Near-Death Experiences
It’s been almost 30 years since my near-death experience, but the memory of it is as vivid as if it occurred yesterday. Moments that jolt you to your very core are hard to forget. I suppose that’s one of their benefits. It’s safe to say that nearly dying changed everything about my life and for that I’ll be ever grateful.
I’d caught what I thought was a cold. It moved into my chest and didn’t clear up. I functioned as normally as I could. Eventually, I became bedridden and so weak that I spent three feverish days completely exhausted, coughing nonstop. To make a long story short, I had double pneumonia. I’d been to the doctor, but he’d misdiagnosed me as having one quarter of a lung filled with fluid. In reality, I only had one quarter of a lung left, the other three quarters being completely filled. I was suffocating. Although I should have admitted to the hospital, he sent me home to see how I’d do through the night. That decision changed my life.
I was alone in the bedroom, coughing, feverish, weak and completely exhausted. I was dying. I remember lying there feeling as helpless as I’d ever felt. Hope had left me and been replaced by resignation. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it or not and I couldn’t muster up enough energy to definitively care either way. I remember thinking that I was just too tired to care.
That’s when my eyes flew open and I saw the light.
I was blinded by a brilliant, white light at the foot of my bed. I could make out a silhouette standing next to the light, but couldn’t see it well. I managed to move out of the direct line of the blinding beam and was finally able to see the figure. I was surprised to see my father, dressed in a double-breasted, white suit, smiling at me. If I hadn’t been so tired, I’d have rolled my eyes at how cliché and trite it was. The death of my father, a few years earlier, had torn at the very fabric of my worldview and here he was, standing in front of me, but I felt nothing. I didn’t feel glad to see him, nor any emotion at all, other than surprise. This fact led me to the conclusion that it wasn’t him.
I managed to ask, “Dad?” The image by the white light shook its head in the negative and said, “No, I’m not your father, but I’m here in his form because that’s what you expected.”
The white light had now become a doorway, behind which was an escalator that rose into a brilliant background. The entity told me that he’d come because I was very ill. He explained how easy it would be for me to join him; all I’d have to do would be to get up and go to him. I doubted this, because I was so weak, but I found that I could sit up easily and knew that all I had to do was jump out of bed and get on the escalator. It would be the easiest thing that I’d ever done. He held out his hand and smiled so sweetly, that I almost did it.
I asked him if I had to go with him. He replied that I could stay if I wanted, but I had a long road of recovery ahead of me and that it wouldn’t be easy. He asked if I really wanted to stay and I replied that my children needed me and that I had a feeling that there was something I was supposed to do for the world, something important. He smiled again and kindly told me that my children would be just fine.
They would miss me, of course, but they would grow up to be well-adjusted and happy without me.
He explained that the world would keep spinning and that any contribution I would’ve made would develop, one way or another. He went on to say that if I wanted to stay, I had to do so for me and for no other reason.
I was crushed at the thought that my existence on this planet was so expendable, that my children would do fine without me and that I simply wasn’t all that important. That moment yanked every bit of self-martyrdom out of me and I suddenly knew that I needed to live. I told him that I wanted to stay. He reiterated that it was fine for me to make that decision, but to expect it to be a difficult road back to health and to anticipate great changes in my life. I asked him if I would see him again.
He told me that when the time was right, he would return.
I then asked if he’d be in the form of my dad. He said that would be up to me and with that, he was gone.
There isn’t an ounce of doubt, anywhere in my being, to dispute the authenticity of my experience. I know for a fact that if I had decided to get out of bed and get on the escalator, I would’ve died in the middle of the night, nearly 30 years ago. I know that the entity was genuine and I’m grateful that I was given a choice. I’ve never regretted my decision to stay, not even for a heartbeat.
My story isn’t a rare one. Humans have experienced near-death encounters for millennia. Even though my situation was unique to me, it had all the hallmarks of thousands of others, related by fellow human beings. The brilliant white light, the familiar, friendly entities, feelings of complete calm and peace and the decision to stay are all common themes when it comes to Near-Death Experiences. I believe the stunning similarity between stories exists because the phenomenon is real.
Although I didn’t take the escalator to the afterlife, whatever the afterlife means, I knew it was there and I could feel that there were many at the top waiting for me. It felt loving and reassuring, even though it was something I’d never considered being real before that very moment.
Near-Death Experiences have been explained by scientists as being the deprivation of oxygen to the brain, thereby causing hallucinations. Some have put forth that this is built into our makeup as human beings. They theorize that it’s a defense mechanism, to keep us from feeling fear when making the transition from life to death, making it easier and less traumatic. Frankly, none of that matters to me. I suppose it could be the brain shutting down, sensory input being replaced by physiological hallucinations, but those of us who’ve seen it and come back, never doubt that it was real.
