We had a
large tank of helium at work to inflate balloons for sales and other special
events. Of course goofing off is involved when that gas is around.
It was the
end of the day and I had clocked out. Most everyone had left at that point
except for the supervisor doing the days tally, the person that was car pooling
with me, and me. I was taking "hits" from the helium bottle. More like
clearing my lungs and inhaling from the bottle instead of what I was supposed to
be inhaling. Took quite a few breaths doing this. Kind of like
hyperventilating. I figured I had overdone things a bit when I notice that I
was exhaling a large amount of helium with each breath. Kind of feels like your
pushing rubber out your mouth and nose. That and I was extremely light headed.
I quit doing that at that point and figured I should stop goofing off. I
cleared out the pockets of my shirt and undid the first button and was working
on the second when the world went white. The rest is somewhat confused.
I was
holding onto a lighter in my right hand as I was taking off my shirt. I vaguely
remember hearing it hit the floor. The next thing I noted was that I hit my
head. I noted I hit it hard but it didn't seem to concern me. Then I was
standing in this place. I guess I could use the word beautiful to describe it
but it was more of a mist and a feeling than anything. I was alone at first.
But then people started appearing. I recognized them all. Some relatives and
friends. The others, well I knew them somehow. They were all happy to see me
but somewhat concerned. I remember the overall feeling from them as I wasn't
supposed to be there. One of them pulled me aside and asked me a few
questions. I answered them. He then said that someone was going to come and
talk me out of staying. I replied something to the effect of I have no
intention of leaving. A little while afterwards a man stepped out of the
crowd. He said that he wasn't going to make me leave and that I had earned the
right to be there but I put him in a bind. There were things I was supposed to
do and me being where I was put a kink in things. He said what they were,
though as I stated before I can't remember the exact conversation. He also said
that he could get someone else to do these things but time was short. He also
implied that my wife and children would miss me. At that point I felt bad about
things. Suffering and misery at two words that can describe it though not
adequately. He saw my state and asked what was wrong. I told him I couldn't do
these things as I had screwed up. At that point he smiled and put his hand on
my shoulder and said "Now is not your time". And this is the only thing I can
say verbatim.
My vision
returned and the first thing I noticed was this "wet rag" feel of something
under me. I glanced at it and said out loud "Oh. It's my body". Got up of the
floor and dusted myself off. Took off my shirt. Then went outside and asked
the guy who was car pooling with me as to how long I was gone. He said only a
couple of min. No longer than five. I got into my car and just went about
business.
I have
blacked out and hit my head before so I have a reference point. When I hit my
head I felt it and saw "stars" even after I had blacked out. After I came too I
spent the next half an hour regaining my balance and the next six trying to
figure out what had happened and how much time I had lost as I was extremely
disoriented. None of this occurred. I don't know what it could be or what else
it could be if not one of these.
Was the
kind of experience difficult to express in words?
Yes The place I was standing in. I don't think there are words in any
spoken language that can accurately convey what I experienced.
At the
time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?
Uncertain Like I said. I was goofing off with helium. Taking deep
breaths from a helium bottle trying to get the "Donald duck" voice to last long
enough to take off my shirt and go out to the car. I knew I over did things
when I was exhaling a large amount of helium when I was breathing.
At what
time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and
alertness?
I was aware and alert thought the experience. I just can't clearly recall
things afterwards.
How did
your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare
to your normal every day consciousness and alertness?
More consciousness and alertness than normal
If your
highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience was different
from your normal every day consciousness and alertness, please explain:
I was aware and alert thought the experience. I just can't clearly recall
things afterwards.
Did your
vision differ in any way from your normal, everyday vision (in any aspect, such
as clarity, field of vision, colors, brightness, depth perception degree of
solidness/transparency of objects, etc.)?
No
Did your
hearing differ in any way from your normal, everyday hearing (in any aspect,
such as clarity, ability to recognize source of sound, pitch, loudness, etc.)?
Uncertain I recall sound. I don't recall how the sounds were
created.
Did you
experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
No
What
emotions did you feel during the experience?
Peace, happiness, remorse, hope.
Did you
pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?
No
Did you
see a light?
No
Did you
meet or see any other beings?
Yes I did know them. Some from this life. Others I don't have a clue but I
know I knew them. They were all around me. Can't recall verbatim what was
said.
Did you
experience a review of past events in your life?
No
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?
No
Did you
have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
Yes I was told of three or four things I am to do. Don't recall what they
were. I was also told my wife and children would miss me. I am single and
unmarried.
Did you
reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
No
Did you
become aware of future events?
No
Did you
have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience you
did not have prior to the experience?
Uncertain I sense things. Hard to explain. I am seeing places and people
in dreams I later see in real life.
Have
you shared this experience with others?
Yes About six months. We were just discussing religion. I put in my two
cents.
Did you
have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?
Yes Saw a movie about it once.
How did
you view the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it
happened:
Experience was definitely real I was confused. Just trying to figure if it
meant anything at all.
Were
there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or
significant to you?
The entire
experience. Gives me hope and reassurance I guess.
How do
you currently view the reality of your experience:
Experience was definitely real I know something happened. Just didn't know
what until I accidentally ran into materials about NDE's.
Have your
relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?
No
Have
your religious beliefs/practices changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
No
Following the
experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or
substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
No
Is
there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?
It's
kind of cloudy. Something's are easy to recall. But specific details seem to
elude me. Such as whatever that guy said to me about my purpose in life.
Did the
questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and
comprehensively describe your experience?
Uncertain
I am limited to the constraints of the spoken word. I'm not sure I could give
an accurate description.
