Q & A with PMH Atwater

Sun Sign Astrology

2012-01-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

I usually carry questions and answers on my blog. This time it is an article about Sun Sign Astrology. Now, hold on, don’t be confused about this. Occasionally I do deviate, and the topic really concerns more than just one’s sun sign – whether you are a Taurus or a Leo or a Gemini. What the following article by Julie Loar looks at is why astrology works, even though the zodiacal belt of stars and stories slowly moves along, changing degree of arc. Because of this - the precession of the equinoxes - scientists claim that astrology is sheer bunk and has no place in the modern world. Yet, readings still fit. A Taurus still acts and looks like a Taurus, at least basically. What is missing in our understanding of astrology is that it is based on the seasons, as well as the stars, thus comprising the best archetypical arrangement of life’s passages and the psychology of those passages that has ever been developed. To use astrology to determine one’s actions and choices is the misuse of astrology. It’s main and best function is that of a map, a guide, showing one his or her assets and liabilities, stress points, skills, and so forth. It spells out the “territory” at hand. It does NOT tell you where you are going or who you will be. And like any good map, astrology provides the type of data that may make it easier for you to live a positive and constructive life. You do the deciding. Not astrology.

Julie Loar, who wrote this article, is pretty good at what she does and has a broad and expansive knowledge base to use. You’ll recognize that right away once you begin reading. If you want to reach her blog, you may do so at http://julieloar.wordpress.com. She has three websites you may want to look at. They are:

http://www.queenofcups.com/AR62article.htm
The Astrological Ages, which do indeed shift over time

http://www.queenofcups.com/AR70article.htm
The zodiac signs, which do NOT change with time, as they are based on the seasons

http://www.queenofcups.com/AR44article.htm
Ophiuchus, 13th zodiac sign

I hope you enjoy her article, which now follows:

Has your astrological sign changed?

I’ve had lots of questions since recent newspaper articles reported the sensational claim by Minnesota astronomer, Parke Kunkle that people’s astrological signs have changed. Well, that’s not true, but it does require a bit of technical explanation. Rest easy, your sign has not changed, and your identity is not at risk, but there is a bigger picture to consider.

The astrological signs are based on the seasons, and are divisions of time, beginning with spring equinox, which is the symbolic birth of the year. This is the point when the balance of light and dark achieves momentary equilibrium, before tilting toward increasing light. The opposite point is autumn equinox. Every year the Earth makes a full circle around the Sun, and every year without fail, the sign of Aries begins at spring equinox. Then, every month (or so), in thirty-degree segments of the yearly circle, a new sign begins.

However, what does change is Earth’s position relative to the stars over a very slow passage of time. Scientists believe it’s caused by the Earth’s wobble. Earth wobbles as she spins and is also inclined on her axis of rotation. This tilt creates the seasons, and the wobble creates the phenomenon called Precession of the Equinoxes. This movement goes “backward” through the zodiac instead of the annual direction that is more familiar. This slow motion causes two changes in the sky from our viewing perspective on Earth. Like a slowly spinning top, our planet’s axes trace imaginary circles in the heavens drawn by the Earth’s poles. As the orientation of the North Pole shifts relative to the circumpolar stars, a different North Star slowly moves into position over thousands of years. The same is true of the Earth’s south pole and the southern stars. This imaginary stylus moves at the rate of roughly one degree of arc in seventy-two years.

An additional byproduct of this wobble causes spring equinox sunrise (in the northern hemisphere), to occur due east against a backdrop of stars which slowly shifts. Because this event occurs on the ecliptic, (the apparent path of the sun through the year), the stellar backdrop is formed by the slowly moving starry curtain of the twelve zodiacal constellations. Astronomically, the zodiac constellations are in a circular band of sky, eight degrees above and below the ecliptic. This space contains the familiar star patterns from the Ram to the Fishes, as well as stars and deep sky objects.

Called the Great Year, and composed of twelve cosmic months, which are the astrological ages, this cycle lasts roughly 26,000 years. Because the sky shifts, the astrological signs are no longer aligned with the constellations that gave them their names. About 4,000 years ago the stars of Aries rose at spring equinox. Now it is the last of the stars of Pisces, but it is still the annual onset of spring in the northern hemisphere that heralds the sign of Aries.

In the past, different cultures have imagined the stars as different “pictures” and had different zodiacs, but since 1930 astronomers around the world have agreed on eighty-eight constellations. Zodiacal constellations are twelve of the eighty-eight divisions of space recognized by the International Astronomers Union. Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, also mentioned by Kunkle, is a thirteenth constellation that is also in the zodiac region, but is ordinarily not part of the traditional zodiac. However, the indigenous Maya have thirteen constellations in their zodiac.

For roughly two thousand years, spring equinox sunrise has occurred against the stars of Pisces, The Fishes, which rise in pre-dawn darkness before the Sun. Soon, as the backward march shifts, the "dawning of the Age of Aquarius" will be heralded as this constellation moves to center stage and defines the new world age. Three to four thousand years ago the stars of Aries provided the backdrop for spring equinox sunrise. Before that the stars of Taurus held the distinction. As the ages changed, sacrifices of bulls shifted when Moses chose the ram as the sacrificial animal of the new age of Aries. At the shift of the ages of Aries into Pisces, Jesus was both Lamb of God and Fisher of Men as the sacrificial symbol for the age of Pisces, the Fishes. Now, due to the gradual movement of precession, Aquarius has advanced to the springtime place in the northern hemisphere, and a new symbol for the Aquarian age will emerge. Perhaps the figure of the Waterbearer will be a galactic human?

Astrologically, the duration of an age is characterized and defined by the archetypal energies of the constellation whose stars rise before the sun at spring equinox dawn. Each phase of the Great Year is like a month, possessing a distinct and overarching quality of experience. The ages are like spokes of the cosmic wheel, presenting a phase shift of archetypal energy designed to provide an evolutionary schoolroom for developing humanity. Since the great cycle of the ages is a repeating pattern, perhaps we can learn about our present and future from a better understanding of the past.

As the zodiac presents an annual circle of archetypal experience, so too does the Great Year. The changing of ages has longs cusps or transitional periods, and there are no precise demarcations of the circle where one influence stops and a new one begins. We can only look back in time to sense approximately which archetype held sway and what experience humanity drew from to unfold our emerging pattern.

The signs of the zodiac are a function of the year, while the apparent shifting of the stars is a measure of an age. Like the larger cycle of the ages, the circle of the year also represents successive phases of experience. The zodiac signs have been described like stained glass windows that “color” the solar and planetary influences.Symbolically, the signs of the zodiac form a cycle of experience that provide the template of evolution through which Earth receives the influences of the Sun and planets.

So, while you are definitely still an Aries or Libra, Pisces or Gemini, it’s very worthwhile to go outside on a clear, dark night and contemplate the majesty of the stars and the vastness of the Universe of which we are a part. Humanity’s story is an ancient one, and contrary to apocalyptic notions at the current changing of the ages, the tale is far from over.

Julie Loar

January 2011

NDE Interpretations and Reaching Back to Source

2011-12-09T21:20:00.001-05:00

QUESTION

“In the cardiac situation, a person is dead until/unless he is resuscitated. Some who are resuscitated have had spiritual experiences; some have no memory of such. One interpretation of this fact is that everyone cannot remember, although having had an actual experience. Another interpretation is that not everyone who dies has such an experience. What is your interpretation?”....Larry

ANSWER

Both can be and often are true. We have no way of knowing as researchers why some people have near-death experiences and others do not. The global figure for the general population is between 4 to 5%. In the clinical or emergency setting, the figure is between 12 to 21%. That means a significant number of people do not have them. The way you can tell if a person did have such an experience but just doesn’t remember having had it, however, is the aftereffects. The pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects holds true for both children and adults. It’s the aftereffects that validate the experience, not the other way around. And the aftereffects emerge based on the intensity of the episode. In my research base, 79% were significantly impacted by what happened to them - changes were lifelong. The other 21% claimed no such changes (aftereffects) occurred. These people said their experience was more like a fleeting dream, nothing to it. In those cases where I could have sessions with significant others of these experiencers, those folks winked at me and said the individual really had changed and was indeed showing some of the aftereffects pattern. This fact pointed out that few experiencers realize the extent to which they have changed. They don’t recognize it. Neither did I. It took years before I looked back and saw how much I had changed - people were telling me - but I didn’t believe them. Blessings, PMH

QUESTION

“Hello, I’m fairly new to the stories of people who have strayed just a little beyond the realm of consciousness we refer to as life. Although I have never had a near-death experience, I strongly believe in the existence of an afterlife and spiritual world. In my life, besides my earthly endeavors, I feel I have a strong need to find the source to which near-death experiences often refer. I know I have it within myself, and I strive to commune with it, but it always seems just beyond reach - though I can sense its beauty, power, and eternity. My question is whether one can reach that place within the soul while still alive? At times I’ve experienced hints of it through meditation and (I almost hesitate to admit) psylocybic mushrooms. Of course one hears of Jesus, Buddha, Paramahansa Yogananda, and the rest, but I fear that my path will be forever thwarted by my unstable life, my constant worry about finances, and a general lack of peace within my own mind. It seems it would take no less than death (not intentional death) to unleash the bonds which prevent me from moving into that place. It is my intuition that tells me that it would benefit myself and even humanity around me if only I had the strength and conviction to reach it. I am blessed that I happened to see your interview from what looks like a long ago on YouTube. It would be my luck to meet you in person someday. I would appreciate any advice you would have for me in the meantime deeply. And of course I send my thanks to you for inspiring words.”.....Darwin

ANSWER

The way my husband put it one day, answers your question best. We were having a discussion about enlightenment, reaching that state of higher mind and then being able to integrate the experience in a useful way in one’s life. My husband reached his through the martial arts (he at one time was a karate monk), and me by dying. I pounded on the table and said to him: “It’s not fair. You got there the easy way. I had to die to get there. I had to suffer, and there was all that pain and blood.” He patted my head as if I were a puppy dog, and said: “I have a theory about that. Only those people who need to be knocked around get it the way you did. The rest of us don’t need to go through that.” I threw a pillow at him. Chuckle.

But he’s right. In a way almost unfathomable, we get what we need in life and in the manner that best suits us. For those as stubborn as a concrete wall, it takes a tragedy or perhaps a series of blows in life that either wake us up or turn us around. For the rest, just the desire to be a better person does the job, or maybe a lifetime of prayer and meditation. And meditation certainly is an effective and wonderful way to begin one’s inner journey and to ensure both protection and completion. I meditate and pray every morning. That’s a must for me. No amount of interruptions interfere with that.

There are many paths to the God of Our Being, and, that’s where you go, deep within and through your heart of hearts. We all know the path; it’s just that most of us have forgotten it. What spiritual/religious commitment does is help us to remember what we already know. Unity Church offers some great classes in this. So does Science of Mind (also known as the United Centers of Spiritual Living or Church of Religious Science). Even just an A.R.E. Study Group is great. A.R.E. stands for the Association for Research and Enlightenment (based on the psychic readings of Edgar Cayce). Google for addresses in your area as all of these are global. there are a number of books out that offer tips for the inner journey and how-tos, so many, in fact, that I no longer remember their titles.

The longing to reach back to Source is within all of us. and that longing is wiggling around within you right now, or you would not have written to me. Read my latest book, Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story. I am certain you will find information in that book that will apply to you, help you to better understand yourself and the process of the inner journey. Bon Voyage! Blessings, PMH

Post-NDE: Seeing Energy and a Future Memory

2011-11-19T16:05:00.001-05:00

Instead of a regular Question/Answer format this time, I am carrying an update from Tannis Prouten of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Tannis was part of my original research base. Her case is in several of my books, one of them The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences. I think you will find what has been happening to her since very interesting. Her story may be a lot like yours, in fact, as many of us have gone through similar phases in our aftereffects journey. Happy Thanksgiving, PMH

Tannis Prouten

I feel a need to tell you what has been happening with me since I sent you my story many years ago. I tried to send a message a few weeks ago but I think I messed it up, and it did not get to you, so here it goes.

Since my NDE many years ago, I have had some very unusual experiences, some of which I don’t always know the meaning of....they are....

On a daily basis seeing living energy.....most often robin’s egg blue and on a couple of occasions violet and more rarely the gold/white light I call the God light. The energy can be as small as a piece of confetti or a spray of these pieces of energy and much larger. On one occasion, I saw it expanding. Not long after my consciousness becomes aware of it, it disappears. I was reading a book one day and it suddenly came alive with a wonderful golden light. I knew every word in the book was pure TRUTH. I read this book more rapidly than normally possible - in heightened consciousness.

Seeing very fine wisps of energy (almost like cigarette smoke but finer) coming up from my computer key board on two occasions. I thought maybe something was wrong with my keyboard but no! One day I was writing on a lap tray when I caught sight of a small cloud of this mist off to the left side of my tray. On another occasion, one day at work while writing, a large cloud of the same mist appeared all across my desk. It was extremely fine, grey mist. I don’t know the meaning of this.

I saw a living, vivid, emerald green energy circulating in the mid-section of a lady’s body. It turned out she had had a health issue in this part of her body but was on the mend.

Also, on a holiday in the U. S. years ago, we made a day trip across the border to Mexico. I didn’t want to eat or drink anything until we crossed back into the U. S. to San Ysedro. We went to Macdonalds there for a bit to eat. Upon entering the Macdonalds, I instantly felt an awful, heavy but frenetic, dark, cold foreboding feeling. I could not wait to get out of there! It turned out a massacre was to occur there within the next few months which made the news. Many were killed by a gunman and the Macdonalds was torn down. A memorial park was created there. I believe I was experiencing the fear of the massacre prior to it happening. I didn’t know at that time what was to take place in the future.

One day at a meeting, I looked up at a friend and instantly had the knowing that he was going to die, which he did not long after. At the time, he was not ill, and we never discussed his health.

I was in a group meeting where a lady was having trouble trying to express her distress over a matter. Within a blink of an eye (so rapid I almost missed it), I saw a laser-like beam of energy shoot from the mid-section of her body across to mine. This energy conveyed information from her to me. I instantly was able to feed back to her what she was trying to express to us. She gasped and said that was exactly what she was trying to say.

I have the experience of “merging” with someone who was talking to me in a class at night school. I was able to help him clarify what he was trying to tell me after this.

I had the experience of viewing the essence of a man at work as he stood before me. It was like this reality moved back and his essence came forward for me to read, then moved back, and his “normal” state came forward again. I then knew who this man really was - not what he presented.

On and on it goes. Why and what to do about it, if anything, are the questions I ask myself. I sometimes feel God presents these things on a need to know basis.

I am now reading Pim’s book, Consciousness Beyond Life. I totally agree with him on consciousness being located outside of the body. In my NDE I became aware of this dimension which appeared as an infinite, flowing, field of living, golden energy which contains all knowledge/wisdom and from which all things are created/manifested - through the imprint of thought and the power of intent. I call on this dimension for help in my daily life. It is available to everyone as God offers us free choice to manifest good/bad. It is ours to learn from, so be very careful!

I WISH IANDS WOULD HAVE A CONFERENCE IN VANCOUVER/SEATTLE AND HAVE PIM AS A GUEST SPEAKER. WE NEED TO AWAKEN MORE PEOPLE IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, ETC., OUT WEST. My doctor does not seem to be receptive at all if I dare mention the words, “Near-Death Experience.” He probably thinks I am deluded! It is pretty lonely living “out of the box.”

Years after my NDE, I became conscious of no time or space. . . everything exists in the ETERNAL NOW. It seems things I learned/experienced in my NDE and may have forgotten when I returned to this world, filter out bit by bit over the years. I know so much more happened than I can remember. There are “shadow memories.” When I wrote my story for you (as you requested at the Salt Lake Conference), I only wrote about the things I CLEARLY remembered from my NDE, out of integrity, but like I just said, I know more happened. I think while there, I travelled to other places. I do remember moving rapidly through “space” to my right during my experience. This was a different experience from the initial experience of moving rapidly through space TO THE LIGHT.

Thank you for your time. It is wonderful to “talk” to someone who understands. PMH, you are God’s detective on earth.

_________________________________________________________________

A brief note to Tannis, that robin egg blue you were describing is the color of orgone energy - life energy. Wilhelm Reich did a great deal of work with orgone energy, including finding a way to “accumulate” it for healing. I was part of a group back in Idaho that experimented with making our own orgone accumulator following his instructions. We must of made a mistake, because the accumulator blew up in our faces. Rays of a silver blue shot out everywhere, like radiation.

Back in “those days” I was experimenting with all kind of things, including doing lab work.

I might add, while I’m at it, that emerald green is the color of healing. You mentioned the woman’s mid-section was that color, and that she had had health problems but was now healing. The color tells you that.

Most near-death experiencers come to be able to see and work with energy after their experience. It would behoove you to take some classes on this, read a few books, and experiment yourself. Having the experience, being introduced to the energy/spirit world is not enough. The next step is learning/training/being educated. We need that - to learn more. Knowing is fine, but there’s always more.................Many blessings, PMH

Walk-Ins and A Special Sharing

2011-10-12T12:46:00.001-04:00

SPECIAL SHARING

This is from Lance. “My Mother told me that on the day of my Dad’s passing she was in the bathroom washing her face when, suddenly, she heard footsteps of someone coming in the door. She thought it was I who had walked in, though I was across town at that moment. Mom was more than surprised to see Dad standing there, smiling at her. She says she couldn’t believe how he could have just walked in as he was quite ill in the nursing home. She told him that she was going to dry her face to greet him, and says he stared at her for a moment with his usual smile, and then his face suddenly started to turn serious. After that, he walked off and she could not find him. She called his name several times but he was gone. She was a bit shaken when I came back, and she told me about this incident, of that I’ll never forget. Later that evening the doctor called our home to tell us that Dad had passed away.”

QUESTION

“Have you written much about walk-ins? How do they remember the lives of the persons they are now? I don’t know if I dare to ask this: are you a walk-in? Is that why you don’t use your given name, but initials?”....Erna

ANSWER

Yes, I have written quite a bit about walk-ins. Please refer to my book, Beyond the Light. The current claim is that most walk-ins enter during a near-death experience. This claim does not stand up to scrutiny. In fact the whole theory is subject to challenge.

There is in esoteric literature dating back hundreds of years mention of real “walk-ins,” those beings who physically walk in to our dimension, stay as long as needed or desired, and then walk back through a portal of some kind or simply disappear when they leave. I have seen these and so has my son and a good friend. This is the more commonplace walk-in. What Ruth Montgomery called a “walk-in,” esoteric literature calls an “exchange” - where one soul exchanges places in a given body with another soul. Why she changed the terms I do not know. Most of the people claiming to be walk-ins under Montgomery’s definition went through the same years of integration that near-death experiencers go through (7 to 10 years), and do not in any way display anything that might validate taking a short-cut back into life for a mission. They might have just been born and have grown up in the regular way. Coming in, in mass, through the aegis of near-death experiences is not a short cut - no matter what anyone claims.

Of the many people I have met who said they were walk-ins, only three seemed to me as if they were the genuine article. The rest, no. Bear in mind that the typical near-death experiencer ( and we’re talking about millions of people worldwide) come back a different person - not because they are a walk-in, but because of the aftereffects of the near-death state - which is physiological as well as psychological. These people are “more” than they were before, expanded and accelerated beyond former capabilities. You can show that in research, how our faculties, brain, and body systems expand and alter because of near-death states. You cannot do this with the so-called “walk-ins.” I refer you here to two more of my books, The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences and Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story.

I am not a walk-in. I bear all of the characteristics and traits of a typical near-death experiencer and have gone through the same phases of integration. There is nothing about me that is exceptional in that regard, except that, during my third near-death experience, I was told to do the research I have spent 33 years doing. So far, I am the only experiencer to do this for the reason I have, and to initiate my work before ever having heard of Raymond Moody or his now famous book, Life After Life. My name is as it is because of a very powerful vision I had just before I was to be married. I went to Court and “made it so.” My legal and only name is PMH or P. M. H. Atwater (written either way). The full story of how I got my name appears in an article in the Article Section of my website at www.pmhatwater.com .

Thank you for your questions, Erna. Many blessings, PMH

Attending Their Own Funeral and NDE Family Inheritance

2011-09-16T11:40:00.001-04:00

QUESTION

“I recalled that one of the changes you described in yourself after your NDE’s was that you could no longer attend funerals because you could see the deceased actually attending his/her own funeral, and you couldn’t keep from giggling at this site.

“My questions is: did you know if these people had or had not had NDEs during their lifetime? Also, I wonder if attending one’s own funeral might be too depressing, seeing one’s spouse and other close friends and family going through the grieving process and worrying about if and how their loved ones would navigate the rest of their lives.

“My own father died at the age of 48 from heart disease and my mother lived to the age of 76. She became quite depressed after his death and was never able to recover.”. .....Jack

ANSWER

Thousands of near-death experiencers (maybe millions) are able to see the departed as I can. This includes child experiencers, too. As per those people like me who have seen “the departed” attending their own funerals, they see all kinds of people doing this after they die. I highly doubt that near-death experiencers just see experiencers.

About those we see who have left their bodies but come back to visit at their funerals, some of these people are happy to be able to do this, some are concerned about their loved ones, some are angry at what they see and hear, some make fun and act stupid. People are people, with or without a body. You encounter a wide range of emotions and responses with the departed.

As to the near-death experiencers themselves who see this, most have learned not to attend funerals out of respect to families and friends. It is difficult to hold back a response. You want to say something, maybe point out to the families what is really happening, yet you dare not. That might upset those in attendance. Now, if the funeral service is held in a metaphysical church, like Unity or Religious Science, that’s different. Comments from people like me are often asked for and welcomed in such places. Thank you, PMH

QUESTION

“I have been reading your book, The Idiot’s Guide to Near-Death Experiences, and I read about how to recognize child experiencers on page 67. I found this fascinating because I met six out of the eleven characteristics. I grew up very much a ‘God’ boy. I meditated regularly; always made sure there was an altar in my room; have a strong need to nest; fascinated by all things spiritual/otherworldly; tough time connecting to the ‘real’ world. I have not had an NDE, but my mother did before I was born.

“My question is: is there any research concerning the effects of NDE on other family members? Can a family member plug into the fruits of the NDE without knowing it? I started to exhibit these traits very early on, long before my mother ever told me about her experience. She did not share it openly. She told me about it when I was an adult.

“I would appreciate any feedback you can give me.”.....Bryan

ANSWER

Yes, there is research. . . showing that what a parent learns from experiences can be passed on genetically to the next generation (a challenge to Darwin’s theory about evolution). This is new research, and I discuss it at length in my new book, Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story. It is causing quite a stir, as you can well imagine.

And, yes, children can pick up and learn from the behavior of their parents. Even if your mother said nothing to you when you were young, just being exposed to any differences she may have possessed would have been enough for you to emulate her, even without being aware you were doing it. This, really, is the main way children learn anyway - through modeling their parents.

There may be another link for you, though. You may be one of the “new children,” those born with different traits and characteristics than previous generations. The human race is changing; we are evolving as a species. Whole populations are changing, and not because of politics, religious beliefs, or what is currently popular within that culture. I first began to speak about the profile link between children who had a near-death experience and children who were born that way, in my book The New Children and Near-Death Experiences (Bear & Co.), which I followed up with Beyond the Indigo Children (also Bear & Co.). I am currently working on the last book in this trilogy that really digs deep into what is meant about the “new children,” then it examines evolution and time cycles. It should be on store shelves in the fall of 2012.

Regardless of how you picked up your particular traits, I am certain you went through many challenges while you were young in learning how to handle yourself and respect your differences. The two books about the new children I’ve already mentioned have large Resource Sections with many tips and ideas about how to integrate yourself into society in positive, productive ways. I hope you are able to read them.

Blessings, PMH

Epilepsy, NDE's, & Statistics

2011-08-06T21:08:00.001-04:00

QUESTION

“Although I don’t know how far your expertise extends beyond the field of NDEs, I still want to bring up this issue. I have come across various skeptical sources confidently claiming that lots (if not all) mystics like Edgar Cayce, Joan of Arc, Soren Kierkegaard, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were so-called ‘temporal lobe epileptics,’ e.g. their supposed visions and teachings were due to illness.

“However, is there really substantiated evidence for this claim, or is it just ‘theories being presented as facts’?”....Steffen

ANSWER

No, this is not true. Some may have been (such as Swedenborg), but the majority were not. By the way, the idea of temporal lobe epilepsy as an illness has yet to be proved. Certainly, many epilepics have visions during their seizures, and report experiences similar to near-death experiences and/or mystical illuminations. However, if you study what they are reporting, then take a look at aftereffects, well, the match is not there....not even close. Remember, it’s the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects that validates mystical and spiritual and near-death experiences, NOT the other way around. To better understand the significance of what I have just said, please read my latest book, Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story. An excellent book that expands this subject is Subtle Worlds: An Explorer’s Field Notes, David Spangler (a modern mystic); Lorian Press, Everett, WA 2010.

P.S. Many times when you connect directly with spirit guidance, you feel a “seizure” in your brain as if you were switching brain levels to one not ordinarily used. This seizure feeling is brief, more of a wiggle, really - a reliable signal that you have reached another state of consciousness and are no longer focused in the everyday world. An illness? Goodness no. This feeling state is very positive, very practical, uplifting and energetic. It functions as a signal, only. Nothing more.

Anyone who connects this with the illness of epilepsy is either uninformed, or, in the habit of slapping labels to anything that appears to fit favorite theories.

QUESTION

“I have read some sections of your new book, and find it quite interesting. I have a question about your book. In Chapter One, in the section titled ‘statistics’ you write that....4-5% of the general population had a near-death experience. Global estimates jump to 12-21% when focused on those receiving critical care when the phenomenon occurs. What is the phenomenon? If the phenomenon is the near-death experience, then 100% should have the near-death experience when the near-death experience occurs. You should clarify what you mean in future editions of your book. Are you saying that 4-5% of people who die, and are revived have a near-death experience which they can recall? Then perhaps you are saying that 12-21% of those who die, and are revived in a critical care setting have recollections of a near-death experience.”....Brian

ANSWER

I thought I was clear. When I speak of the phenomenon of near-death, I am including the experience plus the aftereffects. In research, you cannot just focus on the near-death experience and establish any more than what you find out about “the light show” (the scenario). You must include the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects to gain a more thorough and complete picture of what you are talking about. Hardly any researchers in the field do this, though. When others speak of aftereffects, they usually list things like becoming more loving afterward, losing the fear of death, becoming more generous and service minded. I have objected about this for years, and still do, so in the book I made it clear (at least I thought I did) that it is now time for us (actually past time) to focus on the entire phenomenon, not just the parts of it that impress us the most.

Statistics about people who have had a near-death experience come from the large clinical studies that have been done in several countries, and for several years. Interestingly, these same statistics stack up with Chinese researchers, those in India and elsewhere, and are proving to be global. Therefore, in the general population, worldwide, it can be said that the estimated number of people who have had a near-death experience are between 4 to 5 percent. If you focus on on medical/clinical/accident/emergency figures, the overall percentages in this population are between 12 to 21%. There are some studies where the percentage jumps to 25 to 29%. These are smaller, more isolated studies. That’s why I stick with the figures that come from the larger studies.

The near-death experience, as an experience, comes from people who are close to death, nearly die, or are clinically dead but later revive or are resuscitated. The near-death experience comes from “fear deaths” too (from those who are afraid they are going to die but do not), and/or from any moment, any event, when suddenly the individual ceases function and has a full-blown near-death experience that completely changes their life, and that includes the pattern of aftereffects. Seldom are any of these people ill, most are in good health and remain so. Why this stoppage occurs and the phenomenon takes over, no one knows.

My book cannot be amended. What is in it, remains as is, nor will I be writing another on this subject. Sorry. PMH

The Soul's Existence

2011-07-16T18:52:00.001-04:00

QUESTION:

“So I know that you deal mainly with NDEs, but given your vast knowledge of what the soul experiences when detached from the body, I have a few questions regarding the soul.

1. What do you know about a soul’s contact with the human world? My mom and I are both fairly in touch with our psychic abilities by nature, though have not necessarily pursued these very deeply. My mom has told me that after her mom died, she came to her in a dream and told her I would be born and what my name would be (this is really just a side note to my actual question). My mom said that while talking to her mom, Pat, she seemed sick. Pat, while alive, had a heart condition, and Pat told my mom that it was at a cost and with great struggle that she returned to the earthplane to tell her this information - because whenever she returned, she was as ill as she was while alive. Is this true for other souls that return to our plane, or is this scenario specific to only a few souls?

2. What of contact do you know about souls that have passed on? My grandpa recently died, and we were very close. My mom and I experienced something at the same time a few hours before he passed: she felt like he was giving her a big hug, and I thought of him, and it felt like we were almost rising, and we felt very peaceful. It seems unusual that this would happen to us at the same time. Is this common of souls leaving the body to visit the living for a last goodbye or something?

3. Have you heard of astral projection? Or possibly you’ve heard of it by other names. From what I’ve read, it happens from a deep state of meditation where the soul consciously leaves the body, though the person is aware and in control of what happens. It’s kind of difficult to explain. I’m sure Google could do better on that. But it’s a meditation thing. Have you heard of this, or have you known this occurs or is possible? I’m very curious about this.

“Sorry about the barriage of questions. I’ve never found so much legitimate information regarding souls anywhere on the web, let along a chance to ask someone with such vast knowledge! Even just answering one of them would suffice. I’m sure you get a lot of e-mails, so I understand if you can’t.”.....Emily

ANSWER:

Emily, I do not admit what all I have seen, felt, and heard throughout my life or in my work, nor will I - until the time is right, and that time is beginning to draw nigh. Remember, I am a researcher and I follow a strict protocol. My work must stand on its own merits; even if challenging, it must still be in the realm of what other researchers can check - if they are willing to follow a similar protocol or something else like it. The only time I have deviated into the realm of soul is in my book, We Live Forever: The Real Truth About Death (A.R.E. Press). This book can still be ordered at any bookstore, on the web, or through my own online bookstore at http://www.pmhatwater.com . This particular book covers much of what you are questioning. I suggest that you read it. In my latest book, Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story, I finally admit that I can see energy. In doing so, I take the liberty to reveal what I never dared to before. Especially the second half should be quite a stretch. Nuff said about this.

Contrary to what psychics, mediums, and hypnotherapists claim, the soul seems to exist in numerous layers and forms within its own matrix. Thus, your grandmother’s claims about her own soul experiencing pain and discomfort in order to leave The Other Side and visit here makes sense in that that particular aspect of her soul might still be in need of refining and improvement. I encountered that sort of thing many times when I worked as a hypnotherapist - aspects of a soul still unfinished and in need of various types of incarnations in order to heal itself. Eventually, the soul matrix does congeal, bringing together all its many aspects for greater understanding of its own power and abilities. The soul, our soul, has a mind of its own and evolves according to the wave-stream of its own potential. The soul does not think like a person does, not your soul, not my soul. It evolves differently.

Souls that move on after leaving the body can be and are contacted on a fairly regular basis by those still embodied. All you need do is read the testimony of near-death experiencers, those on the deathbed, and from certain sessions with mediums, to find extensive evidence to this claim.

Astral traveling or astral projection is the “older” term most of us used for OBEs, or out-of-body experiences, “way back when.” Most children, especially if ill or in fever, and most adults, especially if exhausted, or ill, or drunk or on drugs, leave their bodies - sometimes accidently, sometimes on a fairly regular basis. Out-of-body experiences are not unusual. This has always been easy for me to do. I finally took some classes on refining the skill in the middle 1960s, and then taught others what I learned. I found the skill to be practical, reliable, usable while on the job, and a money-saver with transportation costs (as I did not have to bring my body along). I have many stories I can tell of how cost-effective and efficient this skill has been for me over the years. When I died in 1977, however, what I experienced then pales any other experience I ever had with astral traveling. That separation of my soul from my body was so intense, so totally and completely and utterly real and deeply involved, that I cannot compare it to regular astral traveling. You will note in many of my findings from near-death research, that I found this fact to be equally true with thousands of people, adults and children - almost negating my prior experiences with astral traveling before I died as something that would influence my research findings.

