The loss of loved ones from an early age stimulated my curiosity about death and was the motivation to seek information from a variety of sources: religion, theology, philosophy,and eventually metaphysics; it was only after working with the dying, that I would even consider something like mediumship. Though religion offers many beautiful concepts on the afterlife, as well as fearful ones, none of the teachings mitigated my longing to know that my loved ones were safe and existed in another dimension. Whenever I left a grave site my heart was heavy with sorrow and doubt. It was only later in life, and in the most unlikely of places and events, that I discovered the answers and received the comfort I so desperately desired.

My work experience with the CIA was a tremendous opportunity to learn about other cultures and to meet people with exceptional abilities. An encounter with a Buddhist monk left a lasting impression, and it is reflected in the image of the sun on this web site. I was in the process of leaving my faith, uncertain about the morality of my work, and strongly against the Vietnam War. The opportunity to spend time with a Buddhist monk was most welcomed. During our conversation I asked him his views on immortality, and in his succinct Asian manner he said; "The sun comes up, and the sun goes down", and that was the end of the discussion. Disappointed, I left the hotel room thinking, "What a response"! I never forgot his statement, and my meeting with him was the beginning of my journey into eastern mysticism. His metaphor is a beautiful illustration of the continuity of consciousness.

In this same time frame I was introduced to European psychology that demonstrated the significance of a balanced personality in relationship to spirituality. Ludwig Klages, the founder of expressive movement in Europe, worked on the premise that the mind is the antagonist of the soul, a fact also expressed by Patanjali, the father of yoga who lived in India 2500 years ago. Patanjali taught that the mind is the source of our torment, and that it must be eliminated if one is to discover the TRUE SELF, the soul. The work of these two men, from different cultures, and separated by thousands of years, form the philosophy for my work in guiding one to discover his/her True Self and the purpose of this lifetime.

True mediumship can alleviate grief, address personal issues, and help one begin to see the TRUE SELF. However, to achieve the peace and joy sought by most, an in-deptth knowledge of self is needed,as well as a method or practice. The Eight Step Method of Patanjali, combined with psychological techniques, are the basic curriculum of the Center for Energetic Development, and are used to help the client on his/her path of Self Realization.

James Keehner, Ph.D.