(Note from Barb: Janice spoke at my April 27 gallery on the topic of "Mediumship)--------------------------------------------------------It was such a privilege to be able to talk to the gallery audience on April 27, 2008. Thank you again to everyone. One question posed after the event, was: 'Does the length of time as a discarnate make a difference as to whether a discarnate will communicate through a medium?' We had to hurry out after the event, and unfortunately were unable to continue the conversation. However, this was such a great question I thought I'd write a response here for others to see in case they too might be wondering.
I believe the answer would be that there is no hard fast scientific rule thus far. It appears that the situation varies according to the individual entity, for a variety of possible reasons, with free will always playing a role.
1.) Time: Time is a construct of this earthly plane. Our thought process is conditioned to proceed in a linear fashion, with yesterday, today then tomorrow, all logged in hours, minutes and seconds. As a discarnate, there is freedom from such physical constraint. No longer are our loved ones governed by such rules. Instead, consider the manner through which experiences play out in a dream. Time is not an element for consideration - days, weeks and seconds are one and the same, with scientific research telling us that REM sleep/dreaming occur in a matter of approximate minutes, from 10 - 100 progressively.
2.) Ability and Affinity: Think of natural human abilities and affinities which we can relate to here, as a correspondence for that which we are attempting to understand in the realm of the discarnate.
a. Ability: We all have personal strengths and weaknesses. Here on the earth plane, some are naturally more mechanically inclined, while others are more musically inclined. Therefore, as discussed yesterday, there will be a differentiation in navigational ability overall. And keep in mind, some of us will NEVER understand what's under the hood of the car, while others will garner that information at some point. Therefore, by comparison, some will learn how to better utilize the 'whistles' and 'bells' offered through a medium's consciousness, while others will not.
b. Affinity: Some with whom you share a love bond, are great about calling, writing, and remembering birthdays. Others love you as much however their natural inclination is to never pick up the phone. Yet when you see them, that heart connection is clearly beating. (I have a very close friend who lives only a few streets from me. Through the years, there have been periods where we've talked daily. On other occasions, we've gone up to 2 years without speaking. Either way, when we get together, and it's as if not a minute had passed.)
3.) Grief: Those who care for us prefer to not increase our pain, unless there is no other solution to a greater purpose. If they believe communication will acerbate the process of bereavement, they may refrain from communicating. This too is an act of love.
4.) Acceptance: One theory posed, is that some discarnate energies have difficulty accepting the adjustment or transformation. At the time of passing, these individuals may have been unprepared spiritually, had regrets, or had much unfinished earth plane business. Just as we have vacations, or places to go to step back from this world and recharge, there too, exist a phase of rest, healing, rejuvenation and education, with caring loved ones, guides and helpers.
After the loss of a loved one, we may desperately wish for an afterlife encounter, whether it be direct or indirect. And in visiting a medium, we may not hear from our loved ones for a multitude of reasons. However, that bond of affection was, and still is, very real. So, in your quest to understand, strengthen and thin the veil between our worlds, please remember that love is the constant and endless pulse to the universal heartbeat. Those whom we've known feel that bond just as deeply and carry it forward as a precious gift, now and always.
Janice's website is www.JaniceErvin.com. Janice will also be speaking at my May 10 gallery on "Various Forms of Telepathic Communication." 