I hope this information is of help. Many blessings, PMH

Spiritual Progress -- Let your Heart be your Judge

2011-06-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

QUESTION:

        “I sit at my computer and listen to your interviews on YouTube. Thank God for YouTube! I am struggling with spiritual issues: particularly with my religious family and ‘friends.’ They claim to be Christians but refuse to help in any way if I ask. . . which I did several years ago after losing everything, going bankrupt. They had (and still have) plenty of money and turned their backs on me. . . recently did it again. . . then buying expensive homes by the river, etc. They hate me because I don’t like their religious view. I simply don’t buy it. But I also question whether I am spiritually progressing. . . where I stand and what will happen to me when I die. What these Christians do eats away at me and I know that somehow I have to forgive them. But they don’t seem to question themselves. They say that they ‘aren’t perfect - just forgiven.’ UGGHHH. They don’t question their motives, nor do they worry about what will happen to them, as I do.

        “I have problems with anger over this utter hypocrisy. If we do, in fact, wind up in realms with ‘like-minded people/souls,’ then maybe there is some cosmic justice. There’s nothing worse than hurting others and then asking God for forgiveness ad nauseum.

        “Any recommendations of which book I should read? I know you have written many books. Oh, I want to add one last comment. Christianity has a twisted view/version of forgiveness. By that I mean, people who claim to be Christians can and do things that they know are wrong, things they know will hurt others and then get forgiveness. At the same time, they will condemn those whom they feel aren’t Christians for doing the same. They have this arrogant smugness about them and don’t seem to worry about their fate. This is ONE of the reasons that I have developed this utter contempt for religion. Yet, at the same time, there are things about Buddhism that resonate with me. At least Buddhists hold people accountable. From what I have understood about the life review is that it is all-encompassing; nothing is hidden; not even those deeds you thought you were ‘off the hook’ for. You come face to face with it. That is my humble understanding. I do believe in Jesus and try to live by his teachings. I seldom see any Christians doing that.”....Linda

ANSWER:

        Sounds to me, Linda, like you are ready for “Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ernest took the best of all religions, philosophies, and traditions, put them together in a practical, organized way, and came up with what he called “Science of Mind.” He believed that the core teachings around the world all taught the same thing and they did so in what he recognized as a “scientific” manner, that is to say, in accordance with Universal Laws. A church developed around his work, formerly called the United Church of Religious Science - now called the United Centers of Spiritual Living. They have a lively website (google any of the names I have given you to find it). You can take their first year class online, or, at least by mail if there is not a study group or church in your area. Their magazine “Science of Mind” is a monthly, digest-sized, and absolutely wonderful to read. My husband and I subscribe to it and we read from it daily. I took that first year class soon after I died, at a small church in Boise, Idaho, where I lived at the time. Wisest move I ever made. I wrote about this several issues ago in the free newsletter I publish (now archived). If you’re not signed up yet for that newsletter, access www.pmhatwater.com, scroll over to the newsletter section, and sign up.

        In a nutshell, realize first and foremost that everyone is here on earth to learn, express, grow through, or enjoy what presents itself to us. Picture earth as a giant school. Some people are attending first grade; some are in high school; some are doing graduate work; some are here on recess or to enjoy time out. You cannot compare yourself with anyone else, because you do not know at what grade level they are or what they are working through or participating in. We are not challenged to like each other; we are challenged to love each other. To be certain there are some people, no matter how treated, are virtually impossible to even be around. And I am myself one who tussles with this. Still, I bless these people and honor them for they are just as much a child of God as I am. In my family of origin, I am the odd one out. The rest tolerate me, well, most of them do. Others I ‘m not so sure about. The same with my husband’s family. Actually, we are both the odd ones out. We are not wealthy like the others and we do not flaunt what we have. We make no demands and love and honor freely. Most of them look the other way when around us; some are profoundly embarrassed to have us in the family. This can hurt if allowed. We choose not to engage in this type of thinking and feeling. Serves no purpose. Going to a family member to ask for help, seldom helps anyone. So why bother. I respect myself too much to be a target for ill-will. I doubt the day will ever come, for instance, when my work will be recognized and appreciated for what it is. I am often attacked professionally and demeaned by others who simply disagree. Since my protocol for research is different, that makes me suspect, even though my findings, thus far, have held up in clinical trials.

        Spiritual progress? How can you judge that? How could I? My judge is my heart. If I feel I have done my best, been my best, and filled each day with smiles, how then could anyone consider me a failure? How could I? Spiritual progress is something you feel when you are authentically you, and remain true to the breath that breathes you. If you are in league with people who demean you, move out and find another group. Families are not really what you are born with. They are what we recognize in each other when open to those who smile back. Extended families (what we co-create with others) are often more loving and supportive than original families. Look around you. Find other groups of people and experiment, attend meetings, engage in discussions. One of the fastest moving trends today are Church Homes. That’s right. People who band together and start their own church, and take turns deciding which home the service will be in and on what day. They share worship, study, and ritual. Why not start a Church Home yourself? Do not belabor what you have lost. Rejoice in who you are and what you are becoming!

        Blessings, PMH

An "Oh, I get it" Moment

2011-06-07T14:13:00.000-04:00

COMMENTS FROM GARY

This is not a question, per se, but an interesting comment from a man becoming more spiritually aware. I’d like to share his letter with you.

“I’ve been reading stories on your website and it compelled me to write to you. Although I have not had an NDE, I did have an experience of enlightenment in November of 2007. The reason I am writing to you is that my experience has left me with very similar results that the stories, as those who have experienced NDEs, reveal.

“I was sitting in front of my computer one morning, thinking of life and what is really going on. Suddenly, I had an “Oh, I get it” moment. I understood the life cycle, how we got here, why we are here, what happens to us when we die, dreams, etc. I understood that all living things are here for the same reason. I could see the root of what drives us. After about two weeks of this rolling through my mind, I felt I had to start writing about it. I knew that it was the only way I could progress past the same whirlwind of thoughts that were going through my mind. As I was writing I was realizing that, I am not a writer, and how difficult it was to explain what I knew. Keeping it in coherent order was a challenge. The experience changed my life in much the same way as those that have had an NDE. Most notably, a lack of desire for material possessions, money and success, and an enhancement to help others. Although the quest for money was never much of a priority in my life, I gained a feeling that there would always be enough to survive.

“I noticed the explanation of life as a river, on a (your?) website. I had the same thoughts as I was trying to figure out how to explain my new understanding of life. I have been astounded to find the same analogies that I have come up with over the past two and a half years. I never thought that I would find anyone that thought the way I did. I didn’t get it from books or church. It just came to me. Now, I am beginning to find that there are others that have similar results, although they don’t seem to explain it the same. It’s been challenging, but rewarding in many ways. Rejection of my understanding seems to be the norm. I have had better results through application than explanation.

“I have spent much of my life thinking about this. Reading, wondering, thinking, observing. I realized at an early age, that all of the clues are right in front of us. I was raised in a Christian environment, going to Church and Sunday School regularly. I never really understood much of it. There seemed to be something to it, since so many believe in it. I read the Bible, from cover to cover, around the year 2000. I had no preconceived idea, other than to read every word and see what unfolded. I came away with a bit of a different understanding of it than what I had been taught. In my quest to understand life, I had been exposed to Buddhism, chanting, astral projection, and even looked into numerology, astrology, and quite a variety of other things that left me with as many questions as answers. It all gelled that morning. The outcome was quite different than what I had observed, but my new knowledge is indisputable in my mind. I have been finding corroborating evidence ever since.

One of the things that came to me was the purpose of dreams. I have come to the conclusion that there are three states of mind. Awake (awareness in the physical), dormant sleep (lack of awareness), and dreams (awareness outside of the physical). The purpose of dreams is to allow for the understanding that our souls are separate from our bodies, although fully integrated. That there is awareness outside of the physical experience. The level of awareness is diminished from the out-of-body experience and NDE. The vividness of the latter two is enhanced. Just before my father died, he expressed some very vivid dreams. I viewed them as out-of-body experiences in preparation for his passing. The doctors passed it off as hallucination. He also experienced things when he was awake. The doctors classify it as “sun downer syndrome.” It seems to be related to some of the things that people experience after their NDE. I will stop here.”....Gary

A NOTE ON GARY’S COMMENTS

We all wonder about life and how things work, at times. Some of us go through a “peak experience” when suddenly the puzzle pieces fall together - maybe because of a revelation or with a new understanding. Spiritual experiences, those revelatory moments that catch us off-guard, are rich with insight and meaningful upliftment. Sometimes “a special light” illuminates what was once invisible to us. Almost every adult who truly made a difference for the better in this world, had an illumination like this as a child. The near-death phenomenon feeds this desire in us to know more, to glimpse behind the visible world and see what else is there. I thank Gary for sharing with me. Near-death states touch into every aspect of life and its living. They challenge or inspire us in ways little else does. People were dead - no breath, no heartbeat, no brain wave or cortical activity - and now they’re back. . . and they have a story to tell. And we need to listen.

It is my hope that you will read my newest and last book about my research of the near-death phenomenon: Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story (Hampton Roads; Charlottesville, VA, 2011). There are many voices who speak through my findings. Don’t skip over or underestimate them. This is not “same old.” Slowly but surely I introduce new material until Chapter 16 when the whole book changes. It changes because our view of near-death experiences needs to change. The near-death experience is not some kind of anomaly; rather, it is part of the larger genre of transformations of consciousness. People like Gary touch into that higher reality. They take a step into light and are forever changed. Read about threshold experiences and the science of fluid dynamics in the book (this explains so much). Read about the real truth behind spiritual experiences - the biological imperative that they are. Read about the new Christology, what Christ Consciousness really is.

Spirituality is an important and necessary part of life. For those of you who discover that through stories about near-death episodes and the work people like me have done, thank you for opening your mind - to the awareness of your own soul. Blessings, PMH

What is the Purpose of Life? + Autopsy and the Afterlife

2011-03-17T09:18:00.001-04:00

QUESTION

“I have read many NDEs because of tragic circumstances which lead me to learn all I could. I, however, have never had one. I have talked to a man that says his NDE taught him we just are, and when we die our experience here is then joined into the river of life, so to speak. He says there is no deity that benefits our life one way or the other. That we are basically a random act. The end. I don’t know if this is so but I must tell you I have no reason to believe this or not. In other words, nothing in my life has lead me to believe there is a deity or not. My question is, if you would be so kind as to answer - do we reincarnate? Do we come back as humans to live on this earthplane? This man says no. I then have to ask myself, what is the purpose [of life] if there is no purpose?”....Michele

ANSWER

You need to talk with many other experiencers, Michele, not just with the man you did. The vast majority return head over heels in love with God (That Greater Intelligence) and know absolutely that God is real and no kind of fairy story. Many of them, however, stop using the term “God” and call That Greater Intelligence something else. . . like “Source” or “The All.”

There is a sense of progression with all the stories told by near-death experiencers; progression at the soul’s will, that we are a soul, a divine being, and that we progress from one level or dimension to another, as we learn and grow. All sacred texts essentially say the same thing. For instance, a Bible passage says “We are gods in the making.” The understanding with this passage is that we are becoming co-creators with The Creator. Yes, the “River of Life” is quite real and reported by many, yet I challenge the man’s interpretation you heard about that River. Experiencers do indeed come back speaking of Oneness, quoting almost word-for-word the Perennial Philosophy: One God, One People, One Family, One Existence, One Law - The Law of Love, One Commandment - Service, One Solution to Problems - Forgiveness. The Perennial Philosophy traces back to Plato and beyond. It is a commonality found in all religious and spiritual texts, in all narratives of transcendent episodes, in all transformative breakthroughs into higher consciousness.

The majority of near-death experiencers become interested in reincarnation after their episode. Some even experience past-life scenes during their near-death scenario. I speak of one of them in my book, Coming Back to Life (towards the back of the book - the woman who saw herself in this life marrying the same man she had previously married in a past life).

Obviously no one can prove reincarnation, but the theory does fit as an explanation for a whole lot of things. So does the concept of soul groups, soul cycles, and the soul’s will (I go into these subjects in my book We Live Forever).

Please, in listening to near-death narratives and reading experiencer books, keep the “view screen of your mind” wide open. No one experiencer, not even a group of experiencers, can even begin to define or describe what really exists on the “Other Side” of death, or how big it is, or how everything works. All anyone can do is glimpse what’s there, and sense where those images we experience might lead us.

Many blessings, PMH

QUESTION

“I have recently begun, after having a great Aunt who has passed away, questioning my own mortality. I read your article about the body being a jacket that we temporarily wear, and how we basically bounce from plane to plane until we reach the plane we are intended to be in. But my question is this: does an autopsy affect this state of being? My husband and I have a lot of concerns about having an autopsy performed, as we feel it may interrupt the eternal sleep process.”....Connie

ANSWER

No one knows for certain how we progress from life to life after we leave this one, or if we pursue or are guided to a different path altogether. There is ample evidence to suggest that we are drawn to or go through various levels in an “afterlife,” until we are ready to take on another round of physicality in the earthplane or elsewhere. What is consistent in mystical teachings and revelations, and in near-death studies, and in the visionary process, is that always there is life - whatever form, wherever, or under what circumstances - always there is life.

The condition of the body at death and what that might mean is controversial. Older and ancient traditions across the globe and across time, insist that there must be a waiting time after death has occurred before the body is “put away” - most say three days. And those three days are held sacred by numerous religions. There is no consistent reason for this. Some psychics, like Edgar Cayce, indicate that if the body is destroyed too quickly, the departing soul will bounce back or be drawn back into another life much too quickly - before it is ready to come back (an example used by some people is what happens in India where bodies are quickly burned; their birthrate is skyhigh; parents are ill-prepared to raise their babies). The idea here being that the soul, as it exits, draws energy and sustenance from the decaying body for a time, to aid in its healing and redirection. This is vividly depicted in Natalie Wood’s last movie, entitled “Brainstorm.” Another idea is that the soul may change its mind and desire to return or even be sent back (as in a near-death experience), and its vacant body needs to be available for such reanimation. Regardless of tradition, though, waiting for a while before disposing of the body was once held sacrosanct.

These traditions are being sorely challenged by today’s cultural needs: autopsies (as you pointed out), organ donations, public health issues. What difference these new realities will make for the departing soul can only be conjectured. From what I have seen both in this plane and in others, is that the dying process can be adjusted by the soul to fit its own needs. Certainly, dying conditions can interfere with soul growth. I will not argue this point. (Just look at what happens in wars and with murders - the abundance of ghosts or “the unquiet.”) Still, the soul is powerful enough to overcome obstacles. Plus, there are beings on The Other Side to help and people on this side more than willing to offer prayers of protection and healing.

Before I would “jump to judgment,” I would be in prayer, asking for guidance, understanding, and peace. Each person is different. Each need is unique. Each challenge to what we think is right or “should be done” is worth considering. I have found answers in prayer and meditation that fill my heart with a comfort that guides me in the decisions that must be made. I offer the same for you. Autopsies, organ donations, public health issues can aid or be aligned with the departing soul. Follow your heart as to your response. Blessings, PMH

Questioning the Afterlife

2011-02-16T22:14:00.001-05:00

QUESTION

“I started reading about near-death experiences last summer, after I had a crisis of faith that sent me into a deep and fearful depression. I have since gotten a little better, but I still struggle with doubt and fear. I’m finding it very difficult to live my life with the dread that hangs over me at the idea that there might not be a God or life after death.

“I find the reality of NDE’s very comforting, and I want to believe that they really do offer evidence of the afterlife. I was reading an article on your links page that appears to be a scientific paper claiming that NDE’s can be induced (and therefore explained away), through the use of the drug ketamine. I had heard briefly about this on the IANDS website but hadn’t looked into it. I wanted to know, how true is it that ketamine can replicate all the meaningful aspects of an NDE (including veridical perception? - the article did not mention this)?

“Also, how reliable are accounts of veridical perception during NDE’s?

“I know it is wrong to want proof, and that conclusive proof can, of course, not be obtained until I actually do die, but I can’t live my life with this kind of fear. I need something to hold onto.

“Wow, I realize how desperate I just sounded and I’m sorry. But I would really appreciate your help.”.....Jane

ANSWER

I am not a physician, but I can say no drug that we know of can duplicate the complete near-death phenomenon. The paper on ketamine was published in the Journal of Near-Death Studies. I read it, but I do not remember which issue it was in. You can certainly inquire by contacting the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) at services@iands.org. I have spoken several times with the physician who wrote that paper and with others knowledgeable on the subject. What claims like this emphasize and try to explain are certain near-death imagery and initial changes afterward. You virtually never hear from anyone who addresses the entire phenomenon.

The entire near-death phenomenon includes the global experience/scenario pattern, the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects, and the implications. You cannot understand the phenomenon simply on the basis of comparing a few images and symbols, and a few brain responses and behavior changes. If you are really going to examine near-death, you need to look at the whole phenomenon and what is currently known about it. What may help you here is to read of Near Death Experiences: ">The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences. It updates the entire field worldwide with present research.

How reliable are third-party verifications of what experiencers see when out-of-body? The answer to that depends on whom you talk to. If you talk to fieldworkers like myself, I would say that such verifications occur so often they are commonplace, right-on, stunning. If you talk to skeptics, who come in years after an event occurred and demand to interview all significant parties, and refuse to accept verifications already received, then you run into a rail because, by then, many of the people involved are either dead or have moved away and cannot be contacted. Of course, the skeptic’s statement of “It can’t be proved” usually follows. So what do I do about this? I ignore the skeptics. I haven’t met one yet that was reasonable. They find what they find because that’s exactly what they want to find. Real skeptics, open skeptics, can be convinced of one thing and then turn around in their thinking when they find evidence to refute their original stance. Some of today’s best near-death researchers were once strident skeptics.

It is good to question. Add these to your questions: what is your protocol, how large is your study, does it address child experiencers as well as adults, do you depend only on questionnaires or do you do fieldwork, do you include in your investigation the feedback from significant others as well, did you do followups, how broad was your study, did you address cultural/regional/racial/religious differences or did you confine your study to one hospital in one part of the country one time? These questions are hugely important!!! So much of the work on either side of the “aisle” is incomplete or superficial. I am grateful that in 2010 some true scientists came forward with their work. But we need different and varied protocols. We need more people like me who say: let’s look again, there is more here than what appears at first glance or even beneath a microscope.

Near-death research does not answer the age-old question - is there life after death? It does, however, give startling, virtually overwhelming evidence to suggest. . . maybe there is.

Many blessings, PMH

Proof of the Afterlife in Spirit, Art, & Science

2011-01-30T12:23:00.010-05:00

Folks, there are so many wonderful things to let you know about, that this blog will be devoted entirely to announcements. We’ll get back to questions and answers next time. Blessings, PMH

THE AFTERLIFE INVESTIGATIONS

Yes, there really is a DVD by that name, and it covers in detail what is called “the Scole Experiment.” The DVD is narrated by Britain’s leading investigative journalist, Donal MacIntyre.

For five years, a group of researchers and mediums came together in the English village of Scole. Their aim was to obtain irrefutable evidence for life after death.

They tackled radio and tape recorder anomalies, such as what Italy’s medium, Marcello Bacci, has produced. They used cameras to record the reaction of parents when they appeared to hear their dead children emerge from his work. Known as the “Electronic Voice Phenomenon,” this particular protocol has been investigated quite broadly in the United States and Europe, as well as in other countries.

Allison Dubois also participated. She was the inspiration for the hit TV drama, “Medium.” They really put her to the test, especially concerning a leading researcher who tragically died during the production of this DVD.

This DVD is 86 minutes long. If this interests you, contact www.theafterlifeinvestigations.com. Tim Coleman is the director/producer.

A SCIENTIFIC PROBE - ARTICLE OF INTEREST

The article is called “Scientists probe brief brushes with the afterlife.” It is by G. Jeffrey MacDonald and is well worth reading. Should you be interested in reading this article, here is the website - the address is very long: www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-01/scientists-probe-brief-brushes-afterlife.

I CLOSE MY EYES TO SEE

I know I have already announced this book, but I want to do it again. That’s because of how simple and vibrant and powerful it is. Written by Dan Rhema, his near-death experience and what he went through with the aftereffects is told mostly through his colorful art. His story alone of surviving multiple brain infections from Dengue Fever and Spinal Meningitis is enough to convince anyone of the power of faith and courage and miracles. Death’s pathway led him to worlds beyond this one, opening up realities quite impossible to describe.

When you come back from a near-death experience, you don’t really come back - at least not as the “you” who left. You return different, and that difference can seem as near to a curse as a blessing. Healing body and mind is one thing, grappling with realms of soul and spirit and Source and Beingness and a Light bigger than light, well, that’s something else.

This book is an e-book, available through any Barnes & Noble bookstores, or, you can order it through this link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/I-Close-My-Eyes-to-See/Dan-Rhema/e/9780615430423/?itm=2&USRI=rhema.

SPIRITUAL RETREAT FOR NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCERS

Held once a year, this very special spiritual retreat for those who have had a near-death experience occurs May 12-14, 2011, at a spiritual retreat center near St. Louis, Missouri (made special by the most loving Catholic nuns imaginable - I know because I attended the first one ever held and it was incredible and so were they). The spiritual aspects of the near-death experience are the least explored in near-death studies. We use a few words like God and angels and heaven, but we never really apply any of this to what experiencers really feel and how that affects their daily life. Issues like this are front and central to this retreat, plus the magic of creativity.

The three near-death experiencers who originated this project are still at the helm, doing all they can to keep prices low so the retreat is affordable to most people. To register (and you do need to do this right away as space is limited)...access http://neardeathexperiencers.org. To talk to any of the three who put this on, contact: Linda Jacquin - jacadv@centurytel.net; Bill Taylor - wmmtaylor@gmail.com; and/or Dave Bennett - dharmadb@mac.com.

PROOF OF THE AFTERLIFE

‘Tis another near-death book, this one written by experiencer Br. Gary Joseph. Gary died in September of 2005 of an out-of-control heart arrhythmia. The fact that he revived thirty minutes later, both confused and amazed his physician. Since his experience, he has had frequent “God-encounters” and visits from the Other Side by family and friends, on a mission to facilitate love, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He calls his book, “Proof of the Afterlife: The Conversation Continues.”

This book is published by Mercy Books - all proceeds go to the homeless in America. Contact for book sales: www.servantsofthefather.org/buy_proof_of_the_afterlife, or call 1-800-266-5564. Beginning in March it will be available at all Barnes & Noble Bookstores, as well as Amazon.com. To reach Gary: Info@ServantsoftheFather.org.

Is Going Back to God a Viable Answer?

2011-01-04T23:09:00.006-05:00

QUESTION

“I have read many of your books since my NDE two years ago. Being located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I have many resources available for reading. However, my question to you is - my life since the NDE has changed drastically due to the NDE and a controlling, abusive husband who only wanted dinner when I came home from the hospital via a friend after having had the NDE. I left him last December, only to be abused more and harassed to the point that all I want to do is return to the Presence of God, the place of unconditional love and peace. I reread your brief section on suicide in Coming Back to Life and do know that it may not be suicide, but a choice to return. After all, God is, death isn’t. The abusive situation, physical, mental, and verbal accelerated after the NDE, since he could not compete with it. He calls me delusional, when we all know different. I have always chosen my words carefully with him to describe what the NDE was. Mainly, I said the biggest difference is the fact that my belief systems are gone - I KNOW now. To a psychopath and not having the control over that knowledge, he planned, plotted, and illegally evicted me from my own house. It has only gone down hill since then. My spirituality is the only thing keeping me going; mentally and physically he disabled me. I am a wreck and feel as if going back to God is a viable answer.

“Discussing this with my counselor is not at the same level as an NDEr, and she seems as not to quite understand my knowledge of eternity.

“I know that we are not on this plane to be hurt, but to love; and the abuse from my ‘x’ is just so overwhelming!

“I also read the Trilogy of Conversations with God, and it leaves the choice to us, of sorts, since we as humans slowly kill ourselves by everyday acceptable means, anyway. Meditation is my refueling for the Spiritual-me, which gives me the motivation to breathe again. I know I am blessed, but the constant abuse is such a duality that I find it very hard to comprehend.

“Any suggestions? You have seen so many NDErs and have so much experience. Is this common, and what should an NDEr like me do?” ~Bev

ANSWER

Since you are in Virginia Beach, I recommend that you get in touch with Rev. Dick Dingus. He is the leader of the near-death group there. He is also a counselor and a deeply spiritual man who truly understands the many challenges faced by a near-death experiencer. Do contact him.

One of the things I tell experiencers, especially if I am giving a talk or workshop, is: Remember the first rule of discipleship.....don’t freak the natives!

We experiencers, in all our new-found innocence and joy, are too open too often. We want to share what happened to us; but we lose discernment. You’ll remember that if you read my first book Coming Back to Life. In losing discernment, we invite all manner of abuse and disasters. One experiencer I know killed himself last year after being unable to control his spending habits. He just wanted to help people, but ended up hurting and bankrupting his family. Discernment. It’s a big deal for us.

Your husband was a controller. Telling him anything was a mistake, then trying to be more diplomatic in the telling was an even bigger mistake. He used your innocence and joy against you. Right now going to a Woman’s Shelter is a must. Talk to their lawyers. I am certain Rev. Dingus can help you here. You may be able to get your house back if you look into the law, and you can at least get your health back if you are willing to work at it. I am thinking here of alternatives and wellness techniques - practitioners are all over Virginia Beach, readily available. The Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) would be a good contact for you in finding what you need and what you can afford. So would the church called “The Fellowship of Inner Light” (Rev. Dingus is a member).

What makes a tremendous difference for experiencers is finding others like you to talk with, share with, dialogue with, compare notes with. Doing everything alone without helpful advice is rough - that’s because we don’t recognize what could be troublesome when we see it. My dear, I could give you a big hug, for I know what it is like those first seven years after your episode. I certainly had my share of licks before I caught on. One of the wisest things I did for myself that first year afterward, was to enroll in the Science of Mind First Year Class. These are taught in the Church of Religious Science, now renamed United Centers of Spiritual Living - or you can get them via mail. For more information, access this website: www.UnitedCentersforSpiritualLiving.org. The Church of Religious Science is an outgrowth of the writings and teachings of Ernest Holmes (long since deceased). His motto: “To change your life, change your thinking.” Classes in his work emphasize demonstration: You have to do it, not just pray about it or think about it. God works. Prayer works. Love works. It all works if we learn how to apply the principles and then enable that power to work through us for the Greater Good. Some type of class, some type of spiritual learning that is practical will teach you how to live and joyfully with your new understanding of the world, with your knowing of Truth and the Power of God.

The near-death experience can be an incredible miracle or an eye-opener or a curse. It’s up to the experiencer and what he or she is willing to do with new found knowings and feelings. It isn’t magic, although at times you may feel as if you have discovered a new form of magic.

Suicide doesn’t cut it. Suicide doesn’t solve anything. All taking your own life does is get you another body at another time. But, you still have to face the same basic issues you did not solve before. Only through educating yourself, putting what you know to work in your life, and forgiving, can you find the peace you long for. ~PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*** Two more months before my new book comes out. It is possible to pre-order through www.amazon.com. The title is Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story (Hampton Roads). The description now shown for the book will be changed. To keep abreast of things, sign up for my free newsletter at www.pmhatwater.com. At the bottom of the Home Page is where you sign up. Issues are infrequent.

*** Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre has been asking this question: “Have you ever had a spiritual or religious experience or felt a presence or power, whether you call it God or not, which is different from, or more than, your everyday self?” to date, they have over 6,000 cases, including mystical experiences, out- of-body experiences, visionary experiences, near-death experiences, and after- death communications. Recently, their website address changed. Check them out now at: http://alisterhardysociety.org/.

*** Todd Murphy, a researcher of near-death states (some of his work published in the Journal of Near-Death Studies) has designed a computer screen saver that shows the point of light that appears in many Near-Death Experiences, unfolding into “The Light.” It’s compelling images evoke an otherworldly experience, sometimes also appearing in hallucinations. Its otherwordly images evoke feelings that don’t go into words. Contact Todd Murphy directly for price and installation instructions. . . brainsci@jps.net.

*** Pim van Lommel sent me this link to a short and very funny movie about a “near-death” experience. You may enjoy watching it: http://www.kuriositas.com/2010/07/lady-and-reaper.html.

*** Also, there are now links (Part I and Part II) to an interview done with Pim about his book and the research he and his associates conducted. Pim’s book, by the way, is Consciousness Beyond Life. His research is the best yet done about the near- death phenomenon. Find them both in my NDE News Blog: "A New Interview with NDE Researcher and Author Pim van Lommel."

*** There is a new TV series called “I Survived ...Beyond and Back” and it is on the Biography Channel each Sunday night at 10:00 pm Eastern Time. Each episode features interviews with three people who died, went to the other side, and came back. This show is well done, yet there is no reference to IANDS or the near-death experience, unless the one being interviewed brings it up. If a viewer wishes to learn more about the subject, no links or suggestions are provided (the only “downside” to the show).

*** Thanks to Katie Couric for her interview with Raymond Moody about his new book, Glimpses of Eternity, with excerpts from his “Life After Life” video. It's within this article: "Investigating the Afterlife." Date is October 31, 2010.

NDE'ers "Get What They Need"

2010-12-03T19:10:00.005-05:00

QUESTION:

“I was referred to you by David Turrel, author of “Science vs. Religion,” and also indirectly by reading Pim van Lommel’s article on his research in this same area on TowardtheLight website. Through these men and people like you, I have regained a faith in God that I had lost a few months ago.

“But I do have one question of you. Your writings and those of others like you seem to say that there is life after death for all of us, yet all of the studies done show that only 15-25% of those experiencing clinical death actually recall an NDE. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts or ideas you may have that would explain this” .....Jack

ANSWER:

No one can explain why some people have near-death experiences and others do not, under the same or similar conditions. By the way, the current stats are: 4 to 5% of the general population worldwide, and 12 to 21% in clinical or emergency settings. This involves hundreds of millions of people, adults and children. Thus, the near-death phenomenon is no small thing.

What I noticed in my work is that only those people who really needed such an impactful episode got it. I base that on thousands of comments afterwards, when experiencers say: “I got what I needed.” The idea of a need factor, then, must be factored in and I do so in my book, “The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences,” and in various of my other books.

Who or what determines “need”? You can do profiles of the experiencers’ lives up to that point (and I have), and recognize patterns that might indicate why. These patterns are also discussed in the book I mentioned. Yet, what really decides? I suspect it is our soul. The majority of experiencers talk about the soul and become more in relationship with soul afterwards, coming to realize that one’s soul is indeed the higher part of our nature - more in tune with the God of Our Being.

The deeper you search for answers in near-death studies, the more you come to understand that this phenomenon is really a spiritual experience that addresses not only life on the earthplane, but that in higher, finer levels to worlds beyond. ~PMH

NDE - A New-Age Scam?

2010-11-22T13:43:00.003-05:00

QUESTION:

"Hello, I have become interested in NDEs. Before I start I would like to ask you if you can just come out straight to tell me that near-death experience is not some new-age making scam. The reason I ask is because it seems from my over six months of constant NDE research, I have seen most people selling a book out on the Internet.

"Now that I have that down, I would to tell you a little about myself. My name is Seth and I'm 23 years old (an Aquarius). I have never had an NDE, but have had an experience involving humbling of myself and trying to find a closer relationship with God.

