – I've been a failure." The famous athlete continued: "I just want to escape. I'm really embarrassed with myself and my life. I want to be a missionary. I think I could do that while keeping my dignity without letting people know they chased me out of the country. I want to get this part of my life over as soon as possible. In this country nothing good is going to come of me. People put me so high; I wanted to tear that image down." Summerland will be a fresh start for everyone, even for the so-called “stars” of our world. How refreshing and satisfying to be viewed simply as a human being, just like anyone else, just brothers and sisters. All the very best to Mike, and to all of us.

Brother John of Glastonbury:

"Everything here is law-and-order; and yet one is hardly conscious of the order or the law. We are ruled but are not conscious of the ruling." 

The 500 Leslie Flint "direct voice" tape-recordings include a testimony by Brother John of Glastonbury (1393-1464 AD), a former monk during his Earth-life.

The following is from the June 3, 1970 recording:

"Everything here is law-and-order; and yet one is hardly conscious of the order or the law. This may sound odd or strange but, what I’m trying to say is, though we are ruled, we are not conscious of the ruling, inasmuch as there is no one person who orders or instructs, in that sense… There are many souls who ‘organize,’ and yet the ‘organization' is such that it seems the most natural thing… There is nothing here that mars or jars. Everything here falls gently, peacefully, harmoniously, into place. It is as if you begin to see, gradually, the jig-saw puzzle of life coming into a clearer picture.”

Editor’s note: Brother John offers one of the very best short descriptions of the laissez-faire approach to regulation and government in Summerland. People follow their own inner passions and directives, their own Jeffersonian personalized “pursuit of happiness,” with very little external-authority guidance (unless they ask for advice from a Spirit Guide). Also see the following wonderful commentary from our friend Elizabeth Fry who in an audio-taped interview asserted:

"There are no actual  leaders [here] as such – we have an organization which is so subtle and yet so natural – because, a person here, for instance, does not, in a sense, ‘give orders’; we have groups of souls who do special work – but we all realize, automatically, within ourselves, what our part is, what work we have to do; and we realize that we are all interwoven, one with another – I think it is [that] we are all very conscious of this oneness of spirit. Here, no one glories in being a leader – whereas in your world [in various organizations] you do get this sort of glorification of the individual [leader]; the first thing a person must learn here, if they are to progress, is to lose this idea of self-importance." 

There are no "leaders" because we're meant to "go within" and find direction there.

Editor’s note: Online you may read for free a very large number of channeled-testimony books written during the last 150 years. I have discovered that the majority of these works represent thinking from what I call the “wrong side of the tree of life.” See extensive discussion on “the 500 tape-recorded messages from the other side” page. The information therein is required reading for anyone desiring a clearer view of how things work over there. Very briefly, there is an entire class of people whom I refer to as “the insane 500.” They’ve constructed a materialistically oriented mirror-image of Summerland, the skewed facets of which are numerous. However, concerning the “law and order” issue, “the insane 500” do not enjoy freedom in this area. This group, unlike the personal-latitude atmosphere spoken of by Brother John, is very aware that they are being ruled. For them, for example, permission is required – permits, if you will – to visit groups outside of your locale. Moreover, when you visit them, you are not allowed to dress according to your personal tastes but must conform to dress codes of the area. What’s going on with all of this “show me your papers” dystopia? The short answer is, it’s not real. It’s an alternate reality created by egos to indulge their fears. This bizzaro-world version of Summerland is more properly categorized as an “upscale suburb of hell”. You’ll want to read “the 500” article for a full treatment of this issue.

When we acquire competency in an area of knowledge, the ‘higher government’ will ask us to become teachers.

Editor’s note: The following channeled information is from Charlotte Dresser’s book, “Spirit World.” She communicates with her sister Dee on the other side via automatic writing. Charlotte asks about government in Summerland:

Dee: "The joy of acquiring knowledge is one of the delights of this life. We never tire of learning, for we love knowledge too much. It is only earth weariness that may hinder you. We learn of the stars and all the elements that compose the stars. Then all the diversified lives on the millions of planets surrounding the stars; all the products and combinations of chemical action; all the history of life from its lowest forms upward; light, electricity, sound waves, musical vibrations and the harmonies resulting therefrom; all that is beautiful in the world of art or in the world of literature…

“... the newly arrived spirit may discover the infinite variety of teaching here and may select the study most adapted to his taste … the specialty he desires most to perfect himself in … Then his fitness for a teacher is decided upon, and if he has this talent, [then] he becomes a teacher of others. There is no limit to acquisition and no limit to one's taste. Two or three specialties often go together. Mary [their mutual good friend] here has half a dozen. She uses these and still goes on acquiring other knowledge for her own pleasure.”

Charlotte: “You have some sort of government, have you not?”

Dee: "Yes, we are held to account in various ways. We receive instructions from higher intelligences, and report to them of success or failure. But there is no unreasoning tyranny, remember that. For instance, if I have a talent in some one direction, I may be asked to use that talent. Or if I need instruction in some direction, I may be asked to seek that instruction [to make myself competent]. All is meant for our development, and for our more intelligent or capable service."

Charlotte: “Then you have nothing that corresponds to our political government?”

Dee: "No, for all here is the process of development, and the best good [for all concerned] is the one thought [of motivation by anyone in a position of leadership]."

Editor’s note: In our world, in various hierarchical settings, one’s competency will almost assuredly invite attack by invidious others jealous of opportunity for private advancement. They will put you down to keep themselves higher. But in Summerland all of that gamesmanship is finally put away in favor of the greater good. How refreshing it will be to live and operate in an equitable social or work environment wherein merit makes its own way, where no one is envious, no one is working against you. Instead, and so contrary to what we're used to, you will be proactively asked to consider promotion as a teacher, when competency invites the elevation.

What are some of the occupations in Summerland?

From Charlotte Dresser’s book of channeled writings, “Spirit World”:

Dee: "To tell you anything of our occupations, you must know first that we are taught to work for others, which is the joy of life here. Then we are taught various sciences and the methods of spirit thought. We are then allowed to go to other planes and study the conditions there. We can see all the life on the different planets and work there if we choose. We are free to choose our work; but, if later we find objections, we may change. Some are teachers, some are messengers, some welcome the new arrivals, many are caring for the little children, some study the other planets, and many will go to distant worlds to learn such new conditions as may be understood.

"We are interested in the development of the processes of the mind as they act upon outward things, such as the formation of our plant life, the combination of colors, and the manufacture of fabrics. These are all mind processes, all regulated by fixed laws…

"Authors are here writing books. I mean spiritually writing them, and spiritually reading them to others… Some study chemistry as it pertains both to the material and to the invisible life. Others teach history… Then we have work for other planets … altogether away from any conditions that you know. We are in some ways more advanced than they are; in others they are superior to us…

"Many come here so strongly influenced by their earthly beliefs that they do not realize themselves as spirit at all, and have to be led in various ways to comprehend that death has separated them from the life they once knew. That is one of the things that give us occupation. Then we have many who have recently come over who are ignorant of this life and have to learn its new ways of perceiving and enjoying…

"You do not know, nor can you know, all the occupations of this life. We have given you those, or described those, more nearly resembling the occupations of earth life. But there are many, many others of which you cannot as yet form any conception.

"We are active with a freedom unknown on earth because of added powers; we are happy with a joy unknown on earth because of increased sense of appreciation, and we worship with an infinitely greater reverence because we are more in touch or communion with the divine."

What is a typical day like in Summerland?

From Charlotte Dresser’s book of channeled writings, “Spirit World”:

Charlotte: “Could you describe your own activities for one day?”

Dee: "Your breath would be taken away if I were to tell you of the speed and ease with which I accomplish a host of things. I may go to a planet with a message or lesson. I may go to a hall of learning; or drift away to some far off circle to learn of its activities; or I may be helping some mortal on earth, or receiving some newly arrived soul. All of these would not be too much to accomplish in a day here, and much more could be brought within its hours if necessary."

Charlotte: “An intimate diary of your work, and of your impressions while doing these things, would be very interesting to mortals.”

Dee: "But, you see, we do not try to keep track of what we do… Our way is to do good and forget our work as soon as possible and move on to the next duty. But do not forget that duty and pleasure are one with us."

Considerably later, possibly a year or more afterward, we spoke of their work again, asking:

Charlotte: “What have you been doing today?”

Dee: "Mary went to a circle where they were studying magnetic waves, and listened to a lecture on this subject. Then she went to hear some music in the great temple of music, and listened until her soul was filled with harmony. After that she went to a newly arrived spirit who was not finding her way perfectly, and tried to help her to realize her surroundings. And the hours sped by until she finally went to her home, and [we] had one of the dear talks and companionships which are such a blessing…

“These are just a few things. Many others came into the day … studies, journeys to the library for help and knowledge, and teachings in various ways and places."

Charlotte: “Yes, and you did not have to do up your hair and change your dress before you went to the library; and you did not have to consider the weather; and if it was a long way, you did not have to order out the automobile, or take a street car!”

Mary: "You are right! There are no obstacles in the way, and we make each day equal to half a dozen on earth."

Charlotte: “What was Dee doing?”

Mary: “She went to her children two or three times, for she has several groups under her care. Then she spent much time helping and comforting several little ones, [who had] just come over, and this is for her such a loving and lovely work. Then she went to her studies and to various lectures, and so her day passed pleasantly; and included various little occasions of going to see if you needed her and were all right. You were not well last night; but we did not worry, as we thought you would soon be better…”

Editor's note: The following is another description of a "day's" activity; channeled information via the mediumship of Mrs. J.A. Samson Lender, receiving testimony from her daughter Mrs. Effie Shirey, in Summerland, published in the book “The Angels Diary and Celestion Study of Man” (1903).

"A few hours spent with my studies, then more time in the pleasant companionship of dear friends, then a lecture or concert or the privilege of witnessing some scientific experiment … and then after this, a pleasant walk over the beautiful grounds of my home with my beloved brother, my [spirit] guide or with my own soul.

"In the latter case, I would spend a pleasant hour in reflection and companionship with my own soul. What a wonderful life it was; no time wasted, but all spent in helping the soul to grow and unfold its mighty powers. Sometimes it would be a visit to the lower spheres to help and instruct some undeveloped spirit who desired to rise, then again there would be a call to the earth plane to a scene of accident where many lives were to go out, some lives needing assistance to help them to the spirit world.

