Guest Post: Tina Frisco – On Facing Death

Facing death is a life-changing experience. Where did spirit come from in the first place? Many of us astral travel but refer to it as dreaming. Is there a difference between soul and spirit? I no longer see death as a monster – nor do I fear it.

Tina Frisco - author picture

It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome Tina Frisco, author, blogger, singer-songwriter, RN, activist, a student of shamanism and friend, to Words To Captivate. Death is a difficult thing to face, but Tina puts a different face on it.

On Facing Death

Facing death is a life-changing experience and one that most of us fear. The first time I faced this monster, I paced and cried, ranted and cursed its arrogance. The second time, I tightened my mid-section and refused to acknowledge it; but I couldn’t sleep. The third time, I took in a deep breath, sat down, and closed my eyes. In a flash, I saw myriad lifetimes pass before me – incarnations I was fortunate to have lived.

What is it about physical death that throws so many of us into a tailspin of grief, anger, and denial? Is it not knowing whether life continues beyond the body? Is it not knowing what awaits us on the other side? Is it not wanting to leave the glorious sensations afforded us on the physical plane? Whether or not we believe in an afterlife, death is often viewed as The Grim Reaper.

Not believing in life after death implies that spirit – the dynamic force animating us – dies with the physical body. But that scenario begs the question: Where did spirit come from in the first place? It can’t be traced scientifically in the same way we trace a being from zygote to birth. So is spirit a mere product or side effect of brainwaves and a heartbeat? In contrast, believing in life after death is based solely on faith. Or is it?

Enlightened beings walking among us speak of the other side in many different ways and languages, vividly describing the magnificent beauty awaiting us. They proclaim to travel back and forth at will. My shaman teacher refers to this as going to the faraway and returning; as living with a foot in two worlds.

Traveling to the other side and returning at will is not the same as envisioning or astral projecting. The former is a function of the mind. The latter – even though it can be honed and perfected – does not require proficiency; it can occur randomly and may not be recognized for what it is. Many of us astral travel but refer to it as dreaming. Yet we often sense it is in some way different – a live dream, a vivid dream, a dream that was more than just a dream.

The gap between living with a foot in two worlds and faith alone is bridged by experience. Many religious leaders profess the certainty of heaven, paradise, nirvana, as well as hell, hades, the netherworld. Yet most of them have never traveled to any of these places and returned to tell the tale. Again, we could argue that those who claim to go to the faraway and return are charlatans. That is until we speak and work with them. That is until we experience this ourselves.

I’ve had many moments of experiencing the other side and returning. And they were just that – moments in time. I suspect this is due to a belief that growth occurs slowly. Yet I know change can occur in a split second and not merely as a result of developing growth. Take, for example, the mother who lifts an automobile off of her child. Seconds before this, she most likely would have laughed at the prospect, believing herself incapable. Since beliefs are embedded by a lifetime of coding, such an act cannot be attributed to a mere surge of adrenaline or the mere wish for her child to survive.

So how did she accomplish this impossible feat? Consider the 90% of brain power we allow to sit idle. Could tapping into this be the answer? If we accessed the full capabilities of our brains, might we see the infinite possibilities of The Universe? Might we then know, without a doubt, what lies beyond the physical?

And what of the soul? Is there a difference between soul and spirit? Here’s a snippet of conversation between two characters in my latest novel, Vampyrie:

W’Hyani: The soul is life. It is who we are in a physical body. The spirit is what the physical body has dwelling within. It is part of The Divine and connects us to The Divine. The soul and the spirit are wed but are not the same.

Phoebe: So the soul is our psyche – that which makes us who we are as human beings. And the spirit is our essence – that which we are without a body, that which animates the body, and that which is immaterial to the body.

The soul is who we are in a physical body. Could it be that our souls keep a tight rein on our spirits? When we incarnate, we must forget who we truly are in order to accomplish the lessons we came here to learn. Perhaps the soul is the guardian of the portal to enlightenment, granting access if and only when our lessons have been completed.

W’Hyani lives with a foot in two worlds and has experienced traveling to the faraway and returning. When our spirits span the divide between here and there, we clearly see the dreaming brain as a function of the physical, as well as the mastermind of the illusion we’ve come to know as reality. When seated in the faraway, we know we have come home to the absolute, to the truth of who we are. We feel the expansiveness of The Universe and know ourselves as an integral part of – rather than separate from – The Divine. We sit in knowing rather than in faith or belief.