"(A Note On Atheists) Now that I have studied NDEs, you can't help but find tons of atheists speaking their mind about unbelief. Let me tell you that 80% of them seem to be more angry with 'God' than anything. They always have had some sort of issues in their life that have lead them to being in the position that they take towards God.

"(My thoughts of those who talk and report/research Near-Death Experience) After all the research I have made, I think I might of watched about 100 video/clips of different people who have had NDEs and report on them.

It bothers me a great deal they can never recall the knowledge they gathered in the experience that they cannot bring back.
Most of them seem to offer tons of information but they never seem to reply to contact.
From most of the videos I have watched, most were posted in the past 2-10 years.
Near-death experience seems to shake people to the core so that when they return they are enlightened.
The research seems to be open to all but I NEVER see researchers bringing it to public interest unless the news media wishes to cover it.

"Now, with those few things off the top of my head, I have watched most of the videos that are posted with you speaking to different people. The one that made me want to contact you the most is when I seen you being interviewed by Rene Jorgensen. That guy seems like the average joe doing NDE research. The way you speak about your experience makes me think there is something amazing in it. I am aware that the older you get the less chemicals are produced to take away depression. But you seem to be extremely bright and cheerful.

"Now, from everything I have learned so far, it seems the AWARE study by Dr. Parnia is the only thing that comes to mind that's important in helping make the big decision to fortify all NDE research. In the event in that its conclusion shows good NDE research. What can you suggest for me? Thank you for your time." ~Seth

ANSWER:

Get off the Internet for a while and read some books on the subject. Start with my "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences" because it updates the entire field, worldwide. It's the only book at this point that does. If you want medical science, get "Consciousness Beyond Life" by cardiologist Pim van Lommel.

Yes, the near-death phenomenon is quite real and has always been a part of human history (the first writings of it were by Plato). And, yes, it changes lives. Please note: NOT ONE SKEPTIC HAS EVER RESEARCHED THE ENTIRE PHENOMENON. Various skeptics comment on bits and pieces and expect their opinions to mean something, but they make no attempt to do what I call real research - on the experience, the full pattern of aftereffects, and the implications. Some published research is not as thorough as claimed, either, so be alert to that. We know now that the classical model isn't that classical, thus, newer work tends to be more thorough and complete. I tend to be a little scruffy on this point, as I have never been impressed with the reliance in the field on questionnaires and double-blind studies. Maybe that's because I'm a field worker who uses police investigative techniques in my work, and double-check what experiencers say with significant others whenever possible. I have just finished my 10th and last book on my near-death research. It will be out March, 2011 from Hampton Roads and is called, "Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story." I guarantee it will be controversial, so look for it if you want to be challenged.

Videos and YouTubes are great; they get the emotions and feelings out. But, it takes hard research to get real data. You cannot talk about the near-death experience without also talking about the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects. It's those aftereffects (the pattern) that verifies the experience, not the other way around. You will not find this depth of material in most articles on the Internet.

You encounter the full gamut with experiencers. Some are open; some who believe their experience is the only true one; some who take off on missions and help people; some who become very introverted and monk-like; some who become healers and ministers; some who make such incredible strides afterward that they really do help to change the world; some just get lost and are unable to adjust to the changes they face. We have many heros amongst experiencers and on every level. We also have some where it is very difficult for me to sit back and keep my mouth shut. All in all, the aftereffects are mostly positive, uplifting, transforming, expansive, and spiritual. This is not true for everyone, but for the majority. Realize that both children and adults have these experiencers, even babes being born. These little ones start talking about what happened to them when they are old enough to speak or draw or act it out.

Why can't all experiencers remember what was revealed to them? Few do. The theory is that to remember all of it would deny growth and learning - for them and for the rest of us. A little bit is better than the whole thing. That way we can search and question. Sometimes it may be better that we don't know. Experiencers do bring back enough information, though, that the whole world is either tantalized by it or threatened. Truth is not always comforting or easy to take.

By the way, very few near-death experiencers have ever made much money in either their appearances or with the books they write. Yes, a few have written best sellers and are much sought-after for talks and workshops. But that's only a few. The majority simply share - because it is in their heart to do so. ~PMH

Knowing your Time + Homosexuality and NDE's

2010-10-10T14:40:00.003-04:00

QUESTION:

"I was not aware of afterlife till I lost my 18 year old son on February 14, 2007 in a fatal road accident. He was so full of life and there was so much love all around us. As time passed, I realized that he knew his date, place, and way of passing away. He had told many of his friends and they thought he was joking. I feel that his passing way 'awakened' me from my slumber and that he made a sacrifice, for he and his father, by going away like this. Earlier whatever we had read on spirituality looked all superfluous. Now, we were seeing and actually experiencing it. I learned about NDEs, ADCs, and continuity of life. Today we are at peace with his loss, but it still hurts. My question is how could he know and was aware of his passing away? He seemed to be fascinated by death when he was alive. He would tell me that he has already seen everything and there is nothing new to see for him in the world, and that he has no desire left. Was he conscious of his impending departure from earth plane? Please guide me. I have read your write up on 'Advanced behaviour syndrome' but am still unclear about this." ~Vandana

ANSWER:

Read "We Live Forever: The Real Truth About Death." The "advanced behavior syndrome" appears in the book but so does a lot of other information that will help to put this into perspective, especially about the soul and the will of the soul.

I am sorry for your loss, Vandana, yet I acknowledge that your son "knew" things in advance and seemed ready for his own passing. With my youngest daughter, the first sentence she ever said when hardly more than a toddler was: "Am I going to die now, Mommy?" She is still alive but has had many close calls, and walks the edge between life and death even today. Also, as a child, she had vivid memories of dying in a cave-in. She was a young woman in that life and was trapped when dirt walls and ceilings fell all around her and huge rocks crushed her chest. Perhaps memories of that death caused her to question what might happen to her in this life. One can never be certain, but it's a plausible reason. Because of what I went through with her, I understand what it is like for a parent to have such a child.

Being a daughter of a police officer myself, and growing up in a police station, I can say without exaggeration that I have been around a lot of deaths, sudden deaths of both adults and children; and in every case I was privy to, these people "knew" on some level that they were going to die before they actually did. How can we know? Our soul knows. Our higher self or soul appears to have a will of its own and full knowledge of its Source and Beingness; its purpose in its own evolution and growth. We are more inclined to merge with or move closer to our soul if we maintain spiritual disciplines (like meditation, contemplation, prayer, service to others), or through creativity - our own desire to bring more beauty to the world and help to make the world a better place because we were here. We are not our body. We are not our personality. We are bigger and better than that. We are a child of God/Allah/Deity with the right to be here and to grow and learn and experience all that we can, then pass what we've gained on to others. When it's time to move on, we do, even if that means the death of the physical body. The real us, the "we" that we are, does not die. You cannot destroy energy. It just changes shape and form and frequency of vibration for its next "go-round" within the great wheel of life eternal. ~Blessings, PMH

QUESTION:

"Hello, I think I may have e-mailed you before. My name is Michael. I am 38. I am gay, and am in a committed relationship. I unfortunately am living in a state of fear about the Bible and homosexuality. I have been studying it very carefully. I have even been going into the Early Church Fathers' writings on homosexuality. I am really lost on what to do here. I have talked to several people, and have prayed a lot about my fear. Still, I have the fear. I really hope and pray it is not a sin in God's eyes. Eternal life is so important to me. My mom passed away in August of 2004, and I miss her terribly, and my dream is to be with her again someday. It seems like I would need Jesus to come to my face and tell me not to worry about it." ~Michael

ANSWER:

Homosexuals have near-death experiences just like everyone else. Studies have been done that were exclusive to them - a special look to see if they are different when faced with death, clinically dead but later resuscitated. No real differences appeared. Some interpret their episode with a little more hesitancy than others, hesitant because they find it a challenge to speak in public about what happened to them, who they met on the Other Side, what the Light was like, and how they felt. It's as if they were afraid of that joy, that love they found there. Once they are able to attend near-death group meetings or read books about the phenomenon, or attend conferences on the subject, they loosen up immediately. They are family. They merge with the others, because they are one of us, children of the same God/Allah/Deity, part of the same Light, bathed in the same Love as everyone else. They are one with The One.

Declarations against homosexuality are based, as near as I can tell, on health matters and personal behavior, on what the various cultures feel is moral and ethical conduct. Two people who really love each other, care for each other, and live a moral, ethical life are just as good and just as wonderful and just as blessed as anyone else. And even if you don't measure up in your mind, God/Allah/Deity makes no exceptions in love, for the love of God/Allah/Deity is unconditional. Jesus, our elder brother, our role model, never cursed or condemned or demeaned homosexuals. What is in your heart and how you express that, counts more than anyone's opinion of what is right and what is wrong. We are told to judge not, lest we be judged, and to forgive each other and ourselves for being less than than we could be or might be. A good life is a loving life.

The choice or instinct for same sex unions is a difficult role to assume. If you feel good about your life and live it with honor, who could possibly judge you? Certainly not Jesus. There are many churches now whose doors are open to all types of people - Unity, Religious Science, Unitarians, Episcopal, Methodist, and so forth. Go for spiritual guidance and comfort where you are welcomed, and be at peace. Fear shuts doors. Go where doors are open. ~Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Allow me to clarify the two small books that are available about my own three near-death experiences:

"I Died Three Times in 1977" is on my website for $4.95. It is a compilation of four articles I wrote for "Many Smokes Magazine" at the request of Wabun and Sun Bear. The Magazine was published by The Bear Tribe. Wabun's mother had just died, so she asked me to write about death and what had happened to me. This compilation of articles became a self-published book. Only 50 copies were ever printed. What exists at www.pmhatwater.com is a copy of that earlier piece that can be downloaded.

"I Died Three Times in 1977 - The Complete Story" is new. It came out this summer as an electronic book which can be read with an electronic reader, such as a Kindle. Some people have software on their computers which enable them to access these electronic books. The cost is only $3.95 through www.amazon.com. After I finished my last book on near-death research (which comes out March, 2011), my Guidance directed me to finally combine all the bits and pieces of my own story that have been "floating" around, add the rest that is untold, and complete it. The book is not a memoir. It is just a small book that tells "the rest of my story." The only publisher to bring it out so far as a printed book will be Stigmarion in the Russian language. Their pub date will be Wintertime, 2010. This book has been reviewed and does have endorsements.

Suicide and Spirituality

2010-10-10T14:04:00.004-04:00

QUESTION:

"I have read your book on Near-Death Experiences. I have a question about suicide and the soul.

"Is it possible that a soul really cannot live on earth anymore, and is called to leave?

"Is there a spiritual aspect to suicide, one that is not desperate, but that is rational, and one in which the spirit requests to leave?

"Especially for those who are sensitive, if there really is not a way to live on the earth comfortably, both for spiritual reason, and even lower level reasons like health or physical body, etc., is euthanasia or suicide acceptable?

"What is the answer from a spiritual perspective? This would be apart from the societal perspective, and especially modern western society view that tends to discourage suicide for societal reasons." ~"M"

ANSWER:

You are asking questions that can only be answered using "the voice of the many." Please look up the chapter on suicides in "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences." That chapter will tell you more than I can in a simple e-mail. Also, read the book, "Suicide: What Really Happens in the Afterlife" by Pamela Rae Heath and Jon Kimo (the best book I've ever read on this subject!).

Of the 3,000 adult near-death experiencers in my original research base, I asked if there were any non-nos, any "sins" that really crippled a person spiritually. The majority named two: abortion and suicide. All were quick to say that forgiveness is real, but that we must also face everything we ever did on earth. . . every single thing (a rather daunting thought). There was never a sense from anyone, including child experiencers, that we would be punished "for" our sins, but, rather "by" them. To understand "by" them, it would be helpful to have an understanding of karma or the idea of cause and effect - the concept of setting ourselves up by the actions or lack of them we make. My mother used to say: "We make our beds and then we lie in them." It's the same idea.

If you are a student of reincarnation - the idea of life after life - then karma makes sense, and so does a lot of other heavies that are difficult for us to understand if all we consider as real is one lifetime apiece. However, if we spread that viewpoint - include reincarnation or exceptional incarnations or the influence of angelic/demonic hosts or dis-incarnate interference - we then have a larger canvas on which to consider or judge possibilities.

Are there situations where suicide is appropriate or allowable or acceptable in the greater scheme of things? The answer to that question depends on the individual and his or her relationship with God/Allah/Deity. I believe the answer is yes, but, I also know in my heart of hearts that I cannot be the judge or jury here. When governments and societies legislate this, they do so with the community in mind and what is best for the greater good of all. The major religions of the world pretty much agree - they are against suicide in general but are willing to "allow exceptions" under certain conditions.

Near-death experiencers "just say no." Even experiencers who've had their episode as part of a suicide attempt - everyone of them I've yet to hear of - said, absolutely no, never to suicide under any conditions. Still, there are near-death experiencers who do indeed attempt suicide AFTER their episode anyway to get back to the Other Side. In my research base, the figure is less than 5% with adults, 21% with children (why the rate with children is so high is discussed in-depth in "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences").

As you can see, there are strong feelings and passions against suicide over all, yet it remains a temptation to the few who are troubled, want a way out, or are convinced hurrying back to the Other Side is okay. ~PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

I'm doing some bookshows! Yup. I've never done anything like this before. Apparently there is a circuit authors can travel, whereby they buy table space, set up their books, sell them, and visit with people. I suppose every part of the country has something like this, but it is a first for me here in Virginia. So, see ya at:

October 16th, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Waynesboro, Virginia
Book'Em Event, put on by the local police department.
Kate Collins Middle School, 1625 Ivy Street
Public Welcome, no cost
I will be giving a talk about my work at 2 pm, and
participating in a panel discussion about writing

November 19, 11 am to 6 pm, Charlottesville, Virginia
Meet the Authors, put on by Jayne Cox
Holiday Inn University Area, 1901 Emmet Street
Public Welcome, no cost

December 4, 11 am to 6 pm, Elkton, Virginia
Authors' Book Sales & Signing, put on by Welcome Center
Elkton Welcome Center, 306 West Spotswood Trail
Public Welcome, no cost.

Seems like I'm always working on some kind of deadline and can never schedule such travels. Well, I'm doing it this time. Hope to see you at one of these, maybe all three. Let's get acquainted. ~PMH

**** Just a little reminder for 2011. The big near-death conference will be held in Durham, North Carolina in 2011. Details later.

A Question I Can't Answer?

2010-09-20T09:48:00.006-04:00

QUESTION:

"With the explosion of information over the Internet, we are exposed to so many self-professed or spiritual masters who claim they know the true nature of Reality. On one hand, it is exciting to come across so many new perspectives. On the other hand, I doubt whether Reality could be that complex and bizarre. Without giving names, I followed some of the links on your website, and came across people that proclaim they discovered the true Da Vinci Code (which is the love frequency); and someone who claimed to be the only psi lord on earth who can change your energy field to see Reality, even to the extent of casting your enemy to hell.

"Having read some of your books, I think you have lived life so fully as a mother/wife/teacher/career woman and also as someone who had sought understanding of spiritual worlds so fervently, I am interested to know from your perspective - what is really worth knowing? If you are asked to give up all your psychic abilities and just keep one, which one would you choose."....Victor

ANSWER:

Victor, if any of the links on my website lead to "know-it-all spiritual masters," let me know and I'll eliminate that link. I really try to only mention those who are more mature and ethical in their dealings. One of the things that catches folks, especially near-death experiencers and those like them, is in presenting their experience, their interpretation of it, the meaning it had in their life, without clarifying upfront that "this is what happened to me." Or, maybe, "What I'm about to share with you, is simply my story and what it meant to me." Most people claim the opposite - "this is how it is for everyone." True, it is a real challenge for any of us to offer what changed our lives in a way that doesn't sound like we're know-it-alls. Many of us were given powerful messages to convey to the world. So, how do you do this? I guess that is for each one to decide. I cannot judge others. But I certainly can and do cringe sometimes, and urge listeners/readers to check any claims made to the best of their ability.

My life has indeed been full, far more than what people know. Some time in the future I want to write two memoirs. I haven't done anything like this before because I was convinced no one would believe me. Maybe there's something about age, now that I'm 73, or maybe it's because some of my findings have now been verified in clinical studies and I "don't want to rock the boat." Maybe it's both. Whatever my hesitation, I have almost reached a point when I no longer care who believes me. The peace of mind I have you will "hear" in the book I have just finished - the one that comes out in March of 2011, hardcover through Hampton Roads/Red Wheel. It is called "Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story." My life is joyful. Even challenges and turn-arounds are joyful in what they reveal to me. This joy comes from recognizing how things work, who we are, why we're here, and where we're going. There is tremendous peace in this.

More to your question. First, I do not consider "psychic" abilities to be extra or unusual. All of them are simply extensions of faculties normal to us. If you're breathing, you're psychic. That simple. What we see, the otherworlds we contact, the "extras" in our life fom hypersensitivity (that often occurs after our episodes), again, all of this is simply from the spread of the electromagnetic spectrum. We're now interacting with what was previously either infra or altra to our senses. It was always there. We just didn't know that. Since I do not recognize "psychic abilities" as being different or extraordinary, I cannot answer your question.

What I can say to you, that I truly find of deep and lasting value, is the ability to see through all that is manifested, to see what is really there, and move with that pulsebeat of a love far greater than I could ever describe. Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

.. . . For the best study via medical science of the near-death experience, read "Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of the Near-Death Experience" by Pim van Lommel, M.D. and published by HarperOne. I've been talking about this book for some time. It is here! And it will change minds!

.. . . I now have several new YouTube films.
They are as follows:

http://youtu.be/MmOj7UrwF3E
http://youtu.be/mtUJJAMX400

.. . . My website is changing. There is now a "Personals" drop-down menu toward the top of the Home Page (www.pmhatwater.com). In Personals, so far, there are two sections: one for memorials of those people who deeply touched us in the field of near-death studies; and the other personal photographs. Eventually, there will be other changes as we seek to find easier ways for people to find what they want. My website is now quite large and encompasses a great deal of information, referrals, case studies, and, of course, The Marketplace for products and services offered by near-death experiencers and those like them. The Marketplace exists as a public service.

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING THE EDGE OF DEATH

2010-08-29T11:27:00.005-04:00

This blog is mostly dedicated to questions and answers as concerns the near-death phenomenon and related subjects. I am deeply concerned with sustainability, eco-gardens, real seeds (not the Monsanto kind), and how to protect our food and farms. So, occasionally, I'll carry something about those subjects, too. This time, though, I received two stories about the coming of death and manifestations after death, that are so touching I want very much to share them with you. ~PMH

The first is an e-mail from Oswald, and the second is an article Eben wrote.

THE E-MAIL FROM OSWALD:

Dear Dr. Atwater:

In March of this year, I sent the following three e-mails to my children about my wife Joan, who died on February 24, 2008, after a marriage of 55 years. She appeared in my bedroom at 4:00 am on March 3, 2010 looking her natural self and bathed in light. Is this unusual?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010: "I spoke to Sheila today and told her about seeing Joan around 4 this morning. I woke up, opened my eyes, and there she was - standing in full view by the standard lamp near the wardrobe, bathed in light, looking at a notebook not unlike our little phone book, solidly three-dimensional, not at all ethereal, intent on what she was doing, her body moving in keeping with what she was doing. I stared for a moment, thought I would not like to disturb her, or be caught staring at her, so I closed my eyes for a few seconds. When I opened them again, she was gone and the room was in darkness, except for the glow from pilot lights and modem."

Sunday, March 14, 2010: "It will not surprise you to hear that not a day passes without my thinking about March 3rd. Nothing remotely like this has ever happened to me before. Quite frankly I never thought it ever could, though there have been days during Quaker meetings for worship when I would open my eyes and wonder whether I would see Joan there, just as Dorrett had seen Helen in meeting for worship, standing beside her, completely herself, after she died. With me, too, it just seemed perfectly natural that Joan should be there; and since she was always such a caring, loving person, her presence was as reassuring and comforting as it has always been."

Tuesday, March 30, 2010: "I have to tell you that I continue to reflect on what I saw on March 3rd. It was not a dream. It was not an "out-of-body" experience - since I remained firmly rooted to my bed throughout. It was an external event with a clearly defined series of observations. I woke up, opened my eyes, saw what I did, had a few thoughts about it, closed my eyes, then opened them again. A very ordinary sequence of movements and an extraordinary glimpse into another dimension of time and space. Why I was privileged to see this I do not know, but it has been a truly humbling experience. The prevailing memory is that there was so much light. Joan bathed in light. It brings to mind the countless stories of people who have had near-death experiences, about which there are numerous websites. What it says for me is that Joan is alive and well and enjoying what she now does. Perhaps even an angel?"

I would be grateful for your views on this episode. Your "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences" has been very helpful. Thank you, Oswald

***

If you're wondering what I said to Oswald, please know that I assured him that his sighting of his beloved wife is fairly normal. These types of sightings and other related "visitations" are far more common than we are told. I suggested that he read "Hello from Heaven," a wonderful book about this type of thing based on careful, objective interviews by Bill Guggenheim and Judith Guggenheim.

AN ARTICLE FROM EBEN, ENTITLED "MY MONDAY MIRACLE:"

(Explanation: Eben is in his eighties and has had a series of heart attacks, so many that his doctors are puzzled as to why he is still alive. Eben has always been a visionary: as a city planner he designed a green belt walkway around Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Rivanna River, during a time when nobody did anything like that for city residents. His goal is to write a book, "little stories" as he calls them, about his long life. His book is almost finished. Here is an article he wrote about it.)

For the last three years I have enjoyed writing little stories of my family and personal adventures in my life as a gift to my family. As a mound of manuscripts piled up from my computer, with stories that have been generated by the thoughts and recollections of events I have enjoyed from the past, I have been encouraged by my three children to put them together in a small book that will preserve them for future readers, family, and friends.

Yesterday (Monday, March 29, 2010) my three dear children had nearly finished preparing my manuscript for publication. My daughter, a professor who teaches advanced English composition at a university near Richmond, had led the challenge of preparing my nearly 100 stories (a lifetime of adventures!) for taking it to the printers. Teamed up with her two brothers, Gary and Greg, they had put the finishing touches necessary to get it ready for printing as a polished, finished work. She has had years of experience as a teacher, English professor, and editor who has gotten her own works published in distinguished journals.

Her brother Gary was similarly experienced in the latest technologies in publishing electronic manuscripts on the Internet. Their younger brother, Greg, was "in the loop" for local sources of the technologies necessary to make our plans come to reality: 20 printed, bound copies for family and local friends, and unlimited access to free copies on the Internet. Gary had, the day before, completed the electronic scanning of my 100+page manuscript with the scanner available here at the Jefferson Heights office.

Gayla, over the last week, led a last-minute search of our voluminous collection of family photographs for an attractive addition of color and black and white photos to spice up the text. All week we had given sysyphean efforts to get everything ready for the "printing." Gayla took the entire text with improvements to Richmond, after making final changes to the electronically-stored text! (These changes should greatly improve the professional appearance of the text.)

About 12:00 noon, Monday, I finally called Gayla with my two pages of new text on Gary. I fumbled an attempt to send it to her as an e-mail enclosure. We switched to a verbatim transmission by phone, with Gayla writing it down word-for-word.

I realized that, in a very real sense, we were racing to beat my possible passing! The Hospice nurses were, almost literally, waiting outside my door. They would be here tomorrow.

I looked up and saw that my grandfather clock had just stopped:

The pendulum now hung inert. Fragments of the nursey rhyme about the Grandfather's clock sprang instantly to mind:

"My grandfather's clock, where it stood on the shelf,
Tick, tock, tick, tock.

90 years without stumbling,
Tick, tock, tick, tock.

90 years without fumbling,
Tick, tock, tick, tock.

But it stopped short, never to go again
When the old man died."

This failure of my grandfather clock, a precious inheritance from my dear "Uncle" Dimick," I had never experienced before.

With stunned surprise, I instinctively checked my pulse to make sure I was still alive and conscious, rose from my chair, walked over to the clock, opened the glass door, and started the pendulum back into its familiar swing.

I WAS STILL IN CONTROL.

I want to live to be 100, I thought, and returned to my work in progress.

Tears of gratitude flowed for those three heroes I call "my kids." How proud their mother would have been of them this day!

(I encourage every senior citizen, if at all possible, to either write a book about their life, or at least record on paper or CD some of their stories. This is so important. Even if family is gone, those stories are still history, contributions to the life of community as it passes to the next generation. Our histories, our thoughts, what we did or didn't do, all of it matters. . . because we matter. Hear me when I say: write your book! Thank you, PMH)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Take Action for better food and farm policy

Please sign this petition. I did, and I hope you will, too. ~PMH

If you're interested in better food & farm policy, consider taking 30 seconds to sign the petition to the US Department of Justice asking them to fully enforce pro-competition laws already on the books and break up the corporate monopolies that have hijacked our food system-- destroying the livelihoods of farmers across the country, bringing us the monstrosities that we know as factory farms (or CAFOs), and making our food supply less safe and more prone to price spikes like those that sparked the 2008 global Food Crisis. This is only one part of a large problem, but it is a significant part.

Lives Transformed and 'Brain Shifts'

2010-08-03T21:25:00.011-04:00

QUESTION:

"I am a 51-year-old Dutch male from the town of Beilen in the north of the Netherlands. For 36 years I have been reading and talking and philosophizing about NDEs, OBEs, and other spiritual subjects. Currently, I am in the process of reading your very interesting and rewarding book, 'The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences.'

"I am writing you this e-mail to ask you a remarkable question: Did you ever in your research of the phenomenon of the near-death experience come across the story (or stories) of psychopaths, who had one? Do you think that the very intense, telepathic and loving communion with The Light of Love could have a life long healing effect on a psychopath and turn him into a respectful and responsible citizen?

"Of course he would have to go through a very intense and highly emotional life review to experience all the hurt, the terror, and the fear he had inflicted on his victims. I am looking forward to your reply." ....Robert

ANSWER:

Well, Robert, that's a question I have not considered before. Psychopaths, no; but those with multiple personalities, various other forms of mental illness, manic depressives, hired killers, and those who were suicidal - yes, many of them. You could argue that a hired killer must be a psychopath, but I do not know that for certain in those cases that I did investigate.

In my book, "Beyond the Light," I talk about several cases of those who were suicidal or who had mental problems, and also in "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences" (especially with those children who were diagnosed with multiple personalities).

What was stunning to me, as per cases with hired hit-men and other such criminals, was how uplifting their episodes were...yet...how incredibly, even horrific, their life reviews were. You would think they would have had a hellish scenario. No. (Maybe one or two did, but the vast majority did not.) That was surprise number one.

Surprise number two was the extensiveness of their life review. Now, that part was hell in the sense of what they had to live through (yes, I said "live") - everything they ever did to another that was hurtful, and then be that person to feel that person's pain and what that person went through, and then be that person's significant others and live what they went through. I mean every pain, blow, betrayal, torture, confusion, depression, despair, and so forth. Life reviews can be like that, but for the criminal element, they can be exceptionally horrible.

Before everyone nods "ah, justice at last," let me add an important observation: as horrific as life reviews can be, the individual viewing/living through one is able to handle this experience in a somewhat detached, objective way. Yes, they suffer. Yes, they feel the pain quite literally. Still, it's as if some part of them, maybe their soul, knows that whatever happened during that lifetime can be used for the greater good, that something beneficial can come out, that nothing (good or bad, large or small) is ever wasted. We can change. We can grow. We can benefit in some manner and use that benefit to fuel a determination to do things better or different next time. And, yes, there is a strong sense of "next time." And for those criminal types I was able to revisit, they did indeed transform their lives afterward, very much for the better, and in remarkable ways that would inspire anyone.

If nothing else, the near-death phenomenon shows us that there is no such thing as a life that is lost. There is redemption, but not always in the manner our traditions and religions teach. Blessings, PMH

QUESTION:

"I read with great interest the information on brain shift that appears on your website. I know you've associated it with near-death experiences and other events, but there is one instance/situation I didn't see and I'd like to ask if my circumstances could apply.

"I lost both of my parents in an automobile accident two years ago. They were in Intensive Care for a few days until they passed; my father one day, my mother the next. I was with both of them and, needless to say, it was surreal.

"I must say that ever since I could remember, I feared death (especially my parents'). I truly lost my fear after I witnessed their passing. I wanted to let you know that so many of the characteristics of 'brain shift' that you listed are things I've experienced in the past two years. I have told some close friends that I've experienced a type of 'detachment' (not completely here, not elsewhere). I had almost completely given up meat (it has no appeal) and create meals with vegetables and grains. My creative output (I do market research) has definitely improved. I'm less timid and able to share my thoughts, writings, and ideas.

"Dr. Atwater, do you think that 'brain shift' could be a result of this experience? Have you heard of anything similar?"....Margaret

ANSWER:

I am now finishing off Phase III of the Brain Shift/Spirit Shift Model, by writing my 10th and last book about my near-death findings. The book comes out late January, 2011, in hardcover, from Hampton/Red Wheel and is called "Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of the Story."

What most people do not realize is that I did this type of research long before I ever died or heard anything about "near-death experiences." In this previous work done in the sixties and early seventies, I found the same or virtually the same pattern true then for anyone who had undergone an impactual transformation of consciousness, be it from a spiritual awakening or from a vision quest or kundalini breakthrough, or Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or whatever. The important thing here is intensity, and how the intensity of our experiences in life affect the limbic system, frontal lobes, brain structure and function, our digestive and nervous systems, our heart and skin sensitivity. There is no way anyone can undergo a spiritual transformation without it affecting one's body. Not possible. One can also understand this by understanding colloidal conditions in water, the stirring of water and reversal of that stirring, and how that creates colloids. (Yes, I explain this in-depth in the book.) Should this intrigue you, you might read my book "Future Memory," as it broaches these topics in a deeper way than I can do with this e-mail. I might warn you, however, that "Future Memory" is really not a book - it is a labyrinth. In order for the book to make sense, once you start reading it, stay on the path (don't skip around). A labyrinth is meant to be walked as it winds. The book is no exception to that. You may find the material in the book quite helpful. Did your parent's death begin the process of a brain shift/spirit shift for you? Sounds to me like it did. Now would be a good time for you to study the aftereffects pattern and where that might lead you. Enjoy your journey. It will take you to places you never dreamed of before. Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

******* Sign up now for my free newsletters. Just go to the bottom of the Home Page of my website at www.pmhatwater.com, and fill out name and e-mail address. Addresses are kept confidential and not shared with anyone. I will be doing more and more newsletters - sometimes articles or book suggestions or tips, or...........just personal sharings. Come aboard!

******* Don't miss the terrific conference on near-death experiences September 2-4 in Denver, Colorado. Put on by the International Association For Near-Death Studies (IANDS), it will feature some of the best researchers in the field, including Dr. Pim van Lommel from the Netherlands, all manner of talks and sharings, experiencer panels, timely material on the aftereffects and how that affects experiencers and their families, special talks by Mellen-Thomas Benedict, Maggie Callanan, Dr. Melvin Morse, Dr. Jeffrey Long, myself, Kimberly Clark-Sharp, and many others. The theme this year is "Mysteries of Near-Death Experiences." Register today at www.iands.org. It will be held at the Red Lion Hotel, Denver Central. See you there!!!!!!!!!!

Not a question so much as not understanding

2010-07-19T18:34:00.003-04:00

A SPECIAL LETTER FROM AN ADULT WHO HAD A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE AS A TEENAGER:

Instead of the usual question and answer format, this time I want to carry a letter written to me by Anthony. He’s an adult now, having had a near-death experience as a teenager. His letter is really a musing about things, yet his thoughts echo what he went through years ago and how that has changed how he views reality today. I think you will find his letter most interesting. ~PMH

Subject: Not a question so much as not understanding.

