I think this all makes perfect sense, Chris, and I wonder ... perhaps Mark might choose the method of
a vivid dream to communicate with you? A friend of mine from work used to communicate in this way with her mother. She is quite open to the possibility, has always had an interest in these sorts of things, and defines herself as a Christian ... yet with a strong interest in Gnostic, even `New Age' teachings. (Her mother was the one initiating the dreams, btw, and it was quite easy for her to tell that
this was not just a case of wishful thinking, or wish fulfilment at the subconscious level ... sometimes, lucid dreams do occur, in which we
know - that something "beyond us" is at work.)
I think it is of prime importance to be
open to the possibility. If we look for it too hard, or expect it come via
a specific form, we may close ourselves to what is really there. As it is, I believe our friends and relatives MAY sometimes choose to communicate with us via
a number of ways. One is through dreams, and these, when they are meant to make it into our outer awareness, almost always do. If the message (or need to be aware of our loved ones) is important enough, several dreams may need to recur ...
Other methods may include communiation via a medium, or perhaps the relaying of something via a 3rd party.
And yes, I think we can
influence the possibilities most strongly, either by our positive, or negative expectations ... or beliefs. But is this not the case with all else in life? Not that I can simply
will my way into Nirvana, or
believe strongly enough and precipitate (materialize) a horse!
But then, in fact, this is
exactly what I believe, if the truth be told. I'm just not "there" yet ...
Anyway, best of luck to you, Chris. If you hear nothing, then you probably know well enough -
that all is well. Still, it's nice to get some reassurance, and I suspect there are forces at work to make sure that anything which needs to get through,
will get through.
Peace,
~Andrew