Refers to the moment of decision during the post-death transition period or at major life junctures, when a personality autonomously determines its future state of existence, reincarnation, or multidimensional transcendence.
1970-1971 · Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the SoulAI summary (single book)
In Seth's dictated work Seth Speaks, the "time of choosing" is the key point at which a personality, after the end of physical life and after passing through a transitional stage, decides its future state of existence and path of development . This concept concerns not only the individual's reincarnational decisions but also choices in multidimensional reality, the evolution of the self, and the comprehension of the nature of existence.
The preparatory stage before the time of choosing: self-examination and guidance
Before formally entering the "time of choosing," the personality must undergo a period of self-examination . During this period, the individual's complete "history" is fully presented, and the personality comes to understand the nature of its entity and receives advice from the more advanced portions of the entity . The individual also becomes aware of its other reincarnational selves and forms emotional connections with people it has known in other lifetimes . For those who are disoriented or do not know they are dead, guides provide explanation and help so that they can recover their energy . Only after comprehending the meaning of the life just ended is the personality ready to consciously perceive its multidimensional existence and enter the time of choosing .
When it occurs and the factors that hinder it
When the "time of choosing" occurs depends entirely on the individual's state and circumstances after leaving physical life . In human terms of time, it may occur almost immediately, or it may be delayed for a long time because training is needed ; this intermediate transitional period may last for years or even centuries .
Several factors can hinder or delay the arrival of the "time of choosing":
Erroneous beliefs: Attachment to ideas of heaven or hell is a major obstacle. Those who firmly believe in a traditional heaven or in punishment in hell will, because of their beliefs, create corresponding illusory environments after death, and only when they realize the limitations of these environments and desire development will they be ready to enter the time of choosing .
Suicide and guilt: If a person who commits suicide believes that death can permanently extinguish their consciousness, this erroneous idea and the resulting guilt will seriously hinder their progress and require specific treatment, such as inducing forgetting and making the decision anew, to resolve .
Attachment to the earthly world and lack of self-awareness: Excessive focus on the physical world, psychological refusal to accept the fact of death, or failure to realize that one has died because of a lack of perception will cause the personality to wander in the physical environment, thereby delaying the time of choosing .
It is worth noting that most "deceased" persons who communicate with living relatives through mediums have not yet reached the "time of choosing"; they are still in the training stage and retain their old beliefs .
The specific content and directions of choice
When the time of choosing arrives, the personality must consider and decide its future path of development. The main choices are as follows:
Reincarnation again: The personality decides the manner of development for the next life. For example, if the previous life emphasized intellect, the next life may choose to focus on emotional development . They plan the pace of development, such as choosing a more balanced and relaxed approach, and through telepathy they negotiate their relationships with all the people involved in the future life .
Focusing on the previous life: Instead of choosing reincarnation, the personality focuses on the life just ended, using it as material for new experience, creating variations of events and making revisions .
Entering a probable system: Completely leaving the reincarnational system and entering another probable reality, transcending the concept of temporal continuity .
A vacation or special choice: In special circumstances, the personality may be granted a "vacation" during the reincarnational cycle, traveling to another level of reality and then returning; this is also decided at this time .
The more complex choices after the end of the reincarnational cycle
If the individual has already completed its reincarnational cycle, then the "time of choosing" becomes much more complex . At this point, the individual has thoroughly understood that its basic identity, its inner core, is far greater than the sum of all its reincarnational personalities, and it can actually command the knowledge, experience, and abilities of all its past lives .
For these entities that no longer need reincarnation, the available paths are more diverse :
They may choose to leave this system and enter the field of probabilities .
They may choose to re-enter the reincarnational cycle as "teachers" .
They may devote themselves to multidimensional teaching. This kind of teaching is extremely demanding; the teacher must undergo rigorous training and be able to contact and communicate simultaneously with multiple reincarnational fragment personalities of one entity in different historical eras, such as the fourteenth century, ancient Rome, or Atlantis .
Throughout this entire process of "choosing and deciding," guides and teachers of various levels of development provide assistance, pointing out alternatives and explaining the nature of existence . Therefore, this is not a chaotic period but a time of great enlightenment and incredible challenge .