Dear Dr. Atwater,

My name is Anthony. I consider myself a humble, simple man. I have been reading different areas of your website, particularly the Q&A area. So much of what I read in your replies to the questions of others are things which I have come to understand myself over the years since my own Near Death type experience in my teens. That was over 25 years ago. I have come to understand much through my experiences of life through both common, physical channels as well as spiritual ones. I have had far more than my share of what many regard as psychic experiences.

I enjoy the views and insights on your site tremendously, but outside of places such as your site I have much difficulty understanding the general view of society and why there is so much emphasis on the body. Our bodies are merely the physical aspect of our being. To my understanding it seems clear that there are four fundamental facets to our total being. Body (Physical), Mind (Intellect), Heart (Emotion) and Soul (Spirit). But it seems to me that the general emphasis for the majority overall is on the physical and emotional aspects of our being. Many even doubt the existence of a soul or spirit altogether.

I wonder if those who believe themselves to be merely the body and brain truly realize how much it changes. Every single breath, every meal digested, and the various other bodily functions exchange the physical matter of their bodies with the environment. I have read that every minute around three hundred thousand cells die in the average person. If this is what they define themselves as, physical matter, then they are never the same person from one moment to the next. If a person loses an arm, leg or some other appendage they don't generally consider themselves any less of a person. And they don't look at the dust around their house (which is at least partly dead human skin cells) to be who they are.

I find myself wondering why they don't see themselves equally as the various forms of energy that their bodies produce or are 'within' them. I believe the typical mindset is that energy is something that we use, not something that we indeed are. And logic itself seems to dictate (at least to my mind) that we are just as much that energy as we are the physical matter, perhaps even more so. After all, what is a thought? It is not physical by any means we can detect. We can not set aside a thought or put it on a shelf and say, "here is my thought", now can we? We can write it down, certainly, but that is not the thought itself, merely the expression of it. The thought itself is a state of energy.

But even beyond cognitive thought there is life. Plants, microbes and various higher lifeforms have no brains and yet all these forms of life are aware on some level. If they weren't then how could they react and respond to environmental conditions? A plant moves toward the sun, works to overcome damage to it, spreads it's roots toward moisture. Microbes and those higher lifeforms which have no brains still seek out nourishment, flee from destructive influences and work to repair damage to them. And then you might look at a rock. It has matter, physical form, and yet it does none of the above. There is indeed energy at work within it or from the environment which affects it's density or state of erosion/radioactive decay, but as an entity itself it does not appear to take any form of action. It just sits there and 'takes it'. But even so, several cultures throughout history still consider such inanimate things to contain a 'spirit'.

So how is it, I wonder, that so many people question whether they are more than just this body and brain or not? Even quantum physics shows us that there is a basic 'awareness', 'knowledge' or 'connection' between 'physical' particles and light quanta or electromagnetic energy. QP even shows that these connections are non-local and not dependent upon time or distance. I don't get it. Isn't it obvious or is it just me?

~Anthony

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

You all know how keenly interested I am in food, farming, crops, and seeds. The techniques of Permaculture and Biological Farming I believe are the ways to go for the future of our world, to ensure good food and plenty of it. With Permaculture in mind, I highly recommend Mollison and Holmgren’s “The Permaculture Designer’s Manual.”

There is an important opportunity very soon you can take advantage of. Big Bend Ecovillage is sponsoring “Permaculture Design Certification Course,” July 27-August 13 at Big Bend Hot Springs in Shasta County, Northern California. They have an intergenerational ecovillage development there which is outstanding. The contacts I have for this are: www.LivingMandala.com; education@livingmandala.com; (707) 634-1461

ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT:

The official title of my new book is NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES: THE REST OF THE STORY. It comes out late January, 2011, hardcover, from Hampton/Red Wheel. I promise you the book will be controversial. More about this later.

Not Everyone's Mission

2010-06-27T10:34:00.003-04:00

QUESTION:

"Time and time again experiencers like yourself keep on repeating the most central and most important message they received on the other side: We are sent to this material world to learn to love each other and to grow spiritually. Someone may be a selfish so-and-so, but, hopefully, he will, during his stay on earth, learn to love or at least respect someone.

"Such an incarnation can only be successful if the person in question has an innate ability to learn.

"If I would have a son who was mentally retarded, I would not send him to college and force him to become a professor specializing in the quantum mechanical interaction of subatomic particles. In a similar vein, it is no use sending a psychopathic personality to earth on a mission to learn to establish deep, loving, and intimate relationships with other people. The problem with psychopaths is not that they do not love or care for people, or that they do not have a conscience. Those flaws of character could be cured and correced if a psychopath had the ability to learn to love and care for people; if he had the ability (and the motivation) to learn to develop a conscience. But the real problem with psychopaths is simply, that they cannot learn these things. No matter how kind you are; no matter how much energy and time, love or goodwill, you would invest, you would never be able to make a loving person with a conscience out of a psychopath. Some journalist once asked Richard Kuklinsky (psychopath and former Mafia hitman): 'Did you ever have a friend you did not kill?' Kuklinsky answered: 'Yes, I had a friend I wanted to kill, but I didn't.' Short period of silence............ 'But then I changed my mind and I killed him anyway.......'

"Dr. Atwater, what are we to make of all this? The Light will know that a psychopath will not learn anything during his earthly incarnation. He will only kill and wreak havoc on innocent victims. The only mind boggling and mind bending reason for a serial killer to incarnate on this material plane is, that his mission is to kill as many prostitutes in a red light district as he can.

"But why does The Light let all these things happen? Or, do we have to assume (hold your nose cause here goes the cold water!!!) that the prostitutes chose an incarnation at the end of which they were to be killed by 'our' serial killer?

"Dr. Atwater, no matter how you look at the psychopath problem, it remains baffling and mind bending. You could even say that the psychopath was himself the victim of the cruel and violent fantasies that he could not control and deal with." ~Robert

ANSWER:

Robert, I don't recall saying that we are sent to earth to learn to love each other and grow spiritually. Nor do I recall putting such a phrase in any of my books. Certainly, many experiencers do indeed say that very thing, and my job as a researcher would be to convey such a conviction. In that sense, then, I could have written something similar as a way of reporting on the claims of experiencers. But I would have been careful how I worded that. Just because many experiencers make such a claim does not make it true for all.

What is true, and what holds up in thousands of cases, is that we all have a mission, a job to do, during our stay on earth (maybe several), and that the greatest power we find here or anywhere else is love. Still, do we all come here to be loving? No. Not everyone's mission is to be loving.

We come for different reasons, and all of them support to some degree, somehow, the idea of growth, that we come here to learn and grow. Lives, then, and our living of them, seem geared toward the "progressive," moving forward and upward, and eventually to the spiritual. Some of us take longer to get to the spiritual than others. Experiences like near-death, kundalini breakthroughs, Baptism by the Holy Spirit, mountain-top experiences, unitive experiences, vision quests, impactual spiritual awakenings - are all breakthrough events - geared, to my way of thinking, to short-circuit the process and get us to where we can operate beyond the limits of ego and ego-based beliefs, disorders, and contortions. Once we awaken, get beyond that which limits us, it's absolutely amazing how quickly life begins to make sense and we become happier, healthier AND more loving.

The Eastern idea of karma, that we harvest whatever we sow, that whatever we have done in one life will come back to us in another, offers us a way to consider people who harm others - from a different vantage point. A question often asked in regards to karma is: who made the error, the victim or the perpetrator, and what is the judgment? Where ideas about karma get sticky is. . . that karma is really a reference to balance, rather than revenge. There's good karma and there's bad karma. That's the sticky part. When we look at karma in the sense of balance, we encounter a real truth: the power of forgiveness (where things are out-of-balance to the negative), and the power of acceptance, especially self-acceptance (when things are out-of-balance to the positive). Karma can take us either way, sometimes both.

Why are we here? What is our true mission? Only our heart knows, and only our soul can determine if our heart is in the right place or not. This is a matter for meditation and prayer, and deep contemplation, not just for the claims of the excited who were privileged to view life from another angle. ~Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

RESERVE SPACE NOW!!!!!!!!! The first week of September is the big Near-Death Conference in Denver, Colorado. The roster of speakers this year is incredibly outstanding. Our keynoter is Pim van Lommel, M.D., the cardiologist who did the largest clinical study of near-death states to date, the one that was published in "Lancet" medical journal. His book, ENDLESS CONSCIOUSNESS, is now out through HarperCollins. Contact IANDS for more information: services@iands.org, or call themat (919) 383-7940. Their website: www.iands.org.

NEW TITLE FOR BOOK - I find out later next week what title my publisher will chose for my newest and last book on my near-death research. They did tell me that this new book will be a hard-cover (the ultimate compliment for an author) and that it will sell for $23.95. Save your pennies, folks, the book will be worth that price!!!

ATTENTION ANYONE INTERESTED IN GARDENS AND FARMS:

Lutie Larson will be one of the speakers at the USPA (United States Psychotronics Association) conference July 17-19 at Inn Place Hotel, 9700 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville, KY.

Lutie is busy amazing the world with how easy and efficiently one can use psychotronics (simple gadgets/methods that operate with mind-over-matter) to raise better, healthier food in less time. Her talk is on Saturday, July 17, 10:15 – 11:45 am; Farmers Workshop Sunday, July 18, 7 to 10 pm; Gardners Workshop Monday, July 19, 9 am to 12 noon.

Why she is so important……… not only is Lutie internationally known, her focus is bio-energetic treatment (psychotronic) of soil and plants which produces organic grade vegetables. The quality of her food is actually defined at bio-dynamic (a higher form of organic). She is a leader in sustainable farming. In Utah, Robert Redford’s Sundance Restaurant buy her lettuce crops – which are normally grown and harvested in as little as 22 days. She has a summer apprentice program, teaching others to do what she does.

If you are interested at all in the quality of the food you eat, please attend this conference. There will be other speakers there as well, including myself, talking about my latest research on near-death states and including material that takes the subject of near-death to the next level – the larger genre of transformative states – and why we have them.

The big USPA conference is a conference of leading-edge inventors, scientists, and researchers, who are showing the world a better way of living – here and now – and a more enriching version of the true reality. I hope I will see you there.

Contact: USPA (502) 429-6600 or go online at http://www.psychotronics.org

Money and the Spiritual Path

2010-05-03T21:32:00.004-04:00

QUESTION:

"Someone wrote this in the NDE Yahoo group, and I wondered how you might counter this notion - because I get this all the time, too. I don't understand what's wrong with earning a living like everyone else with what we've chosen to do. Just because we're 'spiritual,' we're not suppose to get paid and we should live in poverty? Or, as some in my family have often said to me, 'Why don't you just get a job?'

"It seems that there are many who try to use spirituality as a means to make money. But there are also many, many others that are reaching out to help others with spiritual growth the best way they can. You offered to visit our local IANDS group if we paid your airfare and found someone's house you could stay in. Linda has been doing this message board for years, without making a dime from it as far as I can tell." ....Dana

ANSWER:

One of the biggest misunderstandings that exist on the spiritual path concerns the issue of money. There have been many fine books written on this subject, classes taught, speakers who tackle the subject. . . still, superstitution remains. Money is just green energy. That's all it is. Problems come when we let money use us, instead of us using it. Control issues can become enormous problems, to where we become little more than a common addict, tied to a monster that will suck out our spirit. Money should serve, never control. Yet, in that service we forget about the Law of Circulation, a universal Law that still applies, and to all of us. The Law of Circulation says that receiving is just as important as giving. If we give/give/give, always giving, we deny the equal need to receive, and become as if an "overlord" in how our piety becomes simply another way to stiffle the creativity and spirit of others, not to mention their good will and their love. Giving and receiving goes both ways, says the Law, else what we think of as our generosity, our desire to help and uplift, turns into another way our ego can get the best of us.

Since my actions are in question here, allow me to speak on my behalf. Like any near-death experiencer, I gave away or sold almost everything I had within a year of my three episodes in 1977. I moved East (my home was in Idaho) with only $1,000 to my name. Yes, I had a cousin and his family in Reston, Virginia, and, yes, I was able to live in their camper for about a month. But that was it. I was turned out and quite forcefully, when I could not accept all of their narrow beliefs. That I found work in Washington, D.C. and an apartment was truly as act of God - nothing less could have explained the miracle. I began my search of near-death experiencers a month later, never having heard of Raymond Moody nor his book, and having no idea anyone else was researching the phenomenon besides me. I did what I did because of a Voice that spoke to me during my third episode. To date, I have written ten books on my findings (the latest one to be published by Hampton Roads in January, 2011). During these three-plus decades (I began in 1978), I have held to a schedule averaging a six-day week, 8 to 10 hours per day (sometimes longer) each and every year. Terry and I were married in 1980, so his paychecks have helped some. Mostly, though, the money that paid for my work came from first a salaried position, then part-time jobs, then giving readings via visionary abilities that I had and rune-casting sessions I gave using the ancient casting glyphs that trace back to the Crimea, Danube, Ukraine, and Black Sea ("Runes of the Goddess"). In case you haven't guessed, we have lived on the cheap. Like the average near-death experiencer, I was challenged with how to understand, train, redefine, and use my enhanced abilities in ways that would serve the greater good. God/Diety/Source comes first in my life.

It took me a very long time to charge for anything I did. We were brought to our knees (my husband and myself) with disaster after disaster with my books, including a near-bankruptcy. I have often said, and it is true, if I had become a clerk at Wal-Mart instead of a researcher of near-death states, I would be rich today. As of 2007, my total earnings from all that I have done since 1978 in the way of books royalties, engagements, classes, talks, on my near-death work, has been $30,000. That's it. If you've ever read "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences," you noticed that I gave away 50% of all my royalties on the book to the International Association For Near-Death Studies (IANDS) - that means all Friends of IANDS groups can order the book directly from Hampton Roads, the book's publisher, for half price, sell them themselves, keep the profit to help out their group - until the Spring of 2012. After that time, the ownership of the book passes to IANDS. I'm out. I am very clear about this. Yes, I did all the work, all of it, still, the book belongs to experiencers and those like them who read the book, not to me. IANDS is the perfect custodian of this fact.

In the last several years I have finally learned how to speak up for myself, especially where engagements are concerned. My charge now is a minimum of $500 per talk, all expenses paid. With IANDS groups, I will come and help them out for only the cost of expenses. I do ask that a donation plate be put out to help pay for my time. Whatever is collected, I am grateful to receive. Other researchers AND near-death experiencers (especially those who have made a lot of money with their books) charge in the thousands for each appearance. Now, there's nothing wrong with this, and someday my price may go up too. Depends on what I am guided to do during prayer and meditation. All of my work, though, as a Prayer Chaplain is done without charge.

The question about money has been a source of deep grief for near-death experiencers. We say free and give away what we have or gain without question. We are generous and open-hearted to our core. The result? Years later many suffer from serious poverty issues, confused when comparing the outcome of their piety to what they felt guided to do. Examples: the money did not come to pay for the Centers they were guided to build; the result of their healing work helped many, only to deplete them later-on; their "soul mates" were a mixed bag and relationships suffered. I know of one near-death experiencer, a man by the name of Steve, who went on a spending spree after his near-death experience, to help out his family. This led to serious financial distress and his death by suicide, because he was so ashamed of what he had done to his family - when all he wanted to do was spread love. The last thing Steve requested was that near-death experiencers be taught how to handle money, what it's for, and how to use it. The magic of compound interest was the first thing he forgot. So did I. So do most of us. Even those who were able to ply the waters of spirituality with a good head and some degree of common sense, tussled with the shift in feelings and attitudes they had about money and possessions and ownership afterward. I am grateful there is a movement afoot to assist experiencers with the timely information they need to successfully integrate their near-death states.

Most of the work I do is a labor of love. It always has been so and always will be. Make no mistake about this point, however. I intend to pay off our mortgage and all our bills, and then some. There is nothing unspiritual about paying off your debts and being a good custodian of the gifts you have been given in life. None of us "owns" anything, anyway, so the question of ownership/possessions is moot. ~PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

---- In case you didn't already know, there was a special TV broadcast to the People's Republic of China and Surrounding Areas, on April 23 (Episode 1) and on April 30 (Episode 2). This broadcast featured a number of near-death experiencers, and centered entirely around the near-death phenomenon. Credits go to Beverly Brodsky, in the San Diego area, as one of the organizers, and New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV). Denis Purcell of IANDS-Los Angeles was also a major organizer, who worked with Qing Ma, the local producer for New Tang Dynasty TV. This cooperative project was successfully launched and carried out. Many credits and pats on the back to all involved.

---- Hospice Nurse Maggie Callanan, the author of "Final Gifts/Final Journeys," will be presenting some programs in North Carolina. The first is in the Winston-Salem area (June 17th, 1 to 4 pm), and the second is in Durham (June 18th, 1 to 4 pm). To register for either or both of these programs, get ahold of IANDS (International Association For Near-Death Studies) at services@iands.org or call (919) 383-7940.

---- There are once again excessive claims being made about near-death experiencers and their stories. I understand the need to do this, because of media and publishing pressures, but I want to set the record straight:

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE NDE BOOK OF THE YEAR. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE BEST NDE STORY OF THEM ALL. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE MOST GRIPPING OR UNUSUAL OR MOST LOVING.

Sorry, none of this applies, and no one can make such a statement without exaggeration or lying. There are millions of cases; thousands are now published on the Internet, in various books, or websites. Some of the most evidential cases have never been published, and probably never will. So please keep this in mind as you visit your favorite bookstore, or search online for whatever you can find. ~PMH

Out-of-Body Experience & Electrical Sensitivity

2010-04-17T16:10:00.006-04:00

QUESTION:

"I sort of have two questions. My first is, I had an out-of-body experience when I was in my 20s. It started as a dream, and I saw myself in the dream - but out-of-body. This dream still is so vivid that I can remember the details to this day.

"My second question is, I can't wear watches for too long. If I do the ticking stops, but as soon as they are off of me, they tick again. I don't know why this happens. I was born in Roswell, New Mexico. I don't know if that is a factor or not.

"Hope you can give me some insight to both of these questions." ....Michele

ANSWER:

Michele, please read "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences," for an in-depth answer to your questions.

Suffice it to say, out-of-body incidents are natural and normal. Almost all children experience have them when they are young. We are talked out of them through the schooling we receive and what we read. This type of incident can reoccur if you are ill, taking yoga, meditating, in prayer, are overly tired, or taking a drug of some kind. Anything that alters the mind can initiate an out-of-body experience. They are a major element in near-death states, spiritual and religious experiences, and in various types of "awakenings" (when the mind opens up). They can begin as a dream, but then switch over to the vivid, coherent journeys that can bless or surprise. You can have them spontaneously, too. Some people are frightened of them - only because they have no precedent to understand what is happening. You can take classes in how to have them. A number of books explain how.

Electrical sensitivity is typical for those who have had a near-death experience. It is one of the aftereffects. You can also exhibit electrical sensitivity for a myriad of other reasons. Some people are born that way, or become that way because of some type of impactual spiritual/ transformative experience. I have written a lot about electrical sensitivity. So have a few others. My book, "Beyond the Light" (now reissued by Transpersonal Publishing) goes in-depth about this aftereffect and how it can affect a person. As an experiencer myself, I have electrical sensitivity and cannot wear watches. There are other manifestations of this sensitivity - like popping lightbulbs just by walking by, smoking up a tape recorder, bringing down communications systems and microphones, and so forth. It can be expensive to replace broken, melted, or non-functioning equipment, until you learn how to control it (at least to some degree). Some experiencers have told me that solar watches work just fine, so you might try one and see if it solves the puzzle of your watch switching from on to off and back again.

Blessings, PMH

SPECIAL NEWS:

One more book - mine. I finished it a few days ago; the manuscript is now winging it's way to reviewers and prospective publishers. The working title is: STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE: WHO WE ARE AS HUMANS, WHERE WE'RE HEADED AS THE SOULS WE TRULY ARE. (This is subject to change at the behest of publishers.)

Two years writing it, 33 years researching near-death states plus a previous decade experimenting with and studying altered states of consciousness, mysticism, psychic phenomena, and the transformative process. Yup, this is my last hurrah. I am retiring this year from active, original fieldwork. Yes, I will continue with this blog, available as a consultant, public speaker, workshops, and the like, but my work as a front-line researcher is done. A full-announcement will be made once a publisher is found for the book.

Caution: STRAIGHT TALK is far more outspoken than any of my other books, and it will be controversial. I stick my neck out with this one and say what I've never dared to say before - about the larger picture and what I suspect is really going on with transformative states such as near-death. Stay tuned: I'll keep you informed.

See what I mean? This really is an exciting year of revelation about that edge between life and death. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The near-death experience is once again in vogue, in that some incredible research is seeing the light of day this year. In case you didn't know, the near-death experience is now the number one choice of scientists worldwide to study consciousness itself. Great opportunities exist this year to learn about this in the way of books, announcements, and conferences that take us to the next level of revelation.

NEW BOOKS -

EVIDENCE OF THE AFTERLIFE, Jeffrey Long, M. D., with Paul Peary.

New York, NY; HarperOne 2010. (Now out)

ENDLESS CONSCIOUSNESS, Pim van Lommel, M.D.

New York, NY; HarperCollins 2010 (Out in June)

ANNOUNCEMENT -

September 11, doctors in the AWARE PROJECT (Awareness through Resuscitation) give their findings - from 600 patients, 20 Hospitals.

CONFERENCE -

September 1-5, Denver, Colorado, "Mysteries of Near-Death Experiences: Perspectives from Experiencers, Science, and Spirituality. Sponsored by International Association For Near-Death Studies (IANDS). Anyone can come. For more info, contact IANDS headquarters: www.iands.org; services@iands.org.

The Other Side and Doors of Perception

2010-03-22T13:08:00.007-04:00

QUESTION:

"I recently sent you a query, so, sorry to bother you again, but I came across this today and find it incredibly interesting with regard to NDE's. It is the Buddhist Wheel of Life. I expect what with you being such an extensive researcher, you will have come across it yourself before.

"It has so many parallels with NDE's. I have read about - the blissful states (heaven), the hellish states, etc. What surprises me is that according to Buddhists, even the heavenly realms are not permanent states of existence - to achieve true liberation you have to completely leave the wheel of existence (as Buddha is depicted in the top right of the picture of the wheel).

"I find it almost disturbing the way beings are trapped in this existence and I start to think why is existence this way at all. But it definitely makes me see why it is important to let go of attachments, and try to do the best you can in this life. I think I read before you said that there is no way to prove what happens after death, but it would be interesting to hear your opinion on this."...Jenny

ANSWER:

Jenny, many near-death researchers noticed this right off and wrote about it extensively. Among them is Kenneth Ring. Yes, the similarity is remarkable - except when you view it through the lens of material that has been collected regarding near-death experiences. Then the pattern deviates. How it deviates concerns third-party verifications of details in the individual's episode (information they absolutely could not have known but did, even more remarkable with child experiencers), and the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects that with most experiencers becomes life-long.

The implication here, and it is a strong one, is that for experiencers the phenomenon leads to a transformation of consciousness. For some, this transformation is more extreme than for others, still, not just changes are referred to here, but a transformation!

As concerns heaven and hell, study the narratives. Clearly, neither one is an end place. The model you are given is that of numerous layers of the more dense energy levels and the same for the lighter-finer energy levels. What seems to exist on the Other Side, is an open-ended system. . . that operates according to need/intention/choice/willingness/forgiveness/- love. We get what we need, say experiencers, to further our growth and learning. Please refer to my book "We Live Forever: The Real Truth About Death" for a more in-depth description of "heaven" and "hell."

Think about this and what such a reality might mean. Any open-ended system supports and encourages growth. What exists on the Other Side of death? No one knows for certain. But this much is known: narratives from near-death experiencers are just as valuable as those from meditating monks and spiritual adepts. It's the same territory - as seen from differing viewpoints. PMH

QUESTION:

"I would be very grateful if you could answer the following questions: 1. Why should anyone lose consciousness when they are dealt a severe blow to the brain/body, or when put under general anesthesia? Why does such a phenomenon as 'unconsciousness' even exist if 'we' are capable of existing - memories and all intact - separately from our physical bodies?

Surely if changes to the brain-body system can lead to changes in our level of consciousness, our memories, and so on, then this strongly suggests that 'we,' our memories and our consciousness, are dependent on the physical body? This dependence ultimately suggests that when the physical body ceases to function, we are no more.

Why should a soul lose consciousness when the bodily functions cease to operate properly?

2. If 'near-death experiences' are evidence of an afterlife, why doesn't everybody 'near death' have such an experience? Why do some have an NDE, and not others? Many thanks"...David

ANSWER:

David, you are asking the type of questions I do not have the expertise to answer. Remember, I am not a doctor of medicine. I can, however, share this with you: the soul's condition and how it operates is not dependent on our physical bodies. So, when you speak of consciousness, I am at a loss to say anything that might be meaningful to you. Surely you must know that the brain never sleeps and is always processing data and input regardless of whether or not we are "awake." There is a lot of evidence that tells us an unconscious person, or one in coma, can still see, hear, and respond to faculties of perception and what is perceived...as if fully conscious. In other words, you cannot turn off the brain. How and why we are aware of being conscious seems to depend on other factors only a physician could explain to you.

Near-death experiences teach us many things, and open up our "doors of perception" above and beyond what we think is true. They "spread our lens" of what is possible. Nobody knows why some people have them and others do not. Speculation is that the answer has to do with the soul and the soul's needs for growth and maturity. The basis for this speculation is that almost all experiencers, after their episode, say: "I got what I needed." Hence, a growth factor is involved and on a higher or different level of being. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

. . . Reservations are filling up fast for the "Spiritual Retreat for Near-Death Experiencers," July 15-18, in Missouri. I am surprised at how eager people are to attend this Retreat. There are only eight spaces left. So, if you want to come, do the following: Access this website to learn more about it: http://neardeathexperiencers.org . You can register at this site.

Contact for more information: Linda Jacquin at jacadv@centurytel.net Bill Taylor at wt123@verizon.net Dave Bennett at dharmadb@mac.com

I attended the first Retreat, and I can personally recommend how very good they are and how incredibly wonderful the site is where this is held.

. . . The annual Conference of International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) is in Denver, CO this year. The dates are September 1-5 if you want to stay for the whole thing. Reserve now. I did, and yes I'm going. Full information plus registration is on their website at www.iands.org, or you can contact the office of IANDS at services@iands.org or call them at (919) 383-7940. Papers are still being solicited, so, get busy right now with your plans.

Religion, Hallucinations, and the Living in NDEs

2010-02-10T09:39:00.008-05:00

QUESTION:

"My question is quite short. It pertains to religious beliefs. Through your respectable research and experience, has there been a certain religious belief that a majority of near-death experiencers has followed? I have read a couple of Kevin Williams' articles and was directed to a couple: Christian Gnostics, Christian Reformative Universalism, and Buddhist. What is your take when it comes to having a certain organized belief to follow that matches the experience that one has gone through?"....Josue.

ANSWER:

I know of no particular, special, or predominant "religion" that near-death experiencers tend to switch over to or follow after their episode. I can say this, though: of my research, one-third stayed within the church of their faith after their experience, two-thirds either left their church or were never a part of a faith-tradition to begin with.

With the one-third who stayed, I noticed they were much more evangelist afterward, or in some way took a more active part in trying to reenergize and uplift what already existed. It's like they became change agents, not for something new per se but to improve what they already had.

With the two-thirds who left known religious pathways, invariably they headed to Eastern religions, Native American practices, shamanism, Buddhism, immersed themselves in meditation and mindfulness practices, and became more introspective in the sense of connecting with "The God Within" - beginning what is traditionally known as "the inner journey." Many of these people joined metaphysical churches, such as Unity and Religious Science/Science of Mind (now called United Centers of Spiritual Living). Some went the psychic/intuitive route, preferring study groups or at-home ceremonies and rituals of sacredness. After about a decade or so, the majority of these people returned to some type of church home - usually the metaphysical ones - but also to those mainstream churches that had converted to guitar services, or those that had become more tolerant, more open, and more personal. They were drawn by congregations who practiced "laying on of hands" in healing work, walked labyrinths, made prayer shawls, and participated in sacred work. Basically, they came back to a church of some kind because it seemed as if they once again valued being in a community of their fellows, people of a like-mind.

What researchers of the near-death phenomenon generally say is "experiencers become more spiritual and less religious afterward." The numbers bear that out. Blessings, PMH

QUESTION:

"I recently read a text about the 'hallucinatory' nature of some near-death experiences. It is explained there how some discrepancies were discovered between the 'real' environment and what people see when they are out of their bodies. The case apparently happened to the near-death skeptic, Susan Blackmore, who had this experience. I think you know the story.

"Also, some people seem to see still living persons when having an NDE. Do you have an explanation for these cases?"....Raphael

ANSWER:

I recommend reading "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences." Both of your concerns are covered in-depth, and much more broadly, in the book.

Let me make this clear to start with: we know scientifically that the near-death phenomenon is not a hallucination. Many different types of imagery do appear to experiencers. You can trace the overall tenor of these images to either the culture of the individual or to language constraints... or... to what might be most needed for the individual to process at that moment in his or her life. I learned long ago in my work to, whenever possible, have the experiencer draw his or her episode. It is those drawings and how the individual interprets them, that you find out what is really going on and why the imagery was described in the manner used. That "need factor" trumps the idea of "hallucinations." When you dig deep, and you can, all sorts of incredible truths emerge that do more to color these episodes than any superficial rendering can.

Living people, on occasion, do indeed appear in near-death imagery - mostly to children, but sometimes to adults. In every case I have encountered of this, the "purpose," if you will, of the living greeter was either to alert or relax the experiencer - so the episode could deepen. Once this occurred, living greeters disappeared and greeters more in line with typical near-death states moved forward. I write a lot about greeters and how they vary, especially with children. You might include in your reading, my book "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences," for a more in-depth treatment of this. Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*** "Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences," by Jeffrey Long, M.D., with Paul Perry, has just been released. I am certain it is a good book. Bear in mind, though, that the book is based on Jeffrey's website and the e-mailed stories he has collected. This puts his conclusions at risk. Still, his approach is unique and well worth considering.

*** Spiritual Retreat time for near-death experiencers!!! Yup, despite the cold and winter snow and rains, one can now register for the Spiritual Retreat for Near-Death Experiencers to be held July 15-18, in Missouri. This time there will be a joyous extra. . . the wedding of host Linda Jacquin and her beloved Eric Cusimano!

Incontrovertible Scientific Proof of NDEs?

2010-01-25T12:49:00.003-05:00

QUESTION:

"I have read a few of your books with great interest ("Beyond the Light," "Future Memory," and "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences"). I was brought up to believe there is more to life (and the afterlife) than can be experienced with the five senses, but as time goes on, I find that increasingly difficult to believe.

"I have lost many loved ones to death, starting with my mother when I was eight years old. I used to believe (and, of course, would love to believe) that living creatures, including human beings, survive death in some shape or form that preserves consciousness.

"Nonetheless, in spite of the evidence put forward in your books, I find it extremely hard to believe that people who 'die' and have NDEs are really truly dead. Is it not possible that on some deep level, unmeasurable by current scientific instruments, their brains are actually alive and the NDE is being produced by a distant corner of their (still living) brain/mind?

"A few years ago, I watched a documentary that detailed the experience of a woman whose brain - if I understand it correctly - was rendered completely inactive by doctors while she underwent brain surgery. It appeared that they had somehow stopped blood flow to her brain. She had a profound NDE. But how was her brain made totally inactive without killing her or rendering her brain-dead?

"In trying to find answers to questions of life and death, I have encountered charlatans - cold-reading mediums, for example - and increasingly feel that grieving people are a wonderful, if utterly immoral, target market for people unscrupulous enough to exploit their pain by offering apparent - but untruthful - comfort that their loved ones are still around in another dimension.