"And so my life glided along, peacefully and pleasantly, through [my first] three years of spiritual life. I have gained much - my soul has grasped many lessons of truth and wisdom, but it is only in the beginning of spiritual knowledge."

in Summerland, can your body be hurt, injured, or cut

Editor’s note: The following account is somewhat strange. Sculthorp had learned how to “astral travel” and spent many years, during his sleep time, investigating and visiting not just Summerland but the lower dark realms, as well. The following incident happened as a kind of prank. No one was hurt, but this could not have happened as a “joke,” or in any case, in Summerland but would have taken place in some lower domain. Nevertheless, it provides some good information for us concerning how our bodies work over there.

from Excursions to the Spirit World by Frederick C. Sculthorp: "I have said that the spirit body cannot be injured. I did not experiment in this direction but a demonstration was arranged by my spirit helpers. I was ... talking to a group of young men whose ages appeared to be between 23 and 25, the age usually assumed by those who have progressed in spirit [but in this case apparently not]... Suddenly one of them plunged a knife into my hand. For the moment I was startled, then I laughed as there was no pain. One of the smiling group said: 'Look at your hand'. There was a hole in the palm, and it was slowly closing through no volition on my part."

Editor’s note: Elsewhere on this page we learned from Sculthorp that, when wild animals pass to the next world, they do not immediately lose their “wildness.” This mellowing process will take some time. However, we can know that, if we wanted to play with a lion or a tiger, there would be no danger because even if we were bitten, our bodies would immediately make themselves whole.

if you were rushing to an appointment in Summerland and, in this haste, were about to bump into someone, what would happen 

from Excursions to the Spirit World by Frederick C. Sculthorp: He could visit only briefly in the next world via astral traveling and wanted to see his wife who was getting off work from her hospital job.

"I felt impatient, as I am always aware of the limited time of a projection, and time was growing short... Quickly I ran to the hospital, through the entrance and up some stairs, and as I turned a corner I ran headlong into a group of people coming down. There was no shock or collision. I felt as if I had hit a soft cushion of air, and was diverted around the group. The group continued on but I stopped in surprise. I had in an instant contacted the minds of the group, they were hospital workers going off duty, but I could not understand this strange happening. My teacher then impressed upon me - as far as I was able to understand, that the spirit body is electrical, and is surrounded by a zone or [force]field, like a magnetic field, which automatically repels. This repulsion is neutralized when the mind desires to touch or grasp."

there are no accidental collisions in Summerland

Notice how the spirit-body emits an electrical force-field averting any unwanted impingements. This is also very interesting in terms of common physics. We’re informed that all material objects will seem hard to the touch because of the electrical force-fields of atoms. We know that a table is composed of atomic entities which, upon further reduction, dissolve into a nothingness. But the table, nevertheless, seems hard to us because of the electrical fields surrounding it which automatically repel a touching hand.

in Summerland, 'it really is whatever we want it to be'

The following was sent to me by WG reader Melissa M. who received a message from her recently departed mother via the mediumistic abilities of Susan Reich.

"She [the medium] definitely was communicating with my mom. Said some very spot on things! By the way, mom stated she never knew 'it really is whatever we want it to be,' and the idea of [seven] levels is wrong, and that 'there’s no bs' over there. 'We see right through to people’s real soul'."

No more hiding behind false smiles, faux platitudes, and fake news.

when you study chemistry in the next world, you'll be able to see actual atoms and electrons

The following channeled information from the other side is recorded in Charlotte Dresser’s book, “Spirit World.” We learn that chemistry students, a little more advanced than Summerland dwellers, are able to view atomic particles:

Charlotte’s friend Mary is speaking on the other side:

"We in this circle [of enquiry and study] are not yet advanced enough to deal with atoms and electrons, or to watch their motions. Other planes have done this and are busy explaining the existence and movements and powers of the electrons… The electrons are the nearest approach to spirit of anything pertaining at all to matter. They are etherealized to such a degree as to be almost pure spirit; yet when they are surrounded by material forces they obey those laws.

“They may belong to either the seen or the unseen world. When connected with matter they become part of the material atom; when used by spirit they lose all material attractions and become amenable to spirit control."

"Try to conceive of thoughts as formative processes in themselves, and in dealing with the material used, are all-powerful to build from that material. The electrons are the material, and thought can attract, distribute, or segregate these minute particles as desired."

All this is very instructive to us. Compare the highlighted items to the comments of Heisenberg and his discovery that the atom has no form as such; or the findings of the Double-Slit experiment concerning the role of an observing consciousness.

I found these observations by Mary on the other side particularly interesting as I had wondered about these very things and had concluded that light and the electron, with their seemingly dual natures, sometimes acting like waves, sometimes like particulate matter, have “one foot” in the spirit world and the other in this 3-D plane. It seems that this view is correct.

The Astral Plane: Its Scenery, Inhabitants, and Phenomena (1900), by C.W. Leadbeater: “We must note first that every material object, every particle even, has its astral counterpart; and this counterpart is itself not a simple body, but is usually extremely complex, composed of various kinds of astral matter...

microscopic vision, just like Superboy

"[Concerning] physical matter when looked at from the astral plane, [with] the higher vision when fully developed, possesses the power of magnifying at will the minutest physical particle to any desired size, as though by a microscope, though its magnifying power is enormously greater than that of any microscope ever made or ever likely to be made. The hypothetical molecule and atom postulated by science are visible realities … more complex in their nature than the scientific man has yet discovered them to be. Here again is a vast field of study of absorbing interest to which a whole volume might readily be devoted … new vistas of knowledge needing more than a lifetime for their thorough examination.”

from Excursions to the Spirit World by Frederick C. Sculthorp: "Looking at an ordinary brick wall in spirit once, I could see every grain in the mortar and the rough surface of the bricks, and it was, I thought, rather beautiful."

"I noticed miles away two figures seated on a grassy knoll. As my interest focused on them, so did the automatic power of telescopic sight gradually increase and I saw two people seated side-by- side. I then saw that one was a man, an Indian, very splendidly dressed … By his side sat a lady with beautiful features and typically Indian, who was also dressed in white and there was some flimsy silken material draped over one side of her head and face. I knew she was his wife and I could even see the small mark on her forehead… This remarkable faculty which enables one to see details at such a distance, and in this case sense the personality, without even moving from a position, is like telepathy, quite easy and natural in the spirit world."

See C.W. Leadbeater's report (below) for another account of an ability to witness the existence of sub-atomic particles.

Editor’s note: Elsewhere I've stated that if one finds oneself in a dark place upon crossing over, not to worry, we can leave the very same say - yes, the same day. So let's not obssess about this.

However, it should be pointed out, strange to say, that many do not want to leave dark detention. Many will linger in a dark place for months or years; and, in hard-core cases, they may settle in for decades or even centuries.

Why do they insist upon suffering?

There is a companion article which discusses this phenomenon in some detail. All of us have friends and relatives who’ve ended up in a dark place and, in many cases, do not know how to get out; and sometimes they don’t want to. We might be able to help them.

See the lengthy discussion on the “Sensibility: 1-Minute” page.

READ

oh, what joy, for every girl and boy, no one there to tell us what to do

we'd sing and dance around, because we know we can't be found

I'd like to be under the sea, in an octopus's garden with you, in an octopus's garden with you, in an octopus's garden with you...

Editor's note: also see my article on "authority."

from the book, “The Power Of Myth,”
a discussion with Dr. Joseph Campbell 

Campbell: The shaman is a person, male or female, who has an overwhelming psychological experience that turns him totally inward [that is, to a realization of inner mystical energies; which all persons possess, but few are in tune with]. The whole unconscious opens up, and the shaman falls into it. Descriptions of this shaman experience are found all the way from Siberia right through the Americas down to Tierra del Fuego.

Bill Moyers: There’s a sense of ecstasy, isn’t there, in this experience?

Campbell: As reported, it’s always of ecstasy… [This breakthrough can happen, unexpectedly, to anyone. When] it comes… bang! - it’s like that.

Moyers: And the one who had this psychological experience, this traumatic experience, this ecstasy, would become the interpreter for others of things not seen.

Campbell: … yes.

READ MORE

you can put down roots in Summerland, with no need to move again; travel the universe as you like, but why not return to a home-base of peace and rejuvenation

Life In Two Spheres, or Scenes in the Summerland, by Hudson Tuttle, channeled testimony from the other side. The speaker of the following is known as "the ancient Sage," a resident of Summerland, it seems, for nearly 3000 years:

The Sage: “This [world of Summerland] is the home of the spirit. I stay here [in my house and gardens] but a small portion of my time; the other portion I am visiting other groups. You will do likewise; but when weary with activity, it is pleasant to return to this retreat."

Question: "I am then to choose a locality and call it home?"

The Sage: "That is as you please. When on Earth you did so. Then you might have been a rover without a fixed habitation. The same applies here. You have a choice. This spot is my selection, and it is home to me.”

These comments by “the Sage” are of special interest to me. For some years, with so much talk, within certain dysfunctional circles, of attempting to advance, in a spirit of elitism, to so-called higher worlds with prettier flowers and greener grass, I felt iconoclastic to suggest that I might want to remain on my small farm, with my animals, in Summerland, indefinitely.

Why not have a home-base of operations? Why uproot oneself? One will have the ability to be anywhere in the universe at the speed of thought, and so why not “put down roots” in a familiar, comfortable, setting, a "retreat," wherein one might center oneself after work, parties, study, travels, and service. With this in mind, I was particularly gratified to read of “the Sage’s” similar thoughts as he further asserted,

"How can we become exalted in the spheres?" that is, how can mere change of address elevate one's spirit?

"He who seeks exaltation for its own sake will be debased" - as Chief Black Hawk warned (see on the "Summerland" page), one cannot work for spiritual advancement like earning a merit badge.

***************************

Robert James Lees was a famous London psychic-medium of the latter 1800s. He was involved in solving the Jack The Ripper case and claimed to know the identity of the sought-for criminal. Lees wrote a trilogy, the first of which, “Through The Mists” (1898), offers excellent information concerning Summerland. I praise him because, unlike so many reporters who are part of a dysfunctional group over there (see “the 500 tape-recorded messages from the other side” writing), Lees gets it right on many points of natural law. I offer the foregoing as credential of credibility regarding the following reference from his book.