1972-1973 · The Nature of Personal RealityAI summary (single book)
In The Nature of Personal Reality, the concept of the "time of choosing" mainly revolves around the individual's autonomy over their own life, death, and major decisions. The following are the core dimensions and distinctive aspects of this concept:
The autonomy of life-and-death choices and unconscious choice. The core view in the book points out that there are no accidents in the world, and no one dies before they are ready. The individual's beliefs, character, and preferences determine the time and manner of their death . Whether one chooses to face death within a few years or to continue living for many more years, the choice between life and death always rests in the individual's hands; they are simply two sides of the same eternal existence . In addition, the individual unconsciously and actively chooses certain crises or difficulties. Such choices are often made to break the monotony of life, to stimulate the latent potentials hidden deep in the psyche and soul, and to prompt the ego to understand, perceive, and transcend, thereby gaining greater spiritual satisfaction and growth .
The present "point of power" and the immediate change of beliefs. In discussing the time of choosing, the book emphasizes that the "present" is the point of power. No matter what beliefs an individual holds or what fate-like circumstances they face, these beliefs can be changed in the present . The individual need not dwell excessively on past causes, because present beliefs and actions can not only reshape current experience but can even simultaneously change the experience of those "reincarnational selves" that coexist in multidimensional space .
The "peak periods" of soul overlap and creative change. Another distinctive aspect of choosing is reflected in the periodic rhythms of energy operation. The book mentions that when the ego and the soul are highly aligned, the best moments of communication arrive, namely the "peak periods" . In these windows constituted by the "now," the amplified potential of existence flows in continuously, producing intense psychological fermentation. At such times, the individual more easily perceives a greater clarity, makes sudden major decisions, and experiences entirely new creative power. Although any present moment has the potential for creative change, this particular rhythmic cycle makes change easier .
Simultaneous choices in multidimensional existence. From a broader perspective, the individual's energy intrudes into three-dimensional space at multiple "moment points," forming seemingly isolated lifetimes, but these lives actually exist simultaneously . Therefore, every major life choice and change of belief occurs within a multidimensional, interwoven network of energy. Every encounter in the "now" is charged with electricity and potential, enriching the experience of the whole existence .
1974-1975 · The "Unknown" Reality, Volume TwoAI summary (single book)
In The "Unknown" Reality Vol 2, there is a profound and multidimensional discussion of the individual's autonomous decision-making, the choosing of its state of existence, and reincarnational settings (that is, the related concept of "choosing"). Although limited by the linear character of colloquial human language, Seth reveals the autonomous decision-making mechanism of the individual at life junctures and beyond dimensions through the analysis of the simultaneity of time, genetic selection, and multidimensional self-experience. Its core formulations and distinctive aspects are mainly manifested in the following dimensions: First, autonomous selection among event versions and multidimensional roles: when experiencing reality, the individual does not passively accept a single fate, but actively chooses to experience certain specific versions of events. Seth points out that time does not move in a single forward direction, but extends in all directions away from any given point. Within inexhaustible creativity, the individual "chooses to experience certain versions of events" and organizes and experiences them in stages. Although in physical time the individual seems to follow only one version of itself continuously, in fact the "self" exists in groups rather than singly. The essence of this multidimensional choosing is especially evident in dreams, where the individual can simultaneously adopt multiple roles, indicating that reincarnation is not merely linear time travel, but the simultaneous choosing and experiencing of the multidimensional self. Second, bidirectional choosing of past and future: in the traditional linear view of time, people believe they can only choose in the face of the future, but Seth breaks this stale notion and clearly states: "You choose your future, but you also choose your past." Because of the limitations of language, time often becomes a bondage, but by activating the inner language, the individual can be released from the iron grip of time. From a multidimensional perspective, reincarnational lives are not fossils that have already "died" or "ended"; they are still occurring and are part of your existence. The individual not only chooses future probabilities outward in the present, but also chooses and changes inward the connective relationship with past reincarnational lives. This bidirectional choosing shows that past and future are equally vital, and both lie within the scope of the individual's autonomous choosing. Third, prenatal choosing of genetic patterns and reincarnational routes: before entering physical life, the individual has a clear moment of decision. Seth explains that the routes supporting selfhood include the "ancestral route" and the "reincarnational route." Before this life, the individual actively "chooses from those two main areas the genetic patterns you want." This prenatal autonomous choosing allows reincarnational experience to be transmitted and retranslated into present emotional perception through biological "coded imprints." Although time is simultaneous, and ancestors and past reincarnational selves maintain vitality and awareness on other levels, the individual, through prenatal choosing, is both connected to these routes and maintains its own independence. The individual is not simply the sum of past reincarnational lives or ancestral experience, but, like the leaf of a plant, possesses unique individuality while sharing a deeper reality. In summary, the discussion of "choosing" in this book broadens the moment of decision from mere "post-death transition" or "future reincarnation" to all-around autonomous determination of past, future, event versions, and prenatal genetic patterns. These choices are founded on the simultaneity of time and emphasize the individual's high degree of autonomy and creativity within multidimensional reality.
