The Second Annual Afterlife Awareness Conference will take place March 9 – 11 in cooperation with Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment, the Afterlife Education Foundation recently announced. The conference will feature workshops and presentations by a nationally-recognized consortium of researchers, educators and counselors in the field of death, bereavement and afterlife research.

The event will be at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel in Virginia Beach, VA.

The conference was organized to meet the need for a national discussion on the metaphysical aspects of death, dying and bereavement, including after-death communication, out-of-body experience, near-death experience, psychic research, hospice care, grief processing and related studies. This year’s roster of presenters includes some of leading names in the field, including Dr. Stuart Hameroff, Dr. Raymond Moody, Dr. Melvin Morse, Bill Guggenheim and PMH Atwater. The conference will also include gallery-style readings by noted psychic medium Suzane Northrop.

“This conference is an extraordinary opportunity to look at death and bereavement in a new light,” explains Terri Daniel, president of the Afterlife Education Foundation, the non-profit educational organization that sponsors the yearly event. ”Our audience is made up of hospice workers, clergy, the bereaved and the curious. We’ve all found, throughout our years of practice, that understanding how consciousness continues after the death of the body is a key to providing wisdom and comfort for the bereaved and overcoming the fear of death.”

Detailed information on the conference can be found at www.AfterlifeConference.com. Email info@afterlifeconference.com or call 541.549.4004.

Looking back, I never thought that a brief encounter with a dying man in India would have shaped the foundation of my career, and lay the groundwork for my spiritual journey. After 20 years, I now see how everything fell into place.

“Why don’t you sit with that man over there — he’s dying.” I heard these welcoming words from a man who motioned me to a cot at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute and Dying in Calcutta (now Kolkata). While backpacking in India as an impressionable 24 year old, I decided to volunteer at the shelter. I’d never seen a dying person, and wasn’t sure what to do, so I simply did as I was told.

In a stark, cement-floored room filled with 40 other people lying on their cots, I sat on a wooden stool next to a gaunt man. His eyes opened wide as he gazed into mine. He began speaking to me in Bengali. I tried to explain that I didn’t understand, but he continued talking. Then he reached for my hand and instinctively, I placed his hand in mine. His other arm grabbed my arm and I clutched it. Then he died. The heat and animating force left and his body grew cold and rigid, eyes vacant. He was gone. Where did his energy go?

Einstein’s Theory of Conservation flashed through my brain: Energy can never be destroyed, only transformed. For example, if you burn a piece of paper, it changes into carbon and gas. Who or what is he now? Where is his energy? Where did he go? These questions raced through my mind as we carried his lifeless form down a narrow street interrupting a group of children playing soccer. Quietly, the children stopped and inspected his feet, hands and hair poking out from beneath the sheet as we made our way past them. Then they quickly resumed their game as we brought his body to the wood pyre to burn. This is not how children would react to seeing a dead body in America.

Not only is death more visible in India, and therefore viewed differently, but life there is also experienced quite radically from the Western perspective. Most Indians have a distinct concept about who they are. They are a soul that uses a body, rather than a body that has a soul. The difference in identity is significant. One identity doesn’t die, the other one does. Primarily identifying as a soul promotes an expanded view of oneself and life.

What’s animating this body? Who are we? Why are we here? Long after my return home, my experience in Calcutta churned these questions in my mind for years. Eventually, I stumbled upon my first book on past life regression: Michael Newton’s Journey of Souls. My body pulsed with excitement, and I knew that this was the work that I wanted to do…something that glimpsed and shed light on our larger identity and purpose.

Years later, I learned that the question “Who or what am I?” had an even deeper purpose. Ramana Maharshi, one of India’s enlightened sages, would instruct his students to ask this self-inquiry as a means of stopping incessant mind chatter while awakening to, and resting back into their ultimate nature of presence/awareness. The mind is unable to grasp what our highest identity is, so the question results in a quiet, blank mind without an answer. This silence offers a momentary glimpse of our deepest self, beyond the mind’s ability to label and comprehend — pure awareness forever anchored in the here and now.

I cannot say whether or not my dying stranger/friend considered my presence a gift in the last several minutes of his life, however he gave me an immeasurable gift that has been the guiding force of not only my career, but my life.

Rita Gallagher Rosenberg

Rita Gallagher Rosenberg, 61, of Wayzata died on October 22, 2010, following a long-term illness. Rita was survived by her loving husband, Howard.

Rita graduated from Roosevelt High School and Mankato State College with a BS in Urban Studies.

She was an advocate for women and journalist. Rita helped establish the first battered women’s shelter and center for victims of rape in Minneapolis. She befriended many women and mentored them in being more understanding, forgiving and tolerant of their own shortcomings and those of others.

