Dr. Jeff's Corner
Jeffrey Long, M.D. is
a physician practicing the specialty of radiation oncology (use of radiation to
treat cancer) in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Long
served
on the Board of Directors of IANDS
(International Association for Near-Death Studies), and is
actively involved in NDE research.
FOUNDATION FOR THE NDE WEBSITE: A Labor of Love
By Dr. Jeff
Near death experiences (NDE) are real. A NDE Overview is contained in this web site as well as examples of Individual's NDE's. I am convinced of the reality of NDE. A detailed discussion of the basis of my conviction is beyond the scope of this introductory essay, but several important examples are provided. Experiencer's frequently report seeing or hearing events while unconscious, often quite geographically distant from their body. No physiological or psychological alternative explanation of NDE such as brain chemical release, reduced brain oxygen or seizure can account for this. There are millions of living NDE experiencers world-wide by conservative estimation. The consistency of NDE among vast numbers of experiencers at different times, locations, cultural backgrounds and experiencer's ages suggests its reality. I am not aware of any other "paranormal" or spiritual experiences involving large numbers of people with such a similar pattern of consistency.
Having accepted the reality and significance of NDE, I now seek to know more about NDE and their meaning for my own life. I have a confession to make. The greatest expression of my wisdom regarding NDE is that I know I don't know much about NDE. After reviewing hundreds of NDE experience summaries and studying NDE writings extensively, I have far more questions than answers. I recognize the excellent contribution of multiple authors (partially referenced in
NDERF Links) to the understanding of NDE. The premise of the NDERF research effort is that we still have a vast amount to learn.I don't know much about NDE, but I do think I am beginning to understand some pieces of the NDE puzzle. I believe I am on the path toward understanding several aspects of NDE, which I will share. I will add more to Jeff's Corner as I learn more about NDE.
Consciousness apart from the physical body is a component of all NDE experiences. This aspect of the NDE experience has been referred to as an "out of body experience" or OBE. OBE is so consistently a part of NDE that I included it in my definition of NDE:
"A lucid experience associated with perceived consciousness apart from the body occurring at the time of actual or threatened imminent death."
A more detailed discussion of this definition may be found in this web site's
NDERF Research section. As part of the OBE, experiencer's consistently report weightlessness, ability to pass through physical objects, an ability to move quickly and effortlessly from place to place and inability to be seen or heard by other living people. NDERF has a fascinating account (Paul's NDE) of a NDE experiencer who witnessed another individual dying beside him, and saw "…a mist leave from his head, which instantly turned into an exact duplicate of his body. I noticed that his spirit or new body was whole and glowed a bit". These two simultaneously occurring NDE's suggest communication may occur between individuals undergoing OBE, but not with living individuals. I find the OBE experience fascinating, and look forward to sharing further comments on OBE in the future.About one in four NDE experiencers describe a process of life review. Usually a being of light is present. The being of light is generally described as very compassionate and unconditionally loving. The life review experience has some variability, but usually includes a very rapid, often extremely detailed presentation of their life events, feelings, and a presentation of their action's effects on others. It is very significant that NDE experiencer's are often shown details of the actions and feelings of others they encountered throughout their life. Many or most of these individuals whose actions and feelings the NDE experiencer is shown are still alive at the time of the NDE with no awareness of consciously sharing their life actions and feelings with spiritual beings. This suggests the actions and feelings of living individuals encountered by the NDE experiencer, and the NDE experiencer themselves, are continuously known in great detail by spiritual beings in the afterlife.
Such a detailed knowing of us by spiritual beings suggests an ongoing connection between those of us on earth and spiritual beings. I do not know the nature of this connection and am not consciously aware of it. I believe the preceding evidence suggests the likelihood of such a connection, and if so the implications are profound. I believe being known and understood by compassionate and unconditionally loving spiritual beings is an expression of their ongoing love for us all. As I reflect of the implications of this knowing connection, I realize the futility of my efforts to deceive others or myself. If I am known, any efforts of mine to deceive others is unloving and ultimately fails its purpose of keeping the deceit hidden.
While I find the likelihood of such a knowing connection with spiritual beings uncomfortable in some ways, there is a tremendous up-side. Being known by such compassionate and unconditionally loving spiritual beings means I am loved. I have found that knowing I am loved is vital and life changing. This is one important lesson from the NDE experience with a tremendous message of hope for you and for me.
We hope the NDERF research and all that flows from it will be an act of love.
Copyright
1999
by Dr. Jeffrey P. Long
e-mail:
nderf@nderf.org
Webmaster: Jody A. Long, JD
Jody A. Long, JD &
Jeffrey Long, MD (of NDERF) Professional Websites
Jody A. Long's Family Law web site:
www.attyfamilylaw.com;
Jewelry by Jody
www.jewelrybyjody.com
Dr. Jeffrey Long's Radiation Oncology (the use of
radiation to treat cancer) web site:
www.rooj.com