Having experienced this for mere moments at a time, I long for a more substantial (dare I say, permanent) experience and one I can manifest at will. Meditation serves me in this pursuit, for it is the one and only place I can go to come home to myself.

I no longer see death as a monster, nor do I fear it. If there is any fear left in me, it’s relative to missing the first chirping of the birds in spring, the glorious sunsets over the ocean, the mysterious winking of the moon through drifting fog.

Life on Mother Earth is relative and ephemeral. Pausing to breathe and close our eyes, if only for a moment, draws us into the omniscient and eternal realm of spirit and allows us to sense the infinite breadth of existence.

I wish for all of you, my dear friends, release from the fear of death and the experience of living with a foot in two worlds…

Namaste

Tina Frisco is the author of 3 books:

Plateau: Beyond the TreesPlateau book cover: W’Hyani was born strong, willful, and the predestined Keeper of the Crystal Heart, the key to unlocking the mystery of the Great Mosaic of Life. Unaware of the shard’s significance, W’Hyani’s fortitude is tested by the cosmic forces that sculpted her destiny. She ultimately comes face-to-face with herself in a battle that would shrink the will of the most intrepid warrior, unaware the realization of her destiny will irrevocably impact all beings on earth and beyond. The Great Mosaic of Life holds a message of hope that would allow us to see and live beyond the year 2012.

Gabby and the QuadsBook cover for Gabby and the Quads: Gabby is an only child who is about to become a big sister to quadruplets! How will she handle this? Her parents decide on a unique approach to introduce her to and help her accept this awesome experience. Follow Gabby as she learns all about babies and the joy of loving.

 

 

 

VampyrieBook cover for Vampyrie: What if vampires were not the undead, but rather the dying? What if there were two factions among vampires: the sustained and the unsustainable? And what if those factions were at war with one another over the life of a young woman who promised them a future? Vampyrie brings the myth of the vampire into the realm of possibility.

Phoebe Angelina Delaney is a reluctant genius and compassionate hothead. She finds herself in a pitch-dark underground and doesn’t remember how she got there. Did she drink too much alcohol and wander off in a stupor, or was she kidnapped by a malicious element determined to make her life a living hell?

Sir Michael Alan David is a vampire – an enigma, charismatic and mysterious, who weaves in and out of Phoebe’s life. Does he intend to use his title as a ruse to draw her closer to an unearthly fate, or is he a cloak-and-dagger knight in shining armor?

Too many secrets have been kept for too long. Phoebe must unravel the mystery in order to survive. Two major characters from the author’s first novel, Plateau, join forces with Phoebe to battle the demons in Vampyrie.

Tina’s Connections:

Connect with Tina by visiting her sites, commenting and sharing.

Tina’s Links: Website  Amazon  Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn  Google+ Goodreads   Radio Interview – Tell Me a Story

Author: John Fioravanti

I'm a retired History teacher (35 years), husband, father of three, grandfather of three. My wife, Anne, and I became business partners in December 2013 and launched our own publishing company, Fiora Books (http://fiorabooks.com), to publish my books. We have been married since 1973 and hope our joint business venture will be as successful as our marriage.

108 thoughts on “Guest Post: Tina Frisco – On Facing Death”

  5. Thanks, John and Tina, for this wonderful post! As I commented on Tina’s blog, I have just bought Kamla’s book, The Singing Guru, and I’m really looking forward to reading it. Speaking of reading, I’ve read both of Tina’s adult books. They are fantastic; the metaphysical currents underlying the entertaining stories hit home before you even realize the complexity of what she’s written. I’m sure you’ll love them, John.

    Tina, my friend, I have had dreams that were absolutely more than dreams. And I’m with you on death and dying. Of course, I hope I’ve chosen to die peacefully, but whenever it happens, I feel I’ll be ready for it…just a new adventure to be had!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    2. I love your perspective on death and dying, Em ~ indeed, a new adventure. We simply shift from one dimension to another, leaving behind a defective vehicle. If we all were clairvoyant and could see the other side, death might be welcomed instead of feared. I also love the way you described my books. I should hire you to write my next (if and when) book blurb 🙂 Hugs, girlfriend ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Such an amazing post from Tina and thanks for having her over to share the wise words, John! I’m thinking it’s all in the mind when it comes to overcoming fear ~ Change our way of thinking and reduce the fear. I find this post comforting, even though it is about death, which perhaps means I am learning to see death as less scary. Hugs to you both ♥

