I believe our soul is manifest in the subconcious minds of everyone living. Moreso in the minds of those who love us.
When we die, our afterlife lives within the minds of the living. Not as a mere memory, but as a living conciousness. Along with everyone else who has passed before us; a part of their mind resides in many different people. Portions of our minds may even imprint upon inanimate objects like a house, land, or a memorial built before our own death; but mostly within the minds of the people who love us.
So when you pray, or when you feel an emotional connection to a departed loved one. You can communicate "directly" with them; and they with you. Though the connection is emotional instead of verbal.
Emotions are much more than a simple feeling, emotions influence every aspect of your thoughts, your feeling of wellness, your dreams, even your decisions.
As a loose proof, the emotional connection of friends and family at a distance. Ghosts that can be seen, but can not be photographed. Twins and their repeated connection related to events at a distance. Thinking of someone moments before you get a phone call from them. ...
Take care of yourself, you are the dwelling of those who have passed, and those who you have loved.
