Profound Near-Death Experience and Aftereffects

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

May is just around the corner 

- when my latest book is available.

ALIENS AND 

THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE, 

is published by Inner Traditions/Bear & Co. 

I guarantee there is no other book quite like it. 

You can pre-order now through the publisher.

__

 

REGISTER TODAY for this 

online event in June! 

Spiritual Awakenings International Conference 2026

"Spiritual Awakening:  

The Dawn of Expanded Consiousness"

42 Outstanding Speakers form 12 Countries

Saturday & Sunday, June 6-7 2026

Read more »

A Near-Death Experience, Something Added, Opened, Remembered.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Can you believe it’s almost Spring? Well, come May, my last big NDE research project will be available. The name of the book is ALIENS AND THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE. It breaks open subject matter that is mostly ignored, and it does so in a most personal way, revealing parts of my own NDE few knew. There are 38 case studies, surprising research from Dr. Kenneth Ring and Dr. John Mack. Then… You can preorder this book now from its publisher InnerTraditions/Bear & Co. Spread the word - this is a book not to be missed!

A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE

Nikki came forward and offered to tell her story. This is not her real name. I urge others to also come forward as she did so the public can know how different and impactful an NDE can be. 

My experience was a Near-Death Experience in 2021. For me, it felt less like something was “added” and more like something was opened… or remembered. It was as if a veil thinned. I came back with what I can only describe as a new lens. My perception of life shifted dramatically, and that shift did not fade. The immediate change was a deep knowing of interconnectedness. Love was no longer a concept; it felt like the underlying structure of reality. That awareness has remained accessible through memory and stillness.

My dreams intensified after the NDE. I had vivid dreams before, but afterward they felt more coherent and meaningful. I began to experience them less as random imagery and more as informational or symbolic experiences. I don’t interpret them literally, but I do experience them as part of an expanded awareness. In terms of “psychic” abilities, I’m cautious with that word. I would say my sensitivity increased. I became more attuned to subtle emotional and energetic cues in others. It feels less like acquiring a supernatural ability and more like heightened perception or intuition.

As for access to higher knowledge, I don’t experience it as accessing a separate “Universal Mind” at will. Rather, when I am quiet and centered, insight arises. It feels relational, not controlled. I don’t see it as special access but as a deeper attunement to something that may already be available to all of us.

In the beginning after my NDE, the expansion of perception was overwhelming. I became aware of things about human behavior, systems, and collective patterns that were difficult to integrate. Over time, that intensity has softened. I believe the nervous system needs time to adjust to expanded states of awareness, and mine certainly did.

So in summary: yes, something opened. But I experience it less as becoming “psychic” and more as becoming more aware, more sensitive, and more aligned with a field of love and interconnected intelligence.

With gratitude.

An Experiencer Story

 QUESTION AND/OR EXPERIENCER STORY

“Hello, I have a very important question that I have been wondering about for years.  I know that you interviewed George Rodania many years ago.  The man was allegedly dead for three days and had a very detailed NDE.  I am wondering if his clinical death has been verified as being dead for three days and if the morgue and hospital record as well can verify this?  What do you think of his NDE?  I’d love to hear back from you.  I read the handbook of near-death experiences and watched many of your videos.  Looking forward to hearing from you.”... Jana

ANSWER

There is no question that George died as stated, and returned to life as stated.  What cannot be proved is the temperature in that Morque in Georgia.  At that time in our history, the state of Georgia was controlled by Russia, and authorities there did indeed call in the KGB to get rid of him.  Since his own uncle was part of the autopsy team and his wife Nino was privy to what was going on, researchers as myself are comfortable with the story told.  

Once the family was in the United States and settled down, I was able to spend time with and often talk to George.  But also spend some time with Nino, his wife, and meet their two children.  In my talks with Nino, she confirmed many stories - especially the time, as a widow, she was standing in front of his grave and thought to herself of who might take his place as her husband.  She had a list and was going over that list to make certain whoever she married would be a good father to her children.  

When he was quite alive and home with her, she could not sleep with him or be near him for nearly a year.  I asked her why.  She said it was because she had no privacy.  He was in and out of her mind all the time and she could not handle his “invasions.”

