Near-death experiences (NDEs) have captivated human imagination for centuries and have been reported across cultures and time periods. In 1981, NDE survivors created the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS), an organization focused on the study of this phenomenon. The IANDS website defines NDEs as follows:
Extreme physiological or psychological conditions during which a person is temporarily clinically dead, near death, or in a situation where death is likely or expected.
This includes physical illness or injury, harrowing experiences like combat, or even being clinically dead for a period of time.
NDE survivors have described profound shifts in perception, feelings of peace, and encounters that challenge conventional understanding of life and death. As medical science has advanced, and more people survive critical illnesses or accidents, reports of NDEs have become more common. This has prompted interest from researchers, spiritual leaders, and the general public.
Many NDE accounts begin with a sense of detachment from the body, with some people reporting experiences of floating above their bodies and observing medical personnel or loved ones. Most experience an overwhelming sense of calm and peace, with some accounts of travel towards a bright light, sometimes after entering a dark tunnel. NDE experiencers frequently describe encountering deceased relatives or other spirits, or experiencing vivid life reviews where they relive significant moments. A small percentage of NDEs are distressing, with feelings of terror, horror, anger, isolation, or guilt. NDE experiences often end with a feeling of being told — or deciding for themselves — to return to life, after which the person can recount the event in detail. While each NDE is unique, these recurring themes suggest an underlying pattern that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
For many, NDEs offer proof of an afterlife or spiritual realm — religious traditions often interpret these experiences as glimpses of heaven, encounters with divine beings, or messages from beyond. Philosophers, meanwhile, debate whether NDEs reveal aspects of consciousness that transcend physical existence, raising questions about mortality, the nature of self, and the possibility of life after death.
However they are interpreted, NDEs frequently lead to significant changes in individuals, including increased compassion, reduced fear of death, a deeper sense of purpose, and enhancement of psychic abilities — seeing or hearing spirits, or sensing peoples’ energy (or ‘auras’). Family and friends may not understand these changes, or may be dismissive, leading to feelings of isolation; many people have a hard time adjusting to ‘normal’ life after an NDE.
The Divine Fellowship, through their Discovery Seminars program, is presenting a panel discussion on NDEs. Please come and hear survivors tell their stories, and learn about how their lives have changed in the aftermath.
Location: 513 Barth Ave, Richland
Date / Time: Saturday, November 8, 10am to 12pm
Cost: $30 (or $50 per couple)
Michele Lanigan is a board member at The Divine Fellowship.
