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Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most profound experiences. In the midst of grief, many people describe feeling something extraordinary: a presence, a sensation or an inexplicable energy. These moments, though often subtle, can bring comfort and a sense of connection to those who have died.
For centuries, cultures and traditions across the world have shared stories of loved ones reaching out through signs, dreams or an undeniable feeling of being close. Whether or not you believe in the spiritual, psychological, or emotional aspects of this phenomenon, there’s no denying the power these experiences hold in helping us navigate loss and begin to heal.
This article explores the ways people interpret and feel energy after death, offering insights into what these feelings might mean and how they can help guide us through our grief. It’s a reminder that even in the silence, love remains.
When talking about death and dying, you may come across the idea of energy persisting after death. It stems from the belief that life is more than this physical existence, and many cultures and spiritual practices believe that energy, often tied to the soul or spirit, continues in some form after bodily death.
Every person interprets these energies differently. While some feel warmth and comfort, others might experience a sudden chill or a sense of presence. These personal experiences make the concept of energy after death uniquely profound.
Those left behind after a death often describe tangible sensations that hint at the presence of the person who has died:
Many believe that those who have passed on find ways to communicate with us, leaving symbolic signs that can carry deep meaning. These signs often appear in moments of grief or when we are thinking about them, offering reassurance that their energy and love remain present. Here are some of the most reported symbolic signs and what they might represent:
Butterflies: Butterflies are often seen as messengers of transformation and the soul’s journey. If a butterfly appears unexpectedly, it can be interpreted as a sign that your loved one’s energy is still near, guiding you and bringing comfort during difficult times.
Feathers: Finding a feather, particularly in an unusual place, is often thought to be a message of peace and protection from a person who has died. Many see it as a sign that their loved one is watching over them, offering a reminder of their spiritual presence.
Coins: Coins, especially those found in unexpected places, are believed to be tokens from loved ones. Some say the year or design of the coin might hold personal significance, symbolising the connection that transcends death.
Birds: Certain birds, such as robins, cardinals, or doves, are often considered spiritual messengers. A visit from a bird behaving unusually, like approaching you or lingering nearby, may be a sign of love and reassurance from the other side.
Numbers: Recurring numbers, such as 11:11, birth dates, or other significant sequences, can be a way for loved ones to remind you of their presence. These patterns may appear on clocks, receipts, or licence plates, serving as subtle but meaningful signs.
Dreams are seen as one of the most direct ways the person who has died can reach out. These dreams often feel vivid and carry messages of reassurance, love, or even guidance. People frequently wake from these dreams feeling comforted and closer to their loved ones.
These dreams offer a unique space for connection. Many report seeing loved ones in dream states, providing reassurance or guidance. Common themes include:
Simplifying funeral planning through direct cremations or prepaid funeral plans allows families to shift their focus from potential logistical stress to embracing meaningful connections with their loved one, making space for emotional healing and moments of spiritual closeness during what can be a turbulent time.
Knowing their wishes have been taken care of through a prepaid direct cremation plan allows families to fully embrace the emotional and spiritual journey of grieving, paying attention to the signs of energy and presence their loved one may leave behind.
With Aura, you won’t have to compromise the practical elements of planning a funeral for empathy and compassion, or vice versa. Our prepaid funeral plans allow you to manage the costs and arrangements of your funeral in advance, providing financial security and peace of mind for your loved ones.
From the moment you reach out to our trusted team of funeral experts to the completion of setting up your plan, you will be met with warmth and experience. Beyond that, we will be there to answer any questions that come up, and guide you through any amendments or upgrades you might need to make. When the time comes, your chosen plan will be handled by Aura’s compassionate and experienced team of Aura Angels, who will assist your loved ones with everything from paperwork to emotional support, offering care and empathy every step of the way.
By securing your funeral at today’s prices, you can avoid future inflation, ensure your wishes are honoured, and reduce potential stresses for your family during an emotional time.
In the depths of grief, uncertainty about the future or feelings of loneliness can be overwhelming. The sensation of a loved one’s presence can act as a stabilising force, and can be interpreted as a reminder to people that they are still connected by something bigger than themselves. These connections go beyond memories, acting as a bridge between the past and present. It can validate grief while also offering a sense of comfort that death doesn’t mean an end to the relationship—it simply evolves over time.
