Throughout the ages and around the world, shamans, psychics and mediums have communicated with those who have left the physical world. Yet, we all have the ability. The blocks that keep us from connecting are disbelief, judgment and fear.

--  --  --  --  --  --  --  --

Throughout the ages and around the world, shamans, psychics and mediums have communicated with those who have left the physical world. In recent years, the number of those who deliver messages to us from loved ones who have entered into eternal life has grown considerably. After-life researchers agree though that it is possible for any of us to connect with our deceased loved ones. We all have the ability.

The blocks that keep us from connecting are disbelief, judgment and fear. Disbelief that they live on, and in our capacity to see, hear or talk with them inhibits us from reaching out. Fear of the unknown; fear of the power of negative forces and beings; and fear of being thought insane block us from making connections that could help mend our fractured hearts.

It is true that some individuals are able to connect easily, often and with numerous spirits. Yet, we too can make the connections we long for. In Grief's Garden Workshops™ for the bereaved, I have led small groups through guided imagery into their garden to meet up with their loved one. (The workshops' title comes from the poem, Grief's Garden, by co-facilitator, Genesse Bourdeau Gentry, in her book "Stars in the Deepest Night: After the Death of a Child.") After the exercise, each person reported that they felt their loved one's spirit was present. Our loved ones are as eager for us to receive them as we are to know they are available to us.

If you are ready to suspend disbelief, judgment and fear, follow the interactive guided imagery below into your garden to meet with your loved one. Record the meditation and listen as you go, or have a trusted friend read it slowly and without comment or interruption. You may also want to have paper or a journal and pen nearby to write about your experience afterward.

Grief's Garden Guided Meditation:

Remember always, if I suggest something that doesn't work for you, substitute what fits in your consciousness. If I neglect to mention something you need, add it to your instructions.

Turn off your phone and set it somewhere out of hearing, feeling and seeing range. Take yourself to a pleasant place, one that is quiet and non-distracting. Claim this time as yours for whatever happens. Focus your attention. Dismiss interruptions. Brush off unwelcome thoughts. Placing tissues close by can supply permission for tears. Loosen or remove clothing, shoes, belts, anything constrictive. Propping pillows and a cover or throw around you offer comfort and comforting. Sit or lie down.

Have the intention to meet with your loved one, but even if all you do is fall asleep this time, consider it to be what you needed most.

Get as physically comfortable as possible. Notice your breath. Just becoming aware will trigger any physical adjustment you need. As you go through the exercise, observe how your breath changes. For now, move your attention slowly through your body, checking for tension and discomfort. Anywhere you find tension, quickly tense tighter, and release. Tense, and release. Envision warmth coming into areas that are uncomfortably cool, and cool areas that are too hot. Feel blood flow through your body in all its magnificent functioning. Feel your fingers, and your toes.

Dismiss thoughts irrelevant to this moment. Push them aside and out of reach. You may let them return at another time – if you wish. This is your life; you have the right to decide what thoughts come and go.

Say a prayer or ask whatever power you believe in to make this a sacred and blessed experience.

When you are ready, in your mind, rise up. We're going for a walk. As we walk, you choose the pace, brisk or slow, hard or soft. Notice where you are stepping. Are you walking on dirt, in sand, on gravel? Are you on a path or untrodden grass? What does the ground feel like beneath your feet?

What do you see, hear, smell, taste? Is the sun warming you or is a breeze making you cool?

Are you eager to reach the garden, or reticent? The gate is just ahead. The key is in your hand. Is your pace changing? Notice your movements and how you feel as you reach the gate, turn the key, and step into your garden.

Close the gate behind you. Take a look around. What do you see? Is it what you expected? Do not judge, just be with what you find. Is all as you want it to be? You may choose to return later to work in your garden. In this moment, just observe and accept it as it is. You are here today to invite your loved one to spend time with you. Roam around a bit, find the perfect spot to summon your loved one. Notice how that thought feels emotionally; notice, too, how your body feels.

When you are ready, call them – in whatever way feels right for you. Are they already there, waiting for your invitation? Don't worry if you don't see or hear them. Can you imagine what it would be like for a spirit to realize that you want them here? If this is their first visit, they may be unsure how this works.

For you, if judgment, fear and disbelief try to creep in, wave them off. They are not welcome in your garden.

Trust that your loved one is close-by, that he or she hears you, senses what you are feeling. Say what you wish them to know. Ask them what you wish they would tell you. Ask them to send signals in coming days when they are near – something you two can connect with: a bird that hovers in an unusual place; a butterfly that lights near you and stays; a stranger's dog that seems to know you; seeing 3 of the same numbers or the same object in 3s. Tell them you will watch for their signs and you will believe in them. The less resistance to their signals, the more frequent they become.

Feel what you want your loved one to feel from you. Let them know your thoughts. Don’t be afraid your anger, hurt, sorrow, or your love is too much for them. They understand without judgment, guilt or sorrow. They are joyful and at peace. They are not disturbed by our emotions. You are not holding them back. They have crossed over; they're just popping in for a visit. Stay a while and feel their love and let them feel yours.

When you are ready, say what you need in order to leave them. Do you want to set up a time when you will meet again? Tell them now or send a message later – they will hear you, sense your thoughts.

Speak your last words for now, send your final thoughts. Notice how you feel as you come out of the garden and lock the gate. Walk back along the path you came, or take a different path back to the now. Spend a few moments being aware of your thoughts and emotions.

Congratulate yourself on taking this important and insightful trip. Tending a garden (especially the garden of the soul) is, indeed, work, and it satisfies and enriches us.

Return to the garden whenever you please.

With love and hope for all!  Diana deRegnier