As a journalist, her peak experience was interviewing Michael McDonald, former singer with the Doobie Brothers and longtime solo performer, and his wife, Amy Holland McDonald. She also interviewed actors Peter Falk, Jane Seymour and Rosenne Barr, comedian and politician Al Franken, and author Gail Sheehy, among others.

Rita sold advertising and was a writer with The Edge from 1999-2004, and through that experience she made and nurtured many friendships. Rita loved to sing, and she even went on stage to perform comedy. Her friends say Rita was always there with a prayer, joke and a smile, just when they needed it.

Her friend Nina Westbrook of Burnsville, MN, noted: “Sometimes I think of Rita as being like a little bird who had a crippled wing, and spent her whole life working on ways to learn to fly like most of the birds. And it turned out that most of the birds learned to fly better because of the crippled bird.”

Rita will be remembered fondly, and she will be missed by family and friends.

Ronald L. King, DDS

Ronald L. King, 62, a husband, father and noted dentist, died on October 21, 2010 of cancer. In recent days, Dr. King was in a hospice in Edina, attended by his wife, Lynn, and his daughters Rachel and Lisa.

Growing up in Richfield, MN, Ronald King was a Boy Scout who attained the rank of Eagle. He played baritone saxophone in his high school’s marching band and was a ski jumper and captain on the high school’s ski team. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and in 1972 received his dental degree from the dental school there. Following that, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. He flew single engine planes and worked part time as an instructor at the University of Minnesota Dental School. He was an active member of the local ski patrol.

After some years in dental practice, Dr. King became curious about the controversy over the safety of dental amalgam fillings, which are half mercury. He found clinical and scientific grounds for concern about the safety of mercury amalgams and made his own dental practice more holistic. By the mid-1990s, Ronald King had become one of the few “go-to” dentists for patients seeking holistic dental care in the Twin Cities. Among the holistic options he used was homeopathy to help promote healing and reduce surgical pain. He joined several of the international academies centered on the subjects of health-conscious dentistry and became a long-time board member of the Holistic Dental Association. He served as president of Holistic Dental Association for a year.

Dr. King was known for his diplomatic ways of discussing the dental controversies with his fellow dentists. He mentored others, nurturing their understanding, and nudging them along patiently, towards a kind of dental practice that he viewed as more holistic and safer for the patients and for the dentists themselves. In 1999 he was appointed by Governor Jesse Ventura to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. In 2003, he was re-appointed by Governor Tim Pawlenty to another term.

Dr. King was a great believer in patient education and had extensive handouts for his patients on the many important issues from oral hygiene to mercury amalgams to the fluoridation controversy.

Current dental partner Dr. Sherif Said noted: “In the short time that I have known Dr. King, I found him to be an honest, caring and dedicated man. His passion to his patients and the profession of dentistry was genuine, and that is why his patients had very strong connections with him. It was touching to see how his funeral was so full that mourners had to stand at the back of the church as there was no seating room. That is the greatest gift anyone can get.”

Ronald King touched the lives of many people, not only with his caring professional work, but also with his humor, his kindness and his generosity. He will be remembered fondly, and he will be missed. Dr. King was one of the most enduring advertisers of The Edge, and this publication and its former owners are grateful for his dedication to holistic living.

Welcome to my first column in The Edge. Thanks to all who have read previous articles and sent me notes or spoken to me in person. I appreciate your appreciation and I appreciate you too. So, it’s with a certain degree of delicious irony that I’m celebrating a beginning by talking about endings.

I have always been intrigued by death. Even as a child, I would imagine what it was like to die in particular ways – a car speeding into a brick wall. Death by electrocution. Nuclear war. Nuclear war was a big one, because I lived on an air base in North Dakota. I knew exactly which buildings could withstand a nuclear blast. I wondered how quickly I could get there and how much food they had.

I’d also imagine the reactions from others. Some people would cry, some would be angry. And, yes, some would regret not being nice to me. (Remember, I was a small child thinking this.)

Now, I didn’t want to die. Nor, did I repeat scenarios over and over in my brain. Once I understood the dynamics, I moved on (unless it was a sword or ninja fight, and I was the hero). It was as if my little child mind was practicing these real-world possibilities and I was mentally preparing myself. I was curious about what my senses would sense, and the feelings I would have.

I never worried about what was on the other side. Oddly enough, I knew. I’d read spiritual stories and I could feel the energy of the universe pouring into me. I knew that goodness was over there, but I also knew that goodness was over here, we’d just have to work to reveal it.

