Most humans have a period in their life when their thoughts have turned to what happens after death. As we get closer to death, this happens more often. What exactly comes next is open to debate, which often turns into an emotional blood pressure raising debate that no one wins. For now, let's just concentrate on the possibilities. This is not a question about what you believe is going to happen, but how you would rank them. I rank 4 of them as follows.

1. Heaven
Whether you think of it as gold lined streets, 72 virgins, or a different energy plane, it is a place where all is good and everyone is happy. Who would not want this to be true? I dare say that all of us have experienced pain and sorrow in this life. So, it would be a wonderful thing to live eternally with only happiness. Even those without a belief in a higher power, God, would certainly like to have this as their destination. They may not believe it is true, but would they turn down the opportunity to live there if it is offered? I think not. One of the key tenets to Heaven, as the afterlife, is still being you. This is an important point, as I will explain later in this article.

2. Reincarnation
Even this idea varies in definition from person to person. You can be reborn into an animal, insect, or another human. People seem to remember who they were but unless like Doctor Doolittle, you can speak to an insect or cow, still being you is open to debate. I selected this as number two because I can still retain my memories and don't have to be tortured for all eternity. I won't lose that part of me, my soul if you will, that is the real me. I may be another creature in this physical world but at least I am me.

3. Hell
The worse place on the list or is it? This is the place of torment for all eternity. I am sure you are wondering why someone would pick this place over just dying. Well, I think of hell as being separated from everyone else. But even burning for all eternity to me is better than just ceasing to exist and never be again. At least I can still think and be me. The consciousness I know as me will still be in existence.

4. Cease to exist - No Soul
This is the one that I would not like to have happen for the simple reason that all my thoughts would suddenly cease to exist. That which I count as me would never be again. Suddenly, when you die, the lights go out forever. All your thoughts are gone and so are you.

My number one criteria for ranking this is to not lose what I think is me. So how would YOU rank these after death experiences?

In the interest of disclosure, on the date this article was written, the author had an invested position in going to Heaven. His faith and beliefs would have it no other way.