"If you have any references that provide incontrovertible scientific proof that near-death experiencers are, in actual fact, dead when they have NDEs, I'd be very interested to read them. I so want to believe in the truth of an afterlife but I don't want to put my faith in a chimera."...Mary

ANSWER:

There is no such thing as incontrovertible proof of life after death. Doesn't exist. So, let's move past the impossible and look at what does exist.

The case you are referring to is that of Pam Reynolds. Yes, it is true, she was virtually killed by her doctors. I mean that. Nothing was working nor could it work. It is a very risky surgery that was performed on her. To my knowledge, this surgery has only been performed a few times. The risk is - what if they cannot bring her back and in tack without brain damage? Pam took that risk. The surgery was successful. What is amazing about her case, not just that she had a near-death experience and could see and hear what was going on in the surgery room, but that she evidenced CONTINUOUS CONSCIOUSNESS during the entire time of her surgery. This is unique to the near-death phenomenon. Many are clinically dead, as dead as anyone can tell, when they later revive and tell what happened to them. (Refer to your copy of "Beyond the Light" and the case of George Rodonaia, and Ricky Bradshaw, and Mellen-Thomas Benedict, and Margaret Fields Kean - all stunning cases with ample third-party verification of details.)

I have no doubt that parts of the brain are involved in near-death states, not as causal, but as participatory in setting up the process itself. How can this be if the brain has flat-lined? This is where the issue becomes utterly fascinating. It is my sense, from my own work, that somehow conditions are preset or set up before actual death ensues. I say this because of what I have personally noticed about tracking brain function - not as a thinking brain - but with parts of the brain - the way the limbic system and pre-frontals, temporal lobes and pineal gland act. I know there's something going on here, and this is exactly what I will be discussing in-depth in the book I am now writing - my 10th and last book about my near-death research, where I complete my theoretical model and tie things together. So, I cannot be more specific at this time. Sorry about that. But I do want to emphasize, the brain is not causal in near-death states. That "something else" that is involved is the soul. And that "something else" must be broached. We must talk about the soul. If we don't, we will be tossing away one of the most important causal happenings present.

Can people see the dead as alive or at least highly mobile. Yes. I can. So can thousands of others, especially child experiencers. I have often threatened to put up a sign on our front door that would read: "Welcome, whether you wear a body or not." I haven't done it yet, though. Maybe someday I will. Thus, to me, seeing the dearly departed is nothing new nor is it unusual. It is my life. I can't imagine this to be any different. It does not happen often, only when appropriate. What happens more often with me is seeing energy beings, or just the energy fields themselves. That for me is an everyday occurrence. And it is valid - what I see and feel and hear and taste and touch. Most near-death experiencers come back with enhanced abilities of various types. I am no exception. The IANDS Conference held in San Diego in October of 2009 was the first time the organization has tackled the subject of enhanced abilities in a public venue. I delivered a paper on the subject while there, that is now posted on my website in the Article Section.

Do people take advantage of enhanced abilities to make money? You bet they do, and even some near-death experiencers. (My paper addressed this and it talks about discernment.) Most mediums do give out a little here and a little there - seldom more than just enough to imply truth. I have yet to see a medium, especially stage mediums, who do anything remarkable. What sells the public is their mystique, and sometimes their giving nature. I give readings myself (not as a typical psychic or medium). You can read up about what I offer on my website in the section on Consultations. I am very practical, down-to-earth, and make it clear to my clients that I do not have a crystal ball. All I can offer is another viewpoint to their questions, and give trends, suggestions, ideas, and dialogue. If they want a medium, I advise them to go somewhere else. The readings I have given, paid for my research (that's where the money I used came from), and they gave me an opportunity to serve the Higher Good. I am a Prayer Chaplain (no charge for my services), and I am devoted to the healing possible in every moment and the joy available to those who are willing to accept the truth of their being.

No one can convince you of anything. Nor would I even try. You can only see for yourself, cross-check, search, cross-check again, then traverse those 18 inches from your head to your heart and see what you find when you get there. Just consider me a scruffy, honest researcher who chooses to work with both halves of my brain, not just one.

Blessings, always. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

If you are not signed up for my free Newsletter service, you might consider doing so. Just get on my website at www.pmhatwater.com and scroll down to the bottom of the Home Page. You sign up there. Simple. This list is not used for anything else, so relax about having your address tossed about. There is no schedule for the newsletters. I only send them out when there is something of note I want to share with you. In the last month, though, I've sent out three (that's unusual). Of the last two, one was about some terrific 2010 calendars plus some comments on 2010; and the other was about the new DVD "Dying to Live" - very well done, about one woman's near-death experience, what she learned, and did about it. Thanks, PMH

Death Does Not End Life

2010-01-03T11:06:00.004-05:00

QUESTION:

"I recently completed your book, 'The New Children and Near-Death Experiences,' as part of my own personal research this summer in an attempt to provide answers (answers that I am afraid are impossible to actually get) as to where my twin baby girls are.

"I know you are a very busy woman, and according to the website, unlikely to see this e-mail anytime soon - but I felt compelled to reach out to you, something I usually don't do. I read a part of your book that discussed when consciousness enters into the physical form during development in the womb. I was hoping maybe you could provide more, specifically on this point. Nearly three years ago to the day, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant. We had just moved out of state to a town where we knew no one. I was working full time. My husband was embarking on school, and we had a 2 1/2 year old little boy. We had our hands full. The pregnancy was unusual from the start and demanded that I be given an ultrasound as soon as possible (my first pregnancy had ended in miscarriage at seven weeks, so I was very nervous). The ultrasound revealed at nine weeks that I was carrying twins and that they were sharing a placenta. Later ultrasound at 16 weeks showed that they were girls (we named them Emme - which is Hawaiian for 'love,' and Josi, which means 'God made room for one more'). At 18 weeks we were diagnosed with Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), with Josi being the donor twin and Emme being the receiver. At 20 weeks I flew to Texas for a procedure that had the potential of correcting the placental problem. At 23 weeks I had the procedure, which unfortunately, was unsuccessful, and in the process we made the decision to 'interrupt' Emme's pregnancy in order to give Josi the best chance for survival. I flew home two days later, and six days after that (I was 24 weeks pregnant), I went into preterm labor (it was Christmas Eve) and delivered Josi on Christmas morning. Officially, she had a faint pulse after delivery, but was pronounced dead soon after.

"Dr. Atwater, I have spent the past three years wondering why. Why didn't all the prayer work? Why weren't they saved? Did they suffer? Did they know how hard I tried and how much faith I had? I am having a very hard time recovering. I do not much subscribe to those who put off my girls as simply 'they were not meant to be' - because they very much were 'being,' I know. I felt them. My little girl, Quinn, was conceived three months after the loss of my twins. Her due date was originally one day before the loss of Emme and one week before Christmas (she ended up coming two weeks early). I want to enjoy her for her, so much. But I keep getting hung up. What is so odd is that Quinn's time of conception is actually exactly when my husband and I had originally planned to try for our next child - so like clockwork. She is such an interesting little girl. She just turned 19 months old, so unlike her brother or my husband, or myself. She is just a beautiful mystery. I hope maybe one day, she will tell me something about my twins - as some of the experiencers you discuss in your book were able to see, talk to, or meet their "spirit" siblings. I guess my questions are these: did my girls possess consciousness prior to their deaths? Will I see them again? if they have been moved to another life will I not be granted the opportunity to know them?

"Thank you, Dr. Atwater. I thoroughly enjoyed your book and the glimpse of what could be beyond was very comforting."...Mim

ANSWER:

Mim, no one can answer your questions. Not really. Not even mediums. But I can give you something to think about.

Missing twins, or twins that died, tend to show up in near-death experiences of either the mother or the father, sometimes in those of siblings. You have read "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences" so you already know that. When they show up in these episodes, they are always alive with light, bright, clear, happy and healthy looking, and more than ready to comfort their loved ones and just "be around" for a while. Sometimes they appear as children. Most of the time they appear at the age they would have been now had they lived.

From what I have seen, I have no hesitation in saying that death does not end life. On some level, somewhere, your twins are very much alive in spirit. Why they came and then left so abruptly is the sticking point, because I cannot say why they left. Perhaps there was something for you to learn from the experience. Perhaps there was something they needed to learn from the experience. You know, we usually think in terms of our own needs and comforts, and not in terms of theirs - those who left us. They are learning and growing too, not just us. It is appropriate to say - maybe they needed this experience. Even if you never know the real "why," you can know this: their coming and going was no accident. As you put it so well, these children were loved, and they came on waves of love. Please know that, maybe, just maybe, they left on wings of love. Love brought them in. Love let them go. Mothers learn this sooner or later - that love fulfills itself, that love alone is enough. Our ideas about love, what we want, what we expect, is not what love is or how it functions. Love, true love, obeys a Higher Law and a Greater Calling.

I would never say "it was meant to be." Who knows if that was the case? It is more honest to say, "Love fulfilled itself and it's own calling with my babies. In love and deep gratitude, I bless the existence they once had and I bless the foreverness in spirit they have always had and still do. I know that someday I will see them again, know them, in whatever form is best at whatever time is blessed. I thank them for their brief visit and I release them for the continuance of their Highest Good. I have gained from them. They have gained from me. Thank you God for the deep mysteries of life and of death, and for the privilege of being a conduit of life's blessedness in all its glory and wonder."

In my book, "We Live Forever," I talk a lot about the soul and how it has its own agenda. We as personalities have an awareness that is unique to us. But on the soul level, that higher part of us, there is a knowingness that transcends what we can conceive of. It is on the level of soul that answers lie. I urge you to read that book, and, of the cases I present, pay special attention to the two girls who died in an automobile accident just before they were to graduate from high school. Their story will help you to better understand and appreciate the soul level and how it operates. What we call a tragedy, the master calls a butterfly (I believe this phrase came from the book, "Illusions," by Richard Bach--well worth reading).

You already have two dear children. Give them a chance and they will show you what love is. It is no accident that two left. And, it is no accident that two have stayed. You and your husband are blessed, Mim. Two in bodies, two in spirit. Such Grace. When they ask me about my grandchildren, I always say I have four wearing bodies and one in spirit. This is the truth. Don't ever deny truth. Spirit is just as lively as bodies are, and just as loving. Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*** For Child Experiencers of Near-Death States: Jenny Moores, MA, is still looking for volunteers for her doctoral study. If you are interested in being a part of this work, contact her at jmoores@alliant.edu or call her at (559) 801-2381.

*** For occasional news from me on various subjects, be certain you are signed up to receive my e-newsletters. One just went out about trends in our new decade and about some wonderful 2010 calendars. Ask for it when you sign up. A free service. Access my website at www.pmhatwater.com, or contact my webmaster directly at webmaster at cinemind.com.

FUTURE MEMORY plus FOOD CHOICES AND THE AFTERLIFE

2009-12-09T11:09:00.004-05:00

QUESTION:

"I'm Brad and I'm curious as to whether what I have experienced can be called 'Future Memory.' Please help me understand.

"Here's what happened: I was at school and I walked outside to go to my next class and suddenly felt dizzy. I stopped where I was and this image/emotion/memory flooded my head. In this (memory), I was much older, and I could (remember) standing outside my future home with my hands in my pockets, smiling, and watching my children play in the grass. I had a wife. I could (remember) everything so clearly. I had different emotions and thoughts streaming through my head. It was so vivid and real. I actually felt like I was there. I am only 16 years old currently, with no children.

"This was the most peaceful experience I've felt. Please help me to understand what this could have been."...Brad

ANSWER:

This may be a future memory episode or it could be precognition - knowing the future in advance. I really recommend that you read the book FUTURE MEMORY. In there I take various forms of accessing the future and explore them so people can tell the difference between the various types. We may be "splitting hairs" here, though, as your episode takes place so far in advance that you may forget the whole thing before it ever occurs, if it does.

What I suggest is that you write the whole thing down, every single detail, date it, and put the material away in a safe place. Keep it. Ten, twenty years from now, pull out that paper and read it. Then you will know.

Another thing, by writing it down and keeping it, you are in essence telling your deepest self that you are open to this type of thing. Once that gets through, you will probably have more of them. Always write them down and date them. Check back from time to time to see if any came true, and the extent to which they came true.

One of the things I have consistently seen with the phenomenon of future memory, is that invariably it concerns mundane activities, usually not that far in advance - as if giving us time to get prepared ahead of time - and - enabling our brain to train itself to access input from various sources. These "rehearsals" are very helpful, and very detailed. What most people miss in trying to understand this phenomenon is the brain development angle. I see future memory as part of the process of whole brain development, whereby the right hemisphere is strengthened along with the left hemisphere. I hope this helps. PMH

QUESTION:

"In your near-death experience, when your whole life's review was done before you, did you ever experience what the result of our food choices is in this very life?

"For example, is killing animals and eating flesh any different from eating vegetables? Any food choice recommendations based on your NDE?"...Chandra

ANSWER:

For me, my life review was a reliving, not a viewing. As per life results from eating certain foods, no, that did not come up. However, during my second near-death experience, I did see how everything, positively everything, has intelligence, can sense and intuit, and makes choices of its own - and that goes for food. When I came back, I could not distinguish between a carrot and a heifer as to which was more intelligent or more important. They both have volition on the spirit level and make choices of their own based on their needs in their own evolutionary spiral. I came to realize that what is available for us to eat came from intelligences chosing to be available; and, that it's not so much a question of what we eat as how we eat and whether or not we honor the life-form before us. Eating is more a question of honor and sacredness than it is of calories or kinds of species. And how we touch food - that touch permeates what we touch with all of our attitudes, feelings, emotions. Just a touch!

We are all part of this same "soup melting pot" we call earthly inhabitance, and we are in relation to each kingdom, each mind, each form, each soul, each being. When I prepare a meal, I ask the food what it wants to do, and we both have fun. That seems like a fair way to do things to me.

Many blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* Treat yourself and go see the movie "The Blind Side." Really exceptional. Take the whole family.

* Don't forget, if you are a child experiencer, there is a researcher focusing just on you. Contact Jenny Moores, MA at jmoores@alliant.edu or call her at (559) 801-2381. You must be 18 years or older to participate, but your experience must have occurred younger than that.

* If you have signed up on my website to receive free mailings, then you just got an announcement about a book of mine. In case you are not on my mailing list, the news is: BEYOND THE LIGHT has just been reissued by Transpersonal Publishing. They did a great job, by the way. The book can be ordered from any bookstore, is available on amazon (make certain about the publisher as older formats are out-of-print), or can be purchased from my online bookstore on www.pmhatwater.com. The book, although written a while ago, is still fresh in the way it tackles hellish as well as heavenly experiences, near-death-like experiences, the pattern of aftereffects, and a large section on electrical sensitivity, resources and suggestions, and a host of cases - like the original one for Mellen-Thomas Benedict, George Rodonaia, Margaret Fields Kean, and many more - as well as the extreme one that came out of China.

* I send you all glad tidings for Christmas and New Years. I know times are tough, but I also know how thankful we can all be just to wake up each morning, breathe, and appreciate a roof over our heads and food to eat. Forget presents "under the tree." What matters most is the love we can give each other.

Why do immortal beings need a mortal experience? -and- Can I trust the Bible?

2009-11-08T14:20:00.007-05:00

QUESTION:

"I clicked on 'Do you have a question,' and yes indeed I do. One thing which has been weighing heavily on my mind lately is that I wonder why an immortal being would need to have a mortal experience at all?

"If we were indeed eternal beings, who would never know death, then how or why would we have even conceived of the idea of living in a mortal, physical body? And not only that, but a life where we would have no memory of who we really were and where we actually came from.

"This just really puzzles me."....Leslie

ANSWER:

All I can offer you is what I learned during my own near-death experiences. And that is, here in manifest reality, we have the opportunity to go through the curriculum set up for us on The Other Side. As we (each of our souls), mature into co-creatorship with the Creator, we must fully experience and understand what co-creatorship entails. Only via a descent into matter or some type of form can we accomplish this, can we grow through the various "grades" and "recesses" we all take in that curriculum, learn what we need to learn, and advance in our awareness of who and what we are. Who or what sets up the curriculum? You could say Deity/God/Allah, but I rather suspect it is the soul itself who lays out and adjusts "the plan," in its desire to return to Source. There is no question here of lives, or of time and space, as such matters have a different meaning to a soul than they do to us (our personality selves).

You can certainly argue this point (what I witnessed during my near-death states), but not with me. I saw my soul, other's souls, as well as how "the system" operates, and am at peace with what I witnessed. Should you want more information about what I learned about this, you might read the books I wrote called "We Live Forever" and "Future Memory."

"Future Memory," by the way, is my favorite of the various books I have written. It goes much more in-depth about these types of issues - yet - because of it's unusual layout, the reader is able to experience the text as he or she reads it. The layout? It's in the form of a labyrinth. Yes, the book is a real labyrinth - every sentence, every paragraph, every page, is part of the math I used to create the labyrinth layout. The secret, then, to reading the book is "stay on the path." Don't skip around or you will wonder why I ever wrote such a dumb book - the text won't hold together and make any sense unless you read it straight through (as you would walk through a labyrinth). It will enfold on you again and again, until you finish. Give it several weeks for full impact, as the book is a brain changer.

The question you asked is a "heavy one" no one can really answer. My goal here was to at least give you something to think about, something I experienced for myself when I died. PMH

SECOND QUESTION:

"After eight months of researching NDEs, I have come to the conclusion that The Bible is not all of God's Word. A lot of the Bible was discarded and things added. Can I trust the Bible? If so, what parts are true? I now respect all religions because I now see that not just one religion has the whole truth, but there is a bit of truth in all religions. I was always attracted to Buddhism. Once when I was in my twenties I picked up a pair of chop sticks and began using them, like I had been using them all my life, whereas I never learned how before. It makes me wonder who I used to be. I was forbidden to study Buddhism on account of my Christian background. I now feel free to study any religion I want, without fear of displeasing God. I am not sure what to think of the Bible anymore. But I would like to go over the sayings of Jesus again, now that I have changed. Studying NDEs has changed me forever and for good. It is as if I have had an NDE myself. I have noticed that I have always had the characteristics of an NDEr all my life. I am becoming stronger now; I don't let the world walk all over me like I used to. I also want to look into a Unity Church. I feel that my new journey will take me places. It is very exciting. People even tell me that I look different. I used to drink too much. Now I can't stand to have one drink. Yuck! I hope it stays this way."....Love, Qricket.

ANSWER:

You have had an awakening, Qricket. And, indeed, life will be different from now on. Once we awaken to greater truths, there's no going back. There is great good is all religions, though none hold all the truth. I love the Bible and read it often - the translation I use was done by Lamsa and is called the Lamsa Bible. Lamsa was trained by missionaries to speak English and eventually immigrated to the United States (from the Holy Lands). He was named Lamsa. To comply with customs as he stood in the immigration line, he made up the rest the name he came to use: "George M" (George M. Lamsa).

Actually the Bible is fascinating. One of his students, Dr. Rocco Errico, went on after Lamsa passed to teach biblical idioms (what the Bible is filled with) and translate other works. If you can get Errico's audio set of tapes on "The Language of the Bible," you will find it more than outstanding and it will explain to you why we misunderstand what the Bible says and how it was written. Please google the Noohra Foundation in Smyrna, Georgia, and perhaps Errico's name as well. This is the center not only of Errico's work but of the original translations of the Bible done by Lamsa. I know of no one who has the ability to explain the real meaning of biblical passages better than these people.

Enjoy your new self. Wonderful worlds will open up for you. But don't forget discernment on your new path. Be discerning. It is easy to be swallowed up by what sounds good but may not be. ~PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

If you missed the IANDS conference on near-death experiences last week in San Diego, you missed an incredible treat. I want to thank the host group, Friends of IANDS San Diego. They did an incredible job putting together the entire event, held at the Mission Valley Resort - and at reasonable prices (and I do mean reasonable). With an emphasis on enhanced abilities after a near-death experience and the type of transformations that can occur, we had an opportunity to explore near-death states from yet another angle. There is a chance that next year might be in Colorado, and 2011 in Amsterdam. I truly hope this works out. Save whatever dollars you can. A conference in Amsterdam, particularly, would be an amazing thing. I know the people there who facilitate this, and they are wonderful!

Don't forget, you can now get "The Door to the Secret City," a child's book about the near-death experience and written by NDE experiencer Kathy Forti, absolutely FREE!!!!!!!!!! All of Kathy's books for children are now free, not just "The Door to the Secret City." You can download them from http://www.scribd.com/kjforti. Follow the directions. Thanks, Kathy!!!!

NDE'ers in Grief and NDE Needs versus Wants

2009-09-21T10:44:00.006-04:00

QUESTION:

"I am slowing losing my own Dad (and closest friend) to lymphoma right now, and we expect him to lose his battle some time this year.

"If only our NDE knowledge-base could protect us from the devastating grief and loss. When I lost my Mother to a car accident in 2001, it wasn't her 'glorious homecoming in heaven' that became my primary focus. I was too fixated upon the 'horrible departure' that tore my Mother from us. Even after all these years, it is the fact that she has departed from us for the rest of our lives (and not the fact that he has arrived), which remains my primary focus. I wish it could be otherwise. So, I have concluded that there is no real advantage in believing that our departed loved ones live on after death. It is the same loss whether or not we believe in an afterlife or not.

"By the way, I was surprised to learn on the Internet that Juliet Nightingale passed away [a well known near-death experiencer who conducted a radio talk show]. Anyway, life and death are illusions."...Kevin R.

ANSWER:

I put a memorial to Juliet on my website, as well as one for Leslee Morabito, one of the shinning lights during the early days of near-death research. She worked in the tiny office of IANDS when it was located at the University of Connecticut. We've been losing a lot of greats lately. If you've watched the news, you've seen this to be true across the board, and in everyday homes everywhere, especially the young.

Let me say, Kevin R., that grieving is normal and healthy. We should grieve. If we don't, problems will arise later on that could have been avoided had we sobbed, railed against what seemed unfair, and faced the "hole" in our heart and called it for what it is. I have learned this - to allow myself to be human. So, after the news came of my Dad's passing, I sobbed and sobbed. He was so important in my life. But, the following morning, at 6:00 am, Dad fully manifested before me in my bedroom. His appearance and what he said filled me with joy, and proved to me once again that we do indeed move on, that death is but a doorway, a portal, to another state of consciousness that is ongoing and forever.

I've had an opportunity to see how numerous near-death experiencers handle the death of a spouse or relative or close friend. I can say, without exception, that they come through their grief quicker and in a loving way, and go on with their life stronger and more centered than before. I have yet to see an experiencer, or even hear of one, that fell apart because of a death, and be unable to handle it. Because this is true, I must disagree with you. The near-death experience does indeed illuminate what seems so final. It does indeed help others as well to realize that death ends nothing but the physical body. Who we are, our real self, our soul, does not die and cannot die, any more than energy can cease to exist. It cannot cease to exist. All energy does is change form. That's us, too. Dying enables us to pass from one form to another. Any pain comes from holding on, attaching ourselves to the way we believe a human being must be. It is that attachment that brings us pain. Yes, grief is healthy. We miss our loved ones when they are gone, but their beingness has only altered in shape and form. It has not died. This I know.

In that knowledge, I send you love and support. Breathe through what is now happening with your Dad. Be there for him if you can. Do what you can. But always know that death is not final. It gifts us with a doorway to move into and through, to another state of consciousness, another way of existence. Accept the gift. It is worth accepting. PMH

QUESTION:

"I have read many NDE's. They say they see what they believe in. If they think they are going to hell, they see hell. Or, Jesus, Buddha, and so on. My question is: What do people see who have studied NDE's? It seems to me that they would have an advantage. If I knew that I was facing sudden death, for example if a train was coming at me, I would right away think on the God of Love and envision a beautiful paradise. The first question I would ask once on the other side is: Did I accomplish my mission?"...Dianna

ANSWER:

This is a loaded question, as people do not necessarily see in near-death states what they want or expect to see. In fact, they seldom do. So the old notion that if you think you're going to hell, you will, doesn't hold up. What does hold up is, in the deeper core of us, what we really believe in our heart of hearts (and few people are in touch with that deeper level of self), that is what tends to color our near-death episodes. In that sense, we get what we need. . . not necessarily what we want. Big difference! The scenarios people have do correspond. . . to our deeper issues. Seldom do they correspond to base emotions, feelings, or claimed beliefs.

For people who already know about near-death states, what do they see? Same issue as "wants versus beliefs." Same results. The only person I know of, thus far, where what was previously known made a difference in the scenario, was the case of Mellen-Thomas Benedict. He was well-informed about the phenomenon as he lay dying of a brain tumor. When the moment of death came, he passed through a tunnel and on to a scenario typical of what he was familiar with. He then shouted out something to the effect: "Hey, this is my experience, and I want something different." Immediately, his near-death scenario switched around to a tour of the universe that focused on solutions and inventions as problem solvers for humankind. He changed it by force of will, and got something entirely different - totally foreign to him - that still corresponded with the deeper core interests and issues in his life. He got exactly what he needed, even though he willfully asked for something else. The result? An alteration of imagery, not message. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*** The Friday Afterlife Report that comes from Victor Zammit in Australia is a free service. Just let him know you want to be on his mailing list. His e-mail address has changed. You can reach him at victorzammit@optusnet.com.au.

*** October 16-17, IANDS Conference, San Diego, CA. This is a big one. If you've ever wanted to attend a conference on the near-death experience, or more importantly if you are an experiencer, this one is for you! Hurry and register. It's next month. Register at www.iands.org. It is held at Mission Valley Resort. To register there call 1-800-362-7871. I'll be in attendance, so will many others. Great program!

*** The next Spiritual Retreat for Near-Death Experiencers is July 15-18, 2010. It is not too early to make plans and register. Contact: http://neardeathexperiencers.org.

*** Alan Hippleheuser writes an ongoing series of articles on the near-death phenomenon for "Examiner.com" in Washington, D.C. A link to one of his latest articles is http://www.examiner.com/x-14796-Near-Death-Experiences-Examiner~y2009m8d19-Author-and-expert-Atwater-states-neardeath-experiences-are-fact-in-todays-news-of-NDEs.

NDE'r: "Please help me get my life back"

2009-08-18T16:09:00.006-04:00

QUESTION:

"I have come to you seeking help. Up until a few days ago, I was a profound believer in NDEs. Even though I have never experienced one myself, I followed it's well-known paradigim. I based my entire life on it, and I certainly do not regret it. It gave me the strength I needed to achieve so much of my dreams, and helped me enjoy life to the fullest. But a couple of days ago, I was sitting down on the balcony observing the beautiful sky, when a thought crossed my mind. 'Can this be true? Is life really that beautiful? Or is it all just wishful thinking?' Ever since then I do not know what happened to me. I simply stopped believing in NDEs. Everytime I look back at it, it seems like it's too good to be true. Everytime I try to believe again, a voice inside my head keeps telling me 'don't delude yourself...something so good cannot be true.'

"I do not know what to believe anymore. There are so many things people are claiming to be true which are not. And the other way around as well. I do not know what I should believe anymore. I look at all those people not believing in NDEs, and I ask myself 'why?' If it is true, why don't people believe in it?

Also, I was reading your Q&A blog, and the latest question kind of upset me. The thing about the Tom Sawyer guy. In some NDEs I read that it is not our choice whether to stay there or not. Yet in some, people are asked if they want to or not. Now, in most of these, they say they want to stay, but they are asked to think it over, until they choose to come back. And that isn't different from it not being our choice, just a gentler way to tell us it's not our time, I guess. I couldn't find the NDE of Tom Sawyer so I thought I should ask you. Did he say he wanted to stay, and the beings agreed for him to stay? And yet still he came back? If that is so, doesn't that imply in a sense that NDEs are just a dream of some sort? Or did he say he wanted to stay and before anything happened, he came back? Or was he told that he will go back anyways?

"Sorry if I sounded too skeptical, Dr. Atwater. Personally I am amazed by NDEs, and maybe with your help I can believe in them again. I feel like I'm running out of strength without the belief of NDEs in my life. I look at my life right now, and I feel as if I'm looking with the eyes of a stranger. My friends, my beliefs and my dreams...Please help me get my life back."
... Robert

ANSWER:

Near-death experiences are nothing to "believe in." They are fact. They happen, and to millions and millions of people worldwide and of every age. They are not always pleasant. Some are nightmarish and haunt people; some are enlightening and uplift people; some challenge people and inspire them to look beyond what they think life is. Since we humans see barely 10% of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is of no reach to claim that experiences like this enable one to access more of what is already present in the world around us and has always been present. It's just that we didn't have the ability to look beyond the view before we were jerked around or challenged by this type of incredible phenomenon.

Please know the near-death experience, really, is just one of many types of transformative experiences that engender either the same or similar aftereffects. Those aftereffects move us closer to spirituality, to a walk with God or Deity, if you will. It is the aftereffects which validate the near-death experience or any type of impactual spiritual experience, not the other way around.

What climbed into your mind recently was your own ego, and your ego planted doubt. That's the ego's job, by the way, to keep you in the limited world of the left-brain hemisphere. Since we have two brain hemispheres, not one, it makes no sense to limit the input we receive. A healthy person is a whole person - whole brained. The world of the ego is important and meaningful. The world of the spirit is also important and meaningful. When you merge them or allow them to blend and work together, well, that's when things get really good - logic and intuition as one. I can't think of anything better - and that's exactly what Albert Einstein said - and look what he did with that combination!!!!!!!!!!! The world has never been the same since.

There are various ways to control one's ego and keep it in check. There are exercises and disciplines which are good for this. I recommend places, people, and books in the back of each book I've written. My favorite for this, though, is the teachings of Ernest Holmes and his book "Science of Mind." Good stuff. You might look into this, if it appeals to you. A good laugh will spin your ego around, since the ego has no sense of humor. Laughter, prayer, meditation, contemplation, poetry, dance, creativity - give your right-brain a chance.

What should you believe in? If you're wise, the God Within.
Many blessings, PMH

(Google Tom Sawyer. There have been several books written about him. He died not long ago, leaving behind not only his family but the effect he had on the thousands of people he helped, taught, and uplifted. The man lived unconditional love!!!!)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

"Beginner's Guide to Conscious Dying: The Path to Soul Healing, Peace of Mind, & Unconditional Love," by Diane Goble, MSCC, CCHt, is now available. Diane is a near-death experiencer. She came back to do this work, to help people die consciously and peacefully, ready for whatever might happen next - after they cross over to the "other side."

What makes this small volume so perfectly precious is Diane's ability to see through the veil and help people in a very personal way, specific to their own needs and wishes. Diane has a relationship to this day with spiritual beings, some she met in death years ago when she herself died and then came back, others around all of us - spiritual helpers of every sort. Those who have passed over sometimes return in spirit to be with her, some you may know aided her in writing this book - like Juliet Nightingale. There is an appendices for the type of practical/legal information you need when a loved one dies, plus a good bibliography.

This book is readily available. Should you have any problems finding it on store shelves or via Amazon.com, you can contact her several ways:

e-mail, cosmiccreativity@mac.com
postal, 14774 Bluegrass Loop, Sisters, OR 97759, or
P. O. Box 3352, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
on the web at: www.ArtOfConsciousDying.com www.TransitionGuideTraining.org www.BeyondtheVeil.net

Can a soul be gone before death?

2009-08-06T16:05:00.002-04:00

QUESTION:

"My name is Jill. I'm 58. My dad is 88 and my mom is 86. My dad's been sick with heart problems since 1966, at which time he and my mom moved to the northwoods of Wisconsin. Later they moved to North Carolina, which is where they both reside now.

"My dad's been sick with shy-dragers disease for many years, and through it all has maintained a sense of self and humor. In the last year, the disease has caught up with him. He is finally back home after a three-month nursing home stay. He is so quickly losing his mind! I haven't seen my folks for many years but stay connected via phone. I think I've missed the opportunity to say goodbye to him, as his memory is leaving so very quickly now, and his health is so bad.

