Near Death Experience Stories

In this post I take you on my journey beyond and back, but first, what exactly are near death experiences (NDEs)? Stories of near-death experiences (NDEs) have captivated people for centuries, offering profound insights into life, death, and the mysteries that lie between. These accounts, shared by those who have come close to dying or been clinically dead and revived, often reveal transformative and life-altering episodes. Across cultures and belief systems, near-death experience stories spark fascination, hope, and sometimes skepticism. Are these glimpses into the afterlife? A spiritual awakening? Or simply the brain’s reaction to trauma?

In this post, we’ll explore the phenomenon of near-death experiences, diving into personal stories, common elements, and scientific explanations while considering the profound impact they have on those who experience them.

What Are Near-Death Experiences?

A near-death experience is a powerful psychological event reported by individuals who have faced life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest, severe accidents, and fear of impending death. These experiences are often described as vivid and emotionally charged, leaving a lasting imprint on those who encounter them.

Many of the most compelling near-death experience stories share common threads, suggesting universal aspects of the phenomenon. While NDEs are deeply personal, they often involve sensations of peace, out-of-body experiences, encounters with loved ones, or visions of a spiritual realm.

Common Themes in Near Death Experience Stories

Though each near-death experience is unique, countless stories reveal recurring patterns and sensations. Here are some of the most commonly reported elements:

1. Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs)

In many near-death experience stories, individuals describe feeling as though they have left their physical body. They report floating above themselves, watching medical teams work on them or observing loved ones from a distance. Often, these accounts include vivid details of the surroundings, even when their physical body was unconscious.

2. A Profound Sense of Peace

One of the most remarkable aspects of near-death experience stories is the overwhelming sense of calm and serenity people describe; however, this is misunderstood, as a profound sense of peace is often not what is initially experienced and sometimes is not at all (Hashemi et al., 2023). At some point though, most feel enveloped by love, safety, and acceptance, with pain and fear seeming to vanish.

3. The Tunnel and the Light

A recurring theme in NDE stories is the sensation of traveling through a tunnel toward a brilliant, warm light. This light is often perceived as welcoming and full of unconditional love. Some interpret it as a divine presence, while others see it as a metaphorical representation of transcendence.

4. Encounters with Deceased Loved Ones

Many near-death experience stories include reunions with loved ones who have passed away. These encounters are described as deeply comforting, with the deceased often offering guidance, reassurance, or simply their presence.

5. A Life Review

Some individuals report experiencing a “life review,” where significant moments of their life are replayed, often with a heightened sense of emotional clarity. This reflection may include feelings of compassion or even regret for actions taken during life. Also an often misunderstood aspect.

6. A Choice to Return

In countless near-death experience stories, individuals describe being given a choice to return to their physical body or move on. Those who choose to return often feel a renewed sense of purpose or mission in life - I can definitely attest to this! It was a 180 and new lease on life.

Powerful Near Death Experience Stories

There are countless near death experience stories, and trust me, I did a deep dive after my NDE in 2007 at the age of 22, hoping to understand what happened. My life was turned upside down by this experience, which I’ll get into in a bit. Two of my favourite books I found in the years following were written by Dr Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon who shared his own experience.. 

After contracting a severe brain infection, he slipped into a coma. During this time, he experienced a journey through what he described as a heavenly realm, full of vibrant landscapes and divine beings. His NDE not only changed his perspective on consciousness but also challenged his previous skepticism about spirituality. This led him to write two books - Proof of Heaven and A Map of Heaven - in which he explored other’s experiences too. 

Scientific Theories Behind NDEs

The vivid and universal nature of near-death experience stories has led to a range of scientific investigations. While some view these accounts as evidence of the afterlife, others see them as physiological and psychological responses to extreme circumstances, to include:

• Oxygen Deprivation: One popular theory is that NDEs result from oxygen deprivation in the brain. When the body experiences trauma, reduced blood flow to the brain can cause vivid hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, or altered perceptions of time and space.

• Brain Chemistry: Another explanation focuses on the release of chemicals like endorphins and dopamine during moments of extreme stress. These substances may create the sensations of peace, love, and detachment often described in near-death experience stories. Check out more studies on DMT, which floods our system during birth and death - fascinating!

• Neurological Activity: Researchers have also explored the role of neurological activity during near-death states. A study published in 2013 found that brain activity can spike just before death, potentially explaining the heightened sensory perceptions and vivid imagery reported in NDE stories. Neuropsychologist Dr. Fenwick, highlights this here. 

• Survival Mechanisms: From an evolutionary perspective, NDEs may be the brain’s way of coping with trauma, creating calming or inspiring experiences to reduce stress and increase the chances of survival. Given my experience was fear of impending death, this makes a great deal of sense to me.

I have always believed that science and spirituality co-exist, and my experience and research since has only reinforced this. The Western view that science and spirituality are at war only became relevant in the late 19th century. Thanks to Huberman and others scientifically validating many ancient and intuitive practices, this view is quickly being reversed. 

Spiritual and Emotional Impact of Near Death Experiences

What makes near-death experience stories so compelling is not just the descriptions of the events themselves, but the profound changes they inspire. Many individuals report experiencing a spiritual awakening or a shift in their priorities after an NDE.

• A Renewed Appreciation for Life: After surviving a near-death experience, many people describe feeling more connected to the present moment, valuing relationships, and seeking meaningful experiences.

• A Sense of Purpose: For some, their near-death experience story becomes a turning point, leading them to pursue careers, causes, or spiritual paths aligned with their newfound purpose.

• Reduced Fear of Death: One of the most consistent outcomes of NDEs is a diminished fear of death. Many individuals describe their experiences as reassuring, viewing death not as an end but as a transition.

I can personally appreciate all three of the above. Additionally my psychic and dream experiences became incredibly heightened. Part of this may have been reconnecting to my meditation roots as a child, but it has been one of the greatest gifts. 

My Near Death Experience

I only recently began to talk about my NDE publicly this year. Why? While it was the most transformative experience of my life, in which I seemed to have processed trauma in an instant, I didn't fully understand and I felt many close to me were not interested in the spiritual world. I also wasn’t sure how to classify it until the Division of Perceptual Studies from the University of Virginia confirmed it. I was almost embarrassed to share it, and held it as a deep dark secret for many years, leaving me feeling very isolated from this world on a meaningful level. You can hear my story here: 

Regardless of the near-death experience, there are lessons for everyone, whether or not you’ve faced a life-threatening event. They remind us of the fragility of life, the importance of living authentically, and the potential for transformation in the face of adversity.

By listening to other’s accounts, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of our own emotional and spiritual needs. Whether you interpret NDEs as scientific phenomena or glimpses of the divine, their impact on those who experience them is undeniable.

If you’ve had a near-death experience, I’d love to hear your story! 

Want to learn more?

• Some of my favourite books on near death experiences include: After, A Map of Heaven, Proof of Heaven, The Heart's Code

• Videos I love on near death experiences include the ones by Peter Fenwick and Dr Jeffrey Long

• And if you are personally struggling with a life altering experience, you are welcome to work with me 1:1 or I encourage you to explore the Crisis or Awakening course