No, myself and other researchers were unable to contact the hospital in Georgia, gain the verifications on medical matters from them.  It was as if he never existed and nothing like this ever happened.  The Communist party would not allow any such information out.  Sorta like what Putin is doing now in Russia.

You may find it interesting that both George and I, as near-death experiencers, had electrical sensitivity of about the same strength.  We could and did bring down telephone lines, transmissions, telephone interviews, and so forth.  As a single interview we were okay.  Have the two of us together - pow - we simply could not be filmed or recorded together.  Equipment would quit.  

Blessings, PMH

Are All NDE's Recalled?

QUESTION 

“My name is Conway and I am a medical student, passionate reader of your books, and NDE experiencer. While no doubt your time is very important, I was hoping to ask you a question regarding one experience that I have found particularly thought provoking.

“In this story the experiencer appears to have crossed “The Point of No Return” that is part of so many experiences like my own. However, what struck me as interesting was how similar (although with much more pessimistic dialogue) this account is to that of Tom Sawyer’s - in which he also chose to merge with the light and subsequently his consciousness (or memory) thereby fades. If I may ask, what is your take on this idea of people seemingly crossing, merging, and not remembering what happens afterwards? Have you perhaps read (or written about) experiences similar to this whereby the barrier seems to be crossed and consciousness does or does not continue to be recalled?

“Since my NDE happened, I have become increasingly inspired by the works of researchers like yourself and hope to contribute to the field of NDE studies one day myself. Any and all thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated.”  ....Conway

ANSWER 

Conway, this happens to many. They will have full recall of the event, of leaving their body, maybe looking back to see it, then leaving. But they tend to remember nothing else after that. Some remember the point of shift without seeing their body, and then everything goes blank. This happens to children, too. Some have no memory at all, except, they know something happened and they feel odd or different afterward. They display the pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects - but no episode recall. There seems to be no particular way this happens.

We cannot assume that everyone who does die or nearly dies can remember a near-death episode, if indeed they had one. What is the deciding factor here, at least according to what I have observed, is the aftereffects. It’s the aftereffects that validate a near-death experience, not the other way around. I say this in most of my books. I have a chapter on it in The New Children and Near-Death Experiences, of children who display the full pattern of aftereffects yet have no recall of the episode itself. I look for that moment when they could have died, the circumstances were ripe for that. . . if they do not recall any kind of shift, then examine their lives and see for yourself if there were aftereffects and what were they. Also, you have near-death-like experiences, where there is absolutely no point of being near to death, yet they have a near-death experience and display the same pattern of aftereffects later on.

You can’t call it. You just can’t. There is no one way or even several ways. We cannot hold to “how it happens” because there are always exceptions. Again, look for aftereffects. These will tell you more than any criteria/protocol ever will (which drive M.D.’s nuts).   Blessings, PMH

Don't Clutter a New Day with Regrets Integrate your Aftereffects!

QUESTION

“In 2000, I had an NDE in Tucson, Arizona The clarity, the glorious love of it all left me glowing. I was free of any drugs at the time. I also came away as an empath. Feeling people, animals, and even trees. I began to attend biweekly NDE support groups. I found it very hard to cope in this world as an empath. At the time I was a single mother of three and needed to maintain my position at work. I wished for the gift to go away so I could appear like everyone else. I ended up using cannabis to “even out,” and stop feeling the emotional pain of those around me. I am now 54 years gold. I feel like I’ve done a total injustice to myself and humankind for passing on that gift. Please, is there anyway I can get that back?”

.....Laura

ANSWER

Laura, each day is a new day. Don’t clutter it with regrets.

So, you avoided integrating your aftereffects and choose the easy way out of the challenges they presented you. You’ll be heartened to know that the majority of near-death experiencers do the same thing - because of family pressures, because of job, because of difficulty talking about it, because of not wanting to stand out as different, because of not knowing how to handle your differences. Please go to my website at www.pmhatwater.com. I now have a new section just on the aftereffects. On the Home Page, go directly to “NDE Aftereffects.” You need “how-tos” - I share some, but could have given many more. There just isn’t enough hours in the day to record everything I would have liked to, but at least it is a start.

