Last September, my friend Amy lost her dad, and here it was only three months later and her big brother was diagnosed with lung cancer and given only 6 weeks to live. “I just want to quit. I am wondering if my faith has been misplaced all these years,” she whispered to me through tears.

We cried together and I asked Spirit to help me know what to say because I knew Spirit was still there and that this time was very important for Amy spiritually. Spirit had already taught me, through my own experiences and our conversations, that often our biggest growth comes through our toughest trials.

When I thought she could hear it, I told Amy that this was a tremendous opportunity for soul growth for both her and her brother. She was so good at being in her heart, operating from love, during good times. Now she needed to stay in her heart, not let fear and worry take over and love her brother until the end. She also had the opportunity to help him to clear some of his own personal demons before he died. Johnny had been a fairly functional addict most of his adult life because it helped him cope with the mental and emotional challenges that had seemed too big to face in his life.

I told Amy the potential existed for her to help Johnny learn some of his life lessons, release karma and experience great soul growth before he died.

Time of Transitions

There seem to be so many people facing life and death circumstances right now in a variety of ways. So what’s going on?

We are in a time of huge transition and I believe it is for a couple of reasons. One is that some need to make a shift in their vibration in order to take the next step in the ascension. We all need to be raising our vibrations. Some are doing it on an ongoing basis, so they feel little day-to-day impact from the change. For some, an illness is needed to encourage them to face their issues and release the stuck energy that way.  For others, the illness itself is the release of the energy and it is simply something to allow and let pass without resistance.

Another reason I believe these illnesses and traumas are coming up is because some people are not meant to go to the next stage. Please do not go into fear over that statement. There is nothing really wrong with that, except that it is sad for those left behind. Some may not be able to make the leap vibrationally and others may be of greater assistance on the Other Side.

I think some also have contracted to leave because of the catalyst it will serve for those still living. Here is an example:

My friend, Drew, was an alcoholic for many years. When he finally became sober through Alcoholics Anonymous, he served as a sponsor for many others and was responsible for getting and keeping many people sober. At his funeral, many stepped forward to talk about what an inspiration he was and how now they were going to step up and help, too. While they had their “leader” alive, there was not a lot of reason for them to reach out—Drew was doing the work. Now the whole group that he had supported had the opportunity to step forward and help others. Most of them did just that.

Spirit also told me that Drew’s passing to the Other Side was a reward for a job well done. We do not tend to think of transition as a good thing because of our own pain, but it is a blessing for those making the transition into the world of pure Spirit.

Amy and Johnny

Johnny ended up living three months. The time was full of procedures, medications, appointments and physical pain. The path for Amy was equally painful and challenging, but she was supported by continually moving back into her heart and loving her brother until the end. Amy helped Johnny heal many personal demons through many heartfelt conversations and much forgiveness of himself and others. Because of their willingness to do the work and not to hide from what was happening, both souls progressed tremendously.

Ascension Tips

It is possible to maintain peace during this seemingly “terrible” time. Well, maybe not complete peace for most of us, but at least we can find moments of peace.

1. Support each other. Help each other to maintain their spirituality and principles in tough times. That is when we need them the most.
2. Find the opportunity for growth in the challenge. There is likely to be the potential for a big shift. If you cannot see it, ask someone you trust outside of the situation for input.
3. Stay in your heart. Reject the temptation to go into fear and worry. Allow the sadness to flow when it needs to come. Let it flow through without catching in your body.
4. Assist people through their lessons at the end. Dying is often the only time some people can look at and deal with their wounds. If they are willing, help them. They may need encouragement and a nonjudgmental ear to say the things that they have long kept hidden.
5. Allow. Allow Spirit to assist. Allow friends to support you. Allow the illness to pass through. Allow the sadness when needed.
6. Create quiet time. Continue or start on your meditation practice. You may want to resist being still because the thoughts come then. Fight the temptation to stay so busy that you cannot think about what is going on.

Facing what is happening is an important part of the process. Meditation gives Spirit the room to come in and heal and to provide guidance.

Amy’s soul, I believe, gained much through her brother’s passing. Given the choice, I know she would rather skip the growth and have her brother back. But that was not to be her choice. She recognized that what was happening was not a distraction from the path. It was the path. She embraced it fully and both souls gained much.

Wendy Joy is the author of Clear Channel: A Guide for the Newly Awakening, available at www.wendyjoy.net. “Like” her on www.facebook.com/wendyjoyauthor for FREE distant energy work on the 9th of every month and a message from Spirit on the 10th.  Wendy is a Reiki Master Teacher certified in many healing modalities. Learn more about private sessions via Skype or phone at www.wendyjoy.net.