Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.0.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # IANDS Helping the world understand near-death experiences ## Posts ### [Head to the New Official IANDS Fundraising Auction Today!](https://iands.org/head-to-the-new-official-iands-fundraising-auction-today/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The 2026 IANDS fundraising auction includes trips to Italy and the Grand Canyon, wine, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, and so much more. Learn more here! **Content:** *A new IANDS fundraising auction has been launched ahead of [IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World"), and you can participate in it right now. But be sure to hurry over to [the auction site](https://internationalassociationneard.betterworld.org/auctions/2026-iands-fundraising-auction) now, as this special IANDS fundraising auction is only available for a limited time*. A foodie paradise vacation in Tuscany. A stargazing adventure in Arizona. A delectable bottle of Dutch wine. A flag flown over the United States Capitol Building in honor of the scientific field of near-death studies. All of that and more is on offer at the exciting new [IANDS fundraising auction](https://internationalassociationneard.betterworld.org/auctions/2026-iands-fundraising-auction), which is taking place right now. But make sure you get your bids in now, as the auction ends August 24th 2026. **You don’t need to download a special app** **to gain access**! ## What items are on the IANDS fundraising auction block? Hosted by *[betterworld.org](https://betterworld.org/mission/)*, the 2026 IANDS Fundraising Auction features a broad assortment of items, ranging from books and premium candles to luxury vacations and retreats. Here are a few of the highlights you can place bids on today: - **A luxurious trip to Tuscany**, where you’ll spend seven days and six nights in Cortona enjoying a wine tasting (accompanied by a professional sommelier), a cooking demonstration, and dinner with a local chef. You’ll be just a one hour drive from Florence and two hours from Rome! - **A stargazing adventure in Valle, Arizona** with a family Sky Dome spacious enough for five people. You’ll spend four days and three nights at the Clear Sky Resort Grand Canyon, stargazing with telescopes and sleeping in a special dome with stunning views of the night sky. - **An American Flag flown over the Capitol**, at the request of U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC), who [helped IANDS](https://iands.org/a-wonderful-note-from-congresswoman-foushee-to-start-nde-week/ "A Wonderful Note from Congresswoman Foushee to Start NDE Week") celebrate our first-ever [Near-Death Experience Week](https://iands.org/events/near-death-experience-week/ "Near-Death Experience Week: Learn More About This Unique Phenomenon") this past June. - **Guides tours of the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies**. One tour is hosted by Professor Marieta Pehlivanova, and the other by Professor J. Kim Penberthy. You’ll get a rare behind-the-scenes visit to the pioneering DOPS research facilities and archives! There’s so much more listed in the IANDS fundraising auction, too. [Click here](https://internationalassociationneard.betterworld.org/auctions/2026-iands-fundraising-auction) to see the full list of available auction items, or scan the QR code below if that’s easier for you. Happy bidding, and we can’t wait to see you at IANDS Conference 2026 in Bellevue, Washington this August 27-30! ![Qr code for the 2026 iands fundraising auction](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/QR-Code.jpg "Qr code ‣ iands")Scan this QR code for quick and easy access to the 2026 IANDS fundraising auction. No app required! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** auction, clear sky resort grand canyon, conference auction, cortona, DOPS, foushee, iands auction, iands fundraising auction, sky dome, trip to cortona, tuscany, university of virginia division of perceptual studies, UVA, UVA DOPS, Valerie Foushee, valle, valle arizona, valle az --- ### [IANDS Glossary: Mixed Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-mixed-near-death-experience/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A mixed near-death experience has some combination of features from both pleasurable NDEs and distressing NDEs. Learn more in this IANDS glossary entry. **Content:** **A mixed near-death experience, also referred to as a mixed NDE, hybrid near-death experience, or hybrid NDE, is a [near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") with a blend of [pleasurable and distressing](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/ "Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences") features.** [Pleasurable NDEs](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-pleasurable-near-death-experience/ "IANDS Glossary: Pleasurable Near-Death Experience") are pleasant and peaceful, while [distressing NDEs](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-distressing-near-death-experience-negative-nde/ "IANDS Glossary: Distressing Near-Death Experience (Negative NDE)") are scary, disturbing, or even sometimes hellish. Mixed NDEs involve the characteristics of both — they might start off frightening, but evolve toward having peaceful features. Or, they might start peacefully, and then transition toward more frightening features. We don’t yet know how commonly a person might encounter a mixed near-death experience. Most prevalence studies classify NDEs by their dominant emotional tone — they might be labeled more generally as a pleasurable or distressing NDE, without an accurate read on whether the NDE contained both pleasurable and distressing features. ## Mixed Near-Death Experience vs. Hybrid NDE: What’s the Difference? As you delve into this subject, you may find yourself coming across two seemingly distinct terms: *mixed near-death experience* and *hybrid near-death experience*. So, in an effort of cutting off any underlying confusion at the pass, we want to note that **mixed NDEs and hybrid NDEs both refer to the same phenomenon** — NDEs with a blend of positive and negative aspects. In *[The Darker Side of Near-Death Experiences (2023)](https://journalofscientificexploration.org/index.php/jse/article/view/2843?utm_source=chatgpt.com)*, prominent NDE researcher and IANDS co-founder Dr. Bruce Greyson discusses what he refers to as “Mixed Pleasant and Unpleasant Near-Death Experiences.” Meanwhile, Lund University researchers Karolina Kinnunen, Amal Ait Melloul, and Etzel Cardeña referred to them as “hybrid experiences” throughout their paper *[The Phenomenology of Distressing Near-death Experiences and Their Aftereffects](https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?fileOId=9131415&func=downloadFile&recordOId=9131344)*. Both phrases are used, and both phrases are considered acceptable. The phrase “mixed near-death experience” does seem at least slightly more common in older research, while “hybrid near-death experience” is arguably used more often in newer research. And that’s all incredibly relative, given how young this field of research is to begin with. We should also mention here that **the phrases *mixed near-death experience* and *inverted near-death experience* do not mean the same thing**. These two phrases are sometimes confused or have their meanings swapped, but they’re two distinct concepts. An inverted NDE is one where features we commonly associate with pleasurable NDEs — [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary"), entering a tunnel, approaching a light, or interacting with deceased people — are found by the experiencer to be frightening, rather than comforting. And yes, it’s possible for a near-death experience to be both mixed and inverted. ## Read more A mixed near-death experience is just one type of NDE. Interested in learning more about near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?")? You’ve come to the right place! IANDS offers a wide range of educational resources to introduce you to this topic. You may want to start with the [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/), which offers definitions of the terminology of near-death studies. Also check out our [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/), where we answer frequently asked questions. - **IANDS Glossary:** - [**Pleasurable Near-Death Experience**](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-pleasurable-near-death-experience/ "IANDS Glossary: Pleasurable Near-Death Experience") - **[Distressing Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-distressing-near-death-experience-negative-nde/)** - **[Life Review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/)** - **[Spiritually Transformative Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/)** - **[Veridical Perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/)** - **IANDS Q&A:** - [**I Had an NDE. What Should I Do Now?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-i-had-an-nde-what-should-i-do-now/) - [**Can a Near-Death Experience Change Your Life?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) - [**Can Anyone Have an NDE? Are Certain People More or Less Prone?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/) - [](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/)**[What Happens When an Atheist has an NDE?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/)** - [**Are NDEs Really Proof of the Afterlife?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** hybrid NDE, hybrid near-death experience, IANDS glossary, mixed NDE, mixed near-death experience --- ### [Great Places to Eat in Bellevue During IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/great-places-to-eat-in-bellevue-during-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Looking for great places to eat in Bellevue, Washington during your trip for IANDS Conference 2026? Our conference restaurant guide features excellent eateries! **Content:** We’re going to be brutally honest with you here. We fully expected this to be an article listing a few great places to eat in Bellevue, Washington when you’re visiting for IANDS Conference 2026. And then, we figured we’d spend the rest of this article talking about restaurants dotted throughout the Greater Seattle region more generally. And holy smokes, were we wrong. Maybe not “dead wrong”, but wrong enough that we certainly had *a near-wrong experience*. Sorry for that … I couldn’t help myself. Moving along! As it it happens, the list of great places to eat in Bellevue is absolutely *staggering*, in ways you frankly wouldn’t expect from what many people consider to be a suburb of Seattle. Though there’s a separate and important distinction to make here, too — Bellevue is actually Washington’s fifth-largest city in its own right, with its own distinct skyline and, as you’ll discover while visiting IANDS Conference 2026, a massive and thriving retail center. ## A culinary boom has left us with countless great places to eat in Bellevue ![Listing genuinely great places to eat in bellevue is only difficult if you try to keep the list short!](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/file_6729080b4fbaf_DJI_20240905221331_0436_D_Enhanced_NR_v7yo7r-1024x767.jpg "File_6729080b4fbaf_dji_20240905221331_0436_d_enhanced_nr_v7yo7r ‣ iands")Listing genuinely great places to eat in Bellevue is only difficult if you try to keep the list short! Image courtesy of *[Visit Bellevue](https://www.visitbellevuewa.com/)*Bellevue’s culinary identity in witnessing a massive restaurant boom right now. Roughly 80 new restaurants, some with Michelin pedigree, are putting Bellevue on the ultimate American foodie map. So the question is no longer “where are the great places to eat in Bellevue.” It’s more a question of which ones we can share with you in this one article. And we can be absolutely certain of two things. First, we’re unfortunately going to exclude some great restaurants from this list. There are simply too many for us to list. And second, you’re going to eat exceptionally well before, during, and after IANDS Conference 2026. And given the scale and scope of all this, we’re going to leave out restaurants in Greater Seattle, too. Though we’ll make a second article focused on Seattle itself, too, if you fine folks request it. And now, without further ado, let’s explore some, but not all, of the great places to eat in Bellevue, Washington during IANDS Conference 2026, happening August 27 to 30 (with a pre-conference day on August 26). ### Crawfish Chef [Menu](https://crawfishchef.com/bellevue/menu/) | 4.8 stars on Google Reviews | 4.7 stars on Yelp It would be criminal to write an IANDS Conference 2026 restaurant guide and not include at least one great seafood joint. The Greater Seattle region is highly regarded for its seafood, after all. And when it comes to seafood, it’s difficult to challenge Crawfish Chef. This isn’t a dainty upscale fine dining spot. It’s a messy, roll-up-your-sleeves, face-stuffing Cajun dreamscape of delicious seafood entries. They specialize in massive seafood boils loaded with crawfish, snow crab, dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, lobster … a veritable what’s-what of incredible seafood offerings at prices that won’t leave you shell-shocked. See what we did there? ### Broiler Bay Burgers [Menu](https://www.yelp.com/menu/broiler-bay-bellevue) | 4.6 stars on Google Reviews | 4.1 stars on Yelp Considered by many to have the best burgers in Bellevue, Broiler Bay Burgers is an old-school independent burger counter that checks every vacation box. It’s affordable. They have excellent burgers, chicken, fries, and shakes. Their biggest drawback is their rather spartan vegetarian offerings, but for meat-eaters, this is one of those great places to eat in Bellevue that you just have to try at least once. ### Desi Tadka Indian Grill [Menu](https://desitadkabellevue.com/our-menu.html) | 4.2 stars on Google Reviews | 4.2 stars on Yelp Broiler Bay Burgers isn’t very vegetarian-friendly. So let’s follow up that entry with an astounding family-owned Indian restaurant that *only* serves vegetarian. The purely meatless Desi Tadka Indian Grill is famed for their takeout and dine-in Thali meals, menu standouts like their signature Chole Bhature and Samosa Chaat. ### Araya’s Place [Menu](https://www.arayasplace.com/) | 4.5 stars on Google Reviews | 4.2 stars on Yelp Desi Tadka offers a great assortment of vegan options, but Araya’s Place specializes in it. This is a fully and strictly vegan Thai restaurant. It holds the prestigious distinction of being the very first vegan Thai restaurant in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, it was one of the first vegan Thai restaurants in North America, having been founded in 1987. There were some restaurants in that class prior, but not a whole lot. The history is neat and all, but you’re not going there to eat recognition. You’re going there to eat yummy food, like their extraordinary avocado curry, classic pad Thai, tom yum soup, and a top-flight sampler plate called Araya’s Lunch Set featuring curry, noodle, or stir fry. ### Istanbul Cuisine [Menu](https://istanbulcuisinecafe.com/collections/istanbul-cuisine-menu) | 4.4 stars on Google Reviews | 4.5 stars on Yelp Handmade spinach and feta gözleme. Mouthwatering pides. Künafe that will haunt you for days. Istanbul Cuisine is your go-to spot for Turkish meals in Bellevue, without a doubt. Just be wary of lunch rush delays and order ahead online, if you can. Everything at this stellar restaurant is made completely from scratch, to order. ### La Chingona Taqueria [Menu](https://lachingonataqueria.com/seattle-west-seattle-la-chingona-mexican-cuisine-food-menu) | 4.8 stars on Google Reviews | 4.4 stars on Yelp While Bellevue’s restaurant scene may arguably be best known for its East Asian and South Asian eateries, there’s certainly no shortage of other cultural staples there. And if you’re looking for the best tacos in Bellevue — and arguably some of the best fish tacos *anywhere*, La Chingona Taqueria is an absolute *must*. Though we need to caution you here that you don’t want to go into this place expecting street tacos. Their “loaded” tacos are feasts and come with immense portions of meat, while their generous keto and cactus leaf options are ideal for more health-conscious diners. ### Burgermaster ![Burgermaster easily ranks amongst the many great places to eat in bellevue](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Burgermaster_Bellevue.jpg "Burgermaster_bellevue ‣ iands")[Menu](https://order.thanx.com/burgermaster) | 4.6 stars on Google Reviews | 4.0 stars on Yelp Legend has it that when Microsoft left Albuquerque and opened their Bellevue headquarters in 1979, they had just three phone numbers programmed into their corporate telephone speed-dial system … and one of those was Burgermaster. Since 1952, Burgermaster has been a retro carhop mainstay with five locations across the Seattle region, where they were founded. Their Bellevue Burgermaster location has been serving up iconic burgers, shakes, fries, and their in-house fish and chips since 1960. They also have a classic gardenburger for vegetarians. Oh, and the dungeness crab melt? If you eat shellfish, *eat that*. You’ll thank me! ### Monsoon Bellevue ![Monsoon bellevue is arguably one of the best vietnamese restaurants in the pacific northwest.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2023_Ural_Gear_Up_Caribbean.jpg "2023_ural_gear_up_caribbean ‣ iands")[Menu](https://www.monsoonrestaurants.com/bellevue-menu) | 4.2 stars on Google Reviews | 3.5 stars on Yelp For the longest time, Vietnamese food was seen by many as cheap and casual “noodle shop” fare. Monsoon turned that notion on its head, serving elevated traditional recipes with a sophisticated fine dining experience. Add together their awe-inspiring dishes and their unique craft cocktail experience, and Monsoon is easily one of the best restaurants in Bellevue. Be sure to try their catfish claypot, their drunken chicken, and their delectable crispy imperial rolls. ### Takai by Kashiba [Menu](https://takaibykashiba.com/menu) | 4.4 stars on Google Reviews | 4.3 stars on Yelp Add *Takai by Kashiba* to our list of splurge-worthy culinary destinations for upscale dining. This restaurant was opened by the legendary Shiro Kashiba, “the godfather of Seattle sushi”, who originally trained in Tokyo under Jiro Ono (of *Jiro Dreams of Sushi* fame), and his son Edwin. Chef Jun Takai apprenticed under Shiro Kashiba, and his meticulous execution earned him a prestigious [nomination for a James Beard award](https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/the-2025-james-beard-award-semifinalists). This is strictly traditional, purist Japanese dining of the highest order. This isn’t a place for Americanized fusion meals or easy takeout to enjoy in your hotel after the Conference. It’s a multi-course Chef’s Omakase experience at an intimate nine-seat counter where you’re trusting the chef to curate a progression of pristine nigiri sushi. ### Carmine’s Bellevue [Menu](https://carminesbellevue.com/#menu) | 4.5 stars on Google Reviews | 4.2 stars on Yelp Ranking alongside the great places to eat in Bellevue is one upscale Italian restaurant that deserves particular praise: Carmine’s Bellevue, a classy trattoria that sheds Bellevue’s typical sleek, corporate glare for a classic, warm, authentic setting. Their rigatoni bolognese and osso buco are the stuff of legend, while their curated Italian wine list is practically unrivaled. Carmine’s Bellevue easily earns its place on our list of great places to eat in Bellevue while visiting for IANDS Conference 2026. ## There are so many great places to eat in Bellevue — we’re barely scratching the surface! Can we get away with one more campy [NDE](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know")-related pun here? T*he restaurants on our list of great places to eat in Bellevue serve up food that’s to die for. But it’s so good, you’ll come back to life so you can eat some more!* Hey, I tried to warn you the joke would be super corny, didn’t I? Anyway, we’re looking forward to seeing you at IANDS Conference 2026. And when you’re booking your restaurant reservations, please keep in mind that you don’t want to forget about our lunches with conference speakers or the can’t-miss Chrysalis fundraiser dinner. You can learn more about those on our [IANDS Conference 2026 registration page](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/ "Register for IANDS Conference 2026")! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** Opinion **Tags:** araya's place, belleveue, bellevue wa, bellevue washington, broiler bay burgers, burgermaster, carmine's bellevue, crawfish chef, desi tadka indian grill, great places for dinner in bellevue, great places to eat in bellevue, IANDS Conference 2026, instanbul cuisine, monsoon bellevue, places to eat in bellevue, restaurant recommendations bellevue, restaurant recommendations in bellevue, restaurants in belleveue, takai by kashiba --- ### [Don't Miss Early Bird Registration for IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/dont-miss-early-bird-registration-for-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Looking forward to attending IANDS Conference 2026? You'll want to be sure to catch these early bird registration discounts, before they fly the coop! **Content:** ***Are you l******ooking forward to attending IANDS Conference 2026? You’ll want to catch these early bird registration discounts, before they fly the coop!*** [IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World") is coming up fast, and we can’t wait to see you there. But if you haven’t already [registered](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) for the world’s largest NDE gathering, you may want to act quickly: **Early Bird Registration for the event ends at midnight on July 15th!** If you register for IANDS Conference 2026 today, you’ll pay just $386 to attend the full event. But these prices will be going away at midnight on July 15th, when the registration price will increase to $429. Registration grants you full access to keynote speaker and general sessions, educational breakout sessions, morning and afternoon refreshments, the Thursday welcome reception, and the exhibit hall and bookstore. And it wouldn’t be an IANDS Conference without our Saturday Night Dance Party! See our [IANDS Conference schedule page](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/ "Schedule for IANDS Conference 2026") for details on the day-to-day goings-on at IANDS Conference 2026 **IANDS Conference 2026 is taking place August 27 to August 30** at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington. Be sure to take a look at our [hotel and trip planning page](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/ "Bellevue, Washington: Trip Planning for IANDS Conference 2026") for details regarding the rest of your visit to the Seattle area during IANDS Conference 2026. ## Other Discounts are Also Available too, Besides Early Bird Registration Seniors and students with valid .edu emails can get a 10 percent discount, too. And active-duty military and veterans get to attend IANDS Conference 2026 free of charge. You’ll find more information about these discounts on our [registration page](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/). On that page, you’ll also find information about add-ons to enhance your experience, including lunches with speakers, convenient boxed lunches served onsite, healing sessions, workshops, and more. And on Friday, August 28th, you won’t want to miss the special Chrysalis Fundraising dinner, which includes dining, an auction, a wine raffle, and more. We can’t wait to see you in Bellevue, Washington at IANDS Conference 2026. And we hope you can get in on these early bird registration prices before they fly the coop! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** conference pricing, IANDS Conference 2026, iands conference cost, iands conference early bird price, iands conference early bird pricing, iands conference pricing --- ### [Vital Signs Summer 2026: The Uplifting Impact of Sharing Groups](https://iands.org/vital-signs-summer-2026-the-uplifting-impact-of-sharing-groups/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Vital Signs Summer 2026 is here! This free digital magazine explores an ancient Egyptian NDE, scientific advances in oncology involving Reiki, and so much more. **Content:** The *Vital Signs* Summer 2026 edition is here, and it’s a particularly fascinating one! You’ll find the full edition by [clicking here](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/Vital-Signs-June-2026), or just view it down below. ## What You’ll Find in Vital Signs Summer 2026 ![The cover of the vital signs summer 2026 issue](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/vital-signs-summer-2026-232x300.jpg "Vital-signs-summer-2026 ‣ iands")From ancient [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") in Egypt’s age of the pharaohs to modern biofield breakthroughs in oncology through Reiki, the Vital Signs Summer 2026 edition offers a great many riveting stories through which you can explore the extraordinary. Join Mark Anthony on an adventure into the past as he takes you to Egypt’s fabled 18th Dynasty (1550 to 1292 BC), where a young prince had an NDE during a hunting trip that led not only to the excavation of one of the region’s most famous landmarks, but to a sudden rise in power. Angela Harris describes classical tantra — a sophisticated spiritual tradition rooted in nondual philosophy, ritual practice, and embodied realization. Brian Smith discusses 5D consciousness in a world that increasingly makes less sense. And Angela Harris explores biofield advances in oncology involving the healing power of Reiki. There’s so much more to explore in the Vital Signs Summer 2026 issue, too! Amber Kasic discusses her shared death experience in 2020 that led her into mediumship. Brian Smith explores how [spiritually transformative experiences](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/ "IANDS Glossary: What is a Spiritually Transformative Experience?") can help heal grief. And we revisit a story first published in 2001, where Kathleen Teuber Younker tells us about her childhood NDE and how it affected her as an adult. And you don’t want to miss the highly engaging piece by Angela Harris where she introduces us to IANDS Greensboro in North Carolina, and discusses the importance of joining local sharing groups. ## Free Vital Signs issues are available here on IANDS.org *Vital Signs* is the world’s premier magazine centered on near-death experiences and related phenomena. You’ll find the latest issue of Vital Signs and past issues as well on our [Vital Signs page](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly"). And this digital magazine is absolutely free, too. Be sure to take a look at our [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies") and [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") articles, too. You’ll find explainers for complex subjects, answers to questions frequently asked around the web, and many fascinating stories along the way. Looking to dig even deeper? You may want to take a look at our [past issues of the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/past-issues-jnds/ "Past Issues of the Journal of Near-Death Studies"), too. The latest volumes of this important scientific journal require [IANDS membership](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), but all volumes become free after the first year. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** Amber Kasic, Angela harris, Brian Smith, IANDS Greensboro, IANDS magazine, Kathleen Teuber Younker, Mark Anthony, vital signs, vital signs 2026, vital signs magazine, vital signs summer 2026 --- ### [New, First-Ever Near-Death Experience Week Coming June 1-7](https://iands.org/new-first-ever-near-death-experience-week-coming-june-1-7/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Get ready for our first ever Near-Death Experience Week, June 1st through June 7th, where we'll share a riveting panel discussion, a special podcast, and more! **Content:** This June 1st to June 7th, we’d love for you to join the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) as we host the first-ever **[Near-Death Experience Week](https://iands.org/events/near-death-experience-week/)**. Our goal is to **educate the public** on NDEs and **normalize conversations** about near-death experiences and related phenomena. Join us for a free panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers, a special edition of the [IANDS Afterlife Revealed Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/@Afterlife_Revealed_NDE_Podcast), and new [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) and [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) content here on *IANDS.org*. ## Special Near-Death Experience Week events you won’t want to miss! - **Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. EDT** IANDS will host a panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers: Vinney Todd Tolman and IANDS President Evan Mecham. The event will be moderated by IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley. **Click here to register** **for this free event!** - **Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. EDT** IANDS Afterlife Revealed Podcast Host Dani Foffa will moderate a discussion “*What Academic Research and Personal Stories Tell Us About Near Death Experiences*”. Featured guests will include *Dying to be Me* author Anita Moorjani and University of Virginia School of Medicine Division of Perceptual Studies Research Assistant Professor for Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences Marieta Pehlivanova, Ph.D. **Click here **to register** **for this free event!**** ## Results from a new NDE poll to be revealed soon, too ![A new iands near-death experience poll reveals stunning insights into ndes](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/andibreit-opinion-poll-1594962-1-300x200.jpg "Andibreit-opinion-poll-1594962 ‣ iands")Image by [Andreas Breitling](https://pixabay.com/users/andibreit-2748383/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1594962) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1594962)In advance of this special week, IANDS worked with Centiment and surveyed 2,100 Americans about NDEs. We asked people whether they themselves had crossed into other realms and then returned to their human lives (22 percent said they had!) or whether they knew someone who had an NDE (35 percent said they knew someone who had!). We also asked Americans about their views on death and the afterlife, whether they think science supports the NDE phenomena and whether humanity can learn from these experiences. The full results are fascinating and will be released publicly May 28 in a national press release. ## Ready to start learning today? Here’s where you can jump straight in! Near-Death Experience week is still more than a week away, but you can start learning about near-death experiences and related phenomena right now. Browse some of these links to get started! - Scientific [fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/) - Our [recommended reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/) - Recommended [films and documentaries](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/) - Our beginner-friendly [IANDS Q&A articles](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) - Learn more about NDE-related terminology with our [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** nde week, nde week 2026, near-death experience week, near-death experience week 2026 --- ### [Results of New IANDS Near-Death Experience Poll Revealed](https://iands.org/results-of-new-iands-near-death-experience-poll-revealed/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A new near-death experience poll, conducted by IANDS and Centiment, reveals that 23 percent of American adults say they've had a near-death experience. **Content:** A new near-death experience poll, conducted by IANDS and Centiment, offers fascinating new data regarding [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") (“NDEs”). And the results make one thing abundantly clear: **NDEs are *a lot* more common than many people realize**. The IANDS near-death experience poll was conducted by Centiment in March 2026 and drew 2,100 responses. > *“This remarkable data tells us three important things: NDEs may be more common than we realized; people who have NDEs or hear about them are positively impacted, and the majority of Americans believe evidence exists to support the phenomena.* > > *“The survey also makes clear the importance of normalizing conversations about life, death and what comes after. Those who have had NDEs or who research them may be some of the best teachers.”* > > – IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley ## Near-Death Experience Poll Reveals More Americans Have Had NDEs than Previously Believed Arguably the biggest surprise from the IANDS/Centiment poll is that **23 percent of American adults say they’ve had a near-death experience**, while **35 percent say they know someone who has had an NDE**. In polling, the framing of questions matters significantly. The IANDS near-death experience poll specifically describes a near-death experience as one where the subject “transitioned to another realm and then returned to human existence.” This context matters when you consider the results of [earlier NDE surveys](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-an-nde/ "IANDS Q&A: What Percentage of the Population has Had an NDE?"), which don’t always frame NDEs this specifically. The most famous NDE poll—Gallup’s landmark NDE survey—was conducted between 1980 and 1981 and sampled 1,500 Americans. That poll, conducted by George Gallup Jr. himself, framed this question differently. They asked “Have you, yourself, ever been on the verge of death or had a ‘close call’ which involved any unusual experiences at that time?” To that question, 15 percent of respondents answered “yes”, while 5 percent reported experiencing “unusual” phenomena. ## Near-Death Experience Poll Offers Stunning New Insights Into NDEs Of those respondents who said they’ve had a near-death experience: - 51 percent said the experience gave them **a deeper appreciation for life** - 36 percent said they feel **more connected to the spiritual realm** - 31 percent said the experience **changed their life priorities** - 30 percent said they have **less fear of death** - 30 percent said they are **more empathetic** toward others - 26 percent said they are **more generous** and **socially minded** Of the respondents who said they knew someone who’d experienced an NDE, 44 percent said that hearing about those experiences increased their curiosity about the afterlife, while 40 percent said it deepened their belief in an afterlife. ## Many Who Haven’t Had NDEs Believe There’s Evidence Supporting Them Of those respondents who said they did not have an NDE, 27.3 percent said there’s strong evidence for near-death experiences, while 31.3 percent said there’s some good evidence for them. Meanwhile, 15 percent said there was limited evidence, and 24 percent said there was insufficient evidence. A staggering 77.8 percent—four out five respondents—said there is either major value (41.1 percent) or some value (36.7 percent) in studying near-death experiences. The IANDS/Centiment near-death experience poll explored the concepts of death and the afterlife more broadly as well: - One in four respondents (25 percent) said the idea of dying scared them “a little”, while 14.8 percent said the idea of dying scared them “a great deal.” - When asked if they feel confident they’ll be in a better place when they die, 31 said yes, while 6.2 percent said they were worried they’d be in a worse place. - 25 percent said they had made peace with death. ## Please Join IANDS for Near-Death Experience Week (June 1-7) This June 1 through June 7, IANDS is launching the world’s first **[Near-Death Experience Week](https://iands.org/events/near-death-experience-week/ "Near-Death Experience Week: Learn More About This Unique Phenomenon")**, where our aim is to introduce as many new people to the concept of NDEs as possible. Please join us for: - A free panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers, Vinney Todd Tolman and IANDS President Evan Mecham, on Tuesday, June 2nd at 8 PM EDT - A special discussion hosted by *[IANDS Afterlife Revealed](https://www.youtube.com/@Afterlife_Revealed_NDE_Podcast)* host Dani Foffa on Saturday, June 6th at 3 PM EDT (**Click here to register for this free event**) - **New [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) and [IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) entries**. These resources are specifically designed to introduce newcomers to the many concepts of near-death experiences and to provide in-depth answers to many common questions regarding NDEs and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). If you or someone you know has had a near-death experience, please [visit our support section](https://iands.org/support/ "Find NDE Support Groups, Information, Research, and More") for useful information, and feel free to [contact IANDS](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") if you need help or if you have any questions. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** NDE News **Tags:** IANDS poll, IANDS survey, NDE poll, NDE polling, NDE survey, near death experience poll, near death experience polling, near death experience survey, near-death experience poll, near-death experience polling, near-death experience survey --- ### [A Wonderful Note from Congresswoman Foushee to Start NDE Week](https://iands.org/a-wonderful-note-from-congresswoman-foushee-to-start-nde-week/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** U.S. Congresswoman Valerie P. Foushee helped inaugurate the first-ever Near-Death Experience Week (June 1-7) with a special message for IANDS. **Content:** US Congresswoman Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC) helped IANDS inaugurate the first-ever [Near-Death Experience Week](https://iands.org/events/near-death-experience-week/ "Near-Death Experience Week: Learn More About This Unique Phenomenon") in a surprising way: sending us a thoughtful and encouraging letter recognizing this special event. And for the team here at IANDS, the message from Congresswoman Foushee is incredibly validating and heartwarming. Congresswoman Foushee sent IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley a letter formally recognizing Near-Death Experience Week, while also acknowledging the efforts of the volunteers and staff at IANDS who work so passionately to support experiencers, engage in scientific research, and educate the public. Congresswoman Foushee has spent decades advocating for education and science. She’s the Ranking Member of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee and serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Congresswoman Foushee also serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and is a member of the Aviation Subcommittee and the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. ## The Letter from Congresswoman Valerie P. Foushee ![Letter from congresswoman valerie p. Foushee recognizing near-death experience week and the tireless efforts of the iands team](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/foushee-near-death-experience-week-recognition-791x1024.jpg "Foushee-near-death-experience-week-recognition ‣ iands")The full text of Congresswoman Foushee’s message is below: > It is my pleasure to be among those recognizing Near-Death Experience Week. This week is an opportunity for us to educate people across North Carolina on near-death experiences and recognize research in this field. > > I commend the tireless efforts of the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) to research this phenomenon, support individuals that had near-death experiences, and educate the public on this field. Through its multi-disciplinary research and public engagement, IANDS is leading our understanding on these experiences and raising awareness of this issue. > > Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing research and education in this field. I look forward to hearing about the organization’s continued advancements in near-death experience research. > > Sincerely, > > Valerie P. Foushee > > MEMBER OF CONGRESS ## Congresswoman Foushee is Ready for Near-Death Experience Week, And So is IANDS! Are you ready for the world’s first-ever Near-Death Experience Week? IANDS sure is! We hope you’ll join us here as we raise awareness and normalize conversations regarding near-death experiences and related phenomena. We have a lot in store for everyone during Near-Death Experience Week, including: - A free panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers, Vinney Todd Tolman and IANDS President Evan Mecham, on Tuesday, June 2nd at 8 PM EDT. (**Click here** **to register** **for this free event**) - A special discussion hosted by *[IANDS Afterlife Revealed](https://www.youtube.com/@Afterlife_Revealed_NDE_Podcast)* host Dani Foffa on Saturday, June 6th at 3 PM EDT (**Click here to register for this free event**) - **New [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) and [IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) entries**. These resources are specifically designed to introduce newcomers to the many concepts of near-death experiences and to provide in-depth answers to many common questions regarding NDEs and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). **Check out our official [Near-Death Experience Week event page](https://iands.org/events/near-death-experience-week/ "Near-Death Experience Week: Learn More About This Unique Phenomenon") to learn more!** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** Congresswoman Foushee, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, Congresswoman Valerie P. Foushee, nde week, near death experience week, near-death experience week, Valerie Foushee, Valerie P. Foushee --- ### [IANDS Glossary: Pleasurable Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-pleasurable-near-death-experience/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A pleasurable near-death experience is one that's pleasant, peaceful, and affirming. Learn more about pleasurable NDEs in this IANDS glossary entry. **Content:** **A pleasurable near-death experience, or NDE, is one that’s pleasant, peaceful, and affirming. It’s the most common type of near-death experience**, and it’s the opposite of a distressing near-death experience, which is categorized as being scary, hostile, and threatening. A pleasurable near-death experience can have dramatic aftereffects. It can change a person’s beliefs, priorities, attitudes, or entire worldview. And these changes can last years, decades, or even indefinitely. The majority of near-death experiences are pleasurable—pleasurable NDEs make up [approximately 78 to 89 percent](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2024/01/Roehrs2024_Terminal-Lucidity-in-a-Pediatric-Oncology-Clinic.pdf) of reported near-death experiences. As such, the more generic term “near-death experience” is often used colloquially to refer to a pleasurable near-death experience, rather than a distressing one. ## The five common elements of a pleasurable near-death experience No two near-death experiences are exactly alike, but they do often share [common elements](https://iands.org/what-are-the-most-common-elements-of-a-near-death-experience/ "IANDS Q&A: The Most Common, Important Elements of NDEs?") that can occur in no particular order. Some pleasurable NDEs might exclude certain elements, too. Each near-death experience is unique to the person having it, so you shouldn’t assume this is a definitive sequential list. ### Peace, love, and clarity are vital to a pleasurable near-death experience ![Strong sensations of peace and love are common in a pleasurable near-death experience.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/geralt-sunset-110305-1024x661.jpg "Geralt-sunset-110305 ‣ iands")Image by [Gerd Altmann](https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=110305) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=110305)Pleasurable near-death experiences are distinct from distressing NDEs in large part due to the overwhelming sense of peace and unconditional love felt by the experiencer. And it’s an important element of any pleasurable near-death experience as a result. It’s also important to mention the clarity experiencers have during their NDEs. Unlike [hallucinations](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/ "IANDS Q&A: Are Near-Death Experiences Just Hallucinations?"), a distressing or pleasurable near-death experience is perceived as extremely real. In fact, some experiencers have gone so far as to describe their NDE as being “more real than real.” ### The out-of-body experience [Out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary") are ones where a person feels they’re able to **observe the world around them from outside of their own physical body**. They might feel a sense that they’re sitting or standing beside themselves, or floating above themselves. They have a sense that their consciousness is somehow detached from their physical self. Some out-of-body experiences also include reports of [veridical perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/ "IANDS Glossary: What Are Veridical Perceptions? Are They Important?"), where someone can see or hear things they shouldn’t be able to perceive. For instance, someone might overhear doctors and nurses talking during a surgery while unconscious, or witness a conversation happening in another room. We don’t know exactly how often out-of-body experiences occur during NDEs—one study suggests they’re present in about [45 percent](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6172100/) of NDEs, while others suggest they’re much more prevalent. In any case, it’s safe to classify out-of-body experiences as a common element. ### The light and the tunnel Pleasurable near-death experiences often include a sense that the experiencer is **rapidly moving toward a light**. They may or may not feel like they’re in a tunnel, and that tunnel itself might be made of light, or it might be dark. There are a lot of variables here! We’ve all heard this referenced in pop culture. Movies or TV shows where one character tells another to “go toward the light,” or depictions of the afterlife where a character is traveling through such a tunnel. Of course, to a person having a near-death experience, these tunnels and lights aren’t a plot device. To them, they’re real. ### The encounter(s) Another common (but not always guaranteed) element of a pleasurable near-death experience involves the experiencer **encountering one or more people or beings**. Many experiencers have an opportunity to engage with those people or beings, too. Who these beings are can vary wildly. Some experiencers report being [reunited with deceased relatives or friends](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/). Others report being [reunited with pets](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/ "IANDS Q&A: Are Pets Seen in Near-Death Experiences?"). There are also events known as [Peak in Darien experiences](https://iands.org/new-iands-glossary-what-is-a-peak-in-darien-experience/ "New IANDS Glossary: What is a Peak in Darien Experience?"), where someone meets with a person whose death was unknown to them at the time of their NDE, or even who the experiencer didn’t know existed to begin with. For instance, a family member they’d never heard of, or even a perfect stranger. After their NDE, the experiencer may learn that this person was real. Some NDEs involve encounters with figures the experiencer interprets as religious, spiritual, or otherwise nonhuman. ### The life review ![A pleasurable near-death experience will sometimes include a life review, where a person experiences a replay of important moments from throughout their lives.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/gadini-photos-630378_1280-1024x682.jpg "Gadini-photos-630378_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Adriano Gadini](https://pixabay.com/users/gadini-388416/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=630378) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=630378)Anywhere from 14 to 30 percent of NDEs also include what is commonly referred to as a [life review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/ "IANDS Glossary: The Remarkable, Uplifting Definition of a Life Review"). The experiencer sees **a replay of their life in an instant**, often accompanied by the feelings other people had during those moments. Like the light at the end of the tunnel, life reviews are commonly referred to in pop culture and everyday conversation as well. You’ve probably heard someone say “I saw my life flash before my eyes,” or perhaps you’ve seen a movie or TV show where someone sees a montage of all their life’s memories. ## The aftereffects of a pleasurable near-death experience Pleasurable near-death experiences typically involve profound sensations of peace and unconditional love, which then carry over after the event. The experiencer’s worldviews can change instantly. So too does their understanding of death itself—they often no longer fear death, believing they’ve now seen what comes after. Of course, not all aftereffects are positive. Many experiencers find it difficult to communicate with others about their NDEs. They have a difficult time integrating their experience into their daily lives. And their sudden shifts in views and the urgency of those changes can cause strains in their personal relationships with family, friends, and significant others. ## Read more If you’re looking for information about near-death experiences, you’ve definitely come to the right place! We suggest browsing our [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) and [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) entries, where you’ll find definitions for the terminology of near-death studies and frequently asked questions regarding near-death experiences. You might find the following entries particularly informative: - **IANDS Glossary:** - **[Distressing Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-distressing-near-death-experience-negative-nde/ "IANDS Glossary: Distressing Near-Death Experience (Negative NDE)")** - **[Life Review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/)** - **[Spiritually Transformative Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/)** - **[Veridical Perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/)** - **IANDS Q&A:** - [**I Had an NDE. What Should I Do Now?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-i-had-an-nde-what-should-i-do-now/) - [**Can a Near-Death Experience Change Your Life?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) - [**Can Anyone Have an NDE? Are Certain People More or Less Prone?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/) - [](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/)**[What Happens When an Atheist has an NDE?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/)** - [**Are NDEs Really Proof of the Afterlife?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** aftereffects, life replay, life review, light at the end of the tunnel, OBE, out of body experience, out-of-body experience, peace, peace and love, pleasurable nde, pleasurable near-death experience, tunnel of light --- ### [Surprisingly Unique Things to Do in Chicago, IANDS Style!](https://iands.org/surprisingly-unique-things-to-do-in-chicago-iands-style/) **Published:** July 29, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Looking for things to do in Chicago when visiting for IANDS Conference 2025? This IANDS guide explores spiritual, fascinating, and even haunted tourist spots. **Content:** Heading to Oak Brook, Illinois for [IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/) this August 27th-31st? If so, you might be planning on exploring the extraordinary Windy City during your trip. And that means you’ll be looking for things to do in Chicago before and/or after the Conference, too. Chicago is famed for its [excellent food](https://iands.org/the-best-affordable-places-to-eat-in-oak-brook-illinois/), world-class entertainment, fine art, and intriguing historical sites. And there are *a lot* of valuable guides out there that can show you the tourism hotspots in and around Chicago, like [this Ultimate Chicago Bucket List](https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/bucket-list/the-ultimate-chicago-bucket-list/) or [Gina On a Plane’s guide](https://ginaonaplane.com/best-things-to-do-in-chicago-from-locals/). We wanted to do our own *IANDS style* guide, too. And IANDS is an organization known for research, education, and outreach regarding [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). So naturally, our guide on things to do in Chicago needs to be unique, and take you a little off the beaten tourist path. This won’t be your typical guide on the famous things to do in Chicago. Instead, we’re going to focus on the spiritual, the fascinating, and … well … the *haunted*. The sorts of spots you may or may not hear about in those other, more mainstream guides. Chicago is America’s third biggest city, and that means there’s a lot to cover here. So let’s dive straight in! ## Explore Chicago’s spiritual and healing offerings Let’s start with spirituality, shall we? Let’s explore some of the things to do in Chicago that focus on spirituality and soul healing. There are far too many excellent places fitting this bill in Chicago to list in this article, so these are just a few of our top picks! ### Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) ![Loyola university museum of art is a must on our list of things to do in chicago.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/47048768364_75ba932847_k-300x241.jpg "47048768364_75ba932847_k ‣ iands")Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to celebrating spiritual art.In far away Binghamton, New York, there’s a world famous projection art festival each summer called LUMA. But while Binghamton’s LUMA is all about filling your *eyes* with light, Chicago’s LUMA is all about filling your *soul* with light. Located on Michigan Avenue, LUMA is devoted to the exploration of spirituality and faith across cultures. It’s a museum that invites contemplation and reflection through artistic mediums and stories of the human spirit. LUMA truly is a one-of-a-kind museum spiritual seekers won’t want to miss. ### Soul House Spiritual Wellness Center IANDS Conference 2025 will feature healing sessions, Reiki training, and numerous workshops and speaking events catering toward spiritual wellness. But what if you want to engage in spiritual wellness and healing before or after IANDS Conference 2025? Look no further than the [Soul House Spiritual Wellness Center](https://www.soulhousechicago.com/) on North Ogden Avenue in Chicago. Soul House features yoga, Reiki, meditation, chakra exploration, celestial sound baths, and more. All in a beautiful space within walking distance of the famous Fulton Market District. ### Silver Lake Retreat Not everyone enjoys spending time in big cities. A sprawling metropolis like Chicago may even be jarring for some. So if you’re looking for more of a crafted experience of solitude, journaling, nature immersion, and spiritual direction, you may want to look into a visit to the [Silver Lake Retreat](https://www.silverlakeretreat.org/). This lovely, modern inn is situated on the shore of a small lake with a dedicated nature preserve just a short distance away. With private and community retreats and [excellent rates](https://www.silverlakeretreat.org/rates), this is a beautiful place to focus on some all-important soul care. ![There are plenty of spiritual things to do in chicago like this pleasant spiritual retreat](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/meditate-1851165_1280-1024x682.jpg "Meditate-1851165_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Pexels](https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1851165) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1851165)## Fascinating (or just downright quirky) things to do in Chicago Those other guides listing fun things to do in Chicago will tell you all about the major tourism hotspots in the Windy City. And again, yes, you should see those too. But what if you’re looking for something a bit more intriguing? Fascinating? Different? *Quirky?* Let’s take a look at some of those off-the-beaten-path destinations you may not hear about elsewhere. ### Hairpin Arts Center The [Hairpin Arts Center](https://www.hairpinartscenter.org/) is a community art sanctuary that celebrates human creativity in an all-inclusive, welcoming space. Hairpin Arts Center has branches devoted to visual arts, performing arts, technology, and culture. Though IANDS Conference 2025 attendees might be most interested in the [Healing Arts Branch](https://www.hairpinartscenter.org/healing-arts), where they focus on art embracing and exploring wellness traditions and holistic health. Sound baths, yoga, and meditation circles await at this fascinating detour from mainstream Chicago tourism. ### The International Museum of Surgical Science As you know, IANDS is an organization with deep ties to the medical field. And it just so happens Chicago is home to one of the world’s most fascinating museums dedicated to medicine, and more specifically, surgery. Opened to the public in 1954, [the International Museum of Surgical Science](https://imss.org/) is the only museum in North America devoted entirely to surgery. It’s an educational exploration of the history of surgical sciences that many IANDS Conference 2025 attendees will surely find fascinating. ***Please note**: Some of the exhibits at the International Museum of Surgical Science include graphic medical imagery. Most visitors find it fascinating, but sensitive guests or those with young children may want to preview what’s on display by visiting their website first.* ### The Busy Beaver Button Museum is surprisingly educational. It’s also one the quirkiest things to do in Chicago So much of our work at IANDS involves [near-death experience stories](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) told by those who’ve had them. Those personal narratives are a quintessential facet of near-death studies as a scientific field, without which our work quite frankly wouldn’t be possible. So we have a deep appreciation for those sorts of stories. That’s probably why we find the [Busy Beaver Button Museum](https://buttonmuseum.org/) so intriguing. They tell the story of America through pin-back buttons through history, with thousands of buttons on display and tens of thousands in storage—an estimated [60,000+](https://www.wbez.org/reset-with-sasha-ann-simons/2024/08/15/off-the-beaten-path-pinning-down-a-peoples-history-at-the-busy-beaver-button-museum) in all. This museum currently holds the Guinness Record for the largest collection of pin-back buttons on Earth. It’s quirky, it’s weird, it’s educational. And it’s absolutely worth a visit! ![The busy beaver button museum is a strange but fascinating way to explore history and one of the most surprisingly fun things to do in chicago.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6224268340_3acaa2f2e9_c.jpg "6224268340_3acaa2f2e9_c ‣ iands")## Ready to Explore Some of Chicago’s Haunted History? Here are a few *ghostly* things to do in Chicago A visit to Chicago that doesn’t involve at least *a little bit* of ghost lore seems like a missed opportunity. After all, Chicago is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America—[CNBC ranks it in 8th place](https://www.cnbc.com/2010/10/12/The-10-Most-Haunted-Cities-in-America.html). And even skeptics can enjoy these fascinating historical sites and guided tours through the Windy City’s haunted history. ### Things to do in Chicago involving a Ghost Bus and a Creepy Cruise We begin our foray into Chicago’s paranormal sites with the famous [Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour Bus](https://www.americanghostwalks.com/tour/original-chicago-hauntings-ghost-tour). A luxury coach that will take you on a fully-narrated three-hour tour of Chicago’s most haunted locales. Seats on these popular tours go quickly, so be sure to book in advance! Feeling a bit more nautical? The popular [Creepy Cruise](https://firstlady.com/cruises/sightseeing-creepy) takes you on a 90-minute adventure on a riverboat through the heart of Chicago, where you’ll learn about the city’s haunted history, hear classic mobster legends, and more. ### Graceland Cemetery and the ‘Eternal Silence’ Monument [Graceland Cemetery](https://www.gracelandcemetery.org/the-story-of-graceland/) is one of the most famous final resting places in Chicago. It’s a beautiful certified arboretum and home to awe-inspiring architecture. And, according to legend, it’s arguably Chicago’s most [haunted cemetery](https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/ghosts-graceland-chicago-cemetery-filled-haunting-tales), too. The famous *Eternal Silence of Dexter Graves* statue stands guard at the tomb of Dexter Graves. And according to local legend, staring into the eyes of this statue will present you with visions of your own death. Not that too many near-death experiencers are all too worried about that, of course. That’s just one of the many, many ghoulish stories originating in this otherwise peaceful cemetery. ### The Congress Plaza Hotel Probably t[he most famous haunted location](https://www.americanghostwalks.com/articles/the-king-of-haunted-chicago-ghosts-of-the-congress) in all of Chicago, [the Congress Plaza Hotel](https://www.congressplazahotel.com/history/) first opened in 1893 ahead of the Chicago World’s Fair. And since then it’s hosted all sorts of unexplained anomalies, from ghost sightings to creepy whispers, moving objects, and even one room—room 441, to be precise—where guests are allegedly *kicked* awake. Yep … no thanks. The Congress Plaza Hotel is an otherwise “normal” modern hotel accepting reservations like any other hotel in Chicago. They don’t directly participate in any paranormal events or tours, though many haunted history tours start here. But if you’re still looking for hotel reservations for IANDS Conference 2025, and you’d like to consider staying here, it’s worth calling to check availability … *if you dare*. ![While not technically one of the things to do in chicago the congress plaza hotel is worth staying in if you are fascinated by ghost stories](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/9181731878_44424692b9_c.jpg "9181731878_44424692b9_c ‣ iands")## There are so many things to do in Chicago, and it all starts with IANDS Conference 2025! Chicago is a remarkable, beautiful city unlike anywhere else in the world. We’re excited to see you in Oak Brook for IANDS Conference 2025, and maybe we’ll run into you while exploring these fun things to do in Chicago while we’re there. You won’t want to miss [our impressive keynotes](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-here-are-the-pioneering-keynote-speakers/ "IANDS Conference 2025: Here are the Pioneering Keynote Speakers"), documentary showings, presentations, workshops, special lunches … this is shaping up to be our most exciting IANDS Conference yet. Oh, and don’t forget that [IANDS members](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") get discounts on Conference tickets, too! Not yet registered for IANDS Conference 2025? No worries! Head over to our [IANDS Conference website](https://conference.iands.org/) and [register today](https://conference.iands.org/2025-registration/). We’ll see you in Chicago! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** Opinion **Tags:** best things to do in chicago, Busy Beaver Button Museum, chicago creepy cruise, Chicago ghost bus, Chicago Ghost tours, chicago graceland cemetery, chicago things to do, congress plaza hotel, congress plaza hotel ghost sightings, congress plaza hotel haunted, creepy cruise, fun things to do in chicago, graceland cemetery, Hairpin Arts Center, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, International Museum of Surgical Science, loyola university, loyola university museum of art, LUMA, LUMA Chicago, Silver Lake, Silver Lake Retreat, Soul House, Soul House Spiritual Wellness Center, things to do chicago, things to do in chicago, things to do in chicago this weekend, top things to do in chicago --- ### [IANDS Glossary: Distressing Near-Death Experience (Negative NDE)](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-distressing-near-death-experience-negative-nde/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What is a distressing near-death experience, and how is it different from a pleasurable NDE? Let's find out in this new IANDS Glossary entry. **Content:** **A distressing near-death experience (also known as a *negative NDE*) is one that’s scary, hostile, or threatening.** It’s the opposite of a pleasurable near-death experience, which is categorized as being pleasant, peaceful, and affirming. A distressing near-death experience can be quite frightening. In fact, they can result in serious emotional trauma for some experiencers that can sometimes last for years or even decades. There are fewer reported long-term aftereffects than with pleasant NDEs, though this is possibly due to experiencers being less likely to dwell on or discuss these unpleasant experiences. Distressing near-death experiences are not as common as pleasurable NDEs. Most studies estimate that approximately [11 percent to 22 percent of all NDEs are distressing NDEs](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2024/01/Roehrs2024_Terminal-Lucidity-in-a-Pediatric-Oncology-Clinic.pdf). ## The three types of distressing near-death experience Researchers usually classify distressing near-death experiences into [three general documented types](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6173534/), as established by storied NDE researchers Nancy Evans Bush and Bruce Greyson. An **Inverse NDE** is one where features reported as pleasurable in other NDEs are perceived as hostile or threatening. The experiencer doesn’t feel a sense of bliss or peace with what they’re witnessing. Instead, they’re frightened or angry over their inability to affect the situation. A **Void NDE** is described as one where the experiencer endures vast emptiness, isolation, or even annihilation. Experiencers of void NDEs report being trapped in space or in blackness, often for what feels like an eternity. Lastly, a **Hellish NDE** is considered the least common type of distressing near-death experience. These NDEs feature scenes of horror, pain, violence, torture, or some combination thereof. ## How do people come to terms with a negative NDE? Nancy Evans Bush is arguably the world’s foremost expert on distressing near-death experiences. and in her important book [***Dancing Past the Dark: Distressing Near-Death Experiences***](https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Past-Dark-Distressing-Experiences/dp/1936912538/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YWOZHL4FL48S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qfh6z1kTdUaaWjrSiNaL2cGnqdVddT73MspWl0eOP4BqTNH6L7r7coNC__HnvGMvffMks9qFYynyqeaDUxdiYFKYWbZqwPh7WenPTsshBOAawiIF3Skc8xfbCA_JQFSFkh0FXWiJjOdITu9WqKiWA1lIoRG-gU8ZNDHo02Vt0PTCCKOJ8iXHmPQ87fyxLYNTSJjLxEwqhzfeMh_l3Wg5TPEkLEgpU3Fo1IPn2l5n7Zg.qxIITHyXsZ4dg1KM0idsVGdJwuowvaxWP0UzGeaEORY&dib_tag=se&keywords=dancing+past+the+dark&qid=1738338979&sprefix=dancing+past+the+%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1), she explains there are three common responses to distressing NDEs. **The turnaround** is a response where the distressing near-death experience is seen as a warning, meant to inspire the experiencer to turn their life around. They might abandon bad behaviors or otherwise shift away from a bad path in life. **Reductionism** is a response where the experiencer repudiates the NDE and rejects the idea that it should change their way of life. They might write off their NDE as a medical anomaly, [a hallucination](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/ "IANDS Q&A: Are Near-Death Experiences Just Hallucinations?"), or something else. **The Long Haul** is a response where the experiencer spends months, years, or even decades attempting to understand their negative NDE. Rather than rejecting the experience or immediately finding meaning in it, the experiencer continues to wrestle with its emotional, spiritual, or psychological implications until they eventually find a way to integrate it into their lives. ## Who can have a distressing near-death experience? Are they only for ‘bad’ people? Some people assume that only a “bad” person can have a distressing near-death experience. It wouldn’t make sense for someone with a checkered past to have a pleasurable NDE, right? But here’s the thing: **there is no evidence that “bad” people have distressing NDEs or that “good” people have pleasurable NDEs**. People from a wide variety of religious, cultural, and personal backgrounds have reported both. There’s also no evidence that a distressing near-death experience is some form of punishment. Researchers haven’t found any evidence that a person’s moral character, religious devotion, or life history determines which type of NDE they’ll have. Like pleasurable NDEs, distressing NDEs can happen to literally anyone. ## What can cause a distressing near-death experience? Why do negative NDEs happen? We don’t yet understand [what causes near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/ "What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?"), nor do we understand why some people have distressing near-death experiences while most others have pleasurable ones. Through the years, several possible explanations have been proposed, but no single theory has been able to account for pleasurable or distressing NDEs. The theories posited by some researchers have thus far been dismissible for various reasons. As it stands, there is no evidence that distressing NDEs are shaped in any way by a person’s morals, beliefs, spirituality, or their own internal perceptions of guilt or ethicality. People who think of themselves as “good” can have negative NDEs, while people who think of themselves as “bad” can have pleasurable NDEs. ## Read More For more academic reading on distressing near-death experiences, you may find these links useful: - **[Distressing Near-Death Experiences: The Basics](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6173534/#b2-ms111_p0486)** - **[The Darker Side of Near-Death Experiences](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2024/01/Roehrs2024_Terminal-Lucidity-in-a-Pediatric-Oncology-Clinic.pdf)** (PDF) - **[The Devil in Heaven: A Near-Death Experience with both Positive and Negative Facets](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc799218/m2/1/high_res_d/vol7-no1-38.pdf)** (PDF) You might also find these other [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies") and [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") entries interesting, too. They aren’t focused on the subject of distressing near-death experience, but you might think they’re worth reading regardless: - **IANDS Glossary:** - **[Life Review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/ "IANDS Glossary: The Remarkable, Uplifting Definition of a Life Review")** - **[Spiritually Transformative Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/)** - **[Veridical Perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/)** - **IANDS Q&A:** - [**I Had an NDE. What Should I Do Now?