Many people who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) struggle to put their encounters into words. Bruce Greyson, a professor emeritus of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences, compares this challenge to “trying to draw an odor with a crayon.” The intense visions, emotions, and beings encountered during NDEs often go beyond what language can express.
Those who experience NDEs often report feeling deeply connected to others, nature, the universe, and a higher power. This new perspective can lead to a reduced focus on the material world. Many claim that their NDE is the most important event in their lives, surpassing all other experiences.
In his book “After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond,” Greyson explores the complexities of NDEs. These experiences can happen when someone is close to death or even declared dead. Common elements include:
Upon returning, individuals often undergo significant changes, including a reduced fear of death. Many report feeling more alive and connected than ever before.
Most people who have NDEs report an increase in spirituality, but not necessarily a stronger connection to organized religion. They often see traditional religious teachings as too simplistic compared to the broader spiritual reality they experienced. The concept of a deity they encounter during an NDE is often more inclusive than the God they learned about in religious settings.
This shift in perspective leads many to embrace the “Golden Rule” as a fundamental law of nature, highlighting the importance of interconnectedness.
While most NDEs are described as pleasant or blissful, they can lead to significant life changes that may affect personal relationships. Greyson notes that many families feel the impact of these transformations, with some experiencers showing a newfound sense of love and compassion that can strain family bonds.
For example, a Marine sergeant who had an NDE during combat found it difficult to reconcile his past actions with his new understanding of interconnectedness, eventually leaving the military to pursue a career in medical care.
Greyson highlights the transformative power of NDEs, which can change attitudes, values, and behaviors in an instant. Attempts to recreate NDE-like experiences through meditation, hypnotherapy, or psychedelics have largely been unsuccessful.
Experiencers often emphasize the therapeutic aspect of letting go of control during their NDEs. In a world where many strive for control, the experience of being completely out of control can reduce anxiety, especially about death. This realization can lead to a more fulfilling life, encouraging people to embrace uncertainty rather than fear it.
Near-death experiences provide profound insights into the nature of existence, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all beings. As individuals navigate life’s complexities, the lessons from NDEs can offer valuable guidance in understanding what it means to live meaningfully and authentically.
Reflect on your own beliefs about life, death, and spirituality. Write a journal entry discussing how these beliefs might change if you experienced an NDE. Consider how such an experience could alter your perspective on materialism and interconnectedness.
Participate in a group discussion about the challenges of describing NDEs. Share your thoughts on Greyson’s comparison of describing an NDE to “drawing an odor with a crayon.” Discuss how language can limit or enhance our understanding of profound experiences.
Analyze a case study of an individual who has experienced an NDE. Focus on the changes in their life, values, and relationships. Discuss how these changes align with the themes of interconnectedness and spirituality highlighted by Greyson.
Engage in a debate on the impact of NDEs on spirituality versus organized religion. Consider Greyson’s observations about the inclusivity of the deity encountered during NDEs and how this challenges traditional religious teachings.
Create a piece of art, such as a drawing, painting, or digital artwork, that represents the elements of an NDE as described by Greyson. Focus on the feelings of leaving the physical body, life review, and encounters with non-physical entities. Share your work with the class and explain your creative choices.
Near-death – Referring to experiences or phenomena occurring when an individual is close to dying, often involving out-of-body experiences or visions. – During his near-death experience, he reported seeing a bright light and feeling a profound sense of peace.
Experiences – Conscious events or occurrences that involve perception, emotion, and thought, contributing to an individual’s understanding of the world. – Her experiences during the meditation retreat deepened her understanding of mindfulness and self-awareness.
Spirituality – A sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can involve religious beliefs, personal growth, or a quest for meaning. – His study of spirituality in different cultures revealed diverse approaches to finding purpose and inner peace.
Interconnectedness – The state of being connected with each other, often used to describe the complex relationships between individuals, societies, or ecosystems. – The philosopher emphasized the interconnectedness of all living beings, suggesting that our actions impact the entire ecosystem.
Transformation – A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance, often used to describe personal growth or change in perspective. – The course on cognitive behavioral therapy highlighted the potential for transformation in individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.
Emotions – Complex psychological states that involve physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience. – Understanding the role of emotions in decision-making is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions.
Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often considered a normal reaction to stress. – The study explored the impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing anxiety levels in college students.
Control – The power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events, often discussed in the context of self-regulation and autonomy. – Research in psychology often examines how individuals exert control over their impulses and emotions.
Life – The existence of an individual human being or animal, often explored in philosophical discussions about meaning and purpose. – The existentialist philosopher questioned the meaning of life and the role of individual choice in shaping one’s destiny.
Compassion – A deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it, often considered a fundamental aspect of human morality. – The psychologist’s research focused on how compassion can be cultivated to improve interpersonal relationships and mental health.
