What is a Near-Death Experience??

What is a Near-Death Experience??

         Researchers have recognized several stages to the near-death experince (NDE). Most of the

         description below is based on those findings; however, some is from personal experience and

         from the accounts of numerous other "experiencers."

         It is especially important to realize that some elements of an NDE are fairly universal across

         age, sex, nationality, race, religion, intelligence or point of view. There are many elements,

         however, that can be as personal as individual dream symbols. Details vary from one

         experience to another. Sometimes these variations are archetypal. 

The Stages:

1.A crisis--usually physical illness or accident (occasionally psychological or emotional

   trauma)--occurs. There is a sense of being dead.

2.Many people find themselves "floating" or "hovering" above the scene looking down

   at the events. This is known as an "out-of-body experience" (OBE, or OOBE)

3.This is generally followed by the person leaving the earthly world through a tunnel

   (usually dark) or a vortex of some sort.

4.There may be some sort of barrier or border to cross: perhaps a bridge, a veil, a portal,

   a river. This varies from individual to individual.

5.The person finds himself or herself in a world of Light . This Light is generally the core

   of the typically profound near-death experiences. Sometimes it is pure Light, often

   experienced as Unconditional Love; and, sometimes, there is a Being or Beings of

   Light. These Beings may be recognized as "guides", "teachers", "masters",

   "angels", "God", "Source", "Jesus", "Christ", "Buddha", "Moses" or other

   significant spiritual or religious figures, or dead friends and relatives may appear.

   Communication is via telepathy.

6.There is often a panoramic life review.

7.There can be a sort of journey or visit in the "heavenly" realm. In some instances the

   "dead" person may go on to study in a special place, or there may be exploration and

   meetings. Buildings, environment, people, plants and animals are seen as "glowing"

   and full of "indescribable" colors. Sometimes unearthly music is heard.

8.Many NDErs have a sense of total knowledge--knowing the answers to any

   conceivable question. This often happens in an instant--in a sudden flash of

   recognition.

9.Many people are told to return because it is "not your time". Others make the choice

   to return to finish some task or because of important relationships. Most experiencers

   come back with a sense of purpose or mission.

Soul Leaving Body

10.Re-entry into the body is often accompanied by physical, emotional and psychological

   discomfort. Re-orientation can often be long and difficult, especially if the body has

   been badly damaged. Sometimes "miraculous" healings or recoveries occur.

11.After-effects, such as esp (extra-sensory perception), precognition, seeing auras,

   healing ability, electrical/light/sound sensitivity, etc., may begin to occur.

It is important to note that not everyone has all the stages. This is, in fact, quite rare. Also

the sequence may vary or be mixed up together.