What you spoke of is what almost all of us have faced to one extent or another - and that is the expansion and acceleration of our faculties. Some call them “psychic abilities,” but that phrase does not address what is really happening. What you were born with, your faculties, can expand in usage and function as we expand in knowledge and consciousness. As your energy, your mind, your consciousness, opens up, your body follows. It open up too and undergoes a transformation. For some, that is more complete or stronger than with others, but all of us face the same dilemma: suddenly we are able to do thing we were not able to do before; and, without training in how to handle what is happening, we can feel overwhelmed, frightened, angry, or lost.

One of the best and safest ways to learn about all of this and be able to integrate and train your “newness” is by attending some metaphysical churches (like Unity or Centers of Spiritual Living), and/or learn how to meditate, pray, and practice mindfulness. Learn goal-setting too and visualization. Practice. Have good teachers. Move more into a spiritual frame of mind. Feel good about yourself and who you are. Never apologize or feel bad about your “newness.” Set out a program for developing your new skills in healthy, safe, productive ways. You can. You will. Set your mind to it, affirm your goal in prayer, begin. Stay on the path to “fullness,” becoming the full you. Yes, you can regain what was lost, if you truly want to and feel in your heart of hearts that this is what you want to do. You might investigate the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.). This organization formed around the readings of Edgar Cayce, one of the world’s most accurate and celebrated psychics. Google “Edgar Cayce,” get on their website and look around. They offer incredible conferences throughout the year, have a large library and many other facilities, sponsor local Study Groups throughout the world, and much more. Taking part in any of their programs would be a safe, fun, and productive way to begin exploring your inner self.

That’s the real subject here - your inner self - the real you. Open the doors within. I think you will be delightfully surprised once you do. I hope this helps. 

Thanks, PMH

Dealing with NDE Aftereffects

QUESTION

"There is a closed Facebook NDE group that I was invited to join. We are such great support to each other. We have all been challenged by missing chunks of time during our waking state. Another common issue is that we feel like we are going to fall asleep and center an alpha state (or deeper), while watching our beta activities (waking state). The two issues do not occur at the same time, not that we are aware of anyway.".....Jan

ANSWER

I suspect two things are happening to all of you (us).

Number One  -  the earth's magnetics are now at their lowest ebb in thousands of years. Don't forget, we are presently in the time of The Great Shifting (happens once every 25,920 years). That means energy, frequency domains, weather, climate change, water resources, human relationships, children, travel, the ability to concentrate and remember, are being seriously challenged. There is no longer the buffer time once allowed, for us to think things through, find meaning, respond. It's as if everything happens at once (not literally, but almost). Near-death experiencers, and those like them, are super sensitive. We pick up any type of changes right away, and can zone out if there's too much to process. We're like the "canaries in the coal mine." We pick up changes before the larger portion of society does.

Number Two  -  experiencers seldom think about or feel any need to understand how they have changed or try to refine and train their new sensitivities. We ignore what we should pay attention to. I'd love to see every experiencer, especially children, take a psychic self-defense course, or something like it. We toodle along in our lives, relating here, acting out there, without the slightest notion that we are an "innocent ball of light" waiting to get stomped on. We've forgotten basic cautions or simply ignore them.

We all must have a sound diet, that means grounded foods (root vegetables), not just salads; and that also means either meat or all eight amino acids that make up a full protein. The smart know how to create that from the vegetable kingdom. The rest of us would be wise to learn how. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. That means fresh air, doing chores, gardening, mending, walking, joining groups that have lively discussions, going out on field trips or nature walks. Check your hormones. If you continue to get regular zone-outs, have a checkup with your favorite energy practitioner. I have such a checkup for two hours each month, every month, year in and year out, with Jeanne Greening. She is incredible, and can work with energy non-locally. Her contact information is on my website in the Marketplace (press for "Healers"). My website is www.pmhatwater.com. If not Jeanne, then someone else like her. .....Blessings, PMH

Hellish NDEs and Herbal vs.Pharmaceutical Drugs

QUESTION

"I am taking a break from my research to write you. I fell into an area of my research that is confusing me. I wonder if I took a wrong turn. There is a group of NDErs who are claiming that hell is eternal and there is no way out. Now, I have been doing research for about four years. This is not the norm from what I have been reading. But I do know this, I have read that no more spirits will be allowed to reincarnate out of hell. Could it be that the spirits that have not grown to the light will have to wait for a later time in order to reincarnate? The 1,000 years the Bible speaks of? One person said that when she got to heaven she said to the spirit - 'But what about my sins?' Thus the spirit said there is no sin. This is very confusing to me. For the first time after my NDE I feel afraid again like I did before my NDE and research. Please help and thank you."....Qricket