He informs us of a man named Cushna, on the other side since the days of early Egypt – this could mean 10,000 years of residence in Summerland. Cushna, as revealed in Lees' book, exhibits qualities of the perfect gentleman, the perfect servant, the perfect friend. We take note that he has remained in Summerland to provide a service to dark-realm les miserables, has seemingly put down roots in Summerland, with no need to move on to purported upscale real estate in some other world.

in the spirit world, the truth ‘is the only important thing, and the search after it is the principle and most fascinating occupation’

In his investigations of famous psychic-mediums, Michael Tymn reports that other-side entities were asked the question, why do spirit-persons sometimes produce “carnival” effects such as lights, object levitation, rappings and the like. The answer was given that “these are the means best adapted to reach the materialist,” but such sensationalism was grudgingly allowed and not of primary interest to those in the astral realms.

Rather, it is the intent of spirit persons “to convince the world of the existence of the invisible universe, in which and by which alone all things subsist… To the spirit world, Truth is [like] an actual entity, and it is the only important thing, and the search after it is the principle and most fascinating occupation of spirits. Truth is not measured, as to its value, by the same criteria as men measure it; that is, not by money utility, but by its ability to make spirits and men more happy by adding to their means of enjoyment.”

It should be noted that the next dimensions are inhabited by people of all sorts of mental disposition, not all of which is noble or commendable. The desire to make known the higher elements of the spirit world would be shared only by more advanced persons. Nevertheless, in the above quotation we see what the healthy mind inclines toward.

Father Benson informs us that many in Summerland study music and chemistry for the particular enjoyment that these might provide; however, he went on to say that music and chemistry are also chosen as favorites in that these subjects provide special insight into the nature of things, that is, the Truth.

What would happen if you did something foolish and unwise in Summerland? 

The following testimony, from a fallen soldier of World War I in Summerland, was sent to his mother via psychic-medium (from “Claude’s Book”).

Claude asks his Guide what would happen, now that's he's in Summerland, if he did something foolish or in bad taste. The Guide responds:

"You will not [do such-and-such boorish activity] - that would be foolish; and if you were foolish you would not [even] be here, as each man earns his environment by his conduct. By the working of the natural law you gravitate to the place for which you are suited; what is within you draws you automatically [to wherever you reside in the astral realms, to pleasant or unpleasant environment]."

Editor's note: I like this answer. If your own internal energies allow you into Summerland, then, not to worry, you're good to go, you'll be staying, so unpack your bags.

The following testimony from Summerland, a tape-recorded account, was facilitated by the direct-voice mediumship of Leslie Flint. His work was featured in the article “500 tape-recorded messages from the other side.”

what to do if you want a cup of tea

Rose, the once-illiterate London flower-seller: “I don't feel the urge to eat. I did when I first came here, but it was mostly fruit and that sort of thing that one had, but I suppose it is that, as you lose your desire for something, you realize it isn't so important, and then it ceases to exist for you. But I was one for my cup of tea, and I still like it and have it. Now I suppose people will say, where do you get your tea from? Do you get it from some place on your side? Well, of course, it must come from some place on this side, so it must be grown, and it must be sort of made, mustn't it?"

George Woods, assistant to Leslie Flint: “How do you get it? Do you sort of think you want a cup of tea, and you get it?”

Rose: “Well, it's a funny thing, you know. I'm not conscious ... I don't go into a kitchen and put a kettle on, and make myself a cup of tea in that sense. But if I feel the need for a cup of tea, now all I can say is, that it's there.”

Woods: “Well, that's very nice.”

Rose: “Of course, some people say, and even people over here, they've said that it's not a reality. It's only because I think it's necessary I have it, and that it's made possible. But when I lose the desire for a cup of tea, which I've been used to having all my life, it will no longer exist for me.”

is it possible to feel lonely in Summerland 

Editor's note: The following is channeled testimony featured on the "Dark Realms" page:

Later, after his journeys through hell had been completed, and now, with a much higher spirituality having been attained, Franchezzo entered Summerland and enjoyed a beautiful home -- much of it covered in roses and honeysuckle -- picturesquely situated on a hilltop, overlooking a placid lake. But something, or someone, was missing from this happy tranquility:

"Shall I confess that even in that beautiful home there were times when I felt lonely? I had this home, earned by myself, but, as yet, I had no one to share it with..."

Bobby Tracey, a five year-old, talks about his life in Summerland: "We have nice chairs and carpets."

The 500 Leslie Flint "direct voice" tape-recordings include a testimony by a young boy, Bobby Tracey. I offer it here for many reasons but mainly for a small "ordinary" detail about his life there: they have "nice chairs and carpets" in Summerland -- with no floating on pink clouds.

This little fellow informs us that he goes to school, plays games, learns geography and history. Bobby lives with his mom (no longer on the Earth). He says he doesn't know how he died, how he got there, but he has a lot of friends now, and he plays cricket, has a nice garden, and likes to play with his animals, a dog, a cat, and a horse.

"I'm a very good boy," he beams, "everyone tells me." He would have us know that he wears short trousers, swims in a river, and a nice man takes him and other children for rides on a boat. They all go to an island for fun.

And Bobby is learning how to draw. And he knows that his dad, still on Earth, “has another lady” now. His one protest, however, is that "they won't let me have soldier toys."

Bobby says he wants to be a school teacher when he grows up. “Everybody is kind here,” and "you can help people better on this side, and you'll be young over here," too.  And, oh, yes, "sometimes I eat an apple," he just wanted us know. [smile]

children in Summerland are not little saints running around with halos; kids are still kids, and need guidance as they did on Earth

You may have noticed little Bobby’s complaint - "they won't let me have soldier toys." With this, we discern that children in the astral realms are not only taught, but still require teaching, that a glorification of war and violence is not a good way of thinking or playing. In the article on “Evil” we discussed how immature minds are impressed with brute force.

War is a great evil, however, in our world it's often the lesser evil. It's a harsh necessity at times because there are many insane people on the planet who would kill you as easily as look at you, if they could get away with it. And if they were not stopped, the rest of us would live under brutal jackboot oppression without end. George Orwell explained it to us:

Some of these wayward live on the lowest levels of consciousness and cannot be reasoned with. It’s serious business. And immature children require a guiding influence instructing that spilling the blood of the recalcitrant is not to be hubristically enacted in play. No, it's not fun, little Bobby.

I was a fan of Sliders; still am, really; at least, the first half of the series, before politics at the network caused key members of the cast to fall away. In those early episodes, there was more emphasis on the wonder of science, on the subtleties of what a parallel universe might mean – the hinge on the front gate that didn’t squeak – but, later on, the network wanted “sex and violence” and that ruined everything; though I own the complete series, I’ve never bothered to watch the last two seasons, that’s how terrible it became. However, in those early days, what I liked most, I think, was the camaraderie of the foursome. Frequently, they would call attention to the spirit of their bond, "we work together as a team, more like a family, and we would never leave anyone behind."

Allow me to digress a moment to speak of an ideal: Wouldn’t it be great to have a friend whom you could call anytime you wanted company or truly needed something? We’ve witnessed this kind of amity, it seems, only in the movies. In our day-to-day world, even if you have a good friend, everyone’s so busy that, oftentimes, even a phone call is an intrusion. Life was not meant to be that way, and I think our coming lives in Summerland, the “real world,” will enjoy a degree of satisfying friendship that’s always eluded us.

There's evidence to be hopeful. In Father Benson’s Life In The World Unseen he speaks of Edwin, Ruth, and himself working together as a de-programming team, helping new arrivals overcome the effects of cultish organizations of our world. They chose to work together because they were very good friends and just wanted to be together more often. Elizabeth Fry, whom I’ve often referenced, also speaks of being part of a service group, the members of which are very closely bonded in warm relationship.

I thought about these service groups, and I’m sure that it will be wonderful to work with good friends; but it occurred to me – what about other projects for which friends might ally themselves? What about fun things? The Sliders group is a good model. What about a group of friends in Summerland who devote themselves to high adventure? We already know, as per testimonies of Spirit Guides, that space exploration as recreation and education is very popular there. It seems it would only be natural for a small group of friends, like the Sliders band, to investigate other civilizations across the cosmos. Also, why not come together as friends to attend university or to become proficient at music?

Editor’s note: My university days were so fraught with crisis, my thoughts in such upheaval and burdened with serious matters, that I didn’t have time, or inclination, to have much fun. I want to attend university again in Summerland, for a lot of reasons, many subjects to enter more deeply, but it’s not lost upon me that, this time, I want to have fun, and to experience it with very good friends.

There are many possibilities. It’s hard for us right now to really imagine ourselves free of the stultifying atmosphere of the Earth-plane, but a new world awaits us, with a new life-style, and part of that new way offers the joy of spending as much time together with good friends as we like.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be part of a close-knit group of friends, who always had your back, whom you could count on as you go through eternal life together, with all of you living by an ethos of "we work together as a team, more like a family, and we would never leave anyone behind."

Chief Black Hawk warns that the thrill of the buffalo hunt just isn’t the same in Summerland

Wikipedia: Chief “Black Hawk (1767 – 1838) was a … leader and warrior of the Sauk American Indian tribe… Although he had inherited an important historic sacred bundle from his father, he was not a hereditary civil chief. Black Hawk earned his status as a war chief … by his actions: leading raiding and war parties as a young man, and a band of Sauk warriors during the Black Hawk War of 1832 [at age 65].”

The following other-side testimony is from CD #8 of the Spirit-Guide Abu taped-lecture series.

I always like the way Chief Black Hawk makes entrance to the teaching sessions: "Greetings white brother and white sister." In his humble salutation, we are stung with remorse in realization of all that we lost by not honoring the rights of the Native Americans.

