What Are Deceased Loved Ones Doing on The Other Side? | James Van Praagh

Overview

James Van Praagh and Kelly White discuss what deceased loved ones may be doing “on the other side,” presenting death as a transition rather than an end. They describe an afterlife that is multi-layered, non-physical, and accessed by “flipping open the box” of earthly consciousness. In this state, people are often met by loved ones and meaningful acquaintances, and they gradually reorient to new levels of being.

Key Claims and Themes

First experiences after death

• Loved ones and connections formed through kindness or attachment may help greet those who have just passed.
• The newly deceased may move through transitional spaces described as:
  • Hospital-like
  • Garden-like
• Energy (including the concept of prana) can be restored, especially after traumatic deaths.

Reunions, familiarity, and “mother’s house”

• Souls may enter environments created from thought to help them adapt.
• A recurring description is a “mother’s house” setting.
• They may also attend memorials/funerals emotionally and socially.
• “Reunions” are described as meetings with family and friends.

Tours of realms and “lower regions”

• Early after death, souls may take tours across realms or phases.
• Some souls are described as being in “lower regions”, appearing confused or “like the Walking Dead,” not realizing they are alive—similar to:
  • a dream state
  • sleepwalking
• Eventually, they “wake up” and move on.

Life review without condemnation

• Van Praagh describes a life review that is not punitive, but educational and compassionate.
• It is portrayed like witnessing the “rippling effects” of words and intentions.
• Guides may show alternative outcomes to support understanding and growth.
• A major emphasis is on addressing self-judgment (including guilt) with the help of specialized guides/therapists.

Learning, schooling, and earned progression

• Afterlife learning is framed as “universal learning.”
• This may include schooling for:
  • self-love
  • higher truths
  • new skills
• They emphasize that abilities and privileges (including “heavenly” experiences, creativity, and arts) are earned through living and work, not granted by desire alone.

Work of spiritual “rescue” and support roles

• They describe beings who assist the newly deceased, especially in cases such as overdoses.
• Similar support roles are described for babies/children who passed.
• Souls can be involved in rescue, mentoring, and therapy-like support.

Consciousness, time, and rest

• Time may function differently—sometimes described as “no time” in certain framing (e.g., the box/dimension concept).
• Rest is described as slumber/relaxation early after death.
• For those depleted by long illness, rest can act like recharging.

Groupings and vibration (“bands” of beings)

• Souls are often described as operating in groups or bands matched to vibrational rates.
• This implies people gather with like-minded beings.
• They also suggest that groups of spirits may observe and learn from demonstrations of mediumship.

Divisions of realms and astral proximity

• Possible realms are mapped as moving through vibration levels, such as:
  • lower/middle/higher astral
  • mental and causal planes
  • “celestial” planes
• Upward movement is described as requiring readiness/“earning.”

Science and inspiration

• Major discoveries (including cures) are suggested to be potentially inspired from spirit realms.
• Scientists may receive ideas through a “download” process, influenced by interests and openness.

Animals in the afterlife

• Animals are described as part of the reunion process:
  • loved animals may greet the deceased
  • animals may exist in harmonious regions
• The discussion also notes an apparent absence/limited presence of insects in certain described realms.

Reincarnation and free will

• Reincarnation is presented as optional, driven by free will.
• A “valley of forgetfulness” precedes returning to physical life, helping prevent fixation on past errors while supporting new learning.

Broader moral/soteriological takeaway

• The overall emphasis is on love and unity (“we are all connected”).
• They argue that the biggest illusions are death and separateness.

Presenters and Contributors

• James Van Praagh
• Kelly White
• Janelle Campbell (mentioned as the guest for an upcoming angels/archangels class)
• Anthony Boura / Anthony Borcha (author mentioned and quoted)
• Susan Johnson (viewer question referenced)
• Donna (viewer question referenced)
• Laura Crumb (viewer question referenced)
• Rene (thanked; presenter/participant referenced)