Robert B NDE

Experience Description:

I remember waking up underwater and seeing people on shore at the funeral briefly then traveling over the country, hills, water, etc., without form, just as a spirit. I do not know how long this lasted but I was in caverns and could only wiggle through caverns toward the bright lights. At these times, I could hear the nurses or doctors say, 'Stay with us. Stay away from the lights.' (The nurses said later I was wiggling on the gurney and crying. As if going through the tunnels toward the lights.) I have been told by religious persons this means that I must choose between good and evil. (flying over the landscape or the black tunnels, difference between good and evil). I only know I now believe the spirit (soul) lives on. Does not matter about what form of religion one worships. No one has ever come back and said, 'Mine is the one true religion.' If this helps in your research into the hereafter, I am glad to be of help.

I know one has powers not controlled. I had a mother-in-law who died in the hospital but not before all of her children came from different states to give final goodbyes. She was in a coma until the last son arrived from Chicago. Then she died. There are many strange mysteries in life. I believe I was spared to go on for a purpose, but don't know what it is.

Background Information:

Gender: Male

Date NDE Occurred: 1994

NDE Elements:

At the time of your experience, was there an associated life-threatening event? Yes Surgery-related Heart stoppage several times Illness, trauma or other condition not considered life threatening Went in for stomach rupture due to exploratory in 1989. Only with fifty percent lung capacity after successful mesh implant, went to the room and shortly back to intensive care for five days at which time my heart stopped several times.

How do you consider the content of your experience? Mixed

Did you feel separated from your body? Yes I clearly left my body and existed outside it

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal everyday consciousness and alertness? Less consciousness and alertness than normal

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness? Don't understand the question.

Were your thoughts speeded up? Neither

Did time seem to speed up or slow down? Neither After I woke up could not believe I had been out for five days.

Were your senses more vivid than usual? More so than usual

Did you seem to be aware of things going on elsewhere? Neither

Did you pass into or through a tunnel? Yes

Did you see any beings in your experience? Neither

Did you encounter or become aware of any deceased (or alive) beings? No

Did you see, or feel surrounded by, a brilliant light? A light clearly of mystical or other-worldly origin

Did you see an unearthly light? Yes

Did you seem to enter some other, unearthly world? Neither see discription #3

What emotions did you feel during the experience? Elation, joy, peace and then despair.

Did you have a feeling of peace or pleasantness? Incredible peace or pleasantness

Did you have a feeling of joy? Incredible joy

Did you feel a sense of harmony or unity with the universe? No longer in conflict with nature

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything? Everything about the universe

Did scenes from your past come back to you? Neither

Did scenes from the future come to you? Neither

Did you come to a border or point of no return? Neither

God, Spiritual and Religion:

What was your religion prior to your experience? Liberal

Have your religious practices changed since your experience? Yes I believe religion has nothing to do with the hereafter. I believe a higher form of spirit prevails in the universe.

What is your religion now? Liberal

Did you have a change in your values and beliefs because of your experience? Yes I believe religion has nothing to do with the hereafter. I believe a higher form of spirit prevails in the universe.

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice? Neither

Did you see deceased or religious spirits? Neither

Concerning our Earthly lives other than Religion

During your experience, did you gain special knowledge or information about your purpose? No

Have your relationships changed specifically because of your experience? No

After the NDE:

Was the experience difficult to express in words? No

Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience? No

Have you ever shared this experience with others? Yes Shared with ex-wife and children.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience? No

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened? Experience was definitely real

What do you believe about the reality of your experience now? Experience was definitely real

At any time in your life, has anything ever reproduced any part of the experience? No