Mike's commentary (Chinese)Mike's commentary
Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the Soul · Chapter 115 related passages in this chapter
In the Seth philosophy, the "time of choosing" is a core concept concerning the autonomy of consciousness, multidimensional reality, and the evolution of the soul. It primarily refers to the critical juncture where a personality, after physical life ends and a transitional phase is experienced, decides its future state of existence and path of development. This concept involves not only an individual's reincarnation decisions but also the choice of multidimensional realities, the evolution of the self, and the comprehension of the nature of reality. At the same time, it extends into physical life, referring to the major autonomous choices an individual makes regarding life and death, beliefs, and the direction of life at the "present" point of power.
2. Main Exposition
1. The "Time of Choosing" in the Post-Death Transition Period
Before formally entering the post-death "time of choosing," the personality must undergo a preparatory stage of self-examination. During this period, the individual's complete "history" is fully presented; the personality learns the nature of its entity and receives advice from more advanced portions of the entity. The individual also becomes aware of their other reincarnational selves and establishes emotional connections with those known in past lives. For those who are disoriented or unaware that they have died, guides offer explanations and assistance to help them recover their energy. Only after comprehending the meaning of the life just ended is the personality ready to consciously perceive its multidimensional existence and enter the time of choosing.
When the "time of choosing" occurs depends entirely upon the individual's state and circumstances after leaving physical life. In human concepts of time, it may happen almost immediately, or it may be postponed for a long time due to the need for training, with this intermediate transition period lasting for years or even centuries. Various factors can block or delay the arrival of this moment:
False Beliefs: Obsession with heaven or hell is a major obstacle. Those who firmly believe in a traditional heaven or damnation to hell due to guilt will, because of their beliefs, create corresponding hallucinatory environments after death, and they will not be ready to enter the time of choosing until they realize the limitations of these environments and desire development.
Suicide and Guilt: If a suicide believes that death will eternally extinguish their consciousness, this erroneous concept and the accompanying guilt will severely block their progress, requiring resolution through specific therapy (such as induced forgetting and making a new decision).
Obsession with the Earthly World and Lack of Self-Awareness: Excessive focus on the physical world, psychological refusal to accept the fact of death, or failing to realize one has died due to a lack of perception will cause the personality to wander in the physical environment, thereby delaying the time of choosing. It is worth noting that most of the "deceased" who communicate with living relatives through mediums have not actually reached the "time of choosing"; they are still in a training stage and retain their old beliefs.
When the time of choosing arrives, the personality must consider and decide upon its future path of development, with the primary choices being:
Reincarnating Again: The personality decides the manner of development for the next life. For instance, if the previous life was intellectually oriented, the next might focus on emotional development. They plan the pace of development (such as choosing a more balanced, relaxed approach) and, through telepathy, agree upon relationships with all those involved in the future life.
Focusing on the Past Life: Instead of choosing reincarnation, they focus on the life just ended, using it as material for new experience, creating variations of events and making corrections.
Entering Probable Systems: Leaving the reincarnational system entirely to enter another probable reality, transcending the concept of time continuity.
Sabbaticals or Special Choices: In special circumstances, a personality may be permitted a "sabbatical" during reincarnations, traveling to another level of reality before returning, which is also decided at this time.
For individuals who have completed their reincarnational cycles, the "time of choosing" becomes far more complex. At this point, the individual thoroughly understands that their basic identity (core) is far greater than the sum of all their reincarnational personalities, and they can practically command the knowledge, experience, and abilities of all past lives. For these entities who no longer need to reincarnate, the available paths are much more diverse: they can choose to leave the system and enter the realm of probabilities; they can choose to reenter the cycle as "teachers"; or they can dedicate themselves to multidimensional teaching. This teaching is highly demanding, requiring rigorous training so that the teacher can simultaneously contact and communicate with multiple reincarnational fragments of an entity in different historical eras (such as the fourteenth century, ancient Rome, or Atlantis). Throughout the process of choosing and deciding, guides and teachers of various levels of development assist, pointing out alternative choices and explaining the nature of existence.
