I want to post here some notes about what I mean by "the within"...am working on that, but in the meantime...Here is my foreword to the forthcoming (June, 2009)...
THE WESTERN BOOK OF CROSSING OVER:
THE WESTERN BOOK OF CROSSING OVER:
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE OTHER SIDE
BY SHELDON PTASCHEVITCH STOFF
Illustrations by JOSHUA JORDAN STOFF
Frog Books, Berkeley, California
Foreword by BARBARA SMITH STOFF
Although he had been fascinated with the concept of reincarnation—
having begun, while still in his teens, with studies from the
New York Psychic Society—Sheldon Stoff, who is now retired
BY SHELDON PTASCHEVITCH STOFF
Illustrations by JOSHUA JORDAN STOFF
Frog Books, Berkeley, California
Foreword by BARBARA SMITH STOFF
Although he had been fascinated with the concept of reincarnation—
having begun, while still in his teens, with studies from the
New York Psychic Society—Sheldon Stoff, who is now retired
from university teaching in education and philosophy, had never thought
to ask a question regarding the career and whereabouts of the soul between incarnations.
In this book, he keeps company with such as C. S. Lewis (A Grief Observed), in that he finds himself in continuing contact with his deceased wife, Lorraine. During these surprising communications, Lorraine Marshak Stoff, who was married to Sheldon for more than fifty years, describes her experience of passing over, and then proceeds to go into details about the soul’s ongoing experience and progress between lives.
There seemed to be some significance to the fact that Lorraine had
chosen to cross over on my birthday in 2001, and that Shel and I had
met on their wedding anniversary in 2004. Then we discovered that
we had been pretty much on the same page with regard to teaching and
public education in general all our professional lives, albeit he on the
east coast, and I on the west coast. We each even held dog-eared copies
of Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull, which we used to broach
There seemed to be some significance to the fact that Lorraine had
chosen to cross over on my birthday in 2001, and that Shel and I had
met on their wedding anniversary in 2004. Then we discovered that
we had been pretty much on the same page with regard to teaching and
public education in general all our professional lives, albeit he on the
east coast, and I on the west coast. We each even held dog-eared copies
of Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull, which we used to broach
similar topics in our lectures. He taught education and philosophy, while
I taught literature and art. Dean Radin writes a lot about such “entanglement”
over distances.
Here on Earth, somehow I think I must have signed on to help with
the finishing up of an important task, especially in regard to Lorraine’s
meditative illuminated paintings depicting each of the letters of the
Hebrew alphabet. Lorraine developed her medieval illumination techniques
at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, and these paintings are her last
work before she crossed over. She called them her “Mystical Interpretation
of the Hebrew Alphabet.” I feel a strong personal responsibility (a personal
Here on Earth, somehow I think I must have signed on to help with
the finishing up of an important task, especially in regard to Lorraine’s
meditative illuminated paintings depicting each of the letters of the
Hebrew alphabet. Lorraine developed her medieval illumination techniques
at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, and these paintings are her last
work before she crossed over. She called them her “Mystical Interpretation
of the Hebrew Alphabet.” I feel a strong personal responsibility (a personal
tikkun, if you will) to see that this lovely work finds a berth of honor—as a
permanent exhibit in a museum and as a published book about them as well.
Throughout my life, it seems I have needed to ponder many puzzling
pieces, and Gregg Braden’s long, intense focus on bridging the
voices of ancient wisdom and the modern world has been so very
Throughout my life, it seems I have needed to ponder many puzzling
pieces, and Gregg Braden’s long, intense focus on bridging the
voices of ancient wisdom and the modern world has been so very
comforting to me. Even more coincidentally, it happens that
for a great many years, I have been fascinated with the concept of the Hebrew
Alphabet as being a sacred alphabet based on sound and number. Gregg
Braden treats this at length in The God Code (Carlsbad, CA: Hay House,
2005, illustrated edition), where he discusses a signature in our common
DNA. I am hoping to soon come upon a similar exploration regarding
Sanskrit—also a language based upon sacred sound and number.
Aurobindo said, “At the core, in each cell, we are lit with God Light.”
Asking a new kind of question can precipitate a profound change in
our world view, and in our understanding of the entire cosmos. When
we change our question, we begin to move forward in comprehension
and toward greater spiritual evolution.