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-i-had-an-nde-what-should-i-do-now/) - [**Can a Near-Death Experience Change Your Life?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) - [**Can Anyone Have an NDE? Are Certain People More or Less Prone?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/) - [](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/)**[What Happens When an Atheist has an NDE?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/)** - [**Are NDEs Really Proof of the Afterlife?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** distressed NDE, distressing nde, distressing near death experience, distressing near death experiences, distressing near-death experience, distressing near-death experiences, negative NDE, negative near death experience, negative near-death experience --- ### [IANDS Glossary: What is a Spiritually Transformative Experience?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A spiritually transformative experience, or STE, can change a person's views and personality in an instant. Learn more in this new IANDS Glossary entry. **Content:** **A spiritually transformative experience (“STE”) is an event in a person’s life that profoundly changes their views on life, death, reality, consciousness, spirituality, or their own sense of purpose**. When someone has a spiritually transformative experience, **their perceptions of the world around them are changed, often dramatically and permanently**. They may see drastic changes in how they see their values, priorities, sensitivities, religious views or spirituality, or their own sense of themselves or their purpose in life. These changes aren’t always sudden. They may evolve over the course of days, months, or even years. Others might see more immediate changes, and those may or may not intensify over time or see other aftereffects come about later. ## What types of experiences might be classified as *spiritually transformative?* Spiritually transformative experiences can occur for a great many reasons. For instance, a person might have a spiritually transformative experience after … ![A spiritually transformative experience can occur during meditation, near-death experiences, and other transformative experiences and encounters.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/energiedevie-yoga-4489430_1280-300x200.jpg "Energiedevie-yoga-4489430_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [EnergieDeVie](https://pixabay.com/users/energiedevie-1381163/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4489430) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4489430)- [Near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") - [Shared death experiences](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-shared-death-experience-sde/ "Fact Sheet: Shared Death Experience (SDE)") - [After-death communications](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/) - [Out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary") - [Deathbed visions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/ "IANDS Glossary: Deathbed Visions, and What Expert Research Tells Us") - Mystical or unity experiences - Transformative encounters during grief, illness, meditation, prayer, crisis, or spontaneous altered states To be clear, this is not a definitive or exclusive list of events that can lead to spiritually transformative experiences. An STE can take place after almost any event that deeply alters someone’s sense of meaning or reality. ## What changes for someone after a spiritually transformative experience? A spiritually transformative experience is no small event in a person’s life. The changes a person goes through can be sweeping. That said, not everyone has exactly the same aftereffects following their STEs. These may include (but aren’t limited to): - Greater compassion or empathy - A stronger sense of purpose - Changed values or priorities - Increased spiritual curiosity - Drastic changes in religious or spiritual views - Stronger feelings of connection with others, nature, or the universe - Increased appreciation for life - Reduced fear of death ## Why are STEs hard to talk about? **STEs can be beautiful, joyous, loving, and peaceful**. But **not all changes after spiritually transformative experiences are positive**. STEs can strain relationships, disrupt work, and some feel a sense of alienation, resentment, confusion, and even fear. They can lead to feelings of isolation or difficulty relating to others. And all of this can make STEs challenging to talk about with others. For the experiencer, there’s a fear of being judged, dismissed, or pathologized. There may be conflicts with previous beliefs, a lack of shared language, or religious misunderstandings. The experiencer may inadvertently contribute to these communication challenges, too. Some experiencers may feel compelled to convince others to a cause, or to their STE’s significance. They may resent others for not understanding or joining them. And some simply struggle to describe something that feels “beyond words” to them. ## How does someone integrate a spiritually transformative experience? Some spiritually transformative experiences can happen in an instant. But the aftereffects of those STEs can last years or even a lifetime. That’s why integration—*learning how to live with and make sense of an experience after it happens*—is important to mention, too. It helps experiencers understand what happened, adapt to changes in their lives, and move forward in healthy ways. We strongly recommend [reading about STE integration](https://aciste.org/about-stes/integration-of-a-spiritually-transformative-experience-ste/) from ACISTE—*the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences*. You should also take a look at the [STE support resources](https://aciste.org/support-directory/) listed by ACISTE, too. But we can get you started with just a few early pointers: - **Give yourself time** to process your STE - **Write about your STE privately**. Note what led up to the experience and what the experience was like. Include times and dates wherever they’re relevant - **Avoid making immediate, sudden, major life decisions**. Allow yourself time to consider your STE and the changes you’re looking to make. And don’t forget to consider how those decisions may affect others. - **Seek support**. Talk with safe, open-minded people you trust. Seek out ACISTE certified counselors and mental health professionals. While near-death experiences may be STEs, not all STEs are NDEs. That said, you might also find some useful information in our IANDS Q&A article explaining [what to do after having an NDE](https://iands.org/iands-qa-i-had-an-nde-what-should-i-do-now/ "IANDS Q&A: I Had an NDE. What Should I Do Now?"). ## More reading IANDS is a nonprofit organization focused on near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). We’re not particularly focused on the study of spiritually transformative experiences. But you may also find valuable information in some of our other content: - [**IANDS Q&A: What is a Near-Death Experience Like?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-a-near-death-experience-like/) - [**Can a Near-Death Experience Change Your Life?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) - [**Can Anyone Have an NDE? Are Certain People More or Less Prone?**](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/) - **[What is after-death communication?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/)** - **[What is a past-life memory?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-past-life-memory-what-this-fascinating-research-tells-us/)** - **[Deathbed visions, and what research tells us](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/)** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** NDE vs STE, near-death experience and spiritually transformative experience, spiritually transformative experience, spiritually transformative experiences, ste, STE vs NDE, what is a spiritually transformative experience, what is a spiritually transformative experience? --- ### [IANDS Q&A: I Had an NDE. What Should I Do Now?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-i-had-an-nde-what-should-i-do-now/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Having a near-death experience can leave you with many unanswered questions. This guide may help. **Content:** Having a near-death experience is no small or passive thing. These are profound events that will change your life in significant and meaningful ways. And while we try our very best here at IANDS to offer experiencers [information](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [support](https://iands.org/support/), most are still faced with the same question in the wake of an NDE: *what should I do now?* No two near-death experiences, or “NDEs”, are the same. They share a number of [common features](https://iands.org/tag/what-are-the-most-common-elements-of-an-nde/ "what are the most common elements of an NDE"), and they generally get classified as either [pleasurable or distressing experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/ "Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences"). But your NDE was yours and yours alone. You’re unique, and so too was your NDE. So **please, don’t rush through this process**. Take this all at your own pace, and on your own terms. That said, let’s answer this question—*what should I do now?*—and offer you some great resources to find help along the way. ## 1. First, take care of your physical body ![When asking'what should I do next' it's important to keep your physical health in mind before worrying about big next steps.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/desertrose7-apples-634572_1280-200x300.jpg "Desertrose7-apples-634572_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Tracy Lundgren](https://pixabay.com/users/desertrose7-752536/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=634572) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=634572)> **Don’t ignore your physical health or safety**. You’re still alive for a reason. Getting better physically should always be the first step! Most NDEs involve serious medical situations. Trauma, cardiac arrest, surgery, difficult childbirth, accidents … there’s a high probability you’ve gone through a dangerous, life-threatening experience prior to or during your NDE. Take discharge instructions seriously. Follow up with your doctor. Seek urgent care if symptoms return. Rely on the support of loved ones for your medical wellbeing, even if you aren’t yet comfortable discussing your NDE with them. ## 2. No, you’re not ‘crazy’ and no, you’re not alone > **You’re not alone. Far from it. And no, you aren’t crazy!** Countless millions of other people have had near-death experiences similar to yours. It’s not easy for someone to wrap their head around their near-death experience. NDEs are shocking. They feel incredibly real—some people have even described them as being *more real than real life*. And it often leaves experiencers wondering if they’re losing their minds. **No, you aren’t crazy**. An NDE doesn’t mean you’ve had a mental health breakdown. [We don’t yet know what causes NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/ "What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?") (no, you can’t simply write them off as [hallucinations](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/ "IANDS Q&A: Are Near-Death Experiences Just Hallucinations?")). But we do know near-death experiences are widely reported, deeply meaningful to those who have them, and serious enough to deserve care, respect, and support. **You’re not alone, either**. In fact, you’ll be surprised to learn just [how common NDEs truly are](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-an-nde/ "IANDS Q&A: What Percentage of the Population has Had an NDE?"). IANDS and Centiment conducted [a large-scale survey](https://iands.org/results-of-new-iands-near-death-experience-poll-revealed/ "Results of New IANDS Near-Death Experience Poll Revealed") in March of 2026 and found that 23 percent of American adults say they’ve had a near-death experience, described in the poll as an experience where the person “transitioned to another realm and then returned to human existence.” ## 3. Don’t rush the meaning-making process > **You don’t need to explain everything or make every decision right away.** This shouldn’t feel like a race. Take as much time with this as you need. A lot can change for a person following a near-death experience. An NDE can reshape your entire worldview in what feels like an instant. Your priorities, relationships, values, sense of purpose, spirituality, fear of death—experiencers often see those things change with immediate effect, like flipping a light switch. You may feel as though you need to immediately decide for yourself what your NDE means and how it should shape your life. ***You don’t need to rush anything, and you shouldn’t.*** This isn’t a race. Take your time with all of this. Give yourself a chance to process your NDE and let your understanding of it develop over time. ## 4. Write down what you remember from your NDE > **Take a moment to write down everything you can remember from your NDE**. And don’t worry too much about how you’re wording things. Many experiencers struggle describing their NDE or articulating the experience. But it’s still important and practical to write down what you remember from your NDE, with as much detail as you can. This doesn’t need to be some great work of literature that shares air with Sylvia Plath or Walt Whitman. Don’t worry if what you’re writing sounds strange. Don’t worry about grammar or polish, and don’t consider whether it’s scientifically explainable or even plausible. ***Just write it down***, and include the dates of events when and where you can. Creating this private, personal record can help you process your experience without immediately exposing it to the reactions of others. It can help you remember key dates, facts about your medical situation, and details regarding your NDE that might become less vivid over time. ![Write down what you remember not just from your nde but from the situation that led to your nde](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/kaboompics-woman-792162_1920-1024x683.jpg "Kaboompics-woman-792162_1920 ‣ iands")Image by [kaboompics](https://pixabay.com/users/kaboompics-1013994/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=792162) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=792162)## 5. Carefully choose who you’ll tell about your NDE > **Talk about your NDE with someone you love and trust, but don’t rush into it**. Take your time and figure out who will listen and how, *not if*, they’ll care. Talking about your NDE with others is an important step toward navigating the experience. And it’s also important to understand that you don’t want your first experience sharing your NDE with another person to go poorly. And that has as much to do with how you communicate regarding your NDE as it does with how that person will take in and process what you’re saying. The person you choose to share your NDE with should be someone you know well, trust, and has a proven record of listening, caring, and supporting. And it’s not about whether this person will care, so much as it’s a question of *how they’ll care*. Will they listen intently and allow you to speak at a pace you’re personally comfortable with? Do they understand the medical situation you went through? Can they leave their own views and dogma at the door? All of that matters. It’s also important to understand that the goal of your NDE disclosure isn’t to make this person believe you. You aren’t trying to convert them to your new worldview, however meaningful or transformative it may feel. You’re not doing this to prove yourself or convince them to join you. It’s not about them at all. This is about *you*. **Read more:** [Sharing your near-death experience with others](https://iands.org/support/advice-sharing-your-near-death-experience-with-people-you-trust/) ## 6. Read more about NDEs (and maybe ask someone else to learn with you) > **IANDS.org offers lots of useful information about near-death experiences**. And the person you’ve shared your NDE with may want to browse this site and its resources, too. Many people will feel inclined to do this *before* they find support. And if you’ve already done this, that’s great! But after speaking with someone about your near-death experience, both of you may have a number of unanswered questions. It helps to read more about NDEs and [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), and it’s as important for those supporting you as it is for yourself. We encourage you to explore our website and learn more about near-death experiences. If you run into any phrases you’re not yet familiar with, take a look at our [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/). Our [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") articles answer a lot of questions, too. And we also have [fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/ "Fact Sheets") written by researchers offering deeper, more scientific insights. If you’ve shared your NDE with loved ones, tell them to drop by IANDS.org as well. They might have their own questions, too, and they may want to learn more about near-death experiences so they can offer you better support. ## 7. Consider counseling, too > **Speaking with a therapist can be incredibly helpful**. But do note that **not every therapist fully understands NDEs**. Talking with trusted loved ones can be more than enough support for some experiencers. But if you’re still feeling anxious, depressed, traumatized, isolated, confused, or unable to function after your near-death experience, you should also consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional. The scientific study of NDEs is a relatively young field of research—serious efforts toward near-death studies didn’t begin until the 1970s, and this field hasn’t traditionally received high levels of institutional support. As such, [not many healthcare professionals](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2025/08/Pehlivanova2025_Support-needs-after-a-near-death-experience_A-quantitative-study-with-experiencers.pdf) have training or knowledge in NDEs. They may not understand how best to help you. So you’ll want to find a mental health provider who is respectful, open-minded, trauma-informed, or spiritually informed. And that can be challenging for some. IANDS maintains [a list of mental health providers](https://iands.org/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/ "How to Find a Professional Mental Health Provider") who are knowledgeable about NDEs. We recommend starting with the providers listed there—they understand what you’re going through more than some other therapists might, and that can help quite a bit. ## 8. Consider joining sharing groups > **Support doesn’t end with loved ones or professional therapy**. Discussing your NDE with other experiencers can make a world of difference. Even the most dedicated and well-intentioned loved ones and mental health providers can’t truly understand and appreciate your NDE quite like other experiencers can. When you feel ready to share, we strongly recommend seeking out [sharing groups](https://iands.org/support/iands-sharing-groups-building-connection-support-understanding/ "IANDS Sharing Groups: Building Connection, Support, Understanding"), where you can discuss your NDE with others who’ve had very similar experiences. IANDS organizes and hosts sharing group events all over the world. It can help quite a bit to find one close to you or online, join, and chat with others who truly understand and appreciate what you’re going through. ![Several hands stacked on top of each other in a circle, symbolizing teamwork and collaboration in a diverse group.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ua_bob_dmyt_ua-team-4529717-1024x683.jpg "Ua_bob_dmyt_ua-team-4529717 ‣ iands")Image by [Bob Dmyt](https://pixabay.com/users/ua_bob_dmyt_ua-8820017/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4529717) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4529717)## 9. Not every NDE is pleasurable > **Distressing NDEs** can be highly traumatizing. But **they don’t mean you’re a bad person** or that you deserve punishment. Many near-death experiences are defined as “pleasurable.” But some are labeled as “distressing,” and those can be extremely traumatic, terrifying, and even seemingly hellish. And if you’ve experienced a distressing NDE, you may be trying to convince yourself that you’re a bad person or that you deserve punishment. And **that is simply not true**. Your NDE *is not* proof that you’re bad, doomed, rejected, or unloved. And while some people experience a distressing NDE and think it means they need to change and be a better person, some convince themselves there’s no hope of changing course, and that is fundamentally untrue. Again, talk about your NDE. Seek support. You’re not alone, and you don’t need to be alone or feel alone, either! **If at any point you feel unsafe or find yourself considering self-harm, please dial 988 or contact emergency services immediately**. At the very least, reach out to someone you know and trust. ## 10. Don’t make drastic life decisions just yet > **Regardless of what lessons you’ve taken from your NDE, do not rush into making major life-changing decisions**. Take your time to process your NDE, build support, and think things through. A near-death experience can lead to radical transformations of a person’s views, tastes, spirituality, relationships, priorities, and purpose. And these changes may also be coupled with a sense of urgency—you may feel these things need to happen right away. It’s important to understand that they don’t. As important as the lessons you’ve taken from your NDE are, they shouldn’t be taken on haphazardly. You need to slow down and take your time in understanding not only what these lessons truly mean, but what these major life decisions will mean as well. Not only for you, but for others who might be directly impacted by those decisions. It’s important those offering you support do what they can to understand you. But you should try to understand them, too. Their lives are their own to live, and if your decisions might upend things for others, you should take care in considering how these life decisions may impact them. That’s not to say those changes shouldn’t happen. It just means you need to take your time, talk things through with those who may be impacted, and try to understand their point of view as they try to understand yours. ## Our biggest advice: Know yourself, and know your resources ![What should i do now that i've had an NDE? This guide will hopefully help.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oo11o-heart-1213475-200x300.jpg "Oo11o-heart-1213475 ‣ iands")Image by [Vlad Ymyr](https://pixabay.com/users/oo11o-848168/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1213475) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1213475)As we’ve stated earlier, no two NDEs are exactly the same. And no two experiencers are the same, either. Some experiencers will benefit from following these steps verbatim, while others may need to move some things around. Some steps might be unnecessary for some, while others might still be wondering what’s next. For many people, a near-death experience is a world-changing event. Your whole personality and worldview can change in what feels like an instant. So take the time to get to know your new self. Give yourself as much time as you need to process, to learn, and to grow into these changes. IANDS is here to help you along the way with information, sharing groups, events, and more. Take your time. Explore your resources. And if you can’t find something, don’t hesitate to [reach out to IANDS](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"), and we’ll point you in the right direction. We’re here to help. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** what do do after a near-death experience, what do I do after an nde, what do I do after having a near-death experience, what do I do after having an NDE, what to do after a near death experience, what to do after an nde --- ### [IANDS Conference 2026 Registration is Now Open!](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2026-registration-is-now-open/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** IANDS Conference 2026 registration is now officially open. The world's largest NDE gathering is happening August 27-30 in Bellevue, Washington. Learn more here! **Content:** **Are you excited for IANDS Conference 2026?** This year, the world’s largest NDE gathering is headed to **Bellevue, Washington**, and will happen **August 27th through August 30th** (with a special pre-conference day of August 26th). And as of today, **[IANDS Conference 2026 Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/ "Register for IANDS Conference 2026") is officially open!** [CLICK HERE to REGISTER!](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/2026-registration-in-person-and-online/Site/Register) ## IANDS Conference 2026 Might Just Be Our Biggest Event Yet A star-studded [roster of keynote speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/ "Keynote Speakers at IANDS Conference 2026"), dozens of fascinating [presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/ "Presenters at IANDS Conference 2026"), a massive [exhibitor floor](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/ "Exhibitors at IANDS Conference 2026"), a 2026 IANDS Conference [bookstore](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/#aioseo-books-authored-by-iands-conference-2026-speakers-54), a healing center with mediumship and reiki … and who can forget the legendary IANDS Conference Saturday night dance party famously [mentioned by the New York Times](https://iands.org/iands-conference-featured-in-new-york-times-opinion-story/ "IANDS Conference Featured in New York Times Opinion Story")? IANDS Conference 2026 is truly unlike any other conference in the world. Not only because it’s the world’s largest gathering focused on [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), but it’s enlightening and uplifting. Fascinating and engaging. Educational and entertaining. At IANDS Conference 2026, you’ll join hundreds of people as we ***explore the extraordinary***. ## What You Need to Know about IANDS Conference 2026 Registration **IANDS Conference 2026 registration is officially open as of May 20th, 2026**. You’ll find details about pricing and the online portal for registration on our **[IANDS Conference 2026 Registration page](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/ "Register for IANDS Conference 2026")**. - **IANDS members** receive a 10 percent discount on their registration rates, so if you aren’t yet a member, be sure to [consider joining IANDS today](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"). These discounts don’t apply to add-on events. - **Veterans and active duty military personnel** may be eligible for free registration. Contact us and provide your name, branch of service, highest rank, and dates of service. - **Students** can contact us with their *.edu* email to receive a discount code. Once you’ve completed your IANDS Conference 2026 Registration, be sure to **[plan your trip](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/ "Bellevue, Washington: Trip Planning for IANDS Conference 2026")** to Bellevue, Washington, making use of [our special room discount](https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/BELLE/G-IAND). Interested in getting more hands-on at IANDS Conference 2026? Keep an eye out for announcements regarding volunteer opportunities and discounts. And if you’d like to sponsor the conference, or if you’re interested in buying advertising space at the event, you can [learn more about sponsorships and advertising here](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/). ![The hyatt regency bellevue in bellevue, washington will host iands conference 2026. Iands conference 2026 registration is now officially open!](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hyatt-Regency-Bellevue-Hotel-front.jpg "Hyatt regency bellevue hotel front ‣ iands")The Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington will host IANDS Conference 2026 August 26th through August 30th## We Can’t Wait to See You in Bellevue! IANDS Conference 2026 will truly be an experience like no other. And we can’t wait to meet you this summer and explore the extraordinary together. In the meantime, if you have any questions, keep an eye on our official [Conference site](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World") (it’s new and improved for 2026!), and please don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") if you have any questions. We’ll see you in Bellevue! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** conference registration, IANDS Conference 2026, IANDS conference registration, NDE conference, near-death experience conference, near-death experience gathering, register for IANDS conference --- ### [New IANDS Glossary: What is a Peak in Darien Experience?](https://iands.org/new-iands-glossary-what-is-a-peak-in-darien-experience/) **Published:** April 28, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A peak in Darien experience is a specific form of NDE where the experiencer reports encounters with individuals they did not know were dead, or even existed. **Content:** **A *peak in Darien* experience is a specific form of NDE ([near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know")) where the experiencer reports encounters with individuals they did not know were dead.** It’s common for NDEs to feature encounters and interactions with others, including [after death communication](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/ "IANDS Glossary: What Is After-Death Communication?") with loved ones, spiritual figures, indescribable beings, [and even pets](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/ "IANDS Q&A: Are Pets Seen in Near-Death Experiences?"). But some experiencers and witnesses have also reported encounters with individuals who, unbeknownst to the experiencer, had passed away. **The experiencer has no knowledge of a person’s passing prior to their NDE, and encounters this individual during said NDE**. This is described by researchers as **a *peak in Darien experience***. In some cases, the experiencer is encountering a deceased person during their NDE that they had never met or interacted with prior. This may include family members the experiencer never even knew they had; a true biological parent, a long lost sibling, or another perfect stranger the experiencer had no prior knowledge of until encountering them during their NDE. ## Why do researchers find Peak in Darien experiences so fascinating? While most peak in Darien experiences are considered anecdotal, some are more difficult to objectively write off. In many of these cases, the experiencer has no confirmed prior knowledge of the deceased individual they’ve encountered during their NDE. And unlike most [deathbed visions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/ "IANDS Glossary: Deathbed Visions, and What Expert Research Tells Us"), peak in Darien experiences often involve accurate details about individuals the experiencer had no way of learning about or knowing. As such, a peak in Darien experience provides strong, albeit anecdotal, evidence that consciousness may function independently of the brain, and that it may indeed survive bodily death. There are a few important factors that lead researchers to believe there’s some merit behind peak in Darien experiences, too. For instance, these reports tend to be remarkably consistent, occurring across different eras and spanning a wide breadth of cultures. They also involve an element of surprise —the experiencer is often confused by the encounter, or surprised to learn details about the person they had encountered. And that helps distinguish a peak in Darien experience from a hallucination fueled by memories or anxieties. ## Where does the name ‘Peak in Darien experience’ come from? The phrase *peak in Darien experience* has been used to describe these specific encounters since Frances Power Cobbe coined it in her 1882 book *The Peak in Darien: With Some Other Inquiries Touching Concerns of the Soul and the Body* ([find it here](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68018)). The phrase *peak in Darien* refers to a sonnet by John Keats in which he’s describing his wonderment and joy while first reading Homer’s *The Odyssey* after a translation from English playwright George Chapman. ![The term peak in darien experience refers to a sonnet written by john keats in 1817 in which he is referring to spanish explorers climbing a panamanian mountain only to find another ocean staring back at them.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/John_Keats_by_William_Hilton_circa_1822-248x300.jpg "John_keats_by_william_hilton_circa_1822 ‣ iands")*Portrait of John Keats, by William Hilton, c. 1822*> *Much have I travell’d in the realms of gold, > And many goodly states and kingdoms seen; > Round many western islands have I been > Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold. > Oft of one wide expanse had I been told > That deep-brow’d Homer ruled as his demesne; > Yet never did I breathe its pure serene > Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold: > Then felt I like some watcher of the skies > When a new planet swims into his ken; > Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes > He star’d at the Pacific—and all his men > Look’d at each other with a wild surmise – > Silent, upon a peak in Darien.* > > John Keats, [On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer](https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/john-keats/on-first-looking-into-chapman-s-homer), 1817 Keats likens Chapman’s work to Spanish explorers who scale a mountain range in Panama with an ocean at their back, only to stand in amazement when they find *another* ocean on the far side. And that metaphor rather aptly describes the sensations associated with a peak in Darien experience. In Volume 31-4 of *[the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies")*, Professor Masayuki Ohkado, Ph.D [argues that the terminology should be changed](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938029/m2/1/high_res_d/31-4_5_Ohkado.pdf) to “Encounter with Known Descendent Not Know to Have Died”, or “EKD”, and “Encounter with Unknown Descendent” or “EUD”. ## More Reading Interested in learning more about peak in Darien experiences? We recommend starting with **[Seeing Dead People Not Known to Have Died: “Peak in Darien” Experiences](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2017/01/OTH23_Peak-in-Darien-A-H.pdf)** by Dr. Bruce Greyson, and also **[A Peculiar Subset of Near-Death Experiences](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/consciousness-and-meaning-at-lifes-end/202512/a-peculiar-subset-of-near-death-experiences)** by Alexander Batthyány Ph.D. If you’re looking for additional reading that’s a little less academic (but still factual), you may want to check out the following [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) and [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) articles, too: - **[What is after-death communication?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/)** - **[Are NDEs proof of loved ones communicating after death?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/)** - **[Are pets seen in near-death experiences?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/)** - **[What is after-death communication?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/)** - **[Deathbed visions, and what research tells us](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/)** - **[What is a past-life memory?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-past-life-memory-what-this-fascinating-research-tells-us/)** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** ADC, after death communication, frances power cobbe, john keats, masayuki ohkado, near-death experience, peak in darien, Peak in darien experience, peak in darien experiences --- ### [Before You Donate to IANDS, See If This New Tool Will Double It](https://iands.org/matching-donations-tool-iands/) **Published:** April 20, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Did you know that some employers are willing to match the donations you, as an employee, make to nonprofits? Learn about this new matching donations tool here. **Content:** Are you considering making a donation to IANDS? If so, first, thank you! Your generosity keeps our educational nonprofit organization operational. But before you visit our [donation page](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), you should learn about **matching donations**. It’s possible you might be able to double the size and impact of your donation *at no additional cost to you*. ## What are matching donations? With matching donations, **employers make donations of their own to the charitable causes their employees donate to, matching them dollar-for-dollar**. Matching donations programs are, rather unfortunately, a well-kept secret in the corporate world. **More than 23,000 companies offer matching donations to more than 26 million American employees**. And many of those workers have no idea their company offers them. Most companies that offer matching donations will make an equal 1:1 donation with their employee. Some even offer 2:1 or even 3:1 donations. Matching donations usually have minimum and maximum donation amounts, too. For example, a company might only match donations exceeding $25, and up to a maximum cap of, say, $2,500. Those numbers can vary, of course, from one company to the next. ![Tens of thousands of employers offer matching donations but few employees know they have this wonderful benefit.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/publicdomainpictures-hands-20333_1280-300x200.jpg "Publicdomainpictures-hands-20333_1280 ‣ iands")## How do these programs work? Matching donations programs typically involve an employee making a donation to a nonprofit, then submitting a matching gift request through their employer. Most employers have online portals designated to their matching donation programs. The employer then verifies that the donation meets their program’s criteria, and they follow suit with a donation of their own. At IANDS, we’re now working with *[Double the Donation](https://doublethedonation.com/)*. Their tool makes it easier than ever to figure out if your employer is one of the tens of thousands of companies that offer matching donations. Simply check out the box below, type in your employer to search for them, and you’ll be guided through the next steps directly. We hope you find this tool easy to use. But if you run into any trouble, please [reach out to us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") and we’ll see what we can do to help you through the process. IANDS is fully devoted to offering educational and supportive resources to the near-death experiences community. With your donation — and perhaps the added donation of your employer — we can continue this essential work and help normalize conversations regarding NDEs and related phenomena. We thank you deeply for your help! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** donate to IANDS, donation, double the donation, IANDS donation, matching donation, matching donations, matching gift, matching gifts --- ### [Registration is Now Live for IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/registration-is-now-live-for-iands-spring-symposium-2026/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Registration is now open for IANDS Spring Symposium 2026. Learn how you can attend this entirely online event, which takes place April 25th 2026. **Content:** [Click Here to Register for IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/event.jsp?event=294&) [**Registration is now open** ](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/)for [IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/ "IANDS Spring Symposium 2026"), and you can now [sign up](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/event.jsp?event=294&) to take part in this unique, intellectual online event. The 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium focuses on **the intersection of near-death experiences and suicide**, with attention to **clinical, ethical, and human considerations**. Presentations will examine existing research, clinical observations, and implications for healthcare practice, education, and compassionate care. This symposium is intended for professionals who provide medical healthcare, mental healthcare, and spiritual/religious healthcare—as well as for researchers, educators, students, and the general public with an interest in the subject matter. We hope you’ll attend **IANDS Spring Symposium 2026 online on Saturday, April 25th** and we look forward to meeting you there. ## IANDS Spring Symposium 2026 is an Online Event IANDS Spring Symposium 2026 will take place entirely online. Attendees will take part in a live Zoom call where you’ll hear from [our roster of speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) on subjects regarding NDEs and suicide. **Full Symposium access costs $95 for non-members, $60 for IANDS members, and $30 for students**. If you’re not yet an IANDS member, you can [join IANDS today](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") and receive a variety of benefits, including discounts on IANDS events like the Spring Symposium and our upcoming annual [IANDS Conference](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World"). If you can’t make it to this year’s Symposium, you can still see the full event after it’s concluded. Video On Demand (VOD) from IANDS Spring Symposium will be available until April 30th 2027, and costs **$35 for non-members, $25 for IANDS members, and $15 for students**. More information about VOD services will be announced soon. ## Continuing Education at IANDS Spring Symposium 2026 Professional counselors, social workers,and other healthcare professionals can also earn up to five hours of [continuing education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) (CE) by attending the IANDS Spring Symposium 2026. To earn the five CE hours, there’s a one-time fee of $15 payable during event registration. Follow the prompts during the registration process to sign up for these CE hours. ## Please Reach Out with Any Questions If you have any questions or if you run into any trouble during registration, please visit our [Symposium contact page](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/ "Contact Us (IANDS Symposium)") and reach out to us there. We’ll be happy to help you with whatever issue you’ve encountered or answer any questions you may have. And please note, this is separate from our [general inquiries contact page](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") for your non-Symposium questions. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** attend IANDS Spring Symposium, attend spring symposium, attend symposium, IANDS Spring Symposium, IANDS Spring Symposium 2026, register for Symposium, Registration for Symposium, Spring Symposium, Spring Symposium 2026, Symposium, Symposium registration --- ### [IANDS Conference 2026 Call for Proposals](https://iands.org/now-open-iands-conference-2026-call-for-proposals/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The call for proposals for IANDS Conference 2026 is now open. Learn here how you can present a lecture, panel, workshop, film, music, or more. **Content:** [Proposal Application](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/callforproposalsiands2026) ***Update**: The call for proposals for IANDS Conference 2026 is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted their proposal.* **Planning is fully underway for [IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World")**. And if you’re interested in presenting at the world’s largest event for [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), you’ll be excited to know that **our [call for proposals](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/callforproposalsiands2026) is officially open.** IANDS Conference 2026 will head to **Bellevue, Washington August 27th through August 30th**, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. We’ll hear from the world’s leading voices in consciousness studies and explore accounts of personal experiences. Our theme in 2026 is ***EXPANDED LIVES: Exploring the Impact of Near-Death and Related Experiences***. **The call for proposals closes on February 20th, 2026 at 5 PM EST**, so please be sure to submit your proposals before then. ## What We’re Looking For with our Call for Proposals ![Iands conference 2026 in bellevue washington august 26th to august 30th 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IANDS-Conference-2026-1024x148.jpg "Iands-conference-2026 ‣ iands")We invite proposals from near-death and related experiencers, researchers, academics, clinicians, scientists, authors and professionals. Proposals might focus on consciousness studies, neuroscience, psychology, theology, spirituality, end of life, grief care, medicine, physics, or other related fields. Related experiences like (and not limited to) [after-death communication](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/ "IANDS Glossary: What Is After-Death Communication?"), [shared death experiences](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-shared-death-experience-sde/ "Fact Sheet: Shared Death Experience (SDE)"), and spiritually transformative experiences are more than welcome, as are discussions regarding the evolving science of non-local consciousness. This year’s theme invites presenters to explore how NDEs and related phenomena can profoundly expand lives. How they reshape identity, values, relationships, purpose, and worldviews long after the experience itself. Presentations may examine … - Personal transformation - Long-term psychological and spiritual effects - Clinical and therapeutic implications - Cultural and societal impacts - or emerging research that deepens our understanding of these life-altering experiences. Presenters have a unique opportunity to engage an informed, deeply curious global audience. We’re looking forward to seeing your proposals for **lectures, panels, workshops, films, music, and experiential sessions**, If your work, research, or lived experience contributes to this evolving conversation –and helps expand and illuminate how near-death and related experiences continue to shape and expand human lives, we invite you to submit a proposal and join this vital conversation! *Continuing Education (CE) credit may be available for qualifying sessions.* Please note the IANDS Annual Conference includes three concurrent session tracks during most time blocks. Individual session attendance for specific presentations may vary depending on scheduling and attendee interest. **All proposals must be submitted before 5 PM EST on February 20th, 2026**. [Proposal Application](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/callforproposalsiands2026) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** 2026 IANDS Conference, IANDS Conference 2026, IANDS Conference call for proposals --- ### [Vital Signs Spring 2026: See the Uplifting Free Magazine](https://iands.org/vital-signs-spring-2026-see-the-uplifting-free-magazine/) **Published:** April 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Vital Signs Spring 2026 is here. You'll find the full issue of our free NDE-focused magazine here. Come explore the extraordinary with IANDS! **Content:** Have you seen the latest issue of *[Vital Signs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/)*, our free magazine covering [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and related phenomena? *Vital Signs Spring 2026* is here, and as always, it’s an informative and entertaining read. You’ll find the whole issue below, or you can also [click here](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/Vital-Signs-Spring-2026). ## What’s in *Vital Signs* Spring 2026? In this season’s issue, *Vital Signs* Managing Editor Angela Harris takes us on an exploration of renewal after a near-death experience, and discusses the importance of support in the wake of an NDE. “Life after near-death is not a return: It is a revision”, Harris writes. “A story rewritten not in certainty, but in meeting one choice, one relationship, one moment of presence at a time.” Also, grief guide and near-death experience educator Brian D. Smith invites readers through his wonderful prose to trust the quiet intelligence of their own becoming, to recognize the subtle signs of inner spring, and to allow renewal to emerge in its own time. And be sure to read an editorial review of Dan Brown’s *The Secret of Secrets* by *Vital Signs* Editor-in-Chief Susan Amsden, who explores the highly engaging novel and invites you, as a fellow reader, to identify a rare mistake that conflicts with NDE research. If you spot it, please do [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") and let us know what you thought! ## There’s so much more to see in *Vital Signs* With more than 60 pages of content, *Vital Signs* Spring 2026 issue has a lot to peruse. Join Angela Harris in a conversation with Kimberly Clark Sharp of Seattle IANDS on the impact local group leaders can have on their communities. Learn how a physicist uses NDEs to clarify the nature of time. And be sure to see our preview of our upcoming [IANDS Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/ "IANDS Spring Symposium 2026"). We hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of *Vital Signs*. And we hope you’ll reach out and let us know what you think! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** spring 2026, vital signs, vital signs spring 2026 --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Can a Near-Death Experience Change Your Life?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) **Published:** February 27, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Can a near-death experience change your life? And if so, what sorts of changes do experiencers typically endure? Let's learn more in our latest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** Most people know very little regarding [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know"), or “NDEs”. And one of the earliest questions people often have when encountering this subject regards the impact and implications of an NDE: Can a near-death experience change your life? First, the short answer: **Yes, a near-death experience can change your life**, reportedly in dramatic and lasting ways. An NDE can change your entire worldview, eradicate or at least subdue your fear of and anxiety regarding death, and so much more. But while life after a near-death experience can be beautiful in a number of ways, there can also be significant downsides as well, both for the experiencer and their loved ones. So let’s explore this question in today’s [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A"). Can a near-death experience change your life? What impacts does it have, and for how long? And what are traditionally the positive and negative impacts? ***Read More:** [Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/ "Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences")* ## Can a Near-Death Experience Change Your Life? And if So, How? For most people, having a near-death experience isn’t simply a single event marking a particular moment in time. It’s a line of demarcation, separating your life before your NDE and what comes after. Decades of research into NDEs consistently suggest long-term psychological and behavioral shifts for those who experience them. Most people who have a near-death experience come away from the experience having undergone one or more significant life changes. Some of the long-term effects of a near-death experience include: - Greater compassion and an increased desire to help others - A significantly reduced fear of death - Reduced anxiety about everyday problems and personal and social issues - A stronger sense of meaning, purpose, or both - Heightened potential to make career changes toward service professions - Heightened spirituality, which may or may not involve organized religion - Reduced tolerance for superficial relationships - Changes in sleep patterns - Dietary changes, including changes in appetite and dietary tastes - A reduced sense of materialism and reduced urgency to pursue wealth ## Are there negative life changes, too? You might read through that list and feel that most or even all of those potential life changes resulting from an NDE are positive, or maybe neutral at worst. But there are quite a few negative changes associated with having a near-death experience as well. Near-death experiences are profound, to say the least. And it’s challenging, if not entirely impossible, for the experiencer’s loved ones to fully comprehend what they encountered, what they saw, or how real the experience was for them. The personality changes after an NDE can, at times, be surprising or even frightening for loved ones. It’s sadly rather common for people within their orbit to assume the experiencer [hallucinated](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/ "IANDS Q&A: Are Near-Death Experiences Just Hallucinations?") or had a dream. They might even assume the experiencer is going mad, or that they suffered brain damage. And to be fair, hearing about a near-death experience without any prior knowledge of them can be *a lot* to take in and process for most people. Those sorts of negative reactions—the disbelief, the unwarranted concern, the lack of understanding and even apparent lack of compassion—can leave a near-death experiencer feeling unsupported, isolated, and confused. They might become skeptical of sharing their experience with others, and have difficulty reintegrating with ordinary life. It can lead to depression, relationship strains, and self-doubt. ## What to Do if You or a Loved One has Had a Near-Death Experience If you or someone you know has had a near-death experience, you’ve surely come here looking for helpful answers. And at IANDS, we do what we can to provide you with useful information and support resources. **The first thing you should know is that no, you’re not alone**. And while each and every NDE is unique, they share many [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") you may want to read more about. NDEs are [more common than most people realize](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-an-nde/ "IANDS Q&A: What Percentage of the Population has Had an NDE?"), and [they can happen to anyone](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/ "IANDS Q&A: Can Anyone Have an NDE? Are Certain People More or Less Prone?"), too. You may want to begin by perusing our [support section](https://iands.org/support/ "Find NDE Support Groups, Information, Research, and More"), where you’ll find useful articles, links to [support and sharing groups](https://iands.org/support/iands-sharing-groups-building-connection-support-understanding/ "IANDS Sharing Groups: Building Connection, Support, Understanding"), information about [mental health providers](https://iands.org/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/ "How to Find a Professional Mental Health Provider"), and more. You may also want to learn more about NDEs by browsing our [learn section](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/). And you may also want to read through our [IANDS Q&A articles](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") and the [IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies"), too. If you find yourself in need of guidance, please don’t hesitate to [reach out to us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"), too. IANDS provides educational resources, support networks, and opportunities to connect with others who have had similar experiences. And we can’t understate the importance of discussing your NDE with people who understand what you’ve experienced. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** can a near-death experience change your life, can an NDE change someone, can an NDE change your life, does an NDE change a person, does an NDE change someone, life after a near-death experience, long term effects of a near-death experience, NDE, near death experience, near-death experience, personality changes after a near-death experience, personality changes after an NDE --- ### [A New IANDS Office, and a New Look for our Website, too!](https://iands.org/a-new-iands-office-and-a-new-look-for-our-website-too/) **Published:** December 5, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** We've moved into a new IANDS office, so be sure to make note of our new physical address. Our website just had another big update, too! **Content:** IANDS just moved into a lovely new office space this week. And we wanted to take a moment to share this exciting development with you. The new IANDS office is an impressive space, and our team is excited to get to work! ![Susan and hope getting their new computers ready as they continue unpacking in the new iands office](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_0886-300x225.jpg "Img_0886 ‣ iands")Susan and Hope getting their new computers ready as they continue unpacking in the new IANDS office. The new IANDS office is in a more modernized facility, where we’ll be working alongside other organizations and sharing resources with them, including a kitchen, a receptionist, and conference rooms. The new office is still in Durham, just 15 to 20 minutes from the old office. Our new IANDS office is a bit further from the Duke University campus, and more importantly, we’ll miss all of our friends at the Rhine Center. But we’re excited about our new office as we head into the [Winter Solstice](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/heres-why-the-winter-solstice-is-significant-in-cultures-across-the-world) and 2026. And the staff will also be working on brand new computers, too! Please note that **our phone number hasn’t changed**—you can still reach us at **(919) 383-7940**. The new IANDS office, where you can now send us correspondence, is located at: > IANDS > 2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite #300 > Durham, North Carolina > 27713 You’ll find all of this updated information on our [contact page](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"), for future reference. ## It’s not just a new IANDS office. Our website has a major new update, too! As longtime [IANDS members](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") and followers may already know, we kicked off 2025 by building [an entirely new IANDS website](https://iands.org/welcome-to-the-new-and-improved-iands-org/ "Welcome to the New and Improved IANDS.org!") from scratch at the start of this year. And now, we’re ending 2025 with another major website overhaul, significantly improving the website’s looks, performance, and our ability to serve our communities. You’re already seeing the early phases of this work. Our website looks entirely different today from what it did a week ago—gone are the looping (and quite repetitive) clouds and the weirdness of the mismatched post boxes. The visuals are cleaner and more modernized, the performance has taken a sizable leap upward, and our navigational menus have been tweaked and optimized. The whole web experience should now be significantly improved no matter what device you’re using. The redesign of our website’s navigation means you may need to look in new places for certain things. For instance, links to our IANDS Conference, IANDS Symposium, and IANDS Groups & Events (IGE) are now found under the *[Events](https://iands.org/events/ "IANDS Events: Learn More About These Amazing Gatherings Here")* tab. We hope you like the new look and layout of IANDS.org. And we have more big upgrades and overhauls for our website headed your way in the new year, too! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** IANDS address, IANDS mailing address, IANDS office, IANDS website, NDE website, near-death experience website --- ### [The Best Affordable Places to Eat in Oak Brook, Illinois](https://iands.org/the-best-affordable-places-to-eat-in-oak-brook-illinois/) **Published:** July 24, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Will we see you at IANDS Conference 2025? If so, you'll want to check out these legendary restaurants, including the best places to eat in Oak Brook, Illinois! **Content:** Are you heading to Oak Brook, Illinois for [IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/)? If so, you might be wondering where to find the best places to eat in Oak Brook. Preferably affordable, local eateries where you can sample some of the Chicago area’s legendary dishes, like Chicago hot dogs and deep dish pizza. There are lots of great places to eat in Oak Brook, and within a reasonable driving or ridesharing distance, too. And there are way too many restaurants for us to list here, even if we zero in specifically on the Oak Brook area near the conference. So let’s just focus on the truly *top notch* joints. The best of the best places to eat in Oak Brook while visiting the Conference, with both great food and reasonable prices. Maybe we’ll run into you waiting in line? ## Top Affordable and Iconic Places to Eat in Oak Brook ### Antico Posto Serves Up Phenomenal Italian Food - [Menu](https://www.antico-posto.com/menus/) - 4.7 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/antico-posto) - 4.6 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/ahqHzPF) This popular Italian cafe and wine bar in Oakbrook Center Mall is famed for its cozy, inviting atmosphere and delicious Italian food, including mouthwatering margherita pizza. ### Beatrix Ranks Highly Among Places to Eat in Oak Brook - [Menu](https://www.beatrixrestaurants.com/beatrix/oak-brook/menus/) - 4.7 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/r/beatrix-oak-brook) - 4.5 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/ef2RN2p) A trendy contemporary coffeehouse and restaurant, Beatrix features a menu sporting healthy and delicious options. They’re famed for their bakery featuring in-house pastries, and their iconic coffee too. ### Wildfire: An Old School Dinner Club Makes Our List of the Best Places to Eat in Oak Brook - [Menu](https://wildfirerestaurant.com/oak-brook/menus) - 4.7 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/wildfire-oak-brook) - 4.4 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/DnUCX6b) Looking for a proper dinner club spot in the Oak Brook area? You can’t really top Wildfire, a popular chain in the Greater Chicago area oozing with style. With timeless decor accentuated with jazz, Wildfire is a top choice for those with more carnivorous appetites. ### Roka Akor, a Small Chain That’s Big on Flavor ![Roka akor easily ranks amongst the best places to eat in oak brook](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/53129535125_32ee83806e_c-225x300.jpg "53129535125_32ee83806e_c ‣ iands")*Roka Akor easily ranks amongst the best places to eat in Oak Brook, with world class food at unbelievably affordable prices. Image by Lou Stejskal, Flickr*- Menu - 4.7 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/r/roka-akor-oak-brook) - 4.5 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/dedYTPU) Roka Akor is a small chain with three locations in the Chicago area. They offer a surprisingly affordable Japanese steakhouse menu featuring some of the best wagyu beef steaks and sushi you’ll find in the Windy City. And they have a lot of mouthwatering vegetarian options, too, including a Japanese mushroom rice hot pot with optional black truffle. ### Lou Malnati’s Has Excellent Deep Dish Pizza and is One of the Best Places to Eat in Oak Brook! [Menu](https://www.loumalnatis.com/oakbrook-terrace) | 4.6 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/r/lou-malnatis-oakbrook-terrace) | 4.3 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/ec2NEJi) Pizza aficionados looking for places to eat in Oak Brook, look no further. You simply can’t visit the Windy City and *not* try Chicago deep dish on its home turf, and Lou Malnati’s is a world famous Chicago favorite. Even if you aren’t a fan of Chicago-style deep dish pizza, you can still visit just for the pasta and other culinary delights. Their tiramisu is worth a visit by itself … or maybe *seven* visits. ### Blanco Cocina + Cantina Ranks as the Best Mexican Food in Oak Brook [Menu](https://www.blancococinacantina.com/locations/blanco-tacos-tequila-oak-brook-il/menus/main-menu/) | 4.5 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/r/blanco-cocina-and-cantina-oak-brook) | 4.2 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/KrFB3X1) Unlike the other restaurants we’re counting amongst the best places to eat in Oak Brook, Blanco Cocina + Cantina is actually a national chain, with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas. So you might already be familiar with their phenomenal Mexican food served in a laid back, super-friendly environment. But if you’ve never been to any of their restaurants, and if you love Mexican food, this is definitely a restaurant you’ll want to try out! ### Long Day at the Conference? Head Out for Craft Beers at Alter Brewing + Kitchen [Menu](https://www.alterbrewing.com/locations/oak-brook-brewery-kitchen/) | 4.3 stars on [OpenTable](https://www.opentable.com/r/alter-brewing-and-kitchen-oak-brook) | 4.3 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/kziWh9T) Looking to unwind after a long day of learning about [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/) at IANDS Conference 2025? Alter Brewing + Kitchen features a lighthearted and affordable menu of Americana food—burgers, salads, flatbreads, and more—alongside Alter’s 16 rotating taps of craft beers. ### Billy Goat Tavern & Grill: It Isn’t in Oak Brook, but Consider a Visit Anyway! [Menu](https://www.billygoattavern.com/locations/michigan/) | 4.5 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/Y8cYNwH) *“Cheezeborger. Cheezborger. Cheezborger. No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!”* Sound familiar? This is the restaurant that inspired [a famous 1978 SNL skit](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssnUBk_QBfM), and [was a hangout](https://www.billygoattavern.com/legend/snl/) for John Belushi and Bill Murray in their Second City comedy troupe days. They don’t have a location in Oak Brook, but definitely consider dropping by if you’re visiting downtown Chicago, or pay their O’Hare Airport location a visit on your way in or out. ![The billy goat tavern and grill gained national fame after a famous 1978 skit on saturday night live](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2629812999_ff871ecfe6_b.jpg "2629812999_ff871ecfe6_b ‣ iands")*The Billy Goat Tavern and Grill gained national fame after a famous 1978 skit on Saturday Night Live. Photo by John Hyun, Flickr.* ### Portillo’s Downers Grove: Legendary Italian Beef Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, and More! [Menu](https://www.portillos.com/menu/restaurant/) | 4.3 stars on [Google Reviews](https://g.co/kgs/Lgzeai9) It would be criminally negligent to talk about food in the greater Chicago area and not mention Portillo’s, a fabled and iconic local fast food chain serving Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and the unique and delicious Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich. They don’t have a location directly in Oak Brook, though you can visit their location in nearby Downers Grove, just a 12-minute drive or rideshare away. If you love fast food, it’s worth the trip! ## You can’t go wrong with any of these places to eat in Oak Brook During IANDS Conference 2025! Whatever you’re hungry for, we hope you’ll find a great option on this list of the best affordable places to eat in Oak Brook during IANDS Conference 2025. We’d love to have time to sample all of these extraordinary restaurants. But IANDS Conference 2025 is going to keep all of us busy! We’re celebrating the golden anniversary of Raymond Moody’s book *[Life after Life](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/)*, which played an integral role in the birth of our scientific field of near-death studies. And with countless speakers, special workshops, daily lunches with speakers, healing rooms, and so much more, we’ll definitely have a lot to do during this, the world’s largest NDE conference. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center August 28th through the 31st! August 27th is our pre-conference day, too. Be sure to [register now](https://conference.iands.org/2025-registration/) if you haven’t already. And try not to hog all of that wonderful deep dish pizza before we get there, okay? ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** Opinion **Tags:** affordable places to eat in oak brook, affordable places to eat in oak brook il, alter brewing, antico posto, beatrix, best places to eat in Oak Brook, best places to eat in oak brook il, billy goat tavern, billy goat tavern and grill, blanco cocina, blanco concina cantina, cheezborger, Chicago, IANDS Conference 2025, lou malnatis, Oak Brook, Oak Brook Il, Oak Brook Illinois, Oak Brooks Hills Resort, places to eat in oak brook, places to eat in oak brook il, places to eat in oak brook illinois, places to eat oak brook, places to eat oak brook il, portillo's, portillo's downers grove, roka akor, wildfire --- ### [New NDE Research Explores Near-Death Experiences and Work](https://iands.org/new-nde-research-explores-near-death-experiences-and-work/) **Published:** April 18, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A new NDE study called 'Dying to Work' looks at near-death experiences and work balance, offering insights into how near-death experiences change people. **Content:** How does having a near-death experience, or *NDE*, affect a person’s relationship with their career? That’s the subject of new NDE research focused on the correlations between near-death experiences and work. And the results of this study illustrate how near-death experiences change the values that determine their relationships with their careers. Dr. Jamie Gruman, was inspired to study [NDE aftereffects](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) after hearing a radio show on the subject in 2017. Gruman, a professor in the Department of Management at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, wanted to explore how NDEs impact careers Gruman’s work has now culminated in the new study *Dying to Work: A Thematic Analysis of How Near-Death Experiences Affect Employees’ Work Lives*, penned by Gruman and Akierah D. Binns. The University of Guelph NDE study, published by the International Association of Management, Spirituality and Religion ([IAMSR](https://www.iamsr.org/)), explores how NDEs impact the careers of experiencers—their values regarding work, the alignment of their goals and sense of purpose, and more. *Dying to Work* is an important step toward better understanding how near-death experiences change people in fundamental ways. It explores how near-death experiences change priorities and goals, and the psychological effects of NDEs over time. ## Near-death experiences and work relationships ![The new study dying to work explores near-death experiences and work and the changing priorities often associated with ndes](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/giving-love-200x300.jpg "Giving-love ‣ iands")Image by [TyliJura](https://pixabay.com/users/tylijura-22072131/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9345228) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9345228)Gruman and Binns interviewed 14 experiencers for their study, each of whom revealed that their NDEs changed their values regarding work. And in each case, experiencers began seeking new roles that aligned with their newly evolved values. “Leaders wear two hats,” Gruman says. “There’s an externally focused hat that considers how to stay viable over the long term, but also an internally focused hat that works to build community and culture.” Perhaps one of the most eye-opening elements of the study is the paradigm shift regarding the importance of money—a core pillar of job satisfaction for most of us. “A near-death experience really changes people’s approach to finances,” says Gruman in [a news story](https://news.uoguelph.ca/2025/04/can-a-near-death-experience-change-how-you-work/) published by the University of Guelph. “After an NDE, relationships are so paramount, and money just disappears in importance.” *Dying to Work* offers fascinating insights into how near-death events reshape goals. For instance, in the wake of an NDE, experiencers seek out career changes that align with their new life values. “There was a recognition of the preciousness of life and the desire to make a difference,” Gruman says. “Many people come out of an NDE willing to change the direction of their lives. This means they want to spend their workdays engaged in alignment with a new purpose, often to spread and cultivate love.” ## Lessons on career development we can all take something from We all should take time to slow things down and reevaluate our priorities with regards to work-life balance. And that’s a key takeaway from *Dying to Work*, which offers important lessons everyone should be encouraged to consider. “There’s a time and place to be strategic and there’s a time and place to be a human,” says Gruman. New to the concept of near-death experiences? we recommend reading about [the causes of NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/), their [characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/), and their [aftereffects](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/). You may also want to watch [films and documentaries about near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/), too. And if you or someone you know has had an NDE, be sure to read about [NDE support content](https://iands.org/support/), too. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** NDE Research News, News **Tags:** dying to work, how near-death experiences change people, NDE study 2025, NDEs and workplace behavior, near-death experience research, near-death experiences and work, university of guelph, university of guelph NDE study --- ### [IANDS Conference Featured in New York Times Opinion Story](https://iands.org/iands-conference-featured-in-new-york-times-opinion-story/) **Published:** January 7, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** This past summer, a New York Times Opinion writer paid a visit to IANDS Conference 2025. Her essay is now published, and it's well worth the read. **Content:** This morning, *The New York Times* published an opinion story featuring IANDS and, more specifically, IANDS Conference 2025. It’s a thoughtful exploration of grief, meaning, and society’s search for spiritual community in the face of declining involvement with organized religion. Times Opinion writer [Jessica Grose](https://jessicagrose.com/) attended IANDS Conference 2025 in Chicago this past summer. And her piece offers a fresh perspective not only of the Conference itself, but of IANDS as an organization and our mission to normalize conversations involving [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). ## The New York Times Explores the Extraordinary In her essay, titled *My Long Weekend with 700 People Touched by Death*, Grose discusses the exodus of millions of Americans departing from organized religion over the past half-century. And she posits that IANDS could, for some, “fill a much-needed gap for people who are unsatisfied by the strictures of mainstream observance and who aren’t fulfilled by the loose ties of a virtual and vague spirituality.” Grose’s essay discusses the academic roots of IANDS, the history of near-death sciences, and the institutional polarization of conversations involving near-death and related experiences. Notably, Grose discusses her own personal experiences with [after-death communication](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/ "IANDS Glossary: What Is After-Death Communication?"), and acknowledges that she felt the benefits of sharing those experiences with others. Grose’s essay explores the IANDS Conference as a place where people come together from a broad range of backgrounds. Experiencers, grievers, and spiritual explorers can meet with scientists, researchers, and medical clinicians in an openly inviting and nonjudgmental environment. The broad theme of the essay revolves around our need for community formed around shared experiences, and how IANDS offers that in the absence of a formal unifying doctrine. You’ll find the full essay, *[My Long Weekend with 700 People Touched by Death](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/opinion/near-death-conference-grief-chicago.html)*, in the *New York Times* Opinion section. Those interested in learning about future conferences may want to read about [IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "Register for IANDS Conference 2026"). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** IANDS Conference 2025, IANDS New York Times, jessica grose, new york times, New York Times Opinion --- ### [IANDS Conference Call for Proposals Launching in New Year](https://iands.org/iands-conference-call-for-proposals-launching-in-new-year/) **Published:** December 26, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The call for proposals for presentations at IANDS Conference 2026 in Bellevue, Washington will be open from January 5th to February 20th 2026. **Content:** We’re closing in on the opening of our **call for proposals for IANDS conference** 2026. And if you’re interested in speaking or presenting, you’ll definitely want to learn more about this process! [IANDS Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) is the world’s largest in-person conference on [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). And IANDS Conference 2026 will hopefully be our biggest and most exciting event ever as we head to Bellevue, Washington from August 26th to August 30th. **This call for proposals will be open from January 5th to February 20th 2026**.We’ll reveal more details about proposal submission then. But in the meantime, it’s a good idea to **start preparing your proposals** so you can offer your presentations at this important event. ![The call for proposals for iands conference 2026 will be open january 5th to february 20th](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IANDS-Conference-2026-1024x148.jpg "Iands-conference-2026 ‣ iands")## Our 2026 Theme: *Expanded Lives* Our theme for IANDS Conference 2026 will be ***Expanded Lives—Exploring the Impact of Near-Death and Related Experiences***. We invite presenters to explore how near-death and related experiences can profoundly expand lives, reshaping identity, values, relationships, purpose, and worldviews long after the experiences themselves. Presentations may examine … - Personal transformation - Long-term psychological and/or spiritual effects - Clinical and therapeutic implications - Cultural and societal impacts - Emerging research that deepens our understanding of these life-altering experiences We’re hoping for IANDS Conference 2026 to encourage inquiry and discussion on the nature of life and death, knowingness, spirituality, non-local consciousness, and more. ## Who Can Submit During the Call for Proposals? We invite proposals from **near-death and related experiencers, researchers, academics, clinicians, scientists, authors and professionals** across fields including **physics, psychology, medicine, neuroscience, consciousness studies, philosophy, theology, spirituality, end of life, and grief care**. Proposals may also address **related phenomena** such as **after-death communication, shared death experiences, spiritually transformative experiences**, and **the evolving science of non-local consciousness**. Presenters have a unique opportunity to engage an informed, deeply curious global audience through **lectures, panels, workshops, films, music, and experiential sessions** designed to provoke insight, connection, and conversation. If your work, research, or lived experience contributes to this evolving conversation, we invite you to submit a proposal and join this vital conversation. Ideal presentations will **help expand and illuminate how near-death and related experiences continue to shape and expand human lives**. We’re looking forward to seeing your proposals! ***Note:** Continuing Education (CE) credit may be available for qualifying sessions.* ## What Types of Activities Should be Submitted in This Call for Proposals? IANDS is accepting proposals for these activities at the conference: - **Presentations & Lectures** (60-minute sessions) - **Panels** (90-minute sessions with a moderator) - **Morning Opening Meditation/ Music** (30-minute sessions to open a day - **Lead an Activit**y (Early morning activity – music, yoga, Tai Chi, Dance) - **Films & Movies** - **Research Poster Displays** ***NOTE:** Workshops and Keynote Speakers are by invitation only* ## When and Where will IANDS Conference 2026 Take Place? **IANDS Conference 2026 is headed to Bellevue, Washington from August 26th to August 30th 2026**. The Conference, which will also be live-streamed, will take place at Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004*.* Please note the IANDS Annual Conference includes three concurrent session tracks during most time blocks. Individual session attendance for specific presentations may vary depending on scheduling and attendee interest. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** how to join IANDS conference, how to make a presentation at IANDS conference, how to present at IANDS conference, how to show a movie at IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2026, IANDS conference 2026 presenters, IANDS Conference call for proposals, NDE conference, NDE conference 2026, NDE conference call for proposals --- ### [Happy Holidays from IANDS. Here's to a Beautiful New Year!](https://iands.org/happy-holidays-from-iands-heres-to-a-beautiful-new-year/) **Published:** December 24, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** IANDS would like to wish you happy holidays and a joyous new year, as we reflect on some of our biggest improvements and accomplishments from 2025. **Content:** We at IANDS would love to take this moment to wish everyone joyous and happy holidays. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and whatever this holiday season means to you personally, we hope you’re enjoying this special time at the close of another journey around our sun. Not everyone realizes this, but did you know that *anyone* can have [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?")? It’s true. It doesn’t matter what religious beliefs you follow, or whether you have such beliefs to begin with. Your personal views have no apparent impact on the likelihood of an NDE or related experience. And there’s a genuine beauty in that. In a world so seemingly focused on telling us how different we are, NDEs lend us evidence of just how close we truly are. There are countless cultures around the world that each treat this season as special or unique. And whether you’re decorating a tree, lighting candles, exchanging gifts, or simply reflecting on 2025, the team at IANDS hopes for you to enjoy yourself, celebrate life, and have merry and happy holidays. ## Thank you for helping make 2025 a spectacular year at IANDS! We also wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your incredible participation and contributions to IANDS in 2025. This has been a truly extraordinary year for IANDS, and you made it all possible. A brief recap of all the exciting things we’ve seen at IANDS in 2025: - **IANDS Conference 2025** was one of our biggest events to date. We loved seeing all of you in Chicago! - **[Vital Signs Magazine](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")** received a massive overhaul. It’s absolutely stunning now, served digitally in a beautiful magazine format. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to see **[the Winter 2025 issue](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/Vital-Signs-December-2025.html)**! - We celebrated **the golden anniversary** of Dr. Raymond Moody’s landmark book **[*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/)**, which is often credited with giving birth to the scientific field of near-death studies. - The official IANDS Podcast has seen major changes and improvements. You don’t want to miss it! Be sure to check it out on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@IANDSvideos/podcasts) and/or [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/741H0NhAH9z3nv0anvstSa). - A **brand new website**, built from scratch and modernized. We’re so grateful so many of you have been enjoying the new website, its improved aesthetics, our new [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") articles, and more. - Our **social media content** has been vastly improved and is more engaging and enlightening than ever before. - A revamped [**IANDS store**](https://iands.org/shop/ "IANDS Merch: Official, Exclusive IANDS Products On Sale Now"), bringing you all sorts of great new IANDS merch. - An easy-to-use tool for giving **[matching donations](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/does-your-employer-offer-matching-gifts-find-out-here/ "Does Your Employer Offer Matching Gifts? Find Out Here!")** alongside your employer. - IANDS moved into **[lovely new offices](https://iands.org/a-new-iands-office-and-a-new-look-for-our-website-too/ "A New IANDS Office, and a New Look for our Website, too!")**, with better equipment and amenities for our office staff. ## Happy holidays, and we can’t wait to share 2026 with you! For IANDS, 2025 was a landmark year. It raised the bar in big ways for 2026, a year in which we’ll be continuing our push toward the future. We can’t wait to see you at IANDS Conference 2026 in Seattle. And we’d love to hear your thoughts as we continue adding new ways to contribute to IANDS, improving IANDS Groups and Events, and enhancing our website with even more exciting new features. None of what we accomplished in 2025 could have been remotely possible without you, the IANDS community. So from all of us, we’d like to wish you happy holidays and a joyous new year! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** happy holidays, iands 2025, iands year in review, iands year in review 2025, year in review --- ### [Donation Match: How to Double Your Special Gift to IANDS](https://iands.org/donation-match-how-to-double-your-special-gift-to-iands/) **Published:** December 23, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Did you know many employers have donation match programs that can double your gifts to IANDS? Learn more about matching donations from employers here! **Content:** Did you know **many employers offer a donation match program**, where **they’ll match your charitable donations dollar for dollar?** Millions of Americans work for companies that offer matching donations without ever realizing the option is available to them. And now, it’s easier than ever to find out if your employer will match [your gift to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"). Simply use the form below and find out if your employer has a donation match program. Within minutes, you might find that **your donations to IANDS can have two or even three times the impact**, at no additional cost to you! ## What is a donation match program? How does it work? Donation match programs are initiatives where **companies donate to charitable nonprofits, matching the donations of their employees**. An employee makes a donation, reports to their employer that they did so, and then the company makes an equal donation to that same nonprofit. Some employers even go above and beyond the donations of their employees, **doubling or even tripling those donations.** With matching donations, your $100 donation to IANDS would result in an additional gift of $100, $200, or even $300, all thanks to the generosity of your employer. Companies typically have guidelines on eligible charitable organizations that their donation match programs are eligible for. **As an educational nonprofit, IANDS is most likely eligible** for your employer’s matching donations policies. **What do you need to do?** Simply check if your employer offers a donation match program using the handy tool above. If confirmed, you simply need to make a matching donation request, which that tool can also help you do. Did you already make a donation to IANDS? Don’t worry—your gift may still be eligible for your company’s donation match program. Many of these programs **allow you to make requests for matching donations months after the initial donation** was given. ## Your gifts advance the cause tremendously As you know, [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?") are woefully misunderstood. The stigmas experiencers face are serious and can even be harmful. And that’s why the team at IANDS works so hard to advance global understanding of these often under-represented subjects. At IANDS, we work to reduce those stigmas by advancing research, education, and outreach. We strive to normalize these fascinating subjects. To help people understand and accept them. All while providing vital community support and resources. Your charitable, tax-deductible gifts are critical to these efforts. And our working with *[Double the Donation](https://doublethedonation.com/)* means your important gifts can now have double the impact. So please, take a few moments to see if your employer offers a donation match program. Together, we can make tremendous strides in the field of near-death studies and help more people understand the importance of near-death experiences. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** donate IANDS, donate to IANDS, donation match, double the donation, double your donation, IANDS donate, IANDS donations, matching donation, matching donations --- ### [The Winter 2025 Issue of Vital Signs is Here!](https://iands.org/the-winter-2025-issue-of-vital-signs-is-here/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The Winter 2025 issue of Vital Signs Magazine features fascinating interviews, in-depth explorations, and more. Find our incredible (and free) magazine here! **Content:** The winter 2025 issue of [*Vital Signs*](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly") is out now. And as always, we invite you to explore the extraordinary world of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?") with us in this informative and free magazine. The Winter 2025 issue features an interview with Dr. Marina Weiler, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia’s [Department of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/) Dr. Weiler discusses the science behind extraordinary human experiences and the incredible research DOPS has been advancing for many years. The winter 2025 issue of Vital Signs includes a fascinating piece by [Mark Anthony](https://www.afterlifefrequency.com/) discussing the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol”. Was this legendary holiday story inspired by [distressing NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/ "Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences")? Find out in this fascinating feature piece! You’ll also read about the important impact of local group leaders and their vital work with IANDS sharing groups. This special interview with Catherine Chapey of Long Island IANDS is one you won’t want to miss. And be sure to see an anonymous entry to our NDE archives from Christmas 2010, too. NDEs in combat, finding out how you can get involved in research, continuing education opportunities with IANDS for healthcare professionals and others … the winter 2025 issue of Vital Signs is jam-packed with more than 60 pages of inspiring, intriguing stories from the realm of NDEs and related experiences. ## *Vital Signs* is Free of charge, thanks to the generosity of people like you! *Vital Signs* is a free magazine. And it wouldn’t be possible if not for the kindness and generosity of IANDS supporters like you! Please consider [making a donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution") today, and finding out if your employer offers a [matching gifts](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/does-your-employer-offer-matching-gifts-find-out-here/ "Does Your Employer Offer Matching Gifts? Find Out Here!") program, too. And please don’t forget that [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") not only helps our cause, but comes with several impressive benefits as well. Thank you for helping IANDS advance our mission, and we hope you enjoy this latest issue of *Vital Signs!* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** IANDS, vital signs, vital signs IANDS, vital signs magazine, winter 2025 --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Are Near-Death Experiences Just Hallucinations?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/) **Published:** November 14, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Are near-death experiences just hallucinations? Or are they something else entirely? Let's explore the popular hallucination theory in our latest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** The theory that[ near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) are little more than hallucinations is perhaps the most common explanation amongst skeptics. But just how well does this theory actually fit with the evidence? Are near-death experiences just hallucinations? Or are they something else entirely? The problem with the hallucination theory itself is that these experiences rarely neatly align with the standard definitions of hallucinations, illusions, or psychedelic-type experiences. And when you really take the time to examine the broader evidence, hallucination theory simply doesn’t hold water. ## **Are near-death experiences just hallucinations, or are they something else?** The position that near-death experiences are little more than hallucinations is a relatively easy and safe one to take. The “dying brain” is starved of oxygen, traumatized, or going through some neurochemical event, causing the brain to “misfire” and create vivid perceptual experiences. Endorphins, serotonin, and other neurochemical or physiological triggers might be involved. And all of that *should* be scientifically sound. But this is where things get fascinating. ### **Clarity and memorability** Clarity, lucidity, and memorability are amongst the most consistent features reported across countless thousands of near-death experience reports. NDEs have been described as being “more real than real”, a phrase appearing often enough in NDE research to make it a sort of hallmark. NDEs are extremely detailed. Colors are more vivid, sounds are more resonant, and a person’s thoughts are more organized. By contrast,[ hallucinations](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/hallucinations-hearing-voices/) are usually disoriented, fragmented, or confused. They can seem real in the moment, but that’s a far cry from feeling clear, structured, and meaningful both during and after the experience. When a hallucination is over, they’re typically seen as disorienting, fragmentary, or confusing. And that’s not at all what happens in NDEs.NDEs are also often remembered with exceptional clarity for decades, often as vividly as the day they occurred. In one longitudinal study, participants recalled their experiences with near-photographic precision even after 20 years. This persistence sharply contrasts with most hallucinatory memories, which fade quickly or blur over time. ### **Veridical perceptions** More compelling evidence that near-death experiences are not just hallucinations stems from[ veridical perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/), where people report things they shouldn’t have been able to see, hear, or otherwise perceive. And these are also not common in hallucinations. Cases of veridical perception involve a person accurately describing events, sounds, or details occurring near them when they shouldn’t be able to know such things. For instance, a person unconscious after cardiac arrest or under anesthesia shouldn’t be able to accurately report the colors or patterns on a healthcare worker’s scrubs, or describe medical procedures happening around them, but they do, and it’s accurate. that’s entirely different from what we see with typical hallucinations, which are usually *idiosyncratic*—they’re peculiar and personal, and unique to the person having them, without matching real-world events. A hallucination experiencer might think what they’re seeing is accurate, only to find out later that it wasn’t. In near-death experiences, those details are more likely to end up being verified as accurate later. Some recent studies also show[ bursts of EEG activity](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/evidence-of-conscious-like-activity-in-dying-brain) during the dying process, which may be correlated with consciousness surviving beyond the conventional thresholds where it is believed the brain “shuts down.” ### **NDEs can change a person’s whole life. Hallucinations? Not so much** Arguably the biggest and most substantial difference between a near-death experience and a hallucination isn’t found in what people see during them, but in what happens after them. The[ aftereffects of NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) prove even further that NDES are quite simply not hallucinations. NDEs are almost always life-changing events in the lives of experiencers. An NDE can change a person’s entire outlook on life, their sense of purpose, and their relationships, while also altering a person’s fear of death. None of that is common with hallucinations, either. Those who’ve been through NDEs often describe a renewed or altered sense of purpose and compassion. They feel a deepened connection with others. They might end destructive habits, or change careers, or start volunteering to help others in ways they never did prior. And the changes are so profound and lasting that their families and friends tend to take notice. Hallucinations, whether caused by illness, medication, stress, or substances, rarely lead to lasting positive transformation. People may remember them—with varying degrees of accuracy—but they usually won’t reshape a person’s entire worldview. They’re more likely to be distressing or disorienting, often leaving behind confusion. NDEs typically leave clarity and peace. They are entirely different phenomena. ## **So what’s the verdict? Are near-death experiences just hallucinations?** We don’t yet fully understand what near-death experiences are or what causes them. But one thing is abundantly clear, when looking at all of the evidence together. **Near-death experiences are not hallucinations or dreams.** NDEs regularly challenge contemporary medical science and, at times, scientific thinking itself. But rather than attempting to write off NDEs as a flaw, IANDS approaches these phenomena in search of a scientific breakthrough that might one day help all of us better understand what NDEs are. And all without adding to those aforementioned stigmas or contributing to the skepticism, doubt, or isolation many experiencers face when revealing their stories. NDEs aren’t a problem we need to fix. They’re a question we hope to one day answer. We encourage you to[ learn more about NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/),[ explore the research](https://iands.org/nde-research/), and read through our[ IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) articles when you run into questions. If you encounter terminology you’re unfamiliar with, you may find more information in our[ IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/).And if you’re interested in contributing directly to our mission, please consider[ making a donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), or even[ becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/). Together, we might one day solve the mysteries surrounding near-death experiences and[ related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** are NDES just hallucinations, are near death experiences just hallucinations, are near-death experiences hallucinated, are near-death experiences just hallucinations, do people hallucinate during NDEs, hallucination NDE, hallucination NDEs, NDE hallucinations --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Can Anyone Have an NDE? Are Certain People More or Less Prone?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/) **Published:** October 6, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:**  Can anyone have an NDE? Are there certain people who are more or less prone to having a near-death experience? Find out in our latest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** If you’re familiar already with the subject of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know"), then you’re well aware of just how special “NDEs” are. Not only are the experiences themselves extraordinary, but [the aftereffects of an NDE](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/ "Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences") can fundamentally change a person, too. But just how extraordinary does a person need to be to have an NDE in the first place? Are they only experienced by certain people, or can anyone have an NDE? Here’s the short answer: **yes, *anyone* can have a near-death experience**. There are no known conditions or characteristics that prohibit a person from having an NDE. **They can happen to anyone**. ## Can anyone have an NDE? Who has near-death experiences, and who doesn’t? So far, researchers in the field of near-death studies have not been able to identify a single characteristic that disqualifies someone from having an NDE. They can quite literally happen to any person, regardless of age, race, gender, religious beliefs or views, sexual orientation or gender identity, education levels or income levels, cultural backgrounds, geography, physical or mental health, or quite literally any other characteristic, common or otherwise. This means [children can have NDEs](https://iands.org/iands-qa-do-children-have-near-death-experiences/ "IANDS Q&A: Do Children Have Near-Death Experiences?"), the same as an adult of any age. It means [an atheist can have an NDE](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/ "IANDS Q&A: What Happens When an Atheist Suddenly has an NDE?"), just as a religious or spiritual person can. NDEs can happen regardless of education level or socioeconomic status. They don’t seem to care about mental health conditions or a complete lack thereof. Simply put, **anyone can have an NDE, regardless of who they are**. ## Do cultural or socioeconomic factors change near-death experiences themselves? Can anyone have an NDE? Yes, they most certainly can. But do these same cultural or socioeconomic factors affect what people see in NDEs? Is an NDE the same for a person from one culture as it is for another? While each and every near-death experience is unique, NDEs do share [common characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") as well. These characteristics, immutable and otherwise, might affect how an NDE is described. But they don’t appear to change the experiences themselves beyond those descriptions. Someone in the western world—say, the United States or France, for instance—might describe their NDE as involving a “tunnel” of light. The phrase “tunnel” is common in our vernacular, and we’re all familiar with tunnels as common elements of our infrastructure. But in cultures where tunnels aren’t as common, they might describe the same concept using different terminology. Likewise, a religious person might interpret their NDE as a holy or spiritual event. They may even report having met with, or at least seen, religious or spiritual figures during their NDE, whereas an atheist or agnostic person might not. That’s not to say a person’s NDE is uniquely shaped by their background or culture, of course. But a person might interpret what they’re seeing differently, or describe the events in different ways. And these are important distinctions when researchers are studying near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). ***Read More**: [What causes near-death experiences, and who has them?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/ "What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?")* ## Can anyone have an NDE? Absolutely. And anyone can help advance research, too! Near-death experiences are still a mystery to the science community. We haven’t yet solved some of the largest, most pressing scientific questions regarding NDEs. What causes them exactly? Can anyone have an NDE, or is there an underlying factor we’ve yet to discover that may prevent someone from having an NDE? And what exactly do these remarkable experiences mean for us, as humans? What do they mean for our understanding of consciousness, life, and death? IANDS is an educational nonprofit that works to solve these mysteries, and many more. We work tirelessly to research NDEs, to equip researchers with useful data and resources, and to demystify NDEs and educate the general public, hopefully reducing stigmas and normalizing conversations about NDEs. And with your help, we can continue this important work. Please consider making [a tax-deductible donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution") today. You might also want to take a look at the benefits of [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"). And you may just find something stylish in [the IANDS Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/ "IANDS Merch: Official, Exclusive IANDS Products On Sale Now") as well. If you or someone you care for has had an NDE, you might want to also consider learning more about getting involved in [NDE research studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study"), too. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** can anyone have a near death experience, can anyone have a near-death experience, can anyone have an nde, who can have a near death experience, who can have a near-death experience, who can have an nde --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Are NDEs Really Proof of the Afterlife?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/) **Published:** June 4, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Near-death experiences are incredibly vivid and profound. But do NDEs offer any scientific proof of the afterlife? How might we interpret them? **Content:** The question of what happens to us after we die has been a subject of constant debate for as long as humans have walked this Earth. And it’s one that science has been trying to answer for ages, too. Is there any proof of the afterlife? Do our souls continue on existing consciously after we shed our mortal bodies? It’s a tricky question, and one that defies simple answers. Ask near-death experiencers what they think, and a majority will tell you that yes, NDEs are proof of an afterlife. But some experiencers also say their NDEs were *not* proof of an afterlife. And we still don’t have scientific proof of the afterlife or the existence of a higher power. ## How near-death experience are, and *aren’t*, proof of the afterlife This is a subject that has the potential for contentious debate, and at IANDS, we’re not picking sides. Our goal is to research near-death experiences and related transpersonal experiences and learn as much as we can about them. And there are two very compelling sides to this question of whether NDEs serve as proof of the afterlife. On one hand, NDEs are extremely vivid and profound, and can fundamentally change the trajectory of an experiencer’s whole life. Their personalities, values, and beliefs can shift entirely. Many abandon their fear of death. And many say they know, beyond any reason of doubt, that life or consciousness continues after bodily death. But not everyone exits their NDE with this same sense of knowing what lies beyond mortal life. Even after being changed by their NDEs, some experiencers stop themselves short of calling it proof of the afterlife. They argue it was a profound psychological or even spiritual event that may not confirm what happens after death. In fact, many experiencers identify as spiritual but not religious, and don’t settle on any one belief. ## Science can’t yet explain NDEs. And that opens the door to both faith and speculation Near-death experiences leave many unanswered questions researchers in the field of near-death studies have thus far been unable to explain. And that absence of clear answers opens the door to much deeper questions. NDEs are nonlinear but structured events, and [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) are shared almost universally, too. They can’t be dismissed as hallucinations, a lack of oxygen to the brain, or any other quick and easy answer. And when you really take the time to explore a large swath of near-death experiences, some remarkable and even shocking facts emerge that challenge mainstream scientific reasoning. How is it possible people can so accurately and vividly recall events they were physically unconscious during, such as conversations that took place around them, or even in other rooms where their physical bodies weren’t present? How are some patients having NDEs without any measurable brain activity, or after cortical activity typically becomes isoelectric, or electrically silent? Why are there so many vividly-detailed similarities in NDEs, regardless of the age, gender, race, or religious views of experiencers? Researchers in near-death studies don’t yet have answers to these questions, which leaves things open to personal interpretation. We might fill these gaps with faith, or speculation, or even outright skepticism. While these things don’t necessarily offer us proof of the afterlife, they certainly leave us wondering what it might all mean. ## So what’s the verdict? Do NDEs serve as scientific proof of the afterlife? If we had to answer this question bluntly and in no uncertain terms? No, near-death experiences are not proof of the afterlife. But like all questions regarding the existence of an afterlife, or any lack thereof, a lack of scientific evidence doesn’t necessarily mean an idea can or should be dismissed out of hand. We need to draw our own conclusions and take these things on some degree of faith, one way or the other. That might present as faith in a higher power, or faith in our belief that there’s no such thing, or faith that researchers will one day find answers to these physical, spiritual, and philosophical questions. At IANDS, we’re committed to contributing to the ever-growing field of near-death studies and helping researchers continue exploring the extraordinary realm of near-death experiences and related phenomena. And we strive to help bring NDEs into mainstream conversations as well—the more people learn about NDEs and related experiences, the closer we’ll all be to finding these vital answers. IANDS is a nonprofit, and our work is entirely funded by the generosity and curiosity of people just like you. If you’re as fascinated by NDEs as we are, we encourage you to consider [making a donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) or [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/). And if you’ve had a near-death experience yourself, please consider submitting your NDE story so researchers can add your voice to the many thousands we study now. ![Science does not explain if ndes are proof of the afterlife but the questions raised are certainly intriguing.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jon-tyson-aA2PPWgwgBU-unsplash.jpg "Jon-tyson-aa2ppwgwgbu-unsplash ‣ iands")Science can’t explain if NDEs are proof of the afterlife, but the questions raised are certainly intriguing. Photo by [Jon Tyson](https://unsplash.com/@jontyson?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-neon-sign-that-reads-death-is-not-the-end-aA2PPWgwgBU?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** afterlife, death is not the end, heaven, hell, NDE, NDEs, near death experience, near death experiences, near-death experience, near-death experiences, proof of an afterlife, proof of the afterlife, scientific proof death is not the end, scientific proof of an afterlife, scientific proof of heaven, scientific proof of the afterlife --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Are Pets Seen in Near-Death Experiences?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** June 24, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Is seeing pets in near-death experiences common? Let's explore this fascinating question in our latest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** *Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Yes, they are! In this week’s [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/), we take a look at near-death experiences and pets, and examine what the research in the field of near-death studies can tell us.* The loss of a pet can be a truly harrowing, traumatic ordeal. They’re not just animals, but beloved and loyal friends deeply woven into the tapestry of your family, your memories, your life. And just as it’s comforting to think our human loved ones continue on in the afterlife, we naturally hope for the same with our pets. When confronted with the grief of losing a pet, many of us find ourselves wondering if we’ll ever see them again. And that brings us to one of the many fascinating elements of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), or NDEs—near-death experiences and pets appear to go hand in hand, according to numerous detailed NDE reports. So let’s dive into this question. Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Is seeing pets in near-death experiences common? And perhaps most importantly, what is it like to have a near-death experience visit with pets? ## Near-death experiences and pets ![We dive into the subject of near-death experiences and pets. Are pets seen in near-death experiences?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cat-1455468_1280-300x199.jpg "Cat-1455468_1280 ‣ iands")Image by Alexa from PixabayFor decades, researchers in the field of near-death studies have been compiling and examining [personal NDE accounts](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) from those who’ve lived them. And in doing so, they’ve managed to identify clear [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) that conclusively define a near-death experience. One of these common characteristics is that near-death experiencers often encounter deceased loved ones. They might be family members, friends, colleagues, or even strangers, religious figures, or indescribable beings. And yes, pets are often encountered as well. ### Are pets seen in near-death experiences, and how common is it? In the Spring 2023 edition of the [Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/), noted NDE researcher and IANDS co-founder [Dr. Bruce Greyson](https://iands.org/tag/bruce-greyson/) published his study [*Animals and Near-Death Experiences*](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2350255/). And his work answers the question “are pets seen in near-death experiences” with a resounding *“yes”*. Dr. Greyson’s study documents multiple cases of people—children and adults alike—encountering deceased dogs, cats, and birds during their NDEs. And these weren’t just ghostly apparitions that were seen and not felt. In many of these instances, experiencers reported embracing their pets and described the experience as “more real” than real life. One case features a seven year-old boy who was greeted by a deceased cat and dog, who helped guide him back. In another case, a girl recovering from heart surgery saw her two deceased dogs glowing with light. And one adult was embraced by a poodle named Pepe. > ***“I hugged my dogs as tight as I could,”** one experiencer said. **“Thank you, God, for letting my dogs be alive.”*** In two cases reported in Dr. Greyson’s research, pets were seen in near-death experiences that had died during the person’s NDE—they didn’t know their pets had passed away. These are often described as [peak in Darien experiences](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229658803_Seeing_Dead_People_Not_Known_to_Have_Died_Peak_in_Darien_Experiences), when someone encounters a deceased person without knowing they’ve died. ### Do Pets themselves have NDEs? Another fascinating aspect of Dr. Greyson’s research examines the deathbed behaviors of pets, suggesting they may experience terminal lucidity. For instance, a comatose dog suddenly sitting up, wagging its tail, and “smiling” at something unseen. There have been post-NDE behavioral changes observed in animals, too. For instance, aggressive cats becoming calm, loving, and gentle after nearly dying. This parallels [common NDE aftereffects](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) in humans, who typically see their entire worldview shifted toward positivity in the wake of their near-death experiences. ## Are pets seen in near-death experiences? Yes, they are. And it’s fairly common, too We’d give just about anything for one more chance to watch our dogs run out their zoomies in the yard, or to snuggle with our cats while reading a book, or to watch our hamsters jogging care-free on their wheels. So the topic of near-death experiences and pets is certainly fascinating to those of us who’ve lost pets. To see these companions even one more time offers solace. And for some, knowing that pets are seen in near-death experiences offers hope. While science can’t confirm that NDE’s prove [the existence of an afterlife](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/), these cases offer compelling comfort all the same. We may get to see our pets again one day. And that would be the best possible outcome, isn’t it? ## Explore the extraordinary with IANDS! This question—*are pets seen in near-death experiences*—is one we can answer thanks to many decades of dedicated research. And our goal at IANDS is to help propel that research in any way we can, while also taking on the monumental challenge of trying to normalize conversations regarding near-death experiences and related phenomena. Not just near-death experiences and pets, but all NDEs As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS relies on the generosity of people like you to continue furthering our research, outreach, support, and educational initiatives. Every gift, big and small, helps IANDS contribute toward and advance the field of near-death studies. Please consider [donating to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), and be sure to also take a look at the benefits of [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/), too. You may also consider checking out the official [IANDS shop](https://iands.org/shop/). And if you or a loved one has had a near-death experience, we would love for you to share your experience with our researchers as well. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** anyone with near death experience see their pets, are pets seen in near death experiences, are pets seen in near-death experiences, cats, dogs, NDE, near death experience, near death experience pets, near death experience seeing pets, near death experience visit with pets, near death experiences and pets, near-death experience, near-death experience visit with pets, near-death experiences and pets, pets, pets in heaven near death experiences, pets seen in near death experiences, seeing pets in near death experiences --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Did I Have a Near-Death Experience? Here's How to Know](https://iands.org/iands-qa-did-i-have-a-near-death-experience-heres-how-to-know/) **Published:** September 24, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** The phrase “near-death experience” is often used lightly in conversation. You’ll hear people use it in reference to any situation where death, or even just potential injury, seems probable. “That car almost hit me! Did I have a near-death experience or what?” People use the phrase “near-death experience” In that colloquial sense all the time. But a proper [near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") is something else entirely. It’s significantly deeper. And if you find yourself asking “did I have a near-death experience” after such a phenomenon, there are likely bigger questions you’re seeking out answers to. So let’s separate the colloquial “near-death experience” from the scientific in today’s *IANDS Q&A*. ## The colloquialism of ‘Did I have a near-death experience?’ ![Did i have a near-death experience? This is often asked in a colloquial sense and not a literal one.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/books-484766_1280-300x200.jpg "Books-484766_1280 ‣ iands")*Image by [Hermann Traub](https://pixabay.com/users/hermann-130146/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=484766) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=484766)*Let’s briefly talk about the phrase “near-death experience” in its less scientific, more vernacular usage. When people mention “near-death experiences”, they don’t necessarily mean them in a literal sense. It’s a phrase often used to describe nearly any scary situation, and sometimes it’s used a bit more tongue-in-cheek, too. “I saw a spider on the wall! I had a near-death experience!” Scary or high-risk situations that lead to the usage of this phrase shouldn’t be confused with an actual, medically-verifiable near-death experience, or NDE. [NDEs have specific characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") that don’t imply a fearful experience, but a more literal close encounter with death that’s followed by a separate extraordinary experience. ## What does a real near-death experience consist of? So what is a *real* near-death experience? And how do you know if you’ve had one? Let’s answer a few important questions and see how your own experience aligns with them. ***Related:** [IANDS Q&A: What is a near-death experience like?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-a-near-death-experience-like/)* ### Were you actually close to death, or did you experience clinical death? While some harrowing, life-threatening experiences such as combat have been known to lead to near-death experiences, most NDEs occur as a result of the body enduring illness or injury that brings a person very close to clinical or bodily death. Severe trauma, surgery, cardiac arrest, or other physical duress can lead to an NDE. While something like a near-miss situation, a minor car accident, or being stuck in an elevator might be scary or even traumatizing for some, they’re not typically severe enough to cause an actual near-death experience. ### Did you experience any of the NDE characteristics established by scientific research? Near-death experiences involve more than a person’s proximity to death. In an NDE, a person also experiences things some might consider supernatural. An [out-of-body experience](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary"), seeing a void or a tunnel of light, and encounters with deceased loved ones or other beings are all common characteristics of an NDE. ### How ‘real’ was your experience? And how vividly do you remember it? Near-death experiences are often described as being hyper-realistic—they feel “more real than real”. And the memories of an NDE aren’t fading or fleeting, like the memories of most dreams. They’re incredibly vivid, and experiencers often report remembering them in detail years and even decades later. Near-death experiences aren’t similar to dreams or hallucinations. For those who’ve had NDEs, the experience is transformative, changing their entire view of the world. Their empathy is increased. They’re less fearful of death. And they may find themselves realigning their spiritual beliefs. ### Still not sure? Learn about *Greyson’s Near-Death Experience Scale* In 1983, professor, psychiatrist, and IANDS cofounder [Bruce Greyson](https://iands.org/tag/bruce-greyson/ "Bruce Greyson") developed a scale that can be used to measure a person’s near-death experience. And if you’re still not certain if your experience qualifies as an NDE, it’s worth taking a look at. Visit our article on the [Greyson’s Near-Death Experience Scale](https://iands.org/nde-research/quantifying-the-phenomenon-greyson-near-death-experience-scale/) and honestly answer the questions listed there. Then, look at the scoring system at the end of that article to see where you land. This scale isn’t meant to diminish your experience. But it’s a very useful tool researchers use to understand the patterns of near-death experiences, and reflecting on your experience can itself be meaningful. ## Whether you had a real NDE or not, the subject is fascinating! You don’t need to have had a real near-death experience to find this topic fascinating. It’s one of the few areas where tangible science intersects so directly with subjects of spirituality and faith. With your help, we can continue advancing scientific research while educating the world on near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). We aim to combat stigmas surrounding NDEs and normalize conversations on the topics, so people are less inclined to use “did I have a near-death experience” as a colloquialism. So what’s the verdict? Did you really have an NDE? If so, please consider [submitting your NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/). You or an experiencer you know can submit stories and stay completely anonymous in the process. You might also consider [participating in an NDE research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/). Looking for more ways to help? Consider [making a tax-deductible donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), or [join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) as a member to enjoy a plethora of members-only benefits. And please don’t forget to [visit our IANDS Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/), too! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** did I have a near death experience, did I have a near-death experience, did I have an nde, greyson NDE scale, greyson near-death experience scale --- ### [IANDS Glossary: What is Absorption in Psychology?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-absorption-in-psychology/) **Published:** September 17, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What is absorption in the realm of psychology? And what does absorption have to do with near-death experiences? Find out in our newest IANDS glossary entry! **Content:** **Absorption is a personality trait describing a person’s tendency to become deeply immersed in imagination, inner states, internal imagery, or specific experiences. It’s a neutral trait, and isn’t seen as a negative trait.** In fact, nearly everyone lands somewhere on a spectrum of psychological absorption. Have you ever felt chills while listening to a particularly powerful or emotional piece of music? Or lost track of time while reading a book? Or had a really vivid daydream? These are all examples of absorption. Research has shown that people who report [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") (NDEs) often score higher on measures of absorption, suggesting that this trait may play a role in how they enter, experience, and remember extraordinary states of consciousness. ## What is absorption, exactly? Is it a bad or negative thing? In psychology, **absorption is defined as the ability to become fully engaged in a stream of thought, sensations, or imagery**, sometimes to the point of losing awareness of your surroundings. Researchers consider it part of the broader personality trait of “openness to experience”. And **it’s definitely not a bad thing to have**. People scoring higher in absorption often report feeling **more connected to art, music, or nature**. And they may recall those moments—seeing their favorite band live, going on a memorable hike, etc.—with unusual vividness. It needs to be stressed that **absorption is not inherently unhealthy**. This is normal human variation, just like being more or less extroverted. **By itself, absorption is not an indicator of mental health issues**. **Psychological absorption is measured using [the Tellegen Absorption Scale](https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ft14465-000), or TAS**. It’s a 34-item multi-dimensional measure of a person’s tendency to become mentally absorbed in everyday activities. ***Note**: Be sure to also visit [the IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/), where you’ll also learn about [dissociation](https://iands.org/what-is-dissociation-learn-more-in-a-new-iands-glossary-entry/) and other terms!* ## Absorption vs. *self-absorption* At first glance, you might find yourself confusing absorption with *self-absorption*. And it’s worth noting that **these are two entirely different and unrelated topics**. *Self-absorption* is both a clinical and colloquial term describing **someone who is excessively preoccupied with their own thoughts, feelings, or interests.** It sometimes (but doesn’t necessarily) overlap with narcissism or egocentrism. The connotations with self-absorption are typically negative. It’s linked with **selfishness or a lack of concern for others**. But while the shared word “absorption” might trip people up, it’s important to understand these two concepts are wholly different and unrelated. **Self-absorption is not directly linked with near-death experiences.** In fact, many experiencers return from NDEs with less self-absorption than they may have had going into them. Greater empathy and altruism are common [NDE aftereffects](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/ "Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences")—quite the opposite of how we’d define self-absorption. ## Absorption and near-death experiences Numerous studies have linked absorption with near-death experiences. For instance: - [One study from 2023](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10175626/) found that people who’ve had NDEs score significantly higher on the Tellegen Absorption Scale than control subjects. - [A 2018 study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6107838/) found through experiments with DMT that baseline absorption correlates positively with how intensely someone reports NDE-type features. - [A different 2018](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00190/full) study found that men and women more prone to fantasy and with higher absorption tend to report more intense or vivid NDE-like experiences So, what exactly does this data mean? When taken together, it suggests that people more prone to absorption may be more likely to enter altered states, process them vividly, or recall them in rich detail. **What it *doesn’t* mean is that NDEs are “just imagination.”** Higher absorption doesn’t suggest experiencers are inventing their NDEs or dreamed them up. Instead, **higher absorption suggests someone might be more capable of recalling or expressing NDEs and other experiences in vivid, detailed ways**. Absorption doesn’t explain NDEs away. But it may help researchers understand how people experience and remember them. ## Absorption is just one piece of the NDE puzzle When it comes to understanding near-death experiences, research into absorption has definitely been useful. By learning how traits like absorption influence the way people enter and recall extraordinary states, researchers can better explore the mysteries of consciousness, the afterlife, and human potential. If you’ve had an NDE, or if you know someone who has, you can play a direct role in this important research. Please consider [sharing your story with IANDS](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts") or [joining an NDE research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study"). Your contributions can play a pivotal role in helping researchers better understand this extraordinary phenomenon. Financial contributions to our educational nonprofit organization are always tremendously appreciated as well. Please consider making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"). And please, don’t forget to learn about the perks involved in [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), or showing your IANDS pride after a visit to [our extraordinary online shop](https://iands.org/shop/ "IANDS Merch: Official, Exclusive IANDS Products On Sale Now")! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** absorption, absorption in nde, absorption in ndes, absorption in near death experiences, absorption in near-death experiences, absorption in psychology, psychological absorption, what is absorption, what is absorption in psychology --- ### [IANDS Q&A: What Percentage of the Population has Had an NDE?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-an-nde/) **Published:** September 16, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What percentage of the population has had an nde? And just how many people alive today have had them? Let's find out in our latest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** It’s true that [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") aren’t common, and that they’re often misunderstood by the general public. They’re misunderstood by quite a few members of the science community too, for that matter. But just uncommon are they, really? What percentage of the population has had an NDE in the past? Here’s the short answer: **somewhere between 4% and 10% of the general population of Earth have had a near-death experience**. That sounds like a pretty small number, until you stop to realize that there are more than eight billion people alive on Earth today. So we’re talking about anywhere from 320 million to 800 million people. For context, the United States has a total population of just over 340.1 million people. So even by conservative estimates, you could nearly populate the whole of the United States just with people who’ve had near-death experiences. ***Learn More:** [What causes near-death experiences, and who has them](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/)?* ## What percentage of the population has had an NDE? Here’s what research tells us ![What percentage of the population has had an nde varies slightly from one study to the next but they mostly conclude the same figures.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/new-13889_640-300x225.jpg "New-13889_640 ‣ iands")*Image by [PublicDomainPictures](https://pixabay.com/users/publicdomainpictures-14/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=13889) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=13889)*There have been a number of studies and polls conducted through the years that attempted to measure what percentage of the population has had an NDE. The earliest national estimate came to us from famed American pollster George Gallup Jr., whose father invented the famous Gallup polls. [Gallup’s NDE-related survey](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark%3A/67531/metadc799071/m2/1/high_res_d/vol2-no2-160.pdf) concluded that approximately 5% of U.S. adults reported having had near-death experiences. [The first European study](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1011112727078), conducted in Germany, reported that approximately 4% of respondents had had an NDE, closely aligning with Gallup’s estimates and suggesting similar prevalence across Western population. [A more recent multinational survey](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31523519/) looked at 1,034 participants from 35 countries. And when using the [Greyson NDE scale](https://iands.org/nde-research/quantifying-the-phenomenon-greyson-near-death-experience-scale/ "Quantifying the Phenomenon: Greyson’s Near-Death Experience Scale") to screen their reports, they found that approximately 10% of participants had met the scale’s threshold for an NDE. Studies that zero in more closely on incidents rather than population often find even larger numbers. For instance, some studies have found that 10% to 20% of resuscitated patients reported having an NDE. Sampling, timing, and how rigidly various terms are defined have significant impacts on results. ***Related:** [IANDS Q&A: Can near-death experiences be scientifically explained](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-near-death-experiences-be-scientifically-explained/)?* ## You can play a major role in NDE research (even if you’ve never had one) There are still a great many questions NDE researchers hope to unravel regarding the mysteries of near-death experiences. But with help from people like you, we can continue pressing for these essential answers involving the mental and physical health, the afterlife, and human consciousness. If you’ve had an NDE, or if you know someone who has, please consider [submitting your NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts"). You or an experiencer you know can submit stories free of charge and stay completely anonymous to researchers. You might also consider [participating in an NDE research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study") and contributing more directly to the advancement of near-death studies. Looking for more ways to help? Consider [making a tax-deductible donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), or [join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") as a member to enjoy a plethora of members-only benefits. And please don’t forget to [visit our IANDS Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/ "IANDS Merch: Official, Exclusive IANDS Products On Sale Now"), too! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** how many people have had ndes, how many people have had near death experiences, how many people have had near-death experiences, what percentage of the population has had a near death experience, what percentage of the population has had a near-death experience, what percentage of the population has had an NDE --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Who Coined the Term 'Near-Death Experience'?