Ginger M's NDE

Experience description:       

    I was 23 years young, vacationing with girlfriends in Florida.  Beautiful white sand on a beach that stretched as far as the eye could see. My friends were sunning themselves while I splashed in the sea...it was soothing, wonderful!  But I got caught in an undertow and tried to swim against it. I'm not an experienced swimmer. Too far out to see the beach, I panicked and tried to swim harder and became very fatigued. There wasn't a soul out there that I could see. I had thoughts of dying all alone...what a shame since I hadn't really lived yet. I was unsure of time and direction.

Suddenly I could no longer feel my body which was weird, since I had been shivering with fear and cold just moments before. I was only aware of an exquisite sense of warmth and peace and the brightest, most golden-white glow enveloped me. Then it felt as if I travelled through a sort of tunnel, and I viewed what looked like brief film clips of my life up to my present age. I could even see expressions on the faces of family members. Next, a man sailing a small boat asked me, "What seems to be the problem?"  And I replied that I was not able to swim to shore. I do not remember getting in his boat, nor do I recall sailing to shore.

My memory is only that of waking up on the beach surrounded by the lifeguard and onlookers. I recall being in an ambulance and the paramedic slapping my face, encouraging me to stay awake. I felt bereft!  All I wanted was to find that beautiful warm and serene place again and never have to leave it. Some months later, I became interested in the metaphysical. I read about the mystery schools and other religions and philosophies. I was curious about things I never thought to question before.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience:  No

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  Yes

      What was it about the experience that makes it hard to communicate?  No basis of comparison

At the time of the experience, was there an associated life threatening event?  Yes

      Describe:  Near drowning - caught in an undertow

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?  Aware of the experience, but couldn't feel physical sensations

Was the experience dream like in any way?  No

Did you experience a separation of consciousness from your body?  Yes

Describe your appearance or form apart from your body:  I had no physical form...instead I was all consciousness, experiencing something unusual.  Did not feel like a dream state either. Most perplexing!

What emotions did you feel during the experience?  Serenity, comfort, joy, acceptance, peace, love

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?  No - all was strangely quiet

Did you pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?  Yes

      Describe:  It was a sense of travelling or flying or moving through a darkened tunnel.

Did you see a light?  Yes

      Describe:  So incredibly golden-white  - as if I travelled to the sun without the heat

Did you meet or see any other beings?  Uncertain

      Describe:  A young man appeared in a small sailboat - had no idea where he came from.

Did you experience a review of past events in your life?  Yes

      Describe:  A very fast succession of film clips from my life...family members I took for granted who are important to me now -

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?  No

Did you see or visit any beautiful or otherwise distinctive locations, levels or dimensions?  No

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?  Yes

      Describe:  Felt like I had been gone for hours, but my friends didn't say they missed me!

Did you have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?  No

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?  No

Did you become aware of future events?  No

Were you involved in or aware of a decision to return to the body?  Uncertain

      Describe:  I wanted to get into the boat that appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience you did not have prior to the experience?  Yes

      Describe:  Automatic writing, guidance, can sometimes read other people's thoughts, healing

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?  Yes

      Describe:  No longer feared death; open to different religions and cultures; more universal love

Has the experience affected your relationships?  Daily life?  Religious practices etc.?  Career choices?  More open-minded and loving towards my fellow human beings

Have you shared this experience with others?  Yes

      Describe:  They think of it as an interesting story.  I don't know if this story has influenced anyone.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Deep yearning to return to the peaceful place; a feeling of being a stranger in a strange land here on earth; curiosity about various religions and philosophies; forgiveness of my own mistakes and that of others; interest in all things metaphysical

What was the best and worst part of your experience?  All the above listed could be described as the best...there was no "worst part."

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?  Wish I could experience it again!

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?  Yes

      Describe:  I don't live with fear anymore.  Catholics are brought up to fear so many things!

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?  No