Today it seems that the whole world must to come to terms with a
multi-national hydra-headed existential face-off. Thus it becomes, at
this point in history, imperative that we work hard to educate ourselves,
in order to gain some insight and understanding of our idea of ourselves
as human beings in a very large universe, and how that idea is
interpreted and played out on the increasingly communal world stage.
In our efforts to widen and deepen our concepts and understanding
of life and meaning, it may be helpful if we place our inquiries
within the larger questions posed by general systems theory. Directing
an inquiring look at general systems theory and the nature of systems—
how and why they organize themselves, and how they may change toward
a more benevolent evolution—could help elucidate our own place in
the larger universe.
Ervin Laszlo, often known as the father of systems science, says that
as we now face a choice between “collapsing into chaos and evolving into
a sustainable, ethical global community,” the voices of the few, even the
individual, can have a powerful effect for change. (The Chaos Point: The
World at the Crossroads, Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing
Company, Inc., 2006.) Scientists would say we are living in a “decision
window”—a transitory period in the evolution of a system during
which any input or influence, however small, can “blow up” to transform
existing trends and bring new patterns and processes into existence.
This is similar to the often-discussed “butterfly effect” discovered
by U.S. meteorologist Edward Lorenz in the 1960s. In periods of relative
stability, the consciousness of individuals does not play a decisive
role in the behavior of society. But when a society reaches the limits of
its stability and turns chaotic, it becomes super-sensitive—responsive
to even small fluctuations such as changes in some people’s values,
beliefs, world views, and aspirations. Many signs point to the fact that
we are entering a new period of ecological and social instability, a time
rife with chaos but also a window of exceptional freedom to decide our
destiny.
Reading history upon tragic history, and trying to comprehend truly
and fairly, we think that now is the time to offer thoughts about strategies
for a deeper healing at the heart of humankind. With Martin Buber
and Vaclav Havel, we plead for benevolent evolution in our consciousness,
in our understanding of who we are and where we are going. Are
we evolving toward understanding and partnership?
Gregg Braden writes of “the existence of a field of energy—The
Divine Matrix—that provides the container, as well as a bridge and
mirror, for everything that happens between the world within us and
the one outside of our bodies.” Drawing upon theorists such as David
Bohm and others within the discipline of quantum physics, Braden
describes “deeper or higher planes of creation that hold the template
for what happens in our world. It’s from these subtler levels of
reality that our physical world originates.” He says:
“The implication of both quantum theory and the ancient texts is that
in the unseen realms we create the blueprint for the relationships,
careers, successes, and failures of the visible world. From this perspective,
the Divine Matrix works like a great cosmic screen that allows
us to see the nonphysical energy of our emotions and beliefs (our
anger, hate, and rage; as well as our love, compassion, and understanding)
projected in the physical medium of life.” (The Divine Matrix:
Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief, Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.,
2007, p. xiv.)
If we look to ancient wisdom traditions and metaphysical writings, we
find abundant theory on soul development. Having read deeply in the
fields of esoterica for some forty years, I am excited to find validation
in the fact that contemporary physicians, psychotherapists, and educators
are now providing scientific support to ancient wisdom teachings
regarding what we might call journeys of the soul. In particular, through
the enduring and painstaking work of researchers such as David
Chamberlain, Brian Weiss, and Michael Newton, there is now an expanding
body of thought in the exploration of controversial issues involving
our understanding of consciousness.
You can imagine my excitement and feeling of good fortune when
I found myself in face-to-face dialogue with an individual who had the
personal experience of an extended conversation with beings on the
“other side.” Sheldon’s between-the-worlds dialogue with Lorraine
can offer a response to essential questions and, as well, encourage us to
keep on asking for more enlightenment regarding our situation and
way of progress.
In his introduction, Gregg Braden goes on to say, “The Divine Matrix
is written for those of you whose lives bridge the reality of our past with
the hope of our future. It is you who are being asked to forgive and find
compassion in a world reeling from the scars of hurt, judgment, and
fear. The key to surviving our time in history is to create a new way of
thinking while we’re still living in the conditions that threaten our existence.”
If Ervin Laszlo is right, and I think he is, in his Chaos Point: The World
at the Crossroads, then such reporting of deep personal experience is
extremely valuable at this time, in this critical “decision window.” Carl
Jung was fond of stressing that the experience of even one individual is
statistically significant. It’s staggering to contemplate that—but I often
do and then look within myself for the courage to “belly up to the bar,”
as an old friend used to say.