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-who-coined-the-term-near-death-experience/) **Published:** September 12, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The phrase 'Near-Death Experience' was first used in Raymond Moody's important 1975 book 'Life after Life. But NDEs themselves date back to antiquity. **Content:** **The term “[near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know")” (NDE) was coined in 1975 in the groundbreaking book [*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/) by American psychologist Dr. Raymond Moody**. Drawing from more than 100 interviews, Moody examined [the common characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") of what people reported during close encounters with death. And for the first time in history, these experiences were given a clear, memorable name. Since then, many researchers have studied the circumstances, content, and [aftereffects](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/ "Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences") of NDEs. And their terminology and definitions have grown stronger as a result of this extended research, too. But it all started with Moody’s work. ## Near-death experiences have always existed. We just didn’t have a name for them yet Moody’s research wasn’t into a new phenomenon. Near-death experiences, or “NDEs”, have been happening throughout the course of human history. In fact, fascinating stories of people reporting visions and journeys to the brink of death date back thousands of years. Somewhere around 380 BCE, famed Greek philosopher Plato concluded his seminal work *The Republic*. In it, Plato shares *[The Myth of Er](https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/The_Myths/Myth_of_Er/myth_of_er.html)*. This narrative tells the story of a soldier who was thought to be dead on the battlefield. Er is revived during his funeral and describes having traveled to an afterlife. And there are countless other records of people taking similar journeys of light, encountering spirits or beings, and having a renewed sense of purpose when returning. You’ll find them in Medieval Christian writings, Tibetan Buddhist texts, oral traditions, and more, from nearly every culture in the world dating all the way back to antiquity. ## When did people start researching near-death experiences? It wasn’t until the late 19th century and early 20th century that scientists really started examining the “hallucinations of the dying” or recording [deathbed visions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/ "IANDS Glossary: Deathbed Visions, and What Expert Research Tells Us"). In the 1960s, researchers like [Russell Noyes](https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/experiencing-death-improve-life) and [Celia Green](https://archive.org/details/outofthebodyexpe0000celi) investigated [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary") and [other anomalous perceptions](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?") during accidents and illnesses. Moody’s work is celebrated in the field of near-death studies not only for the quality of his work and the details of his findings, but for finally giving the science community a term to unify research in essential ways. There are still a great many questions about NDEs left unanswered. But thanks to Raymond Moody and all the researchers who came before him and since, we’re getting closer to unraveling many of the mysteries surrounding near-death experiences and human consciousness. Interested in contributing directly to this important work? Please consider [making a tax-deductible donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) or [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") as a member. You might also consider seeing if you qualify to participate in [NDE research studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study"). With your help, we hope to one day understand fully what NDEs really are and, more importantly, what they mean. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** anomalous perceptions, celia green, Life After Life, out-of-body-experiences, plato, Raymond Moody, russell noyes, the myth of er, the republic, who coined the phrase NDE, who coined the phrase near death experience, who coined the phrase near-death experience --- ### [IANDS Glossary: The Remarkable, Uplifting Definition of a Life Review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/) **Published:** September 8, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** A life review is an autobiographical memory where someone sees their 'life flash before their eyes'. Learn what all of that means in the IANDS Glossary. **Content:** **A life review is a segment of autobiographical memory widely reported as [a characteristic](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/)**. **It’s a process during which a near-death experiencer witnesses a “replay” of their life in an instant, often accompanied with feelings of how others emotionally interpreted those moments.** We’ve all heard someone say they “I saw my life flash before my eyes” when confronted with a frightening situation. This essentially describes a life review. The experiencer sees their life play out rapidly, often from a third-person perspective. It’s almost like starring in a movie of your own life, often with vivid emotional intensity draping every scene. ## What happens in a life review? ![During a life review the experiencer relives key moments from throughout their lives.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/photography-256868_1280-300x199.jpg "Photography-256868_1280 ‣ iands")*Image by [Michal Jarmoluk](https://pixabay.com/users/jarmoluk-143740/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=256868) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=256868)*Each life review is unique to the person having it. But there are some common features, which include: - **Reliving personal experiences**, including key events, important moments from personal relationships, and life choices. - **Emotional depth**, not just in remembering what happened, but in feeling or sensing the emotions of others involved in or affected during those key moments. - **A shift in perspective**, where the experiencer says they witnessed their lives through the perspectives of others and had an understanding of how their actions rippled outward. - **Learning and growth**, offering an opportunity for reflection, compassion, and spiritual insight. ## How common are life reviews? Research suggests that **life reviews occur in a significant portion of near-death experiences, but not a majority of them**. [One study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6172100/) found that life reviews played a role in approximately 14% of NDEs. [Another study](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2023/07/Mortality-2022Which-near-death-experience-features-are-associated-with-reduced-fear-of-death.pdf) found that they occurred in approximately 20% to 30% of NDEs. ## Is a life review judgmental? Near-death experiences often involve visits from deceased loved ones, religious or spiritual figures, or other beings. And sometimes, the life review portion of an NDE involves these beings, too. But it’s important to note here that **they are not typically judgmental**. These beings may serve as a loving guide or might represent a higher power, but not usually with negative associations. Life reviews are more a matter of self-reflection. **Many experiencers emphasize that their life review was not about punishment or condemnation**. They’re a process of understanding. They’re an opportunity for the experiencer to see their choices, feel their consequences, and recognize patterns of love, kindness, or harm. ## Help IANDS unravel the mysteries of NDEs Life reviews are just one of the many fascinating mysteries surrounding near-death experiences and [related subjects](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). At IANDS, we’re on a mission to learn as much as we can about NDEs. We hope to educate people, too, erasing stigmas and normalizing conversations involving these important topics. But we can’t undertake this work without your help. If you or someone you know has had a near-death experience, we encourage you to submit your story to our [NDE accounts registry](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts"). It’s a safe space where you can share your personal story and help researchers better understand this complex, beautiful, life-changing phenomenon. You might also consider taking part in an [NDE research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study"), helping the science community in a more direct way. IANDS is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, and our mission is supported entirely by people like you. Please consider making a contribution to the science of NDEs in any of the following ways: - Consider making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) - Take part in our [Chrysalis Campaign](https://iands.org/chrysalis-campaign-ushering-in-a-new-chapter-for-near-death-studies/ "Chrysalis Campaign: Ushering In a New Chapter for Near-Death Studies") - [Join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) and enjoy the perks of membership - Visit the [IANDS Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/) and browse our nifty IANDS merch ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** are life reviews common, are life reviews judgmental, are people judged during a life review, are people judged during their life review, autobiographical memory, how common are life reviews, is a life review judgmental, life flashed before my eyes, life flashing, life flashing before my eyes, life review, life review in NDE, life review NDE, life reviews, life reviews in NDEs, life reviews NDE, reliving personal experiences --- ### [IANDS Q&A: What is a Near-Death Experience Like?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-a-near-death-experience-like/) **Published:** September 5, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What is a near-death experience like for those who go through them? How does having an NDE change a person's world views? **Content:** It’s difficult for those of us who’ve never had a [near-death experience](/near-death-experiences/) ourselves to imagine what it must be like. And it can also be difficult to find a walkthrough in plain language that explains the phenomenon from point A to point B. So we often feel left wondering, what is a near-death experience like, really? Let’s try and answer this surprisingly common question here in this IANDS Q&A segment. What is a near-death experience like? What do experiencers see? How do these [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") take form? ## Tragedy or hardship, and then an out-of-body experience As the name implies, near-death experiences are typically caused by a close brush with death. It might be an accident, a life-threatening illness, or a harrowing event, such as experiencing combat or surviving a plane crash. A person might be unconscious or even clinically dead. In any event, some form of tragedy or hardship that threatens one’s life is involved. And that, unfortunately, is the first step. Next, the individual has an [out-of-body experience](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/). They often feel they’re floating above or near their own bodies, their consciousness detached from their physical self. Some out-of-body experiences are also coupled with [veridical perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/ "IANDS Glossary: What Are Veridical Perceptions? Are They Important?")—the ability to see and hear things when the physical body shouldn’t be capable of doing so. There are countless reports of people accurately reporting events that took place near their physical bodies, or even away from them, that they rightly shouldn’t have been able to see or hear. ## A void, a light, and an encounter Experiencers enter a dark void or a tunnel, oftentimes seeing an indescribable light. This space doesn’t feel Earthly, let alone familiar. And as surreal as it may sound to those who’ve never had an NDE, the experience feels extremely real. They think and observe things rapidly and sharply; they’re alert, and they feel incredibly present in the moment. Soon thereafter, the experiencer is approached by or otherwise encounters a being. It might be [a deceased loved one](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/)—a family member, a friend, or [even a pet](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/). Some report encountering religious figures or spiritual beings, or even unrecognizable beings. And all the while the experience still feels “more real than real” for the person going through it. NDEs typically include a “life review” as well. In a life review, the experiencer sees or relives moments from their lives, often feeling the emotional impact of those moments on others. This isn’t judgment from others or from beings encountered during their NDE, but from themselves. Life reviews are rapid or even instantaneous—referenced in popular culture as “seeing your life flash before your eyes.” ## What is a near-death experience like, after it’s all over? At some point, the experiencer finds themselves either deciding to return to the physical world, or they’re told they must. In either case, the person returns to the Earthly world. And for the vast majority of experiencers, it’s the start of a whole new chapter of their lives. Experiencers are often changed fundamentally by their NDEs. Their attitudes toward work, relationships, and life itself all change. Their fear of death typically evaporates. And many devote themselves to service, to helping others and embracing new paths in life. ***Read More:** [Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/)* The majority of NDEs are defined as “pleasurable”, consisting of what we mentioned here. But some NDEs aren’t so pleasant. “Distressing” NDEs can be quite the opposite, involving terror and anger. You can read more about them in our guide explaining [Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/). ## Learn more about near-death experiences with IANDS IANDS is devoted not only to researching near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), but also to spreading information, normalizing conversations, and fighting the stigmas related to the scientific field of near-death studies. There’s so much more you can learn with us, and we’d love for you to get involved. If you’re new to the realm of NDEs, we suggest clicking the “Learn” tab above and reading some of our many informative articles. You might also want to visit our [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) page to read articles on related subjects, explained in plain language. If you run into any terminology you don’t understand, you can read all about it in our [IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/). And don’t forget to check out our magazine *[Vital Signs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")*, too! If scientific lingo doesn’t scare you off, we encourage you to read [*the Journal of Near-Death Studies*](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies"), the world’s only peer-reviewed scientific publication on NDEs and related experiences. Our researchers also publish useful [fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/ "Fact Sheets") on a broad range of related subjects. And consider [attending an IANDS Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) to meet experiencers, hear from key figures, and explore the extraordinary with us! Interested in making a contribution? You can help advance our mission at IANDS in a number of ways: - Consider making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) - [Join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) and enjoy the perks of membership - Visit the [IANDS Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/) and browse our nifty IANDS merch - [Participate in an NDE research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/) and help researchers unravel the mysteries of these phenomena ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** what is a near death experience like, what is a near-death experience like, what is an nde like --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Are NDEs Proof of Loved Ones Communicating After Death?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/) **Published:** July 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The concept of loved ones communicating after death with us is a fascinating one. But what can polls and science tell us about the phenomena? **Content:** The loss of a loved one is always a painful, heartbreaking experience. We’d give anything for one more chance to chat with them, to embrace them, to be in their presence. So the concept of loved ones communicating after death with us is a potent one. And it’s the subject of today’s [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/). For anyone interested in the idea of loved ones communicating after death, the subject of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), or “NDEs”, is certainly a fascinating one. [After-death communication](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/) is a common [NDE characteristic](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/)—most NDEs include encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual beings. So are NDEs really proof of loved ones communicating after death? What does the science of near-death studies tell us about after-death communication? Or about the idea that the people we’ve lost can communicate with us in some way after they’ve departed? ## What is ‘After-Death Communication’? In the strictest academic sense, **after-death communication (ADC) is a spontaneous phenomenon in which a living person has a feeling or sense of direct contact with a physically deceased person or animal.** In other words, someone experiences something that they believe is proof of their loved ones communicating after death in some way, shape or form. ADCs are quite common. In fact, [a Pew Research study](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/23/many-americans-report-interacting-with-dead-relatives-in-dreams-or-other-ways/#:~:text=Experiences%20with%20being%20visited%20by,them%20in%20the%20past%20year.) from 2023 found that 53% of U.S. adults say they’ve experienced loved ones communicating after death. They’ve been visited by deceased relatives in dreams, or felt their presence, or in some way directly or indirectly communicating with the deceased. While women tend to report ADCs more than men, ADCs affect people of all ages, nationalities, ethnicities, and religious and cultural backgrounds. They’re experienced by people of all states of mental and physical health, and at every education and income level. Long story short? *Anyone* can experience loved ones communicating after death. A slight majority of people are willing to openly admit to having these experiences, too. If you feel as though you’ve been communicated with by someone who is no longer living, you’re far from alone! ## Loved ones communicating after death in near-death experiences Encounters with deceased loved ones and other figures, including unrecognized beings and even religious figures, are quite common in near-death experiences. This often involves communication that is typically “mind-to-mind”—they’re not communicating verbally, but through their thoughts. They might deliver a message, provide some form of information, or simply engage in some normal conversation, catching up. But this is a common feature in [pleasurable NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/). Many experiencers [report encounters with deceased pets](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/), too. There have been many documented cases of people having NDEs and being reunited with lost dogs, cats, and other pets. ## Is there scientific evidence of loved ones communicating after death? After-death communication isn’t an idea that’s embraced by the mainstream science community. And to be fair, we can chalk up some instances of reported ADCs as mere coincidence. Cases of certain sights, sounds, or smells reminding someone of their loved ones. Through our grief, it’s rather easy to connect those dots. It offers us a bit of solace and reminds us of the joy we had in knowing those who’ve had such profound impacts on our lives. In strictly scientific terms, there is no conclusive evidence supporting the idea of loved ones communicating after death with the mortal world. Though there are definitely quite a few questions science can’t yet explain. For instance, we can’t simply chalk up ADCs to hallucinations, which are often distressing and unrealistic. The truth about ADCs? We don’t yet fully understand them, and resources to research them are limited. Organizations like the [After-Death Communication Research Foundation](https://www.adcrf.org/) study ADCs specifically, but we’re far from understanding them. We simply can’t say with any certainty if ADCs are real, or if they’re the byproduct of our grief, or something else entirely. ## Explore the extraordinary with IANDS! After-death communication is one of the many fascinating areas of research in the field of near-death studies. And at IANDS, we’re devoted not only to finding these answers, but to advocacy and outreach. Our mission isn’t just to research near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/) like ADCs, but to normalize conversations around these topics and engage more of the public in joining them. With your help, IANDS can continue this important work. And maybe one day we’ll even find substantial proof of loved ones communicating after death. Please consider [making a tax-deductible donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) or [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) today, and join our nonprofit in exploring the extraordinary. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** ADC, ADCRF, after death communication, after-death communication, after-death communication research foundation, IANDS q and A, IANDS Q&A, loved ones communicating after dead in near-death experiences, loved ones communicating after death, loved ones communicating after death in near death experiences, loved ones communicating after death NDE --- ### [IANDS Glossary: What Is After-Death Communication?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/) **Published:** August 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What is after-death communication and just how common is the phenomenon? Let's find out in our latest entry to the IANDS Glossary, discussing "ADCs". **Content:** **After-Death Communication, or ADC, is a spontaneous experience during which a living person believes they are in direct contact with someone who has died**. These experiences typically include sensory contact—seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling someone—or might be something more symbolic. **After-death communication comes in a broad range of experiences**, from something as simple as hearing a particular song on the radio to full visualizations and conversations with deceased loved ones. Some have even rarely reported tactile experiences, saying they could physically touch and feel the deceased. ***Looking for a more scientific definition?** Be sure to read our [after-death communication fact sheet](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/)* ## How common is after-death communication? **Anyone and everyone can experience after-death communication**. They’ve been reported by people of all education and income levels, regardless of religious views, ethnicity, or cultural backgrounds. They happen at every level of consciousness, too, from individuals who are perfectly awake and alert to those sleeping or meditating. They have no known connection to physical or mental health conditions, either. This phenomenon is quite common, too. [A Pew Research study](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/23/many-americans-report-interacting-with-dead-relatives-in-dreams-or-other-ways/#:~:text=Experiences%20with%20being%20visited%20by,them%20in%20the%20past%20year.) found that 53% of adults in the United States say they’ve experienced an ADC. Other studies have found that [anywhere from 47% to 82%](https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/46/6/1367/5939754) of people have reported ADCs or related phenomena. ***Read More**—[IANDS Q&A: Are NDEs proof of loved ones communicating after death](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/)?* ## Are ADCs nothing more than hallucinations? Some skeptics are quick to label after-death communication as little more than hallucinations. But whereas hallucinations tend to be surreal, distressing, and easily forgotten, after-death communication is usually anything but. After-death communication feels realistic and inseparable from reality for the people experiencing them. The phenomenon is described as pleasant, positive, mystical, comforting, spiritual, or otherwise pleasurable. And whereas hallucinations can often be forgotten, that’s not typically the case with after-death communication, where people can vividly recall events weeks, months, years, and even decades later. ## Explore the extraordinary with IANDS! There’s still a great deal we don’t yet understand about after-death communication. The same can be said for [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) and other [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). But with your help, we can continue researching these mysteries and educating the public, ending stigmas and normalizing conversations around them. Here’s how you can get involved at IANDS: - Make [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) to our educational nonprofit - [Join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/)—becoming a member is easy and comes with excellent benefits - Browse [our online shop](https://iands.org/shop/), with proceeds directly funding our mission - [Share your NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) with us or consider [participating in a research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study") - Attend an [IANDS Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** ADC, after-death communication, loved ones communicating after death --- ### [The Coming Home Substack: How to Earn $300 Writing An Essay on NDEs](https://iands.org/the-coming-home-substack-how-to-earn-300-writing-an-essay-on-ndes/) **Published:** August 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The Coming Home Substack is looking for essays on NDEs and related consciousness phenomena. Learn how to submit—and possibly earn $300—here! **Content:** Are you familiar with the *[Coming Home](https://www.youtube.com/@cominghomechannel)* documentary film series? If not, you should consider giving them a watch. These half-hour, professionally-produced short films feature depthful storytelling and mesmerizing visuals that take viewers on a journey into the realm of [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/). And their [*Coming Home* Substack](https://cominghomechannel.substack.com/) is well worth checking out as well. With more than 372,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 29 million total views, *Coming Home* is a popular source of information regarding NDEs. And with more than 20,000 subscribers, their *Coming Home* Substack is quickly growing in popularity in the field of near-death studies, too. Now, the team at *Coming Home* is [accepting submissions for essays](https://iands.org/nde-research/research-funding-and-collaboration/coming-home-call-for-essay-proposals/ "‘Coming Home’ Call for Essay Proposals") on the subjects of NDEs and [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). And if they publish your essay on their rapidly-growing platform, you might earn a $300 stipend, too! ## What sorts of essays are they looking for? The Coming home Substack is looking for original writing on topics involving NDEs and related phenomena. This includes autobiographical accounts of NDEs, philosophical and metaphysical implications, scientific research on NDEs and consciousness, spiritual or religious interpretations, and more. Ideal contributors include scholars, researchers, practicing medical experts, near-death experiencers, journalists, and others with subject-matter expertise who can thoughtfully share stories and perspectives. To be clear, not everyone who shares a story will see it featured. Potential contributors are asked to submit portfolio materials, including a CV and links to previous publications. They stress that they “value writing that is personal without being unstructured, intellectual without being inaccessible, and spiritual without being dogmatic.” They’re looking for essays in the range of 2,000 to 5,000 words. They’re focused on original unpublished work, but they’ll consider material published prior so long as you retain the rights to that work. ## How do you submit essays to the *Coming Home* Substack? Stop by the Coming Home Substack [submissions page](https://cominghomechannel.substack.com/p/submissions) for detailed instructions on how to make your submission. Their editorial team will then review your submission and respond within two to four weeks. If selected, writers will then work closely with their editorial team to prep the essay for publication on the Coming Home Substack. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** NDE News, News, Uncategorized **Tags:** coming home, coming home channel, coming home documentary, coming home substack, essay writing, essays on NDEs, how to write an essay on NDEs, NDE documentaries, NDE documentary, NDE essays, substack, where to write an essay on NDEs, where to write essays on NDEs --- ### [Chrysalis Campaign: Ushering In a New Chapter for Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/chrysalis-campaign-ushering-in-a-new-chapter-for-near-death-studies/) **Published:** June 24, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The Chrysalis Campaign aims to help IANDS spread knowledge about near-death experiences in exciting new ways. Learn how you can contribute to the cause here! **Content:** [**Contribute to the Chrysalis Campaign**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/chrysalis-campaign) If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ll agree with this statement: *we want the world to understand near-death experiences*. And at IANDS, we’re hoping our new **[Chrysalis Campaign](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/chrysalis-campaign)** can help us spread the wings we need to get there. **Imagine a world where *everyone* understands near-death experiences** and related phenomena. A world where experiencers **feel more comfortable sharing** their NDEs. They’re **believed by healthcare professionals**. Mental health providers **know how best to communicate** with them. Friends and family are **better equipped to offer support**. The world is better prepared to offer them support and **acknowledge their stories**. That’s been our mission at IANDS since our formation. And it’s a goal we’ve sought with drive and purpose, empowered by passionate volunteers and a small team of paid staff. With a yearly budget of just $400,000, we’ve managed to: - Host **international conferences** that bring together leading voices in near-death studies - **Support many thousands of experiencers** through sharing groups, online resources, and community outreach - Help **shift global attitudes** regarding death, consciousness, and spirituality - Champion research that **challenges mainstream scientific narratives** and dares to ask **what comes next** With the Chrysalis Campaign, our goal is to **match our resources with our ambition**. And we need your help to get there. ## The Chrysalis Campaign: Growing Wings for Near-Death Studies ![The chrysalis campaign has the potential to revolutionize our reach and help us realize our dream of bringing near-death studies to the world.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Chrysalis-campaign-50-232x300.jpg "Chrysalis-campaign-50 ‣ iands")The Chrysalis Campaign has the potential to revolutionize our reach and help us realize our dream of bringing near-death studies to the world.Our vision is to **evolve IANDS from a $400k operation into a $1 million organization** over the next 18 months. Not for the sake of growth, but to **expand our reach and bring knowledge of near-death experiences to more people than ever before**. ### What would all of this mean? - Funding **new, inclusive research** that reaches beyond borders and language barriers - Creating **fresh accessible content** for the hearing-impaired and non-English speakers - Launching a robust digital strategy that **meets people where they are—across platforms, generations, and continents** - Building a speaker’s bureau and media team to **normalize the conversation around NDEs** - Updating and improving data by **developing major surveys** on how near-death experiences shape belief, behavior, and healing ## Here’s How You Can Help Hitting the million-dollar mark in 18 months will not be a small or easy task. But with your help, the Chrysalis Campaign will spread knowledge of NDEs to new corners of the globe and help get this topic into mainstream conversations on a regular basis. Here’s how you can contribute. ### Become an IANDS Member 2025 marks the Golden Anniversary of *[*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/)*, Raymond Moody’s revolutionary book that kicked off the field of near-death studies. So this summer, **we’re hoping to attract 50 new IANDS members at the supporting level or higher**. And these new members will receive **a limited edition 50th Anniversary Commemorative Mug**—a small token of our appreciation for helping us reach this monumental goal. IANDS currently serves approximately 20,000 people per year, but we only have 1,900 members. We’re hoping more people will [join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) in these next 18 months and help us foster this knowledge. **[Learn more about joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/)** ### Make a donation We welcome and encourage all donations, big and small. But for a limited time, we’re welcoming 50 new donors to help us kickstart the Chrysalis Campaign. Donate $125 or more, and you’ll receive a beautiful Chrysalis Mug. And if you contribute $250 or more to our Light the Way Fund, we’ll send you an Adidas collared sport shirt with the IANDS logo. Just select “In honor of the Chrysalis Campaign” and tell us your shirt size! **[Donate Now to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/)** ### Join us in Chicago for a very special Chrysalis Campaign Dinner Are you planning on attending IANDS Conference 2025? We’d love to see you there! And while you’re visiting the Windy City, we hope you’ll also join us on **Friday, August 29th** for an elegant meal, live entertainment, a silent auction and wine raffle, and inspiring stories as we host our first-ever **Chrysalis Dinner**. Tickets are $65 and cover the cost of dinner only. Donations are welcome on site! **[Register Today for IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/)** ## The Chrysalis Campaign is Ambitious. And We’re Ready! IANDS has proven what we can do with limited resources. And we all know what the end goals are. Now, just imagine what we could all do together, spreading our wings as one? The Chrysalis Campaign isn’t just a fundraising effort. This is a turning point. If near-death experiences have touched your life or offered you a whole new means of looking at the world, we ask you to join us. Support us. **Grow wings with IANDS**. **[Support the Chrysalis Campaign Today](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/)** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Chrysalis, Chrysalis Campaign, IANDS, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, IANDS donation, IANDS member, international association for near death studies, NDE, NDE nonprofit, NDE organization, NDE research, NDE website, near death experience, near death experiences, near-death experience, near-death experiences, Raymond Moody, the international association for near-death studies --- ### [IANDS Glossary: Deathbed Visions, and What Expert Research Tells Us](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/) **Published:** August 19, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What are deathbed visions? And what have we learned from deathbed vision research through the years? Let's explore this fascinating topic in the IANDS glossary. **Content:** **[Deathbed visions](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-end-of-life-experiences-deathbed-visions-dbv/), also known as “DBVs”, “end-of-life experiences” (ELEs), or “pre-death visions”, are subjective experiences in which a dying (but awake) person sees, hears, or communicates with deceased loved ones or other beings that no one else in the room detects the presence of**. Deathbed visions are fairly common, with some data showing that **a majority of people experience the phenomena** in the days or weeks leading up to their deaths. And they can be **calming and even joyous events**, helping experiencers come to terms with and accept their impending deaths. ## What happens during deathbed visions? Reported deathbed visions typically involve the experiencer encountering some sort of visitor. This may include a deceased family member, a friend, a pet, or even a religious or spiritual figure. In some instances, experiencers have sat up or gotten out of bed, carrying out physical actions others thought the experiencer was no longer capable of performing. Other living people in the room can’t see or interact with these deceased or spiritual figures, but they’ll witness the experiencer speaking to, or mouthing words toward, someone who, to them, isn’t in the room. DBVs are considered peaceful, calming, and even happy or joyous occasions that can be transformative for experiencers. They can calm a person fearful of or nervous about death. In some cases, experiencers have even reported traveling with their visitors to different realities—places they believe they’ll go after they die. These descriptions share similarities with descriptions reported in [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/). Despite deathbed visions occurring close to a person’s death, they are not directly associated with [terminal lucidity](https://iands.org/terminal-lucidity-learn-more-in-the-new-iands-glossary/)—an experience where dying people witness a sudden spike in mental clarity shortly before they die. A person may experience one, both, or neither of these phenomena when close to death. ## How common are deathbed visions? Deathbed visions are experienced by a majority of those nearing death, according to deathbed vision research. This includes a frequently-cited study [published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jpm.2013.0371) found that 88.1% of patients experienced deathbed visions. ## Is there some simple explanation? Are they just hallucinations? Naturally, many wonder whether there’s a medical or psychological explanation for deathbed visions. Are they hallucinations, or is there some other simple explanation? It’s widely accepted among researchers that **no, deathbed visions are not hallucinations**. Hallucinations are typically surreal, confusing, disorienting, or bizarre. But DBVs are vivid, detailed, and seen as real by those who’ve experienced them. Another popular theory is that deathbed visions are related to depleted oxygen levels in the brain. But dying individuals with monitored, healthy oxygen levels have also reported experiencing deathbed visions. A number of other theories have been proposed, including delirium, high fever, dementia, or reactions to medications or painkillers. But it must be stressed that none of these theories fully account for reported experiences—we simply do not yet understand what causes deathbed visions. ## Is IANDS involved in deathbed vision research? IANDS is primarily focused on researching near-death experiences. But we also examine [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), including [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary"), [veridical perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/ "IANDS Glossary: What Are Veridical Perceptions? Are They Important?"), and yes, deathbed visions. All of this, including deathbed vision research, is involved in the growing scientific field of near-death studies. Our research is made possible entirely by the generosity of those fascinated by near-death experiences and related phenomena. You can help propel our efforts by offering [a tax-deductible gift](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") as a paid member, or patronizing our [IANDS Extraordinary Shop](/shop/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** DBV, deathbed vision, deathbed vision research, deathbed visions, deathbed visions research, ELE, ELEs, end of life experience, end-of-life experience, end-of-life experiences, end-of-life-experience, pre death visions, pre-death visions --- ### [New Research Grants Available from the John Björkhem Foundation](https://iands.org/new-research-grants-available-from-the-john-bjorkhem-foundation/) **Published:** August 18, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Researchers: The John Björkhem Memorial Foundation has announced €10,000 in research grants for 2025, with a November 10th application deadline. Read more here! **Content:** The **[John Björkhem Memorial Foundation](https://parapsykologi.se/)** is announcing new parapsychological research grants for 2025. They’ll be distributing a total fund of €10,000 to small and large parapsychological research projects. The application deadline is November 11th 2025. ## About the John Björkhem Memorial Foundation ![Swedish psychiatrist and parapsychologist john björkhem](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/John-Bjorkhem.jpeg "John-bjorkhem ‣ iands")Swedish psychiatrist and parapsychologist John Björkhem[John Björkhem](https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/bjorkhem-john-1910-1963) was a Swedish psychiatrist and parapsychologist, and one of Sweden’s pioneers in the scientific study of paranormal experiences. He published research and encouraged others to explore the subject systematically. Established in 1963, the John Björkhem Memorial Foundation aims to support research in parapsychology and related fields through grants and funding opportunities. The John Björkhem Memorial Foundation works in close connection with the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), the world’s oldest organization for the scientific investigation of psychic and anomalous phenomena, founded in London in 1882. The John Björkhem Memorial Foundation awards grants and bursaries exclusively for the purpose of furthering parapsychological research on a scientific basis. ## How to apply to the JBM Foundation’s research grants Please include the following information in applications: - The specific aim or goal of the project - Details regarding the work involved and the time requirements necessary for said work, including a detailed plan describing how the goals of the project will be reached - A budget plan for the project and other budgetary considerations - Notes on whether or not the results will be published, and how - Larger projects should include a more detailed research program Applications must be received no later than November 10th, 2025. Please send applications to the Foundation’s secretary, Edgar Müller, by email at . More information regarding The John Björkhem Memorial Foundation and their research grants [can be found here](https://parapsykologi.se/jbm/). ## Looking for more research grants? You’ll find additional research grants on our [Research Funding and Collaboration](https://iands.org/nde-research/research-funding-and-collaboration/) page. Please be sure to check that page periodically. Do you know of any research grants or funding opportunities that NDE researchers might be interested in? Please [contact IANDS](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") and let us know. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** NDE Research News, News **Tags:** john bjorkhem, John Björkhem, parapsychology, parapsychology grants, parapsychology research grant, research grant, research grants, The John Björkhem Memorial Foundation, the john bjorkhem memorial foundation --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Do Children Have Near-Death Experiences?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-do-children-have-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** August 13, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Do children have near-death experiences? And if so, how are they different from adult NDEs? Let's explore childhood NDEs in this, our newest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** It’s often said that [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) or *NDEs* can happen to literally anyone. Factors such as gender, age, race, sexual orientation, education, beliefs, etc. don’t appear to affect NDEs. But what about kids? **Do children have near-death experiences?** Or is there a certain age below which NDEs aren’t possible? Here’s the short answer. **Yes, children have near-death experiences**. There are numerous reports of children having NDEs. And it should also be noted here that **some childhood NDEs go unreported or miscategorized**, because children typically have **a more difficult time articulating their experiences**. ***Read More:** [Children and Near-Death Experiences: Advice You Need to Know](https://iands.org/support/children-and-near-death-experiences-advice-you-need-to-know/)* ## How often do children have NDEs? As most parents will be quick to tell you, children often struggle communicating complex ideas. Near-death experiences can be challenging even for adults to describe, so it’s considerably harder for kids to articulate something as profound as an NDE. Because of this, it can be difficult to pinpoint with any real accuracy whether children are more or less susceptible to NDEs than adults. But so far as researchers can currently tell, **age doesn’t appear to significantly influence the odds of having an NDE**. Kids appear to be just as prone to them as adults. It’s worth noting as well that **children of all ages have reported NDEs**. There are even documented cases of NDEs occurring in children at extremely early ages, when they’re barely old enough to speak. Studies have interviewed children after NDEs [as young as age three](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3020964/). And while kids can’t always explain with great detail what they’ve witnessed—especially at those very young ages—researchers can confirm those children did have near-death experiences based on what they’ve described. ## Do children have near-death experiences differently than adults? No two NDEs are ever identical. They share common [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience")—generalized features, such as [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary"), being in a void or a tunnel, and engaging with deceased loved ones or other figures. But **do kids experience these same features?** Or do children have near-death experiences differently than adults? Here’s another short answer: **children experience the same NDE characteristics as adults**. They might be described differently or contain different sorts of imagery, but do children have near-death experiences that are far different from adults? Not really, no. **Children process information in ways adults do not**. They’re less inhibited by social norms or practical considerations, so they’re able to more freely explore ideas and possibilities without fear of judgment. And **kids excel over adults at *divergent thinking***—creating multiple solutions to a single problem. All of this can leave children explaining their NDEs differently from adults, despite their experiences being similar. And it can also lead some adults to discredit the claims of these children, ignore their stories, or never report what their children experienced to begin with. ## There’s still a lot we don’t understand about childhood NDEs Researchers go to great lengths to understand near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). And childhood NDEs are among the most fascinating subjects in the field. But there’s still quite a bit we don’t understand about childhood NDEs, or NDEs in general. Researching these things remains a work in progress. **If you suspect your child may have had a near-death experience, please [read our childhood NDE support guide](https://iands.org/support/children-and-near-death-experiences-advice-you-need-to-know/)**. It walks you through how to discuss this life-changing event with kids of all ages, and what you can do next. As always, we encourage near-death experiencers to contribute your stories to [the IANDS NDE accounts database](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts"). And if you’re up for it, please also consider [participating in NDE research studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study") you qualify for. You can also help our cause by giving [a tax-deductible gift](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) or [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") as a member. ![Do children have near-death experiences as often as adults do? So far as researchers can tell currently, yes they do](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kindergarten-2204239_1280-1024x682.jpg "Kindergarten-2204239_1280 ‣ iands")*Do children have near-death experiences as often as adults do? So far as researchers can tell currently, yes, they do. Image by [tolmacho](https://pixabay.com/users/tolmacho-5012824/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2204239) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2204239)* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** child NDE, child near death experience, child near-death experience, childhood NDE, childhood NDEs, children near death experiences, children who have had near-death experiences, do children have near death experiences, do children have near-death experiences, do kids have near death experiences, do kids have near-death experiences, near death experiences in children, pediatric NDE, pediatric near death experience, pediatric near-death experience --- ### [Near-Death Experience Scientific Research: How to Participate in Studies](https://iands.org/near-death-experience-scientific-research-how-to-participate-in-studies/) **Published:** August 12, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Have you ever considered participating in near-death experience scientific research? Experiencers should take a look at our current list of studies! **Content:** Are you interested in helping advance the scientific field of near-death studies? Well, if you or someone you know has had an NDE, we could certainly use your help. We’d love for you to participate in near-death experience scientific research and contribute your knowledge and experiences to experts. There are several [near-death experience scientific research studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/) happening right now. And if you’re an experiencer, these projects could really use your help to get across the finish line. Some studies require specific criteria for involvement. For instance, the most recent study calls for participants who’ve had NDEs during labor or childbirth. Another study focuses on [terminal lucidity](https://iands.org/terminal-lucidity-learn-more-in-the-new-iands-glossary/ "Terminal Lucidity: Learn More in the New IANDS Glossary!") amongst children and adults. So please browse that list and see if there’s a study for you! ## What is typically involved in near-death experience scientific research? ![Most near-death experience scientific research studies are as simple as filling out online forms from the comfort of your own home.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/smileys-5776137_1280-300x200.jpg "Smileys-5776137_1280 ‣ iands")*You can participate in most near-death experience scientific research studies by simply filling out online surveys from the comfort of your own home. Image by [Habitat\_de\_lill](https://pixabay.com/users/habitat_de_lill-19264749/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5776137) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5776137)*Participation in an NDE research study usually involves speaking with researchers, filling out questionnaires, or some combination thereof. And most of these studies take less than an hour to finish. The IANDS Academic & Research Committee approved each of these near-death experience scientific research studies. Professors, healthcare professionals, and other experts conduct these studies. And your participation can make a world of difference. If you’re an experiencer, you might also consider [telling your NDE story to IANDS](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts"), too. Your personal NDE account would play an important role in advancing near-death experience scientific research! ## Why should experiencers participate? Experiencers face a great many stigmas regarding NDEs. Healthcare professionals who aren’t familiar with NDEs struggle to provide patients with adequate support. Family members and friends may not understand the gravity of what an experiencer has been through, or might even be dismissive of the experience in general. Near-death experience scientific research can help alleviate all of that. By studying [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "near-death experiences") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), researchers learn not only what causes NDES and what their short-term and long-term impacts are, but also how better to provide care for experiencers. How to communicate with and support them better. You can contribute to our mission even if you’ve never had an NDE. You could [make a tax-deductible donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), consider [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), or visit [the IANDS Extraordinary Shop](/shop/). Or even just share our stories on social media. Every little bit helps IANDS advance not only near-death experience scientific research, but conversations on these topics as well! Participating in studies, sharing stories, and otherwise contributing isn’t just about helping researchers. It’s about being a part of *a movement.* It’s not just about the science community understanding NDEs, but helping the world at large value them, too. That’s the future we’re building together, and your voice, your story, and your support can help make that a reality. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** NDE Research News, News **Tags:** NDE research, NDE research studies, near-death experience scientific research, near-death experience scientific studies, near-death experience studies --- ### [What is Dissociation? Learn More In Our New IANDS Glossary Entry](https://iands.org/what-is-dissociation-learn-more-in-a-new-iands-glossary-entry/) **Published:** August 8, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** We often hear the phrase "dissociation" with regards to near-death experiences. But what is dissociation exactly? Let's find out in the IANDS glossary! **Content:** **Dissociation is a mental state where a person becomes disconnected from their usual sense of self, their emotions, their memories, or their surroundings.** Dissociation allows your brain to take a step back and cope with stress. It’s something that happens to nearly everyone, and it’s not always dramatic, either. Daydreaming, for instance, or simply zoning out during a conversation, are both mild and harmless forms of dissociation. As you learn more about [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) (or “NDEs”), you’ll inevitably encounter the word “dissociation” from time to time. It comes up somewhat regularly in discussions and articles regarding NDEs. But what is dissociation in this context? And how is it related to NDEs? ## What is dissociation? And how is it different from dissociative disorders? So what is dissociation in terms of a more clinical setting? Psychologists often define it as **a disruption in the normal integration of a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, perceptions, and identity**. In other words, **your inner experience becomes *fragmented***, like the pieces are all still there, but they’re not quite fitting together as they usually would. ***More from the IANDS Glossary**: [Terminal Lucidity](https://iands.org/terminal-lucidity-learn-more-in-the-new-iands-glossary/ "Terminal Lucidity: Learn More in the New IANDS Glossary!")* ### When do people dissociate? ![Dissociation affects most people and is a perfectly normal and healthy process.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/yoga-1284657_1280-200x300.jpg "Yoga-1284657_1280 ‣ iands")*Dissociation isn’t only tied to trauma. It can happen during prayer or meditation, or simply be the result of boredom. Image by [Pexels](https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1284657) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1284657)*Mild dissociation is a perfectly normal and healthy process that allows your brain to occasionally take a break. Sometimes, **your brain is simply processing too much information at once** and needs a moment to *chill out*. **Daydreaming in class is a great example of mild dissociation**. It’s not necessarily that you’re learning too much or that the topic is boring. You’re just processing a lot of stuff, which may or may not involve the subject matter itself. **Your brain is constantly examining and analyzing everything around you**, and at times, that can get tiresome. **Some people experience dissociation as a part of religious or spiritual practices, such as prayer or meditation.** It’s also common for people to dissociate as a result of **alcohol or substance use**, and it’s **a known side effect of some medications.** **Dissociation can also happen at times of significant trauma or duress**. In these cases, it becomes **a coping mechanism that attempts to separate you from that stressful experience**. Even then, **it’s not necessarily a sign of mental illness**. Dissociation exists **on a spectrum**, ranging from common, everyday lapses like [highway hypnosis](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/highway-hypnosis) to serious mental health conditions known as dissociative disorders. ### What are the four types of dissociative disorders? **There are four dissociative disorders** commonly discussed in psychological literature, though **only three are formally recognized** in the DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals). The fourth is a broader category used for related cases that don’t fully match the primary three. While this isn’t especially related to near-death experiences, you might find it interesting. So let’s just take a quick look at each dissociative disorder. You can follow the included links if you’re interested in learning more: - **Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID):** Formerly known as “multiple personality disorder”, DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states that take control of a person’s behavior at different times. It’s typically linked to severe trauma, particularly in early life. [Read more](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9792-dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder). - **Dissociative Amnesia:** This disorder involves sudden memory loss that goes beyond normal forgetfulness. A person might be unable to recall important personal information, often as the result of trauma or stress. [Read more](https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/dissociative-disorders/dissociative-amnesia). - **Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder**: People with this disorder often feel detached from themselves (depersonalization) or from the world around them (derealization). Despite these strange, surreal sensations, they usually remain aware that something feels off. [Read more](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352911). - **Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD)**: A sort of catch-all diagnosis used when dissociative symptoms cause significant distress or disruption but don’t meet the full criteria for the other disorders. It allows clinicians to acknowledge dissociative symptoms that may not fit neatly into one category, while still offering treatment and support. [Read more](https://traumadissociation.com/osdd). ## Why is dissociation commonly brought up with regards to near-death experiences? At face value, it almost seems like near-death experiences and dissociation have a lot of similarities. Feeling detached from your body, removed from your surroundings, or observing reality from a different vantage point? That all sounds like an NDE, or even just an [out-of-body experience](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary"). Due to these similarities, some skeptics attempt to dismiss NDEs as a type of extreme dissociative episode, or dissociation mixed with hallucination or oxygen deprivation. But to be clear, **dissociation and NDEs are entirely not the same thing**. The people who’ve had NDEs describe them as **more vivid and emotionally profound than anything they’ve ever felt**, some even going so far as to say **it felt more real than waking life**. They recall their experiences with remarkable clarity for years or even decades afterward. And **that’s not typical of dissociation**, which is often associated with foggy memory, emotional numbness, or disorientation. Another key difference can be found in what happens after an NDE or a dissociative event. **Dissociative episodes don’t typically bring about lasting personal transformations, shifts in values, or reduced fear of death**. And all of these are [common aftereffects of near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/ "Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences"). ***More from the IANDS Glossary:** [Veridical Perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/)* ## Bottom line: Are NDEs just dissociation? **While dissociation can be involved in certain aspects of a near-death experience, it’s not scientifically accurate to claim near-death experiences are significantly defined by dissociation. NDEs are not dissociative episodes or primarily dissociative in nature.** It’s also worth noting that we don’t yet fully understand [what causes near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/ "What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?"). But we do know **they can happen to literally *anyone*, regardless of mental or physical health conditions, education level, or any immutable characteristics** (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). **NDEs are not directly linked with dissociative disorders**. There’s still a great deal we don’t understand about near-death experiences. What we can say emphatically, however, is that there is no simple answer to how or why NDEs occur. This is still considered an emerging field of medical science, and it’s impossible to predict when we might find all of the answers. One thing we can tell you is that IANDS will continue researching NDEs and [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), advancing educational resources, and playing an active role in normalizing conversations on the subject of NDEs and near-death science. And there are lots of ways you can get involved, too! - Making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution") to our educational nonprofit - J[oining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") - Browsing [our online shop](https://iands.org/shop/) - [Sharing your NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts") with us - Attend an [IANDS Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** daydreaming, deperonalizaiton/derealization, depersonalization, depersonalization disorder, depersonalization/derealization disorder, derealization, derealization disorder, DID, dissociation, dissociation during meditation, dissociation during prayer, dissociation NDE, dissociation near death experience, dissociation near-death experience, dissociative amnesia, dissociative dissorders, dissociative identity disorder, DSM 5, DSM-5, DSM5, highway hypnosis, near death experience dissociation, OSDD, other specified dissociative disorder, what are the four types of dissociative disorders, what is dissociation --- ### [IANDS Q&A: What Happens When an Atheist Suddenly has an NDE?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-when-an-atheist-suddenly-has-an-nde/) **Published:** August 5, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Has an atheist ever had a near death experience? And does having an NDE change an atheist's views on God, the existence of an afterlife, or the survival of consciousness after bodily death? **Content:** It’s quite common for people to associate [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), or *NDEs*, with their religious views. But what happens when someone doesn’t share those same beliefs? **What happens when an atheist has a near-death experience?** What do atheists see in near-death experiences, for that matter? And can an atheist even have a near-death experience to begin with? Simply put, **yes, atheists can have near-death experiences**. In fact, quite literally ***anyone* can have a near-death experience**. The odds of having an NDE are not altered by religious views, race, age, gender, or education level. NDEs do not require any prior beliefs or world views in order to make them possible. And they’ve been experienced by people in every corner of our globe, and throughout every culture. Does having an NDE challenge a person’s religious views? Does it impact their take on the concept of consciousness surviving bodily death? Let’s examine what atheists see in near-death experiences and how having an NDE can change their perceptions. ## NDEs vary from one culture to the next Before we look at atheists having NDEs, we should take a moment to examine how NDEs are interpreted across cultures. Because while [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) are shared globally, how a person might describe those characteristics can be influenced by personal beliefs and cultural cues in big ways. Take, for instance, the “tunnel” so often described in NDEs. In the western world, we often hear the word “tunnel” mentioned in NDE accounts. But some experiencers in regions where tunnels aren’t common infrastructure features describe it differently. They might instead describe moving through [the neck of a gourd or the funnel of a plant](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/#:~:text=NDEs%20in%20western%20cultures%E2%80%94North%20America%2C%20Europe%2C%20Australia%2C%20etc.%E2%80%94often%20mention%20the%20experiencer%20moving%20through%20a%20tunnel.%20In%20countries%20without%20tunnel%20infrastructure%2C%20NDE%20reports%20have%20described%20experiencers%20moving%20through%20the%20neck%20of%20a%20gourd%20or%20the%20funnel%20of%20a%20plant.). The concept remains the same, but the phrasing adapts to what’s familiar. Encounters during NDEs often involve deceased loved ones. But encounters with other beings are often seen through the lens of a person’s cultural background. For instance, a religious person might link these beings with religious figures from their own beliefs. Of course, atheists don’t believe in these religious or spiritual figures. As such, they might say these beings are indescribable, or refer to them as mystical or unexplainable. They might contextualize them through popular culture, describing them as extraterrestrial. Or they might even turn to popular religious figures that are generally inescapable in the western world. ***Read more:** [Are pets seen in near-death experiences](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/)?* ## The case of a world-renowned atheist and his near-death experience Sir Alfred J. Ayer was, in his time, a world famous philosopher. He was a staunch supporter of the concept of “logical positivism”. The belief that if you can’t prove something with science or logic, it’s meaningless. He argued it wasn’t worth anyone’s time to discuss anything that can’t be measured, tested, or logically demonstrated. God, the afterlife, or anything supernatural? Ayer saw all of that as bupkis. It’s not so much that it’s wrong, but that it isn’t worth considering to begin with. ![Sir alfred jules ayer was a world famous atheist whose views on consciousness surviving bodily death were challenged after having an nde](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alfred_Jules_Ayer-245x300.jpg "Alfred_jules_ayer ‣ iands")*Sir Alfred Jules Ayer was a world famous atheist whose views on consciousness surviving bodily death were challenged after having an NDE.*But in 1988, the then 77 year-old Ayer choked on his dinner while hospitalized in London with pneumonia. His heart had stopped for approximately four minutes before he was revived. And during that time, Ayer had what today we would describe in NDE research terminology as [a distressing NDE](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/ "Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences"). An NDE with negative features, as opposed to the far more “pleasurable” type of NDE that most people have. ***Read More:*** *[Can near-death experiences be scientifically explained](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-near-death-experiences-be-scientifically-explained/)?* ### Ayer’s distressing NDE In an article titled “[What I saw when I was dead](https://www.philosopher.eu/others-writings/a-j-ayer-what-i-saw-when-i-was-dead/)“, Ayer described being “confronted by a red light, exceedingly bright, and also very painful even when I turned away from it.” He went on to explain that this light was “responsible for the government of the universe” and that he had met “two creatures who had been put in charge of space,” who had recently concluded “an inspection” of space. Ayer went on to say his near-death experience may have been “delusive”. But he also admitted it may very well have been objectively real. And he explained how a friend’s mother had a similar experience after having suffered a heart attack many years earlier. It served as an acknowledgment that he wasn’t alone in having an NDE, and that their characteristics were of note. > On the face of it, these experiences, on the assumption that the last one was veridical, are rather strong evidence that ***death does not put an end to consciousness***. > > Sir Alfred J. Ayer, “What I saw when I was dead” Ayer admitted in his essay that consciousness may survive bodily death. But he did also emphatically state that proof of an afterlife would in no way prove the existence of God or a deity. “My recent experiences have slightly weakened my conviction that my genuine death, which is due fairly soon, will be the end of me, though I continue to hope that it will be,” Ayer wrote. “They have not weakened my conviction that there is no god.” ## Not every atheist has the same outcome as Alfred Jules Ayer While Sir Ayer continued to refute the existence of God until his death the following year, other prominent skeptics reported that their own NDEs dramatically changed their views. [John Wren-Lewis](http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc799302/m2/1/high_res_d/vol5-no2-53.pdf) was a famous British scientist and intellectual who, while not a fervent atheist, was deeply skeptical and critical of traditional religious and spiritual claims. He rejected conventional religion and the belief in a personal God. He aligned himself closely with the “Death of God” movement, which argued that traditional concepts of God were no longer viable in the modern world. In 1983, John was nearly poisoned to death in Thailand during an attempted robbery, during which he had a near-death experience. This led him to embrace aspects of spirituality and mysticism he had previously dismissed. American author [Howard Storm](https://www.howardstorm.com/) was an atheist prior to his NDE in 1985, following a close brush with death from a gastrointestinal rupture. Like Sir Ayer, Storm too had a distressing NDE, with pale humanoid creatures attacking him when he refused to follow them. Mentioning “God” would cause the creatures to retreat. Storm says that calling out for Jesus to save him led to his having been rescued by “spiritual beings of light.” He would later go on to become a Christian minister. [Dr. George Ritchie](https://scientificandmedical.net/dr-george-ritchie-shares-his-near-death-experience/) had no particular religious beliefs when he had an NDE in 1943—decades before Dr. Raymond Moody coined the phrase “near-death experience”. Ritchie would go on to become a noted psychiatrist and Christian speaker as a result of what he saw in his NDE. ***Read More:*** *[Are NDEs really proof of the afterlife](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/)?