In 2002 I read Dr. Michael Newton’s first book, Journey of Souls and it was as if someone had opened a window and let the light into a dark room. I had been working for two years with past life regression as a healing modality. During these fascinating sessions with clients we would touch the very beginning of the interim state of existence, but nothing like this! Then I read his second book Destiny of Souls and I knew this was something I had to experience, and a technique I wanted to do with clients myself. I had no idea how it was going to happen, but I knew one way or the other it would happen. Then, the last week in October of 2004 I drove down to Virginia Beach, to the Association for Research in Enlightenment to learn this very specific regression technique based on Dr. Newton’s work.

Dr. Newton wrote his first book, Journey of Souls, in 1994, based on his work taking regression clients beyond the concept of past lives to the realm of Spirit. Dr. Newton focused his work on this interim state of between and his books were the first ones that were focused solely (souly?) on a spiritual state of awareness. We are all spiritual beings on a physical path. If you have ever thought about or wondered where we are when we are not in this body on this planet, living this life, perhaps these books might be worth reading! Life between lives is a way of exploring the realms of the spirit, our true selves, and the path we created for ourselves to walk on this earth plane. It offers a potential for exploration of the Soul mind, where we contact and communicate with our spirit guides, our soul groups, meet our council of elders, and find out about life selection and the purpose of our current life. While in a very deep trance state we move into the Superconscious mind, where we travel on an amazing journey of self exploration, inner knowledge and wisdom. The first book examines the basic process, defines the kinds of experiences one encounters and how it can bring powerful healing and enlightenment to the clients. His next book, Destiny of Souls, came out in 2000. In that book he further examines the different places we experience in the realm of spirit, in greater depth and detail, places such as Healing Rooms, reconnecting with our soul groups, Life Review, Council of Elders, and Life Selection.

In his books Dr. Newton explains that we bring into each incarnation a portion or percentage of our true soul energy. The remaining percentage stays in the realms of spirit where we continue our work of evolving, in different ways. When we are born we combine our Soul energy and consciousness with the physical body that is to be our host body for that lifetime. The Soul character is heavily influenced by the mental processes, emotional temperament, and biological systems of the body and the brain. The character of the immortal soul and temperament of the body and brain create the personality after birth. The motivations, fears, self-image and goals of an individual's conscious mind are greatly influenced by the physical, emotional, and mental make-up of the body in which we reside. Our insight, intuition and conscience are from the Soul Mind. The permanent character of the Soul Mind is influenced by the karmic experiences of previous lifetimes. In his books Dr. Newtons writes that this level of inner work (an LBL) enables us to see the Big Picture - it helps us to identify who we really are and thus empower ourselves. Dr. Newton tells us that while Earth-school is a powerful place to incarnate and learn important lessons, it is not the only place we choose to go nor are we the only beings that live here.

Exploring the spirit realm gives us an opportunity to see our life and our self from a new and different perspective. It helps each of us review what we have done and where we have been without blame or guilt, taking responsibility for ourselves because we see ourselves as the being of spirit, of light and love that we are. From there we can see the patterns in the relationships, the lessons, the challenges of life as opportunities to learn and grow, to move to higher levels of wisdom and connection. It also gives us a chance to see just how beautiful the physical world truly is, how amazing and vulnerable each one of us are, how we are all unique individuals yet deeply connected at the same time. Afterwards there is a greater sense of compassion and forgiveness for self and for others and appreciation all the mistakes and mishaps as lessons and opportunities to learn, to be humble and to show courage. This level of work gives us a sense of how rewarding it is to be human, to live upon this planet, this earth school, and how each lesson moves us forward on our own personal path.

Therapeutically, a life between lives (LBL) session brings opportunities for healing and transformation that are very real. It also brings a level of wisdom and insight that is hard to define but will remain for the rest of your life. During these sessions individuals will gain insight regarding mistakes and successes from the past that can be integrated into their current life. When self-destructive patterns are approached within the context of higher wisdom and insight the Soul mind can over-ride the fears and issues of the ego mind and the attitudes that are harmful and destructive and realize the lessons and purpose of each choice that was made. Primarily, this kind of work enables an individual to recognize their true identity. When a client can relate their past lives to their life between lives and to their current life, this gives the Soul identity with the body and a new found sense of purpose.

I have worked with many clients since that week in October, including some Near Death Experiencers. They have told me it helped tremendously to integrate their NDE and how it is affecting their lives today. It is a powerful healing experience, it is where real work happens!

We are human and we are spirit and we are powerful and we are meant to live in light and joy! This is our birthright and our gift to us and to each other. The world of Spirit, the Spirit Realm is our home. It is a world with incredible order and purpose. Everything happens for a reason and in its own good time and there are lessons in everything we experience here in earth-school. We are immortal beings and this kind of work helps bring harmony and balance into our current lives.

If you are interested in learning more about this, read his books. If you think you would like to experience this work personally, contact me and we can set up an appointment. Dr. Newton's web site is thenewtoninstitute.com. I also have a page on LBL on my own website at gatekeepertherapy.com or you can email me at gatkepr@dreamscape.com. If you want to further explore this idea of the interim states of existence, I am offering classes in May and June. On Sunday, May 13th and May 20th, from 1 - 3 at the Kripalu Yoga Center of Northern New York in Adams Center. Each separate class costs $25. Please call Pam at 232-3085 to pre-register. The Kripalu Yoga Center is at 14029 US Rt. 11, Adams Center, 583-5500. On Wed. May 9th, 16th, & 23rd I am offering classes at Essential Kneads Wellness Center on Rt. 31 in Cicero. Class begins at 6:30. Each separate class costs $25. Please contact me at 315-243-1828 to pre-register. Since space is limited pre-registration means a spot will be held for you, so it is required.