From time to time, Black Hawk made guest appearances in a forum led by Guide Abu. On one occasion he answered a question about how people live their daily lives in Summerland. He begins by referencing his own people:

hunt-shoot-kill, buffalo gone, no use

Young brave [as new-arrival in Summerland has] no desire to develop spiritual quality. Red man has habit on Earth to hunt and chase buffalo; to fight; to worship – in Earth way. Red man [crossing over to] spirit world, for a little while, has plenty buffalo, has plenty bow and arrow – buffalo fall dead, first shot. Very good hunter. Very pleased with self – for a while. Not [interested in] developing spiritual quality, merely bring over Earth habit. Young brave, young squaw ... [will] do in spirit [world] ... in [the] beginning, what you like, in Earthly sense – to travel, to visit, to see Earth sites … a little later, whole attitude begin to change. Hunt-shoot-kill, buffalo gone, no use. All [desires in Summerland] come, as you wish. The spirit of Red man, White man, [it] matters not, is not content, has everything [he wants], too easy. Wait for a little while, perhaps, a few Earth years, in [this] magic world, you call – the modern phrase – a world of “wish fulfillment.” But, after a while, spirit [person] realizes, “too easy.” And slowly the desire to do Earth things begins to fade. At the same time, [the human] spirit becomes more and more aware of [surrounding] spirit conditions, of other spirit dwellers, of need for service, for loving [good works] – on spirit plane, on Earth plane, below Earth plane [i.e., the Dark Realms] – you, my brother, will know [to] aid and help those in trouble and difficulty. And so, the mind of [a new arrival in Summerland] slowly, gradually turns toward loving, helping, useful work; which, in the doing, will raise spirit vibrations; so that the [new arrival] upon spirit planes shall turn attention in such direction [to good works] and not consider solely self… Those on lower levels need a helping hand to climb out. But, it’s not all work [in Summerland]; plenty time play, plenty time enjoy, plenty time learn – so much all the time to learn…

Editor’s note: Disillusionment with material things is part of a natural process of spiritual maturation. Notice how the Chief says that we are led, with small steps ("slowly, gradually turns"), to an awareness of service orientation. In another article I called this awakening to altruism a desire to become a “laborer in God’s harvest fields.”

you can't earn your spirituality like working for a merit badge or a good grade on a test

[and in all this learning, we become spiritually minded and advance; however -- and here Spirit-Guide Abu will] support Black Hawk – not by saying, “now I go to hard work and endeavor to climb the ladder [of spiritual advancement] very quickly.” [Anyone who tries this way to evolvement, by human effort alone,] will not achieve [spiritual success]. Spirit world is not like Earth world [of competition and mere effort, where you] can take a book, and study, and remember, and [exclaim] at examination, “I have learned this, I have learned that,” and now I earn a medal and a “big mark” and succeed in Earth terms. Not so in spirit, not so. Not by effort will spiritual qualities be developed… [you] cannot “pass examination” to [advance yourself].

Chief Black Hawk, now on the other side for nearly 200 years, explains the normal “growing pains” of a typical new resident of Summerland. In the beginning, if we know nothing about how things work over there, we will try to re-create what we knew on Earth; and no one will stop us. If we felt macho on a buffalo hunt, then we can try to do that again – until it doesn’t work for us anymore. See the discussion in the "Prometheus" book on primitive peoples in Summerland who eventually leave their campfires.

Disillusionment with traditional modes of living is meant to lead us to higher, broader planes of thought. However, some get stuck on lower levels. For them, a sense of discontentment, which should be mere passing phase, as the Chief suggests, settles in as a hardened way of looking at life. In this dysfunctional state, nothing is ever enough, and people want "more and more" – this is the pathological frame of mind suffered by the “insane 500."

Effort is required to grow spiritually, but it's more like "relaxing into" the advancement. But, as Black Hawk advises, it is not the effort per se that advances us. We already have the life within, and so there’s no need to huff-and-puff our way toward acquiring it. We just have to learn to open our eyes to what we were given. Please review the four articles on the nature of spirituality for further discussion.

Editor's special note: Chief Black Hawk is not speaking hypothetically. There are multiple millions in Summerland who do believe that they can huff-and-puff and pull themselves up. As the Chief says, we get it wrong by saying, “now I go to hard work and endeavor to climb the ladder [of spiritual advancement] very quickly.” [Anyone who tries this way to evolvement, by human effort alone,] will not achieve [authentic spiritual success].” It’s rather amazing. There are millions over there who do say “now I go to hard work to climb the ladder very quickly.” With some, they hardly say anything else; no exaggeration. I won’t mention names, but there are many channeled testimonies, whole books of this, and, virtually, on every page, all they talk about is “who’s on what level, how long did it take them to get there, I plan to earn my way to the seventh level in only two years, she’s so advanced because she made it very high, very fast.” All of this reminds me of multi-level marketing organizations with the constant chatter about who’s “going Diamond, I’m only on the Bronze level.” This is not spirituality, but millions are convinced that it is.

Father Benson, Life In The World Unseen: “God is no nearer to us in the [purportedly ‘higher’] spirit world than He is to us in the Earth world, it is we who are nearer to Him, because, among other things, we can see more clearly the Divine Hand in this world, and the expression of His Mind.” Yes, that’s it exactly – we will be nearer to God not when we climb a ladder to a higher world but when our own minds are better attuned to Divinity; whether on Earth or in Summerland, or anywhere.

Chief Black Hawk and the better teachers are not impressed with this gamesmanship. It’s just the same old ego dysfunction wrapped in godtalk, just constant wanting and needing and never being content. See "the 500 tape-recorded messages from the other side" article for much discussion on this issue.

educational programs for children in Summerland reflect highest-level pedagogical philosophy, far superseding that of the earth

All of this is a very large subject and can only be mentioned in briefest outline. I begin to speak of some of this on the “Reading” page.

So much of so-called education in our world does more harm than good. There’s too much emphasis on memory work and reciting the “right answer,” and too little concern for encouraging a love of learning, creativity, and clear thinking. After experiencing the stultifying gauntlet of our schools, most students swear-off reading and studying for the remainder of their lives, having been forever inoculated against academic enquiry.

all men by nature desire to know

I say “so-called education” because the word “education,” far from inculcation, literally means “to draw out,” that is, from the depths of one’s inner person, a natural love of investigating the mysteries of life and the universe. As Aristotle said, there is much pleasure in the pursuit of knowledge. Consider his opening statement in his Metaphysics:

“All men by nature desire to know. An indication of this is the delight we take in the senses; for even apart from their usefulness they are loved for themselves.”

But who thinks of such high-mindedness in most politicized schools today where preparing for the next standardized test is what’s most important.

Again, all of this is a very large subject, and I would direct you to a lengthy discourse on educational systems in Summerland to be found near the bottom of the “Clarice” page. See discussion there on how an elementary school teacher in Summerland designs a day’s program around a single blade of grass.

Why would a teacher do this? The answer relates to a “circle of learning,” a “circle of knowledge.” The origin of the word “encyclopedia” captures the sense. We see the root idea of “circle” in this word. This means that all knowledge is connected, and a good teacher can use any item of knowledge – a blade of grass, for example – as a starting point which might lead to connecting insights concerning, math, physics, chemistry, biology, literature, art, or anything else to be mentioned.

There’s no magic in the blade of grass. The skillful teacher will use any item of interest to the child, ones that are familiar to a young student. It’s building from “the known to the unknown.”

Children in Summerland do not remain in a school system for a particular set of years, like a prison sentence. Instead, each child, while often part of group-learning, is taught individually, with lesson plans custom-crafted to the child’s particular talents and interests.

After basics are learned, the student will remain in a structured learning environment only until internal “fires” of knowledge acquisition are well burning. Once the child personally experiences the thrill of knowledge discovery, you’re all done. You can now stand on your own and receive the delights of a universe of perpetual learning, the enjoyment of new insights, the adventure and happiness of piercing the fog of mysteries -- discovering "the truth" -- for unending times to come.

This is the education of a "free" person; and this is what "liberal arts" really refers to, the education of one meant to live a life of freedom with clear thinking.

For many in our world, it’s been so long since we’ve felt good, we can’t even remember what “good” feels like. But soon it won't be that way.

The following is Robert Benson’s channeled testimony from the other side, “Life In The World Unseen.” He's just arrived, and is gathering his energy. And it feels so strange to him just to feel good...

I'm alive!

“Making myself comfortable upon a couch, I sank into a delightful state of semi-sleep, in which I was fully conscious of my surroundings, yet at the same time I could feel a down pouring of new energy, which coursed through my whole being. I could feel myself becoming, as it were, lighter, with the last traces of the old earth conditions being driven away forever. How long I remained in this pleasant state, I have no knowledge, but eventually I fell into a gentle slumber from which I awoke in that state of health which in the spirit world is perfect…

supreme vitality, well-being

It is impossible to convey, even in a small measure, this exquisite feeling of supreme vitality and well-being. When we are living upon the earth-plane, we are constantly being reminded of our physical bodies in a variety of ways - by cold or heat, by discomfort, by fatigue, by minor illnesses, and by countless other means. Here we labour under no such disabilities… In the realm of which I am now speaking, all is exactly attuned to its inhabitants - its temperature, its landscape, its many dwellings, the waters of the rivers and streams, and, most important of all, the inhabitants one with another. There is therefore nothing [here] that can possibly create any unhappiness, unpleasantness, or discomfort. We can completely forget our bodies and allow our minds to have free play, and, through our minds, we can enjoy the thousands of delights that the same minds have helped to build up. At times we may feel saddened - and at times we are amused - by those who, still upon the Earth [indulge their base passions toward folly]."

in Summerland, meeting new people is no longer a big risk and scary problem

The following is Robert Benson’s channeled testimony from the other side, “Life In The World Unseen.” He's been in Summerland only a day or so, and his old buddy Edwin is showing him around. There’s a girl sitting by a lake. Benson is hesitant to meet her, but Edwin encourages him:

"The brook began to broaden out until it expanded into the dimensions of a fair-sized lake. We could see many groups of happy people gathered at the side of the water… My friend … [took] me over to a young girl who was [admiring the flowers]… I was rather diffident of so intruding, but I was told to ‘wait and see.’ My friend bent down beside her, and she turned her head and gave him a friendly word and smile of welcome. I concluded that they were old friends, but such was not the case. In fact, he told me afterwards that he had never seen her before, and he explained that here in spirit we need no formal introductions; we constitute one large united gathering in the matter of ordinary social intercourse… we never intrude since we can read at once the mind of a person who wishes for a period of seclusion. And when we see people out in the open - in garden or countryside - we are always welcome to approach and hold friendly converse with them."

In Summerland, if you're sitting out in the open, especially, in a public place, it means you want company, or you would have stayed at home. It's not so different on this planet, but, over there, anybody you see has "passed the entrance requirements," so you're ok and safe. Summerland is one big gated community (with invisible gates) and no threats from anything or anyone. The loonies have some "unfinished homework" to hand in before they get to join the party. And, we're happy to learn, there're lots of parties in Summerland.