* ## Yes, atheists can have NDEs. But do they necessarily change their views on religion? At first glance, near-death experiences seem easy to dismiss. Are they delusions, hallucinations, exaggerations? But then objectively reviewing [the evidence](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-the-most-promising-evidence-for-near-death-experiences/ "IANDS Q&A: What is the Most Promising Evidence for Near-Death Experiences?")—the countless first-hand accounts, the [peer-reviewed research](https://iands.org/nde-research/peer-reviewed-research/ "Peer-Reviewed Research"), and more—certainly does challenge the idea of consciousness not surviving bodily death. Whether or not it also challenges the concepts of faith or the existence of a higher power tends to be a bit more anecdotal. To date, we have not found credible, well-documented reports of a person having an NDE and remaining entirely unchanged in their views. For atheists, this change might involve a broadening of their views on the continuation of consciousness, or even the adoption of spirituality or religion. For those who were already spiritual or religious, those beliefs may deepen. But we don’t yet know of a single credible case where an atheist had an NDE and their views remained unaltered as a result. ## IANDS strives to better understand NDEs If even lifelong skeptics can emerge from NDEs with shaken convictions, what might that suggest about the mysteries of consciousness and death? And what are we doing to solve all of these unanswered questions? As an educational nonprofit, IANDS is dedicated to researching NDEs and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), and to spreading education and awareness. We strive to normalize conversations about NDEs. And we invite everyone to participate, regardless of their views. IANDS relies on the generosity of people like you to advance our mission forward. Please consider [making a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), visiting [our online shop](https://iands.org/shop/), or [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") and enjoying a myriad of member benefits. And be sure to [visit us at our annual IANDS conference](https://conference.iands.org/), too, where you’ll explore the extraordinary with the leading voices in our field. Whether you approach this topic as a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, IANDS strives to provide space for these conversations. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** alfred ayer, alfred j. ayer, alfred jules ayer, atheist, atheist near death experience, atheist near death experiences, atheist near death experiences stories, atheist near-death experience, atheist scientist near death experience, atheist scientists near death experience, atheists scientists near death experience, death does not put an end to consciousness, do all atheists have negative near death experiences, do atheists have near death experiences?, dr. george ritchie, george ritchie, has an atheist ever had a near death experience?, howard storm, john wren lewis, john wren-lewis, near death experiences of atheists, sir alfred j ayer, sir alfred j. ayer, sir alfred jules ayer, what atheist has a near death experience and changed mind, what atheists see in near death experiences?what is heaven like per atheist via near death experiences, what happens when atheist have a near death experience?, what I saw when I was dead --- ### [Witnesses: New NDE Documentary Premiering at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/temoins-new-nde-documentary-premiering-at-iands-conference-2025/) **Published:** July 24, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Excerpt:** French Filmmaker Sonia Barkallah to screen new NDE documentary 'Witnesses' at IANDS Conference 2025 **Content:** Sonia Barkallah, a French filmmaker who explores [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs), will screen her NDE documentary **Témoins (Witnesses)** August 27 at 2 p.m. at IANDS Conference 2025, which will be hosted at the Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills. Barkallah has been studying NDEs for about twenty years. In her new NDE documentary, she invites viewers to dive into the heart of consciousness through the perspectives of experiencers, doctors, and researchers. The film explores the question of whether near-death experiences are hallucinations or objective experiences. The screening of the 113-minute NDE documentary will be followed by a panel discussion and will include a box dinner. Tickets for the special event are $50 and may be purchased on the [IANDS Conference website](http://conference.iands.org/), as a stand-alone item or as an “add-on” to conference registration. ## NDE Documentary Explores the Hallucination Theory In Depth For some scientists, NDEs are hallucinations caused by chemical reactions in the brain, triggered, for example, by medications or oxygen deprivation. Others question the very nature of consciousness: Is its seat truly in the brain? Some experiencers’ accounts contain precise details, not only about their resuscitation but also about places where they were not physically present and conversations they could not have heard. This seems to rule out the possibility of acquiring information through the five senses. How is this possible? Although these testimonies are still classified under the “paranormal” category, NDEs have paradoxically become a legitimate field of study and research since the publication of Dr. Raymond Moody’s book *Life After Life* in 1975. NDEs are increasingly the subject of medical and neuroscience theses and dissertations. The goal of Barakallah’s documentary is to bring together top international experts to examine the latest studies alongside exceptional and previously unseen testimonies. What are the arguments and tangible evidence that could decisively contribute to the debate between the hallucination hypothesis and the objectivity of these perceptions? Does science currently have the appropriate tools and instruments to measure, evaluate, and characterize these experiences? ## Leading Experts Offered Their Voices to *Witnesses* Film contributors include some of the leading experts in the field: Prof. Steven Laureys, neuroscientist, CERVO Center, Quebec, Canada; Charlotte Martial, Ph.D., neuropsychologist, Coma Science Group, Belgium; Foucaud du Boisgueheneuc, MD, neurologist, CHU de Poitiers, France; Janice Holden, EdD, president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, USA; Susan Blackmore, PhD., parapsychologist, consciousness specialist,United Kingdom (retired); Christopher French, PhD., Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of London, United Kingdom (retired); Laurence Lucas Skalli, MD, Psychiatrist, \[resident of the Conscience Sans Frontières fund, Belgium; Sylvie Cafardy, MD, geriatrician, Confolens Hospital Center, France. ![Nde documentary witnesses by sonia barkallah will be featured during iands conference 2025 on august 27th](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/English-Version-of-Temoins-1-726x1024.jpg "Downloadable template ‣ iands")*Witnesses by Sonia Barkallah will be featured during IANDS Conference 2025 on August 27th* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae39ffb0c0186bf1337a76e224c5f786fa745236c8e2714f0c2706328dc0f9f4?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Janet Riley [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** are NDEs hallucinations, are ndes real, documentary about NDEs, documentary about near death experiences, documentary about near-death experiences, IANDS, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, NDE documentary, near death experience documentary, near-death experience, near-death experience documentary, new NDE documentary, Oak Brook, Sonia Barkallah, Témoins --- ### [Fantastic New Continuing Education Opportunities at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/fantastic-new-continuing-education-opportunities-at-iands-conference-2025/) **Published:** July 30, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Healthcare professionals, counselors, and chaplains can earn up to 16.5 continuing education contact hours by attending IANDS Conference 2025. **Content:** Are you a licensed counselor, chaplain, or healthcare professional **looking for continuing education contact hours?** If so, you can earn **up to 16.5 contact hours** through two CE certificates by attending [**IANDS Conference 2025**](https://conference.iands.org/). Healthcare professionals and licensed counselors who can fulfill their CE requirements using **NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) contact hours** can do so thanks IANDS’s affiliation with ASERVIC (the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling). Healthcare professionals and chaplains attending IANDS Conference 2025 who can use **General Certificate of Completion (GCC) contact hours** can also fulfill their CE requirements. But **be sure to check with your CE evaluators to confirm that a GCC is acceptable**. ## How to take advantage of continuing education (CE) contact hours at IANDS Conference 2025 To qualify for continuing education contact hours, attendees will need to: - Look at [our list of **approved CE sessions**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LLffCoyer5OD2Ql5BeZNJIqvmD6NDFVm/view) - [**Register before attending**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefD_NmxEBSPjmJG3kjrV6ps47AFFw84klJoi_N1LMNnigELQ/viewform) your first IANDS Conference CE session - **Sign in and out of each approved CE session** (sign-in sheets are just inside the main doors) - **Complete the online evaluation form**, which will be emailed to you within one week of the conference - **Submit your evaluation form** within one week of receiving it You’ll then get your CE certificate(s) as a PDF email attachment, which you can save or print. ## Can’t join us in Chicago? You can earn CE online! Not everyone can make it out to Chicago to attend IANDS Conference 2025 in person. But don’t worry—you can still earn CE by watching streams of the approved sessions online. Simply complete an online questionnaire/ evaluation and you’ll be good to go. [Register for IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/2025-registration/) and you can take advantage of these contact hours. **The entire c**onference **will be live streamed** Thursday, August 28th through Sunday, August 31st. And all conference registrations include video replay access for up to 180 days following the Conference, too! And don’t forget: IANDS members can save on IANDS Conference 2025 registration, too. So this is a great time to consider [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/)! ![Nurses and other healthcare providers can earn 21 continuing education contact hours through iands](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nurse-3624463_1280-1024x598.jpg "A nurse holding a paper heart ‣ iands")Image by [Gerd Altmann](https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3624463) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3624463) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** CE, CE contact hours, contact hours, continuing education, continuing education contact hours, continuing education credits, continuing education for nurses, continuing education units, continuing educationc ourses, IANDS, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, nursing continuing education --- ### [IANDS Q&A: What is the Most Promising Evidence for Near-Death Experiences?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-the-most-promising-evidence-for-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** July 28, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What evidence for near-death experiences do we have? Can we prove this remarkable phenomenon is real, and that it really does happen to thousands of people? **Content:** It’s understandable that most people will ask for evidence for [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs) after hearing them described. After all, these are astonishing stories that seem impossible to those who’ve never had them. So how do we know they’re really happening? **Is there any scientific evidence for near-death experiences*?*** The short answer is that **yes, there is scientific evidence for near-death experiences**. These are real phenomena happening to real people, and they happen more often than you might realize. In the scientific community, near-death experiences are considered **real and observable**. The debate isn’t over whether NDEs exist or not. The bigger questions are aimed at all the things we don’t yet know about them. **Why and how do they happen?** How are they all **so consistent**? And perhaps the biggest question of them all: **What do NDEs really mean?** Let’s examine the evidence for near-death experiences. We’ll explore **the real and measurable facts regarding NDEs**. And along the way, we’ll also explain how near-death experiences *aren’t* simple hallucinations or dreams, as some have theorized. ***See Also:** [IANDS Q&A: Are NDEs really proof of the afterlife?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/)* ## The evidence for near-death experiences is rooted in stories … *a lot* of stories If one person described their near-death experience a particular way, that would be anecdotal. It’d be easy to dismiss their story, because believing them would require taking them at their word. But when **there are *thousands* of [near-death experience stories](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/)**, all sharing common details, that gives you a strong basis for scientific inquiry. By conservative estimates, **approximately** [five percent of the population](https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/health/near-death-experiences-heres-what-researchers-have-found/3464461/) **will have a near-death experience** in their lifetimes. And that is *a lot* of people—one out of every 20, in fact. There are an estimated 8 billion people alive today, which means a staggering *400 million people* in the world will have a near-death experience, according to this data. **These stories consistently share the same [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/), too**. While the specific details of each NDE are unique, they all share **the same core elements**, like tunnels of light and communication with deceased loved ones. **We can classify each report** as a [pleasurable or distressing NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/), with specific qualities unique to each. And **[the aftereffects of NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) are also highly consistent**. The evidence for near-death experiences doesn’t just apply to the NDE stories of today, either. **NDEs have been reported throughout human history**. And while these stories from yesteryear aren’t usually as detailed as they are today—the scientific field of near-death studies has only been around for 50 years—researchers do see those same characteristics in those stories, too. ***See Also:** [What is a near-death experience or ‘NDE’?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/)* ## Are certain people more or less prone to NDEs? Another important aspect of NDE research—and establishing evidence for near-death experiences as well—involves figuring out who is or isn’t prone to having them. After all, if one subset of people are more likely to have NDEs, there might be something else at play, right? This could just be a simple question of culture, education, mental health, or some other factor. > By conservative estimates, **approximately five percent of the population** will have a near-death experience in their lifetimes But this isn’t the case. **There are no underlying cultural, mental, or societal conditions affecting the likelihood of NDEs**. They are not attributed to any specific or known conditions, behaviors, or characteristics. Put simply, ***anyone* can have an NDE, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they believe or don’t believe**. A person of deep faith is no more or less likely to have an NDE than an agnostic or atheist person. **Race, age, gender, sexual orientation, education level, mental health … none of these factors play a role in the likelihood of a person having an NDE**. ***See Also:** [What causes near-death experiences, and who has them?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/)* ## Veridical perception and the impossibility of consciousness So far, we’ve looked at a lot of statistical evidence for near-death experiences. But what about the more fantastical elements of NDEs? For that, we need to look at a concept known as veridical perception. **[Veridical perception](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/) refers to a person’s ability to experience things they scientifically shouldn’t be able to experience**. For instance, a person unconscious for their resuscitation shouldn’t be able to accurately report conversations or events during those efforts. A person should not be able to report objects, events, or conversations in other rooms or even outside of buildings, especially while unconscious. ![What evidence for near-death experiences can we point toward to verify they really happen?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/x-ray-6841384_1280-1024x682.jpg "X-ray-6841384_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Dmitriy Gutarev](https://pixabay.com/users/mitrey-16277369/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6841384) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6841384)Studies show that [brain activity typically ceases](https://med.nyu.edu/research/parnia-lab/cardiac-arrest-death) within minutes or even seconds of cardiac arrest. And yet, **patients report vivid near-death experiences during these periods**. There have even been cases of **EEG activity not correlating with reported NDEs**. And that’s where our NDE research runs into barriers. We can’t scientifically explain how these things are possible, but we have substantial evidence showing that it’s happening. That’s partly why the pursuit of evidence for near-death experiences can be challenging. And it’s also a key component of why this research is so fascinating and compelling. ## The pursuit of evidence for near-death experiences is ongoing While NDEs are still considered “anomalous” by the mainstream materialist science community, curiosity regarding near-death experiences has been growing rapidly, especially in recent years. And there are still a great many questions left unanswered regarding near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). If you’ve had a near-death experience, please consider [submitting your NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) to IANDS. Our researchers can learn a lot from your personal experience! IANDS is one of the world’s most prominent organizations focused on near-death studies. And as an educational nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of curious people like you to continue our work. **With your help**, IANDS can continue not only **important NDE research**, but our efforts toward **spreading education and raising awareness** as well. Together, we can **normalize conversations around NDEs**, provide **better educational resources to the medical community**, and more. So please, if you can, consider … - Making [a tax-free donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) to IANDS - [Joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) as a member - Exploring [our *Extraordinary Shop*](https://iands.org/shop/) - Learn about our next can’t-miss [IANDS Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) and consider learning about NDEs in person! ## FAQ — Evidence for near-death experiences: ### *What is the most compelling evidence for near-death experiences?* Many researchers believe the validity of near-death experiences can be confirmed by reviewing not only the volume of NDE accounts, but all of their shared elements as well. And the details surrounding stories of veridical perceptions simply can’t be ignored, either. ### *How common are near-death experiences?* Studies suggest that around five percent of the population—one out every 20 people—will have a near-death experience in their lifetime. ### *Do cultural or religious beliefs affect NDEs?* No. Research shows that people from all backgrounds, belief systems, ages, races, and genders report strikingly similar experiences from all around the world. Neither culture nor religion play any significant role in having a near-death experience. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** are nde real, are ndes real, are near death experiences real, are near-death experiences real, evidence for nde, evidence for ndes, evidence for near death experiences, evidence for near-death experiences, IANDS, NDE, NDE research, near death experience research, near-death experience, near-death experience research --- ### [IANDS Glossary: What Are Veridical Perceptions? Are They Important?](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/) **Published:** July 18, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What are veridical perceptions and what role do they play in understanding near-death experiences? This IANDS Glossary entry aims to answer both questions. **Content:** **Veridical perceptions are experiences in which a person sees, hears, or otherwise perceives something when they shouldn’t be able to, given their physical or medical state at the time**. For instance, someone might accurately describe a conversation happening around them while unconscious, or recall details about medical personnel and procedures while clinically dead or under deep anesthesia. “[Veridical](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veridical)” isn’t a word that most people use on a daily basis. In fact, you may have never heard it before. But it’s just a fancy way of saying *truthful* or *genuine*. As in, “the patient offered a truthful and genuine recollection of the medical procedure, even though they weren’t awake to witness it.” ## Are veridical perceptions the same as out-of-body experiences? ![Veridical perceptions are similar to out of body experiences but not identical.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/double-exposure-2390185_1280-300x200.jpg "Double-exposure-2390185_1280 ‣ iands")*Veridical perceptions are similar to out-of-body experiences, but the two phenomena are not identical, Image by [pedrobeja](https://pixabay.com/users/pedrobeja-5600645/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2390185) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2390185)*Veridical perceptions are often confused with [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/). And it’s an understandable mistake, given how similar these two concepts are. So let’s break these down a little. In an out-of-body experience, a person experiences the sensation of their consciousness being detached from their physical body. They may feel as though they can see themselves from above, hear things around them, and sometimes even move from between different locations. But recollections from out-of-body experiences aren’t always accurate, or can’t always be confirmed. With veridical perceptions, it’s important the event is accurate and objectively verifiable. It has to correspond with actual events in the real world that we know for a fact have happened. It’s possible for someone to experience both an out-of-body experience *and* veridical perception, but it’s not necessarily common. And while out-of-body experiences are generally common with [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) (or “NDEs”), the same can’t be said for veridical perceptions—they’re more rare and more rigorously examined in research. ## What do critics say? Veridical perceptions challenge mainstream neuroscience by suggesting that consciousness might persist, or at least function, in situations where brain activity is minimal or absent. And that makes the topic somewhat controversial. Skeptics argue that verification is difficult or anecdotal, or even prone to exaggeration. They attempt to come up with alternative explanations, such as prior knowledge, reconstructive memory, or even unconscious awareness. But veridical perceptions are highly detailed and corroborated. And the details of well-documented veridical perceptions often poke holes in those explanations, too. How can someone accurately describe a conversation that happened in another room while unconscious? How does “prior knowledge” explain awareness of specific hospital equipment or staff behavior in a facility they’ve never visited? ## Veridical Perceptions are just the tip of the iceberg. Explore the extraordinary with IANDS today! We don’t yet understand what causes veridical perceptions. But they remain one of the most intriguing subjects in near-death studies. And that’s why IANDS supports ongoing research, working to better understand experiences that push the boundaries of science, spirituality, and human awareness. IANDS is an educational nonprofit devoted to understanding near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). Our goal isn’t just to better understand NDEs and the concepts surrounding them, like veridical perceptions. We also hope to reduce the stigmas around them and normalize conversations on these subjects. And with your help, we can continue this important work. Please consider [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/), making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), or perusing our [Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/). We’d love for you to play a role in our mission to explore the extraordinary! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** IANDS glossary, out of body experience, out-of-body experience, veridical, veridical perception, veridical perception definition, veridical perception explained, veridical perceptions, veridical perceptions explained --- ### [IANDS Q&A: What is Past-Life Memory? What This Fascinating Research Tells Us](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-past-life-memory-what-this-fascinating-research-tells-us/) **Published:** July 16, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Is past-life memory real? Explore the science and stories behind past-life memories, including the famous James Leininger case, in our latest IANDS Q&A. **Content:** The first time you hear about the concept of [past-life memory](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-past-life-memory-plm/) — a person remembering details from a previous life, sometimes with great detail — there’s a good chance you’ll instinctively dismiss the idea out of hand. The whole premise sounds a bit ludicrous, really. How could someone possibly know accurate details from the life of someone else, who died before they were even born? That skepticism is further reinforced when you learn that past-life memory is most common among children. As any parent or school teacher will be quick to tell you, kids are highly impressionable, imaginative, and they’re always on the prowl for attention. So surely, past-life memories are just the byproducts of their overactive imaginations, right? But if you scratch that surface skepticism even slightly, you quickly find yourself encountering facts and details from credible researchers that you simply can’t dismiss out of hand. And that’s when you start to realize that past-life memory isn’t pseudoscience. Like research into [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), examining the phenomenon of past-life memory raises questions that mainstream, materialist science struggles to answer. ## The Curious Case of James Leininger and James Huston Jr. [A case report](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2017/04/REI42-Tucker-James-LeiningerPIIS1550830716000331.pdf) written by Jim B. Tucker, MD and published by [the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/) tells the incredible story of a child, James Leininger, and his connection with a pilot from World War II named James Huston, Jr. James Leininger was born in 1998. And as a toddler, he started repeating a rather alarming phrase around his family: “airplane crash on fire”. In time, he started having nightmares about plane crashes, too, and saying he’d been shot down by the Japanese. James gave his parents some alarming details about his alleged military service. He said he’d flown in a “Corsair”, a reference to the iconic [Vought F4U Corsair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vought_F4U_Corsair) fighter-bomber. He told his parents he flew his plane “off a boat”, which the toddler referred to as *Natoma*. And he’d given his parents the name of another man, *Jack Larsen*, whom he claimed he knew during World War II. James even indirectly claimed he’d been shot down during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, while looking at a book about the battle with his father. James would draw graphic images of fighter planes crashing. He’d often writing “James 3” under the images—he wasn’t three-years old at the time. When his parents asked him who it was that died, he’d respond “It was me. It was James.” ### A past-life memory containing details no child could reasonably know or invent ![James leininger is the subject of a famous story involving a past-life memory, where he believed as a child to have once lived as a wwii pilot killed during the battle of iwo jima.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USS_Natoma_Bay_CVE-62_at_Tulagi_on_8_April_1944_80-G-235018-300x224.jpg "Uss_natoma_bay_cve-62_at_tulagi_on_8_april_1944_80-g-235018 ‣ iands")*USS Natoma Bay, the ship James McCready Huston Jr. flew from during WWII. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons*When his parents dug deeper into the story, they found some rather alarming details. [USS Natoma Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Natoma_Bay) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier that served in the Pacific theater during World War II. Jack Larsen was a real person who served on USS Natoma Bay. And only one pilot from the ship was lost during the Battle of Iwo Jima. A 21-year old named [James McCready Huston Jr.](https://www.honorstates.org/profiles/359263/), who had been flying right beside none other than Jack Larsen. James Huston Jr. wasn’t killed while flying a Corsair. But he was part of a squadron that tested the plane for the Navy. Which gives even further weight to the idea that James Leininger was identifying himself, through his past-life memory, as having been James Huston Jr. And if you count James Huston Jr.’s father, James Huston Sr., as “James 1”, that would make James Leininger “James 3.” These details aren’t ones a toddler could find through happenstance or invent easily. There aren’t any movies about the life of James Huston Jr., nor was his death widely publicized. And if the Leininger family were attempting a hoax, it would have been a lengthy one. They did write a book about their son’s apparent case of past-life memory, though not until James was 11 years old. And members of James’s extended family had heard the child talking about his World War II experiences, too. ## James Leininger’s story is just one of more than 1,700 ‘solved’ cases Researchers studying past-life memories have encountered more than 1,700 cases where someone’s apparent memories can be tied directly to a deceased person. Researchers call these “solved cases”, where a past-life memory can be directly associated with real people who were once living. To be fair, skeptics might reasonably attempt to dismiss some of these cases, claiming researchers may have been leading their subjects or falling for hoaxes. But the evidence does seem to point toward past-life memory being some sort of unexplained, but apparently real, phenomenon. In fact, there are roughly three-dozen of these “solved cases” where records of a person’s past-life memory existed prior to the discovery of a real, deceased person identified later. In other words, these aren’t instances where a person’s memories are conforming to details about a real person. Their past-life memory aligns with those details on their own. ## Is past-life memory a hoax? Is there any other scientific evidence that they’re made up? A past-life memory on its own might be written off as coincidental. So what other evidence is there that these stories of past-life memories are legitimate? For one, there have been a number of cases where a person shares certain physical characteristics with the deceased. Even in the case of James Leininger, surviving airmen from the USS Natoma Bay had claimed the boy looked like James Huston Jr., with similar traits. Some children have birthmarks or physical deformities that match reported injuries of the person they claimed to have been. And there are a number of cross-cultural consistencies with regards to past-life memory, too, even in instances where a person’s religious or cultural background doesn’t support the idea of reincarnation. So why isn’t the science community racing off to study past-life memory? Simply put, we have no scientifically sound mechanism by which a person’s memories could survive bodily death or transfer to another person, sometimes decades later. There are some who question the reports themselves, too—interviews and anecdotes are inherently soft evidence, and what if they involve confirmation bias, leading questions, or suggestions from parents? That skepticism is tempered by a lot of inconclusive “what-ifs”. The simple truth is, these cases of past-life memory are well documented. And science doesn’t have easy answers that can dismiss most of them, apart from that aforementioned conjecture. Like near-death experiences, the past-life memory phenomenon is one that only becomes more intriguing and less dismissable the deeper you look into it. ## Join IANDS in exploring the extraordinary! IANDS is an educational nonprofit that researches near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/), including past-life memory. And our mission goes beyond that research to include a vision where we might one day see general interest in these subjects blossom, stigmas surrounding them erased, and conversations normalized. We’d love for you to come join us in exploring the extraordinary. Please take a look at some of the other articles on our website. And if you’d like to help us move forward in our mission, please consider [making a 100% tax deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), [visiting our Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/), or [becoming an IANDS member today](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/). Here are some more fascinating facts and remarkable stories from the scientific field of near-death studies. We hope you enjoy! - [Are pets seen in near-death experiences](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/)? - [Are NDEs really proof of the afterlife](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/)? - [Did George Washington really have an NDE](https://iands.org/iands-qa-did-george-washington-really-have-an-nde/)? - [Are NDEs proof of loved ones communicating after death](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/)? - [Read more fascinating IANDS Q&As here](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/)! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** Corsair, Iwo Jima, James Huston, James Huston Jr, James Leininger, James McCready Huston, James McCready Huston Jr, past life memories, past life memory, past-life memories, past-life memories real stories, past-life memories trute stories, past-life memory, past-life memory stories, past-life research, PLM, University of Virginia, USS Natoma, USS Natoma Bay, UVA, World War II --- ### [Suffering Into Gold: Stunning New Film to Show at Conference](https://iands.org/suffering-into-gold-stunning-new-film-to-show-at-conference/) **Published:** July 8, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The new documentary short film 'Suffering Into Gold' will have a special showing at IANDS Conference 2025, followed by an informative panel discussion. **Content:** Are you coming to [IANDS Conference 2025](http://conference.iands.org)? If you are, you won’t want to miss a special showing of **the award-winning documentary *[Suffering Into Gold](https://illuminate2025.eventive.org/films/67d5c9afc5b6d43d2234e20b)***. Complete with a panel discussion featuring Chaz Ebert, William Peters, and Beth Orr! ![We will watch the documentary short film suffering into gold at iands conference 2025 followed by a panel discussion](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Suffering-into-Gold-1028.jpg "Suffering into gold 1028 ‣ iands")After having been diagnosed with ALS, Paul Gralen decides to seek out legal methods of ending his own life. And this sends his wife, Beth Orr, on an incredibly moving journey to learn about [shared death experiences](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-shared-death-experience-sde/ "Fact Sheet: Shared Death Experience (SDE)") with SDE expert William Peter. All so they can have a conscious and loving end-of life experience. We’ll be watching ***Suffering Into Gold*** on **August 27th at 7:30 PM** during IANDS Conference 2025. Following the short film, the panel will discuss the pain and meaning of losing loved ones and their shared belief that consciousness survives death. And William Peters will also offer his perspective on the transformative impact of SDEs and other end-of-life experiences. *Suffering Into Gold* was named [an official selection](https://www.uaf.org/film#documentary-program) at the Utah Arts Fear No Film Festival. It earned an Award of Excellence from the [Best Shorts Competition](https://bestshorts.net/). And it also won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the 2025 [Illuminate Film Festival](https://illuminatefilmfestival.com/). *Suffering Into Gold* won’t be the only film showcased during IANDS Conference 2025. We’re also looking forward to the premier of the new [Raymond Moody documentary](https://iands.org/new-raymond-moody-documentary-to-premier-at-iands-conference-2025/) by celebrated filmmaker Paul Perry. This is shaping up to be a truly remarkable IANDS Conference for film buffs. And everyone else whose fascinated by near-death experiences and related phenomena, too! ## Join us at IANDS Conference 2025 to see *Suffering Into Gold* and so much more! We can’t wait to see you at IANDS Conference 2025, as we celebrate the golden anniversary of Raymond Moody’s landmark 1975 book [*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/). That pioneering book carved out the foundations for the scientific field of near-death studies. And we’re thrilled Raymond Moody himself will deliver a keynote address at this can’t-miss event. Moving documentaries, an [exciting roster of more than 100 speakers](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-here-are-the-pioneering-keynote-speakers/ "IANDS Conference 2025: Here are the Pioneering Keynote Speakers"), special [lunches with said speakers](https://conference.iands.org/#lunch), healing room sessions including message and Reiki … IANDS Conference 2025 is one event you definitely won’t want to miss. We hope you’ll join us at the [Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center](https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/illinois/oak-brook/hilton-hotels/?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1hi2psh3ggl4advbpp5dkt6multibr7_153669424_1003528&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADOglH3rs0Lgm-uyPzT5wPKmHcVrl&gclid=CjwKCAjwwqfABhBcEiwAZJjC3udRx3IIG71lAe4PhhF_3Q6zhw_sz3TQitI1stU1VO0zn5vbA_L3ohoCWVUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) August 27th to August 31st 2025 and explore the extraordinary with the leading minds in the field of near-death studies! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Beth Orr, Chaz Ebert, IANDS, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, NDE documentary, Paul Gralen, SDE, SDE documentary, shared death experience, shared death experience documentary, Suffering Into Gold, suffering into gold documentary, William Peters --- ### [Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/) **Published:** July 7, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What is an out-of-body experience and how are they defined? Let's take a closer look at 'OBEs' in this, the latest addition to our IANDS Glossary. **Content:** **An out-of-body experience, or “OBE”, is an event during which a person is able to experience the world around them from outside of their own physical body.** You might describe an out-of-body experience as **your consciousness being in one place while your body is someplace else**. You feel as though **you’re standing beside or even floating near yourself**, looking at your own body from some other perspective. ## What is an out-of-body experience? Out-of-body experiences are among the [common characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") of [**near-death experiences**](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences"). But they can also result **during or near sleep**, **during or after meditation**, or **following extreme physical exertion**. They can also be **artificially induced** chemically or through sensory deprivation. In many cases, people having out-of-body experiences are later able to accurately report events and conversations that happened around them. And this can happen even when their body was physically incapable of seeing or hearing anything. For instance, a person might be unconscious or might not display brain function, but can report the goings on around them regardless. One famous instance of an out-of-body experience is what led IANDS co-founder [Dr. Bruce Greyson](https://iands.org/tag/bruce-greyson/ "Bruce Greyson") into the field of near-death studies and his early interest in near-death experiences. An unconscious patient awoke to report details of a conversation Dr. Greyson had in an entirely different room. There was no scientific explanation for how this person could have known about that discussion. ## What causes an out-of-body experience? **We really don’t know what causes out-of-body experiences**, despite countless psychological, neurological, and even paranormal theories attempting to explain them. Researchers have been developing scientifically-rooted theories since at least the 1800s. But to date, there hasn’t been a single explanation of out-of-body experiences that accounts for every aspect of them. Neurological theories include **temporary disruptions in brain function**, particularly the temporo-parietal junction, or TPJ, a region of the brain involved in body awareness and spatial orientation. Psychological theories often suggest **dissociation**—a person disconnecting from their sense of self—though OBEs can occur in calm, meditative states. In 1887, French physiologist Charles Richet theorized that out-of-body experiences are little more than dreams, created by a person’s memory and imagination processes. French psychical researcher Eugéne Osty made a similar claim in 1930. Others have referred to OBEs as the result of **psychological absorption, sleep paralysis, or even hallucination**. But none of these attempts at theorizing the cause of out-of-body experiences have covered the necessary bases. So what’s the answer, then? Simply put, we do not know what causes a person to have an out-of-body experience. At least, *not yet*. ## OBEs across cultures and throughout history Out-of-body experiences have been described all throughout human history, although the phrase “out-of-body experience” wasn’t coined until the 20th century. In Ancient Egypt, *[The Book of the Dead](https://arce.org/resource/book-dead-guidebook-afterlife/)* described a part of the soul, the “ba”, which could leave the body and move around freely—especially during sleep or after death. And in Hinduism and Yogic traditions, ancient texts refer to “siddhis”, or spiritual abilities, including “freedom from the body” where someone projects themselves outside their physical form. The Upanishads and other ancient Indian texts also describe states of disembodied awareness during deep meditation or sleep. The phrase “out-of-the-body experience” was coined in the book *Man is Spirit* by British researcher J. Arthur Hill. In 1943, British scientist and parapsychologist George Nugent Merl Tyrrell, better known as G.N.M. Tyrrell, shorted the phrase to *out-of-body experience*, and that slightly easier phrase is the one that stuck with researchers and the general public through the years. ## Join IANDS in exploring the extraordinary! It’s difficult to hear a story about someone’s out-of-body experience and not be met with a sense of curiosity, if not wonder. OBEs challenge our assumptions about the boundaries between mind and body, brain and awareness, self and spirit. And science is still breaking barriers in pursuit of answers to these profound questions. IANDS continues to explore OBEs, near-death experiences, and other extraordinary phenomena through research, education, and community support. And if you’d like to join us on this journey, please consider [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), or sporting some cool IANDS Swag from our [Extraordinary Shop](https://iands.org/shop/)! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** ancient egypt, ba, characteristics of a near-death experience, characteristics of an NDE, freedom from the body, NDE, near-death experience, near-death experience characteristics, OBE, OOBE, out of body experience, out-of-body experience, siddhi, siddhis, the book of the dead, what causes OBEs, what causes out of body experiences, what causes out-of-body experiences, what is an OBE, what is an out of body experience, what is an out-of-body experience --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Did George Washington Really Have an NDE?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-did-george-washington-really-have-an-nde/) **Published:** July 4, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Did George Washington have a near-death experience in the folklore tale of the Vision of Valley Forge? This special July 4th edition of IANDS Q&A takes a look! **Content:** In this special July 4th edition of IANDS Q&A, we’re going to take a look at a legend from American folklore. According to “the Vision at Valley Forge”, George Washington had what some people consider to be a [near-death experience](/near-death-experiences/). But did George Washington really have an “NDE”? The phrase “near-death experience” was coined in 1975 by [Raymond Moody](https://iands.org/tag/raymond-moody-documentary/ "Raymond Moody Documentary"). If George Washington *did* have an NDE, no one back then would’ve known what to call it. But there have been many instances throughout human history of people having near-death experiences. So let’s take a look at the Vision at Valley Forge. Did George Washington have a near-death experience? And did this story really happen? ## The Vision at Valley Forge The story goes like this. During the brutal, unforgiving winter of 1777-1778, General George Washington and his Continental Army were encamped at Valley Forge, a desolate stretch of Pennsylvania wilderness just 20 miles from British-occupied Philadelphia. They’d lost several battles. Congress had fled westward to York, Pennsylvania after the British took Philadelphia. Morale was waning in the camp, where they’d be tested by catastrophic, unforgiving conditions. Freezing temperatures, disease, starvation … 2,000 soldiers would die at Valley Forge without the British firing a single shot. According to legend, Washington was alone in his tent that winter, deep in prayer and reflection, when suddenly he became aware of a strange presence. A mysterious figure appeared before him: a beautiful, glowing woman, introducing herself as a messenger from God, who presented Washington with three visions. - The first vision was that of the Revolutionary War. George Washington saw a vivid panorama of America’s war for independence, and the eventual triumph of the American colonies. - The second vision was said to predict the American Civil War; the country torn apart, brothers fighting against brothers, and the eventual restoration of the Union. - Finally, the third vision then showed a global cataclysm where nations from around the world rose up against the United States. The land was invaded and overwhelmed, chaos reigned across cities and the countryside, and our Republic looked defeated. But then, celestial beings came to the aid of the Americans, and we managed to prevail with their help. Washington allegedly heard a mysterious voice proclaiming that “while the stars remain, so long shall the Union last.” ## Did George Washington have a near-death experience? ![Did george washington have a near-death experience during the legendary vision at valley forge?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/washington-on-rushmore-3890642_1280-300x198.jpg "Washington-on-rushmore-3890642_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Mike Goad](https://pixabay.com/users/mikegoad-29415/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3890642) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3890642)While the legend of the Vision at Valley Forge does share some similarities with near-death experiences, the story doesn’t really qualify as an NDE. George Washington did, according to the story anyway, encounter a being of light and witnessed prophetic visions. But there are no reports of George Washington having an out-of-body experience, a life review, or any sensations of deep peace or love. So what’s the verdict? No, George Washington did not have a near-death experience … and that’s if the story itself is even true to begin with. ## What About the Vision at Valley Forge itself? Did any of this really happen to George Washington? The legend of the Vision at Valley Forge is incredibly compelling, and it’s a story people love to share. But did any of it actually happen? [The story](https://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/washington/vision.html) first appeared in *The National Tribune* in 1880, a century after the Revolutionary War and 15 years after the end of the Civil War. The story allegedly came from an old Continental Army soldier named Anthony Sherman, who told it to publisher and journalist Wesley Bradshaw. But there’s no record of an Anthony Sherman serving with Washington. And George Washington was an obsessive documenter, who kept a trove of journals and letters. There is no mention of this vision in any of his writings. Mainstream historians and scholars agree that the Vision at Valley Forge never happened. There is more evidence against the story than in support of it. But many people still believe this George Washington legend. It’s deeply ingrained in American folklore, and it’s often shared around patriotic holidays, especially on and around Independence Day. Whether the story is true or not, we have to say that no, the Vision at Valley Forge story does not confirm that George Washington had an NDE. Though there are [a great many historical accounts of near-death experiences](https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/special-collections-and-archives) predating the field of near-death studies, the story itself lacks too many [NDE characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") to definitively label this as an NDE. The team at IANDS hopes you have a happy and safe Independence Day. And if you have any questions you’d like us to answer in our IANDS Q&A stories, please don’t hesitate to [drop us a line](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact")! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** continental army, did George Washington have a near-death experience, George Washington, independence day, july 4th, NDE, near death experience, near-death experience, valley forge, vision at valley forge, was the vision at valley forge a near death experience, was the vision at valley forge a near-death experience, was the vision at valley forge an NDE, Washington --- ### [Terminal Lucidity: Learn More in the New IANDS Glossary!](https://iands.org/terminal-lucidity-learn-more-in-the-new-iands-glossary/) **Published:** July 2, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Terminal lucidity is a phenomenon where people experience a sudden spike in mental clarity, and sometimes physical ability, shortly before they die. Learn more in this IANDS glossary entry! **Content:** **[Terminal lucidity](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-terminal-lucidity/ "Fact Sheet: Terminal Lucidity")** **is a phenomenon where people experience a sudden spike in mental clarity, and sometimes physical ability, shortly before they die**. It’s been reported in those experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other severe neurological conditions. When someone experiences terminal lucidity, they’re able to remember things and recognize loved ones. They can communicate clearly with those around them through speech, writing, sign language, or using nonverbal communication. And they can also regain physical abilities, too. They can hold someone’s hand, walk, or even sing or play a musical instrument again, though these dramatic recoveries of function are extremely rare outliers and shouldn’t be expected. Terminal lucidity goes by many names. It’s sometimes referred to as an “end-of-life rally”, “terminal rally”, or an “end-of-life surge”. The popular American TV drama *Grey’s Anatomy* refers to it simply as “the Surge”. Some researchers also refer to it as “paradoxical lucidity.” ## What causes terminal lucidity? As it stands, **no one is really certain what causes terminal lucidity**. It’s one of the many great mysteries researchers in the field of near-death studies hope to one day uncover. There are several theories regarding what causes it, but none of these have been confirmed yet. They include: ![Some researchers believe terminal lucidity is caused by a sudden release of neurotransmitters when neurons die though this theory has not yet been confirmed](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/thoughts-9217669_1280-300x214.jpg "Thoughts-9217669_1280 ‣ iands")Neurons are like tiny messengers in your brain that deliver messages—neurotransmitters—all around your body. Image by [John Bloor](https://pixabay.com/users/johnbloor-47096611/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9217669) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9217669)- **A release of neurotransmitters**. Some researchers believe terminal lucidity might be chalked up to the release of neurotransmitters when the brain’s neurons die. Neurons are nerve cells that serve as your body’s mental postal service, delivering messages, or *neurotransmitters*, all around your body. They allow you to do just about everything, from breathing to eating to walking to talking, to reading this article right now. Some researchers believe that when neurons die, they release a flood of neurotransmitters that might explain this. - **Changes in brain chemistry**. Some researchers think changes in brain chemistry might be the culprit. Your body produces various chemicals, and alterations to those formulas can have significant effects. - **Reductions in brain inflammation**. When your brain becomes inflamed, it can severely reduce your cognitive function. Some researchers suggest that a sudden reduction in brain inflammation prior to a person’s death might lead to this sudden burst of clarity. Again, **we don’t really know what causes terminal lucidity yet**, and **none of these theories have been confirmed**. But this is one of the many phenomena being researched in the fields of near-death studies and neuroscience. ## Can terminal lucidity last days? How long does it usually last? Terminal lucidity occurs near the end of a terminally ill person’s life. **For most patients, terminal lucidity lasts for a matter of minutes or hours**. In rare cases it can last for a period of days. And in more extremely rare cases, terminal lucidity carries on for weeks. That’s part of the reason we have such a difficult time studying the phenomenon, and why so few cases of terminal lucidity end up getting reported. When it happens, it’s often mistaken for a miraculous recovery and a clear indicator that the person is on the mend, which unfortunately isn’t the case. *Are there useful and informative [IANDS groups and events](https://isgo.iands.org/) in your area? Click that link and find out!* ## So what’s the verdict? Is it real? Yes, terminal lucidity is absolutely and undeniably real. We may not fully understand what causes it or why it seems to only happen in patients with terminal illnesses, but this is a phenomenon that’s been witnessed, recorded, and confirmed by scientists. For several decades, IANDS has been deeply involved in the scientific field of near-death studies, researching [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), terminal lucidity, and other [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). We also work to spread information about these extraordinary events. We hope to normalize conversations about near-death experiences, educate people on terminology through articles like this one, and improve the quality of support experiencers receive from medical professionals and other experts, and their family and friends, too. If you’d like to contribute to this important cause, please consider [donating to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) or [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) today. With your help, IANDS can continue researching terminal lucidity and countless other phenomena as we work toward answering these fundamental questions about life and death. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Glossary **Tags:** can terminal lucidity last days, end of life rally, end of life surge, end-of-life rally, end-of-life surge, how long does terminal lucidity last, how long does terminal lucidity typically last, how long does terminal lucidity usually last, is terminal lucidity real, paradoxical lucidity, surge, terminal lucidity, terminal rally, the surge, what causes terminal lucidity, what is terminal lucidity --- ### [Vital Signs: Have You Seen our New and Improved Quarterly Yet?](https://iands.org/vital-signs-have-you-seen-our-new-and-improved-quarterly-yet/) **Published:** July 1, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The IANDS quarterly magazine 'Vital Signs' has undergone a major facelift for 2025. Check out the new issue and see the renovations here! **Content:** Did you know IANDS publishes a quarterly magazine, and that it’s free? *[Vital Signs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")* recently entered it’s 44th year in publication—yes, really!—and the magazine just underwent a major facelift, thanks to the tireless work of IANDS’s Susan Amsden and Angela Harris, who entirely overhauled its design and layout. Check out the latest issue, #44-02, down below. *Vital Signs* keeps you up to date on all of the goings on not just at IANDS, but in the worlds of near-death experiences and related phenomena, as well as the scientific field of near-death studies. And for 2025, the magazine has undergone significant changes and updates to completely refresh and modernize the magazine. *Vital Signs* has undergone major shifts in its layout and design principles. And it has also shifted away from PDF format, adopting a new, modern, and impeccably sleek online flipbook format. That means it’s more readable, more easily indexed, more accessible, and all-around nicer to look at. [Check out the new issue here](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ef5cda93f7.html). What do you think? ## *Vital Signs* is made possible thanks to your contributions! This has been a very exciting year at IANDS. So far in 2025 we’ve massively overhauled our website, redesigned our magazine, improved our social media outreach, and so much more. And none of this would’ve been possible without your help. *Vital Signs* is distributed online free of charge. And our ability to produce this magazine is made possible entirely thanks to your generous contributions to IANDS. Without your help, none of what this organization does—*Vital Signs*, our *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)*, our research efforts, and more—would be possible. If you love this magazine and the other work we’re doing, please consider [making a donation to IANDS today](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/). You can also check out our [official IANDS shop](https://iands.org/shop/) to find all sorts of wonderful IANDS-branded merchandise. Oh, and don’t forget, it’s not too late to [become an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) and save money on your tickets to [IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/)! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** IANDS, IANDS vital signs, vital signs, vital signs IANDS, vital signs magazine --- ### [Is Telepathy Real? New Research to be Discussed at IANDS Conference](https://iands.org/is-telepathy-real-new-research-to-be-discussed-at-iands-conference/) **Published:** June 26, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Is telepathy real? Has science explored this subject with enough depth or objectivity? Join us at IANDS Conference 2025 for an expert panel on the subject. **Content:** ## Can Nonspeaking People with Autism Communicate Telepathically? The concept of telepathy is equal parts fascinating and controversial. It’s a topic mainstream materialist science treats as a pseudoscientific third rail, and shuts down as coincidence, sensationalism, or confirmation bias. But it’s a question worthy of deeper exploration: Is telepathy real? Have we scientifically explored this subject to its fullest depths? At the upcoming IANDS Conference 2025, three notable researchers will present findings that may challenge that conventional science. And they’re going to approach that question—*is telepathy real?*—through an inquiry into the possibility of telepathic communication in nonspeaking individuals with autism. Neuropsychiatrist Diane Hennacy Powell, MD holds a medical degree from Johns Hopkins, and is a former faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Her writing appears in Oxford University’s Handbook on Psychology and Spirituality. By every account, she’s as perfectly credentialed as any scientist in her field can reasonably be. And she began investigating this phenomenon after parents had reported that their nonspeaking autistic children appeared to understand unspoken thoughts. Dr. Powell is well known for her appearances on the massively popular podcast *The Telepathy Tapes*, with some estimates placing its listenership in the millions. Dr. Powell will be joined by two other impressive panelists—Dr. Marina Weiler, Ph.D., of the University of Virginia Division on Perceptual Studies, and Dr. Marjorie Woollacott, Ph.D., IANDS Research Director and a professor at the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon. This fascinating panel will take place on Friday, August 29th from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. during IANDS Conference 2025. Dr. Powell will also deliver one of our keynote addresses on Thursday, August 27th at 9 a.m., followed by a book signing ## Is Telepathy Real? Join us at IANDS Conference 2025 for this Extraordinary Panel (and so much more!) IANDS Conference 2025 is shaping up to be our most exciting event to date. And we’d love to see you in Chicago! Join us in celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Raymond Moody’s groundbreaking work *Life After Life*. Hear from our [impressive list of keynote speakers](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-here-are-the-pioneering-keynote-speakers/), including Moody, and see the premier of [a new Raymond Moody documentary](https://iands.org/new-raymond-moody-documentary-to-premier-at-iands-conference-2025/) by celebrated writer and filmmaker Paul Perry. There will be panels, special dinners, healing rooms, and so much more. You don’t want to miss it! [Register today for IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/) and come explore the extraordinary with us. And remember, [IANDS members](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) get a discount, too. We’ll see you in the Windy City! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Diane Hennacy Powell, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, is telepathy real, marina weiler, marjorie woollacott, telepathy, telepathy tapes, the telepathy tapes --- ### [New Raymond Moody Documentary to Premier at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/new-raymond-moody-documentary-to-premier-at-iands-conference-2025/) **Published:** June 23, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:**  'Raymond Moody's Afterlife', a new Raymond Moody documentary by celebrated writer and filmmaker Paul Perry, will debut at IANDS Conference 2025. **Content:** This August, [IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/) will celebrate a significant milestone in the field of near-death studies—the Golden Anniversary of Dr. Raymond Moody’s Groundbreaking book *[*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/)*. And one of the most anticipated highlights will be the premier of a brand-new Raymond Moody documentary *T*he documentary is titled *Raymond Moody’s Afterlife*. It’s the work of celebrated writer and filmmaker Paul Perry, a longtime collaborator with Dr. Moody. The documentary explores near-death experiences and features Moody’s groundbreaking work that launched the field of near-death studies. ![A new raymond moody documentary will premier at iands conference 2025](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raymond_Moody_2-300x206.jpg "Raymond_moody_2 ‣ iands")*A new Raymond Moody documentary will premier at IANDS Conference 2025**Raymond Moody’s Afterlife* will premier after a keynote address from Moody himself. And seeing this new Raymond Moody documentary premiering shortly after hearing his keynote speech will be sincerely memorable. “This session is part of our Golden Anniversary celebration of the release of *Life After Life*, and the transformative effect that Raymond Moody had on the research field, and the world,” says IANDS President-Elect and IANDS Conference Chair Evan Mecham. “We are thrilled that Dr. Moody can join us for this important, celebratory moment in our history.” ## Meet Paul Perry, the filmmaker behind this extraordinary new Raymond Moody Documentary *Raymond Moody’s Afterlife* is the work of Paul Perry, a longtime collaborator with Moody, having co-authored six books with him. He also co-authored the book *[Evidence of the Afterlife](https://amzn.to/4hMoF60)* with Dr. Jeffrey Long, produced the film *[AFTERLIFE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDSrMAzI688)*, and has collaborated on countless other projects in the realm of near-death studies. Perry’s work outside the field of NDEs includes the biography *Fear and Loathing: the Strange and Terrible Saga of Hunter S. Thompson*, the book *Jesus in Egypt* and subsequent documentary *Jesus, the Lost Years*, and many more impressive works. Perry was knighted in 2011 in Portugal by the Duke of Braganza for his works as both a writer and filmmaker. He’s the official filmmaker of the Portuguese Royal House and a Grand Cross Knight. The Bishop of São Tomé knighted Perry in Spain as well. ## Registration for IANDS Conference 2025 is open now! We can’t wait to see *Raymond Moody’s Afterlife* at IANDS Conference 2025. And this important Raymond Moody documentary is just one of the many reasons this year’s conference promises to be unforgettable. With [pioneering keynote speakers](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-here-are-the-pioneering-keynote-speakers/), informative presentations, hands-on workshops, healing sessions, and a vibrant communities of attendees, IANDS Conference 2025 is shaping up to be [our most impactful event yet](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-how-to-register-now/). Be sure to [register today for IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/). And it’s not too late to [become an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) and save money on your tickets, amongst all the other perks you get with your membership! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** afterlife, afterlife documentary, evidence of the afterlife, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, jeffrey long, Paul Perry, Raymond Moody, Raymond Moody Afterlife, Raymond Moody Documentary, Raymond Moodys Afterlife --- ### [IANDS Conference 2025: How to Register Now](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-how-to-register-now/) **Published:** June 17, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** It's official: Registration for IANDS Conference 2025 is now open! Join us in Oak Brook, Illinois to celebrate 50 years of near-death studies! **Content:** It’s official: **[registration is now open](https://conference.iands.org/2025-registration/)** for IANDS Conference 2025. This year’s event is taking place **August 27th to August 31st in Oak Brook, Illinois** at the [Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center](https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/illinois/oak-brook/hilton-hotels/?