I have been on a journey of exploration on this topic for a decade. I was prompted to do so by the many experiences I have had working with grieving families. I have seen firsthand the survival of the conscious mind and felt the power of receiving mental messages from the recently dead. Nothing I was expecting or looking for, but certainly convincing. I wish you well on your study. Look for the book "Life After Life" by Raymond Moody. Definitely a good read.