Will we still have to battle the ego's selfishness when we transition to Summerland? Can it be removed? Do even the ancient Spirit Guides still have to deal with this egocentrism?

Further, there are many teachers on the other side who say it’s easier to learn our ‘kindergarten’ lessons here, on the sorrowful planet Earth. What do they mean by this?

READ MORE

water sports are not hazardous in Summerland

The following is Robert Benson’s channeled testimony from the other side, “Life In The World Unseen.” Ruth, Edwin, and Robert are tempted to enjoy the lake water, but they've no swimsuits. And so Ed shows 'em how it's done.

"My friend suggested that I might like to go closer to the [lake] water and that, if the young lady were alone [that is, without an escort], perhaps she would like to join us in our excursions. She responded that nothing would give her greater pleasure, and so we all three moved towards the lake… Nothing could be simpler. We were just to go into the water precisely as we were. Whether we could swim or not, was of no consequence…  my friend quite calmly walked into the lake until he was thoroughly immersed, and the two of us followed his example … Great, then, was my surprise - and my relief - when I discovered that the water felt more like a warm cloak thrown round me [and there was no danger, at all, which is not possible in Summerland; we could stay under water as long as we wanted]… As I emerged, the water merely ran away, leaving my clothes just as they were before. [The water] had penetrated the clothing just as air on Earth will do, but with no visible or palpable effect whatever. We and our clothes were perfectly dry!"

In Summerland, is it possible to feel annoyance, shock, or anger, at times, or will we be like Pollyanna, all sunshine and light, never without a smile?

50 years ago, Art Mokarow told us ministerial students, “If you’re smiling all the time, there’s something wrong with you.”

Art was right. Life isn’t that way. Even Jesus was called a “man of sorrows”; and there were times he displayed annoyance, despair, and anger.

love here is not disappointed

But how does it work when we cross over? Afterlife-reporter, Charlotte Dresser, channeling information from her sister on the other side, offered this:

“You say you have no disappointments?”

“We have no disappointments that grieve. If either of you were to turn away from us, we would be deeply grieved, our love would have a shock. Yet we would know that it would pass and that you would return to us. Love here is not disappointed. Those who are meant for each other, always come into loving companionship."

Editor’s note: Charlotte Dresser is one of the very best sources of afterlife information. I’ve checked out a great many over the years and Charlotte gets it right on all the big issues. So many over there are cockeyed in their views, led by the dysfunctional ego, as we learned in the “500 testimonies” article. You’ll want to read Charlotte’s books, from a hundred years ago, still very relevant, and free online. But I know what you want to ask: How do you know that she gets it right? You will discover the answer when you enter the quiet small room.

Charlotte explains that, while it is possible to experience grief in Summerland, it is not a grief that knows no bounds, rooted in hopelessness. Their grief “would pass” in a realization that “you would return to us.” But how could they know? They know because it is in the ultimate nature of life and the universe that those who love each other cannot be forever separated; sacred intentions cannot be thwarted forever: “Those who are meant for each other always come into loving companionship.”

And notice Charlotte's untempered use of the world "always" - those who are meant for each other, after a time, "always" find each other. Summerland, much more than our world, represents the quantum domain wherein one’s primary thoughts and intentions rule: see discussion below on the "interactive environment." 

And so if you truly love someone, and the other is of similar mind, then you two will draw each other like a most powerful magnet, and the hidden structure of the universe will bend to your mutual sacred destiny and intentions; as such, as Charlotte instructs, it’s not possible to lose the person you love in Summerland because there is no place outside the scope of the quantum world's influence where loss could even exist, where sacred intentions do not rule: see more discussion on destined lovers coming together in the "holodeck" article.

In this world, lovers are kept apart by Silver Birch’s sorrowful “hindrances, obstacles, and impediments,” but the days of sorrow were issued with an expiration date.

Polyanna's day off

We take note that those on the other side, even among the mature, can feel grief, shock, disappointment, or any other emotion that communicates “things are not right.”

However, the main difference between their feelings and that of ourselves in this world, still run by the Little Me Ego, is that our feelings of aggravation tend to be the result of a personal affront, while theirs are other-centered, linked to a dismay in seeing the hapless causing themselves damage. A big difference.

Upon transitioning to Summerland, we retain a full complement of emotions, nothing is lost or forfeited. If we suddenly became unreal Pollyannas, smiling all the time, espousing platitudes and godtalk, we’d no longer be sentient humans; as Art said, there’d be something wrong with us.

Alfred answers a question: “If you kneel down on the floor to play with a little child, will you get a crease in your trousers?”

The following information is from the Spirit-Guide Abu tapes #6, custodian James Webster; another minor detail of Summerland which speaks to a certain ordinariness of life over there -- no harps or cherubs floating by. Also notice that he speaks of trousers, not robes.

Alfred, a soldier killed in World War I, is asked the whimsical question, “Do you have to press your trousers over there to keep them looking good?” Let's say, you're playing with a child on the floor.

Alf laughs at the question and jokes about it, but says, yes, trousers get creased here just the same as in your world. The difference is, you don’t have to bring out a hot iron to do the job. All that's needed is to mentally concentrate on the crease, and a pristine state for the trousers snaps back into place. However, he wryly added, if you happen to like creased trousers, then they’d just stay creased for you - go knock yourself out. You can present yourself as you like.
 

 "ever'body gonna be nice to you"

John Steinbeck, in only a few sentences, presents to us one of the most disturbing scenes in all of literature.

Lenny is a grown man, strong as the proverbial ox, but he has the innocent mind of a three year-old. George looks out for Lenny, as the two of them travel around, looking for work.

But Lenny has accidentally killed someone. He didn’t mean to; he doesn't know the meaning of evil; and he didn’t even really understand what he’d done. But now a posse of men and dogs are closing in on Lenny. They have guns, and a rope for lynching.

George hears the commotion in the distance. It will be only minutes before the bloodhounds reveal their hiding place. George begins to speak softly to Lenny, who is oblivious of the chaos about to overwhelm. He knows what will distract and calm Lenny down… as he surreptitiously removes a revolver from his pocket.

George asks Lenny to look into the distance, away from what his hand conceals. He begins to describe something they’ve talked about nearly every night before Lenny goes to sleep: a homestead of their very own, an acre of alfalfa for pets, a little place that the two of them have been saving for.

Now Lenny, breathless and bubbling as a small child, becomes very animated and joyful:

John Steinbeck, Of Mice And Men: Lennie said, "Tell how it's gonna be" ... "We gonna get a little place," George began. He reached in his side pocket and brought out Carlson's Luger. "Go on," said Lennie. "How's it gonna be. We gonna get a little place." "We'll have a cow," said George. "An' we'll have maybe a pig an' chickens ... an' down the flat we'll have a ... little piece of alfalfa." "For the rabbits," Lennie shouted. "For the rabbits," George repeated. "And I get to tend the rabbits." An' you get to tend the rabbits." Lennie giggled with happiness... "Gonna do it soon." "Me an' you" ... "ever'body gonna be nice to you..."

Lenny’s dream of living on his own acre - safe, free, and secure - is what we all want; a place where you can simply do as you like, be as you like, with no threats of any kind. It’s virtually a Jungian archetype, deeply embedded within the psyche of all of us. And, most inviting of all, this little oasis of peace and tranquility is where "ever'body gonna be nice to you."

Editor’s note: "For the rabbits! Lenny shouted." (sigh) I’ve asked myself, what would I have done in George’s situation? In ten minutes the horrific will engulf, men with guns and attack-dogs will arrive. They will torment and torture Lenny, and then they will hang him from the nearest tree. What would be best for Lenny? Show me the page in the catechism that covers this.

Above, I referenced a conversation with a lady I happened to meet in the course of business. As we chatted about this and that, I offered that I’d spent some years researching the scientific evidence for the afterlife. She wanted to know, and so, for a few minutes, I told her what Summerland is like. Her response was something like this: “It all sounds so wonderful, but I’ll tell you what I really look forward to on the other side. I just want to be away from all the rude and unkind and hostile people in this world.” She and Lenny were wishing for the same thing.

On the other side, for better or worse, we will be with people who mirror our own spiritual state of development. We don’t have to be perfect, but if we’re generally trying to do our best in life and help others as we can, we’ll be fine over there and we'll live in a pleasant community. But if we are conniving and duplicitous, reflecting, for example, our poisonous political world, we will find ourselves in a place where people get up in the morning just to cheat others and “how can we fool’em today?” Similarly, if, as hard-core “true believers,” we’ve pledged cultish allegiance to some infallible Dear Leader – be it of the religious, corporate, political, or materialistic science sort – we will find ourselves in neighborhoods where clear thinking is spurned, superstitious argument is considered normal, and the angry, victimhood frame of mind is counted as the way things ought to be.

I have to say, I agree with the lady who wishes for simple civility. That’s in short supply on planet Earth. And just living in a world where people are normal and reasonable is what I look forward to most in Summerland.

In the “K&E” dialogues of the “Omega” book, we find Elenchus deeply troubled as he can no longer tolerate the “viciousness” of someone meant to be close. Those we love have the ability to hurt us more, and far more, than others, as we naturally make ourselves vulnerable to them.

Where is Summerland?

Is it "over the rainbow, way up high"? just past "oz" and "narnia"? take a left at "never-never land"? But Summerland is not a fairy tale, "something once heard in a lullaby." It's a place with real people, ones we've loved and lost, who walk on solid ground and live real meaningful lives. In fact, we know enough about Summerland's location almost to supply a "latitude and longitude."

On the “direct-voice medium” page we were introduced to Edward C. Randall. In the early 1900s, he was a well-known attorney in Buffalo, New York. His avocation, however, was afterlife research. In his book “Frontiers Of The Afterlife” Randall recounts:

“I have heard … voices of those the world calls dead on more than seven hundred nights, covering a period of twenty-two years, aided by a wonderful psychic [the aged Emily French]... I talked, not with a hundred but, with thousands of spirits, a majority of whom, perhaps, I had intimately known in their Earth life. It would require many volumes to print the record obtained in all the years of my research work... This astounding statement, owing to lack of knowledge and to erroneous conceptions, staggers the ordinary imagination.”