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1hi2psh3ggl4advbpp5dkt6multibr7_153669424_1003528&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADOglH3rs0Lgm-uyPzT5wPKmHcVrl&gclid=CjwKCAjwwqfABhBcEiwAZJjC3udRx3IIG71lAe4PhhF_3Q6zhw_sz3TQitI1stU1VO0zn5vbA_L3ohoCWVUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds), where we’ll explore the extraordinary fields of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/) with over 100 speakers. Each IANDS Conference is special, but this year’s event will celebrate an important milestone—the publication of the landmark 1975 book [*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/). This pioneering work, penned by Dr. Raymond Moody MD, Ph.D., is often credited with launching the field of near-death studies. We’re excited for you to join us in celebrating the golden anniversary of this groundbreaking book that led to the creation of an entirely new field of scientific inquiry. And that’s not all you’ll find at IANDS Conference 2025, of course! Each year, more than 800 people come together to discuss near-death experiences (NDEs), related transpersonal experiences, and more. Near-death experiencers, healthcare providers, researchers, students, and those fascinated by the phenomena will share their experiences and knowledge with our ever-growing community. It’s an event like no other, and one you definitely wouldn’t want to miss. ## Unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and heal together IANDS Conference 2025 will feature [an incredible lineup of keynote speakers](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-here-are-the-pioneering-keynote-speakers/), including our man of the hour, Dr. Raymond Moody. He’ll be joined by Dr. Bruce Greyson, Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, attorney and medium Mark Anthony, author and researcher Caroline Myss, and celebrated local author Chaz Ebert, who produced her late husband Roger Ebert’s world famous TV show. In all, there will be more than 100 speakers presenting at IANDS Conference 2025, including experiencers, doctors, psychologists, clergy, social workers, and countless others. And if hearing their presentations isn’t enough, attendees can also [register to have lunch with speakers](https://conference.iands.org/#lunch) as well. Be sure to check out the [special workshops](https://conference.iands.org/#workshops) before and during the conference, featuring prominent educators, authors, and more. And attendees can also enjoy one-on-one healing room sessions including massage, Reiki, ancestral healing, biofield therapy, spiritual guidance, and more. ## Register for IANDS Conference 2025 today! This year’s IANDS Conference looks to be our most exciting and informative event to date, and we can’t wait to see you there. Registration is now open, so head over to our [official IANDS Conference Website](https://conference.iands.org/) and secure your seat at this remarkable event today! ![Iands conference 2025 pricing](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Conference-and-LiveeStream-price-chart-1.jpg "2025-conference-and-liveestream-price-chart 1 ‣ iands")*IANDS Conference 2025 pricing*Looking to save some money ahead of the big event? From now until July 14th, you can enjoy special *Early Bird* pricing of $356 for IANDS members and $404 for non-IANDS members. After that, the full prices will take effect—$436 for IANDS members, and $484 for non-members. Only need tickets for specific days? You can also purchase single day tickets, with early bird pricing for those as well. And if you’re unable to join us in the Windy City this August, you can still participate by viewing our live stream of the proceedings, which also has early bird and regular pricing. IANDS members get discounts to the IANDS conference, as well as several other extraordinary perks. If you’re not yet a member, this is a great time to consider [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/)! We’re looking forward to seeing you in Oak Brook this August at IANDS Conference 2025! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Bruce Greyson, Caroline Myss, Chaz Ebert, Chicago, Diane Hennacy Powell, IANDS, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, Life After Life, Mark Anthony, Oak Brook, Oak Brook Illinois, Raymond Moody --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Is an NDE the Same as Dying? What You Need to Know](https://iands.org/is-an-nde-the-same-as-dying/) **Published:** June 18, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Is an NDE the same as dying? Let's take a look at near-death experiences and try to better understand how and why having an NDE doesn't necessarily mean death. **Content:** It’s understandable that many people hear the phrase “[near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/)” and assume it means a person has actually died. You might wonder, is an NDE the same as dying? But while NDEs typically happen close to death, they are not the same as dying. In fact, many people who’ve had a near-death experience were never clinically dead at all. So what exactly separates an NDE from actual death? [Clinical death](https://www.life-source.org/latest/what-is-clinical-death/) is typically defined as a point at which a person has: - No detectable heartbeat - No observable respiration; they’re no longer breathing - No measurable brain activity Clinical death isn’t quite the same as *biological death*. A person who is clinically dead might still be able to be resuscitated, whereas those who are biologically dead can’t be. Some of those who’ve had near-death experiences were clinically dead while having them. But many others were *not* dead during their near-death experiences. And some people have also reported having experiences very similar to NDEs—what researchers refer to as “near-death-like experiences”, or NDLEs—at times when they’re not actually in any immediate danger. ***Check out our other [IANDS Q&As](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/), too!*** ## So what is an NDE, really? ![What happens during a near-death experience](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ai-generated-9201419_1280-e1744735979636-300x225.jpg "What-happens-during-a-near-death-experience ‣ iands")*Image by [Fifi](https://pixabay.com/users/falcozen-43288380/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9201419) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9201419)*We have [an article explaining what NDEs are](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) at greater length, and we recommend giving that a read if you’re interested in learning more. But let’s briefly summarize what an NDE is, in the context of answering the question at hand: *is an NDE the same as dying?* Simply put, an NDE is a profound and usually pleasurable experience in which a person experiences an otherworldly (but incredibly vivid and real) reality. This is often the result of a person being dead for a time, or in situations where they might reasonably expect to die—serious physical injury, illness, or situations of extreme danger, such as in combat or disasters. Near-death experiences have been reported in those who were clinically dead for a time. And for them, you might answer this question of whether an NDE is the same as dying differently. But death isn’t necessarily a factor in having an NDE. And NDLEs can occur when there’s no perceived risk of death at all, like during meditation or while coping with deep sorrow or grief. This is at least partly why some argue that NDEs do not provide definitive [proof of an afterlife](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-really-proof-of-the-afterlife/). And to non-experiencers, that seems to make sense. After all, if an experiencer wasn’t clinically dead, why would they visit the afterlife? Though many experiencers would argue that their own perspectives offer a degree of insight not afforded to those who haven’t had NDEs of their own. ## So what’s the verdict? Is an NDE the same as dying? Ultimately, no, an NDE is not the same as dying. Not everyone who has NDEs is clinically dead when they occur, and we can’t yet point toward conclusive science that proves an existence of an afterlife, or showcase that NDEs serve as some sort of bridge to one. But we also need to stress that the field of near-death studies is still comparatively young. New research emerges regularly, and our understanding of near-death experience is constantly evolving. At IANDS, we’re committed to finding the answers to these questions about near-death experiences and [related transpersonal experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). With contributions from people like you, IANDS can continue to research these extraordinary scientific phenomena while doing what we can to support experiencers and educate the world. Interested in supporting our nonprofit mission? Please consider [making a donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/), or perusing [the official IANDS shop](https://iands.org/shop/). Every contribution helps IANDS explore the extraordinary! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** clinical death, clinically dead, is a near death experience the same as dying, is a near-death experience the same as dying, is an NDE the same as dying, NDE, NDE q and A, nde Q&A, near death experience, near-death experience --- ### [Mayim Bialik Chats with Bruce Greyson on Remarkable 'Breakdown' Podcast](https://iands.org/mayim-bialik-chats-with-bruce-greyson-on-remarkable-breakdown-podcast/) **Published:** June 12, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Excerpt:** Check out the new episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown Podcast, where she sits for a chat about NDEs with IANDS founder Dr. Bruce Greyson. **Content:** ## Mayim Bialik Explores Near-Death Experiences With Bruce Greyson, MD, in Not-To-Be Missed ‘Breakdown’ Podcast Neuroscientist and actress Mayim Bialik, Ph.D., interviewed IANDS founder and University of Virginia Professor Emeritus Bruce Greyson, MD in a [compelling episode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94DiIktpYV8&feature=youtu.be) of her ‘Breakdown’ podcast. In this not-to-be-missed, 90-minute podcast, which references IANDS in the introduction, Greyson recounts how he was raised in a scientific, materialist household and describes the experiences that led him to become one of the most important [near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) researchers in history. Greyson says he met Raymond Moody just after publication of *Life and Life*, and Moody described the phenomenon of what Greyson had observed in his own work. ## ‘We’ve had crazy ideas throughout the centuries that turned out to be perfectly true’ “When you think about these experiences, how do you frame them in terms of our understanding of science? People used to think that the notion of germs was insane,” Bialik asked, prompting a fascinating discussion about the need to be open to possibilities that sometimes seem inconceivable. “We’ve had crazy ideas throughout the centuries that turned out to be perfectly true,” Greyson says. “I look at these things \[NDEs\] and I say there is no doubt they happen. I talk to thousands of people who had these experiences. They say it’s more real to them than talking to me is.” “When you ask somebody what happened in a near death experience, they almost always say ‘I can’t tell you. There are no words for it. Can’t be described,’” Greyson says. “And then we say ‘Great! Tell us about it.’ So we make them use metaphors and the metaphors that they tell us they get from their cultural background, their religious background,” he continues. “Although the phenomena they report are the same around the world and going back to ancient Greece and Rome, the cultural background of these people will determine how they describe it to us.” Greyson says people all over the world will talk about encountering a warm, loving being of light that makes them feel welcomed and unconditionally loved. He explains that people in the western world may use words like ‘God’ or ‘Christ’ while people who are Hindu or Buddhist won’t use those words. “People will tell me ‘I’m going to say God, but this is not the guy we talk about in church. It’s much bigger than that,’” Greyson adds. ## NDE Episode of Breakdown Podcast explores the science behind NDEs In their wide-ranging discussion, Greyson and Bialik explore research into physical and biochemical explanations for NDEs, and research into psychedelics and the similar experiences they can produce. Greyson also talks about the impact that NDEs have on people, changing the course of their lives. “No matter what they thought of death going into NDEs, they are no longer afraid coming out,” he says. He notes that experiences often change their careers, entering helping professions and finding themselves more spiritual, often embracing many spiritual environments, rather than a single faith tradition. Greyson and Bialik also explore the importance of maintaining open minds to ideas that some might describe as outlandish or insupportable. “Way back in the sixties and seventies when I was going through college and medical school, I was told that one-third of what you are taught in medical school is totally wrong. The problem is, we don’t know which third it is. So we are told ‘don’t take all of this as gospel.’ This is our understanding as of now,” he said. “When you look at the science of 100 years ago, we laugh at some of the things they believed and I’m sure that people 100 years from now, they will laugh at what we believe.” He added, “That’s what science is—it’s getting better and better models that can improve on the ones we had last year or last decade.” This is a[ podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94DiIktpYV8) you’ll want to hear – and share with your most skeptical friends and family. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae39ffb0c0186bf1337a76e224c5f786fa745236c8e2714f0c2706328dc0f9f4?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Janet Riley [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Breakdown, Breakdown Podcast, Breakdown with Mayim Bialik, Bruce Greyson, Mayim Bialik --- ### [IANDS Conference 2025: Here are the Pioneering Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/iands-conference-2025-here-are-the-pioneering-keynote-speakers/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** IANDS Conference 2025 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Raymond Moody's critical book 'Life After Life'. Take a look at this year's list of keynotes! **Content:** IANDS Conference 2025 will mark a major early milestone in the history of near-death studies—we’ll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of [*Life after Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/), the groundbreaking book by Dr. Raymond Moody that helped introduce [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/ "What is a Near-Death Experience or ‘NDE’?") (NDEs) to the mainstream. ![Speakers at iands conference 2025 will include dr. Bruce greyson, dr. Raymond moody, caroline myss, dr. Diane hennacy powell, and mark anthony](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/600-px-wide-speaker-graphic.jpg "600-px-wide-speaker-graphic ‣ iands")Speakers at IANDS Conference 2025 will include Dr. Bruce Greyson, Dr. Raymond Moody, Caroline Myss, Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, and Mark AnthonyThis year’s lineup of keynote speakers brings together leaders in research, medicine, and spirituality, including two of IANDS’s founders—the aforementioned Dr. Moody and, fresh off [his recent Oprah Podcast interview](https://iands.org/see-the-remarkable-oprah-interview-with-iands-co-founder-bruce-greyson/), Dr. Bruce Greyson. Even more big names will join this impressive list of keynotes, too: - You may know noted psychologist and author **Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell** from [*The Telepathy Tapes*](https://thetelepathytapes.com/) podcast. She’ll discuss human consciousness and her focus on nonverbal, autistic savants. - Attorney and medium **Mark Anthony**—*[The Psychic Lawyer](https://www.afterlifefrequency.com/)*—will discuss mediumship. - Author and human consciousness teacher [**Caroline Myss**](https://myss.com/) will discuss the relationship between emotional patterns and illness - Famed author, producer, and *[It’s Time to Give a Feck](https://giveafeck.com/)* author **Chaz Ebert** will deliver a special pre-conference address on August 26th This year’s conference will feature lectures, workshops, and panels, as well as a healing room offering wellness sessions and services, plus an onsite bookstore. ## When and where is IANDS Conference 2025? IANDS Conference 2025 will take place **August 27th through August 31st** at the [Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center](https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/illinois/oak-brook/hilton-hotels/) in Oak Brook, Illinois. The annual IANDS Conference regularly draws crowds of 800 people fascinated by near-death experiences and related phenomena. [Online registration for IANDS Conference 2025](https://conference.iands.org/) will open in late May, so be sure to start planning for this fascinating yearly event. **We’re looking forward to seeing you in Chicago as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this remarkable literary work** that directly influenced the birth of near-death studies as an emerging scientific field. Not yet an IANDS member? [Consider joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) to unlock IANDS conference 2025 perks, including discounts, special dinners with speakers, and more! ![The prices for iands conference 2025](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Conference-and-LiveeStream-price-chart-1.jpg "2025-conference-and-liveestream-price-chart 1 ‣ iands")The prices for IANDS Conference 2025 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** 2025 IANDS Conference, Bruce Greyson, Caroline Myss, Chaz Ebert, Diane Hennacy Powell, Dr. Bruce Greyson, Dr. Raymond Moody, IANDS conference, IANDS Conference 2025, It's Time to Give a Feck, Life After Life, Mark Anthony, Oak Brook, Oak Brook Il, Oak Brook Illinois, Oak Brooks Hills Resort, Raymond Moody, The Psychic Lawyer --- ### [IANDS Q&A: Can Near-Death Experiences be Scientifically Explained?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-near-death-experiences-be-scientifically-explained/) **Published:** May 28, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Can near-death experiences be scientifically explained? In this IANDS Q&A, we tackle one of the biggest lingering questions regarding near-death studies. **Content:** Here’s one of the biggest questions faced by researchers in the field of near-death studies. Can near-death experiences be scientifically explained? Do we scientifically understand what causes them or what they mean? Big questions are often coupled with big responses, but this is one instance where we can sum things rather quickly. **No, near-death experiences cannot yet be scientifically explained**. We don’t yet understand what causes near-death experiences (NDEs), or why they present the way they do. There have been countless theories regarding what NDEs are and what causes them, but many of these have been debunked. And while IANDS and other organizations in the field of near-death studies have made tremendous strides over the past forty to fifty years, we’re still uncovering new facts about NDEs today. ## Many attempts at offering scientific explanations have been insufficient (or even debunked) Through the years, a number of scientific explanations have been offered that might explain what’s happening before, during, and after an NDE. But most of these theories are insufficient, anecdotal, or even debunked outright, thanks in large part to the work of the dedicated researchers involved in near-death studies. ![Can near-death experiences be scientifically explained yet, or are we still working toward finding the answers?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brain-icon-3268442_1280-300x300.jpg "Brain-icon-3268442_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Mohamed Hassan](https://pixabay.com/users/mohamed_hassan-5229782/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3268442) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3268442)Some have posited that NDEs are the result of hallucinations—the brain is in extreme duress and is struggling to interpret reality. But NDEs involve heightened consciousness and lucidity. They’re incredibly vivid—many experiencers say they’re more vivid and lucid than waking life, or “more real than real” as some have stated. Their psychological impacts and long-term effects tend to be positive. So no, NDEs are not hallucinations. What about oxygen deprivation? Are NDEs caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain? This is another theory that doesn’t account for all of the features of NDEs. Some NDEs have been reported in clinical settings where the patient’s O2 levels were being actively and consistently monitored. Cerebral anoxia—what happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen—isn’t always a factor in NDEs. And what do researchers think about the theory that NDEs are rooted in hormonal releases? Some researchers have proposed that hormonal surges, such as endorphins, dopamine, or naturally-occuring DMT, may cause NDEs. But there is no conclusive evidence that they can produce the highly structured, often veridical experiences reported in NDES. Hormones may play a role in NDEs, but there’s no conclusive data proving they’re a major contributing factor. We simply do not have compelling evidence to support this theory. ## Can near-death experiences be scientifically explained in the future? As it stands, we still can’t scientifically explain near-death experiences. But the field of near-death studies is devoted to unraveling these answers. And these researchers—neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors, and even amateur researchers—are working diligently to solve these mysteries. At IANDS, we’re committed to aiding researchers unravel these mysteries, while also helping the world better understand near-death experiences and related phenomena. [Your contributions](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) can help further this important work. And if you’ve had a near-death experience, please consider [submitting this valuable NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) to our ever-growing research database. We may not know the answers just yet. But can near-death experiences be scientifically explained in the future? We have no reason to believe they can’t be. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** aftereffects of near-death experiences, can NDEs be scientifically explained, can near-death experiences be scientifically explained, consciousness research, DMT and consciousness, hallucination theories of NDEs, hormones and near-death experiences, IANDS Q&A, IANDS QA, NDE research, near-death studies, neuroscience of near-death experiences, oxygen deprivation and near-death experiences, science and NDE research, scientific explanation of NDEs, spiritual experiences in clinical settings, verdicial perception --- ### [IANDS Earns New Candid Guidestar Platinum Transparency Seal](https://iands.org/iands-earns-new-guidestar-platinum-transparency-seal/) **Published:** May 20, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** IANDS is proud to announce we’ve earned the Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal—the highest level of recognition for nonprofit accountability. **Content:** We’re proud to announce that **IANDS has earned the Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal** from [Candid](https://blog.candid.org/), the nation’s leading source for nonprofit information and accountability. It’s an important distinction that places IANDS among a select group of nonprofit organizations recognized by Candid for their unwavering commitment to transparency, ethical operations, and public trust. By sharing comprehensive information regarding programs, financials, impact, and organization structure, we’ve demonstrated that IANDS sets high standards of trust and accountability. It’s a meaningful recognition that affirms our efforts are making a real difference. ## What is the Candid Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal? [![Iands holds a guidestar platinum transparency award from candid](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/iands-2025-candid-seal-platinum-300x300.jpg "Iands-2025-candid-seal-platinum ‣ iands")](https://app.candid.org/profile/6868090/)IANDS holds a Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal from CandidGuidestar, which is now part of Candid, provides a framework for evaluating the integrity and transparency of nonprofits. IANDS previously held a Gold Transparency seal, but moved up to a Candid Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal in 2025. It’s Candid’s highest mark of recognition, and we couldn’t be prouder of earning this achievement. The Candid Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal is reserved for organizations that share more than basic disclosures with their constituents. It reflects detailed reporting on goals, strategies, capabilities, and measurable progress toward mission-drive results. ## Transparency matters In a world where misinformation is given as much oxygen as facts and scams lurk around every corner, transparency is more important than ever. We need to know that our generous contributions to nonprofits like IANDS will be applied as advertised and directly help move the cause forward. For IANDS, this recognition isn’t merely a badge. It’s a public affirmation of the standards we pride ourselves on upholding both internally and externally. We strive to keep our donors, members, researchers, and the public informed, and to ensure IANDS upholds our commitment to providing honest, evidence-informed, accessible resources for everyone we serve. IANDS donors, members, volunteers, and supporters deserve to know where their contributions are going. Researchers and practitioners need reliable data and context. And those seeking help, healing, or answers deserve confidence in the organization they’re turning to for information and support. “We are proud of the transparency we strive to offer and honored to be recognized with the highest level Platinum seal from Candid,” said IANDS’s President Jan Holden. “We hope this seal gives our members and donors even greater confidence that we are operating IANDS in an effective, strategic and transparent manner as we seek to fulfill our mission. To **advance global understanding of near-death experiences** and related phenomena through research, education, and supportive communities and resources.” ## IANDS thanks you, our supporters, for making this possible! IANDS never would’ve earned this Candid Guidestar Platinum Transparency seal without you. Your continued commitment and trust empowers IANDS to keep pushing forward, exploring the extraordinary and the frontiers of consciousness. We’re excited to continue researching and advocating for greater awareness and understanding around near-death and related phenomena. And we thank you for [giving to our cause](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), [becoming members](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), and participating in our quest to grow our understanding and educate the world in these fascinating subjects. We invite you to [view our Candid profile](https://app.candid.org/profile/6868090/) and see exactly how your support makes a difference. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Candid, Guidestar, Guidestar Platinum Transparency, Guidestar Platinum Transparency Seal, Guidestar Transparency, IANDS, the international association for near-death studies --- ### [IANDS Q&A: The Most Common, Important Elements of NDEs?](https://iands.org/what-are-the-most-common-elements-of-a-near-death-experience/) **Published:** May 6, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What are the most common elements of a near-death experience, or NDE? In this IANDS Q&A we take a brief look at the common characteristics of NDEs. **Content:** What are the most common elements of a near-death experience, or “NDE”? We have an article that answers that question at length—be sure to read *[The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/)* for a more detailed answer—but for now, let’s just briefly go over the most common elements of NDEs. ## What are the most common elements of a near-death experience? Many experiencers report having **an out-of-body experience**, often but not always at the start or end of their NDE. Some even say they’ve watched efforts to resuscitate them, or watched their own surgeries, accurately reporting events and conversations they weren’t conscious for. ![What happens during a near-death experience](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ai-generated-9201419_1280-e1744735979636-300x225.jpg "What-happens-during-a-near-death-experience ‣ iands")Image by [Fifi](https://pixabay.com/users/falcozen-43288380/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9201419) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9201419)You’ve probably heard references to “the light at the end of the tunnel” or “going toward the light”, either in everyday conversation or through pop culture. That’s another common element of near-death experiences. There’s almost always **a sense of rapidly moving toward a light**—a tunnel of darkness with an indescribable light at the end of it. It’s quite common to also experience **encounters with people or beings**. This might be a person you’ve known (alive or deceased), pets, animals, or even other beings entirely, such as religious figures or beings experiencers can’t quite describe. During these encounters, communications are often between minds rather than through spoken words. There’s also typically an event NDE researchers refer to as a **life review**, where the experiencer relives moments from their life and feels the emotional impacts of those moments on other people involved. You might say this falls in line with the popular saying of someone having their “life flash before their eyes”. NDEs also commonly include **extremely intense emotions** of either peace, security, and love, or horror, fear, and loss. This is often a defining characteristic of [pleasurable and distressing NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/). Many experiencers also note having heightened abilities to think clearly and observe their surroundings, and some even say they experience a flood of knowledge. ## IANDS works tirelessly to research near-death experiences The field of near-death studies is relatively young in the world of science. We’ve learned a lot about the nature of near-death experiences, but we still have a long way to go toward fully understanding them. We know about the most common elements of near-death experiences through several decades of scientific research, analyzing thousands upon thousands of reports from the people who’ve experienced NDEs. And we’re confident that one day, this work will lead us to answers not only about near-death and related phenomena, but bigger questions about human consciousness and the nature of life. Our website is jam-packed with useful information regarding near-death experiences and the scientific research involved in near-death studies. Consider spending some time to [learn about near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), read useful information on [NDE support](https://iands.org/support/), or peruse some of our [research](https://iands.org/nde-research/). If you’re looking to support our mission at IANDS, you could [donate to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), [become an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/), join [IANDS groups](https://isgo.iands.org/), or attend [our annual conference](https://conference.iands.org/). Or just share this article on your favorite social media platform and help spread the word! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** common features NDE, common features near-death experience, common NDE elements, common near-death experience elements, elements of NDEs, NDE, near-death experience, what are the most common elements of a near-death experience, what are the most common elements of an NDE --- ### [See the Remarkable Oprah Interview with IANDS Co-Founder Bruce Greyson](https://iands.org/see-the-remarkable-oprah-interview-with-iands-co-founder-bruce-greyson/) **Published:** May 1, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Excerpt:** IANDS co-founder Bruce Greyson recently sat down for an interview with the legendary Oprah Winfrey. See the full Oprah Interview here! **Content:** Oprah Winfrey spotlighted [near-dear experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) (NDEs) this week in her *[Oprah Podcast](https://www.oprah.com/app/own-podcasts.html)*, interviewing IANDS co-founder [Dr. Bruce Greyson](https://www.brucegreyson.com/) and several near-death experiencers, including orthopedic surgeon [Dr. Mary Neal](https://www.drmaryneal.com/), Academy Award-winning actor [Jeremy Renner](https://www.instagram.com/jeremyrenner/) and Grammy-winning songwriter and producer [Harmony H-Money Samuels](https://www.instagram.com/harmonysamuels/). Oprah mentioned the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) in the first minutes of the podcast and discussed Greyson’s role in founding IANDS. During the 70 minutes podcast, Oprah delves into the origins of the field of near-death experience research, common themes in NDEs reported by experiencers, the impacts of NDEs on people’s lives, and the lessons NDEs offer all of humanity. ## The Oprah Interview with Bruce Greyson Offers Fresh Perspectives Greyson describes his initial skepticism about NDEs and the eventual shift in his thinking that inspired him to devote his life to the field as a professor in the [University of Virginia School of Medicine Division of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/). “I’ve seen so many examples of people whose brains were obviously not functioning well at all, and yet they describe their consciousness as more vivid than ever before,” Greyson explains. He also tells Oprah that NDEs are common experiences around the world, in all cultures and throughout history. “Some get it through meditation, or through prayer, or just spontaneously, The near-death experience is one precipitant for that experience,” he says. ![The oprah interview with bruce greyson highlights the remarkable nature of ndes from the perspectives of those who lived them](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Bruce-Greyson-on-Oprah-Winfrey.jpg "Bruce greyson on oprah winfrey ‣ iands")Dr. Bruce Greyson and Oprah Winfrey discuss NDEs in a new episode of her wildly popular and inspiring *Oprah Podcast*Jeremy Renner, whose NDE occurred following [his harrowing 2023 accident](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/28/jeremy-renner-snowplough-accident), appeared awestruck by the experience and struggled to find words to describe it, a common reaction among experiencers. “It’s the collective divinity of love,” Renner says. He also talks about how his life priorities have shifted. ”Love is the only thing you take with you when you die,” he adds. “Nothing else freakin’ matters besides what you love, and love unequivocally.” In a poignant moment, Dr. Mary Neal described how her NDE and the hope and future it showed here enabled her to cope with the later death of her son. “Even in the midst of my sorrow I experienced great joy. And that joy is because of knowing, trusting spiritual truth.” ## See Oprah’s Interview with Dr. Bruce Greyson Here! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae39ffb0c0186bf1337a76e224c5f786fa745236c8e2714f0c2706328dc0f9f4?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Janet Riley [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Bruce Greyson, Dr. Bruce Greyson, Dr. Mary Neal, Jeremy Renner, Jeremy Renner NDE, Jeremy Renner near-death experience, Mary Neal, Oprah, Oprah Podcast, Oprah Winfrey, OWN Podcast --- ### ['Virtual NDE': Spectacular New IANDS Video Simulates NDEs](https://iands.org/virtual-nde-spectacular-new-iands-video-simulates-ndes/) **Published:** March 11, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:**  A new VR experience crafted in collaboration with IANDS offers an innovative perspective on near-death experiences. **Content:** Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have a near-death experience (NDE)? If so, the new **[Virtual NDE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwYF8fE9OuI) video from IANDS** offers a breathtaking, first-of-its-kind **simulated glimpse into this profound phenomenon**. Created in partnership with IANDS by two brilliant creators—**digital technologist Virgil Wong** and **hypnotherapist Daniel Ryan**—this immersive virtual reality (VR) experience brings you closer than ever to the transformative elements described by thousands of real NDE experiencers. The Virtual NDE video [debuted on March 11, 2025](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-releases-virtual-reality-video-to-simulate-reported-experiences/), and is now available to the public. Scroll down to watch it here, or visit the [Virtual NDE official website](https://virtualnde.org) to experience it in full. ## **A Stunning VR Simulation Grounded in Real Near-Death Accounts** While no two near-death experiences are exactly alike, researchers have identified many shared NDE characteristics. So to ensure accuracy and emotional depth, Wong and Ryan incorporated real-life testimonies from the **[IANDS NDE Accounts Registry](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/)**—the most comprehensive resource of its kind. The result is a video that’s not only visually powerful, but **authentically representative of near-death phenomena** as reported by thousands of individuals. > *“Our goal was to respectfully simulate the emotional and spiritual landscape of the NDE—not to replicate any one person’s experience, but to offer an evocative glimpse of what many people describe,”* said co-creator Daniel Ryan. The project also received key contributions from IANDS members **Daniel Endy, Evan Mecham, and Bob Coppes**, ensuring the video remained scientifically and spiritually aligned with real research in near-death studies. ### **How to Experience the Virtual NDE** The Virtual NDE video is best enjoyed using a VR headset such as the [Meta Quest 3](https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3/), [Sony PlayStation VR2](https://direct.playstation.com/en-us/buy-consoles/playstationvr2), or a compatible PC-based headset. Don’t have VR gear? No problem. You can still explore the experience on your **desktop or laptop computer** (navigate with mouse or keyboard), or using your **smartphone** (tap or swipe to move through the space). For the most immersive experience, **headphones are highly recommended**. ## IANDS Strives to Educate the World on Near-Death Experiences **At IANDS**, our mission is to **advance global understanding of near-death experiences through research, education, and support**. And we hope this captivating VR experience will be the starting point on your journey to [learn more about near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/). **[Join IANDS today](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/)** and receive exclusive access to research, events, community groups, and more. And be sure to explore our site to learn more about NDEs, [find support](https://iands.org/support/), and explore our [NDE research](https://iands.org/nde-research/) and [education](https://iands.org/education/) resources. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** Bob Coppes, Daniel Endy, Daniel Ryan, Evan Mecham, IANDS, Virgil Wong, virtual NDE, virtual reality, VR, VR experience --- ### [IANDS Q&A: What Happens During a Near-Death Experience?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-during-a-near-death-experience/) **Published:** April 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What happens during a near-death experience? What do people witness, and what's happening to the body? This Q&A entry discusses both questions in detail. **Content:** What happens during a near-death experience (NDE)? That’s actually two questions rolled into one. And the answers to each are equally fascinating, too. So in our very first IANDS Q&A story, we’re going to briefly look at both of these questions: - **What happens during a near-death experience in terms of the experience itself?** What is the experience like? And what does someone witness during an NDE? - **What happens during a near-death experience with regards to a person’s physical being?** Do we know what’s happening in the brain or body during an NDE? Are they caused by something happening to a person physically, or is an NDE something else? These are big questions, so let’s dive straight in and answer each of them separately. ## What happens during a near-death experience? What’s it like? No two NDEs are identical, but they do typically share a number of defining features. And those features are extremely vivid and detailed, too. It’s often said that an NDE is “More real than real”—many say their NDE felt more real to them than everyday life. People often experience intense emotions during their NDE, and the tone of those emotions defines whether it’s classified as a [pleasurable or distressing NDE](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/). In a pleasurable NDE, a person experiences profound peace and wellbeing. But during a distressing NDE, they might face extreme horror, fear, or loss. Some of the other common features that happen during a near-death experience include: ![What happens during a near-death experience both physically and regarding the experience itself?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ai-generated-9201417_1280-300x300.jpg "Near-death-experiences-tunnel-of-light ‣ iands")Image by [Fifi](https://pixabay.com/users/falcozen-43288380/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9201417) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=9201417)- **An “out of body” experience**. Some have described standing outside of their own bodies, watching efforts to resuscitate them, watching their own surgeries, etc. Some have even accurately reported events and conversations that took place near them when they shouldn’t have been physically capable of witnessing or hearing these things. - **Moving through darkness toward a “light”**. People describe moving quickly through dark space toward a light source they often can’t quite describe. - **Encountering people or beings**. It’s common for people to say they had conversations with deceased family or friends, or spent time with deceased pets. Some even say they’ve met other, unknown beings or religious figures. This can be heartwarming or terrifying, depending on what sort of NDE the person is having. - **A “life review”**, during which a person relives past actions and feels the emotional impact of those events on others. ## What happens during a near-death experience physically? Near-death experiences are brought on by serious and oftentimes life-threatening situations where a person is either very close to death, or is clinically dead for some amount of time. These might involve accidents, surgeries, combat scenarios, or other dangerous situations. And some research suggests people suffering cardiac arrest may be more likely to have an NDE. Some people also have what researchers refer to as “near-death-like experiences” where a person may not be danger of dying, but experience something similar or even identical to an NDE. For instance, people have had these “NDLEs” during extreme physical exertion, deep meditation, and in moments of grief. But what happens during a near-death experience physically? What’s happening in the brain or elsewhere in a person’s physical body? The answer may be a little underwhelming here—we genuinely do not know. Not yet, anyway. Science simply doesn’t yet understand what causes NDEs or what’s happening in the brain during one. There have been numerous theories posited through the years, of course. For instance, some believe it stems from hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), or drugs from anesthetics, or neurochemical releases. But there is substantial evidence discrediting each of these ideas out of hand. **Read more:** [What Causes Near-Death Experiences and Who Has Them?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/) ## Help IANDS find the answers While we don’t yet fully understand what happens during a near-death experience, we can say the field of near-death studies has been advancing steadily for more than 40 years. And at IANDS, we’re confident we’ll one day know what causes NDEs and what they truly mean. Interested in learning more? Exploring the IANDS site will lead you to invaluable information regarding near-death experiences and the rapidly growing field of near-death studies. You can [learn about near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), read useful information on [NDE support](https://iands.org/support/), and dive into fascinating [research](https://iands.org/nde-research/). If you’re looking to support our important mission, you might consider [donating to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/), [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/), joining [IANDS groups](https://isgo.iands.org/), or attending [our annual conference](https://conference.iands.org/). Even simply sharing our articles on the social media platform of your choosing helps IANDS and lets you join us in exploring the extraordinary! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS Q&A **Tags:** distressing nde, going toward the light, life review, moving toward the light, NDE, near-death experience, out of body experience, pleasurable nde, what happens during a near-death experience, what happens during an nde --- ### ['Impressions of Near-Death Experiences' Now Available on Audible](https://iands.org/impressions-of-near-death-experiences-now-available-on-audible/) **Published:** April 29, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** 'Impressions of Near-Death Experiences' by accomplished NDE researcher Bob Coppes is now available on Audible and Amazon as an audiobook. **Content:** The subject of near-death experiences, or *NDEs,* is one of the most fascinating—and profoundly human—in modern science. And the book **[Impressions of Near-Death Experiences](https://www.amazon.com/Impressions-Near-Death-Experiences-Quotations-Experiencers-ebook/dp/B0CJHLVN2G?ref_=ast_author_dp)** by respected NDE researcher and IANDS board member [Bob Coppes](https://www.bobcoppes.com/) offers an intriguing glimpse into the extraordinary field of near-death studies from the perspectives of those who’ve lived these extraordinary stories. Now, this widely praised collection of firsthand near-death experience quotations is available in audiobook form, inviting listeners into the words and wisdom of more than 100 experiencers from around the world.. Originally published in 2023, *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences: Quotations From Over 100 Experiencers* presents hundreds of carefully selected quotes that illuminate the remarkable features commonly reported during NDEs. And Coppes organizes these accounts in a way that is accessible to both seasoned researchers and those new to the topic of near-death experiences. *Impressions* is narrated by the talented and versatile voice actor [Darren McEnaney](https://www.darrenmcenaney.com/). Across more than eight hours of content, listeners are immersed in the words of experiencers themselves, creating a vivid and deeply personal journey through some of humanity’s most extraordinary encounters with life, death, and what may lie beyond. ## Inside *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences* ![The cover of impressions of near-death experiences by bob coppes](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/impressions-of-near-death-experiences.jpg "Impressions-of-near-death-experiences ‣ iands")Research shows conclusively that [NDEs share a number of defining characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/). But these characteristics aren’t always described to the public in an easily understood way. And that’s where *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences* truly excels. One of the strengths of *Impressions* is its balance of accessibility and insight. Coppes avoids heavy academic jargon, allowing the voices of experiencers to take center stage while still presenting a thoughtfully organized exploration of shared NDE themes. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply someone curious about what near-death experiences can reveal about human consciousness, this book provides a compelling and deeply human perspective. *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences* is available in three formats: paperback for $19.95, Kindle eBook for $9.99, and audiobook for $17.46. All editions are available through Amazon and Audible. If you’re looking to better understand the profound insights offered by near-death experiencers — or to hear their remarkable words brought to life through voice — *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences* is an essential addition to your collection. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News **Tags:** Bob Coppes, book, Impressions of Near-Death Experiences, NDE book, near-death experience, near-death experience book, quotations from over 100 experiences, Robert Christopher Coppes, Robert Coppes --- ### [ESPN Spotlights Amazing NDE Story During Organ Transplant](https://iands.org/espn-spotlights-amazing-nde-story-during-organ-transplant/) **Published:** November 26, 2024 **Author:** Janet Riley **Excerpt:** In a story originally broadcast by ESPN, Richard Bremer shared an incredible NDE story that happened during a life-saving transplant surgery. **Content:** ***Update (December 11, 2024):** Megan Twist and Richard Bremer were honored with [a Disney Spirit Award](https://georgiadogs.com/news/2024/12/11/general-disney-spirit-award-given-to-georgia-fans-for-connection-and-school-spirit) after ESPN shared their experience, including Bremer’s incredible NDE story.* ![](https://photos.fife.usercontent.google.com/pw/AP1GczPN7uYhAI2px3lGcVlW_cNSXcckrs1Mm__3bxvt4yK45RfoJx7fHzrtqw=w1651-h1179-s-no-gm?authuser=0)ESPN recently featured the touching story of young Georgia Bulldog fan Megan Twist, who suffered a severe car accident and head injury on November 26, 2016, in Jacksonville, and donated her lungs to a University of Florida fan and sarcoidosis sufferer Richard Bremer. Amazingly, during the transplant surgery, Richard reported that a young woman greeted him in a light-filled near-death experience and told him it wasn’t his time. When he awakened in his hospital bed, he saw a news report about Megan’s death and told his family that it was Megan he saw in the light. He then learned that he had received her lungs. The experience changed Richard on many levels, including shifting his football loyalty from the Florida Gators to the Georgia Bulldogs! November 28 – Thanksgiving in the U.S. — marks the 8th anniversary of Megan’s transition and generous organ donation. IANDS is holding Megan and her family in our hearts and sending love and light. We also wish Richard continuing good health and we thank him for helping build awareness of near-death experiences. > Megan Twist & Richard Bremer are '24 Disney Spirit Award recipients at the College Football Awards > > Recognized for acts of compassion & courage, Megan's organ donation gave Richard a 2nd chance & forged a bond that surpasses school rivalries[@JenLada](https://twitter.com/JenLada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s [@CollegeGameDay](https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) feature ⬇️ > > — ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) [December 13, 2024](https://twitter.com/ESPNPR/status/1867409197786136788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae39ffb0c0186bf1337a76e224c5f786fa745236c8e2714f0c2706328dc0f9f4?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Janet Riley [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) **Categories:** NDE News, News **Tags:** ESPN, NDE, organ transplant --- ### [2025 IANDS Spring Symposium: What You Need to Know](https://iands.org/2025-iands-spring-symposium-what-you-need-to-know/) **Published:** March 20, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium explores healing, spirituality, and clinical care through the lens of near-death experiences. Join us online April 26th. **Content:** It simply cannot be overstated just how significant it would be for patients if more healthcare providers had a better understanding of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs), and similar phenomena such as [after-death communication](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/). And **the 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium** will offer an informative and engaging discussion on this topic. How can healthcare providers ensure they’re **offering their best care** when interacting with a patient reporting a near-death experience? How can they **best approach the spiritual/religious aspects** of NDEs and related experiences? And how can we **advocate for best practices** in clinical and academic healthcare settings? **Join us for the 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium on Saturday, April 26th**. This virtually-hosted live event brings together thought leaders, researchers, experiencers, and seekers from around the world. Whether you’re newly exploring near-death and related experiences or have long been part of this community, the 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium is your chance to go deeper. And **some healthcare professionals can earn five hours of continuing education for attending**, too! ## 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium: Registration opens April 1st The 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium will be **an immersive experience**, featuring presentations from uniquely qualified speakers representing a range of perspectives. You’ll enjoy live panel discussions on healthcare, spirituality, consciousness, and integration. You’ll hear personal stories from experiencers that will open your heart as much as your mind. And breakout sessions will offer opportunities for deeper reflection and community dialogue. **Registration for the 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium opens April 1st**. [Visit the IANDS Symposium site](https://symposium.iands.org/) for more information and to review the full event schedule. ![The 2025 iands spring symposium will offer five hours of continuing education for some healthcare professionals](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Banner-for-2025-Spring-Symposium-3-1024x232.jpg "2025 iands spring symposium—banner ‣ iands")The 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium will offer five hours of continuing education for some healthcare professionalsYou’ll need to head there and log in or create an account to register. Tickets cost $95 per person—[IANDS Members](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) pay just $60—and students can attend for $30. Please note there is a $15 fee for those seeking a continuing education certificate or a certificate of completion. Can’t make it to the live, online event? No worries! You’ll be able to view a recording of the livestream via VOD (video on demand), with the sessions remaining hosted for one full year. And yes, the five hours of continuing education will still be available to some of those healthcare professionals watching the replays. The IANDS Spring Symposium isn’t just another virtual event. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, grow, and be inspired by a community committed to **healing, consciousness, and whole-person care**. We hope to see you there! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** health care, healthcare, IANDS, IANDS Symposium, Jan Holden, religion, spirituality, Spring Symposium, Symposium --- ### [CE Contact Hours: Nurses Can Now Secure Credit with IANDS](https://iands.org/ce-contact-hours-nurses-can-now-secure-credit-with-iands/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Nurses and other healthcare providers can earn 21 CE contact hours while learning about near-death experiences (NDEs) with IANDS. **Content:** Interest amongst healthcare professionals regarding [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs) has been growing rapidly in recent years. And now, **nurses and other healthcare providers** can benefit from their curiosity by **earning 21 continuing education contact hours** through an accredited training opportunity offered by IANDS. These CE contact hours that can **make a huge difference in the lives of your patients**. This unique offering provides an **in-depth, research-backed** exploration of **near-death experiences**. Additionally, it can help patient care professionals, clinicians, therapists, and others **better understand and serve the needs of patients** who’ve experienced NDEs and similar spiritually transformative events. ## Transformative Care for NDE Patients ![Earning ce contact hours with iands can be transformative both for healthcare providers and their patients](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/manzana-3422179_1280-300x200.jpg "An apple wrapped with a stethoscope ‣ iands")Image by [fernando zhiminaicela](https://pixabay.com/users/fernandozhiminaicela-6246704/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3422179) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3422179)Of course, healthcare providers learn a great deal about preventing death. And they typically learn quite a bit about helping patients and their families cope with grief. But **what happens when they encounter a patient that just went through a near-death experience**? Healthcare professionals may not fully understand the near-death experience of their patient. They may tune it out, write it off, or otherwise approach the topic with **unhealthy skepticism**. But NDEs are no longer considered fringe topics—these are **widely documented phenomena** with insurmountable evidence and rapidly growing research support. Once healthcare providers realize this, they’ll approach these patients with an entirely different mindset. And that can make a world of difference for a patient who just went through an NDE of their own. And that’s why these CE contact hours are so important. **Near-death experiences are highly transformative events**. They can change the entire worldly perspective of a patient, impacting their personal relationships, their world views, and more. With these CE contact hours, **healthcare providers can help these patients understand their NDE** with clarity and objectivity. ## Earn 21 CE Contact Hours in this Unique, Eye-Opening Learning Program The 21 CE contact hours you can earn here have approval from the [American Holistic Nurses Association](https://www.ahna.org/Education), an organization with [ANCC accreditation](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/accreditation/). This is a formal continuing professional development activity for nurses and other healthcare providers. This specialized, research-based education offers training in practical care approaches you won’t find anywhere else. All while fulfilling your requirements for CE contact hours with fascinating and refreshing subject matter. Here’s how to enroll: - [Click here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ev4dJRtXiAX3jerhPbo1SJGuGMI68Ika/edit?tab=t.0) to see the complete list of sessions approved for continuing education credits. - **IANDS members pay $79** for the learning materials, while **non-members pay $99**. [Join IANDS today](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) to gain access to all of our exciting members-only discounts and benefits - **[Click here to enroll](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ4UwiE-_bT9LweDWH-YXpDoDKRAGjO7tNSXAutznHOF2UEQ/viewform) in our CE contact hours course** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** American Holistic Nurses Association, ANCC, CE, CE contact hours, contact hours, continuing education, continuing education contact hours, NDE, nurse, nursing --- ### ['The Self Does Not Die' Wins Stunning New Award](https://iands.org/the-self-does-not-die-wins-stunning-new-award/) **Published:** March 19, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** 'The Self Does Not Die' earns top honors from the Scientific and Medical Network, joining a legacy of award-winning near-death research. **Content:** The [Scientific and Medical Network](https://scientificandmedical.net/) (SMN) has honored *[The Self Does Not Die: Verified Paranormal Phenomena from Near-Death Experiences](https://a.co/d/d7mEyFj)* with its coveted 2024 Network Book Prize. The UK-based organization presents this annual honor to the most impactful book published by an SMN member within the year. ![The self does not die, published by iands in 2023, has been awarded the prestigious smn book prize](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-self-does-not-die-full-209x300.jpg "The self does not die ‣ iands")The Self Does Not Die, published by IANDS in 2023, has been awarded the prestigious SMN Book Prize*The Self Does Not Die* presents compelling research-backed evidence that consciousness is not a product of the brain. The book, published by IANDS in 2023, presents 128 carefully documented near-death experiences (NDEs). Each NDE is verified by medical professionals and other independent witnesses. And it’s an important work that challenges conventional views of consciousness and reality. This acclaimed work was co-authored by Titus Rivas (a member of the [IANDS Advisory Board](https://iands.org/about/the-iands-advisory-board/)), Anny Dirven, and Rudolf Smit. The publication was guided by [Robert Mays](https://iands.org/about/the-iands-team/), Chairman of the IANDS Publication Committee, who served as project manager throughout its development. The SMN Book Prize, awarded annually since 1993, celebrates influential writing that bridges science, medicine, and spirituality. *The Self Does Not Die* qualified for the prize through Smit’s membership in the Network. Critics have praised the book for its rigorous analysis and paradigm-challenging research. Reviewers and scholars alike have noted its value in expanding scientific discourse around near-death phenomena and nonlocal consciousness. ## ‘The Self Does Not Die’ Joins Another Important Work from an IANDS Advisory Board Member *The Self Does Not Die* is now the second book by an IANDS Advisory Board member to receive the SMN Book Prize. Renowned cardiologist Dr. Pim van Lommel earned the prize in 2010 for his seminal work, ***[Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of Near-Death Experience](http://www.consciousnessbeyondlife.com/)***. Van Lommel also holds honorary status with SMN, a distinction shared with luminaries such as Jane Goodall, Sir Roger Penrose, Jean Houston, Dr. Vandana Shiva, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This latest recognition underscores IANDS’ continued role in advancing credible, research-based exploration of NDEs and consciousness studies. It also highlights the growing respect these topics now command in academic, medical, and scientific communities worldwide. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** Anny Dirven, IANDS, NDE, Robert Mays, Rudolf Smit, Scientific and Medical Network, SMN, The Self Does Not Die, Titus Rivas, Verified Paranormal Phenomena from Near-Death Experiences --- ### [NDE Documentaries: See Our List of These Fascinating Films](https://iands.org/nde-documentaries-see-our-list-of-these-fascinating-films/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** IANDS has cultivated a list of NDE documentaries, series, and dramatic feature films for your next big movie binge. Find the link to this list here! **Content:** Global awareness of near-death experiences (or NDEs) has been growing in recent years. So we’ve seen an increase in NDE documentaries being released as well. And if you’re interested in the field of near-death experiences, these films and series are well worth learning more about! As you may know, we’ve recently launched our new and improved IANDS.org website. And while work is still ongoing to get our new website running smoothly, we did want to take a brief moment to tell you about our new list of **[recommended near-death experience films and series](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/)**—a list of fascinating, highly engaging NDE documentaries and feature films. These informative, entertaining documentaries feature some of the most prominent names in the field of NDE research. And some of the dramatic films features Hollywood stars like Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear. These NDE documentaries and films are available on popular streaming platforms like [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/), [Amazon Prime Video](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/collection/IncludedwithPrime), [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@IANDSvideos), and others. You may need an account to watch some of films we’re recommending and linking to there. ## Beyond NDE Documentaries: Check out our recommended books and Vital Signs, too! If these NDE documentaries interest you, you may also want to check out our [recommended reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/), loaded to the brim with excellent books covering a wide range of NDE-related topics. And you should take a look at IANDS’ quarterly magazine *[Vital Signs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/)*, too. It’s a wonderful publication filled with interesting and useful information for those who’ve had NDEs, know others who’ve had them, or are generally interested in the field We intend to update this list in the future with new documentaries, dramatic portrayals, TV shows, and more. And if you have any documentaries, films, or TV series that you’d like to see us add to this list, please don’t hesitate to [let us know](https://iands.org/contact/). We’d love to check out your recommendations and add them to the list! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** documentaries about NDE, films about NDE, IANDS, movies about NDE, NDE, NDE documentaries, NDE documentary, NDE films, near death experience documentary, near-death experience documentary --- ### [Welcome to the New and Improved IANDS.org!](https://iands.org/welcome-to-the-new-and-improved-iands-org/) **Published:** February 19, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** The IANDS website has been significantly overhauled in 2025, and we're excited to use this powerful tool to help spread NDE support, education, and research! **Content:** ![The logo for iands, a nonprofit focused on nde (near-death experience) support, education, and research](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-1-USE-THIS-ONE-IANDS-Logo-Overlapped-High-Res-Transparent-Background-300x232.png "The international association for near-death studies ‣ iands")*IANDS—the International Association for Near-Death Studies*If you’re familiar with IANDS.org, you’ve surely noticed our website has undergone some major renovations. In fact, **we’ve entirely replaced our old website with this new one**. And we’re excited to use this powerful new site to shine a spotlight on [NDE support](https://iands.org/support/), [education](https://iands.org/education/), and [research](https://iands.org/nde-research/)! The new website is prettier, runs faster and smoother, and has better navigation menus. And we’re thrilled to see it up and running! ## The 2025 IANDS.org overhaul: What did we change and fix? The first thing longtime visitors will notice is the site’s spiffy new looks. The IANDS.org makeover utilizes **modern web design practices**. So it’s not only more visually appealing, but also easier to explore on a broader variety of devices. And we’ll be optimizing these improvements even further in the coming weeks. The changes to our website aren’t merely aesthetic, either. The new IANDS site has **a completely redesigned navigation system** that’s cleaner and more intuitive. First-time users will have an easier time finding useful information about [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), getting support, and learning about the research and education initiatives here at IANDS. The new IANDS.org is using the best practices of *search engine optimization* (SEO) as well. It’s a fancy way of saying our new website will appear more strongly in search results. And that means more people can learn, find support, and share their own NDE stories with the world. The new site also boasts wildly improved accessibility. It’s now far more compliant and easier to access for people with disabilities. We intend to continue making accessibility improvements in the coming days and weeks as well. Work on the new website began in late December 2024. And this wasn’t a small undertaking—we had to build an entirely new website from scratch, using a more modern web design platform than the old site had. We had to rewrite countless articles, crunch numbers, and a bunch of other technical gobbledygook we won’t bore you with. ## Can’t find something? Don’t worry, it’s still available! If you can’t find something you’re looking for, have no fear! **The old website is still up and running, now hosted at [research.IANDS.org](http://research.iands.org)**. If you can’t find it on the new site, we simply haven’t moved it over to the new site yet. And we’ve linked to the old content wherever it’s most relevant, too. So that should make it easier to find what you’re looking for. In the meantime, please explore the new site and let us know what you think. We hope you enjoy the new and improved IANDS.org. And we can’t wait to see how much it helps us enhance the public’s understanding of the NDE phenomenon! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b29ca3a5612f27757bf0e855a96db06175de9797437d8f9261a1ccecba1808e2?