Who was the figure who assumed the form of my father? As best as I can tell, it was a Psychopomp. A Psychopomp is an entity that guides our souls safely from the world we know, to the afterlife. Anubis, the ancient Egyptian deity, was a Psychopomp. He took the hand of the departed and escorted them to the safety of the Judgment Hall, where the heart would be weighed against The Feather of Truth. Hermes was a Psychopomp and often was seen as taking those in transition safely past Cerberus, the three headed hound, into the underworld, to meet Charon, the ferryman, for the next leg of the journey. Most societies have viewed this guardian of the road between worlds in a positive light. Often, dogs are portrayed, which makes perfect sense to anyone who’s ever owned a dog.
Oddly, in our culture the role of the Psychopomp eventually fell to a dark and troubling figure, the Grim Reaper. The thought of being “harvested” by the Reaper’s scythe is disconcerting, to say the least. Ancient cultures understood the power and importance of our transition from one form into another and usually opted for a benign image over a terrifying one.
I believe that some of the more horrible imagery of demons and devils were designed to terrify an innocent populace and coerce them into behaving.
This compliance was mandatory in order to be welcomed into the next world by feathered-winged angels, rather than bat-winged tormentors. I have no such fears.
My experience was real and I’m guessing that many of you reading these words have had similar experiences, or believe it because you feel it to be so. I genuinely don’t know what this proves regarding the possibility of an afterlife. That wasn’t the lesson of my Near-Death Experience.
For me, it was a chance to live with joy in my heart at the simple fact that I’m still here.
It’s odd, but when faced with the reality that I may not mean all that much to the world, it became easier to pledge myself and dedicate my heart to the betterment of the human condition, if I could. For me, it cemented the joy of being here every day and sharing this beautiful planet with my 8 billion brothers and sisters.
Many have had Near-Death Experiences. Some have seen heaven and were reunited with departed loved ones. I didn’t get that far. Every story is different, but all who’ve had an NDE seem to be deeply moved by a profound sense of peace and a realization that there’s nothing to fear in death. I have that sense of peace and for me it’s not about death at all. It’s about life and the realization that being here now is more important than whatever comes after.
Living in the moment was the true gift of my Near-Death Experience.
I know that when my time comes, a friendly face will be there to greet and guide me, but I’ve changed my mind as to the form. Instead of my dad, I want to be greeted by my beautiful Golden Retriever, who left this world recently and took a huge chunk of my heart along with her. To hear her bark again and see the joyous sparkle in her eyes, will be the perfect end to a blessed life. With her by my side, I’ll walk into that white light and embrace whatever comes next with excitement and happiness.
I wish you all peace and love.
About the Author
5 Signs That a Deceased Loved One Is With You
Are there times when you feel that someone who has passed away is still close to you? The presence of a deceased loved one can be felt in a real way through subtle signs, emotional sensations or physical manifestations. In this article we explore how to know if the spirit of a family member is with you, what types of signs may appear, and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
Table of Contents
- Spiritual Signs That a Deceased Loved One Is Nearby
- How to Interpret Messages From the Spiritual World?
- What to Do When You Feel the Presence of a Deceased Loved One?
- When Does a Departed Soul Want to Give You a Message?
- Is It Possible to Contact a Deceased Loved One?
- Intuition as a Channel to Receive Messages From the Beyond
Spiritual Signs That a Deceased Loved One Is Nearby
Although we can no longer see or hear them as before, the emotional links with our deceased loved ones remain active at an energetic and spiritual level. It is common that their presence is manifested through signs that, if we learn to recognize them, can bring comfort and confirm that they are still close, accompanying our processes and taking care of us from another dimension.
These signs are not always obvious. That is why it is important to pay attention to the small details of everyday life, especially if you are going through an emotionally significant stage or feel that someone who has passed away needs to give you a message. Here are some of the most frequent manifestations so you can understand how to tell if a deceased loved one is with you.
- Vivid dreams and dream messages: One of the most frequent ways deceased loved ones communicate is through the dream world. These dreams are not only intensely real, but also emotionally meaningful: you can see their faces clearly, feel their energy, and remember precisely what they conveyed to you. It is not a simple evocation of memory, but a spiritual encounter that often has a clear purpose: to comfort you, to guide you, or to convey a message you need to hear.
- Interference or electrical phenomena: Spirits have the ability to interact with energy fields, so their presence is often manifested by lights that flicker, appliances that turn on by themselves, or radios that play songs with personal meaning. If something like this happens just when you think of that person, it’s probably not a coincidence.
- Aromas that evoke specific memories: Sometimes, for no apparent reason, you may perceive a smell that immediately transports you to the presence of someone who is no longer physically present. Your mother’s distinctive perfume, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that your grandfather used to make, or the smell of flowers given to you by a loved one may appear suddenly and without logical explanation. These sensory experiences are one of the most direct and recognizable ways in which spirits make their closeness felt.
- Presence of symbols, animals or repetitive elements: Deceased loved ones often use elements loaded with meaning to send you signals. It can be butterflies, feathers, coins, songs or numbers that are repeated frequently. If these symbols appear insistently in emotional moments or when you think of that person, it is very likely that they are trying to establish a connection from the spiritual plane.