To act in accord, to make a bridge to new ways of thinking, and in
the belief that the reported experiences of individual journeys in
for a great many years, I have been fascinated with the concept of the Hebrew
Alphabet as being a sacred alphabet based on sound and number. Gregg
Braden treats this at length in The God Code (Carlsbad, CA: Hay House,
2005, illustrated edition), where he discusses a signature in our common
DNA. I am hoping to soon come upon a similar exploration regarding
Sanskrit—also a language based upon sacred sound and number.
Aurobindo said, “At the core, in each cell, we are lit with God Light.”
Asking a new kind of question can precipitate a profound change in
our world view, and in our understanding of the entire cosmos. When
we change our question, we begin to move forward in comprehension
and toward greater spiritual evolution.
Today it seems that the whole world must to come to terms with a
multi-national hydra-headed existential face-off. Thus it becomes, at
this point in history, imperative that we work hard to educate ourselves,
in order to gain some insight and understanding of our idea of ourselves
as human beings in a very large universe, and how that idea is
interpreted and played out on the increasingly communal world stage.
In our efforts to widen and deepen our concepts and understanding
of life and meaning, it may be helpful if we place our inquiries
within the larger questions posed by general systems theory. Directing
an inquiring look at general systems theory and the nature of systems—
how and why they organize themselves, and how they may change toward
a more benevolent evolution—could help elucidate our own place in
the larger universe.
Ervin Laszlo, often known as the father of systems science, says that
as we now face a choice between “collapsing into chaos and evolving into
a sustainable, ethical global community,” the voices of the few, even the
individual, can have a powerful effect for change. (The Chaos Point: The
World at the Crossroads, Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing
Company, Inc., 2006.) Scientists would say we are living in a “decision
window”—a transitory period in the evolution of a system during
which any input or influence, however small, can “blow up” to transform
existing trends and bring new patterns and processes into existence.
This is similar to the often-discussed “butterfly effect” discovered
by U.S. meteorologist Edward Lorenz in the 1960s. In periods of relative
stability, the consciousness of individuals does not play a decisive
role in the behavior of society. But when a society reaches the limits of
its stability and turns chaotic, it becomes super-sensitive—responsive
to even small fluctuations such as changes in some people’s values,
beliefs, world views, and aspirations. Many signs point to the fact that
we are entering a new period of ecological and social instability, a time
rife with chaos but also a window of exceptional freedom to decide our
destiny.
Reading history upon tragic history, and trying to comprehend truly
and fairly, we think that now is the time to offer thoughts about strategies
for a deeper healing at the heart of humankind. With Martin Buber
and Vaclav Havel, we plead for benevolent evolution in our consciousness,
in our understanding of who we are and where we are going. Are
we evolving toward understanding and partnership?
Gregg Braden writes of “the existence of a field of energy—The
Divine Matrix—that provides the container, as well as a bridge and
mirror, for everything that happens between the world within us and
the one outside of our bodies.” Drawing upon theorists such as David
Bohm and others within the discipline of quantum physics, Braden
describes “deeper or higher planes of creation that hold the template
for what happens in our world. It’s from these subtler levels of
reality that our physical world originates.” He says:
“The implication of both quantum theory and the ancient texts is that
in the unseen realms we create the blueprint for the relationships,
careers, successes, and failures of the visible world. From this perspective,
the Divine Matrix works like a great cosmic screen that allows
us to see the nonphysical energy of our emotions and beliefs (our
anger, hate, and rage; as well as our love, compassion, and understanding)
projected in the physical medium of life.” (The Divine Matrix:
Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief, Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.,
2007, p. xiv.)
If we look to ancient wisdom traditions and metaphysical writings, we
find abundant theory on soul development. Having read deeply in the
fields of esoterica for some forty years, I am excited to find validation
in the fact that contemporary physicians, psychotherapists, and educators
are now providing scientific support to ancient wisdom teachings
regarding what we might call journeys of the soul. In particular, through
the enduring and painstaking work of researchers such as David
Chamberlain, Brian Weiss, and Michael Newton, there is now an expanding
body of thought in the exploration of controversial issues involving
our understanding of consciousness.
You can imagine my excitement and feeling of good fortune when
I found myself in face-to-face dialogue with an individual who had the
personal experience of an extended conversation with beings on the
“other side.” Sheldon’s between-the-worlds dialogue with Lorraine
can offer a response to essential questions and, as well, encourage us to
keep on asking for more enlightenment regarding our situation and
way of progress.
