There is Evidence!

There is evidence that life, death and afterdeath are able to be explored and integrated. There is evidence that death can be approached with a sense of lightness, creativity, play and joy rather than fear, denial, trepidation and a sense of dread. There is evidence that individuals who seek answers about death can become a community that sings, dances, writes, reflects, and experiences fulfillment and gratitude. There is evidence that mystery remains an essential element of life, death and afterdeath. When Pathways decided to convene the lifedeathafterdeath conference, we had two major objectives.

The first objective was to celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary in a way that included exposing the innovative and successful experiences of Pathways to a larger national audience. The second objective was to create a unique educational experience related to the impact that one's beliefs, attitudes, and images of death, afterdeath and immortality, have on one's life.

The conference steering committee had fun contemplating options and expressed diverse opinions regarding how best to accomplish these objectives. There was a significant debate about the value of scientific evidence over personal experience. Is there proof of life after death? Can we communicate directly with those who have died? Can we fully experience death and live to tell about it? Who are the experts? Is their evidence credible? Are there "out of body", "near-death", "channeled", or "other-world" experiences that can be validated? Is there a universal truth about what happens "when we wake up dead"?

After consulting with the experts and debating what is verifiable, we came to the conclusion that what we could offer was the opportunity to "explore and integrate one's personal views of immortality into one's life process". We began to focus more on the experiential rather than the evidential. We acknowledged that each individual needed to be their own authority. We affirmed that art had as much to offer as did the hard sciences.

Did we meet our objectives? 384 people gathered at the Hyatt Hotel and the Minneapolis Convention Center from September 30 - October 2. During the opening reception they met the "inquisitors" asking them what question about death would they like answered? They sang "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly". After dinner, they listened to the "experts" Jim Gordon, Stuart Pimsler, Kenneth Ring, Patch Adams and Sukie Miller; who shared personal reflections rather than expert opinions; and who offered personal journeys, poetry, drama, film, case studies, and the wisdom of the ages rather than the evidence of science.

Morning began with optional spiritual practices and then a breakfast time that included sharing in Insight Circles. Mostly strangers gathered randomly at the breakfast table and began a process of honestly expressing their hopes, expectations, inquiries, and certainties. Mutual respect and excitement flowed throughout the room. The rest of the morning was spent in diverse workshops where the greatest challenge was which seven options could you possibly miss during each of the two morning and three afternoon breakout sessions. Small group lectures, discussions or experiential processes were led by local and national experts and resource people. We listened, questioned, played, danced, sang or creatively explored and expressed the diversity of thoughts and feelings stimulated by our exploration of life, death and afterdeath.

The luncheon plenary session included stimulating personal reflections and poetry readings by Joan Halifax; and the personal confessions, insights and explorations of the multiple personalities of Charles Tart. More optional activities followed the long day of workshops including time to participate in the dynamic art projects of "Re-Membering Love" by Sandra Menefee Taylor and the "Letters of Loss" writing booths by Lee Mingwei. Patch Adams and Susan Parenti entertained with a combination poetry reading and piano concert.

Saturday morning began with a group meditation led by Joan Halifax asking participants to "imagine their world without them in it". The next hour and a half was spent in randomly assigned small groups, processing the information and experience of the entire conference. Participants were asked to reflect on how their life might be different because of what they had explored and experienced.

The closing plenary included a moderated panel of the major presenters. They extemporaneously answered how they would most like to be remembered (especially in light of the possibility of a "Judgment Day"); what they might yet need to let go of in their personal journey; and finally, what was the most important lesson they wanted to share with participants.

The closing ceremony incorporated the two art projects as well as Wendy Morris' beautiful ritual symbolizing the letting go of memories, thoughts, feelings and attachments. Stuart Pimsler and Susan Costello then led the participants through a Saba Dance where personal relationships were the focus. It was poignant, joyful and powerful. It allowed for individuality, for coupling and for communal expression. A fitting and diverse ending for a multi-faceted conference that many expressed was as much a spiritual retreat as educational conference.

Yes, the objectives of the steering committee and of Pathways were met. It was a fitting 10 Year Anniversary Bash! The conference captured the "Spirit of Pathways" through the speakers, the artists, the volunteers and the willingness of participants to engage themselves and each other with honesty, integrity and joy. The evidence is in.