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Christy. So much (if not all) of what we feel is directly linked to thought, and vise versa. Thought and emotion feed each other and keep us spinning our wheels. The most effective way to create lasting change is going inward to the center of our being and connecting with The Absolute, The Divine, of which we all are a part. Consistently doing this when thoughts and emotions run amok will open our consciousness to knowing rather than believing, and it will strengthen the cord that connects us to each other and thus to The Absolute ~ which, again, is all life. Imagine a great mirror smashed to pieces. That mirror is The Divine and we are the scattered fragments. The mind and emotions separate us from our true selves, yet they are an integral part of mortal life on Earth. They make us forget who we truly are when incarnate, in order to complete the lessons we came here to learn. The ultimate lesson is finding our way home to ourselves. First lesson: We are alone. Final lesson: We are one. All lessons in between are chosen before we incarnate, and the package is different for each of us. The mind serves when we step out of our own way and see with our inner eyes. Then the emotions of pure, unadulterated love and joy abound. If you found this post comforting, you are most certainly on your way back to yourself. Don’t take pride in this, for pride is a function of the lower mind. Just be still, close your eyes, go inside, and simply be. So many beneficent beings of the spirit realm are there waiting to help you ❤

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

        1. You’re welcome, John. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned, for when we lift each other, we lift us all. My big lesson to learn is how to keep my physical life together. I’m thinking a chef, maid, and chauffeur might help 🙂 ❤

          Liked by 3 people

          Reply

  10. Wow! Spectacular post Tina! You have such a beautiful way of interpreting spirituality within all the realms. I’ll admit to being one of those afraid of death and I must say this post has given me cause to pause.
    Thanks for having the wonderful and enlightening Tina here today. I will certainly be reblogging this! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

        1. I love Tina’s posts and I now have two of her books which I want to start very soon, Debbie. I’m very privileged to have Tina here today and I agreed to be her guest soon. I’m looking forward to that!

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply

          1. I look forward to seeing you at Tina’s place John. And I’m currently addicted to Tina’s latest book Vampyrie. I’ve read all of her books. I love her writing. 🙂

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply

            1. Aww, Deb and John, you two have me blushing to the point of being feverish. A lesson in accepting compliments with gratitude, and one I’m apparently still learning. Thanks for helping me along ❤❤

              Liked by 2 people

              Reply

              1. Seriously – that is very hard to do, Tina. I learn that skill by noting how others handle compliments. I think you are an expert!

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply

    2. Thank you, my sweet and peppy friend! You always cheer us on, no matter the inner storms. You are the quintessential optimist, and it’s my good fortune to have you in my life. I hope the pause serves you well ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  14. Great post, Tina. We all have perceptions of the life after. As we get older the pull of curiosity about the other side more or less puts a damper on the fear factor. Speaking for myself I have conjured up a perception on what it is all about and will look forward to a confirmation when the time comes. Thanks, Joh for having Tina today.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts, John. I think your views on this topic would make for an interesting post too, good sir.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Thank you, John. You’re right about curiosity putting a damper on fear of the unknown. It somehow transmutes fear into anticipation that grows more profound as we age. I hope your perception is a joyous one that is confirmed when you cross the Rainbow Bridge. If any of us are still here at that time, please let us know! Hugs ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Another beautiful post, Tina! I share your perspective on life–incarnated and celestial. A friend with medical challenges once said to me that loved ones selfishly want to hold on. It was the word “selfishly” that struck me, for I realized that I feared for my friend, for my loved ones — though not for myself. Perhaps the fear of death is tied to our fear of loss, of being alone, of not seeing her or him again.

    Thank you, John, for hosting. I must, MUST read PLATEAU which rests patiently on my kindle 😊.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks for adding to the discussion today, Gwen! I’ve often told people that I don’t care what happens at my funeral because I won’t be around for it. I think I need to review my thinking about death in light of Tina’s post today.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Thank you so much, Gwen. And you’re right about loss and being alone. We seem to experience these as living deaths, which feed and stem from our fear of the overwhelming unknown. We hold on to loved ones because we are social beings and are often devastated by grief. If we could see what was on the other side, fear would vanish; but so might our commitment to the lessons we chose to learn. Understanding and overcoming fear is a lesson all earthly beings share. At least we’re not alone in that. Hugs ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  16. A great post, Tina and John. Thank you for having it today!