In his introduction, Gregg Braden goes on to say, “The Divine Matrix
is written for those of you whose lives bridge the reality of our past with
the hope of our future. It is you who are being asked to forgive and find
compassion in a world reeling from the scars of hurt, judgment, and
fear. The key to surviving our time in history is to create a new way of
thinking while we’re still living in the conditions that threaten our existence.”
If Ervin Laszlo is right, and I think he is, in his Chaos Point: The World
at the Crossroads, then such reporting of deep personal experience is
extremely valuable at this time, in this critical “decision window.” Carl
Jung was fond of stressing that the experience of even one individual is
statistically significant. It’s staggering to contemplate that—but I often
do and then look within myself for the courage to “belly up to the bar,”
as an old friend used to say.
To act in accord, to make a bridge to new ways of thinking, and in
the belief that the reported experiences of individual journeys in
consciousness can be of great significance now—at this point
in time with the world in a general state of confrontation and conflict—we offer
this story. It is within this frame of reflection that Sheldon’s book, The Western
Book of Crossing Over: Conversations with the Other Side, can be considered
in time with the world in a general state of confrontation and conflict—we offer
this story. It is within this frame of reflection that Sheldon’s book, The Western
Book of Crossing Over: Conversations with the Other Side, can be considered
as making a vital statement for our progress toward a sustainable future here on Earth.
—BARBARA SMITH STOFF
REVIEWS for The Western Book of Crossing Over: Conversations with the Other Side.
http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781583942666
Here are editorial and review comments about this book from the Random House catalog:
This reflective series of conversations with his wife Lorraine after her death enables author Sheldon Stoff to take readers on a journey through the process of living, dying, and living again—in the afterlife. Insights gleaned from both Western and Eastern traditions, especially those of Kabbalah, provide a universalist, non-sectarian context for Stoff’s experiences. With chapters addressing reincarnation, fulfilling one’s life mission, life review, and the significance of finding one’s soul mate, The Western Book of Crossing Over presents a transcendent view of human consciousness and what it means to be alive. Packed with fascinating details about the afterlife, The Western Book of Crossing Over builds on the foundation laid by popular psychic authors Sylvia Browne and John Edward, and serves as a passionate reminder of the importance of keeping an awareness of the afterlife in order to live fully and authentically on this side of the life-death divide. Eleven original drawings of the Other Side based on the conversations between the author and his wife by their son Jesse provide a fascinating visual counterpoint to Lorraine’s descriptions of the afterlife and her uplifting, ultimately hopeful and joyful messages of love.
Review Quotes:
“A book that's one of the most amazing I have ever come across–and for two reasons and not just one. One reason is the fact of the book: written in conversation with the “other side”—with a life-companion who is no longer here but, it appears, still is, and has been over many incarnations, the author’s partner.… The other reason is the content. An expression of the purest, clearest love–for everyone and everything, as our task and mission on Earth and throughout our lifetimes. A book to read, to marvel at, to learn from, and to heed in all that we do.”—Ervin László
“Now, through their binding love, Sheldon and Lorraine Stoff offer direct testimony to life and consciousness never before so clearly articulated. Through practical answers to practical questions, the Stoffs have succeeded in forging a bridge of consciousness between then and now and what will be.”—John L. Mayfield, DC, author of Body Intelligence
“Throughout human history there have been monumental questions which have bubbled up through the elixir of life.• Why am I born?• What is the meaning of my life?• Why does my very being resonate with that one person?• Will I reconnect with relatives and loved ones after they have died?• Will I feel pain when dying?• What will happen to me when I die?• Will I come back again?“For anyone who has sought answers to the above and other questions about life and consciousness, finally there is a fountain of testimony through which flows reason, meaning, and purpose on many levels.“There have been guidepost books which have attempted answers: The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Egyptian Book of the Dead, even The American Book of the Dead, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying, Chopra’s Life After Death: The Burden of Proof, Sogyal Rimpoche’s The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying. But are they faint whispers in gathering simple truths for consciousness today? The Western Book of Crossing Over: Conversations with the Other Side is not esoteric mythological journeying. Now, through their binding love, Sheldon and Lorraine Stoff offer direct testimony to life and consciousness never before so clearly articulated. Through practical answers to practical questions, the Stoffs have succeeded in forging a bridge of consciousness between then and now and what will be.”—Jon R.G. Turner and Troya Turner, co-founders and co-directors of the Whole-Self Discovery and Development Institute International, and authors of Birth, Life, and More Life: Reactive Patterning Based on Prebirth Events
"Anyone hungry to know more about the ultimate nature and purpose of human life would be lucky indeed to find this guidebook! The lucky part is holding in your hands a Google map of the trail, a precisely written journal of someone who has just made the journey, or the answers to the final exam before seeing the questions. For this little book on the biggest subject in the world we are indebted to a scholarly, disciplined, and trustworthy pair of Soul Mates, one on earth and the other in heaven communicating back and forth--a rare and priceless perspective on the human odyssey."