ANSWER

Whoa! You are allowing yourself to be swayed by a few cases. The strength of what can be learned from near-death states lies with the strength of the many. When you've investigated thousands of them as I have, you recognize a larger pattern than individual interpretations. When you look at the larger view, here is a capsule of what can be seen:

1. Hellish cases are just as real as heavenly ones.

2. There appears to be multiple layers (levels) on The Other Side, like a layer-cake of energy folds separated by vibratory degrees of resonance (frequency).

3. When you die, you move to wherever you fit within these folds - what moves you is resonance.

4. There is no evidence to suggest that you stay wherever it is that you wind up, as there appears to be no top or bottom. It is an open-ended system.

5. Open-ended systems are driven by choice. This indicates that through choice, through change, through desire and effort, one can grow. There is no such thing as rotting in hell forever, or playing a harp in heaven forever. With no top or bottom, the system is far more dynamic and fair and wondrous than what anyone might imagine. . . showing, at least to me, that forgiveness is real.

Please, if you're going to talk about near-death states, study the field better than you have. God/Allah/The Divine is far bigger and better than we assign credit to. Allow your mind to open up more and to spread. Blessings, PMH

QUESTION

"I read two of your novels in the past week, and I am eager to read your entire collection. It gives me so much pleasure and comfort reading your novels. Two questions for you. Firstly, why do you think so many NDErs return and reject medicine? That is, why do they often choose herbal over regular prescribed pharmaceutical medicine? It's on my mind as I have Lyme's disease and have been on antibiotics for almost four years. I'm weighing up going herbal myself. secondly, do you have any plans to visit Australia one day? I'd love to attend one of your seminars. Take care.".....Bridey

ANSWER

Bridey, I have never written a novel in my life, so I'm not quite certain what you are referring to. I am a researcher, a field-worker in real time, thus all my observations and analysis are based on the findings I have made and confirmed or what I can reference from the work of others. You read my books to find out what is, not what could be.

Having said that, I can comment on pharmaceuticals. The pattern of aftereffects for near-death experiencers is both physiological and psychological. That means your body is changed as well as your mind. Physiologically, most of the changes have to do with the brain/mind assembly (which includes brain structure and function), and with the nervous and digestive systems, and skin sensitivity. Generally speaking, it takes less of something for full effects. Most of us, then, either use children's doses of pharmaceuticals, or switch to more natural means - like homeopathy, vitamins/minerals, herbs, various other therapies, and work with osteopaths or naturopaths, rather than standard allopathic doctors (the M.D.'s you are used to). For instance, my primary physician is now an osteopath, who is well-trained in homeopathy. Good combination. Sometimes pharmaceuticals and surgery are necessary. Just work with your physician (see my website and the Home Page  www.pmhatwater.com), or refer to either of my books The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences and/or Near-Death Experiences: The Rest of The Story. Lyme's disease is very tricky. Very few doctors know how to treat it. There are certain drugs that are effective Do your homework and look around. Check success rates from what is offered. You may want to do this quickly - as Lyme's can result in lifelong health problems if it's not treated in a way that makes a difference. Again, investigate this and then decide. Work on the prayer level too. Call on God for guidance. That guidance, that strength, is always available to you.

When am I coming to Australia? When any group or individuals sponsor me, and get me there. I really want to come. Was ready to sign a contrast to that effect several years ago. Looked as if I was finally going to Australia when all of a sudden the man "disappeared." If you know of any groups or people who would be interested in what I have to offer, have them get together and bring me over. Have passport, will travel. 

Blessings, PMH

Post-NDE: Seeing Energy and a Future Memory

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

Is Going Back to God a Viable Answer?

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.

Lives Transformed and 'Brain Shifts'

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!!!!!!!!!!

NDE'ers in Grief and NDE Needs versus Wants

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.

Did my Child have a Near-Death Experience?

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.