    It comes in a moment of my life when I face this fear and dilemma. I am a believer in life after death, though my Orthodox faith denies it and frowns over us speaking about it, and yet…. The words cancer shattered my life last month, sending me into those stages you are speaking about, Tina.
    My novels are mostly based on this /my belief that life doesn’t end with our passing away from this earth world. I am glad I find fellow authors sharing this idea.
    I will also reblog the post if allowed.
    Carmen from Dracula’s country,
    http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.ro/

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Of course you may reblog this Carmen! I’m sorry to hear about your troubles – I’ll keep you in my prayers. I’m glad this post came out when it did and I hope Tina’s words inspire you as you follow your path.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    2. Most welcome, Carmen, and thank you for sharing a fragile piece of your life. Cancer is a devastating word for most of us, whether or not we believe in an after life. Belief is not the same as knowing. Knowing can only be achieved by going inward and connecting with The Divine from there. I suspect you have done this, since it takes the strength of knowing to resist (dare I say, defy) an Orthodox teaching. I hope you meditate regularly, for so much help from the spirit world is waiting there for you. Stay firm in your commitment to yourself. I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this post, my friend. And don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. I only started now doing it, and your words are a real virtual help. I will follow you on other social networks and perhaps keep the contact. Am leaving tomorrow for further investigations.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  17. A very thought provoking article Tina. I wonder why our society is so afraid of death? Do you think it is because we are so sanitised from the natural world around us?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    2. I’m sure that accentuates it, Paul. The unknown has always evoked apprehension. Forgetting who we truly are is necessary in order to learn that for which we incarnated. Otherwise, it would take a will of steel to follow through with the lessons, most of which are painful. Thank you for your thought-provoking question 🙂 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. Tina, I loved your blog and agree with your perceptions of soul, spirit, death, life, and so much more. The first time I heard the words “You have cancer” I cried for days and forgot all the things I had believed in for most of my life. Then once the tears were done, love flowed in, and fear was no longer in possession. For nine years I have been dealing with cancer, but I am not living in fear. I try to help others that cancer or any other life-threatening disease is not the end, but a new beginning.
    Thank you, John and Tina for sharing this beautiful and enlightening blog.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    2. You are most welcome, Karen, and an inspiration to all of us. It’s interesting how releasing a floodgate of tears can also release us from the grip of fear. It’s as if fear is harbored in those tears, and upon release, we’re then free to connect with our true nature. I can only imagine your level of strength, tenacity, and commitment to others. Having seen the other side, you now know that death is to life as waking is to sleep. I wish you continued strength and a life filled with joy. Hugs, my friend ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Pingback: Guest Post: Tina Frisco – On Facing Death | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

  22. Reblogged this on TINA FRISCO and commented:
    Friend and blogger John Fioravanti kindly invited me to guest post on his impressive blog. I was thrilled to accept and am delighted to share this with you. John is a historian who blogs on issues of contemporary importance, health, writing tips and more. He also supports other authors by reblogging and guest posting. Please visit his blog and enjoy his excellent posts. Thank you so much for hosting me, John, and for sharing my work.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you for your kind words, Tina. I think we’ve become a mutual admiration society! I’m so pleased to have your words grace my site – provoking deep thought and some discussion.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    2. Hey Tina! Awesome post as usual… John Fioravanti does have a very impressive blog it’s even more impressive now that your thoughts are on it!
      I also wanted to know if you could sign a book for me?
      Which one would you recommend me for read to help cope with the drastic change in my life? Or even just be entertained by?
      I know I say this a lot, but your such a good person Tina, never change!! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. Aww, Casey, my heart swelled reading your lovely comment. I would be thrilled to sign a book for you. Both Plateau and Vampyrie lead the characters through life-changing events that might speak to you, and both may entertain as well. I think the reviews will give you a better idea of which would be most helpful. Message me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TinaFrisco.Author), and we can take it from there. Hugs to you, my sweet friend ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  23. Pingback: Guest Post: Tina Frisco – On Facing Death | Annette Rochelle Aben

    1. Thank you very much, Tina. I’m very proud to have you as my very first guest on Words To Captivate, and I hope you’ll be back often going forward!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started