"MY QUESTION: I read your articles on your website about the soul coming and going before a person actually dies. Can his soul be gone many, many months before he actually dies?

"I am a Reiki Master/Healer. I've also been able to see orbs since I was a very young child, and have had many moments of psychic ability. It never ceases to amaze me! I've been working very diligently on these abilities and was recently able to help a friend during the weeks and days while her father was dying. I received not only verbal messages from her father, but saw pictures in my head during the last weeks of his life.

"I personally didn't understand most of what I saw and heard, re. her dad, but upon receiving her permssion, gave her what I knew. Instantly, it not only made sense to her, but also to her mother and sister, as well. Within hours of telling her what I heard and saw, her father passed away; but I saw the difference what I had said to her made. It not only helped her entire family laugh outloud, but smile and accept/let go of their pain.

"This gift I've been given had never been so strong as this particular time. I want to learn how to do this, and how to really hone in. What a fabulous thing to give someone during the hardest time of their life. I don't work and therefore have no money to enroll in classes for mediumship, etc. What a shame. I know it's just under the surface and need a teacher to help me - but there isn't anyone to be my mentor without money. I've been trying for many years to do this on my own through research and lots of reading/studying, but I am stuck.

"Do you have any suggestions?

"Although I myself understand death/dying, why is it so difficult when it's about my own family? I surely hope you will respond to my questions. I seemed to find your website at the moment I needed it most.". . . Jill

ANSWER:

It is always more of a challenge with your own family - to have and maintain the objectivity you must have to be a good healer. That's why physicians will not treat close members of their own family, and neither should psychics. Your heart tips too easily when assessing needs and methods. Intuitive people are invaluable when working with the soul or spirit levels, but are not necessarily that effective in the physical plane unless that is their particular expertise.

Becoming a medium might appeal to you, yet, there are other better ways to expand your faculties of perception and your abilities to perceive different realities and energetic matrixes. Any good sensitivity training is a place to start, and you've pretty much opened that door with Reiki. Becoming involved with metaphysical churches, meditation groups, higher learning studies, or just being around a good mentor, are excellent routes to deepening your contact with The God Within. That Source is infinitely more powerful that diverting your soul structure through mediumship. I have found over the years that a person who is truly self-realized is far more aware and awakened than one who detoured through mediumship or psychic development. It's strange, but, if you dedicate your efforts into developing the virtues and living as though you were indeed a Divine Being having a human experience, you automatically become more psychic, more intuitive, more creative, more innovative, and more in tune with things "future." I love what happens automatically when our intention is set aright. The natural processes take over then and guide us in the best possible ways. I see it as putting God first. The rest unfolds in right timing and right ways.

The way of the soul, my soul, your soul, anyone's soul, operates according to greater levels of wisdom and opportunity than what is available to us on our personality level. I view prayer and meditation as ways to merge with the soul, becoming one with The One. Because of this, the soul can enter a baby's body at any time - some at conception, some not until weeks later after being born. You can usually tell if the soul is involved in the pregnancy as there will be something very mindful about the baby's actions while still in the womb - often dreams will be as if the soul of the baby is trying to communicate with the mother or father. After birth, the soul is present once that "spark" appears in the baby's eyes.

The same is true for the coming of death. It is not unusual for the soul to leave years before the body dies. This early exit can involve back and forth "visits," the soul experimenting with a good time to leave and stay gone, the soul waiting around for some incident to occur before leaving, and so forth. What is the most common - the soul usually exists once pain is too intense, once everyone is there who should be, once incidents occur that the soul wants to occur, once the timing is right for the soul's journey. There are many reasons, more than we can know. In my audio presentation "As You Die" (available in either CD or DVD), the last 10 to 15 minutes are so designed as to be played after the individual has died. The purpose of this is two-fold: the ability to hear is the last faculty lost in dying, and, during the death event and immediately after is usually the time of soul separation and soul release. Those last minutes help the soul to let go and go on. I have been amazed over the year when families obtain "As You Die" after their loved one has left, to help the family with their grieving. They say the presentation helps them to understand and feel more at peace. (You can obtain "As You Die" either from the online bookstore at www.pmhatwater.com, or from the producer at www.focusvideos.com. (Yes, I did the presentation and it is my voice you hear.)

I hope my suggestions and thoughts assist you on your journey to the heart of the Self. Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENT:

*** Near-Death Conference on Enhanced Abilities experiencers come to have, is October 16-17 in San Diego, CA. Nothing like this has ever been tackled before by IANDS (International Association For Near-Death Studies). Make arrangements to come now. Contact IANDS, services@iands.org; www.iands.org; (919) 383-7940. Also contact the Conference Chairperson, Ann Ellis, at ellisann@juno.com for more information, should you need another contact. I will be presenting a paper on enhanced abilities and discernment. Hope you can come.

Did my Child have a Near-Death Experience?

2009-07-19T16:25:00.004-04:00

QUESTION:

"I am the mother of an ll-year-old daughter that had a near-death experience when she fell into a hot tub when she was two, and nearly drowned. She has no memory of the experience now, but prior to her fall in the water, she was terrified of water, bathing, etc. She was five feet away from me when she fell in. Because of her fear of water, I didn't have to really worry about her getting in, but my attention was distracted when I started tending to my eight-month-old son. During that time she silently fell in. When we realized she was no longer by my side eating her pizza, I turned around and saw her lying face down at the bottom of the hot tub. We jumped in; my friend performed CPR and I ran to find a phone and called 911.

"Afterwards, I grabbed my 10-year-old daughter and we stood away from the apartment pool near some mailboxes. I grabbed her hands and told her we need to PRAY! We prayed to God. We prayed to Mom and Grandmother, who had passed, and prayed that if they see Kelsea to send her back to me! I told God that we have been through too much, and please do not take her from me. About that time, my friend approached me. The ambulance arrived, and he told me Kelsea was breathing!

"I rode in the ambulance with her and was greeted by a Nun at the hospital, who comforted me through the worst event in my life. The doctors where not sure of her prognosis. She was admitted to I.C.U., placed on a ventilater. I never left her side the entire time. After a day and a half she was removed from the ventilater, and calling for me (her mommy). Three days later she was discharged. To the doctors amazement, no pneumonia, no brain damage, etc.

"The first night from the hospital, I put my baby in bed with me and held her. That night she said her FIRST complete sentence (she was two). The sentence was 'Mommy, I came back! Mommy was crying. Tanner was crying, and Kristen was crying.' I told her, 'Honey, I know you did and thank you.' I didn't ask her any more questions after that. I was afraid to know, and now I regret it. Amazingly, after her near-death experience she was no longer afraid of water. To my fear, she would run to any water source, pool, bath, etc.

"Now, nine years later, I have this amazing child. She is so gifted in so many ways. She is charismatic. She was writing all kinds of words at the age of three, reading short stories before she was four. She is in gifted talented Pre-Ap classes at school and a high achiever. She is my God child. She continues to amaze me with her intelligence. Could this be a result of her NDE? I find this amazing. Do you know anyone that can test her IQ? Also, what book do you recommend me to read of yours?"...Kelsea's Mom

ANSWER:

Dear one, young children who have near-death states often do not remember their experience. The way to tell if a child had one is (1) was there an incident where such could have happened? and (2) how well do they match the spread of aftereffects?

A child who cannot remember much or at all, will still exhibit the pattern of aftereffects if indeed they had a near-death experience. There's no stopping the aftereffects. You cannot fake or stop them because they are both physiological and psychological. You may delay onset or call them something else besides what they really are, but they're still there. Of my books, please read "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences." It will tell you what you need to know about your daughter.

One of the most important things you can do now is to inspire your daughter to make her book. I am serious. Have her create a cover and title it. Her book can be construction paper, cardboard for the cover (or poster board), sheets of paper in the middle, maybe tied together with ribbon. Whatever she wants to do, feels called to do, do it; but make a book. Inside the book should be a copy of the newspaper announcement, if there was one, and all the details of the event. Be specific. Then, in the book, your daughter talks about the rest of the story her way. You already have a few words she said at the time. Give these to her. Once she gets in the mood, more words will follow. Then, have her talk about what happened afterward and continues to happen as she grows; how she sees herself, life, her family, school, what she "knows." Books can have poetry or drawings or little stories in them, and blank pages at the back for more to come.

Invite your daughter to make her book.

For parents, make a journal. Keep that journal up-to-date. Put in it your version of what happened, how if affected you, and what you noticed at the time and are still noticing about your daugher and how she is different - as it occurs. When you daughter is grown and has left home, give her your journal. Her book and your journal will be like a miracle in her life. They will be that important!

Please, encourage your daugher. You might send me a photo or two of her and her book. I'd love that. If it is such that it can be copied, I'd like a copy of it. I have a few of them and they are all precious. Each one changed the life of the person who made it. My address is P. O. Box 7691, Charlottsville, VA 22906. --PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next big conference on the near-death experience will be held October 16-17 near San Diego, California, at the Mission Valley Resort (they have very reasonable prices). Ann Ellis is the Conference Chairperson. You can contact her directly at ellisann@juno.com. For more information about the conference itself, access the IANDS website at www.iands.org (that's the International Association For Near-Death Studies). This conference will focus on the enhanced abilities experiencers come to have afterward, and what to do with them. A topic IANDS has never tackled before, but one that really needs a good hearing. I will be there. So far, they have not announced who will present papers or the keynote speakers. Make your arrangements now, anyway. Don't wait. I know the program will be incredible! It always is.

September 11 through 13, I will be in Skaneateles, New York, doing a full program for Upstate New York Friends of IANDS group. Anyone can attend. Everyone is invited! Friday night there will be a public talk on "Revelations from Near-Death Experiences." Saturday I will be giving readings for those who are interested. Sunday is a six-hour intensive on "Deepening Into Spirit," for those who are ready to "dig deeper" into the realms of spirit and soul. I seldom give this intensive, so this session will be particularly special - to me and I hope to you! Access www.unyi.org and Dave@unyi.org.

Skeptics and the Fear of Death

2009-07-19T16:10:00.007-04:00

QUESTION:

"I was very hesitant about sending you this e-mail, but I cannot take this torment much longer. It has been weeks since this has started, and it isn't the first time. One day, all of a sudden, it came back. . . my fear of death. This last time was two years ago when I started college. Somehow I had gotten over that, but I don't know about this time. I think the reason this is happening to me is because I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and I keep dwelling on these thoughts (I can no longer afford any medication or therapy). I haven't been able to study anything ever since this has started. If this continues, I will probably flunk college. But I am powerless and unable to do anything. I simply don't have strength any more. I really want to buy your books but unfortunately I live in a third world country. Even though I have the money due to the cheap price of your lovely books, I cannot manage money transfer. I live in a bit of a small house, and my parents are devout Christians. Their beliefs make them happy. I do not want to change that for them.

"So, I decided to read some of the articles in your website. I was feeling better reading them, then I decided to browse around the Internet. I read on a skeptic site about out-of-body experiences, but it was nothing I haven't seen a good reply to, so I was happy. But then I decided to read the comments, and found one that made me shiver and I am more depressed than ever. It was a comment left by someone who used to believe in NDEs, but stopped. The reason he stopped believing is because he went to an IANDS Conference, and he was asking around. He found from one of the researchers who was there, who had been experiencing with people who have OBEs, that despite the large number, none of them had been able to prove they had had an OBE (in the sense that they couldn't describe their surroundings). Is this true? I really want to believe in NDES, but I just can't. Also, I am scared about the AWARE study. What if the researchers come out with negative results? Will that prove that NDEs are not true spiritual experiences?

"On a bit more optimistic note (if that is possible), I have read an article on child near-death experiences. Even though I am 20 years old, I was kind of surprised at how I could relate to the story. I sensed that in some way it described my childhood. Even when I was around 10, I have a rather keen love for 'light.' In the living room, we have a window in which the sun shines right through. I really HATE it when that window is closed. For some reason, I feel like I HAVE to open it, and when I do, I usually like to lay on my back on the couch and just look at the sky. I really dislike the afternoon. It depresses me for some reason. I always felt alienated during my childhood. It was not until college that I met new friends whom I can relate to. I always feel detached from the world. Maybe that is partly due to my ADD and OCD. I have always had a hunger for knowledge, and an amazing zest for life! I liked laughing, studying, and almost anything else (rather ironic considering my situation).

"At first I thought these things were normal, especially since I don't remember having an NDE. But when I read the article on your website about people repressing childhood NDEs, I thought maybe that was the case with me. Do you think that is the case? If so, how do I unlock those memories? Please help me."...Patrick

ANSWER:

I attended that same conference where the man said after decades of work he had yet to find one bit of proof about the validity of out-of-body experiences. He spoke the truth from his viewpoint, but that was only his viewpoint. He did not and could not speak for the field of study, only for himself. In the field of study there are thousands of verifications, more than I can count, really, and within my own research as well. Why people like this "authority" makes statements like this (which are not true), is beyond my understanding. Perhaps it is because he was unable to verify any, and interpreted that to mean no one had. Researchers do that a lot, thinking that what they do and who they are speaks for the entire field. Wrong.

For instance, in the field of near-death studies, there has yet to be a single skeptic who has researched the entire phenomenon (the experience and the aftereffects). They only look into bits and parts, never the whole thing. That means there is no skeptical approach yet that has the bearing and weight of true research. Not one.

The near-death phenomenon does not prove there is an afterlife, yet of all other human encounters, it comes the closest to revealing what death may be and what may happen after death. As a fact, the phenomenon actually reveals more about life than it does death, a life that far exceeds what we think life is, what our faculties are, our purpose or mission in life, and what we are capable of. For this reason, if none other, the near-death phenomenon is the most important field of research today. Whether or not the AWARE project proves anything new or not, it is still a valuable step forward. I personally doubt they will be able to "prove" out-of-body experiences as part of the near-death phenomenon, because of the protocol they are using. It is full of "holes" and may not work. I really doubt that it does work. OBEs as part of near-death states evolve around emotion and are emotional. This is something that bothers "science," and something science has no real way to measure. Pim van Lommel, a Dutch cardiologist, comes out with his great book later in 2009. I am sure it will be most incredible, and with the type of verification scientists should welcome.

Excessive fear is a state of mind. Perhaps something happened to you while you were young, or a past life is "bleeding through" or making itself known. A good past-life regressionist tends to be better than a doctor with this. But you want a trained transpersonal hypnotherapist. This is the best type to go to. You must check credentials, though, to make certain the individual is who he or she claims and has good endorsements.

ADD and OCD can be caused or irritated by diet/allergies in food. A number of psychologists in Canada are now giving such children (those with "learning disorders") food tests to check on food allergies. By doing this and with some good counseling, they are turning around 80% of their cases: no more learning disorders. You may be able to check on this yourself. Investigate through the Internet how to check on foods that may be harmful to you or causing problems. I was born with dexlexia and synesthesia, and became a stutterer because of how I was treated by kids at school. Determination is a funny thing - I was so determined to teach myself how to keep a focus, talk right, read right, that, after three years of effort, I was just fine, did well, and turned my grades around for the better at school. We didn't have special education classes then. If something was the matter with your faculties or brain, that was your tough luck. Guess I was born a fighter, because I refused to accept the verdict. I also had a number of major illnesses as a child. I wouldn't accept them, either. Check your intention. What is it you want? Lay out a plan to get there, do it, and you will. You have to stay the course, however, and not give up.

You're not afraid of death.

You're afraid of life.

Seize the life you have and live it fully - your way - not some other person's way. I like things squared up on table tops and throughout our house and wherever I am. That doesn't make me OCD. It just means I'm a neat-freak. Yup, I can see a dirt ball at 40 paces. Chuckle.

Bless yourself. You have more going for you that against you. Remember that! PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

I have never done this before - telling you about the talks and workshops I offer, but it feels right to do so now. Just access my website at www.pmhatwater.com and move over to the Talks and Workshops Section. You will see that I offer a broad selection: anywhere from subjects like the near-death experience and its evolutionary aspects, to fun-intensives about relearning how to live life's basics in new ways ("Thriving Skills for Dynamic Times"), to rediscovering that life itself is a dream and how we can recognize and interpret "those" symbols ("Day and Night, the Symbols We Create"). And don't forget, Rune Casting Playshops using Goddess Runes (these are not like oracle runes and are much more specific - they are a particular divinatory system that fosters whole-brain development, not just right-brained).

Two new ones have been added (1 1/2 hours each or could be extended into a half-day session), and they are mentioned here. Don't forget I can gear my material to your needs or the wishes of your group. You can easily contact me through my website.

(1) "Revelations from the Near-Death Experience"

- everyone has a purpose in being born
- most experiencers return to life because they have more work to do
- the pressure to be about doing their purpose is relentless
- some state that the greatest sadness they have endured afterward is never learning what their purpose is
- child experiencers have a solution to this
- revelations of the "Big Picture" from adult experiencers
- revelations of the "Big Picture" from child experiencers

(2) "The Will of the Soul"

- the incredible power of our soul is unveiled in transformative experiences
- we begin to recognize that the soul, our soul, has a will and agenda of its own
- soul cycles, soul waves, soul groups, twin souls, the goal of souls
- manifestations/ensoulments
- the human form
- our comings and goings
- we have gifts to share
- the talents we bring in, and what we did with those talents when we leave
- fate/destiny/free will
- the numbers 12 and 13

Do NDEs Change DNA? + Memory Loss and the Afterlife

2009-06-09T11:20:00.004-04:00

QUESTION:

"A question just came to me and I thought I'd ask you as a researcher. Do you suppose having an NDE changes one's DNA? Has anyone thought to research this possibility?

"My sister and her husband are involved in creating DNA activation through soundscapes, and I thought if sound could affect our DNA, the brief exposure NDErs have to the Light may activate otherwise dormant cells or centers upon re-entry. In the case of the Light striking the DNA, it could cause a mutation, an addition or subtraction or enhancement in the human being's DNA structure. Because, don't you find that most NDErs over time, live at a higher level of consciousness and live their passion in service to humanity and the planet? Each in their own unique way following their spiritual path? A switch was flipped and we were 'turned on?' Anyway, just thought I'd ask."...Diane

ANSWER:

There is no specific research that I know of about DNA changes after a near-death experience. Yet, many speak about that very thing as if it were a foregone conclusion.

There is no question about the prevalence of physiological changes afterward, and these involve the brain/mind assembly, the nervous system, digestive system, and skin sensitivity. You can track these kind of changes, and I am, in the current book I am writing which wraps up my research and completes my theoretical model. The DNA, however, requires a different type of research and that has yet to be done. In one of the books, I believe it was "Beyond the Light" or maybe "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences," I tackled this subect, looking for threads, connections, that might indicate any DNA changes in a parent who had a near-death episode could be passed onto his or her children. I couldn't find anything substantial to indicate that this type of DNA alteration became hereditary. No "tit for tat." That was many years ago. Today, I tend to think better of the idea. I have no doubt that DNA changes occur. My question has always been: can that particular type of change be passed from parent to child?

When we are speaking of DNA and how it can be affected by the environment, social structures, and interpersonal behavior, the new findings coming out from the scientific world are quite stunning, especially the fact that DNA communicates with other DNA, every day, constantly. The spread of outreach with this particular communication is almost beyond belief. . . and can be verified in scientific experiments. And, yes, DNA changes per se are indeed hereditary in the human family. So, why can't I find what I am looking for with near-death experiencers? Maybe it's the way I am looking. We'll see. PMH

QUESTION:

"I am a Catholic yet ecumenical Christian. I do not get too caught up in the human traditions (although I know they have their meaning), but focus on the spirituality of letting go of human selfishness and becoming as He was (Jesus), unconditional love. I am a mechanically-minded person and find stumbling points in my belief or faith when things like my following questions come up, and I cannot understand how they work or are possible.

"I have an uncle who is 92 years old and has problems with remembering many things now. He still remembers family but forgets many things from moment to moment. He is a special person in my life, and it hurts to see him this way. When I think that he is this way because of physical breakdown of his brain, I wonder if we got it all wrong and this is all we are.

"When he passes from this life, will he remember again? Are we (our souls) so subject to this physical world that we can get like this and be 'righted' again when we shed our bodies? I just don't understand how it all works. Can you help me with at least some understanding?"...Bob

ANSWER:

Bob, no one understands how aging works nor the fullness of purpose life in physical bodies affords us. What we can gain succor from is that treasure trove of inspiration and blessing that comes from such sources as esoteric and faith traditions, mysticism, and phenomena that edgies the borders of life and death. We have so much we can turn to for aid. And that aid is rich and wonderful, and very comforting.

For those who need a little more help, phenomenal occurrences have now been researched to such a degree, that what used to be "simple faith" now has real power behind it. Just investigating what we've learned from near-death experiences is quite overwhelming in its stirring affirmation that all life has purpose and meaning, that nothing is wasted, and that no one is forgotten. Experiencers tell us that we each have a job to do, a mission to perform, just by being alive. Big or small doesn't matter, nor does it matter whether or not we accomplish our job. Following in life what seems most to matter, what pulls at us, gets us there. Read "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences." That should help to expand your thoughts about this.

The dying process is just that, a process. And that process for most of us takes a great deal of time, as we unwind and slowly disappear as the spark we once were. This process is natural and nothing to fear. It is what we grow through as we prepare to cast off our bodies and set our souls free. Instead of focusing on how much your Uncle has lost with the essence of who he once was, focus instead on what he had and what he did with his 92 years. You have more to celebrate with his life than you have to regret as he diminishes. Perhaps my audio presentation, "As You Die," might be helpful now, for your Uncle and for you.

No one likes to see a loved one fade, nor do we want to consider that the same thing will happen to us. I cannot speak to the fear in your heart, but I can speak to the joy in mine. After dying three times myself, and investigating the deaths and near-deaths of thousands of others, I can affirm that this life neither begins or ends at either birth or death, that forever can be counted on, and that the condition of our body/mind complex does not reflect the power resident within our soul. Love your Uncle - all that he was and all that he is and all that he will ever be. Be patient with his leaving and be gentle with yourself. We all have much more to be thankful for, than to regret. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*** The International Association For Near-Death Studies has just announced their coming fall conference to be held near San Diego, California. Theme is: "Transformed in the Light: Helping Humanity through Enhanced Abilities Following NDEs." Dates are October 16-17, but actually there may be something going on October 15 and 18. If you're like me, you'll plan on all four dates, just in case. And, yes, I will be there. Those wishing to submit papers, should contact the IANDS office for details: services@iands.org. Their website is www.iands.org.

*** IANDS is cooperating with a television company on a possible TV series about near-death experiences and their impact on people's lives. Experiencers are invited to submit their stories. The full criteria is located on my website at www.pmhatwater.com or with IANDS, www.iands.org.

If Suffering is an Illusion, isn't Joy? ...and Are There NDE Prodigies?

2009-06-01T11:09:00.004-04:00

QUESTION:

"If eternity is so perfect, why am I currently in a state where it seems terrifying to me?"...Justine

ANSWER:

Because you have yet to shift your focus from the external world to the internal one. That can take time. Try a meditation class or contemplative exercises. Or, maybe visit a Unity Church or a Center of Spiritual Living, if either is near. Sometimes just playing tapes in your car as you drive to and fro will open up other avenues of thinking and feeling, or, taking a yoga class. As long as you believe that the world around you in your only source of truth, you will never be satisfied with your life or how you feel. I can only offer suggestions and perspective. Action, the willingness to proceed and discover, is up to you. PMH

QUESTION:

"I really appreciate your answer, but I have one more question. Isn't embracing the idea that perception is illusion, just embracing the idea that everything is meaningless? If suffering is an illusion, isn't joy? If everything is empty and one, how are we to spend our time? Wouldn't anyone be miserable just sitting still and feeling the Oneness of everything for all time? I guess the only meaning I understand is happiness and fulfillment, which seem impossible in a universe of constant flux. Is there a point after which we can feel only bliss?"...Justine

ANSWER:

My dear Justine, if nothing else, please take up contemplation, then prayer and meditation. Begin there. Everything is real and not real at the same time. It all depends on how you view it. Everything has meaning and is purposeful, even if it seems as if it could not be so. Whatever we do, whoever we become, fills out, expands or changes our trajectory - where we are headed in the ultimate scheme of things. Nothing is wasted. Nothing. And nothing is forgotten - it just changes in meaning and purpose as we change. Emptiness is so full that it is bursting at the "seams" with potential and possibility. And there is such fascination and wonder in every "drop" of creation that boredom is non-existent. How can I possibly explain a rose to you if all you have ever seen throughout the years of your living are weeds? How can I possibly show you God's Love, The Love That Holds The Universe Together, if all you have ever known are expectations and the feelings that accompany them?

This e-mail can't do it for you. Instead, allow your heart to speak to you. Allow what is already within you to surface. There can be no other way, no other proof, no other truth for you, but that which arises from the wellspring of wisdom inside your inner self. True life, true living, true joy, begins when you do. PMH

QUESTION:

"I've been obsessed with NDEs over the past few years now, and something interesting struck me while I was thinking about them today. I've noticed that people who've been close to death/died multiple times, either always seem to have an NDE or they never do. I have yet to come across an NDEr who's died multiple times who hasn't had an NDE during his or her deaths. I know that you've had three NDEs yourself. I find this interesting; my guess regarding this thought is that perhaps some people are born with some prodigy ability to induce at least an out-of-body experience (even if they're not aware of it), just as certain people are prodigies in other areas such as music, cooking, sports, etc."...Ronnie

ANSWER:

Well, maybe. Really there's no way any of us can prove your idea one way or another. I have encountered people who died multiple times and did not have an NDE in either one of them and felt cheated that they didn't. I have run across people who had multiple experiences, then went through other death events but did not experience any more near-death states. I have met people who seemed to alternate in the sense that in one death event they had a near-death experience, the next they did not, then they did again, and then they did not. The one with the most near-death experiences in my research base was a man who had 23 of them. He was in his early forties when I met him. He was not expected to live at birth, then went on to have serious complications and difficulties that continued throughout his life. At each crisis, he had another NDE, without fail. I asked him why, and he said something to the affect that each one gave him the energy and the courage he needed to keep on living. . . they were like "vitamin pills" for him, or "life-shocks." So, if you just look at his case, your theory falls apart. He wasn't "born" to have near-death experiences. That they happened, kept him alive. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* The International Association For Near-Death Studies (IANDS) now has available an online course covering the near-death phenomenon. Called "Near-Death Experience: An Online Educational Course," it is designed primarily for healthcare professionals, but can be used by anyone. CEU credits are currently available for some; later on for people nationwide. Dubed the "best-ever introductory course," you can see for yourself by accessing this address: www.iands.org/education/educational_credits/ceu-course-home.html.
Anyone interested should contact IANDS directly at www.iands.org.

* Dates have been set for future near-death experiencer retreats at The Mercy Center, St. Louis, MO. These dates are:

July 15-18, 2010
May 12-15, 2011
April 27-30, 2012

IANDS sponsors these highly successful spiritual retreats, led by Linda Jacquin, Dave Bennett, and Bill Taylor. The website to learn more about experiencer retreats is www.neardeathexperiencers.org. To reach those in charge, contact:

Linda Jacquin jacadv@centurytel.net
Dave Bennett Dharmadb@mac.com
Bill Taylor wt123@verizon.net

New NDE Clinical Studies

2009-05-03T11:26:00.002-04:00

QUESTION:

“I’ll keep my questions down because I’m sure you don’t have a ton of time to answer lots of questions. This is such a wonderful opportunity for me, I love getting the chance to speak with someone who has such knowledge in a particular field of study. The first question I wanted to ask is: Has there been any new studies since Pim van Lommel’s, that was published in ‘Lancet,’ and have other researchers corroborated the findings that he has.

“The next thing I wanted to ask concerns patients who have had zero brain wave action or who have flatlined. Patients who have undergone cardiac arrest with a flat EEG make a very convincing case for the continuity of consciousness outside the body. Do you feel in your opinion that they will ever find that the brain is either emitting a low-level brain wave not detectable by current technology, or that scientists are going about it in a wrong way? The thing that fascinates me so much about NDEs is that they defy every attempt to explain them. Even if found to be a natural phenomenon, I don’t believe it will take all of the mystery out of the experience.

“Given the nature of NDEs, if they were a natural phenomenon, what difference do you think they would have from the current way we understand NDE, would it be the lack of long-term life changes, or is it something more (this question refers to the similarities between some drugs and some characteristics of NDEs).

“In the end, you have a unique advantage over other researchers because you have been there and back. Sometimes people feel that when someone goes through an experience they are writing about, it takes away their objectivity. I don’t see that in any of your writings. You are able to step back from both sides and present them fairly. I especially love the ending to your book, “Coming Back to Life;” very few people could express those words more eloquently than you, but then again you have experienced what other people who’s stories you research have. I apologize if this e-mail is so long. There are other questions I could ask as well, but I don’t want to take up all your time. I appreciate the opportunity to write you. God bless and keep safe.”…..Kevin

ANSWER:

Kevin, you asked have there been any new studies since the clinical prospective study done by Dr. Pim van Lommel, that was published in “Lancet” medical journal, 12-15-01. Yes, studies have continued, some large, some small, combined with those done before Pim’s work, that have resulted in a plethora of papers now published in peer-reviewed journals. Pim’s work had a huge impact. With four large clinical prospective studies done in three countries (including Pim’s), plus all those published papers, the near-death experience today is the first choice of scientists worldwide to study consciousness itself. Because of this work, we can say that things like out-of-body experiences, the dead come back, visitors from the Other Side, otherworldly journeys, are all natural and typical to the experience and are not related to oxygen deprivation, the dying brain, hallucinations, or any of the other physical conditions skeptics are so quick to offer. There is more, though. Look for news about the AWARE project. This is ongoing, a worldwide study (Awareness During Resuscitation) that includes 25 medical centers, over 1,500 patients, and is slated to last three years. There may be an announcement this fall about preliminary findings. Some of the doctors involved are already speaking to the press. There was a symposium held at the United Nations last September that focused on this project. For more information, refer to http://www.mindbodysymposium.com . Also, it would be good to check from time to time for announcements on the IANDS website (International Association for Near-Death Studies) at www.iands.org.

You asked about the brain and finding a low level emission not currently detectable. Anything is possible with enough time spent and the funding of such an advanced study. It is my observation based on my own work that the key to understanding what might be the trigger in near-death states – has something to do with the lymbic system. I know there has already been much study of the lymbic, but I still suggest that there is more to know about this ancient part of the evolving human brain – functions we can only guess at during this period of scientific inquiry.

I’m not certain what you mean with your question about long-term changes afterward, and what I have discussed in previous books. The book you mentioned, “Coming Back to Life,” was my very first attempt to write about my initial findings. There was much fear on my part in doing this, as I did not have a degree at the time and I had used a different protocol in doing my work that seemed to “fly in the face” of what had been done previously. That fear, as it turned out, was well-founded, setting the stage for years of attacks against me and my research. This, along with facing a near-bankruptcy following a take-over of my publisher by a hostile raider (during the days when “greed is good”), left us with no money and little hope. I went into a deep depression, coming out of it convinced that the only solution to the situation I was in was for me to ignore my detractors and do more and work harder. This is exactly what I did. My continued findings filled a total of eight more books, making a total of nine. I am now on my 10th and last book about my near-death research. As “a circle closes” on my work, I am finally giving myself permission to say what I have always wanted to say but never could. The working title of this book is “Straight Talk about the Near-Death Experience: Who We are as Humans, Where We’re Headed as the Souls We Truly Are.” Working titles seldom survive editing, so it’s hard to say at this point how the book will finally turn out or what it will be called. Now that some of my findings have been verified in clinical studies (I’m in the “Lancet” article), my work is finally receiving a modicum of respect. There is no way I could or would detail how much my husband and I have lost because I did the research I did. We look forward to the day when we can “catch up” financially. In the meantime, I have been truly gratified by the tens of thousands of experiencers (no exaggeration) who have said “my work saved their life.” We both rejoice that this is so. Thank you, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. I have now completed Part II of my article “Tidbits for Tough Times.” Those who are signed up for the mass mailing list that operates off my website have received both of these articles. They are now posted in the Article Section of my website at www.pmhatwater.com. It is my sincere hope the information in them proves helpful in giving you some perspective with which to view what is happening globally. If you are not presently on that mailing list and wish to be included, just let my webmaster Steff know. E-mail her at webmaster at cinemind.com. This service is free; list names are not shared with anyone.

