Is Memory in the Neurons or the Soul?

QUESTION:

"I have a few hang-ups still about the NDE phenomenon and related issues (not the "survival hypothesis"......I've pretty much learned to take the leap of faith on that). But what about memory? When I came into the world, I obviously lost any memory I had of/from the spirit world. Back to the drawing board, as they say (maybe the frequent deja-vu I experience is a counter-example). But then, when it's my time to go back to spirit. . . do I regain all of the memory of all past experiences from past lives? Neurologists will say that memory is a function of neuron configurations. . . but the NDE experiencers almost universally seem to be able to remember life details during the experience as if they were in the body. Is my soul a repository of all the memories of all my past lives, the wisdom of which I can access if I am prayerful? Or is it more a matter of, in the spirit world, being able to revisit the life reviews of past lives when it is a good idea to do that, rather than instant recall?

"I totally respect an answer of 'I don't know,' since NDEs and religious teachings both probably don't offer very precise answers on this matter." …Andrew

ANSWER:

Yes, what about memory? For those near-death experiencers who undergo a life review, there is no question that detailed and quite specific memories appear during that component of their episode. For the more radical experiencers, such as myself, we can get that double whammy in the sense that all our thoughts, all our words, as well as all our deeds and activities, all come flooding back, or, we are somehow shown them. Not all experiencers, however, are able to bring back this comprehensive type of memory once back in the body. We'll remember bits and pieces afterward, especially if anything really impressed itself upon us, or, perhaps certain scenes that touched off an emotional "buzzer" inside. But all the exact details withdraw once again to the back reaches of our minds. I have only had a few cases that involved past-life memories. The rest, the majority, do not.

Most of us, once on the Other Side, have this knowing that our soul knows just about (if not) everything, that our soul is quite powerful in that way. The soul, our soul, everybody's soul, is that more perfect part of us that is still connected to or somehow in line with God. We also gain the sense that the soul improves in knowledge and experience from the life we lived, just as the soul gained in knowledge from previous sojourns or incarnations or manifestations. The soul is us, our higher self. Spiritual activities and states of consciousness help us to align our personality with our soul. We can merge, and I see that happening with those people who have reached samadhi, peace, or higher states of consciousness, or becoming more loving and caring. I rather suspect that's the goal of the spiritual, of prayer, meditation, and service, "the blessed path," to merge all parts of ourselves together, to become one. Who can say what happens to memory when this occurs (enlarges) - certainly more than that seems likely too.

I used to be a hypnotist specializing in past-life regressions. Once under, individuals suddenly have sharper, sometimes full memory. All hypnotists report this. Once we get the conscious mind "out of the way," the subconscious aspect of the brain can "unload." The accuracy of recall is quite good with most people. That means our memory, yours and mine, exists together and rather complete on some level of our mind. Recall, at least, is certainly possible. Under hypnosis, a trained and experienced hypnotherapist can access levels of mind, levels of incarnations, levels of memory. All is there and reachable, if you know what you're doing.

Don't forget that our body and especially the muscular structure, remembers. Surely you've heard of muscle memory? Once you train certain muscles to move certain ways under certain conditions, they take right off and perform accordingly. This can become subconscious in the sense that you don't have to think about what you're about to do. You just see yourself doing it and you do. Or, you are able to do that given task automatically. You have the memory for it. Many times, the automatic function of certain body parts, the absolute knowing of what to do - comes from previous lives, not this one. So, even muscle memory and other types of body memories can move along with the soul irrespective of time.

Numerous levels of mind and memory are more accessible than most people think. It is ever surprising and sometimes amazing how much our memories improve during the dreamstate and we can "dream" our memories - even bring them back if absent.

Blessings, PMH

Do NDEs Change DNA? + Memory Loss and the Afterlife

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.