Joel H NDE

Experience Description

At the time of the incident I was in bed asleep. Suddenly, my consciousness was ripped from my body. I was hurled through a corridor-like tunnel that I could see through. Outside were thousands of planets that I passed at a tremendous speed. At the end of the tunnel, was a pinpoint of light that was growing larger and larger. My emotional state was that I was experiencing a very relaxed and loving feeling; in fact, I felt like I was a Prince coming home. However, I was also furious at being there. A pleasant and loving voice within the light asked me a question: 'Are you ready to come home?' To which I replied, 'No! I want to see my new son grow up.' I was immediately slammed back into my body. It was like every cell of my body was being pushed through a board, and yet I felt no real pain.

When I regained awareness, I was on my way to the emergency ward. Now thirty-seven years later, every time the medical people run an electrocardiogram they always say, 'Are you aware of having had a heart attack sometime in the past?' I always simply answer, 'Yes,' but say no more.

Background Information:

Gender: Male

Date NDE Occurred: Spring 1973

NDE Elements:

At the time of your experience, was there an associated life-threatening event? Yes Heart attack Clinical death (cessation of breathing or heart function or brain function) Heart attack.

How do you consider the content of your experience? Wonderful

The experience included: Out of body experience

Did you feel separated from your body? Yes I clearly left my body and existed outside it

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal everyday consciousness and alertness? More consciousness and alertness than normal In front of the light.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness? In front of the light.

Were your thoughts speeded up? Faster than usual

Did time seem to speed up or slow down? Everything seemed to be happening at once; or time stopped or lost all meaning

Were your senses more vivid than usual? Incredibly more vivid

Did you seem to be aware of things going on elsewhere? Yes, and the facts have been checked out

Did you pass into or through a tunnel? Yes

Did you see any beings in your experience? I actually saw them

Did you encounter or become aware of any deceased (or alive) beings? No

The experience included: Void

The experience included: Darkness

The experience included: Light

Did you see, or feel surrounded by, a brilliant light? A light clearly of mystical or other-worldly origin

Did you see an unearthly light? Yes

Did you seem to enter some other, unearthly world? No

The experience included: Strong emotional tone

What emotions did you feel during the experience? Elated, relaxed, and very confident that I was very much loved.

Did you have a feeling of peace or pleasantness? Incredible peace or pleasantness

Did you have a feeling of joy? incredible joy

Did you feel a sense of harmony or unity with the universe? I felt united or one with the world

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything? Everything about the universe

Did scenes from your past come back to you? My past flashed before me, out of my control

Did scenes from the future come to you? Scenes from the world's future

Did you come to a border or point of no return? I came to a barrier that I was not permitted to cross; or was sent back against my will

God, Spiritual and Religion:

What was your religion prior to your experience? Moderate

Have your religious practices changed since your experience? No

What is your religion now? Moderate Baha'i

Did you have a change in your values and beliefs because of your experience? No

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice? I encountered a definite being, or a voice clearly of mystical or unearthly origin

Did you see deceased or religious spirits? I actually saw them

Concerning our Earthly lives other than Religion:

During your experience, did you gain special knowledge or information about your purpose? Uncertain

Have your relationships changed specifically because of your experience? Uncertain I feel that I am much happier and enjoy helping others.

After the NDE:

Was the experience difficult to express in words? No

Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience? No

Are there one or several parts of your experience that are especially meaningful or significant to you? The emotions I felt.

Have you ever shared this experience with others? Uncertain

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience? No

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened? Experience was definitely real Something I didn't understand but liked very much.

What do you believe about the reality of your experience now? Experience was definitely real I'm beginning to be less hesitant to discuss it.

At any time in your life, has anything ever reproduced any part of the experience? No

Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experience? No.

Are there any other questions that we could ask to help you communicate your experience? No.