Review by Ruth Parnell Published in Nexus Magazine

Vol. 14, no. 4, 2007

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It's one thing to countenance reincarnation but it's another to think that maybe we plan our major challenges in life before we are born, and in agreement with other souls. Four years ago, marketing consultant Robert Schwartz set out to explore the meaning of life and decided to visit a medium. She explained that we all have spirit guides—noncorporeal and nonjudgmental beings whom we consult when we plan our lives in between incarnations—but we also have free will. Schwartz went through a reawakening process and soon afterwards had an enhanced communication with his soul in an experience where he felt unconditional love for everyone. This set him on a path to ascertain why he'd pre-planned certain learning experiences in his life. The result of his questing is this book.

Schwartz recruited the assistance of four mediums and channels and posted messages on Internet bulletin boards, seeking feedback from individuals keen to explore any underlying difficulties they've faced in life. Dozens of people were involved in this pre-birth-planning study, and the stories of 10 "courageous souls" were chosen for inclusion. With the help of the psychics, they delved into issues to do with physical illness and disability, handicapped children, drug and alcohol addiction, accidents and deaths. Each case is presented with notes from the psychic readings where the spirit guides were contacted. Despite their difficulties, each person came to understand that their "life script" was agreed upon and motivated by love and the opportunity for soul growth fostered by learning through hard knocks.

Their stories and their resolutions are deeply moving and make us wonder whether we have indeed set ourselves up for tragedy and triumph in order to progress our own evolution and that of others. We are left feeling heartened by the prospect that we can tap into our soul space and transform anger, guilt and blame into love, forgiveness and acceptance. Schwartz's research is a life-affirming exercise that shows we direct our soul learning and aren't hapless victims of the vagaries of fate.

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