David B. Chamberlain, Ph.D, author, The Mind of your Newborn Baby (3rd ed.) North Atlantic Books, now in 14 translations.
—BARBARA SMITH STOFF
REVIEWS for The Western Book of Crossing Over: Conversations with the Other Side.
http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781583942666
Here are editorial and review comments about this book from the Random House catalog:
This reflective series of conversations with his wife Lorraine after her death enables author Sheldon Stoff to take readers on a journey through the process of living, dying, and living again—in the afterlife. Insights gleaned from both Western and Eastern traditions, especially those of Kabbalah, provide a universalist, non-sectarian context for Stoff’s experiences. With chapters addressing reincarnation, fulfilling one’s life mission, life review, and the significance of finding one’s soul mate, The Western Book of Crossing Over presents a transcendent view of human consciousness and what it means to be alive. Packed with fascinating details about the afterlife, The Western Book of Crossing Over builds on the foundation laid by popular psychic authors Sylvia Browne and John Edward, and serves as a passionate reminder of the importance of keeping an awareness of the afterlife in order to live fully and authentically on this side of the life-death divide. Eleven original drawings of the Other Side based on the conversations between the author and his wife by their son Jesse provide a fascinating visual counterpoint to Lorraine’s descriptions of the afterlife and her uplifting, ultimately hopeful and joyful messages of love.
Review Quotes:
“A book that's one of the most amazing I have ever come across–and for two reasons and not just one. One reason is the fact of the book: written in conversation with the “other side”—with a life-companion who is no longer here but, it appears, still is, and has been over many incarnations, the author’s partner.… The other reason is the content. An expression of the purest, clearest love–for everyone and everything, as our task and mission on Earth and throughout our lifetimes. A book to read, to marvel at, to learn from, and to heed in all that we do.”—Ervin László
“Now, through their binding love, Sheldon and Lorraine Stoff offer direct testimony to life and consciousness never before so clearly articulated. Through practical answers to practical questions, the Stoffs have succeeded in forging a bridge of consciousness between then and now and what will be.”—John L. Mayfield, DC, author of Body Intelligence
“Throughout human history there have been monumental questions which have bubbled up through the elixir of life.• Why am I born?• What is the meaning of my life?• Why does my very being resonate with that one person?• Will I reconnect with relatives and loved ones after they have died?• Will I feel pain when dying?• What will happen to me when I die?• Will I come back again?“For anyone who has sought answers to the above and other questions about life and consciousness, finally there is a fountain of testimony through which flows reason, meaning, and purpose on many levels.“There have been guidepost books which have attempted answers: The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Egyptian Book of the Dead, even The American Book of the Dead, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying, Chopra’s Life After Death: The Burden of Proof, Sogyal Rimpoche’s The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying. But are they faint whispers in gathering simple truths for consciousness today? The Western Book of Crossing Over: Conversations with the Other Side is not esoteric mythological journeying. Now, through their binding love, Sheldon and Lorraine Stoff offer direct testimony to life and consciousness never before so clearly articulated. Through practical answers to practical questions, the Stoffs have succeeded in forging a bridge of consciousness between then and now and what will be.”—Jon R.G. Turner and Troya Turner, co-founders and co-directors of the Whole-Self Discovery and Development Institute International, and authors of Birth, Life, and More Life: Reactive Patterning Based on Prebirth Events
"Anyone hungry to know more about the ultimate nature and purpose of human life would be lucky indeed to find this guidebook! The lucky part is holding in your hands a Google map of the trail, a precisely written journal of someone who has just made the journey, or the answers to the final exam before seeing the questions. For this little book on the biggest subject in the world we are indebted to a scholarly, disciplined, and trustworthy pair of Soul Mates, one on earth and the other in heaven communicating back and forth--a rare and priceless perspective on the human odyssey."
David B. Chamberlain, Ph.D, author, The Mind of your Newborn Baby (3rd ed.) North Atlantic Books, now in 14 translations.
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