- Subtle but obvious physical sensations: Some people report feeling a gentle caress, a sudden shiver, a light pressure on the shoulder, or the distinct sensation that someone is beside them, even though no one is present. These manifestations usually occur when someone deceased needs to give you a message or simply wants to make you feel their company.
How to Interpret Messages From the Spiritual World?
Signs from the spiritual world do not always manifest themselves in a direct or obvious way. It is not a matter of looking for a literal message, but of observing how these symbols present themselves and what connection they have with your emotional and spiritual life. Each person has a different sensitivity, so it is important to develop a more conscious perception of what you feel when these signs appear.
A good way to interpret these messages is to pay attention to what is going on inside you at the moment you perceive the sign. Does it generate peace, excitement, nostalgia or clarity? The emotional charge that accompanies a signal can be as relevant as the event itself. It’s not just about what you see or hear, but what that experience awakens internally, and how it relates to your personal process.
It is also important to note repetition. When a signal occurs more than once, in different contexts, it is probably not a coincidence. Sometimes messages are not immediately understood, but reveal themselves over time. Keeping an open attitude, without forcing interpretations, allows you to connect more authentically with what the spiritual world is trying to show you.
What to Do When You Feel the Presence of a Deceased Loved One?
Feeling the presence of a deceased loved one is a real and meaningful experience that can generate different emotions, from peace and comfort to bewilderment or uncertainty. Far from being something that should frighten you, it is a manifestation of the bond that continues to exist beyond the physical plane. Acknowledging that closeness with openness and calmness allows the experience to integrate naturally into your life, without fear or confusion.
You can speak out loud or in your mind, express what you feel, thank them for their closeness or simply send thoughts of love. You don’t need to do complex rituals: a sincere gesture of emotional connection already creates a bridge between your energy and theirs. This inner communication is as valid as any other form of spiritual contact.
It is also helpful to keep a record of these moments. Writing down what you felt, when it happened, if there were any physical or emotional signs, can help you identify patterns and better understand the purpose of the presence. Over time, these experiences can become a valuable guide for your personal and spiritual process.
When Does a Departed Soul Want to Give You a Message?
There are specific times when deceased loved ones try to communicate more clearly. This often occurs when you are going through a major change, facing a major decision or in need of emotional support. In such cases, the signals may intensify and become more obvious, as if something is insisting on getting your attention.
It can also happen that the message arrives shortly after the death, when the emotional bond is still very active. In that period, it is common to receive unexpected dreams, symbols or emotions that bring a sense of direct connection. The message is not always verbal or specific; sometimes it is simply the certainty that they are well, that they are still present or that they are accompanying you on your journey.
It is important not to force the message to be received. Although many people wonder how to know if a deceased person wants to tell you something, the answer does not always come immediately. Maintaining a receptive attitude, but without anxiety, is the best way to facilitate communication. If the message needs to get through, it will do so at the right time and in the clearest way for you.
Is It Possible to Contact a Deceased Loved One?
There are different ways to contact a deceased loved one. Some people manage to establish this type of connection spontaneously, through dreams, signs or sensations that arise at specific moments. In other cases, they resort to more structured practices such as deep meditation, intuitive writing or symbolic rituals that favor the energetic link with the spiritual plane.
One of the best known ways to contact deceased persons is mediumship. Mediums are people with the ability to perceive subtle energies and act as a channel of communication between this plane and the spiritual world. Through specific sessions, they can transmit messages, emotions or images from loved ones who are no longer physically present, providing guidance or comfort to those who consult them.
There are also other tools such as the use of oracle cards, working with pendulums or connecting with spiritual guides who act as intermediaries. Although each experience is unique, the key element is always emotional openness and the sincere intention to establish that contact. It is not about forcing communication, but allowing it to occur naturally and respectfully.
In the series Channeling: A Bridge to the Beyond, available on Gaia, various experts and channelers explore how it is possible to connect with unseen dimensions and receive messages from higher consciousness. Through real experiences, quantum theories and spiritual practices, this series offers an in-depth look at methods for contacting the beyond and better understanding the link between worlds.
Intuition as a Channel to Receive Messages From the Beyond
Intuition is one of the most powerful tools for perceiving messages from the spiritual world. It is that inner knowledge that arises without logical reasoning, but with a clear and profound certainty. Many times, when a deceased loved one tries to communicate, intuition is the first to pick up that signal: a sudden idea, a phrase that comes to mind or an unexplained physical sensation.
Learning to trust this subtle perception is fundamental to strengthen the link with the spiritual plane. Intuition does not need concrete proof to be valid, because it manifests as an inner truth that is simply known. Often, the most intuitive people perceive signs even before they materialize physically, proving that communication with the beyond is not always visible, but perceptible.
Cultivating intuition is a process that can be developed with practice and mindfulness. Meditation, inner silence, connecting with nature and recording personal experiences are effective ways to strengthen this channel. The more you learn to listen to your inner voice, the easier it will be to recognize when a message is coming from your own mind and when it is coming from another dimension.