2. Please, don’t forget about “Friday Afterlife Report.” This is also a free service and is run by Victor and Wendy Zammit in Australia. Victor is quite enamored about the entire range of spirit appearances and stories. He shares with those on his list a plethora of reportings and news. Should you be interested in signing up for this service, contact him at www.victorzammit.com or through victor at victorzammit.ccsend.com.

3. I urge you to join IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies). They are the premier clearing house for the entire field of near-death studies and related experiences. These are exciting times concerning the phenomenon, with new and important discoveries of worldwide importance occurring with some frequency. The field is no longer like it used to be, but has broadened and deepened significantly. Contact them via their website, www.iands.org or services at iands.org.

If it is time for the murdered 'to go,' what then is murder?

2009-04-03T10:49:00.000-04:00

QUESTION: "I tell everyone about your books and everything you say makes me very happy. What I like the most about you is that you never push people towards religion, and this is why I can listen to you. Nothing you say is manipulative and this is SO rare in the world.

"I have something that I would like your opinion on - well, in fact, two things.

"One is that people seem to return from their near-death experience because it is not their time to go. I was thinking, if someone was murdered - and it WAS their time to go - then would the murderer have been a helping factor in the situation? This question really gets me.

"The other is that we leave our bodies upon death and we seem to go upwards. So, I was imagining that we go into space and therefore we are aliens - this makes me laugh, but I think it is a valid point. I hope to hear from you."....Kristy from Australia

ANSWER: Your question about timing and death is a big one, one that philosophers and psychics and mediums and researchers have been trying to answer, but really can't. One of the best views about this subject comes from the late Edgar Cayce. He was a humble man, a photographer, who became one of the greatest and most documented psychics our world has ever known. Any of the many books written about him and his "readings" are good to muse over. The introductory books might be best: "The Sleeping Prophet" or "Many Mansions." You get the sense in his work, and in the work of all the great mystics from throughout history, that there is clearly two levels to things: two major flows of energy, intention, volition, and involvement. Level 1 has to do with our personality, who we are in the earthplane at this time - The Limited View. Level 2 has to do with our soul and higher states of wisdom and knowledge - The Bigger Picture.

Near-death experiencers comment on this - that because of their episode, they now realize that they are not confined to their body, that what or who they really are is a soul still very much connected to God. That in fact, they are a divine being having a human experience, not the other way around. This switch in perspective changes everything and especially how you regard what seems to be real. Jesus said, "Judge not lest ye be judged also." That's basically what experiencers say - they lose much of their penchant to judge, to insist that things happen certain ways. In the Life Review, or in the Revelatory Part of Their Experience, they are shown, see, or come to know the answers to all their questions - the puzzle pieces to life are revealed: things like why Uncle George lost an arm, why Aunt Tilly had to work so hard while Aunt Gertrude had it easy, why one child is born into poverty and another is born into wealth, why there is good and evil. Unfortunately, the vast majority of near-death experiencers return to life knowing the whys and wherefores - knowing they know - but are unable to remember specifics. Details evade them. They just know there's a reason for everything, and eventually they accept that, and it's okay.

If you have my book "We Live Forever," turn to pages 13 and 14 and read about those two high school girls who were about to graduate when they were killed in a head-on automobile accident. The guy was drunk. A year later, each girl came back to her mother in a vivid, absolutely real manifestation (dream/vision) and explained why they had died. Both mothers told a local astrologer about their vivid manifestation, each one separately; the local astrologer got ahold of me, and I suggested that a psychiatrist be called in who might be open to having both families come to his office and then have both mothers (who did not know each other, nor had they spoken to each other), tell their story. This happened, and an incredible healing occurred. You see, BOTH girls said that dying in a violent accident was the only reason for their birth. The one at the wheel of the car (her soul) had undergone violent deaths before, but the other one (soul) had not, and wanted to. So, the one agreed to help the other. Read the whole story. It is profound, and stunning in what it implies. Now, about the guy in the car who got drunk and ran his car into theirs. Was that his job? Was that something he too had agreed to do before he was born? We have no way to know, as nothing more was heard of him after his sentencing and imprisonment. How do we judge this case? Certainly, such careless, wanton behavior deserves punishment, but, in truth, was he also part of an even greater plan? And if he was, how do we handle that? Where do we draw the line, or do we?

I truly believe that the laws of the earthplane should be obeyed. If they are not, there needs to be some type of action in the sense of restoring balance and making right a terrible wrong. Yet in saying this, I recognize that in some cultures they use a more karmic law, a more just one. Example: if a man kills a child's parents, even accidentally, he must then step in, raise and educate and protect the child until grown, and do it well, whether he wants to or not. He must step in and fill the shoes of the one he eliminated. There are many ways of dispensing judgments and punishments that are much fairer that what is metted out in our American courts. We are shown that in near-death life reviews. Many are the experiencers who must relive anything they did to hurt another, even to the point of becoming that person and feeling and living through the hurt and pain that person suffered. We become the person we aggrieved. This is why so many mobsters/criminals, after their near-death episode, can no longer function the way they did before and seek out avenues where they can pay back the people they hurt or cheated or betrayed.

Level 1 and Level 2 modes of living are valid, true, and parallel each other. We are a personality and we are a soul. We are human and we are divine. Learning how to handle this, the two levels of our existence, is what spirituality and religion and esoteric tradition and mysticism are for. Through prayer and meditation, through the silence of our being, through the peace within, we connect with Higher Truths, that enable us to live our lives with joy and faith and love.

Your second question concerns moving upwards after death. Yes, it is true, most near-death experiencers and those who are about to die, speak of "upward" as if that is where they are going, or where they went. But it is not always upward. Some travel downward or sideways. Don't think that the majority means everyone, because it doesn't. Nor should we assume that upward means toward the heaven-worlds and downward means toward the worlds of hell. Not so. This assumption does not hold up in broad-based studies. What is holding up in research findings, though, is the puzzle of. . .why left? We now have percentages from hospice and hospital nurses who say that most of the visitors from "the other side" and most of the dead who come back and visit the dying or appear as a guide, guardian, or aid, come in from the left - stats are between 85 to 88% That is a huge figure and one we cannot account for. I've had some nurses say, "Oh well, the reason is - nurses are instructed to always go to the right of a patient and sit to the right." Yet, reports of left are more expanded than that and from larger reporting areas. It's what I've consistently found, as well. So, the question remains: why left? My thought is that our heart is on the left, our right brain hemisphere (that affects our left side) is the one more open to otherworldy adventures, and that healing energy of itself seems to move in that direction. No one really knows why, still, I am very grateful we are at last asking the question.

Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

**** There is still a few spaces left for the 2009 Spiritual Retreat for Near-Death Experiencers, being held at the Mercy Center in St. Louis, MO. The dates are May 8 - 11; final dealine for registering is April 7. If you are interested, go directly to www.neardeathexperiencers.org for more information. I've attended one of these before, and they are outstanding!

**** Diane Goble is now training people to become "Transition Guides" so they can teach the "Art of Conscious Dying" to caregivers. This is an extremely important work anyone can do. Access the following websites for what you need to know and how you can get involved:

www.BeyondtheVeil.net
www.TransitionGuideTraining.org
www.ArtOfConsciousDying.com

**** I hope by now you have all read "Tidbits for Tough Times." If you haven't, access my website at www.pmhatwater.com, and go to the Articles Section. The energetics of life are now difficult to understand much less deal with. The article contains tidbits on what is going on and how to handle it. It is short. Won't take too much time to read. The article, by the way, was sent out to everyone on my mass mailing list. There is no cost to be listed and no one else has access. If you want on the list, contact my webmaster Steff, at webmaster at cinemind.com, and sign up. There will be a Part II - out in about a week or so.

Blessings, PMH

The Life Review and Experiencing One's Effect on Others

2009-02-15T10:46:00.005-05:00

QUESTION:

"Hey, I notice your website has over a million visitors. Good. I have been a fan of your work and have a lot of respect for it. So, I thought you might be one of the few people who would know the answer to this possibly-obscure question.

"I know that in the life review, we often experience the effect we've had on others, by 'being' them for a time. So, if we harm others, we feel it. I imagine this would go for animals, too.

"But what about if you kill an insect? In the past when we've had too many cockroaches, in a moment of stress, I would throw some hot water on them and they would die suddenly. But I'm sure it's not nice. H-m-m-m, in fact, I feel guilty even now. But, sometimes you might have to kill a spider. Is there any evidence/are there any reports that people experience what they do to insects during a near-death experience?

"I believe insects do have consciousness, even if primitive. But, putting aside morality, what is the evidence/reports in this area?

"Most appreciate any guidance. Perhaps this might make an interesting sidebar in your books sometime."....Tim

ANSWER:

In my first book, "Coming Back to Life" (republished in 2008 thanks to Transpersonal Publishers), I carried a story about a near-death experiencer who could no longer kill even an ant after her episode. She was one of those who became keenly aware of insects, bugs, animals, and that sort, afterward.

Certainly in various Eastern religions, especially Buddhism, there are traditions - most of them called "The Royal Road" - whereby one does not kill anything, ever, not one bug or critter or crawler, even if it means the individual must forefeit his or her life in exchange.

So, how does one handle this type of sensitivity after an experience like a near-death episode? Many experiencers continue to kill insects afterward out of concern for others, or the safety factor with their families. But they do so with a "different" frame of mind. The majority are like Vernon Sylvest (his story is in my book "Beyond the Light"). He learned to communicate with the angel or deva of that particular species first, and discuss with that force/source what his wishes/needs were, and then ask that the members of that particular species in his area honor his request. Vernon is a physician; I've known him for years. And his method works. He tunes into the "group consciousness" of that species, states his request/need and reasoning, seeks a mutual solution that helps both him and them, then - bingo - he gets what he requested, without killing or harming anything or anyone.

I pretty much do the same thing, except I have an understanding with the various insect devas in my area, that should any of their number invade our house or cause problems with our property, they are subject to being killed. That understanding is a strong one. Should I kill a bug, I do so saying, knowing, feeling, that I am returning the critter to Divine Substance, back to whence it came. I honor that being and I wish it well. I am convinced that because I have this understanding, very few bugs ever enter our house - and we live in a three-story townhouse near a small forest: which means lots of critters everywhere - except where they agreed not to be.

Talk to life, regardless of the form it takes, and honor that life. Mutual benefit comes from mutual respect. PMH

SPECIAL COMMENTS FROM A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCER:

"I had a near-death experience at a very young age (approximately
two years old). I had on cloth diapers which were wet. The floor I was on
was marble that had metal dividers in it for decorative purposes.
Apparently I found a paperclip and put it into an electric socket.

"What follows is one of the most vivid experiences I have ever had
(I am now 50). I left my body, and, as I ascended, I remember feeling upset
that I had just started my life and did not want to go. I kept thinking
that as the walls disintegrated and the horizons looked as though they went
on for eternity. There were rings of clouds from the base of the horizon.
They became increasingly smaller the higher they went. I started to move up
towards a small, beautiful, loving light at the top of this formation. The
whole time I felt this to be very natural, however, did not want to keep
going because I knew there was work to be done back on earth and did not
want to give up. The acceleration towards the light stopped, and then I
found myself back in my body. My father found me and was able to revive me.

"This is my earliest memory and, to this day, one of my most vivid.

"I want you to know that your books and your life have always been
an inspiration to me. (I have always been a voracious reader on the subject
of near-death experiences.) I have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), and I am
making a loving transition this year. Your messages provide great beauty
and solace. Thank you for what you do."....Chris

ADDENDUM: I don't know if you are still "wearing" your body, Chris. But I
do know your life and what you have shared touched millions. Blessings
always, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Time-sensitive - May 8 thru May 11 the International
Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) will again
be hosting a spiritual retreat for experiencers of
near-death states. This unique experience will be
held in the Mercy Center near St. Louis, MO. If you
are interested in knowing more, access this website -
www.neardeathexperiencers.org. There is a limit of
30 people who can attend. SIGN UP NOW! I was lucky
enough to attend once. It was like experiencing the
Holy of Holies, where many of our near-death episodes
lead us, in the beauty and joy of each other's hearts.

NDE Research Index - For anyone who has gone searching for
solid information about the phenomenon, you know how
difficult it can be to find what you want. IANDS has
prepared an NDE Research Index that covers all papers
and English-language articles on the subject between
1877 and 2005. That's 128 years of information! For
information on how to use and the cost of doing so,
access www.iands.org/bibcd.html.

Large Buddhist Conference held last December in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, covered "Closer to Reality: Understanding
Death and Beyond." They had several sessions on near-
death and out-of-body experiences, and on children's
spontaneous past-life recall. This was a scholarly
event. To learn more, access www.c2rc.org/.

German NDE Network - At the January 2009 meeting of IANDS-
Munich, 110 people attended of which 40% were near-
death experiencers. Speakers were Pim van Lommel, M.D.
and Evelyn Elsaesser-Valarino. This group is growing
in numbers. If you are interested in attending their
meetings or want to know more about them, contact Alois
Serwaty at netzwerk-nahtoderfahrung@t-online.de or
Thomas Angerpointner at Angerpointner@t-online.de. For
what is going on in other countries, contact IANDS at
www.iands.org.

Are EMFs Hazardous to Our Health?

2009-01-30T19:11:00.002-05:00

SPECIAL ARTICLE

I promise you that by mid-February I will be back to answering your questions in this blog, and there are many announcements I want to pass on too. But, this article is so important, I would be remiss not to pass it on. The article concerns electromagnetic fields, low frequency waves, and, yes, electrical sensitivity.

In my research of near-death states, I found that 73% of experiencers come back with electrical sensitivity. A scientific study was published about this in a recent issue of the “Journal of Near-Death Studies” validating my work with this - the high number of near-death experiencers who exhibit electrical sensitivity as part of the aftereffects pattern.

This is a huge issue, and, an expensive one. In a culture that is fast becoming dependent on high tech gadgets and programs, the question of electrical sensitivity can become a question not only of basic survival, but of good health, mental acuity, even of one’s sanity. Anyone can benefit from knowledge about this subject, and taking steps in one’s home and workplace right now to cut down on excessive exposure. To a near-death experiencer, however, the information which follows is priceless. PMH

Are EMFs Hazardous to Our Health?

Can electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines, home wiring, airport and military radar, substations, transformers, computers and appliances cause brain tumors, leukemia, birth defects, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, headaches, cataracts, heart problems, stress. nausea, chest pain, forgetfulness, cancer and other health problems?

Numerous studies have produced contradictory results, yet some experts are convinced that the threat is real.

Dr. David Carpenter, Dean at the School of Public Health, State University of New York believes it is likely that up to 30% of all childhood cancers come from exposure to EMFs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns "There is reason for concern" and advises prudent avoidance".

Martin Halper, the EPA's Director of Analysis and Support says "I have never seen a set of epidemiological studies that remotely approached the weight of evidence that we're seeing with EMFs. Clearly there is something here."

Concern over EMFs exploded after Paul Brodeur wrote a series of articles in the New Yorker Magazine in June 1989. Because of Paul Brodeur's reputation. his articles had a catalytic effect on scientists, reporters and concerned people throughout the world.

In November 1989, the Department of Energy reported that "It has now become generally accepted that there are, indeed, biological effects due to field exposure."

The EMF issue gained more publicity in 1990 when alarming reports appeared in Time, the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and popular computer publications. ABC's Ted Koppel and CBS's Dan Rather both aired special segments on EMFs.

In addition to the long-term health concerns, buying a house with high fields will be an economic disaster. In a few years, when power line radiation is as well known as asbestos and radon, a house with high fields will be practically impossible to sell. Already there are hundreds of lawsuits regarding EMFs and property devaluation.

EPA Says the Threat Is Real

By 1990, over one hundred studies had been conducted worldwide. Of these, at least two dozen epidemiological studies on humans indicated a link between EMFs and serious health problems. In response to public pressure, the Environmental Protection Agency IEPA) began reviewing and evaluating the available literature.

In a draft report issued in March 1990, the EPA recommended that EMFs be classified as a Class B carcinogen -- -a "probable human carcinogen and joined the ranks of formaldehyde, DDT, dioxins and PCBs.

After the EPA draft report was released, utility, military and computer lobbyists came down hard on the EPA. The EPA's final revision did NOT classify EMFs as a Class B carcinogen Rather, the following explanation was added:"

At this time such a characterization regarding the link between cancer and exposure to EMFs is not appropriate because the basic nature of the interaction between EMFs and biological processes leading to cancer is not understood."

Curiously, this rather unusual logic appears on the same page as the following: "In conclusion, several studies showing leukemia, Lymphoma and cancer of the nervous system in children exposed to supported by similar findings in adults in several/ occupational studies also involving electrical power frequency exposures, show a consistent pattern of response that suggest a causal link. "

When questioned about the contradictory nature of these statements, the EPA responded that it was "not appropriate" to use the probable carcinogen label until it could demonstrate how EMFs caused cancer and exactly how much EMF is harmful.

This explanation does not satisfy many critics who claim that the EPAs upper management was influenced by political and economic considerations exerted by utility, computer and military lobbyists.

How Do I Measure EMFs?

A Gauss is a common unit of measurement of magnetic field strength. A Gauss meter is an instrument which measures the strength of magnetic fields. Inside a Gauss meter there is a coil of thin wire, typically with hundreds of turns. As a magnetic field radiates through the coil, it induces a current, which is amplified by the circuitry inside the Gauss meter.

Gauss meters may vary in the strength of the magnetic field they are capable of measuring. A meter used for measuring EMFs from power lines, transformers, substations and appliances around the home, for example, should be able to measure as low as .1 mg.

Gauss meters vary widely in price and accuracy. Meters have either a single axis coil or a triple axis coil. Single axis meters are much simpler than triple axis meters to manufacture and thus, are less expensive.

To use a single axis meter you must point the meter's one sensor in three directions -- -the x, y and z axis. Then, you combine the three readings in a mathematical equation to calculate the combined field strength. Obviously, its far easier and more accurate to use a 3-axis meter. Triple axis Gauss meters are quite accurate, but they are also more expensive.

Another thing to watch out for when purchasing or renting a Gauss meter is whether or not it is frequency weighted. Most meters will read the same EMF strength no mater what the frequency.

As the human body appears to be sensitive to both the field strength AND the frequency, Gauss meters used for biological purposes should be "frequency weighted".

This means that if the field is different than 60 Hz the meter will consider the frequency and use it in calculating and displaying the EMF's strength. This feature is why frequency weighted meters will show a higher EMF reading than those meters typically used by electricians and engineers.

Power Lines

An enormous amount of electricity is created at power generating stations and sent across the country through wires that carry high voltages. All power lines radiate electromagnetic fields. The question is: how much are the

power lines near YOUR home radiating? The amount of EMFs coming from a power line depends on its particular configuration. Power companies know which power line configurations are best for reducing EMFs but most don't feel the evidence supports costly changes in the way they deliver electricity.

Substations

A substation is an assemblage of circuit breakers, disconnecting switches and transformers designed to substations have been blamed for causing cancer clusters among nearby residents. Paul Brodeur wrote about several such cancer clusters in the July 9, 1990 issue of the New Yorker Magazine.

Transformers

A key component of a utility's electrical distribution network depends upon numerous, small transformers mounted on power poles. A transformer looks like a small metal trash can, usually cylindrical.

Even when the electrical service is underground, you will often see a metal box (usually square} located on the ground near the street. Many people don't realize that when they see a transformer, the power line feeding the transformer is 4000 to 13,800 volts.

The transformer then reduces the voltage to the 120/240 volts needed by nearby homes. Since these transformers can be seen in almost every neighborhood, they are a source of concern.

EMFs near a transformer can be quite high, but due to its small structure, the field strength diminishes rapidly with distance, as it does from any point source. For this reason, having a transformer located near your home is usually not a major source of concern, although just to make sure, everyone should measure the field strength around it.

Home Wiring

If your home has high EMF readings, it is important to determine the sources of the EMF so that remedial action can be taken, if possible. Many times a particular room will have a higher EMF reading. Check to see if the electricity is coming into the house on the wall outside that room. When this is the case, it is usually a good idea to block off that room and only use it for storage purposes.

Sometimes, the source of a high magnetic field is incorrect wiring. If you suspect that your home is wired improperly, obtain the services of a licensed electrician. Warning: Do not touch electric wires, even if you think the current is turned off. If you need to disconnect electrical circuits to determine the source of magnetic fields, you should call a licensed electrician.

Computers

Computers are a complicated subject. Know this: EMFs radiate from all sides of the computer. Thus, you must not only be concerned with sitting in front of the monitor but also if you are sitting near a computer or if a computer is operating in a nearby room.

The Swedish safety standard, effective 711/90, specifies a maximum of 0.25 mG at 50 cm from the display. Many US manufactured computers have EMFs of 5 - 100 mG at this distance. And know this too: the screens placed over monitors do NOT block EMFs. Not even a lead screen will block ELF and VLF magnetic fields.

Space does not permit a more thorough discussion of computers. If you use a computer, it is important that you

measure your EMF exposure with a Gauss meter and review the literature concerning the health impacts of computer use.

Electric Blankets and Waterbeds

Electric blankets create a magnetic field that penetrates about 6-7 inches into the body. Thus it is not surprising that an epidemiological study has linked electric blankets with miscarriages and childhood leukemia.

This pioneering work was performed by Dr. Nancy Wertheimer and Ed Leeper, who originally discovered that magnetic fields were linked to childhood leukemia. Similar health effects have been noted with users of many electric blankets and waterbed heaters will emit EMFs even when turned off.

The devices must be unplugged to delete the EMF exposure Additionally, there is the issue regarding the vibrations that are generated by sleeping on standing water. There is less hard data in this area but some experts are concerned about the consequences.

Electric Clocks

Electric clocks have a very high magnetic field, as much as 5 to 10 mG up to three feet away. If you are using a bedside clock, you are probably sleeping in an EMF equivalent to that of a power line Studies have linked high rates of brain tumors with chronic exposure to magnetic fields, so it is wise to place all clocks and other electrical devices (such as telephones and answering devices) at least 6 feet from your bed.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights produce much more EMFs than incandescent bulbs. A typical fluorescent lamp of a office

ceiling have readings of 160 to 200 mg 1 inch away.

Microwave Ovens and Radar

Microwave ovens and radar from military installations and airports emit two types of radiation -- microwave and ELF. Microwaves are measured in milliwatt per centimeter squared (mW/cm2) As of 1/1/93, the U.S. safety limit for microwave exposure is 1 mW/cm2, down from a previous 10 mW/cm2. The Russian safety limit is .01 mW/cm2. All microwave ovens leak and exceed the Russian safety limit. In addition, recent Russian studies have shown that normal microwave cooking coverts food protein molecules into carcinogenic substances.

When measuring microwaves from military and airport radar sources, 100% accurate readings can only be found with extremely expensive digital peak-hold meters. Why? Because analog devices begin to drop their reading immediately after the radar sweep passes. Thus, while an analog meter can show whether or not you are being exposed to radar EMFs, analog meters can't show your true exposure. Although thousands of dollars to purchase, digital-hold meters capable of accurately detecting radar EMFs can be rented for several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month.

Telephones and Answering Machines

Telephones can emit surprisingly strong EMFs, especially from the handset. This is a problem because we hold the telephone so close to our head. Place the Gauss meter right against the ear piece and the mouth piece before buying a phone.

Some brands emit no measurable fields and others emit strong fields that travel several inches....right into your brain. Answering machines, particular those with adapter plugs (mini-transformers), give off high levels of EMFs.

Electric Razors and Hair Dryers

Electric razors and hair dryers emit EMFs as high as 200 to 400 mG. This seems alarming, but we don't know if this is worse (or better) than a chronic exposure to a 2-3 mG field. Some EMF consultants recommend that hair dryers not be used on children as the high fields are held close to their rapidly developing brain and nervous system.

Prudent Avoidance

Electricity is an inseparable part of our modern day society. This means that EMFs will continue to be all around us. But as Discover Magazine postulated, aside from making our life easier, is electricity also making our lives shorter?

Most experts agree that limited, non-chronic exposure to EMFs is not a threat. For example, it is probably acceptable for a person to be near a toaster in the morning.

BUT, it is not advisable for a person to sleep under an electric blanket, up close, live near a power line/substation, and sleep in a room where the power enters the home. This person is under an extreme case of chronic exposure. This condition, unfortunately, applies to millions of Americans.

If you wish to follows the EPA's advice and practice "prudent avoidance" then the following advice is offered:

Measure your home, work and school environments with a Gauss meter Measure EMFs both inside and outside your home. Don't let your children play near power lines, transformers, radar domes and microwave towers.

Avoid areas where the field is above 1 mG. Measure the EMFs from appliances both when they are operating and when they are turned off. Some appliances (like TVs) are still drawing current even when they are off.

Don't sleep under an electric blanket or on a waterbed. If you insist on using these, unplug them before going to bed (don't just turn it off). Even though there is no magnetic field when they are turned off, there may still be a high electric field.

Don't sit too close to your TV set. Distance yourself at least 6 feet away. Use a Gauss meter to help you decide where it is safe to sit.

Rearrange your office and home area so that you are not exposed to EMFs from the sides/backs of electric appliances and computers. In the home, it is best that all major electrical appliances, such as computers, TVs, refrigerators etc, be placed up against outside walls. That way you are not creating an EMF field in the adjoining room.

Don't sit too close to your computer. Computer monitors vary greatly in the strength of their EMFs, so you should check yours with a meter. Don't stand close to your microwave oven. Move all electrical appliances at least 6 feet from your bed. Eliminate wires running under your bed. Eliminate dimmers and 3-way switches.

Be wary of cordless appliances such as electric toothbrushes and razors. You may choose not to wear a quartz-analog watch because it radiates pulsating EMFs along your acupuncture meridians.

An older mechanical windup watch would be an acceptable alternative. It is also recommended to wear as little jewelry as possible and to take it off at night. Many people have metal sensitivity which can be aggravated by placing it right on the skin. Measure with a gauss meter to be sure.

And last, but not least, always, always, always remember that EMFs pass right through walls. The EMF you are reading on your Gauss meter could be radiating from the next room...or from outside your home.

Additional Radiation Info:

Eyeglass frames should ideally be made from plastic with no wires in them, otherwise they can serve as an antenna to focus the radio and cellular phone waves directly into your brain.

What EMF Level Is Safe?

There's a heated debate as to what electromagnetic field (EMF) level is considered safe. Since the experts have not come to an consensus, you'll have to decide for yourself... Many government and utility documents report the usual ambient level of 60-Hz magnetic field to be 0.5 mG.

Thus, any reading higher than 0.5 mG is above the "usual" ambient exposure. Many experts and public officials, as well as the few governments that have made an effort to offer public protection, have adopted the 3 mG cutoff point. The EPA has proposed a safety standard of 1 mG. Sweden has set a maximum safety limit of 1 mG.

Dr. Robert Becker, an MD who has been studying the effects of EMFs for 20 years, states a lmG safety limit in his book Cross Currents. When electricians try to solve a magnetic field problem they do their best to drop the level to 1 mG or below.

Dr. Nancy Wertheimer, a Ph.D. epidemiologist who has been studying EMFs for 20 years, has been looking at the epidemiological data in a different way -- she is trying to associate EMF levels with

health rather than disease. The level she is coming up with is a cut off of 1 mG. Russian researchers claim that 1/1000ths of a mG should be the standard.

The BioElectric Body believes that there are several stages of health between "optimum wellness", "degenerative disease" and "Cancer". Thus, we maintain our own living and sleeping quarters at 0.5mG and below.

Recommended Reading

Cross Currents The Perils of Electropollution. The Promise of Electromedicine Robert 0. Becker, M.D. Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., 1990

Currents of Death The Attempt to Cover Up the Threat to Your Health Paul Brodeur Simon and Schuster, 1989

Electromagnetic Man Health & Hazard in the Electrical Environment Cyril W. Smith & Simon Best St. Martin's Press. Inc. 1989

If we always have free will, why can't we decide when it's time to leave this world?

2009-01-16T19:13:00.005-05:00

Question: "I have a deep interest in life and death questions since early age, and I never thought of death as something scary. But as I read more and more on this topic, including your works and the website, www.nderf.org, one question remains unclear to me.

"If we always have our choice, our free will, and can decide whether we should return to this life or no, why then cannot we decide when it's our time to leave from this world?

"Some time ago I understood I have absolutely no interest in this world; it seems like a child's garden to me and I'm really wishing to leave and develop and help in other places - but I'm still here as you can see. It's been about five years I am asking God to let me go, saying I've changed my plans and I do not want just another earthly life, and that I'm too tired to live in a world where there are constant wars and destruction going on. I am a peaceful person and just cannot think of having children here, since it's too cruel a place.

"If I made myself clear, why am I still here? I am definitely not going to play the role that was intended initially, before my NDE, and I don't want to be just an observer. I want to live my own life. Why is my choice not respected, nor am I given any hints about the situation?"...Lelia

ANSWER: You sure ask really big questions, Lelia, the kind that no one can really answer. I can share some observations I have made throughout my life, however, and through the process of research, that may hopefully prove to be of interest to you.

** Near-death experiencers who choose to stay on the Other Side and not return to their earthly life, are sent back anyway. It seems as if our choice is not really a choice. We are sent back if "it isn't our time to die and stay dead." Case in point is the story of Tom Sawyer (yes, that really is his name). He was crushed when supports broke while he was trying to repair a vehicle. The beings he met on the Other Side asked if he wanted to stay or return to the life he had just left. He was quite adamant about his choice to stay, then awoke in his body as paramedics were trying to save him. He was angry about this for some time.

** People who want to die seldom die when they want to. Those who chose to hurry the process and/or commit suicide are seldom successful, and often wind up having to deal with problems far greater than if they had continued on uninterrupted with the life they had. The wiser choice seems to be to "work it through" while still inside your body.

** Experiencers of transformative states (the near-death experience among them), usually become hyper-aware of spiritual forces afterward and of the soul and the importance of spirituality. In that awareness, most of them come to know that the soul, their soul, is directive in their life and the chief architect of it. They speak of their personality as if it were their "lower or lesser self," and of their soul as if it were their "higher or more refined self." Although the lower-self personality, our ego, makes choices all the time, it is the higher self or soul that strives to keep the ego on track so the purpose of the life, their life, can be fulfilled.

** The soul appears to be connected more directly with the Godhead and more in charge of the "curriculum" we learn and move through during our lifetime. Merging more with the soul or becoming aligned with it seems to be a major goal of spiritual development, and as such is a component of the aftereffects from transformative states of consciousness. The more attuned we become to our true nature, the more we merge with our soul and live from that level of conscious awareness. Some call this enlightenment, but I rather consider it to be a natural step in spiritual maturity. This higher form of awareness gives us the opportunity to "see beyond the view," and come to recognize infinite realities and types and dimensions and spaces and kinds of life and living beyond what our faculties normally tell us. Many times this inner truth reveals what we might call "past lives" or other forms of ourselves that may need "brushing up," changing, redesigning, or experiencing from another point of view. It seems that we do not move up (or out) in our progression toward spiritual maturity until we have completed what we planned or agreed to do from that greater consciousness. Example: if you want to hurry your death along and are tired of living, either the action you take to do this won't work or you mess up your life and body and have to repair them (which is no fun), or you pop right back into another body and have to relive everything all over again - only this time it will be harder to do. The consensus is: either stick with your "original" program or improve it. And the way you do that is to grab ahold of your life and begin the conscious decision of agreeing to transform everything, and that means you as well.