His research addresses many topics, one of them, the location of Summerland:

“Where is this afterlife? Just where do they live? Where are its boundaries? …  I have not had all the information sought on this subject. However, I have some knowledge, gained both from my friends in the spirit world and from my ability to deduce from common facts.”

One person on the other side offered this:

"This spirit world is in reality just as much a part of your planet as the earth and rocks you tread upon. Around and about your globe, and forming a part of it, are separate, material, concentric belts or zones, varying in width and vibratory action, and therefore in density, into which all mankind and all planetary life passes, on the happening of that event you call death.”

Randall posed the question of location to a scientist on the other side: “Dr. David Hossack, one of the leaders of the spirit group with whom I worked so many years, and for whose statements I have great respect … said:

“What appears as space about your Earth is composed of [rarified matter]. There are three distinct circles, the outer filled with more radiant vibrations than those within. Beyond these, the spheres or circles blend with those of other planets. Each circle is very, very many miles in depth, according to your standard of measurement."

Randall:

“I know that these gentlemen made the statements quoted… They are rational and I accept them, and, basing my opinion thereon and on other knowledge obtained from persons in the afterlife, I state without qualification that about this earth there are material concentric belts or zones ... which become more radiant and higher in vibration as they extend outward. In these zones all the so-called dead reside and have their homes, where the family relation is ultimately restored. For the first time the local habitations of spirit people have been discovered and the spheres or zones can now be named.”

Albert Einstein: “One thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike. We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us. It is entirely possible that, behind the perception of our senses, worlds are hidden, of which we are unaware.”

spheres within spheres, like Russian nesting dolls

To survey the cosmic depths of a starry night, we are, in fact, peering through various spheres, belts, or layers of inhabited worlds. These are worlds within worlds, like Russian nesting dolls, with the Earth as the central "nesting doll." We mortals cannot see these worlds as they’re composed of rarified matter, vibrating at elevated rates beyond norms of the Earth; invisible to us, just as the sound of a “dog whistle” is undetectable to the human ear due to higher sound frequencies.

The sphere nearest the Earth we call the Dark Realms. Its boundaries intersect or adjoin the Earth, which is why trouble-making spirits have little difficulty reaching like-minded ones here who open themselves to contact.

It seems that the oft-experienced “tunnel” of the NDE is a portal “through” the lower spheres into the world of light, birds, and flowers. This makes sense. Also, we begin to understand what happened to Father Benson when he transitioned (see his first book). Edwin came to meet him after he’d risen from his “deathbed.” Benson’s guide, however, advised his charge to close his eyes during their “flight” to Summerland. This wasn’t absolutely necessary, but we presume that Edwin did not want a “newcomer” to be unduly disturbed by the unpleasant sights of the Dark Realms.

As these spheres project outward, away from the Earth, an expanding circumference, the area incorporated therein quickly becomes ultra-gigantic. This means there’s plenty of room in Summerland, and subsequent worlds, for all inhabitants.

Editor’s note: Though the Earth is the central “nesting doll,” this does not mean that it’s the center of universe. The Earth is the center only of a system of local “astral worlds” devoted to our “mother planet.” We are informed by numerous afterlife sources that the universe is teeming with millions upon millions of inhabited celestial bodies, and each one has its own “system of astral worlds,” its own particular Summerland. Think of the adventures to come, not just exploring the universe but, visiting other “Summerlands,” settled by the regionally-indigenous sentient beings “made in the image.”

I said that Summerland is not a fairy tale, not to be found "over the rainbow"; while this is true, it is, in fact, a place where “skies are always blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” It’s an enchanted land, a promised land, in which, during our many troubled moments here on planet Earth, we have not dared to believe; and yet, we hear its beckoning whisperings in our lonely 3 AM vigils. Part of us has always believed in Summerland, our true home, because – without it – we’re not sure why we continue to live here.

Editor's note:

Dr. Rupert Sheldrake instructs that Nature is constructed on the basis of ‘nested hierarchies’

See more discussion on this in the "Evolution" writing. Rupert speaks of "holons":

"[Morphic] fields [are] hierarchically organized. They exist as “nested hierarchies,” parts within wholes…

"These could be sub-atomic particles in atoms, atoms in molecules, molecules in crystals, or they could be organelles in cells, cells in tissues, tissues in organs, organs in organisms, organisms in societies – everywhere you look in nature, there are levels of organization.

"The parts of one are wholes at their own level, containing parts which are also wholes at a lower level. Arthur Koestler called these 'holons,' and he called this pattern of organization a 'holarchy.' You could also call it a 'nested hierarchy.' The higher level includes the lower levels."

Our analogy of Russian nesting dolls, illustrating the afterworlds, built as concentric spheres, conforms closely to the principle of "holons" as "nested hierarchies."

It is extremely interesting that Rupert sees this mode of construction operating on smaller levels, here on Earth. There appears to be a unified method of putting Nature together, from the very small, on up to the macro-level.

Editor’s note: On the “Afterlife” homepage, I offered the above “you are here” map of our Milky Way Galaxy. In the discussion there, it was stated that, given the ultra-immense expanse of the universe, there might be a great many millions of planets supporting intelligent life; indeed, even one average-sized galaxy, such as our own, is so enormous that it alone might be home to a very large number of worlds supporting sentient activity.

But think of this. Our little planet Earth has its own private “afterlife” and Summerland. We’ve learned that it's sphere-like in nature, encompassing the home planet. However, in the many channeled afterlife testimonies, received in the last nearly 200 years, we frequently find allusion to other worlds of intelligent life, each with its own “afterlife” and “Summerland.” Presumably, they are constructed along the lines of encompassing spheres.

This means that, as we consider the “you are here” artwork – and this, featuring just one average galaxy among hundreds of billions of galaxies, each shepherding hundreds of billions or trillions of stars and planets -- we begin to perceive a cosmos filled with, an interconnected latticework of, “bubbles” or spheres of "afterlife" domain. Later, we can visit these and make new friends.

*****************************************

An excerpt from Andrew Jackson Davis’ “Death And The Afterlife: Eight Lectures On The Summer-Land”:

"Let us think of the physical aspect of the Summer-Land. Many persons have understood me to have said that it is a globe. I do not mean to be so understood. The Beautiful Land, as I have frequently seen it [in vision], and as many have testified concerning it, is a solid belt of land, or zone, round in form like the tire of a wheel, but it is not a globe — is not spherical nor inhabitable in all directions. Imagine a belt extending above the Earth two-thirds of the distance from the Sun, and, say, seventy millions of miles wide. Imagine that belt to be immeasurably larger than the Sun's path around Alcyone [a multiple star system in the constellation of Taurus approximately 440 light-years from the Sun] in the deep of immensity. Suppose this belt to be open at the sides, and filled with worlds and crowned with stars and suns, and overhead and all around a firmament [a sky] just like these heavens above the Earth. Look in that direction and you will see just what you see on Earth, only everything further unfolded and more perfect."

Editor's note: from Davis' report we learn that Summerland is ultra huge, many trillions or quadrillions of square miles in area. 

Also see a Guide's testimony that spheres such as "Hell" and "Summerland" extend to "countless millions of miles". There is no shortage of room in our homeworld, well large enough to offer residence for every life form that once dwelt upon the Earth.

If one hasn’t prepared oneself for Summerland, would it possible to “sneak past the gate” and get in that way?

There are jokes about skating into heaven, passing through the Pearly Gates, on Saint Peter’s day off, that sort of thing. But, of course, the Pearly Gates and Saint Peter are just religious fables. It doesn’t work that way.

But let’s answer the question. Could we somehow gain entrance to Summerland though unqualified to enter? - like climbing over the fence into Disney World, without paying the fare.

No, that wouldn't be possible – because, as we’ve discussed, Summerland can’t be invaded; but what’s even more important to understand is that, even if we somehow inveigled ourselves in, we wouldn’t like it, and we wouldn’t want to stay.

Why would this be the case?

There are hundreds of books written in the last 175 years featuring channeled testimony from the other side. Remarkably, very close to 100% of them speak of a similar process of entering the afterlife. But, concerning our question at hand, here’s what we learn as a general rule, a synthesis of many accounts.

Let’s say that one has lived a selfish life during the Earth mission. This will invariably lead to a time in dark detention. However, upon crossing over, if contact can be made, if one isn’t too blind and deaf, if one is willing to embark upon a program of restitution, Spirit Guides in the “welcoming party” will conduct the new-arrival to his temporary living environment. While it will not be “5-star” accommodation, it will at least be tolerable, and progress can be made from there. However, the Spirit Guides will then take the new person on a quick tour of Summerland proper. The contrast will “knock the socks off,” and the novitiate will see what he’s missing. But, more than this, as the new person witnesses the sort of people who live in Summerland – their positive, caring, unselfish frames of mind – there will be a sense of “I don’t belong here. I don’t fit in. I’m not ready for this. It’s best that you take me back to my grey-and-dour surroundings.”

There is no “sneaking past the gate” of Summerland; because, even if we could somehow do this, we wouldn’t like it, and we’d want to immediately leave – until we’d prepared our spirits to properly enter.

oh, take me away from this glorious Summerland!

The following was spoken by one who had crossed over but was unprepared to live in Summerland; testimony received October 16, 1853, via the mediumship of Mrs. Elizabeth Sweet, reported in The Future Life.

The newly-arrived, one who had lived a selfish but "respectable" life, is shown the beauties of Summerland by his Spirit Guide, but only to heighten a sense of present unfitness to live therein:

They arrived at a beautiful city. "Now," thought the stranger, "I have found heaven. What a glorious place it is!" …

He was led around and through the city. What grandeur and sublimity everywhere met his eye! ... He begged to stop and lie down in that shade [of a tree] that he might enjoy the happiness that everywhere invited the weary traveler to repose of mind and body. But his companion led him on...

