What is a Near-Death Experience?
A near-death experience (NDE) is a phenomenon that can occur when a person has clinically died momentarily, or has come very close to death, and as a result experienced a spiritual reality not ordinary of the physical realm. The experience is often profoundly positive, but not always, and described as the most significant experience of one’s life. NDEs occur to people of all ages, including children, and across all religious and racial boundaries. Approximately 20 million people have had an NDE in North America, or 5% of the population (Gallup Poll, 1991).
Features of the Near-Death Experience
Every NDE is unique. Still, there are some common features. Many experiencers describe leaving their physical body, travelling through a tunnel, approaching a brilliant light, feeling immense and unconditional love and a sense of timelessness. There may be visitations by loved ones or figures such as Jesus, a life review, magnified senses of tremendous beauty, deep insights into the nature of God and overall an understanding that this realm is ‘realer’ than life on Earth and our true home. Many people are told they must return to the physical body, or they have the choice to return, but in nearly all cases people would very much prefer to stay. A small percentage of people report hellish type experiences and they may be of particular need of support.
After-Effects of the Near-Death Experience
Survivors of near-death experiences return to life on Earth profoundly changed. They often report losing their fear of death, feeling deeper compassion towards others and a desire to be of service in the world. They commonly feel greater religiosity or connection to God, and more appreciation for beauty and nature. Interests may change as superficial ones fall away. One’s entire direction in life, including values, career, and family, all may undergo changes to align with a new found sense of meaning. Other interesting effects may include sharpened intuition, psychic abilities and sensitivity towards electro-magnetic frequencies.
Challenges Faced by Near-Death Experiencers
Despite the many positive benefits, experiencers can also face a number of challenges upon returning to life on Earth. They may not feel they can share their story for fear of being judged as ‘crazy’, or perhaps they’ve tried but were disbelieved or ridiculed. Many may struggle to return to the limits of the body, one that may have been seriously injured or suffering. Integrating the experience in every-day life can be disruptive, both to the experiencer and to those around him or her. Priorities shift. Marital separation is possible or a major change of career. There could be a sense that modern life is inherently illusory. Money or prestige have less appeal and a heightened sensitivity to negativity of all forms can make reality feel abrasive. One’s new found openness and loving nature can be misinterpreted or lack boundaries. Sometimes people sink into a depression not long after or across the life-span as they yearn for the peace of their spiritual home. In extreme cases this can lead to developing addictions to cope or even suicide attempts.
Experiencers have the monumental task of integrating their NDE into a body and personality that has been shaped by its previous life and traumas. At times it may feel as though there is one foot in this reality and one foot in the spiritual realm. Fortunately, many people have walked this path. An IANDS group can help experiencers process and make sense of their experience, while making life long friendships too.