Rituals can help create moments for spiritual connection. Finding space and time during your day to connect with those who have died is one way to remain in a state of feeling close. Examples include:
There are many facts and myths about death, but many of us can experience moments in life that defy logic, leaving us wondering about the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding. These experiences can feel like glimpses into something greater—something that connects the physical and the spiritual.
Objects tied to your loved one, such as jewellery or keepsakes, might unexpectedly show up or catch your attention. Many interpret this as their way of reminding you they’re still with you in spirit.
Flickering lights, radios turning on unexpectedly, or unusual phone activity are often thought to be a way for spirits to interact with the physical world. These occurrences are frequently seen as playful attempts to say, “I’m still here.”
Sudden temperature changes: Many people describe feeling an unexplainable warmth or chill in the room, particularly when thinking about or speaking to a departed loved one. These shifts in temperature are often interpreted as their presence being nearby.
Hearing familiar sounds: People sometimes report hearing their loved one’s voice, footsteps, or even their favourite song playing unexpectedly on the radio. These moments often bring comfort and a sense of connection.
Feeling a presence: Some people report a sensation of being touched, held, or simply feeling a loved one’s presence in the room, often accompanied by a sense of calm or reassurance.
Animals acting unusually: Pets, particularly cats or dogs, are often said to react to unseen presences. This can include staring at an empty space, barking, or showing unusual behaviour in spots associated with the departed.
Beyond providing comfort, staying connected can help in processing grief.
Many people find comfort in speaking to the person or people who have died, either internally or aloud. This can not only aid in processing unresolved emotions, but also provide a sense of closure when grappling with the loss.
A lovely example of the healing potential of speaking to a loved one after their death is through the concept of the ‘wind phone’. Originating in Japan but now existing in many places all over the world, the wind phone is a simple, unconnected telephone placed in a serene outdoor setting, inviting people to ‘call’ and speak to the departed. This symbolic and poetic act offers a safe, private mode for people to express their thoughts, feelings, and unresolved emotions.
The idea behind the wind phone is not about expecting a response but about creating a bridge between the living and the dead, allowing grief to find a voice. The wind carries these words, symbolising the journey of love and memory beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Cultural traditions worldwide reflect a deep belief in energy after death:
These beliefs reflect the universal desire to understand and maintain connections with those who have moved on, providing comfort and meaning across cultures.
While countless anecdotes suggest a continuation of energy, scientific studies still lack the tools to measure subjective experiences like these. The divide between scientific evidence and spiritual belief highlights the personal nature of this topic, but regardless of empirical proof, finding meaning and comfort remains the priority.
Grief often heightens our emotional sensitivity, potentially making us more attuned to subtle changes in our environment or sensations within ourselves. This heightened state can lead us to notice things we might otherwise overlook, such as a sudden breeze, a flickering light, or the appearance of a meaningful object. These experiences may feel like signs or energy from a loved one and are often interpreted as their presence or guidance.
Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, can also play a role—our minds may seek out patterns or assign meaning to coincidences that align with our emotional needs. Similarly, memory influences perception, as familiar smells, sounds, or objects associated with the person who has died may trigger feelings of connection.
While these interpretations vary, they reflect the natural human desire to maintain bonds and make sense of loss during times of profound emotional vulnerability.
Grief is unique to each person and situation, and so is the way each person connects with their loved one. Learning how to embrace your interpretations without fear of judgement may prove to be beneficial to your journey in grief and acceptance.
For those who feel particularly impacted by their experiences, grief counselling or reaching out to supportive communities can be immensely helpful.
By planning ahead, you can give your loved ones the gift of clarity and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: honouring your memory and cherishing the connection they feel with you after you’re gone.
Our prepaid funeral plans offer more than just financial security, they provide an opportunity to create a meaningful goodbye that reflects your life and values. We are fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and our plans are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), so you can rest assured Aura’s plans keep your money safe.
Whether it’s through a simple direct cremation or a larger service, we help families navigate the practical aspects of loss with care and compassion. With the support of our industry-leading team of Aura Angels, your loved ones will be guided through every step with empathy and understanding, so they can embrace the moments that bring comfort and healing during grief.
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