How gloriously bright was everything there! A soft, silvery atmosphere seemed to pervade it, clothing it in a mellow and heavenly beauty, yet bright and clear as though bathed in the light of the noonday sun…

Then he indeed began to feel as though he was an unfit inhabitant for that lovely place. He was approached by several spirits. They gazed kindly upon him, yet as if he was a stranger. They did not seem to recognize him as one of themselves, and he moved along with a lonely feeling…

“It is ten thousand times more beautiful than my soul ever conceived. Yet it is no place for me. I look so coarse, so unlike everyone here, that my soul shrinks within itself, nor wishes to mingle... Can it be that I am not prepared for heaven? How sad it makes me feel! I thought there was prepared for me a mansion in the heavens... Oh! take me back! Take me away from this glorious world, with my dark, gross body, back to that rough country. I feel I belong no part or parcel with these glorious beings…”

The spirit who had acted as his guide … spake to his companion:

"My son, thou hast been permitted to see thyself as thou art… Thy life and education ... have deprived thee of many great advantages… Thy prayer has been selfish in many respects. Thou hast prayed only for good to thyself… Dost thou not feel how much of heaven thou hast lost by leading a sensuous material life, the life of a happy, contented "Christian,” as you called it…  

"And now thou mayest begin to develop the spiritual part of thy nature, which is so gross as to disgust even thyself. The beautiful country shown thee is indeed a heaven to those who dwell there, [but only] because their lives ... have raised them to that sphere [by living a life of service, choosing the greater good, with a view toward doing all things to honor Mother-Father God].”

everyone you meet in Summerland is pleasant, but not necessarily so mature or spiritually minded

It’s very much a one-room school-house.

95 - 75 - 20 - 5

Jiddu Krishanmurti, after about 60 years of teaching the importance of personal responsibility for one's spiritual growth, said that 95% of people are not interested in "going within" and finding the locus of one's life. 75%, according to Dresser's report, are severely dysfunctional in this regard and will spend time in "dark detention," and another 20% also have some "overdue homework to hand in." Only 5% are more-or-less spiritually minded upon entering Summerland; and of these, they say, only a very small handful have a good working knowledge of how the afterlife operates.

The 20%, however, do allow themselves into Summerland; but, that's the end of the good news, for, as we find in "the 500 tape-recorded messages from the other side," so many in Summerland are still quite immature and materialistic in their thinking.

Why do “the 20%” find themselves in Summerland if they’re not fully mature and still somewhat materialistic in their thinking?

Their higher selves allow them into Summerland; as this is the case, we might rightfully presume that whatever lessons need to be learned, they will be best learned in Summerland.

they only trouble themselves

The “20%” are not bad people. They like to talk about helping others and living a good life. They smile and are friendly, and won’t cause you any trouble. They only trouble themselves.

These “20%” view Summerland in a materialistic way. For them, it’s not unlike a trip to Disneyworld or the Caymans. So much to do, so many opportunities for good times and the good life. And that’s all correct. It’s just that, if that’s all you have, you’ll soon be tired of Summerland just as you’d be tired of Disneyworld or the Caymans after a while.

There’s no need, say “the 20%,” to “go within,” to access the true self. "Why bother," they believe, “I’m already doing pretty well. I’m a good person, I try very hard to help others and do the right thing, so I’m ok.” But as we’ve said, “the 20%” soon will fill the ranks of the “insane 500.”

aversion therapy

And so, why are they in Summerland with their materialistic view of life? Shouldn’t they be “working on their overdue homework” in some Shadowland? In their situation, apparently not. The best way for “the 20%” to “come to themselves” – a phrase borrowed from the “prodigal son” parable – in a kind of aversion therapy, is to enter into their materialistic delusions, it seems, in a full and complete way, to sate themselves on it, and thereby gain a new perspective concerning the limitations of the materialistic mindset.

We cannot, eventually, and forever, ignore the soul's mandate to know both itself and Source. God made us to be thoughtful, enquiring beings, living from a "sacred center," and we pervert ourselves to evade becoming who we were meant to be.

Summerland can become a prison cell, a great venue for existential crisis. As fun and pleasant as a trip to Disneyworld might be, we wouldn’t want to be trapped there with a sense that “this is all there is.” For “the 20%,” this disillusionment will eventually become a signpost leading them home.

additional note concerning numbers:

I came across this:

From Dr. Carl Wickland, “The Gateway Of Understanding”:

“Michael Faraday, distinguished English physicist and chemist of the Royal Institute, had refused, while in earth life, to recognize Psychic Research but upon entering the Spirit World realized his error and became interested in the interrelationship of the physical and spirit worlds. In a spirit communication from Faraday, detailed observations on obsession are given from the spirit viewpoint:

Not one in ten thousand enter the spirit realm with any true ideas of its realities. Thrown upon its shores like ship-wrecked mariners upon an unknown coast, without information or conception of its conditions, they drift in their thoughts and feelings to the only state of life in which they have ever perceived sensation and find themselves within the atmosphere of the earth to which they cling with nearly as much tenacity as though living in the physical body and seek no other pleasure than to still live there.

95 - 75 - 20 - 5 - far less than 1%

Faraday’s figure suggests that far less than one percent are meaningfully prepared for transition; the "small handful with a good working knowledge" mentioned above.

Only a very few of new arrivals are able to immediately take their place in Summerland as fully functional, rational, and clear-eyed individuals, living from their "God center". The rest, still led by the ego, are in need of remedial "summer school" to catch up to where they ought to be in class. There is a certain penalty, owed to oneself.

Editor’s note: What is this obligation, this unspoken duty, concerning which most everyone will claim “I knew nothing about this”? It is the existential demand, as elsewhere delineated:

We cannot forever evade our true selves, the hushed whisperings deep within, the sacred destiny, a heritage of having been "made in the image"; we cannot avoid, but only delay, with suffering, a requirement to vivify one's spirit, to grow in consciousness, to enter self-realization, to unfold the soul, to evolve as a sentient being, to love ourselves, to choose life – but, most of all, the great imperative, in this world and the next, to explore sacred personhood, to become fully human, to claim birthright, to advance; to emulate, as mature sons and daughters of, Mother-Father God.

The “still small voice” within attempts to reach each person, but most shut down the communications. This willful blindness, this negligent closing of the eyes, creates darkness in one's spirit, an atrophying of critical judgment sensibilities, which cognitive disability is carried into the next world.

While some of these dysfunctional ones allow themselves into Summerland, their systemic deficit will need to be addressed at some point, as it's not possible to negotiate the "better neighborhoods" of eternal life with a materialistic mindset. To attempt otherwise is to invite "the terror of living forever."

Are all parents reunited with children, all siblings together again, in Summerland?

Editor’s note: The answer is, it depends. No one who truly loves or is loved will fail to be reunited with an object of affection. However, just as there are many so-called married couples in our world who will never see each other again, and will be relieved to be thus freed, so, too, with parents and siblings. Some of these were mismatched from the start, there was never a heart-connection only animal-blood ties, and there will be no love lost by going separate ways in the new world. This doesn’t mean they’ll be enemies, just that, there might be scores of billions in Summerland, and some former-relatives will now be as anyone else on the street. However, let’s listen in on testimony from the other side:

The following channeled information is from Flashes of Light from the Spirit-land, through the mediumship of Mrs. J. H. Conant, by Allen Putnam, Frances Ann Conant, 1872.

Q. Will parents and children who are unavoidably separated long years upon the earth, be united in that relation in the spirit-world? or will the children outgrow all recollection of, and affection for, their parents, and not know they ever belonged to them?

A. The attraction or law that binds soul to soul, is not in any way dependent upon the body or its experience. If a parent and child are bound together by a spiritual law of attraction, there is nothing that can sever it, no power that can separate them, and they as naturally gravitate together as an apple will fall to the ground if some interposing power does not break its fall. The law of spiritual affinity is supposed by many to be dependent, to a certain extent, upon human conditions, human experience. But it is not so. It stands above and apart from human life. There are many parents who have no spiritual love for their children, and vice versa. Such cannot hope to enjoy each other's society in the spirit-land, nor will they wish to.

why do some reports from the other side say 'it's so unusual, we can't explain it'

Editor’s note: The following is from “The Astral Plane: Its Scenery, Inhabitants, and Phenomena” (1900) by C.W. Leadbeater. What he describes relates to a world just beyond Summerland. Notice the word “illusion,” the same term Raymond Lodge (above) used in his descriptions:

“The astral region which I am to attempt to describe is the second of these great planes of nature, the next above (or within) that physical world with which we are all familiar [Summerland]. It has often been called the realm of illusion, not that it is itself any more illusory than the physical world, but because of the extreme unreliability of the impressions brought back from it by the untrained seer. This is to be accounted for mainly by two remarkable characteristics of the astral world: first, that many of its inhabitants have a marvelous power of changing their forms with Protean rapidity, and also of casting practically unlimited glamour over those with whom they choose to sport; and secondly, that sight on that plane is a faculty very different from, and much more extended than, physical vision. An object is seen, as it were, from all sides at once, the inside of a solid being as plainly open to the view as the outside: [also] the higher vision when fully developed possesses the power of magnifying at will the minutest physical particle to any desired size, as though by a microscope, though its magnifying power is enormously greater than that of any microscope... The hypothetical molecule and atom postulated by science are visible realities … much more complex in their nature than the scientific man has yet discovered them to be... it is therefore obvious that an inexperienced visitor to this new world may well find considerable difficulty in understanding what he really does see, and still more in translating his vision into the very inadequate language of ordinary speech.”

interactive environment

Raymond’s comment that “it gets dark when you want it to be dark,” and Spirit-Guide Abu's assertion that Summerland is altered by a "group-mind" consensus, means that we will live in an interactive environment.

Another example from Father Benson's testimonies: He says that if you bend down to take in the fragrance of a flower, it will, in a sense, virtually rise to meet you, to greet you, exuding not just a sweet scent but a scintillation of faint and subtle music, as well:

"All these flowers were living and breathing, and they were, so my friend informed me, incorruptible. There was another astonishing feature I noticed when I drew near to them, and that was the sound of music that enveloped them, making such soft harmonies as corresponded exactly and perfectly with the gorgeous colours of the flowers themselves."

no upgraded software like this in our world

Strictly speaking, as we learn from the “Double Slit Experiment,” Earthly environment does interact with us, on the level of sub-atomic particles. But as matter here is gross and heavy, an easy two-way interchange is rare in the macro-world of large objects.

It’s different in Summerland, though, and especially in worlds beyond Summerland, as featured in the "Holodeck World" writing. The entire environment is attuned to one's state of consciousness and is moved by our intentions.

Here are some examples:

Clothing: as we noted above, we wear what we want; however, as we mature, our clothing will simply manifest and perfectly represent our inner essence and interests in life. 

Work, Activities: We won't need a guidance counselor later on to determine what we should do. Our very natures, one's inner life-force, will call out to express what we're best at, what we've always wanted to do.

