Signs of Life

When my dad passed away, mourners told me, “He’s still with you in spirit.” Sure, that’s a common thing we say to the grieving. However, in time, I learned it to be true. When a loved one passes, their death is not an ending but the beginning of a different type of existence. Your Grandma may no longer be physically present, but her consciousness lives on through her energy — her spirit. Find out for yourself by asking for signs that your loved ones are still with you.

How do Signs Work?

Everything in our world and beyond is made of energy. Your loved ones on the other side no longer have voices to speak to you or fingers to write you a letter. However, they can creatively use their energy to send you little signs. This is not strange or spooky. It’s their way of showing you that they are still around — loving and supporting you, cheering you on as you navigate life, lifting you up during difficult times, and remembering you on special days, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Receiving these signs can be life affirming and tremendously comforting, particularly for those dealing with loss.

Common signs that loved ones send:

· Birds - cardinals, hummingbirds etc.

· Butterflies

· Coins

· Feathers

· Four leaf clovers

· Repeating numbers - on digital clocks, license plates

· Electrical events - flickering lights, ringing phones

· Special songs that come on just as you tune in

"When a cardinal appears,

a loved one is near."

Will I Recognize the Signs?

When your loved ones send signs, they will also draw your attention to them at just the right moment. That shiny quarter you see on the front walk. The cardinal peeking at you through the kitchen window. The butterfly on your mailbox as you collect the mail. The feather in the middle of the hiking trail. You will notice the sign because it was meant for you.

This method of communication is completely energy based. If Grandma sends you a cardinal, she does not become the cardinal. Instead, she uses her spiritual energy to redirect the bird to fly or perch within your range of vision. Animals make great sign partners for spirit because they are highly responsive to electromagnetic fields. So, with a little nudge from your grandmother, the cardinal flies into your backyard, letting you know that Grandma is thinking of you and that her spirit is with you at that very moment.

Five Steps to Asking for Signs

Receiving signs from passed loved ones can enrich your life. Author Mitch Albom quoted, “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” It’s reassuring to know that our bonds of love with the friends and family we've lost are never broken. Here’s how to ask for your own signs.

1. Select a Sign: Think of a passed loved one and choose a sign. It can be symbolic or random, but it’s best to make it specific. For example, if your mother loved Siamese cats, choose the symbolic sign of a Siamese cat. Or choose a random sign like a purple elephant. Now, you won't likely see purple elephants in your neighborhood. However, you may see a purple elephant on a cartoon or greeting card or as a figurine in a shop window. Whatever sign you choose, spirit will find a way to get it to you.

2. Set your Intention: Next, speak your desire to receive the sign. “Universe, I’m ready and open to receiving signs from my mother. Mom, I love and miss you. Please let me know you are with me by sending me purple elephants.”

3. Open your Heart and Mind: Be open and observant while you await your loved one’s signs. Remember, you may receive your sign in an unexpected form – perhaps in the tattoo artwork on the man seated next to you on the train.

4. Express Gratitude: When you receive a sign, be sure to acknowledge it and thank the sender. “Thank you, Mom, for showing me that you are with me.” Expressing gratitude gives spirit the green light, letting them know that you’re open to receiving signs.

5. Track your Signs: Jot down the date, description, and sender of each sign you receive. Use whatever method works for you. You can start a special journal or even type them into your smart phone’s “Notes” function. Each time you make an entry and see your growing list, it will remind you of how deeply loved and supported you are by your friends and family on the other side.

Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more about spiritual signs, I recommend Laura Lynne Jackson’s bestseller, Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe. This national best seller was our High Vibe Book Club winter book selection and November discussion topic.