As I grew older, I realized if I thought about someone’s death, I cared about them. I would mull it over in my mind because I did not want to be blind-sided. I would practice releasing and understanding the pain. In hindsight, I realize why I went in this direction – my parents’ generation seemed to show their love by being afraid. They could quickly tell us what could go wrong, but sadly, they were keeping us “safe” at the expense of living.

Finally, while in college, I was listening to an NPR show and the guest was a mortician/author saying that the world was separated into two camps: Those who think about death all the time and those who never do. I can’t remember what the percentage split was. Maybe it was 80/20 (life/death) or 60/40. But my mind instantly expanded! Before that moment, the ratio was “the world”/me. I finally realized I wasn’t alone, and I also realized I wasn’t morbid. Profoundly, beautifully, I realized my relationship with death helped inform my life. It was like someone opened the door and the light streamed in.

After hearing this, I had to find out more. I asked people which camp they were in. What did they think about death? The majority didn’t think about death at all and I’d ask why? And, I’d get a variety of answers: They didn’t need to, it’s depressing, they’re focused on life, there were many deaths in the family, it frightens them, they don’t want to die, they don’t want to know, they aren’t worried, they don’t care, they fear that thinking about death will bring it upon them.

Since then, and after working with so many clients on their fears, I’ve come to realize that death is easy. It’s living that takes time, ingenuity and a leap of faith. In fact, “death” can be the end of anything: the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, the selling of a house. It is all relative; it is the loss of anything that gives our life meaning.

In fact, that is why I have developed gratitude. If there is ever an antidote for death or change, it’s possible that it is gratitude. It is gratitude for what was, what will be and what has ever existed.

I am grateful for death because it has taught me that nothing is forever. It has taught me to appreciate my family, my friends, my life. It has taught me to persevere and develop a stronger faith. It has taught me to share my appreciation and love with others. In fact, whenever I hear the phrase “killing time,” I wince. Time is so precious, so valuable.

Today, I don’t mull over death so much anymore, but it’s still a part of my awareness, my appreciation of life. Thank you death for teaching me about life.

I have always been intrigued by various aspects of spirituality — ESP, psychics, spirit communication. I found each of these totally fascinating, but I had absolutely no personal experience with any of them.

Everything changed on September 20, 2003 when my 20-year old daughter, Elizabeth, died of smoke inhalation from a fire in her duplex just a few blocks from the University of Minnesota, where she had just begun her sophomore year.

That day my life was turned upside down. My journey began and still continues today. My daughter’s death was painful and totally unexpected — however, I immediately knew she was fine and that, in time, my family and I would be fine, as well.

Within the first week of her death she sent signs to me, to her father, to her grandmother and to one of her closest high school friends. Each sign was completely different — yet, so appropriate for that person.

Two months after her death, she led me to Kathryn Harwig and my journey with spirit communication really began. Through Kathryn I learned that Liz’s strong personality was still very much intact, and she was very happy to be in spirit.

“Yes, I died, she said — but so what!” I had to smile — it sounded exactly like something my wild and crazy daughter would say!

In 2005 I began Kathryn’s Intuitive Mastery classes. I signed up not knowing what would happen or what I would learn. Could I learn to communicate with Liz on my own?

Not only did I learn to communicate with her, but, much to my amazement and surprise, I learned I could get intuitive information for other people, and even communicate with those on the other side. It took some time for me to fully embrace this ability, but now I use it at every opportunity. Not only is my life better, but being able to help others brings a peace and joy I never anticipated. As hard as it is to accept at times, I truly believe that the death of my daughter led me to my life’s purpose.

Today, I have retired after 35 years in the business world, and am a writer and speaker. Liz’s death has truly been my journey of tragedy to transformation, and I embrace my new life with Liz by my side in love and laughter — but most of all in joy!

Question: I have been a spiritual seeker almost all my life. I have had many wonderful experiences and feel I have grown and evolved immensely. However, there is still one area which I feel has not changed much and that is my fear of dying. How can I overcome this fear of death?

Leonard’s answer: If you are not present, and you are functioning mostly from within the mind, then death is always approaching, and it creates fear in two ways. The first is that we are afraid of the unknown, and generally what happens after death is unknown, and so we are afraid of it. To the extent that you are afraid of death, you will miss life, simply because the fear of death keeps you in the future, and life is only truly experienced in the present.

Fear of death also arises because of our attachments. The more attached we are to people or things, the more we will fear losing those things and so the more we will fear death.

To overcome the fear of death, you will have to become more present.

When you are present, you are in the unknown in the sense that the remembered past or the imagined future is not with you. All you know is this moment, not because you understand it or know it with your mind, but because you are experiencing it, moment to moment. It is very peaceful, and the more present you are, the more you will trust the unknown and the more relaxed and accepting you will be.