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Matt Terzi [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/mattterzi/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** accessibility, IANDS, iands.org, NDE, the international association for near-death studies --- ### [IANDS Announces Advisory Board Members](https://iands.org/iands-announces-advisory-board-members/) **Published:** November 1, 2024 **Author:** Janet Riley **Excerpt:** IANDS announced a new Advisory Board comprised of prominent figures in or associated with the field of near-death studies. **Content:** The International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) announced a new [Advisory Board](/about/the-iands-advisory-board/). It’s comprised of prominent figures in or associated with the field of near-death studies. Advisory Board members will provide periodic advice, assistance, and guidance on the organization’s policies, procedures, and direction. The Board is comprised of 23 international experts. Members of the board hail from the U.S., France, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Wales. It includes physicians, near-death experiencers, academics, mental health care providers, and others deeply engaged in the field. “We are grateful that these leading experts have generously offered valuable time and expertise in support of IANDS’s vision: a world in which near-death experiences and related phenomena are widely recognized as valid and profound experiences that inspire and create lasting positive change,” said IANDS President Jan Holden, EdD. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae39ffb0c0186bf1337a76e224c5f786fa745236c8e2714f0c2706328dc0f9f4?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Janet Riley [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) **Categories:** IANDS News, News **Tags:** advisory board, IANDS, Jan Holden, NDE --- ### [A Letter to Actor Al Pacino Following his Comments on Death](https://iands.org/a-letter-to-actor-al-pacino-following-his-comments-on-death/) **Published:** November 19, 2024 **Author:** Janet Riley **Excerpt:** After a brush with death, Al Pacino made headlines claiming there's 'nothing' after death. Read IANDS President Jan Holden's educational response. **Content:** After Actor Al Pacino told leading media outlets that his brush with death led him to conclude that “[There’s nothing there](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/oct/07/al-pacino-covid-almost-died-nyt-interview),” IANDS President Jan Holden, EdD, sent [a letter to Pacino](https://www.iands.org/images/PDF_Files/IANDS_Letter_to_Al_Pacino_v7_FINAL.pdf) detailing near-death experience (NDE) research and the mounting evidence that the consciousness survives physical demise. Al Pacino’s comments have been carried by numerous outlets including [Variety](https://variety.com/2024/film/news/al-pacino-nearly-died-covid-no-pulse-1236169726/), [Vanity Fair](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/after-a-near-death-experience-al-pacino-says-theres-no-afterlife), and [People](https://people.com/al-pacino-had-no-pulse-after-contracting-covid-19-during-pandemic-exclusive-8723931) magazine as he has embarked on a book tour for his autobiography *Sonny Boy*. “As someone who has spent her academic career studying near-death experiences (NDEs) and who leads the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS), I noticed that the recent Variety article about you mischaracterized your experience. From your description, you did not have an NDE; you had a close brush with death without an NDE,” Holden wrote. “Like you, about 85% of people survive their close brush with no memory of anything or anything unusual. However, about 15% of people report that during the medical crisis, they had a vivid, emotionally intense experience of lucidly perceiving the material world from a position outside the physical body and/or perceiving and interacting with beings and environments not of the material world. Afterwards, experiencers are usually profoundly changed.” Holden provided Pacino with the [IANDS NDE fact sheet](https://www.iands.org/resources/education/19-education-materials/1805-nde-near-death-experience-factsheet.html) and recommended additional readings to learn more. “Most researchers who have studied NDEs and related experiences deeply have concluded that human consciousness is not a product of the brain and that it survives physical demise,” she said. “I’m happy you recovered from your illness, and I hope that when your time comes—and mine as well!—we find that our consciousness, including our memories, continues, and that our experience is as peaceful and wonderful as the majority of near-death experiencers have described.” ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae39ffb0c0186bf1337a76e224c5f786fa745236c8e2714f0c2706328dc0f9f4?s=300&d=blank&r=g) Janet Riley [See Full Bio](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) [ ](https://iands.org/author/janetriley/) **Categories:** News, Opinion **Tags:** Al Pacino, IANDS, Jan Holden, NDE, near-death experience, nothing there, Sonny Boy --- ## Pages ### [Sponsorships and Advertising at IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) [Sponsorship Overview](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13svdv1V6APK-piCcSW6OtXK0KatlYZkU/view?usp=sharing)[Sponsorship & Advertising Self Management](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/sponsorship-advertising-self-management-page) ***IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from **August 27th through August 30th****, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. Learn more about our sponsors and advertisers here!* Welcome to our **All-Partners Page!** Here you’ll find our **Sponsors Gallery** — a compilation of our amazing IANDS Conference 2026 sponsors, including Platinum Title Sponsors poised for hands-on impact. Scroll down to our **Advertisers Gallery** where together they make a mighty impact! Click a link, read a profile, and consider joining us! Sign-up via the [Sponsorship & Advertising Self-Management Page](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/sponsorship-advertising-self-management-page), or see the [Sponsorship Overview](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13svdv1V6APK-piCcSW6OtXK0KatlYZkU/view?usp=sharing) first. We hope to see you in the gallery! ## Sponsors Gallery Learn more about **our amazing IANDS Conference 2026 partners** here. The incredible hands-on impact of our sponsors and advertisers makes our Conference possible, and we wanted to take a moment to recognize their vital contributions toward helping us explore the extraordinary together. ### Platinum #### Platinum Bookstore Sponsor [![Promotional banner for your inspired story: logo on the left, bold central headline, and a woman writing by candlelight on the right.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IANDS-WEBSITE-BANNER-1-1024x205.jpg "Iands website banner 1 ‣ iands")](https://www.yourinspiredstory.com/)***[Your Inspired Story](https://www.yourinspiredstory.com/)*** has generously sponsored the IANDS Conference 2026 Bookstore. *Your Inspired Story* helps people write, shape, and publish heartfelt, spiritually transformative stories that inspire connection, healing, and meaning. “We are honored to support IANDS and provide a platform for near-death experiencers and others to share the journeys that changed their lives,” said owner Bridget Cook-Burch. “Visit our booth to sign up for our free Jumpstart Your Book Journey session and discover more!”#### Platinum Podcast Partner [![Beyond with heather tesch is a proud platinum iands conference 2026 podcast partner.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HeatherTeschBannerAd2026-1024x205.jpg "Heatherteschbannerad2026 ‣ iands")](https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond_with_Heather_Tesch)Heather Tesch’s background as a professional journalist and meteorologist makes her an exceptional [podcaster](http://www.youtube.com/@Beyond_with_Heather_Tesch) who interviews with finesse and compassion, while she also digs deep to address questions about life’s biggest mysteries – what is death, and what is our true purpose? — Heather’s passion for the near-death experience phenomena never wanes due to her remarkable guests, whom she says, “Don’t just give us a glimpse of the afterlife—they inspire us to live with more love, joy, and meaning.”#### Extraordinary Welcome Sponsor [![Logo: gradient spiral graphic to the left with the text 'healing hearts changing minds' to the right.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HHCM_logo_horizontal_transparent-1024x177.png "Hhcm_logo_horizontal_transparent ‣ iands")](https://www.healingheartsminds.org/)*Healing Hearts, Changing Minds* was founded by philanthropist Robert Ansin with the goal of advancing the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. His organization has funded potentially groundbreaking research into cutting edge science that might improve the lives of countless people.### Gold ### Silver [![Banner promoting kristi ottis: intuitive guidance, spiritual wisdom, expert support, with beach scene, logo, and smiling headshot.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Final-KO-LLC-Banner-Ad--1024x205.png "Final - ko llc banner ad ‣ iands")](https://www.kristiottis.com/)Through [Kristi Ottis, LLC](https://www.kristiottis.com/), Kristi supports individuals in exploring spirituality, life’s challenges, emotional healing, and personal transformation through soul and intuitive readings, evidential mediumship, spiritual mentoring, and intuitive life coaching. Drawing on over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Kristi combines clinical insight with her intuitive gifts and coaching expertise to empower people on their unique journeys. Kristi is honored to support the IANDS Conference and IANDS’ mission to advance understanding of near-death and related transpersonal experiences through research, education, validation, hope, and community for those whose lives have been touched by these experiences.[![Banner for a new podcast called terminal with host alyssa dye, featuring youtube qr code and subscribe icon links, gradient space background.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TERMINAL_IANDS-banner-Ad-1024x205.jpg "Terminal_iands banner ad ‣ iands")](https://hopeterminal.com/)Alyssa Dye hosts the new breakout podcast, *[TERMINAL](https://hopeterminal.com/)*. With integrity and compassion, Alyssa provides a platform for those who have had life’s purpose and importance sharpened into focus when they find themselves faced with mortality. A gift to all, stories shared on Terminal seek to awaken humanity to live with pure intention and bring HOPE at the edge of life. Alyssa is proud to support IANDS as our Silver Totebag Sponsor.[![Logo for 'crosshatched' with a blue circular target and crosshair overlay on a dark, technical background.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/logo-on-banner-v1.png "Logo on banner v1 ‣ iands")](https://www.youtube.com/@CrosshatchedPodcast)Hosted by Michael Robbins, [*the Crosshatched podcast*](https://www.youtube.com/@CrosshatchedPodcast) plunges into questions of belief, life after death and the limitations of language when trying to describe the supernatural. Crosshatched examines the consistency of NDE themes, and the logical failures of those who deny them[![Banner for spiritual integration coach certification with itt coaching logo and speaker elizabeth sabet; sponsor note for iands conference; www. Ittccoachtraining. Com](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ITTC_IANDS_Sponsor_Banner-1024x341.png "Ittc_iands_sponsor_banner ‣ iands")](https://ittccoachtraining.com/)[ITTC](https://ittccoachtraining.com/) founder, Elizabeth Sabet, ACSLC, PCC, CBC, is a spiritual integration coach with nearly two decades of experience supporting people through spiritual emergence and spiritual emergency. Her proprietary SpiritPath Coaching Method distinguishes 27 types of spiritual experience and maps the developmental path from crisis to integration. Lead Instructor of ITTC, Elizabeth trains spiritual integration coaches. Her work bridges the clinical and spiritual communities, drawing on field experience with ACISTE and The Hope Wholeness Center to help experiencers and mental health professionals recognize the transformative potential within these experiences. Elizabeth also maintains a private practice where she works directly with individuals navigating their own spiritually transformative experiences.### Bronze [![Banner for friendswood counseling center promoting compassionate counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationships (in-person or telehealth).](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Final-FCC-banner-ad-1024x205.png "Final fcc banner ad ‣ iands")](https://www.friendswoodcc.com/)[Friendswood Counseling Center (FCC)](https://www.friendswoodcc.com/) offers in-person and telehealth counseling services for individuals and families navigating life’s challenges, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, relationship issues, spiritual and religious concerns, personal growth, emotional wellness, and other significant life experiences. FCC provides quality, compassionate mental health care in a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Integrating evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches, FCC supports the whole person—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. FCC is honored to sponsor the IANDS Conference, recognizing the importance of supportive spaces for connection, healing, and transformation. FCC was founded by Kristi Ottis, MS, LPC, NCC, who is on the IANDS Professional [Mental Health Providers list](https://iands.org/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/).## Advertisers Gallery [![My conscious coaching group is an advertiser for iands conference 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MyConsciousCoachingGroup-1024x197.jpg "Myconsciouscoachinggroup ‣ iands")](https://myconscious.org/) --- ### [Schedule for IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue Washington **August 27th through August 30th****, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. You can **[find our full schedule here](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/schedule)**, and displayed below as well. Please note that our schedule is subject to change and you should check back here for future additions and updates. We’re looking forward to seeing you in August! loading=”lazy” ## Our Generous IANDS Conference 2026 Sponsors #### Platinum Bookstore Sponsor [![Promotional banner for your inspired story: logo on the left, bold central headline, and a woman writing by candlelight on the right.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IANDS-WEBSITE-BANNER-1-1024x205.jpg "Iands website banner 1 ‣ iands ‣ iands")](https://www.yourinspiredstory.com/)#### Platinum Podcast Partners [![Beyond with heather tesch is a proud platinum iands conference 2026 podcast partner.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HeatherTeschBannerAd2026-1024x205.jpg "Heatherteschbannerad2026 ‣ iands ‣ iands")](https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond_with_Heather_Tesch)#### Extraordinary Welcome Sponsor [![Logo: gradient spiral graphic to the left with the text 'healing hearts changing minds' to the right.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HHCM_logo_horizontal_transparent-1024x177.png "Hhcm_logo_horizontal_transparent ‣ iands")](https://www.healingheartsminds.org/) --- ### [IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World](https://iands.org/events/conference/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) --- ![Iands conference 2026 will take place august 26 to 30 in bellevue, washington near seattle.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Conference-1024x536.png "2026 conference ‣ iands")## Are you ready for IANDS Conference 2026? **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from August 27th through August 30th**, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. And we can’t wait to see you at the world’s largest in-person gathering focused on [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?")! At IANDS Conference 2026, we aim to explore the extraordinary world of near-death studies with experiencers, researchers, healthcare professionals, mental health providers, supporters, and more. We hope you’ll join this wonderful group of kindred spirits as we embark on an informative journey through the realms of human consciousness. You’ll hear inspirational stories of NDEs, fascinating personal accounts, cutting edge scientific theory, and so much more. And it’s all taking place in an inclusive, inspirational, supportive environment where learning, engagement, and connection take center stage alongside an impressive list of speakers and presenters. ## What can we expect at the 2026 Conference? Each year, the annual IANDS Conference is attended by hundreds of people—more than 800 attended in 2025—to discuss NDEs and related experiences. Watch this space for announcements regarding our presentations, events, and more as we continue to plan this exciting event. ## Where and when will IANDS Conference 2026 take place? **IANDS Conference 2026 will bring us to Bellevue, Washington on the outskirts of Seattle**. This beautiful, welcoming, and highly walkable city is known for its tree-lined boulevards, vibrant arts scene, and easy access to nature. Bellevue is a comfortable and modern setting that’s ideal for our next conference, with top-flight restaurants and cafes, parks, shops, and more, all within a short distance from the hotel. And it’s not far from countless Seattle attractions, too. Be sure to visit our [hotel and trip planning page](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) to find information about hotels, dining options, and more. **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place Aug 27-30, 2026 at [Hyatt Regency Bellevue](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/belle-hyatt-regency-bellevue-on-seattles-eastside), located at 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004**. We’re hoping IANDS Conference 2026 will be our biggest and most exciting conference to date. So please stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding speakers, workshops, registration details, and more. ## Our Generous IANDS Conference 2026 Sponsors ### Platinum Sponsors ![Your inspired story with bridget cook-burch is a proud sponsor of the iands conference 2026 bookstore.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/YourInspiredStory-300x150.png "Yourinspiredstory ‣ iands")*IANDS 2026 Bookstore Sponsor*#### Platinum Podcast Partner ![Beyond with heather tesch is a proud platinum podcast partner supporting iands conference 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HeatherTeschAd-300x231.png "Heatherteschad ‣ iands")#### Extraordinary Welcome Sponsor [![Logo: gradient spiral graphic to the left with the text 'healing hearts changing minds' to the right.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HHCM_logo_horizontal_transparent-300x52.png "Hhcm_logo_horizontal_transparent ‣ iands")](https://www.healingheartsminds.org/)### Gold Sponsors ### Silver Sponsors ![Teal circular brushstroke logo with handwritten text reading 'kids outfits'.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Kristi_Ottis_logo_white_background-300x300.jpg "Kristi_ottis_logo_white_background ‣ iands")![Logo for the institute for transformational & transpersonal coaching: a circular teal and navy spiral with orange stars and the institute name.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ITTCLOGO_.jpg "Ittclogo ‣ iands")![Podcast cover art: a bold 'terminal' title over a purple-blue space background with a glowing circular logo containing a stylized 't'](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TerminalLogo-300x300.png "Terminallogo ‣ iands")![Crosshatched logo: blue ring over a black crosshatched background with 'crosshatched' text across the middle.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/logo-7-blue-ribbon-sq-300x300.png "Logo 7 blue ribbon sq ‣ iands") ### Bronze Sponsors ![Friendswood counseling center llc logo in blue lettering.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FriendswoodCounseling-300x148.jpg "Friendswoodcounseling ‣ iands") --- ### [IANDS 2026 Conference Buddhist Panel](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-conference-2026-buddhist-panel/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Daniel Endy **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) Thank you for taking part in IANDS Annual Conference 2026. If you’re having any trouble accessing these videos, please contact Daniel by text at 610-662-2691 and we’ll do what we can to assist you. #### PANEL: When Buddhist and NDE Understandings of Consciousness Meet ##### Sat. Aug. 29th at 3:15 pm PT ### Session Description In what may be a global first, two near-death experiencers and two Buddhist monastics will come together for a panel conversation on death, consciousness, and what may lie beyond. The panelists will explore striking parallels between Buddhist teachings and near-death experience accounts, including the view that death is not simply an ending, but a transition into another dimension or stage of consciousness. Both perspectives raise profound questions about whether consciousness is limited to the physical brain or extends beyond bodily death. The discussion will also examine apparent differences. For example, how do NDE reports of meeting deceased loved ones fit with Buddhist teachings on rebirth? And how might Buddhists understand the radiant being of light and love so often described by NDE experiencers, especially when the idea of God is not central to Buddhist realization? Most importantly, the panel will ask what these perspectives can teach us about how to live, exploring what Buddhist practice and NDE testimony reveal about meditation, compassion, love, and preparing for death—not only at the end of life, but in the way we meet each moment now. ## The Speakers #### Ven. Sangye Khadro Ven. Sangye Khadro ordained as a Buddhist nun at Kopan Monastery in 1974. She took the full (bhikshuni) ordination in 1988. While studying at Nalanda Monastery in France in the 1980s, she helped to start the Dorje Pamo Nunnery, along with Ven. Chodron. Ven. Sangye Khadro has studied Buddhism with many great masters including Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, and Khensur Jampa Tegchok. She began teaching in 1979 and was a resident teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore for 11 years. She followed the Masters Program at Lama Tsong Khapa Institute in Italy from 2008 – 2013, and was resident teacher at the FPMT center in Denmark from 2016-2017. Some of her courses and retreats include a Meditative Concentration retreat; courses on Good Grief, Awakening a Kind Heart, and Peaceful Living, Peaceful Dying; and leading Green Tara and Chenrezig Retreats. #### Ajahn Nisabho After finishing college in 2012, Ajahn Nisabho left his native Washington to go forth as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He received full ordination the following spring under Ajahn Anan, a senior disciple of renowned meditation master, Ajahn Chah, and spent the following years training in forest monasteries around the world with contemporary masters such as Ajahn Anan, Ajahn Pasanno, and Ajahn Jayasaro. Over these years, he came to believe the tradition represented a faithful embodiment of the original Buddhist path able to yield great fruit even amidst the complexities of modern life. In the summer of 2021, he returned to Seattle to plant the first seeds of Clear Mountain Monastery. #### Christine Clawley, MA, LPC-S Christine Clawley, MA, LPC-S is Jungian/Depth Psychotherapist and group practice owner of Lucid Awakening, LLC, which provides holistic and trauma-informed counseling to individuals struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and other trauma-related diagnosis. She also supports individuals coping with chronic illness, end-of-life issues, near-death experiences, spiritually transformative experiences or emergencies, and psychedelic integration. Her work focuses on normalizing and de-stigmatizing subjective experiences and phenomena related to NDEs and STEs in the mental health field. Christine is also a coma-survivor and near-death experience who survived the flesh-eating bacteria at age 24, which set her on a path of self-discovery, exploration, and healing. In her journey, she has drawn strength from and studied with Indigenous elders and ceremonies, ancient dreaming practices, yoga, and shamanic journeying. #### Jonathan “Jonah” Van Valin Jonathan – “Jonah” – grew up in the suburbs of Seattle living what looked like an ordinary life — while quietly wrestling with life’s biggest questions. After several unexpected life experiences and spiritual experiences, including an NDE at 29, everything shifted in 2011, opening into a period of profound inner awakening and reflection. In the years that followed, Jonathan discovered a natural capacity for subtle healing and an increasing call to share what he had learned. Today, through talks, retreats, and individual sessions, he helps people reconnect with their deeper awareness, gently release long-held patterns, and live with greater peace, clarity, and authenticity. His approach blends spiritual depth with grounded practicality — and a light touch that reminds us of awakening can be both meaningful and deeply human. #### Panel Moderator: Steve Wilhelm Steve Wilhelm will be moderator of the panel. He has been meditating since 1968, and engaged in Buddhist practice since 1987. He has studied and practiced in the Tibetan and Vipassana traditions, including extended retreats in both, although his practice is now primarily Vipassana. Steve has facilitated Eastside Insight Meditation since 2000, and serves on the boards of the Tibetan Nuns Project and Friends of Clear Mountain Monastery. He retired in mid-2016 from a 34-year career as a journalist, currently edits Northwest Dharma News, and is now editing a seventh dharma book. In 2017 Steve graduated from the fifth Community Dharma Leaders program, offered through Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. He also is an IANDS member, attended the Phoenix and Chicago conferences, and has been drawn to bring together complementary understanding from Buddhist tradition and NDE awakening and research. ## The Live Stream – Aug. 29th #### (at 3:15 pm PT — 4:15 pm MT — 5:15 pm CT — 6:15 pm ET If you would like to [make a DONATION to support our work, click here](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/buddhist-panel-donations), or scan this QR code. And know that you have our sincerest gratitude. (Our goal is to help as many people as possible.) ![Link to the iands donation page.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/qrcode-1-1024x1024.png "Qrcode 1 ‣ iands")Please return to this page on August 29th at 3:10 PM PT to view this insightful panel session. ![Promotional banner announcing a live stream comeback on aug 29 at 3:10 pm pt with stage lights and a live icon.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/aioseo-ai-a-live-stream-video-place-medium-landscape-20260725-173644.jpeg "A live stream video placeholder image that says come back ‣ iands")#### Thanks for attending this very special presentation! --- ### [Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Many [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") (NDEs) are described as peaceful, pleasurable ones. They’re filled with light, love, peace, and reunions with loved ones. But not all NDEs are positive experiences. Some NDEs involve fear, powerlessness, isolation, despair, threatening encounters or environments, or an overwhelming feeling of being negatively judged. So let’s learn more about **pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences**. NDEs are usually (but not always) classified in one of two ways: The [**pleasurable NDE**](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-pleasurable-near-death-experience/ "IANDS Glossary: Pleasurable Near-Death Experience"), and the less common [**distressing NDE**](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-distressing-near-death-experience-negative-nde/ "IANDS Glossary: Distressing Near-Death Experience (Negative NDE)"). Though it’s important to also understand that some NDEs are emotionally neutral. And other “hybrid NDEs” might consist of both pleasurable and distressing NDE features. ## Pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences Pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences are the two most common forms of reported NDEs. And that word — *reported* — matters quite a bit here. Not everyone who has an NDE reports it or provides researchers with information about the experience. And it’s also worth noting that these terms, *pleasurable* and *distressing*, don’t necessarily describe the features of the NDE, so much as the experiencer’s emotional response to them. ### Pleasurable NDEs Pleasurable near-death experiences are typically characterized as including positive emotions — senses of peace, joy, acceptance, wonder, and unity. Experiencers may report feeling somehow detached from their physical bodies, sometimes with the ability to observe their surroundings from another perspective. They often move through either darkness toward a light, or sometimes through a tunnel of light. They encounter a brilliant light or find themselves in an otherworldly environment. They meet with deceased loved ones or other beings, and witness or participate in a [life review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/ "IANDS Glossary: The Remarkable, Uplifting Definition of a Life Review"), where they review events from their lives, and where they might sense or feel the emotions of others involved in those memories. Some experiencers report communication that seems to occur without speaking with others. And some experiencers report gaining profound knowledge or understanding from their NDE that may also be difficult to fully remember or articulate afterward. These [common NDE features](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") can appear in any order, and some pleasurable NDEs might exclude one or more of these features. Researchers studying these sequences have found considerable variation — some sequences appear more often than others, but there’s no single progression that adequately describes all near-death experiences. The only hard rule NDEs seem to consistently follow is that no two NDEs can be truly identical. ### Distressing NDEs We should also point out that these features may not be interpreted as “pleasurable” for some experiencers. Seeing yourself separated from your own body, traveling through darkness toward a light, encountering people you know to be dead and conversing with them … that can be rather terrifying for some people. These distressing NDEs with negative interpretations of what are otherwise considered pleasurable features are referred to as *inverse NDEs*. There are also *void NDEs*, where the experiencer is overwhelmed with sensations of emptiness, isolation, and being trapped in blackness or space. And *hellish NDEs*, which often involve scenes of horror, torture, pain, and violence. There’s a common misconception that distressing NDEs only happen to “bad” people; that they’re “deserved” as retribution for past behaviors, attitudes, or deeds. But as far as researchers can tell, an NDE’s features or a person’s reception of them isn’t dictated by the experiencer’s morals, beliefs, spirituality, gender, sexual orientation, or any perceptions they or others have regarding their guilt or ethicality. You can be a “good” person and have a distressing NDE, or a “bad” person and have a pleasurable NDE. **Pleasurable NDEs are not the end result of a person having “earned” them, nor should distressing NDEs be treated as a verdict on the experiencer’s life, worth, or spiritual condition**. ### Neutral NDEs and Hybrid NDEs Pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences are the most common forms of NDE, but they’re not the *only* forms. Occasionally, some NDEs might not be pleasurable or distressing. A neutral NDE is one where the experiencer doesn’t have a particularly strong emotional reaction. There’s no pleasurable sense of overwhelming joy or love, and no distressing sense of terror or pain. Neutral NDEs feel incredibly real, but the experiencer may or may not go through the same evolutions of thought or see tremendous changes to their personality or their worldview. Hybrid NDEs include a blend of pleasurable and distressing characteristics — there can be highly positive and highly negative components. In some cases, an NDE can start out pleasurable and end in a chaotic, terrifying, or nightmarish way. Alternatively, it might go the opposite way; the NDE can begin as a distressing NDE and end up pleasurable in the end. And some experiencers have reported a combination of both pleasurable and distressing features, taking place in no particular order. ## The aftereffects of pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences Both pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences are often extremely vivid and real. And they can profoundly change a person’s worldview, aspects of their personality, their motivations and ambitions, and both their fear of death and their appreciation for life. Those who experience pleasurable NDEs often (but not necessarily always) experience greater concern for others, shifts in spiritual beliefs (not necessarily adopting to particular beliefs, and not necessarily becoming more involved in any particular religious practices), and reduced interest in wealth or social status. Those views are often seen as in need of immediate change, which can present major challenges to existing relationships, work environments, and everyday routines. Distressing NDEs may leave experiencers struggling with shame, fear, loneliness, spiritual confusion, or a sense of being rejected or even condemned. In either case, those experiencing pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences, as well as neutral and hybrid NDEs, can find it incredibly difficult to discuss their NDE with others. And there are stigmas associated with NDEs, too — others might claim the experience is exaggerated, or a hallucination, or otherwise easily written off. They might judge the experiencer, or think a person’s sudden changes in values and perceptions are an overreaction. NDEs can be deeply disruptive to established norms, and there’s no one correct path toward integration. ## IANDS offers resources to help you navigate pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences (and the other types of NDEs, too!) IANDS is an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on the scientific research of near-death experiences. We work to educate the public, direct experiencers toward much-needed support, and offer public outreach in an effort to educate the world about this fascinating and exciting phenomenon. And we do hope you’ll find these resources useful! If you or someone you know has had a near-death experience, consider browsing our [support articles](https://iands.org/support/ "Find NDE Support Groups, Information, Research, and More") for useful information that can help you navigate these major changes you’ve encountered. And if you’re a newcomer to NDEs, we recommend browsing our [IANDS Q&A articles](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A"), and visiting the [IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies") when you come across a phrase you’re unfamiliar with. Be sure to also check out our *[Afterlife Revealed](https://open.spotify.com/show/741H0NhAH9z3nv0anvstSa)* podcast and browse the latest issues of our free NDE-centric magazine *[Vital Signs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")*. Looking for more extensive reading? Take a look at our comprehensive [recommended reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/ "Recommended Reading List"), and read through the many fascinating volumes of [The Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Recent Issues of the Journal of Near-Death Studies"). --- ### [Bellevue, Washington: Trip Planning for IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) Ready to begin planning your trip to Bellevue, Washington for IANDS Conference 2026? We aim for this page to help you do precisely that. Here you’ll find information on hotels, dining options, attractions in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, and more. ***Important note**: Accommodations and rates listed on this page are subject to availability and price changes. We will do our best to keep prices and availability updated here, but we cannot make any guarantee that the rates listed here are current. Please contact the establishments mentioned on this page, and in articles linked through this page, for current pricing.* ![A look inside the hyatt regency bellevue in bellevue, washington, where iands conference 2026 will take place august 26th-30th](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hyatt-Regency-Bellevue-Lobby-second-level.jpg "Hyatt regency bellevue lobby second level ‣ iands")A look inside the Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington, where IANDS Conference 2026 will take place August 26th-30th**IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from August 27th through August 30th**, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. We hope to see you there! ## Where is IANDS Conference 2026 Taking Place? > **Hyatt Regency Bellevue > 900 Bellevue Way NE > Bellevue, WA 98004, USA** **IANDS Conference 2026 is happening at [the Hyatt Regency Bellevue](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/belle-hyatt-regency-bellevue-on-seattles-eastside)** on Seattle’s East Side **in Bellevue, Washington**. If you’d like to stay at the Hyatt Regency, however, you’ll need to book directly at their standard room rate — we’re sold out on the special IANDS rates. [Click here to book a room there](https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/BELLE/G-IAND). Looking for a discount? You can [**book a room at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel**](https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1775170020049&key=GRP&app=resvlink) at a special IANDS rate of $199 per night. The Courtyard Marriott Hotel is located at 11010 NE 8th Street in Bellevue, Washington. ### Key Features of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel - **A short walk from IANDS Conference 2026** — it’s just a one-minute drive or a ten-minute stroll. - Parking areas with onsite electric vehicle charging stations - Onsite restaurant - Complimentary WiFi - Onsite fitness center - Room service available - Airport shuttle service ## Room and Ride Sharing If you’d be interested in sharing your room or transportation with other IANDS Conference 2026 attendees, please take a look at our [room and ride sharing forum](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Room and Ride Sharing"). ## Other Recommendations Be sure to peruse this list for trip planning recommendations and other useful information. We intend to keep this list updated as often as we can, so check back for new additions in the future, too! - **Transportation**: Need a lift from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) to either the Courtyard Marriott or the Hyatt Regency Bellevue? [**The Bellevue Airport and Cruise Shuttle**](https://eagleshuttleservice.com/seatac-airport-to-bellevue/) departs every hour, on the hour and has very reasonable rates. You can book through them directly on their website. - **Dining:** If you attended our last IANDS Conference in Bellevue in 2018 but haven’t been back since then, your tastebuds are in for a major treat. Bellevue’s restaurant scene has been nothing short of *explosive* in recent years. Check out our [Bellevue restaurant recommendations](https://iands.org/great-places-to-eat-in-bellevue-during-iands-conference-2026/) to find phenomenal places to eat near the conference! --- ### [Healing Center at IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Daniel Endy **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington**, **from **August 27th through August 30th**, with a pre-conference day on August 26th**. Below you’ll find a full listing of all the healing center sessions at IANDS Conference 2026. This info may change. Please revisit this page for the latest info. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"). --- ### [Media Resource Center](https://iands.org/media-center/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDS welcomes inquiries from media about the field of near-death experience research and related phenomena. Media should email with your name, outlet, deadline, and an overview of your story and needs. We will respond promptly. ## **News Releases and Statements** Below you’ll find listings published in the past twelve months. For a full listing of all press releases and statements, [please click here](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/ "IANDS Press Releases"). \[May 27th 2026\] [Twenty-Three Percent of Americans Say They’ve Had Near-Death Experiences, According to Major Survey](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/twenty-three-percent-of-americans-say-theyve-had-near-death-experiences-according-to-major-survey/ "Twenty-Three Percent of Americans Say They’ve Had Near-Death Experiences, According to Major Survey") \[May 11th 2026) [Learn More About Near-Death Experience Week 2026](https://iands.org/media-center/near-death-experience-week-2026/) \[April 30th 2026) [International Association for Near-Death Studies Announces Inspiring Keynote Lineup for 2026 Annual Conference](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-inspiring-keynote-lineup-for-2026-annual-conference/) (March 11th 2026) [Registration Opens for 2026 International Association for Near-Death Studies Spring Symposium April 25](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-2026-iands-spring-symposium-april-25/) (July 29th 2025) [Continuing Education Available for Counselors, Chaplains and Other Health Professionals at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/continuing-education-iands-conference-2025/) (July 8th 2025) [Award-Winning Film About Shared Death Experiences Featured August 27 at Near-Death Experience Conference in Chicago](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/award-winning-film-about-shared-death-experiences-featured-august-27-at-near-death-experience-conference-in-chicago/) (June 16th 2025) [Registration Opens for International Association for Near-Death Studies Annual Conference, August 27-31, 2025 in Oak Brook, Illinois](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-international-association-for-near-death-studies-annual-conference-august-27-31-2025-in-oak-brook-illinois/) ## **Fact Sheets on Near-Death and Related Experiences** [NDE – Near-Death Experience Fact Sheet – page](https://research.iands.org/resources/education/19-education-materials/1805-nde-near-death-experience-factsheet.html) – [PDF](https://iands.org/images/Factsheets/NDE_Fact_Sheet_v2_FINAL.pdf) [ADC – After-Death Communication Fact Sheet – page](https://research.iands.org/resources/education/19-education-materials/1803-adc-after-death-communication-factsheet.html) – [PDF](https://www.iands.org/images/Factsheets/ADC_Fact_Sheet.pdf) [PLM – Past Life Memories Fact Sheet – page](https://research.iands.org/resources/education/19-education-materials/1847-past-life-memory-plm-factsheet.html) – [PDF](https://www.iands.org/images/Factsheets/IANDS_Fact_Sheet_PLM_FINAL.pdf) [SDE – Shared Death Experience Fact Sheet – page](https://research.iands.org/education/19-education-materials/1881-shared-death-experience-sde-factsheet.html) [PDF](https://iands.org/images/Factsheets/SDE_Fact_Sheet.pdf) [TL – Terminal Lucidity Fact Sheet – page](https://research.iands.org/education/19-education-materials/1882-terminal-lucidty-tl-factsheet.html) [PDF](https://iands.org/images/Factsheets/TL_Fact_Sheet.pdf) **[Select Researchers and Research Centers](/about/the-iands-advisory-board/ "Select Researchers and Research Centers")** ## **Select Published Research** IANDS publishes [the *Journal of Near-Death Studies*](/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/) where all full-text articles over one year old are available at no cost by clicking on the URL under the article entry in the [*Past Issues* listings](https://research.iands.org/research/publications/journal-of-near-death-studies/past-issues.html). A number of select, important papers or paper abstracts are linked below. Additional research may be found on Google Scholar and PubMed. ### **Near-Death Experiences** [Long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38996518/) Jeffrey Long, MD, and Marjorie Woollacott. PhD., Explore (NY), 2024. [AWAreness during REsuscitation – II: A multi-center study of consciousness and awareness in cardiac arrest,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37423492/) Sam Parnia, MD, et al., *Resuscitation,* 2023. [“My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead”: The reception of near-death experiences across the cultures of Oceania,](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p135-160.) Gregory Shushan, PhD, *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2018. [“He should stay in the grave”: Cultural patterns in the interpretation of near-death experiences in African traditional religions](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505490/)[,](about:blank) Gregory Shushan, PhD, *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2017. [“The Sun told me I would be restored to life”: Native American near-death experiences, shamanism, and religious revitalization movements,](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125196/) Gregory Shushan, PhD, *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2016. [Near-death experiences in non-life-threatening events and coma of different etiologies,](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00203/full) Vanessa Charland-Verville, PhD, et al. *Frontiers of Human Neuroscience,* 2014. [AWARE—AWAreness during REsuscitation—A prospective study,](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300957214007394) Sam Parnia, MD, et al., *Resuscitation,* 2014 [Getting Comfortable With Death & Near-Death Experiences: Near-Death Experiences: An Essay in Medicine & Philosophy,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6179873/) Raymond Moody, MD, *Missouri Medicine,* 2013 [Near-death experiences: the experience of the self as real and not as an illusion,](https://pimvanlommel.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NDE-NYAS-Experience-Self-article.pdf) Pim van Lommel, MD, *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences,* 2011. [Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality,](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00745.x) Bruce Greyson, MD, *Journal of Religion and Science,* 2006 [Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: A prospective study in the Netherlands,](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(01)07100-8/abstract) Pim van Lommel, MD, et al., *The Lancet,* 2001 [The Near-Death Experience Scale: Construction, reliability, and validity,](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/16345325_The_near-death_experience_scale_Construction_reliability_and_validity) Bruce Greyson, MD, *Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,* 1983 ### **Shared Death Experiences** [Shared death experiences: A little-known type of end-of-life phenomena reported by caregivers and loved ones,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33813876/) Shared Crossing Research Initiative, *American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care,* 2021. [Shared death experience: A multicultural survey,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35469430/) Patrizio Tressoldi, PhD, et al., *American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine,* 2023 ### **Terminal Lucidity** [Terminal Lucidity in a Pediatric Oncology Clinic,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37734159/) Philip Roehrs, MD, et al., *Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,* 2024. [The importance of the exceptional in tackling riddles of consciousness and unusual episodes of lucidity, ](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/22b9/c106e2c685c5d40a41faba5381d613d97795.pdf) Michael Nahm, PhD, *Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition,* 2022 [Spontaneous remission of dementia before death: Results from a study on paradoxical lucidity](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2021/04/terminal-lucidity-PC.pdf), Alexander Batthyány, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD, *Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research and Practice,* 2021 [The death of Anna Katharina Ehmer: A case study in terminal lucidity,](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2190/OM.68.1.e) Michael Nahm, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD, *Omega Journal of Death and Dying,* 2014 [Terminal lucidity: A review and a case collection – ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167494311001865), Michael Nahm, PhD, et al., *Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics,* 2012. Terminal lucidity in patients with chronic schizophrenia and dementia: A survey of the literature, Michael Nahm, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD, *Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,* 2009 ### **After-Death Communication** [Perceptual phenomena associated with spontaneous experiences of after-death communication: Analysis of visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory sensations,](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830721000422) Marjorie Woollacott, PhD, et al., *Explore,* 2021 [Empirically-based best estimates of after-death communication (ADC) phenomena: A systematic review of research,](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2022-40-3-p141-144) Jenny Streit-Horn, PhD, et al., *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2022. [Comparative effects of Induced After-Death Communication and traditional counselling on grief,](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WwP63RqbMYRToYEtclxUJkoOATuve0_2/view?usp=sharing) Janice Miner Holden, EdD, et al., *Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief and Bereavement,* 2019. --- ### [Peer-Reviewed Research](https://iands.org/nde-research/peer-reviewed-research/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Explore our list of peer-reviewed research, including the *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, research papers, and our index to periodical literature dating back to the 19th century. ## *Journal of Near-Death Studies* IANDS publishes the *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)* where all full-text articles over one year old are available at no cost by clicking on the article in the “Past Issues” listings. ## **Select Recent Papers** A number of selected, important papers or paper abstracts are linked below. Additional research may be found on Google Scholar and PubMed. ### ***Near-Death Experiences*** [Long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38996518/) Jeffrey Long, MD, and Marjorie Woollacott. PhD., Explore (NY), 2024. [AWAreness during REsuscitation – II: A multi-center study of consciousness and awareness in cardiac arrest,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37423492/) Sam Parnia, MD, et al., *Resuscitation,* 2023. [“My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead”: The reception of near-death experiences across the cultures of Oceania,](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p135-160.) Gregory Shushan, PhD, *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2018. [“He should stay in the grave”: Cultural patterns in the interpretation of near-death experiences in African traditional religions,](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505490/) Gregory Shushan, PhD, *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2017. [“The Sun told me I would be restored to life”: Native American near-death experiences, shamanism, and religious revitalization movements,](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125196/) Gregory Shushan, PhD, *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2016. [Near-death experiences in non-life-threatening events and coma of different etiologies,](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00203/full) Vanessa Charland-Verville, PhD, et al. *Frontiers of Human Neuroscience,* 2014. [AWARE—AWAreness during REsuscitation—A prospective study,](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300957214007394) Sam Parnia, MD, et al., *Resuscitation,* 2014 [Getting Comfortable With Death & Near-Death Experiences: Near-Death Experiences: An Essay in Medicine & Philosophy,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6179873/) Raymond Moody, MD, *Missouri Medicine,* 2013 [Near-death experiences: the experience of the self as real and not as an illusion,](https://pimvanlommel.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NDE-NYAS-Experience-Self-article.pdf) Pim van Lommel, MD, *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences,* 2011. [Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality,](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00745.x) Bruce Greyson, MD, *Journal of Religion and Science,* 2006 [Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: A prospective study in the Netherlands,](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(01)07100-8/abstract) Pim van Lommel, MD, et al., *The Lancet,* 2001 [The Near-Death Experience Scale: Construction, reliability, and validity,](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/16345325_The_near-death_experience_scale_Construction_reliability_and_validity) Bruce Greyson, MD, *Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,* 1983 ### ***Shared Death Experiences*** [Shared death experience: A multicultural survey,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35469430/) Patrizio Tressoldi, PhD, et al., *American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine,* 2023 [Shared death experiences: A little-known type of end-of-life phenomena reported by caregivers and loved ones,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33813876/) Shared Crossing Research Initiative, *American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care,* 2021. ### ***Terminal Lucidity*** [Terminal Lucidity in a Pediatric Oncology Clinic,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37734159/) Philip Roehrs, MD, et al., *Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,* 2024. [The importance of the exceptional in tackling riddles of consciousness and unusual episodes of lucidity, ](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/22b9/c106e2c685c5d40a41faba5381d613d97795.pdf) Michael Nahm, PhD, *Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition,* 2022 [Spontaneous remission of dementia before death: Results from a study on paradoxical lucidity](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2021/04/terminal-lucidity-PC.pdf), Alexander Batthyány, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD, *Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research and Practice,* 2021 [The death of Anna Katharina Ehmer: A case study in terminal lucidity,](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2190/OM.68.1.e) Michael Nahm, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD, *Omega Journal of Death and Dying,* 2014 [Terminal lucidity: A review and a case collection – ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167494311001865), Michael Nahm, PhD, et al., *Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics,* 2012. Terminal lucidity in patients with chronic schizophrenia and dementia: A survey of the literature, Michael Nahm, PhD, and Bruce Greyson, MD, *Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,* 2009 ### ***After-Death Communication*** [Empirically-based best estimates of after-death communication (ADC) phenomena: A systematic review of research,](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2022-40-3-p141-144) Jenny Streit-Horn, PhD, et al., *Journal of Near-Death Studies,* 2022. [Perceptual phenomena associated with spontaneous experiences of after-death communication: Analysis of visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory sensations,](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830721000422) Marjorie Woollacott, PhD, et al., *Explore,* 2021 [Comparative effects of Induced After-Death Communication and traditional counselling on grief,](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WwP63RqbMYRToYEtclxUJkoOATuve0_2/view?usp=sharing) Janice Miner Holden, EdD, et al., *Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief and Bereavement,* 2019. ## Near-Death Experiences: Index to the Periodical Literature, 1877-2011 The NDE Index is an invaluable tool for finding almost every article about NDEs published in English between 1877 and 2011. The Index does not contain the actual text of the articles, but tells what has been written and where to find it. Many of the articles are available for free or for purchase on this website, and other reprints can be obtained from libraries and the publishers listed in the Index. Here, you’ll find: - Complete search information for over 900 articles (author, title, year of publication, journal title, issue number, page numbers): a thorough listing and topics analysis of scholarly articles—and many popular articles—from the first 135 years of the field of near-death studies, with search function by author, keyword, or year - Abstracts (article summaries) for scholarly journal articles where available - Categorization of articles by [135 NDE-related](https://www.iands.org/research/nde-research/index-to-nde-periodical-literature/topics-outline.html) [topics](https://www.iands.org/research/nde-research/index-to-nde-periodical-literature/topics-outline.html) - Under each individual citation, a listing of the [NDE-related topics](https://www.iands.org/research/nde-research/index-to-nde-periodical-literature/topics-outline.html) addressed in the article. - In a second listing under each topic, a listing of all articles that address that topic[.](https://www.research.iands.org/component/content/article.html?id=509&Itemid=537) - In a third listing, citations of all articles by a given author (sole or co-author). - Periodic updates Years in the making, this Index is available as a free benefit to members of IANDS at the Supporting, Professional, and higher membership levels. If you are not an IANDS member, [Click here](/about/join-iands/) for details about how you can have access to this powerful search tool. If you are already an IANDS member at the Supporting membership level or above, please log in below to access the NDE Research Index. If you do not know your user name, or want to upgrade your membership level to access the Index, please [contact the IANDS office](/contact/). Researchers without access to free reprints—such as those who are not higher education faculty with online or inter-library loan reprint access—can purchase one reprint of each article from the [IANDS office](/contact/). In either case, researchers can feel confident they have conducted a very thorough review of the available NDE literature through 2011. --- ### [IANDS Conference 2026: Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) Some IANDS Conference 2026 attendees may wish to share accommodations or transportation with other attendees. This forum is provided as a free service to help attendees connect for room and ride sharing. [You must have an IANDS account and be logged in](http://iands.org/member-access/) to post or reply. IANDS does not arrange, verify, supervise, endorse, or participate in any room or ride sharing agreement made through this forum. All communications and arrangements are made solely between individual users. By using this forum, you acknowledge that **you are responsible for evaluating any person with whom you communicate or make arrangements**. You participate at your own risk. IANDS is not responsible for disputes, losses, injuries, cancellations, expenses, or other problems arising from the use of this forum or from any arrangement made through it. **Please do not post sensitive personal information publicly**. Exchange telephone numbers, travel itineraries, room numbers, payment details, and exact pickup locations privately. 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Statistics 5 Topics 10 Posts 86 Views 983 Users 0 Online Newest Member: *[Louis Williams](https://iands.org/forum/profile/louis/)* · *Currently nobody is online.* --- ### [Register for IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) [CLICK HERE to REGISTER!](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/2026-registration-in-person-and-online/Site/Register) We look forward to seeing you at **IANDS Conference 2026, August 27-30, 2026** at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington! Please **[click here to register](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/2026-registration-in-person-and-online/Site/Register)**, and review more information below. Full registration includes general sessions with all-star keynote speakers, education sessions, morning and afternoon refreshment breaks, Thursday evening welcome reception, Saturday night dance party, full exhibit, and bookstore access. ## Registration Fees and Information **Member Discount:** [IANDS Members](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") receive 10% off registration. A discount code is required and will be emailed directly to all active members. **Type****Early Bird *(through July 15th at Midnight)*****Regular *(July 16th–Onsite)*****Member**\*$386$449**Non-Member**$429$499**Student/Senior**$386$449**One-Day Pass**$129$149**Two-Day Pass**$258$387**Livestream Access**$169$199All registration fees are subject to a $15 processing fee, which will be added at checkout. *EventsAir* adds a 4% flat rate fee to transactions. ## Registration Fees include: Your registration gives you full access to: - All keynote & general sessions - All educational breakout sessions - Morning & afternoon refreshments - Thursday Welcome Reception - Saturday Night Dance Party - Exhibit Hall & Bookstore ## Special Rates **Military (Free)** – Active-duty military and veterans attend free of charge. Email: IANDSVeterans@gmail.com. Include branch, rank, and contact info for Military Discount Code. **Students** – Students with a valid .edu email receive a 10% discount. Request your code: services@iands.org ## Enhance Your Experience (Add-Ons) **Experience****Price****Details****Lunch with a Speaker**$59Small-group lunch with inspiring speakers *(limited seating)***Boxed Lunch**$29Convenient on-site option**Chrysalis Fundraising Dinner (Friday)**$149Dinner, program, auction & wine raffle**Healing Sessions**$25Reiki, spiritual counseling & more**Workshops**$60Deep-dive specialty sessions## Important Policies ## Registration Fees and Refund Policy - Conference registration and related fees authorize the registered attendee (“Attendee”) to participate in the Conference and selected events. - Cancellation requests received at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the Conference are eligible for a refund less a $50 administrative processing fee. - No refunds will be issued within seven (7) days of the Conference start date, including for workshops, add-on events, livestream access, or special ticketed events. - Requests for cancellation must be submitted in writing to IANDS. ### **Photo Release** All events associated with the International Association of Near-Death Studies (IANDS) may be photographed or recorded. IANDS reserves the right to use these photographs/recordings, copy, edit, publish, exhibit and distribute images/videos of attendees. By attending the IANDS, participants consent to their image being used for official purposes and waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product where in their likeness, name, image or sound of voice appears. ### Exhibitors $329 -non-profit 501(c)(3) + $15 processing fees $399+ $15 processing fees – Regular pricing #### Booth Package Includes - Two Exhibitor badges - 6′ table with cover, chairs, and wastebasket - Complimentary Wi-Fi - Morning and afternoon refreshments - Website listing (logo, description, link) - Logo featured during livestream & recordings - Placement on conference website carousel **For more information please contact** the IANDS office at (919) 383-7940 or email us at iandsconference@gmail.com [CLICK HERE to REGISTER!](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/2026-registration-in-person-and-online/Site/Register) --- ### [See More Informative, Interesting Sites In The Field Of NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/see-more-informative-interesting-sites-in-the-field-of-ndes/) **Published:** May 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDS isn’t alone in the realm of near-death studies. There are countless other individuals and organizations contributing to this emerging field of study. And we thought we should take a moment to share links to their websites and acknowledge their contributions. They all help us understand near-death experiences and phenomena related to NDEs. This is by no means a comprehensive list. But we do hope to include as many organizations as possible. If you have a website we should be linking to here as well, please [let us know](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact")! ## Researchers in the field of Near-Death Studies [**The NDE Research Foundation (NDERF)**](https://nderf.org/): Thousands of NDE accounts, including a large volume of multilingual NDE stories. [**University of Virginia Division of Perceptual Studies**](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/): UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies investigates empirical evidence for extraordinary human experiences and capacities, including near-death experiences and related phenomena. [**Eternea.org**](https://eternea.org/): A nonprofit organized by Raymond Moody. Eternea focuses on the intersection of science and spirituality, particularly with regards to near-death experiences. [**The Self-Conscious Mind**](https://selfconsciousmind.com/): IANDS Treasurer and noted NDE Researcher Robert Mays created *The Conscious Mind* with his wife, fellow researcher Suzanne Mays, where they discuss their research and share valuable papers on the topic of near-death studies. [**Netwerk NDE**](https://netwerknde.nl/): This Dutch language website offers education about NDEs, support for experiencers, and more. It’s arguably the most comprehensive Dutch language website on near-death studies. [**UWTSD Special Collections and Archives**](https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/library/special-collections-and-archives): These archives, assembled and hosted by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), house significant historical content including more than 6,000 accounts of religious, transcendental, and near-death experiences. ## NDE Stories We already mentioned NDERF and they’re massive collection of NDE accounts, but there are several other sites from around the globe that share NDE stories as well. **[NDE Radio with Lee Witting](https://www.youtube.com/c/nderadiowithleewitting)**: After experiencing a [childhood NDE](https://iands.org/support/children-and-near-death-experiences-advice-you-need-to-know/) himself, Lee Witting went on to become known as the “NDE Chaplain” at Eastern Maine Medical Center. He’s a pastor, a former IANDS Board Member, and the host of this fascinating podcast on near-death experiences. **[NDE Accounts – Afterlife Stories](https://www.youtube.com/user/NDEaccounts)**: This compelling YouTube channel features NDE stories in video form. **[Ponto3 – The Bridge Between Spirituality, Philosophy, and Science](https://www.ponto3.org/)**: Ponto3 offers a collection of NDEs that are mostly in Dutch, with some in French and others in English. An example of one of the many NDE stories shared by *Afterlife Stories*## Organizations researching phenomena related to NDEs **Alliance for Global Consciousness**: A coalition of organizations dedicated to expanding human consciousness. Members include IANDS and a number of other groups linked to on this page. **[Monroe Institute](https://www.monroeinstitute.org/):** A leading center for the study of human consciousness. They’re known for programs exploring out-of-body experiences and altered states. [**International Academy of Consciousness**](https://www.iacworld.org/): The IAC focuses on consciousness studies, including out-of-body experiences and multidimensional awareness. **[After-Death.com](http://www.after-death.com/)**: Created by Bill and Judy Guggenheim, *After-Death* is dedicated to [after-death communication (ADC)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/). **[Academy for Spiritual and consciousness Studies (ASCSI)](https://sites.google.com/view/ascsi2025/)**: Promotes research and education in spiritual experiences. ## Other fascinating websites related to near-death studies **[Monroe Institute](https://www.monroeinstitute.org/):** A leading center for the study of human consciousness. They’re known for programs exploring out-of-body experiences and altered states. [**Near-Death.com**](https://near-death.com/): Created by talented webmaster Kevin Williams, *Near-Death* shares intriguing articles on near-death experiences and related phenomena, including psychology, reincarnation, and more. The revenue generated by this site benefits IANDS directly, as Kevin Williams dedicated the site to our cause. [**American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE)**](https://aciste.org/): ACISTE is a nonprofit founded in 2009 to support those who’ve had spiritually transformative experiences (STEs), including near-death experiences, through research, education, and peer support. [**Recursos ECM en español**](https://ecms.es/): *ECM Resources in Spanish* is an invaluable resource for Spanish-speaking people looking to learn more about near-death experiences and related phenomena. **[IsraelNDE.org](https://www.israelnde.org/)**: Available in both English and Hebrew, *Israel NDE* is dedicated to publicizing NDEs in Israel. You’ll find personal stories, videos, and resources with Israeli context. **[Helping Parents Heal](https://www.helpingparentsheal.org/)**: An especially moving nonprofit assisting parents who’ve lost children, offering them support and resources. *Helping Parents Heal* openly embraces discussions about spiritual experiences and afterlife evidence in a non-dogmatic way. **[Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.](https://edgarcayce.org/)**: Founded by Edgar Cayce, the Association for Research and Enlightenment (*ARE*) offers resources on holistic health, spiritual growth, and psychic development. **[The Alister Hardy Trust](https://www.studyspiritualexperiences.org/)**: Founded by noted marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy, the Alister Hardy Trust is focused on studying spiritual, religious, and psychic experiences. **[Exceptional Human Experience Network (EHE)](https://www.ehe.org/display/splash.html)**: The Exceptional Human Experience Network focuses on anomalous experiences and their integration into personal growth. --- ### [Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/) **Published:** February 14, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *Vital Signs* is a quarterly magazine published by IANDS. It features NDE accounts, expert commentary, and perspectives on near-death experiences, plus news and other articles you may find interesting, too. And if you’re interested in reading past issues, we have them for you right here, ordered from our latest edition to our oldest. We hope you enjoy! ## Vital Signs 2026 Issues - [Summer 2026](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/Vital-Signs-June-2026) – Issue #45-02 - [Spring 2026](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/Vital-Signs-Spring-2026) – Issue #45-01 ## Vital Signs 2025 Issues - [Winter 2025](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/Vital-Signs-December-2025.html) – Issue #44-04 - [Fall 2025](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/sept.2025.html) – Issue $44-03 - [Spring 2025](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3c9a3871ae.html) – Issue #44-02 ![The cover art for vital signs issue 41-4 published winter 2022](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/VS-41-4-2022-Winter-Vital-Signs-b-225x300.jpg "Vital signs vol 41 no 4 ‣ iands")## Vital Signs 2024 Issues - [Fall 2024 Issue](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-43-3-2024_Fall_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital-c.pdf) 43-3 - [Summer 2024](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-43-2-2024_Summer_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital-c.pdf) Issue 43-2 - [Spring 2024](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-43-1-2024_Spring_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital-c.pdf) Issue 43-1 ## 2023 Issues - [Winter 2023](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-42-4-2023_Winter_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital-c.pdf) Issue 42-4 - [Fall 2023](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-42-3-2023_Fall_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital-c.pdf) Issue 42-3 - [Summer 2023](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-42-2-2023_Summer_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital-c.pdf) Issue 42-2 - [Spring 2023](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-42-1-2023_Spring_Vital_Signs-FINAL-digital.pdf) Issue 42-1 ## 2022 Issues - [Winter 2022](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-41-4-2022_Winter_Vital_Signs-Final-digital-c.pdf) Issue 41-4 - [Fall 2022](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-41-3-2022_Fall_Vital_Signs-Final-digital-c.pdf) Issue 41-3 - [Summer 2022 ](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-41-2-2022_Summer_Vital_Signs-Final-digital-c.pdf)Issue 41-2 - [Spring 2022 ](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-41-1-2022-Spring-Vital-Signs-Final-digital-c.pdf)Issue 41-1 ## 2021 Issues - [Winter 2021](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-40-4-2021-Winter-Vital-Signs-Final-digital-c.pdf) Issue 40-4 - [Fall 2021](https://www.iands.org/images/VITAL_SIGNS/VS-40-3-2021-Fall-Vital-Signs-Final-digital-c.pdf) Issue 40-3 --- ### [Volume 30 (2011-2012): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-30-2011-2012-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Volume 30-1 (Fall 2011) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-1-p1-2.