** By the way, the late Edgar Cayce, one of the greatest psychics who has ever lived, indicated repeatedly that we choose the date and conditions of our birth (and that means who will be our parents), and we also choose the date and conditions of our death (which makes one wonder about accidents - are they really "accidental" or just how does this all work?).

** You might read my books, "We Live Forever" and "Future Memory," for a broader view of the soul, soul cycles, and soul relationships, and what transformative states of consciousness can reveal about greater realities than the three dimensions we usually interact with. No matter how you feel about the world of today, or what is gong on in your life, there is always another way to view things and another truth involved. Transformative, prayerful, and meditative states open wide these "larger doors" of perception. You might also investigate opportunities for spiritual development (called the journey within), like: "A Search for God Study Groups" with the A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment). Should you be interested in what they have to offer as an organization, their study groups, conferences, and classes, call 1-800-333-4499. Ask for their free introductory material. This organization is based on the psychic readings of the late Edgar Cayce. There are many other groups around of various types including church groups, metaphysical and spiritual centers, that offer "think again" and "higher truth" classes. Wonderful magazines are now available, like: "Science of Mind," "Venture Inward," "Unity Magazine," "Light of Consciousness," and "Ode" (the magazine of intelligent optimists).

I hope these ideas are helpful to you. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. You no longer have to travel to hear one of my talks. Four "sound files" are now available on my new "Tele Presence Page" on my website. Walks With Thunder, a shaman who was a child experiencer of a near-death states, is the moderator The two I did with him will surprise you. You get $5 off if you do your download by February 1st.

2. If you love animals, and especially if you have a pet now or lost one, please get the small, self-published book, "Angels in Disguise." It was written by near-death experiencer, A. R. Hartung (Alexa). I've read a number of books by animal communicators, but I don't remember any of them being as homey, down-to-earth, and comforting as this one. Since Alexa published it herself, you need to write her for more information (as to price and shipping costs). Write: A. R. Hartung, 121 Erskine Drive, Conway, SC 29526. A brief version of her near-death episode is located in the back of the book. A very special publication.

3. For the last several years, IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies) has sponsored a spiritual retreat for near-death experiencers. "Pearls of Wisdom" presentation is what the people who have attended put together as a way of speaking their truth, what they learned from dying and experiencing the phenomenon. To access this collection of "Pearls of Wisdom" link to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89SIKkiqyKs. You may also want to access the youtube presentation of David Bennett, an experiencer who facilitates an IANDS group in upper New York State, at http://www.youtube.com/user/DavesDharmaTalk.

4. This time of year for as long as I can remember, perhaps for eons, actually, there always emerges a time of endings, closing down, shutting doors, and retreating more into the deeper reaches of self and the world around us. Businesses lay off workers, an inordinate number of people die (this year, many who seemed far too young left), and we are called upon to reassess and reexamine our lives. There are many wonderful books, classes, workshops, church and meditative programs able to give aid and comfort for the "darkest" nights of winter solstice. If loved ones have died or are dying, check around your area for the rebirth of "Threshold Choirs." As an individual dies, this type of choir can "sing them out." Incredibly spiritual and loving, I highly recommend Threshold Choirs. In the Charlottesville, Virginia, area, two people to contact about this type of choir, and/or how to start one, are: Lynn Pribus at Pribus@earthlink.net, and The Threshold Choir of Charlottesville at bon.mourant@yahoo.com. The nationwide website is www.thresholdchoir.com. You might also want to use the CD presentation called "As You Die," which I prepared several decades ago, and is distributed by the Catholic networking group, Focus Videos, at www.focustv.com - or you can get it directly from me at www.pmhatwater.com. It is available in both CD and DVD forms.

This year the energies are especially potent for reexamining everything, not just one's self. Our governments, our banks, our businesses, our health-care sources, our pocketbooks, make it plain that we cannot go on living the way that we have. We must downscale and reinvent. We can and we will. Book publishing, bookstores, and researchers such as myself are also being impacted. Still, I have every confidence the hunger to learn will continue - that is why I have a new Tele Presence Page - and that is why I keep on writing. There is too much to share to be silent and too much joy and love to keep things bottled up.

Blessings to all, PMH

Deathbed NDEs and NDE Mathmatics

2008-12-11T09:57:00.000-05:00

QUESTION ONE: "I've been obsessed with NDEs over the past few years now, and something interesting struck me while I was thinking about them today. I've noticed that people who've been close to death/died multiple times either always seem to have an NDE, or they never do. I have yet to come across an NDEr who's died multiple times, who hasn't had an NDE during his or her deaths. I know that you've had three NDEs yourself. I find this interesting; my guess regarding this thought is that perhaps some people are born with some prodigy ability to induce at least an out-of-body experience (even if they're not aware of it), just as certain people are prodigies in other areas, such as music, cooking, sports, etc."...Ronnie

ANSWER: Well, maybe. There's no way we can really prove your idea one way or another. I have run across people who died multiple times and did not have an NDE in either one of them, and felt cheated that they didn't. I have run across people who had multiple near-death experiences, then went through other death events and did not have any more near-death states. I have run across people who seemed to alternate in the sense that through one death event they had such an experience, the next they did not, then they did again, then they did not. The one with the most near-death experiences in my research was a man who had 23 of them. He was in his early forties when I met him. He was not expected to live at birth, had serious complications and difficulties, that continued throughout his life. At each crisis, he had another NDE, without fail. I asked him why, and he said something to the affect that each one gave him the energy and the courage to keep living ...they were like "vitamin pills" for him, or "life-shocks." So, if you just look at this case, your theorgy falls apart. He wasn't "born" to have near-death experiences. That they happened, kept him alive. PMH

QUESTION TWO: "I had a near-death experience in 1983 at the age of 30, during severe complications in the delivery of twins. I believe my NDE was a combination of the first and fourth (the last one) in your classification of experiences, as outlined in 'The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences'.

"My question is this: in all of your research (nearly 4,000 personal sessions with people), have you learned of anyone whose experience included mathematics or mathematical equations/theories as their review of history and prediction of future world events? I understand that Anne Strieber, wife of Whitley Strieber, had a similar experience, but do not know the details of it, and have not heard or read of any other similar experiences.

"I was particularly astounded that God chose this method to reveal these events to me, as I have always been one who did not understand math, cannot see how the letter 'a' or 'b' could possibly equal ANY NUMBER, and actually have a phobia about math in general. However, during my NDE, I understood every equation perfectly and completely, as well as how they represented world events, both past and future.

"I would appreciate any information or help you can give to me.".... Cindy.

ANSWER: Tom Sawyer was like this. Several books have been written about him. I knew Tom personally and saw his notebooks that he wrote immediately after his experience. Page after page of theories, mathematical equations, names, theorems, etc. Now, Tom was a macho cyclist, a sports-jock who knew nothing about anything like this and wasn't the least bit interested either, before he died. For the rest of his life (he passed away last year), he continued to amaze audiences with his unexplainable understanding of advanced physics and how the universe worked, and of large events to come that would affect the world.

Many near-death experiencers have been shown all of history from beginning to end - people like Ricky Bradshaw (who is mentioned in the book you listed, and also in "Beyond the Light"). Many of us confronted astounding revelations about creation, consciousness, and how things work, God, souls. It is commonplace, actually, for near-death experiencers to "suddenly" understand physics and be led to taking classes or attending talks about the subject. I am one of them. You might read my book "Future Memory" to get an idea of some of what I witnessed in death and how I managed to better understand what was happening not only to me, but to most of us. By the way, "Future Memory" is the only book I have written that was mathematically designed on the format of a labyrinth. Yes, the book is a real labyrinth (not a book per se). That means in reading it, you cannot skip around. You have to read it straight through in order to get the labyrinth effect (brings one's consciousness up to the next highest level possible for you). Yup, I too have links to math. You see this a lot with child experiencers of near-death states, too. (Please refer to my book "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences.")

Some experiencers are drawn to the numbers themselves and understand how to use them in a new way. Cindy, I would say you are rather typical in many ways, yet I would also say that each person's experience in unique. So is yours. There are repeating patterns, a certain commonality that unites us, still each person experienced a different slant to the same picture. In that sense, no two near-death experiences are exactly alike. It takes all of us to really glimpse the big picture as it truly exists. That's why the real power of near-death experiences and what they reveal to us lies in the sum of the many. PMH

ANNOUNCEMENT: On December 15, 2008 (this year) a mass mailing will be sent out from my website about a new Tele Page. My website is www.pmhatwater.com. If you want to receive this mailing, tell my webmaster at webmaster@cinemind.com. Since it is so difficult now for people to travel and attend conferences, I am now bringing some of my talks to you via the Tele Page. There is a cost for three of them; the fourth is free. One of the presentations is the Keynote Address I gave to the National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists (NATH). In this address I discussed the challenge of revelancy - are hypnotic regressions helpful to experiencers of near-death states. The answer is no and I tackled some of the reasons why this might be so. Two other presentations are hosted by the shaman, Walks With Thunder. In one, he walks me through my three near-death experiences in such a way that I am truly back there, living it again, feeling every feeling, sharing it with you. In the other one, we explore Goddess Runes and why they were so important for me after I died, and how truly important these ancient casting glyphs (Runes of the Goddess) are to anyone who wants to develop and express that wellspring of wisdom that exists within each of us. Older children benefit too, as this particular type of divination is not like most of the others available in bookstores. Free-form rune casting with these particular ancient glyphs promotes whole-brain functioning, not just right-brain. I was able to retrain how I used my brain with them. Other have, too, especially some youngsters with "learning disabilities." Runes of the Goddess seems to be quite beneficial for them in retraining their brains, as well. The last presentation on my new Tele Page is simply me reading the first of a line of children's books I have developed to help children remember being in the womb and being born, spirit worlds, life and death. These books are geared to make it easier for parents to broach this topic with their children Since so many of the new children remember their birth, books like this are very helpful and inspiring. My reason for putting a reading of this little book on the Tele Page free of charge, is to garner your comments. Let your children listen too. What do you think of this story? What do they think? Please let me know.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AND HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR! REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THIS SPECIAL CELEBRATION - THE BIRTH OF CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS IN YOU. JESUS CAME TO GIVE US A MODEL OF WHO WE ARE AND HOW TO LIVE. THIS MODEL IS REAL AND IT IS WONDERFUL, AND WE CELEBRATE THAT JOY DURING THIS BLESSED CHRISTMASTIDE. PMH

Dealing with "Life as Always after Being Kicked Out of Heaven"

2008-11-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: "This is no joke, and I am reluctant to really talk to anyone about it, as I am usually dismissed as just having a psychological subconscious problem.

"What happened was not any attempt on my subconscious or self-preservation need or anything else. To explain, I had just been killed dead as you can get after being hit from behind on my bicycle by a 3/4 ton pick-up truck doing 30 mph. I used to race motorcycles professionally. I have crashed many times very badly. I have been severly ravaged by 25'-plus waves while surfing, but never have I actually felt - 'This was it.'

"People say that people who get killed 'instantly' never knew what happened, it was so quick. Don't kid yourself. I heard the screech of tires braking and heard the loud bang and I knew instantly what had happened. I also knew immediately that - 'This was it' and I had bought the farm!!!

"I am not a serious Lutheran Christian, but I figured that since the 'jig' was up I better do something fast. I quickly got out: 'Father forgive me.' I have never used those words before in my life until Sunday, September 6, 1997, 2:15 pm.

"The real shock of my life came next when I was answered by a very strong voice which said, 'My son, you are forgiven' or 'You are forgiven my son.' The answer so shocked me, I could not reconcile my thoughts as things happened fast. The real shock came next as I realized I was literally suspended in 'eternal infinity.' There was a darkness of total black such as you could never experience on the darkest night with your eyes closed. I was totally aware of my presence in the sense of 360 degree in all directions. I felt no euphoria or pain or remorse or fear, but a total and complete sense of complete 'infinity' - absolute oneness with an infinite universe. "The final shock came when I noticed light begin to appear around the periphery of my consciousness. I immediately realized I had made the mistake of my existence, because I was going back to the world of the living. I could only imagine what condition my body must be in.

"My spine was severely damaged and a few ribs broken. I finally ended up on Social Security Disability, but my physical problems are nothing compared to my emotional problems. I can honestly tell anyone afraid of death, that it was the most overwhelming, non-stressful few minutes of my entire existence. Unfortunately, I really feel like I got cheated by being sent back to this world.

"I am not lacking financially. My physical pain is only a non-stop aggravating nuisance. I have gone on with my life and achieved several academic goals I had been putting off, and started a new business, etc. Big Deal. It all pales in light of what I know ultimately awaits me.

"I hate to say this or share this with you, but it is clear that the law of 'conservation of matter and energy' is true. Neither matter nor energy can be created or destroyed. The universe is both finite and infinite at the same time. I only wish someone could understand and internalize what I experienced, and maybe offer some comment. I don't think my knowledge of death is something that should really be known by anyone. It is a very strange burden. I wonder if it is a punishment sometimes.

"Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated."....Steve

ANSWER: Steve, many near-death experiencers feel as if they were "kicked out of heaven," as they preferred to stay where they were and not come back to "life as always." These people claim that our world here is like "black and white" compared to the full spectrum of colors, even colors more beautiful than here, that are present on the other side of death. If you ever have the opportunity to read my book, "Future Memory," you'll have some idea of how I was forced to reconsider the real from the unreal, the difference between what exists and what really exists. Should you ever read the book, however, allow me to give you this caution: "Future Memory" is not a book. It is a labyrinth. Because this is so, you cannot skip around in reading it or you will wonder why I ever wrote such a dumb book. The text will not hold together and will make little or no sense. If you read it straight through, not only will it make sense, your consciousness will change and lift and grow. That's the purpose of the book, actually, even though it explores the innerworkings of creation and consciousness. My deaths occurred in 1977, three in three months. Later that year I had three relapses. It was necessary for me to relearn how to walk, stand, run, climb stairs, crawl, tell the difference between left and right, see properly, hear properly, and rebuild all of my belief systems. I say this simply to convey that I understand where you are coming from, at least in part.

Don't believe anyone who says you were hallucinating or having a "psychotic break." What you described sounds to me like a full-blown near-death experience, and what you are now "growing through" sounds to me like dealing with the aftereffects. Please, please, please, get my book, "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences," so you have the latest findings available, and so you can have a better sense of aftereffects - the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects, and what people go through in dealing with them. Not everyone appreciates the aftereffects - most of us have undergone many challenges with them, and the book speaks to this.

It is impossible for me in a brief e-mail to describe what I would like to about the aftereffects, and what it is like integrating one's experience, as well as learning how to live with the changes you have undergone. You are not the same person, and you never will be. But you can become larger, better, stronger, wiser, happier than you ever thought possible - once you embrace what has happened to you, what you have seen and now know, and the new you you have become. I did. You can. Do a little more reading, friend, then join IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies), so you can be with the rest of us (your peer group), and invite change into your life, and more and more of it, because it will come. And change is good, even though it may not feel like it is at the time.

Many blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

While checking out how some of my books are doing over www.amazon.com, I was taken aback by comments in the "Reviews" section. The two I checked were "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences" and "We Live Forever." Here's what I found:

** "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences" - one of the researchers of near-death states who has never liked my work, proceeded to strip the book to pieces based on his insistence that only statistical protocols are valid, and what I did was, in essence, little more than nonsense. He failed to note that must of the material in the book came from other people, much of it based on clinical findings. This man has ripped apart my work before. His tirade against me began some time ago when I refused to review a book he had co-authored with another researcher. His publisher had mailed it to me without first asking for permission. I did read the entire book, then returned it without endorsement, as I considered the research it contained superficial and of little value. His publisher forwarded my letter to him. He was insensed, and has been on my case ever since. Should you wish to read a previous attack against me by him, just access my website at www.pmhatwater.com, and check out the Article Section. All of the controversy surrounding the ill-fated publication of my book "Children of the New Millennium" is posted, so readers can make up their own minds for themselves. I have never at any time claimed to be a scientist or a scholar. All of my work is original fieldwork, my protocol that of police investigative techniques. Should you wish verification of what I do, again, just check my website, and look for that section that defends my protocol by a man who once taught police science for many years.

** "We Live Forever" - a woman who reviewed the book had trouble with that chapter where I briefly relayed my three near-death experiences. She just couldn't accept my story, especially the fact that I had not sued the doctor who had mistreated me. I made no claim in the book to presenting my entire case, as it would have overwhelmed the book. I simply relayed enough to carry the theme of the book. As concerns the "bad" doctor, I had planned to sue him, and had consulted a lawyer, but two other of his patients beat me to the "punch," netting front page headlines in our newspaper. It was never my intention to go for "blood money" - rather to warn others to stay away from this man. Since my job was now done and the man would be punished, I withdrew my complaint. Actually, several readers had problems with my personal story. Reading what they wrote, brought to mind what has now happened in this country because of television documentaries and talk shows - and that is, the public now expects all near-death experiences to follow a stereo-typical style that always happens in hospitals. This is blatantly false. The public is being conditioned to accept misinformation because of the relentless drive of the media to always produce that which is sensational - demanding that the next case be more spectacular than the last - and that it fit in with what the television crew is capable of filming. This has not only warped the truth, but, a number of near-death experiencers are now writing books filled with absolutes, as if they and they alone knew what happens after death and how the universe runs. Near-death experiencers today are little more than entertainers. Please, folks, pay attention to the research. There is no "one size fits all" with the stories and what people can expect after death, and no experiencer who can do any more than share what he or she glimpsed of the Greater Story - and that's all they got, a glimpse. There is mystery here. Let's not cheapen it.

Thank you, PMH

REPORT ON NEAR-DEATH CONFERENCE IN DURHAM, NC, SPONSORED BY IANDS

2008-10-16T13:35:00.000-04:00

First off, I want to say this was one of the best conferences ever produced by the International Association For Near-Death Studies (IANDS). Almost 200 people came to the October 3/4 affair, many first timers - the setting was intimate and comfortable for gatherings and visits without the usual rush. We met at the Millenial Hotel, across the street from Rhine Institute (famous for its scientific paranormal research), and all within the campus reach of Duke University.

By the way, now that IANDS has moved its headquarters from Connecticut to North Carolina in a cost-cutting measure, we are renting space in the same building as Rhine, an arrangement that is helping both groups. . . not only survive but thrive. We toured the Rhine facility and were impressed. Plus, we may be in larger quarters at Rhine soon, which will enable IANDS to offer smaller events more often, on top of a yearly conference, have a real library, and offer more in the way of educational DVDs, classes, workshops, and so forth. (The new Board of Directors is really moving ahead. If you are not a member of IANDS yet, hop aboard - memberships can be purchased via their website at www.iands.org.)

Back to the conference. The speakers were:

MAGGIE CALLANAN, RN, hospice nurse and best-selling author, spoke twice on nearing-death awareness - the language of the dying (her book "Final Gifts"), and preparing for death (her newest "Final Journeys"). Her stories and her unique sense of humor punctuated her keynote address. Truly unforgettable.

BRUCE GREYSON, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia and long-time editor of "Journal of Near-Death Studies," presented an outstanding overall coverage of the near-death phenomenon, that was so good it must become a DVD available not only for professionals and schools, but for the public at large. I've never seen this done better (not even by Bruce). Hopefully, that DVD is in the works.

BRUCE GREYSON, M.D. along with HAROLD KOENIG, RN, M.D., MHSc, Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Spirituality, Theology, and Health at Duke University Medical Center, together, and with the aid of Nancy Evans Bush, M.A. as moderator, gave a groundbreaking discussion of findings in the field of theology and medicine as related to near-death experiences. I've personally never witnessed a discussion like this that was this powerful.

COLONEL DIANE CORCORAN, RN, Ph.D, US Army Nurse Corps (ret), tackled the implications of the combat experiences coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these are blast injuries, loss of limbs, and traumatic stress disorders - resulting in an unusual amount of group and shared near-death experiences (when an entire platoon is gunned down, chances are all involved will have the same near-death experience and talk to each other during while out-of-body). The refusal of the Veterans Adminstration to recognize what is happening and its affects makes one shutter.

Nancy Evans Bush, M.A. delivered a short form of her talk on deciphering, framing, and integrating difficult near-death experiences, because of a time crunch with scheduling. She more than made up for that with her moderator job throughout both days. What she did give was riveting.

JULIE LAPHAM, Ph.D. gave a scientist's insight into the life-changing outcomes and implications of her own near-death experience, and as part of the Panel of Experiencers. But she wasn't alone. This Panel was conducted both days; many who spoke were first timers who had never shared their own story before, with anyone. And let me say these stories, all of them (they went over-long), were the heart and soul of the conference.

YOLAINE STOUT, former teacher, past President of IANDS, life coach, and expert on languaging, gave an exciting talk on her new project, helping people who have had deeply transformative experiences (like near-death) to handle and integrate the aftereffects in a healthy, productive way. She focused on manuals, mentorship training, and outlined a new organization that would partner with IANDS in tackling this important topic.

JOHN ALEXANDER, Ph.D., past President of IANDS, gave a fascinating talk about the similarities between shamanism and near-death experiences.

I did not keep notes on everything that occurred, but here are some highlights that were especially meaningful to me with the work I do.

BRUCE GREYSON: He announced the publication of a very important book. Called "Handbook of Near-Death Experiences: Thirty Years of Investigation," by Janice Holden, Bruce Greyson, and Debbie James (Editors). It is published by Greenwood/Praeger, Westport, CT, and contains all of the research papers delivered at the 2006 conference in the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. This is the conference that focused on the major shift that has occurred in near-death studies. Because of four large clinical prospective studies done in three countries, plus a plethora of papers published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, the near-death experience is now the number one choice of scientists worldwide to study consciousness itself. This is a stunning change. Get the book.

Bruce made an important point by saying there is no one way to do research, emphasizing that randomized research with control groups doesn't work. He went on to talk about what has been done in the field, and said that cross-cultural studies are not that reliable, since different researchers had different goals and intentions in doing what they did. There needs to be a more standardized approach. He quoted Kenneth Ring, who said, "The deeper the NDE, the more profound the aftereffects."

The question in research today concerns consciousness - the mind. Is it generated by the brain or is the brain a receiver and transmitter, a place of contact for mind. Although a large contingent of researchers insist brain creates mind, research that verifies the opposite is so extensive, it has been compiled into one book for ready reference. This incredibly important book is now available: "Irreducible Mind: Toward A Psychology for the 21st Century," by Edward E. Kelly, Emily Williams Kelly, Adam Crabtree, Alan Gould, Michael Grosso, and Bruce Greyson. Available from Rowman & Littlefield, Publishers, Lanham, MC: 2007. This one book shows that mind is NOT the same as brain.

YOLAINE STOUT pointed out that there is a group in France who are working on basically the same project she is, including a manual. Theirs is called "Extraordinary Experiences Clinical Handbook," and they can be reached through their website at www.inrees.com. Yolaine already has 35 people signed up to help out, and will be doing research on needs assessment soon. Anyone who wishes to join this effort, find out more about what is being done and how you can help, please e-mail Yolaine at ystout11@cox.net. Yolaine, by the way, has her first book coming out later this month. It is entitled "Your Blueprint to Passion: A Spiritual Solution to Depression." I do not have anymore details about this book, except to say that anything Yolaine does is exceptional and really gets to the heart of the matter in the best possible way.

DIANE CORCORAN made a stunning point in saying the military is not open to things like near-death experiences, post traumatic stress disorders, or how to really treat any of them. We now have troups WHO HAVE SEEN MORE BATTLE THAN ANY SOLDIER WHO FOUGHT DURING WORLD WAR II. This is because of constant reassignments. Most blast and head injuries are not reported. If they did report them, the soldier could not get back into battle to help out their buddies AND they would not be able to get back into Veterans Health-Care System. Because of the new, modern armor, the soldiers don't bleed with each injury - again - leaving blast injuries unnoticed, unless the soldier loses a limb.

The "Farms Not Arms" program developed by Gold Star Mother Nadia McCaffrey, is one of the best for treating the deep wounds of these two wars that the Veterans Health Care System is not prepared to treat. Diane pointed out that during wars, group and shared near-death experiences often occur. She talked about several where an entire platoon was shot up, killing everyone. The soldiers saw each other leave their bodies and talked together about their future. Those that would not return knew about their future and told it to those who would revive and live. These types of powerful near-death experiences are almost completely ignored, even put down, by the military.

NANCY BUSH emphasized that we need to broaden our vocabulary to understand near-death experiences. What we have lost as a people in the over-development of the left brain, is a demeaning of the right brain and the value of allegory, symbols, spirituality, matters of the heart and soul and our creative drive. If you study history, you find that horned creatures (which today are considered devilish monsters) were once considered to be our guides. The idea of torture/chaos, death, resurrection were understood as a model of behavior and life experiences that brought us into an entirely new and better mode of being.

The first five books of the Bible were once referred to as "black fire" because the words were written with black ink, but the "white fire," what appeared in-between the words and spaces, THAT WAS THE REAL MESSAGE, a deeper message of stories, songs, feelings. We as a society have forgotten how to read "white fire." We want facts instead of truth. The important things that were once said in poetry are now scrunched into journals and investigative journalism. There is a difficult side to spirituality; we were supposed to deal with suffering and what we could learn from it. We enter into invisible realms through near-death experiences and through the trials of spiritual growth, realms we can scarcely imagine, and discover that each realm is inhabited. Sometimes images from this world move into other ones; demons are natural - they have always existed. The hellish experiences one can have, reflecting horrific images onto spiritual experiences, are the same stuff to be found in movies played to the general public. Hellish near-death experiences are just as important as the heavenly kind, for they tell us a great deal about what we can learn.

BRUCE GREYSON AND HAROLD KOENIG noted that there are too many distractions in the world; the negative is what drives growth. Near-death experiences show us how the world works - not necessarily whether or not there is life after death. Near-death experiences rearrange your priorities - we can decline or grow. Thirty to forty percent of the population today is spiritual, not religious. There is no common point of reference in spirituality. Religion is often used destructively to harm, hurt, or control. But, spiritual definitions are overly broad and diffused, challenging to understand.

Our world is part of our imagination. We have no real way to know what is real. What is real for one person is not real for another. Is this world real? It is just a model. Our brain constructs our world from waves. We actually live in a matrix: we see light waves; it is our brain that creates structure from those waves. There is software now available that enables us to recognize patterns. Qualitative analysis is suited for this, for studying those patterns. We must have studies to help us build a science from symbols. Spiritual is now mainstream, even in science and medicine. The near-death experience gives us a frame of reference we did not have before. It has a profound effect on life and health. Almost all medical schools today have classes on spirituality and health; over 100 also teach classes on the near-death experience.

###

Thank you, PMH

Electronic Voice Phenomenon

2008-09-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

QUESTION:

"I was wondering if you knew what this could be. For a good long while last year, whenever the fan or air conditioning was turned on medium or high, I would hear voices coming from the fan and air conditioning box. I still hear them there occasionally. Sometime last year, the voices I was hearing would talk in a way that was loud enough for me to hear them. Except for one time when I heard my name being shouted outloud, I never could understand what they were saying. When I first heard voices coming from the fan, it sounded like a very large crowd of people talking, then later on when I heard them from the fan, it sounded like five men and two women talking. It was more loud than before, but I still couldn't understand what they were saying.

"I heard from a clairvoyant lady that there is a phenomenon called "white noise," but she told me that she was told who they were didn't make any sense. She said that there are three women living in the vicinity of my house, except they are living on a higher plane of existence. This didn't make sense to me, since there were times when I heard the voices, it sounded like men talking.

"Back years ago, my brother Joey was sleeping in the room that used to be a post office room and he couldn't sleep because he could just barely hear people talking in the back ground, even though the fan wasn't turned on at all nor was it even in the room at the time. My cousin Gene said that someone set down on the bed in the post office room years ago, when he was in there sleeping. He said that he and his mother and brothers searched the house I am living in, but didn't find anyone else there, and found no evidence of an intrusion. To me and my family's knowledge, that particular incident never happened here again. I don't always feel comfortable sleeping in the post office room by myself.

"Also, could you please tell me, I'm going to ask this next question for a reason. When we had our first e-mail exchange back in March of last year, did you sense that my soul was very evolved and very bright?

"Lastly, I was wondering if I could play video games in the afterlife?" ... Daniel

ANSWER:

Daniel, I do not sense one way or another about anyone's soul development in my correspondence. That's simply too much to ask of me with the thousands of people I deal with monthly, yearly. Nor can I comment on what you will be able to do after you are dead. There are some people who flatly state what can be found in the "afterlife" and what we will be able to do once we are there. This is doubtful, and borders on psychological programming. Even the best psychics in the field cannot say for certain, one way or another. They can share what they do see or feel, what they sense or intuit, but they cannot guarantee what will await you once you die. That truth is between you and the God of Your Being.

There could be several things to consider as per the fan and voices, or no fan but still voices.

** Radio broadcasts often bleed through the mundane functioning of mechanical objects. Even telephone calls can bleed through into other areas where various machinery is working. With the advent of cell phones and high definition digital signals, this is becoming more and more frequent. . . bleed throughs. A signal can jump from one medium to another. Strange but true.

** Sound doesn't go away. Neither do strong feelings and emotions. We think they do, but they do not. Sounds and strong feelings/emotions can and usually do embed or wind up stored in existing wood, metals, glass, and rocks - ofttimes in or near large bodies of water. For instance, one can tune a radio to certain frequencies while visiting in the country of Switzerland, and "accidently" pick up "live broadcasts" of World War II maneuvers happening in Germany, France, and the Netherlands - all of it in real time - even though over fifty years have passed since the actual broadcasts were made. This is true on a smaller scale, as well. Strong feelings, emotions, even sounds, can be picked up in homes, buildings, on subway trains, in tunnels - many places. That's why people walking the grounds where Civil War Battles were fought can hear canons, men screaming, horses running off. If you don't believe me, visit Gettysburg and walk the fields, especially in late evening. The Electronic Voice Phenomenon addresses this, with people learning how, with a simple cassette recorder, to pick up voices in the air, near a graveyard, under the bed. . . anywhere. There has been a modicum of success in this new field of research, enough to excite a lot of people and inspire them to give it a try. You might google Electronic Voice Phenomenon and see what references you can find.

One does not have to be psychic to pick up lingering sounds or conversations. These sounds exist. Most people never hear them. But sometimes we inadvertently pick them up and are confused by this, or perhaps frightened. This is neither bizarre nor magic. It is simply part of the natural order and the myriad frequencies that permeate our environment, including those we cannot see or readily connect with what we know.

Blessings, PMH

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

October 2-4 (this week) in Durham, North Carolina, IANDS will hold a near-death conference - this once focusing on Nearing-Death Awareness. Maggie Callanan, a hospice nurse, will be the keynote speaker. Her first book, "Final Gifts," launched this field of study and remains, in my opinion, the best ever written on the symbolic language of the dying and how to understand what is being conveyed. Now, with her new book, "Final Journeys," she takes us even deeper into the special language and behaviors of those about to pass over. If you've never heard Maggie speak before, you are in for a real treat. She is side-splitting funny at the same time as being respectiful and serious. Yup, there's no one quite like Maggie and the special wisdom she offers. There will be activities for near-death experiencers and a proposal to produce manuals, mentors, special ways of helping people deal with the aftereffects, not only of near-death states, but of transformational events that completely change us. For more details, access IANDS' website, www.iands.org, or e-mail at services@iands.org, or telephone them at (919) 383-7940. I will be there. I hope you will be too. –PMH