Time, Space: Among the more aware, time and space bend to our needs (this is reminiscent of Einstein's view, with time and space expanding and contracting). If we need to be somewhere, space will shrink for us; if we need more time to indulge a favorite activity, there will always be just the right amount of time to match our intentions.

Relationships: We are with the ones we want to be with and love. Our beings cry out for them, and, with this cry, the friend or beloved, in a sense, automatically manifests. Space shrinks -- and they are there. For those with whom there is no affinity, there is no "call" for them, and an insurmountable distance will separate.

In each of these areas, and ones not mentioned, our intentions rule. It's an interactive environment coming for us wherein our highest intentions will craft and shape reality.

The Swedenborg Foundation

Swedenborg, featured on the "Afterlife" page, spoke of these things in his writings. And there is a group of dedicated individuals who seek to promote his philosophy and psychic visions. I recommend that you view their youtube videos and see their website, swedenborg.com.

Everyone in Summerland, as part of one’s way of life, is engaged in some aspect of charitable service. But will a time come when service becomes obsolete, when everyone is mature with no further need of support?

From a practical standpoint, even if this could ever happen, we won’t have to worry about it for a long time. The Earth will be around for a few billion years more before the Sun dies. Until then, presumably, souls will be making the “terra tourney” as a means toward individuation; as a result, we can expect the usual collateral damage of human need and requirement, with Spirit Guides picking up the pieces. And so, for at least a few billion years, service will not go out of style for those with a Summerland zipcode.

To press the issue, we could say, we might continue to offer our charitable services to neighboring star-systems with intelligent life. That could be possible, and it could keep us occupied. But let’s not kick the can down the road and instead ask the central question: Will the Family of God, of which we are all members, ever reach a point where there are no new souls being formed and educated, no new immature ones entering the “kindergarten” experience of mortal existence?

always time for a good Curious George story

There are no official answers from the “higher ups” on a question like this. But my sense is this: the Family of God will always – forever, amen -- be in the business of bringing into existence, preparing, educating, and aiding new “children” to reach the level of mature sons or daughters of God.

too great to fail

Why do I feel this to be the case? Why will the Family of God ever be in the “child-rearing business”? I think the answer is simple: The gift of life is too great to ever shut down the system. The pleasures, simply to be alive, for a mature Spirit Being, are too wonderful, too marvelous, to part with. I say this in spite of all the sorrows and sufferings that occur on our tear-stained planet. No price is too high to pay for all the blessings in the offing.

The eventual benefit will be so vast, so monumental, that even those who suffered the most while here will readily concede that they’d do it all again, or a hundred times, in order to live life on that advanced, joyful level to come.

I do not believe that Mother-Father God would ever, in effect, close the doors to the Family. This seems unthinkable to me. The very fact that the ancient Guides refer to God as “Mother-Father” suggests, to me, that the Divine Parents will always and ever live up to their names. It's what they do.

As we go within, as we sense the joy of being alive, we begin to agree with the foregoing. Who would give up one’s eternal life, no matter the traumas right now?

the work of God in the universe: creating a family

Ranga Hilyod, the Great Brahmin: “woman, in [very early] Hindu mythology, stands equal with Brahma, [and maybe a] grade higher, in the work of creating beings having an eternal nature.” Ancient channeled afterlife testimony, as reported in Illuminated Brahminism. Editor's note: We see here the encapsulation of our work as children of God: we are to engage in "creating beings having an eternal nature."

The apostle Paul once said that "the present sorrows are not worthy to be compared to the joys to come." He was right. And once you’ve personally experienced the joy you would never opt out of the process, nor would you ever deny it to anyone else. This, too, is unthinkable.

Can you imagine God saying, "Well, you were kinda lucky, you were the last one to come through the hopper, you squeaked through, but, you know, we're just closing up shop now, we're all tired, the doors to the Family are being padlocked, no new novitiates, that's it, no more, you're all just way too much trouble, too much aggravation, we need some me-time now, and too bad for all those who missed out on the great joy of being alive." Uh-uh.

"It's A Wonderful Life" (1947)
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed

Well, George is just having a bad day, he doesn't really mean what he's saying. He's just worried about something and doesn't regret having his little ones. With a cooler head, he'd agree with us that we’re going to be offering our services in the Family “child-rearing business” for a very long time to come. It is a "wonderful life," or, someday it will be, and so we'll have a hard time denying it to anyone.

Editor's note: The following is channeled information via the mediumship of Carlyle Petersilia, “Letters From The Spirit World”:  “There  never  will  be  a time,  throughout  eternity,  when  it  will  not  be  necessary to  work  for  the  good  of  those  who  are  coming  on  after  us, for  creation  never  ceases  her  efforts,  and  no  [advanced person]  whom I  have  ever  met  can  think  of  a  time  when  it  will.”

And why else would God have created such a large universe -- moreover, expanding faster than the speed of light, and with the rate ever increasing -- all that real estate out there going to waste? I suggest it's room for the Family to expand.

the whisperings of the deepest inner-person lead us forward

Our own natures speak softly to us, offering clues concerning what we're meant to do and become. In the “Destiny” article, with John Sebastian, we asked the question, “Do you believe in the magic of a young girl’s heart?” - but we can also believe in that of a young boy’s.

The "child-rearing" aspect of the Family of God constitutes more than promptings of Mother Nature. All mammals, to one degree or another, are programmed to care for their offspring. Evolutionists would say that such familial affinity is rooted in survival-of-the-species inclinations. And this is correct.

With us, however, there’s more going on than autonomic instinctual response. We, the higher-level mammals, begin to write poetry and songs of the heart’s exquisite longing for much more than bio-thrill and species perpetuation; not everything can be explained by dopamine and oxytocin.  As our eyes open, we yearn for “the great relief of having you to talk to,” for expressions of higher-order family love. See more discussion in the “Destiny” and the "Children In Summerland" articles.

a grand cosmic foreordination

The uncharted longings of an enlightened person become road-map and sign-post indicating a certain future, an "omega point." Especially for us, "destiny" is the root-idea of "destination."

Our deepest desires are leading us somewhere, well beyond the mundane John-and-Mary expressions of domestic business contract. The higher level “callings of the heart,” as “The Wedding Song” uses the phrase, will yet take us on a far journey and merge with a grand cosmic foreordination of God's very own desire for sons and daughters, for family.

a Q with a moral center 

Star Trek: Next Generation, episode "True Q"

Amanda discovers that she had latently possessed the powers of the Q Continuum:

She’s now able to transport herself anywhere at the speed of thought. Simply by focusing on a mental object, it’s brought into existence. Hidden intentions suddenly manifest in the 3-D world as reality. Her capacity for knowledge acquisition and understanding is multiplied by many factors of ten.

As we learn from thousands of afterlife reports, these same abilities reside within advanced ancient Spirit Beings. The typical citizen of Summerland does not yet enjoy these talents as they lie undeveloped, latent within; the "made in the image" potential is there.

Picard comments that Amanda represents the best of humanity, now a being of vast power but “with a moral center.” This is our future.

READ MORE on the "human potential" page

the sunshine after the rain

From “The History Of Spiritualism, Vol. 2” (1926) by the great afterlife researcher, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, of "Sherlock" fame:

Testimony from Summerland:

"Much awaits you which will very much surprise you, all beautiful and high, and so sweet and sunny. Life was a preparation for this sphere. Without that training I could not have been able to enter this glorious, wonderful world. The earth is where we learn our lessons, and this world is our great reward, our true and real home and life — the sunshine after the rain.”

Editor's last word:

latent abilities, for all of us, brought to the surface of personhood

I think I'd like to live in Father Benson's "neighborhood" as part of a university town. It's great fun to think about goals for that future time. Several subjects appeal to me for study: mathematics, chemistry, physics, painting, philosophy, music composition and song writing, piano, guitar.

In our world, the brain actually serves as "reducer," a "filter," that holds us back - see what brain researchers such as Dr. Eben Alexander or Dr. Stanislav Grof say about this.

But in Summerland - consider Dr. Peebles' comment below - our coming expanded mind-powers might be 100 times or 1000 times what we now have; or much more. Imagine gaining a respectable proficiency, in any subject, in fairly short order.

Editor's note: Beyond "respectable proficiency" lies stellar competence, equal to the mastery skills of anyone in history. This apex-level standard of achievement is available to anyone willing to work for it, though it might take 100 or 200 years of labor. See Spirit Guide Abu's testimony on this. Strangely, however, as we also learn from the Guides, so few people over there seem to want to develop themselves or take advantage of the many educational opportunities. Should we be surprised at this disengaged approach? Possibly not. Few people, it seems, have found their "true selves" even in Summerland. See "the 500" article. Let us also consider, a closely-linked concept, that relatively few people in Summerland have yet found their true Twin Soul romantic mates. There's much to be said for connecting these two ideas, that is, lack of ambition to develop oneself and lack of true love. See "The Wedding Song" for much discussion on the purpose of the eternal marriage as motivation toward spiritual evolvement.

Somewhere in the afterlife testimonies - I think it's in Charlotte Dresser's books - there's a statement by a lady on the other side who essentially says, "How easy it is to gain knowledge here! For those who want it, it just flows and comes so readily. We absorb it so quickly." And as Father Benson tells us, once we learn something, it's retrievable by the mind instantly and perfectly, not like in this world where we forget so much of what we study. Even with this potentially super-prodigious rate of knowledge acquisition, there's no need to fear that we will soon "learn it all" and have nothing more to gain. The Spirit Guides assure us that this will never happen. There's an expanding universe out there filled with knowledge, and the possibilities of mental advancement will know no bounds.

Also, consider this comment...

"You can learn in 1 day over here what it takes 10 or 12 years to learn on Earth."

Dr. Peebles, on the other side, speaking through trance-medium, Anna Wickland, offered this amazing statement! Imagine drinking in knowledge at such a prodigious rate! Think of the giant strides in personal development available to all!

Is this not more than wonderful? Think of the vast treasure-house of understanding, skill, and wisdom to be acquired, just for the asking and the taking, for the working toward - talk about "kid in a candy shop"!

Carl Jung: “The assumption that the human psyche possesses layers that lie below consciousness is not likely to arouse serious opposition. But... there could just as well be layers lying above consciousness.”

Editor's note: For a discussion of Jung's "layers of consciousness" lying above normal awareness, see the article on creativity research.