If you are truly present, there is no such thing as death.

One moment, you are here, alive. The next moment you are here, alive. If you remain present, then at the point of passing all you will experience is a moment of transition as you leave the body. Prior to that moment of transition, if you are present, you will experience peace, love, gratitude, acceptance and compassion. During that moment of passing, if you are present, you will experience peace, love, gratitude, acceptance and compassion. After that moment of passing, you will experience peace, love, gratitude, acceptance and compassion.

You will also experience a lot of light as you are returned to the dimension of the soul. Before this incarnation, you existed as a soul within the soul dimension. After leaving the body, you will be returned to that dimension, but your experience there will be radically transformed by the level of Presence and Oneness realized in this lifetime. Future incarnations will be radically affected by the level of Presence and Oneness realized in this lifetime.

To be fully present, you will also have to surrender your attachments. You accomplish this by bringing everything that you are attached to into consciousness. Own your attachments. Acknowledge them and confess them. Your attachments keep you imprisoned in the past or future. Your attachments keep you out of Oneness and in separation. Realize that you came into this world alone, and you will leave this world alone. You cannot take anything or anyone with you, but you can take your sense of attachment with you. This will create fear and it will contribute to the soul’s sense of separateness and loss.

In truth, you are the champion of the soul and it is through your awakening into Oneness through Presence in this lifetime that your soul will be restored to immortality. The more present you are in your day-to-day life, the more present you will be in that moment of transition. If you are present, it is truly a moment of great inspiration for those who love you. It is a moment worthy not of grief, but of great celebration.

REMEMBER THAT DARK, interconnecting film called 21 Grams? The title refers to the supposed weight of the soul, initially determined by Dr. Duncan MacDougall of Haverhill, Mass., who theorized that after the body dies, it weighs approximately 21 grams less, or three-fourths of an ounce. Now, Dr. MacDougall’s research is considered more of a curiosity than scientific certainty but isn’t it interesting to consider that science even remotely postulates that it can validate the existence of the soul?

But that’s not what interests me at this moment. While driving at noon today, just running an inauspicious errand during a rainy day, I caught Radiolab’s program “After Life” on Minnesota Public Radio. The program’s creators call it “eleven meditations on how, when and even if we die.”

Listen to it here, at the WNYC website where the program can be heard in three sections.

My guides, the Light Collective, teach that two of the core principles of life are that we create with our thoughts and activate with our emotions. If this is true, though, why do we so often set intentions and nothing happens? I get asked this question a lot from very frustrated people who are activating and intending and manifesting and not seeing their intended results.

One thing we need to remember is that we do not live in a bubble, alone from the rest of the world. While we are creating and manifesting, others are doing the same. Lately, it feels like a whole lot of the rest of the world are dwelling in a fear-based mentality. And, we cannot change what other people choose to manifest. We are unlikely to change the economy or the government or the health care system, at least until a large group of us coordinately agree and set that intention. We also are not likely to change our spouse or our kids or our boss, until and unless they decide they want to change. What we can change, however, is how we view this situation and how we let it affect us.

Just recently I had someone ask me why we have to die. That is a complicated issue, of course, but a quick answer is that, as a cosmic consciousness of humanity, we all believe that we will. Even if I could change my belief in the inevitability of my body dying (and I highly doubt that I could) I still live in a sea of people who believe it. What is interesting is that, as a society, we are now believing in a much longer life expectancy.

Not so very long ago, people who lived into their 40s were considered elders. Now, as we all know, 40 is the new 30, 60 is the new 40, and so on. And, as a large number of us believe this, it actually becomes true. People are looking and acting far younger than they did at a comparable age only years ago. Life expectancy continues to increase. I think life expectancy is increasing, not because of better medical care or nutrition, but because a core group of us changed our belief in how long we could expect to live.

The true life of expectancy (at this time) for a human is about 120 years. This is likely to continue to increase, although, of course, if we all changed our mind we could lower it again. I have decided to set my intention to live a vibrant and healthy life for all my years and to live it to my full life expectancy. I am throwing out a challenge to all of you to do the same.

The serenity prayer is a marvelous piece of simple truth. Accepting what we cannot change (or manifest) and changing what we can is perhaps the key to a joyous life. The wisdom to know which is which is tricky, but certainly within our grasp.

So, this month, consider what it is you can change in your life. So many “new age” people have told me they don’t really want to be on this planet and they wish they could leave. Well, they can, of course. But, heck, we are here. Why not spend our visit to planet Earth with as much joy and vitality as we can create? And, as a group, would it not be fascinating to see how long we can stretch this visit, remaining vital, strong and joyful?