2. Choices of Life, Death, and Beliefs in Physical Life
Beyond the post-death transition period, the autonomy of choice also runs through physical life. There are no accidents, and no one dies who is unprepared. An individual's beliefs, character, and preferences determine the time and manner of their death. Whether choosing to face death within a few years or to continue living for many more, the choice of life or death always rests with the individual; they are merely two sides of eternal existence. Furthermore, individuals actively choose certain crises or dilemmas in the unconscious. Such choices are often made to break up a mundane life, stimulate deep-seated potentials within the psyche and soul, and prompt the ego to understand, perceive, and transcend, thereby achieving greater spiritual satisfaction and growth.
In discussing the time of choosing, Seth emphasizes that the "present" is the point of power. No matter what beliefs an individual holds or what fateful circumstances they face, these beliefs can be changed in the present. The individual does not need to dwell excessively on past causes, because present beliefs and actions not only reshape current experience but can even simultaneously alter the experiences of those "reincarnational selves" coexisting in multidimensional space. When the ego and the soul are highly aligned, the optimal moment for communication arrives, known as "peak periods". In these window periods formed by the "present," the amplified vitality of existence flows in continuously, creating intense psychological fermentation. At these times, the individual is more likely to become aware of greater clarity, make sudden major decisions, and experience brand-new creative power.
On the micro-level of life's direction, choosing to live or die is indeed everyone's choice. For those in deep depression who are considering irreversible steps (such as suicide), Seth emphasizes that the "choice" itself can be postponed. By actively delaying the decision for a period of time (such as a week, a month, or after a certain holiday), individuals can preserve room for choice and allow the part of themselves that yearns for life and vitality to express itself, because once suicide is chosen, the choices of this lifetime are ended. Suicide is, to some extent, a refusal of the basic cooperative venture, and changing the focus of attention and projecting oneself into a satisfying future are key to making life choices anew.
In addition, the choices of consciousness are also at work during the fetal and early childhood stages. Not all fetuses necessarily intend to develop into normal infants. If medical technology forces a normal birth, the child's consciousness may fail to align properly with physical experience, resulting in frequent illness or death in early childhood; yet under the same circumstances, some will "change their minds" and decide to go along with the experience of a normal life. Some perfectly healthy children have decided beforehand to live only to the threshold of adulthood, so that while filled with joy and hope, they avoid the disillusionment and sorrow of adult life. Such youths usually choose a swift death (such as illness or accident), and the consciousness involved, after ending this journey, will choose another experience.
3. Evolutionary Context
Throughout the dictation of the Seth books, the concept of the "time of choosing" shows an evolution and deepening from a "post-death macro-blueprint" to "instantaneous creation in the present":
In the early Seth Speaks (1970–1971), the concept focused primarily on the macro-choices of the post-death transition period. Seth described in detail how the personality, after leaving the physical body, undergoes self-examination, overcomes the blocking of beliefs, and makes choices among grand blueprints such as reincarnation, probable systems, and multidimensional teaching.
By the middle period in The Nature of Personal Reality (1972–1973), Seth pulled the focus of this concept back to the "present" in physical life. He emphasized that "the present is the point of power," and that choices occur not only after death but at every moment of living. Through the instantaneous changing of beliefs, individuals highly align with the soul during "peak periods," making major creative decisions and simultaneously affecting reincarnational selves in multidimensional space.
In the late The Way to Health (1984), this concept was further deepened into micro- and macro-choices across the entire life cycle. Seth specifically explored the choices of consciousness in fetuses, children, and those facing suicidal crises, emphasizing the absolute autonomy of the "inner wisdom" in choosing imperfect environments to obtain deep emotional experiences, demonstrating the purposefulness and flexibility of consciousness when facing life, death, and reincarnation.
4. Relationship with Related Concepts
The Present / Point of Power: The present is the moment when choices are made. Regardless of past or future destiny, changing beliefs in the present can reshape past and future experiences, serving as the foothold for the "time of choosing" in physical life.
Simultaneous Reincarnation: Since all lifetimes are lived simultaneously, decisions made during the "time of choosing," or changes in beliefs in the present, instantly affect and modify the experiences of other reincarnational selves.
Probable Realities / Realm of Probabilities: At the time of choosing, the personality can choose to leave the reincarnational system and enter the realm of probabilities, or cut into different probable tracks through choices in physical life.
5. Representative Original Quotations
"At the 'time of choosing,' the personality decides upon the manner of development for the next life... and through telepathy, agrees upon relationships with all those involved in the future life."
"There are no accidents, and no one dies who is unprepared. An individual's beliefs, character, and preferences determine the time and manner of their death."
"It is the 'inner wisdom' within the individual that gives each life its specific conditions. People do not always choose perfect environments of health, wealth, and intelligence, because the depth and variety of life require deep emotional reactions and actions..."