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505505/) - **Could Pam Reynolds Hear? A New Investigation into the Possibility of Hearing During this Famous Near-Death Experience** (Gerald M. Woerlee, M.B.B.S., FRCA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-1-p3-25.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461684/) - **Response to “Could Pam Reynolds Hear?”** (Stuart Hameroff, M.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-1-p26-28.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461724/) - **Response to “Could Pam Reynolds Hear?”** (Chris Carter, P.P.E., M.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-1-p29-53.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461722/) - **Rejoinder to Response to “Could Pam Reynolds Hear?”** (Gerald M. Woerlee, M.B.B.S., FRCA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-1-p54-61.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461715/) ## Volume 30-2 (Winter 2011) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-2-p63-64.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505492/) - **Panoramic Memory, Affect, and Sensations of Detachment in the Dying: Discussions Published in France, 1889-1903** (Carlos S. Alvarado, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-2-p65-82.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461701/) - **Spirituality Scale Ceiling Effects and Near-Death Experiences: An Exploratory Study** (Ryan A. Rominger, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-2-p83-105.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461703/) - **Guest Editorial: Setting the Record Straight: Correcting Two Recent Cases of Materialist Misrepresentation of My Research and Conclusions** (Pim van Lommel, M.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-2-p107-119.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461688/) - **Book Review: *The Spiritual Doorway in the Brain: A Neurologist’s Search for the God Experience*, by Kevin Nelson** (Reviewed by Rudolf H. Smit & Titus Rivas, M.A., M.Sc.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2011-30-2-p121-131.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc461884/) ## Volume 30-3 (Spring 2012) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p133-135.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938018/) - **Resurrection Appearances of Jesus as After-Death Communication** (Ken R. Vincent, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p137-148.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938017/) - **Resurrection Appearances of Jesus as After-Death Communication: Response to Ken Vincent** (Gary R. Habermas, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p149-158.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938081/) - **Resurrection Appearances of Jesus as After-Death Communication: Rejoinder to Gary Habermas** (Ken R. Vincent, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p159-166.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937996/) - **Book Reviews: *Science and the Near-Death Experience: How Consciousness Survives Death,* by Chris Carter*; The Fun of Dying: Find Out What Really Happens Next!,* by Roberta Grimes; *The Science of Life after Death: New Research Shows Human Consciousness Lives On,* by Stephen Hawley Martin; *There is Life after Death: Compelling Reports from Those Who Have Glimpsed the Afterlife,* by Roy Abraham Varghese** (Reviewed by Lee Kinsey, M.S., LPC Intern): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p167-171.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505485/m1/1/) - **Book Review: *The Spiritual Anatomy of Emotion: How Feelings Link the Brain, the Body, and the Sixth Sense,* by Michael A. Jawer with Marc S. Micozzi** (Reviewed by Ryan D. Foster, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p172-177.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505504/m1/1/) - **Book Review: *Dancing Past the Dark: Distressing Near-Death Experiences,* by Nancy Evans Bush** (Reviewed by Madelaine Lawrence, Ph.D., RN): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p178-186.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505483/) - **Letter to the Editor : Announcement of book reissue** (Chris Carter, P.P.E., M.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p187.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938021/m1/1/) - **Letter to the Editor • Failed Test of the Possibility that Pam Reynolds Heard Normally During her NDE** (Rudolph Smit): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-3-p188-192.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938051/) ## Volume 30-4 (Summer 2012) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-4-p193-194.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938076/) - **State of Apparent Death and Origin of Dreams: A Historical Review of German Literature of the 19th and Early 20th Centuries** (Birk Engmann, Dr. med.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-4-p195-206.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938034/) - **”Til Death Do Us Part:’ Marital Aftermath of One Spouse’s Near-Death Experience** (Rozan Christian, Ph.D., and Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-4-p207-231.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938084/) - **Book Review: *Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences: Brain-State Phenomena or Glimpses of Immortality?,* by Michael N. Marsh** (Reviewed by Harold Widdison, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-4-p233-250.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938066/) - **Book Review: *Randi’s Prize: What Sceptics Say About the Paranormal, Why They Are Wrong, and Why It Matters,* by Robert McLuhan** (Reviewed by Nancy Clark, CT): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-30-4-p251-259.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938049/) --- ### [Opt-out preferences](https://iands.org/opt-out-preferences/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *This page was last changed on July 30, 2026, last checked on July 30, 2026 and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States.* ## 1. Introduction Our website, (hereinafter: “the website”) uses cookies and other related technologies (for convenience all technologies are referred to as “cookies”). Cookies are also placed by third parties we have engaged. 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United States Website: Email: services@ex.comiands.org Phone number: (919) 383-7940 This Cookie Policy was synchronized with [cookiedatabase.org](https://cookiedatabase.org/) on July 30, 2026. --- ### [Volume 32 (2013-2014): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-32-2013-2014-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Volume 32-1 (Fall 2013) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p1-2.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938039/) - **Critique of “A Prospectively Studied Near-Death Experience with Corroborated Out-of-Body Perceptions and Unexplained Healing”** (Michael J. Rush, M.A., P.G.Dip.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p3-14.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938080/) - **Response to “Critique of ‘A Prospectively Studied Near-Death Experience with Corroborated Out-of-Body Perceptions and Unexplained Healing'”** (Penny Sartori, Ph.D., RGN): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p15-36.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937969/) - **Rejoinder to “Response to ‘Critique of “A Prospectively Studied Near-Death Experience with Corroborated Out-of-Body Perceptions and Unexplained Healing”‘”** (Michael J. Rush, M.A., P.G.Dip.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p37-41.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938007) - **Book Review: *Divine Moments: Ordinary People Having Spiritually Transformative Experiences* by Nancy Clark** (Reviewed by Andrew Wood, M.S.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p42-46.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938024/) - **Letter to the Editor: When Ideology Overrules Science** (Rudolf H. Smit): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p47-51.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938061/) - **Letter to the Editor: Investigating Iranian Shiite Muslim Near-Death Experiences: Background, Methodological Considerations, and Preliminary Comments** (Alinaghi Ghasemiannejad, B.B., M.A., Jeffrey Long, M.D., and Jody Long, J.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-1-p52-56.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938062/) ## Volume 32-2 (Winter 2013) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-2-p57-58.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937993/) - **The Nursing Profession and Near-Death Experiences: A Personal and Professional Update** (Judith Mandalise, M.Ed., RN, CEN, LPC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-2-p59-79.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937979/) - **Reflections of Near-Death Experiences and Deathbed Visions: A Study of Nursing Faculty’s Perceptions** (Linda Moore, Ed.D., MSN, RN, and Christopher L. Pate, Ph.D., MPA, CQIA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-2-p81-106.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938002/) - **Brief Report: Phenomenology of Near-Death Experiences: An Analysis of A Maori Case Study** (Natasha Tassell-Matamua, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-32-2-p107-117.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938005/) ## Volume 32-3 (Spring 2014) - **Editors’ Foreword** (Ryan A. Rominger, Ph.D., and Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p119-121.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948090/) - **Differentiating Spiritual and Psychotic Experiences: Sometimes a Cigar Is Just A Cigar** (Bruce Greyson, M.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p123-136.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948125/) - **The Healing Power of Extraordinary Spiritual Experiences** (David Hufford, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p137-156.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948126/) - **After-Death Communication: Parents’ and Their Children’s Understanding and Meaning-Making** (Kimberly Jeska, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p157-160.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948091/) - **Assisted After-Death Communication: A Self-Prescribed Treatment for Grief** (Julie Beischel, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p161-165.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948087/) - **Dying, Death, and Near-Death Phenomena: Validations from the Quantum World** (Linda Smith, J.D., Ph.D., M.A., PC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p167-170.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948108/) - **Spiritual Emergency in Christian Women: An Integral Study** (Peggy Lesniewicz, Ph.D., LPCC-S): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p171-174.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948083/) - **Compassionate Care and Feeding of Spiritually Transformative Experiences in Brazil: A 130-Year-Old Tradition** (Emma Bragdon, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p175-177.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948115/) - **Book Review: *Revealing Heaven: The Eyewitness Accounts That Changed How a Pastor Thinks About the Afterlife* by John W. Price** (Reviewed by Robert Perry, B.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-3-p179-184.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948088/) ## Volume 32-4 (Summer 2014) - **Editor’s Foreword (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.)**: [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-4-p185-186.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948109/m1/1/) - **A Comparative Analysis of Japanese and Western NDEs** (Masayuki Ohkado, Ph.D., and Bruce Greyson, M.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-4-p187-198.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948085/) - **Near-Death Experiences and *A Course in Miracles*** (Robert Perry, B.A., and Greg Mackie, B.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-4-p199-230.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948081/) - **Book Review: *Opening Heaven’s Door: Investigating Stories of Life, Death and What Comes After* by Patricia Pearson** (Reviewed by Samantha Anne Banbury, Ph.D., and Esther Murray, D.Prof): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-4-p231-235.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948097/) - **Letter to the Editor: Did Edgar Cayce have a near-death experience?** (Neil Helm, M.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-4-p237-240.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948114/) - **Letter to the Editor: A Hypothesis Regarding the Mechanism of Telepathy** (Prof. Ivan Andreev Manev): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-32-4-p241-243.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948084/) --- ### [Volume 31 (2012-2013): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-31-2012-2013-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Volume 31-1 (Fall 2012) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p1-2.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937960/) - **Does N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Adequately Explain Near-Death Experiences?** (Michael Potts, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p3-23.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937961/) - **Book Review: *Making Sense of Near-Death Experiences: A Handbook for Clinicians,* by Mahendra Perera, Karuppiah Jagadheesan, and Anthony Peak (Editors)** (Reviewed by Ryan D. Foster, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p25-29.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938012/) - **Book Review: *Science and the Afterlife Experience: Evidence for the Immortality of Consciousness,* by Chris Carter** (Reviewed by Cliff Hamrick, M.S., M.A., LPC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p30-33.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937998/) - **Book Review: *Beyond Goodbye: An Extraordinary True story of a Shared Death Experience,* by Annie Cap** (Reviewed by Marlise R. Lonn, M.S., LPC-S): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p34-40.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938055/) - **Book Review: *Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife* by Eben Alexander and *To Heaven and Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story,* by Mary Neal** (Reviewed by Susan Varhely, Ph.D., LPC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p41-55.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937995/) - **Letter to the Editor: Near-Death Experiences Beyond the Scope of Science** (Stephen D. Carter, DDS): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p57-58.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938058/) - **Obituary: Harold A. Widdison**: [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-1-p59-60.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937964/) ## Volume 31-2 (Winter 2012) ***Special Issue: Inaugural Conference Papers of the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences, Part I*** - **Guest Editor’s Foreword** (Ryan A. Rominger, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-2-p61-63.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938031/) - **After-math: Counting the Aftereffects of Potentially Spiritually Transformative Experiences** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-2-p65-78.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938077/) - **The Role of Spiritually Transformative Experiences in Religious History and the Development of a Scale to Measure Them** (Stanley Krippner, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-2-p79-97.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938010/) - **The Challenges of Traveling a Psychospiritual Path in Today’s Postmodern Western World** (Judith S. Miller, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-2-p98-110.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938009/) - **An Ethnographic Study of Near-Death Experience Impact and Aftereffects and Their Cultural Implications** (L. Suzanne Gordon, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2012-31-2-p111-129.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938015/) ## Volume 31-3 (Spring 2013) ***Special Issue: Inaugural Conference Papers of the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences, Part II*** - **Guest Editors’ Foreword** (Ryan A. Rominger, Ph.D., and Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-3-p131-133.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938053/) - **Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences: Models, Methods, and Research** (Ryan A. Rominger, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-3-p135-150.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937963/) - **Adults’ Reports of the Role of Psychotherapy in Integrating Their Childhood Near-Death Experiences: A Preliminary Investigation** (Jenny R. Moores, Ph.D., and Sue Ammen, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-3-p151-160.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938088/) - **An Exploratory Study of Recalled Childhood Spiritually Transformative Experiences Among a Specialized Population** (Jennifer Elam, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-3-p161-178.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938008/) - **Brief Report: A Near-Death Experience with Veridical Perception Described by a Famous Heart Surgeon and Confirmed by his Assistant Surgeon** (Titus Rivas, M.A., M.Sc., and Rudolf H. Smit): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-3-p179-186.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937997/) ## Volume 31-4 (Summer 2013) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p187-188.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505507/) - **The Field of Near-Death Studies Through 2011: An Updated Analysis of the Scholarly Periodical Literature** (Saharnaz Loseu, M.S., Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D., Lee Kinsey, M.S., and Rozan Christian, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p189-202.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938063/) - **On the Term “Peak in Darien” Experience** (Masayuki Ohkado, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p203-211.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938029/) - **Brief Report: Induced After-Death Communications: An Update** (Mo Therese Hannah, Ph.D., Allan L. Botkin, Psy.D., Joseph G. Marrone, Ph.D., and Jenny Streit-Horn, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p213-220.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937982/) - **Brief Report: Psychotherapeutic Outcomes Reported by Therapists Trained in Induced After-Death Communication** (Allan L. Botkin, Psy.D., and Mo Therese Hannah, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p221-224.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938043/) - **Book Review: *The Last Frontier: Exploring the Afterlife and Transforming Our Fear of Death,* by Julia Assante** (Reviewed by Cecile Brennan, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p225-232.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc937959/) - **Letter to the Editor: Haunted Hotel: Who of the Two Was the Visitor?** (JoseLuis Sandoval): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2013-31-4-p233-239.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc938060/) --- ### [Volume 33 (2014-2015): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-33-2014-2015-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Volume 33-1 (Fall 2014) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-1-p1-2.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948078/) - **Near-Death Experiences: Quantitative Findings from an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample** (Natasha Tassell-Matamua, Ph.D., and Mary Murray, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-1-p3-29.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948112/) - **Iranian Shiite Muslim Near-Death Experiences: Features and Aftereffects Including Dispositional Gratitude** (Alinaghi Ghasemiannejad, M.A., Jeffrey Long, M.D., Farnoosh Faith Nouri, Ph.D., and Komeyl Farahnakian, M.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-1-p30-42.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948116/) - **Book Review: *The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully* by Penny Sartori** (Reviewed by Bryan Stare, M.Ed.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-1-p43-46.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948082/) - **Book Review: *The Immortal Mind: Science and the Continuity of Consciousness Beyond the Brain* by Ervin Laszlo, with Anthony Peak** (Reviewed by Michael Grosso, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-1-p47-51.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948076/) - **Book Review: *Brain Wars: The Scientific Battle Over the Existence of the Mind and the Proof That Will Change the Way We Live Our Lives* by Mario Beauregard** (Reviewed by J. Timothy Green, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-1-p52-62.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948122/) ## Volume 33-2 (Winter 2014) ***Special Issue: 2014 Conference Papers of the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences*** - **Editors’ Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D., and Ryan Rominger, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p63-65.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948103/) - **Spontaneous Mediumship Experiences: A Neglected Aftereffect of Near-Death Experiences** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D., Ryan D. Foster, Ph.D., and Lee Kinsey, M.S.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p67-85.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948111/) - **Integrating Spiritual Experiences: Peaks to Plateaus** (Tobin Hart, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p86-98.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948099/) - **From Trauma to Transcendence: Clinical Perspectives on an Evolutionary Process** (Janet Elizabeth Colli, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p99-110.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948120/) - **Extended Abstract: Exploring Resistance to Spiritual Emergence** (Katrina Burgos, M.S.W.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p111-114.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948118/) - **Extended Abstract: The Healing Power of an Alternative Supportive Community for Spiritual Seekers** (Elizabeth J. Sabet): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p115-121.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948093/) ## [](http://www.iands.org/shoppingcart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_11&products_id=1553)Volume 33-3 (Spring 2015) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p123-124.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948105/) - **Explaining Near-Death Experiences: Physical or Non-Physical Causation?** (Robert G. Mays, B.Sc., & Suzanne B. Mays, A.A.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p125-149.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948124/) - **Guest Editorial: When Does Request for Evidence About NDEs Become Harassment?** (P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p150-154.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948075/) - **Book Review: *The Afterlife Explorers, Volume 1: The Pioneers of Psychical Research* by Michael Tymn** (Reviewed by Madelaine Lawrence, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p155-163.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948089/) - **Book Review: *The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and Ordinary People are Proving the Afterlife* by Eben Alexander. with Ptolemy Tompkins** (Reviewed by J. Kenneth Arnette, Ph.D., Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p164-170.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948080/) - **Book Review: *Why Science is Wrong . . . About Almost Everything* by Alex Tsakiris** (Reviewed by Brian Stare, M.Ed.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p171-174.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948092/) - **Letter to the Editor: End-of-Life Experience of Famous Artist J. M. W. Turner** (Dan Punzak, P.E.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p175.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948100/) - **Letter to the Editor: Trans-Material References in Victor Frankl’s Work** (Scott Janssen, M.A., M.S.W.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-3-p176-178.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948104/) ## Volume 33-4 (Summer 2015) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-4-p179-180.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948095/) - **Electromagnetic and Other Environmental Effects Following Near-Death Experiences: A Primer** (Sarah Blalock, M.Ed., Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D., and P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-4-p181-211.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948079/) - **Electromagnetic Phenomena Reported by Near-Death Experiencers** (Bruce Greyson, M.D., Mitchell B. Liester, M.D., Lee Kinsey, Ph.D., Steve Alsum, M.Div., and Glen Fox, Ph.D.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-4-p213-243.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948106/) --- ### [Past Issues of the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/past-issues-jnds/) **Published:** March 6, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Below, you’ll find a running list of every past issue of *The Journal of Near-Death Studies*. Please note that the most recent content—issues less than one year old—are only available with a subscription, which is included with a [professional-tier membership](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/). ### Volume 43 (2025) [Volume 43-2](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-2-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 43-2: Journal of Near-Death Studies") [Volume 43-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 43-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies") ### Volume 42 (2024) [Volume 42-3](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-42-3-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 42-3: Journal of Near-Death Studies") [Volume 42-2](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-42-2-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 42-2: Journal of Near-Death Studies") [Volume 42-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-42-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 42-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies") ### Volume 41 (2023) [Volume 41-3](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-41-3-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 41-3: Journal of Near-Death Studies") [Volume 41-2](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-41-2-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 41-2: Journal of Near-Death Studies") (Special Issue: Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?) [Volume 41-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-41-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 41-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies") # Earlier Volumes of the Journal of Near-Death Studies [Volume 40](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-40-2022-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 40 (2022): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2022) [Volume 39](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-39-2021-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 39 (2021): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2021) [Volume 38](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-38-2020-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 38 (2020): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2020) [Volume 37](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-37-2019-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 37 (2019): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2019) [Volume 36](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-36-2017-2018-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 36 (2017-2018): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2017 to 2018) [Volume 35](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-35-2016-2017-journal-of-near-death-experiences/ "Volume 35 (2016-2017): Journal of Near-Death Experiences") (2016 to 2017) [Volume 34](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-34-2015-2016-journal-of-near-death-experiences/ "Volume 34 (2015-2016): Journal of Near-Death Experiences") (2015 to 2016) [Volume 33](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-33-2014-2015-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 33 (2014-2015): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2014 to 2015) [Volume 32](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-32-2013-2014-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 32 (2013-2014): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2013 to 2014) [Volume 31](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-31-2012-2013-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 31 (2012-2013): Journal of Near-Death Studies") (2012 to 2013) The links below take you to our old website. We’re still in the process of moving these volumes to the newer IANDS website, but expect this to be completed in the near future. Please anticipate significant and frequent changes to this page in the meantime. [Volume 30](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/831-jnds30.html) [Volume 29](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/693-jnds29.html) [Volume 28](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/608-jnds28.html) [Volume 27](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/574-jnds27.html) [Volume 26](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/481-jnds26.html) [Volume 25](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/338-jnds25.html) [Volume 24](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/317-jnds24.html) [Volume 23](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/318-jnds23.html) [Volume 22](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/319-jnds22.html) [Volume 21](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/320-jnds21.html) [Volume 20](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/321-jnds20.html) [Volume 19](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/322-jnds19.html) [Volume 18](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/323-jnds18.html) [Volume 17](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/324-jnds17.html) [Volume 16](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/325-jnds16.html) [Volume 15](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/326-jnds15.html) [Volume 14](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/327-jnds14.html) [Volume 13](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/328-jnds13.html) [Volume 12](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/329-jnds12.html) [Volume 11](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/330-jnds11.html) [Volume 10](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/331-jnds10.html) [Volume 9](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/332-jnds9.html) [Volume 8](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/333-jnds8.html) [Volume 7](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/334-jnds7.html) [Volume 6](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/335-jnds6.html) [Volume 5](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/1207-jnds5.html) [Volume 4](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/1211-jnds4.html) [Volume 3](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/1208-jnds3.html) [Volume 2](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/1209-jnds2.html) [Volume 1](https://research.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/journal-of-near-death-studies/1210-jnds1.html) --- ### [Volume 34 (2015-2016): Journal of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-34-2015-2016-journal-of-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ### Volume 34-1 (Fall 2015) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-1-p1-3.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948121/) - **Of Love and Light: A Case Report of End-of-Life Experiences** (Natasha A. Tassell-Matamua, PhD, and Kate Steadman, MA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-1-p5-26.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948098/) - **Shedding Light on the Tunnel and Light in Near-Death Experiences: A Case Study** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD, and Saharnaz Loseu, MS): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-1-p27-43.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948094/) - **Two Cases of Spontaneous Mediumship Experiences of Near-Death Experiencers** (Ryan D. Foster, PhD; Deborah Lee, BS; and Ann Grau Duvall, BS): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-1-p44-56.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948113/) - **Book Review: *Telephone Calls from the Dead* by Callum E. Cooper** (Reviewed by Eric W. Price, MA, MS): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-1-p57-61.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948077/) ### Volume 34-2 (Winter 2015) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-2-p63-64.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948102/) - **Complex Visual Imagery and Cognition During Near-Death Experiences** (Alexander Batthyány, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-2-p65-83.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948110/) - **Paranormal Aspects of Pre-Existence Memories in Young Children** (Titus Rivas, MA, MSc; Elizabeth M. Carman, LHD; Neil J. Carman, PhD; and Anny Dirven): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-2-p84-107.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948119/) - **Dreams From Another Dimension?** (Stanley Krippner, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2015-34-2-p108-123.](http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948123/) ### Volume 34-3 (Spring 2016) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-3-p125-126.](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-3-p125-126.) - **“The Sun told me I would be restored to life”: Native American Near-Death Experiences, Shamanism, and Religious Revitalization Movements** (Gregory Shushan, Dip., BA, MA, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-3-p127-150.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125196/) - **After-Death Communication: A Typology of Therapeutic Benefits** (B. M. E. McCormick, MA, and Natasha A. Tassell-Matamua, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-3-p151-172.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125220/) - **Development of the Knowledge and Attitudes About Near-Death Experiences Scale (KANDES)** (Laura Pace, PhD; Janice Miner Holden, EdD; Sarah Blalock, PhD; Ryan Holliman, PhD; and Robin K. Henson, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-3-p173-188.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125672/) - **Book Review: *Healing the Western Soul: A Spiritual Homecoming for Today’s Seeker* by Judith S. Miller** (Reviewed by Charles Whitfield, MD, and Barbara Harris Whitfield, RT, CMT): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-3-p189-192.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125425/) ### Volume 34-4 (Summer 2016) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-4-p193-194.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505494/m1/1/) - **Patients’ Disclosures of Near-Death Experiences and Other Anomalous Death-Related Phenomena: Perspectives From a General Psychiatric Clinic** (Tony Benning, MBChB, MSC, PGDIP, MRCPsych (UK), FRCPC; and Ryan Rominger, PhD, ACSGC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-4-p195-223.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125124/) - **Book Review: *Near-Death Experiences: Understanding Visions of the Afterlife,* by John Martin Fischer and Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin** (Reviewed by Dan Punzak, BS, PE): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-4-p224-232.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125581/) - **Book Review: *The Self Does Not Die: Verified Paranormal Phenomena From Near-Death Experiences* by Titus Rivas, Anny Dirvin, and Rudolf H. Smit** (Reviewed by Neal Grossman, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-4-p233-250.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125029/) - **Letter to the Editor: Electromagnetic Effects and Other Sensitivities** (Deborah Hillman, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-34-4-p251-252.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125365/) --- ### [IANDS Expert Advisory Board](https://iands.org/about/the-iands-advisory-board/) **Published:** January 23, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ![The logo for the international association for near death studies](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/iands_logo_6-1-23-1.png "The international association for near-death studies ‣ iands")The IANDS Advisory Board includes prominent researchers and figures in the field of near-death studies, who have agreed to offer guidance on our policies, procedures, and direction. Be sure to also see the [IANDS team](https://iands.org/about/the-iands-team/) listing. ![Eben alexander](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Eben-Alexancer-683x1024.jpg "Eben alexander ‣ iands")## Eben Alexander III, MD Eben Alexander III, MD, is a near-death experiencer and researcher, author of *Living in a Mindful Universe: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Heart of Consciousness*. A former neurosurgeon who experienced a profound near-death experience (NDE) during a coma caused by bacterial meningitis, Dr. Alexander transformed his understanding of consciousness and the afterlife. His scientific background and his personal NDE uniquely position him to bridge the gap between medical science and the study of consciousness. He is the author of three books and is a public speaker. ([www.ebenalexander.com](http://www.ebenalexander.com)) ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-8.png "Image ‣ iands")## P. M.H. Atwater, LHD P. M. H. Atwater is a pioneering investigator of NDEs. In her numerous books about them, she often was the first to identify certain features of the experience or its aftereffects – features that were confirmed by further research. She is a near-death experiencer and researcher. Her memoir is *Edge Walker: The Many Lives and Deaths of PMH Atwater*. ([www.pmhatwater.com](http://www.pmhatwater.com)) ![Becky austill clausten](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Becky-Austill-Clausten.png "Becky austill clausten ‣ iands")## Rebecca ‘Becky’ Austill-Clausen, MS, OTR/L FAOTA Becky Austill-Clausen is president of Complementary Health Works, Inc., a shared death and spiritually transformative experiencer and author of *Change Maker: How My Brother’s Death Woke Up My Life*. Becky is an occupational therapist and a Reiki Master who had a shared death experience and a spiritually transformative experience in 1995 when her brother, David, passed. After 20 years of exploration, she found the courage to describe these life-changing events in her award-winning book *Change Maker*. Becky serves currently as the IANDS Conference Healing Coordinator and member of the IANDS Ethical Advocacy and Resolution Team. ([www.rebeccaaustillclausen.com](http://www.RebeccaAustillClausen.com)) ![Nancy evans bush ma](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NEB-headshot.jpg "Nancy evans bush, ma ‣ iands")## Nancy Evans Bush, MA Nancy Evans Bush, MA, is office manager emerita, executive director emerita, and president emerita of IANDS, as well as a near-death experiencer and researcher. Following her own distressing NDE—the term “distressing” having replaced the former term “negative”—she embarked on the study of these experiences, deepening an understanding of them and advocating for their legitimacy alongside more commonly reported, predominantly-pleasurable NDEs. Her work on this topic was pioneering, and she is now considered a foremost expert on it, maintaining a steady insistence that even deeply unpleasant altered states of consciousness are not necessarily characterological and that they can carry beneficial meaning. Psychiatrist and foremost NDE researcher Bruce Greyson referred to her book *Dancing Past the Dark* as “the bible on the subject” of distressing NDEs, and she has published two additional books on this topic. ![Suzanne giesemann](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Suzanne-Giesemann.jpg "Suzanne giesemann ‣ iands")## Suzanne Giesemann, MPA, CDR (USN, Ret.) Suzanne Giesemann is an evidential medium and author of *The Awakened Way: Making the Shift to a Divinely Guided Life*. A former U.S. Navy Commander and aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, today Suzanne is a medium whose work provides stunning evidence that love never dies. Included on the Watkins’ 2022 list of the “100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People” and recipient of the 2024 Spiritual Leadership Humanity’s Team Award, Suzanne is a spiritual teacher and international speaker. ([www.suzannegiesemann.com](http://www.SuzanneGiesemann.com)) ![Bruce greyson of the iands advisory panel](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bruce-Greyson.png "Bruce greyson ‣ iands")## Bruce Greyson, MD Bruce Greyson, MD, is Carlson Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, in the Division of Perceptual Studies a the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is a foremost researcher in the field of near-death studies and author of *After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond*. Dr. Greyson He is an IANDS co-founder, Past President, Past Director of Research, and Past Editor of *the Journal of Near-Death Studies*. He also co-founded Connecticut-IANDS, the local NDE support and interest group based in Farmington, Connecticut. ([www.brucegreyson.com](http://www.brucegreyson.com)) ![Jean-pierre jourdan](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jean-Pierre-Jourdan.jpg "Jean-pierre jourdan ‣ iands")## Jean-Pierre Jourdan, MD Jean-Pierre Jourdan, MD, is a researcher and president and director of medical research at the [French Branch of the International Association for Near-Death Studies](http://iands-france.org/). ![Pim van lommel](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pim-Van-Lommel-794x1024.png "Pim van lommel ‣ iands")## Pim van Lommel, MD Based in Arnhem, The Netherlands, Pim van Lommel, MD, is a cardiologist who conducted a [large-scale prospective hospital study of NDEs](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(01)07100-8/abstract) that was published in the prestigious medical journal *The Lancet*. With his article “The Continuity of Consciousness,” he won second prize in the 2021 Bigelow Institute essay competition regarding the best evidence for survival of human consciousness after permanent bodily death. In 1988 he co-founded IANDS The Netherlands. He is an Honorary Member of the Scientific & Medical Network (SMN) and an international speaker. He is also a researcher and author of *[Consciousness Beyond Life](http://www.consciousnessbeyondlife.com/)* ![Jeffrey long md](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jeffrey-Long-1024x843.png "Jeffrey long ‣ iands")## Jeffrey Long, MD Jeffrey Long, MD, is the founder of the [Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF)](http://www.nderf.org/), the largest repository of NDEs in the world, which includes entries from around the world. He is also an author and speaker on all aspects of NDEs. He is a researcher and author of *Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences* and *God and the Afterlife: The Groundbreaking New Evidence for God and Near-Death Experience*. ![Jeffrey mishlove, phd](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jeffrey-Mishlove-1024x744.png "Jeffrey mishlove ‣ iands")## Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD, is adjunct faculty at the [California Institute for Human Science](https://www.cihs.edu), host of *[New Thinking Allowed](https://www.youtube.com/c/NewThinkingAllowed)* and president of *[New Thinking Allowed Foundation](https://www.newthinkingallowed.org/)*. In 1980, Dr. Mishlove received the only doctoral diploma in “parapsychology” ever awarded by an accredited university: the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of *The Roots of Consciousness*, *Psi Development Systems*, and *The PK Man*. In 2021 he became the Grand Prize winner of the Bigelow Institute essay competition regarding the best evidence for survival of human consciousness after permanent bodily death. ![Raymond moody](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Raymond-Moody-1.png "Raymond moody ‣ iands")## Raymond Moody, Jr., MD, PhD Raymond Moody, Jr., MD, Ph.D., authored the 1975 book *Life After Life*, which opened the contemporary field of near-death studies. He has also published groundbreaking books on related phenomena such as shared death experiences and after-death communication, and he continues to write, speak, and teach about such experiences and their meaning for individuals and for humanity. Dr. Moody is a researcher and author of *Life After Loss*, *God is Bigger Than the Bible*, and *Proof of Life After Life* () ![Anita moorjani](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Anita-Moorjani-682x1024.jpg "Anita moorjani ‣ iands")## Anita Moorjani Anita Moorjani is a near-death experiencer and author of the *New York Times* best seller *Dying to Be Me* ([www.anitamoorjani.com](http://www.anitamoorjani.com)). Following Anita’s astounding 2006 NDE, she came to the attention of Dr. Wayne Dyer, who facilitated Anita’s current status as a bestselling author and international public speaker. Today, Anita is an activist for global harmony and love; she travels the world sharing her truth about the interconnectedness of us all. ![Michael nahm](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Michael-Nahm-879x1024.jpg "Michael nahm ‣ iands")## Michael Nahm, PhD Michael Nahm, Ph.D., is a research associate at the Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany. Dr. Nahm has researched NDEs, including evidence that those that had reportedly occurred during cardiac arrest actually happened during that time rather than having been constructed during the recovery phase as had been proposed. In 2009 he coined the term “terminal lucidity” to describe the unexpected surge of mental clarity in confused or nonresponsive people shortly before death, which was followed by his own and others’ further research on this intriguing phenomenon. His important recent publications include “[The Importance of the Exceptional in Tackling Riddles of Consciousness and Unusual Episodes of Lucidit](https://doi.org/10.31156/jaex.24028 "The Importance of the Exceptional in Tackling Riddles of Consciousness and Unusual Episodes of Lucidity")y” and “The Significance of Autoscopies as a Time Marker for the Occurrence of Near-Death Experiences.” ![Mary neal, md](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mary-Neal-955x1024.png "Mary neal ‣ iands")## Mary Neal, MD Mary Neal, MD, is a former assistant professor and director of spine surgery at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. She is a retired spinal surgeon who experienced a profound near-death experience after drowning in a whitewater kayaking accident. This experience and what followed radically altered her understanding of death, of life, and of the coexistent nature of science and faith. She is a worldwide advocate for seeking spiritual truth, knowing that this journey often uncovers the meaning, purpose, and joy that God intends for us. She is the author of two *New York Times* Best Sellers, *To Heaven and Back* and *7 Lessons from Heaven* ([www.DrMaryNeal.com](http://www.DrMaryNeal.com)) ![Jeff o'Driscoll](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jeff-ODriscoll-732x1024.png "Jeff o'driscoll ‣ iands")## Jeff O’Driscoll, MD, FACEP Jeff O’Driscoll, MD, FACEP, is a retired emergency physician, experiencer and author of *Not Yet: Near-Life Experiences & Lessons Learned*. Dr. O’Driscoll is the former Chief of Emergency Medicine at Intermountain Medical Center and former Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah. As an emergency physician, he had numerous transpersonal experiences which he documented in his 2017 book *Not Yet* and on which he based his 2024 novel, *Zen’s Garden*. In addition to being a physician and award-winning author, he is an intuitive mentor, artist, and healer. ([www.jeffodriscoll.com](http://www.jeffodriscoll.com)) ![Jeffery olsen](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jeffery-Olsen-682x1024.png "Jeffery olsen ‣ iands")## Jeffery C. Olsen, BSc Jeffery Olsen is a near-death experiencer and author of *Knowing: Memoirs of a Journey Beyond the Veil* and *Choosing Joy After Tragic Loss*. Jeff is creative director at [BYUtv](https://www.byutv.org/) who, since his NDE, has become an international bestselling author—including co-authorship with his son, Spencer, of the book *Where Are You?*—and inspirational speaker. He has been featured on media outlets such as Fox and Gaia, in the award-winning documentary *Remembering Heaven*, and on numerous podcasts and radio shows including Coast to Coast, iHeart Radio, and Messages of Hope. For 15 years he has been active in [IANDS conferences](https://conference.iands.org/) including as keynote and featured speaker. ([www.JefferycOlsen.com](http://www.JefferycOlsen.com)) ![Marieta pehlivianova](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Marieta-Pehlivianova-1024x972.png "Marieta pehlivianova ‣ iands")## Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD Dr. Pehlivanova is a research assistant professor in the [Division of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies), Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Pehlivanova holds a PhD in Experimental and Cognitive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Statistics from American University. Formerly a biostatistician in a medical research non-profit organization, she now focuses her UVa research primarily on near-death experiences and children’s reports of purported past-life memories, including the cognitive, personality, environmental, and genetic factors contributing to their occurrence; veridical perceptions reported by experiencers; their impact on individuals; cross-cultural comparisons; and the development of support resources within healthcare settings for experiencers. Some of Dr. Pehlivanova’s research has been funded by the BIAL Foundation and published in scientific outlets such as *Frontiers in Psychology, Journal of Neuroscience, Mortality*, and the *American Journal of Cardiology.* ![Titus rivas](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Titus-Rivas-1024x768.jpg "Titus rivas ‣ iands")## Titus Rivas, MA, MSc Titus Rivas is a researcher and lead author of *The Self Does Not Die: Verified Paranormal Phenomena From Near-Death Experiences (2nd edition)*. An adult educator, Titus has conducted research for the Athanasia Working Party, the Society for Psychical Research, and Network NDE and has written about survival and reincarnation research, philosophy of mind, animal ethics, animal psychology, mental healthcare, and social issues. ![Michael sabom](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Michael-Sabom.png "Michael sabom ‣ iands")## Michael B. Sabom, MD Dr. Sabom is a retired cardiologist and former Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a researcher and author of *Light and Death: One Doctor’s Fascinating Account of Near-Death Experiences*. Dr. Sabom is also a co-founder of IANDS and was lead researcher of the first prospective study of NDEs, described in his book *Recollections of Death: A Medical Investigation*. He is currently working on another book on NDEs, expected to be published in 2025. ![Penny sartori](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Penny-Sartori-742x1024.jpg "Penny sartori ‣ iands")## Penny Sartori, PhD, FHEA, PGCertHE, RGN Dr. Sartori is a senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, and Health and Life Sciences at Swansea University in Swansea, Wales. She’s also an NDE researcher. ![Kimberly clark sharp](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kimberly-Clark-Sharp-717x1024.png "Kimberly clark sharp ‣ iands")## Kimberly Clark-Sharp, MSW, LCSW Seattle Kimberly Clark-Sharp is a near-death experiencer and author of *After the Light: What I Discovered on the Other Side of Life That Can Change Your World*. Kim is the investigator in the famous shoe-on-the-hospital-ledge veridical NDE case. She’s an author and public speaker, and founder and president of Seattle IANDS, the oldest and largest group of its kind in the world. ![Gregory shushan](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gregory-Shushan.png "Gregory shushan ‣ iands")## Gregory Shushan, PhD Dr. Shushan is adjunct professor of thanatology at Marian University. As the author of four books on early historical and indigenous NDEs, he is the leading expert in this topic area and speaks internationally on the subject. Dr. Shushan holds degrees in religious studies, research methods for humanities, Egyptian archaeology, and Eastern Mediterranean archaeology. He is currently a candidate for a second PhD at Birmingham Newman University in Birmingham, England, UK. He is the author of the upcoming book *Near-Death Experience in Ancient Civilizations*. ([www.gregoryshushan.com](http://www.gregoryshushan.com)) ![Brian smith](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Brian-Smith-872x1024.png "Brian smith ‣ iands")## Brian D. Smith, CGE Brian Smith is a certified grief educator and author of *Grief 2 Growth: Planted, Not Buried* and host of the [Grief 2 Growth Podcast](http://www.grief2growth.com/). After the passing of his daughter Shayna, Brian transitioned from a career in business to his life’s calling: guiding others through grief. As a Certified Grief Educator, he supports individuals and groups with compassion and insight, offering education and direct support to help transform pain into personal growth. Brian serves on the Board of Directors for Helping Parents Heal and as Vice President of the SoulPhone Foundation, inspiring hope and fostering connections between this world and the next. ![Natasha tassell matamua](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Natahsa-Tassell-Matamua-819x1024.jpg "Natasha tassell matamua ‣ iands")## Natasha Tassell-Matamua, PhD Dr. Tassell-Matamua is an independent researcher and near-death experiencer. Previously an associate professor in the School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand, Dr. Tassell-Matamua has more than two decades of research experience. Since 2009, she has focused specifically on near-death and other exceptional experiences of consciousness, pioneering the field of near-death studies in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is an Indigenous scholar who established the Centre for Indigenous Psychologies at Massey University and also researches the interface of exceptional experiences and Indigenous knowledges. She is especially interested in advancing understandings of cultural diversity in NDE and consciousness studies. She has published extensively and presents both nationally and internationally on NDEs and Indigenous knowledges. She is also an associate editor of EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing, and an associate editor of the journal Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research and Practice, and she serves on the board for the Academy for the Advancement of Postmaterialist Science. --- ### [Near-Death Experience Week 2026](https://iands.org/media-center/near-death-experience-week-2026/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This June 1st to June 7th, please join the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) as we host the first-ever **Near-Death Experience Week**. Join us for a free panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers, a special edition of the [IANDS Afterlife Revealed Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/@Afterlife_Revealed_NDE_Podcast), and new [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) and [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) content here on *IANDS.org*. Until you or a loved one have had a near-death experience, it can be extremely difficult to understand not just [what happens during an NDE](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-happens-during-a-near-death-experience/ "IANDS Q&A: What Happens During a Near-Death Experience?"). The general public doesn’t really understand this phenomenon, and many often struggle to communicate with and offer support to experiencers. At IANDS, one of our primary goals is to **educate the public** on and **normalize conversations** about near-death experiences and related phenomena. And that’s what Near-Death Experience Week is all about — helping more people understand near-death experiences, so experiencers have an easier time finding support from their loved ones, healthcare workers, and established networks of fellow experiencers as well. ## Special Near-Death Experience Week events you won’t want to miss! - **Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. EDT** IANDS will host a panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers: Vinney Todd Tolman and IANDS President Evan Mecham. The event will be moderated by IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley. **Click here** **to register** **for this free event!** - **Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. EDT** IANDS Afterlife Revealed Podcast Host Dani Foffa will moderate a discussion “*What Academic Research and Personal Stories Tell Us About Near Death Experiences*”. Featured guests will include *Dying to be Me* author Anita Moorjani and University of Virginia School of Medicine Division of Perceptual Studies Research Assistant Professor for Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences Marieta Pehlivanova, Ph.D. **Click here** ****to register** **for this free event!**** ## Results from a new NDE poll revealed In advance of Near-death Experience Week, IANDS worked with [Centiment](https://centiment.co/) and surveyed 2,100 Americans about NDEs. We asked people whether they themselves had crossed into other realms and then returned to their human lives (22 percent said they had) or whether they knew someone who had an NDE (35 percent said they knew someone who had). We also asked Americans about their views on death and the afterlife, whether they think science supports the NDE phenomena. and whether humanity can learn from these experiences. The full results of this fascinating survey **[are now available here](https://iands.org/results-of-new-iands-near-death-experience-poll-revealed/ "Results of New IANDS Near-Death Experience Poll Revealed")**. Also be sure to see [our survey announcement press release](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/twenty-three-percent-of-americans-say-theyve-had-near-death-experiences-according-to-major-survey/). **What to book an interview with an expert?** Email [executivedirector@IANDS.org](mailto:executiedirector@IANDS.org) and we will find the best expert to meet your needs. ## Media: **Learn more about Near-Death Experiences** with IANDS Interested in learning more about near-death experiences and related phenomena? In search of informative content to link to? Please check out the incredible scientific and educational resources IANDS provides, including: - Scientific [fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/ "Fact Sheets") - Our [recommended reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/ "Recommended Reading List") - Recommended [films and documentaries](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/ "Recommended Near-Death Experience Films and Series") - Our beginner-friendly [IANDS Q&A articles](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") - Learn more about NDE-related terminology with our [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies") And if you’d like to help support IANDS through your content, we’d love for you to also share links to our [donate to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "donate IANDS") and [join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") pages, too. **IANDS is an educational nonprofit**, and every tax-deductible donation big and small helps advance our mission! --- ### [Near-Death Experience Week: Learn More About This Unique Phenomenon](https://iands.org/events/near-death-experience-week/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Learn more about near-death experiences during our first ever Near-Death Experience Week. Join IANDS for special events, new educational resources, and more! **Content:** *Join IANDS **June 1st through June 7th** 2026 for **our first-ever Near-Death Experience Week**, where we’ll focus on introducing the concept of **near-death experiences —NDEs —** to* as much of the general public as we can! ## **When you hear the phrase *near-death experience*, what do you think it means?** Most of us probably think of a close brush with death. An emergency scenario where quick thinking or direct action prevents someone from losing their life. You’re *near death*, and it’s quite the *experience*, so that’s a near-death experience, right? Well, being close to death is certainly a part of it. But there’s more to a near-death experience, or “NDE”, than that. Some of us already have a stronger inkling as to what a near-death experience is. Stop me when this sounds familiar: someone is perilously close to death, and they suddenly see a bright tunnel of light, and they encountered a deceased family member or some other figure who tells them something important before returning to the mortal realm. You may have heard stories like this in the past, as they’ve been heavily referenced in pop culture. Popular medical TV shows like *E.R.*, *Chicago Hope*, *Scrubs*, *Saving Hope*, *House*, *New Amsterdam*, and *Grey’s Anatomy* have touched on the subject. So have non-medical TV shows like *The Sopranos*, *The OA*, *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, *Supernatural*, and countless others. Even comedy shows like *The Simpsons*, *Family Guy*, and *South Park* have paid a visit to, or parodied, near-death experiences. Now for the part most of you probably haven’t heard: **Near-death experiences really do happen to people**, and **they’re more common than you probably realize**. The out-of-body experiences, the tunnels of light, all of it — it’s all a very real phenomenon. **Millions of people throughout history** have witnessed near-death experiences first-hand. But unless you experience one yourself or you know someone who does, you may never find out just how real an NDE really is. ## Introducing Near-Death Experience Week ***The International Association for Near-Death Studies* *(IANDS)* is an educational non-profit** working to **educate the general public** about NDEs, to **help experiencers find the support they need**, and to **engage in scientific research** to help us better understand NDEs. And *Near-Death Experience Week* is focused predominantly on advancing our goals in those first two categories. ***Near-Death Experience Week* is all about helping more people learn about NDEs**. We hope to help experiencers learn more about what they’ve encountered. To help loved ones provide experiencers with better support. To direct healthcare workers toward useful information that might help them better understand, appreciate, and serve their patients. It’s a week of learning, exposing people to new ideas, and helping people not only find support, but grow their potential for support moving forward. ## Near-Death Experiences 101 So what exactly is a near-death experience? We have a lot of resources to peruse on this subject, which we’ll share with you soon. But for now, let’s walk you through the basics. **A near-death experience (or “NDE”) is an experience during which a person comes perilously close to death, or may have been dead for a brief time**. During this time, the person having the experience will often see a tunnel of light. They’ll meet with deceased loved ones, religious figures, or others. They might be given messages, or be given a choice as to whether they wish to return to the mortal world or not. Some people also have [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary") or experience other [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?") during their NDE. But an NDE isn’t simply defined by the medical event itself. After having a near-death experience, most people find themselves **fundamentally and permanently changed** by it. They tend to drastically **change their views**, more readily **engage in acts of service** to others, and many find themselves **more involved in religious or spiritual activities** as well. NDEs are sensational, and so too are the changes experiencers undergo in their wake. And that means experiencers can have a very difficult time acclimating to regular life and communicating with others about their experiences. They’re often misunderstood, written off, or worse — accused of having breakdowns or mental health issues. But science has confirmed that yes, NDEs really are happening. We just don’t understand what they are or what causes them. And we haven’t yet encountered a scientific explanation for this phenomenon that can’t be dismissed by other scientific and medical evidence. ## Free Events and New Information for Near-Death Experience Week 2026 Near-Death Experience Week 2026 is the first event of its kind. From **June 1st through June 7th**, IANDS will be sharing **new [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") and [IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies") entries**, and we have **two free special events** that week that you won’t want to miss! On **Tuesday, June 2nd at 8 PM EDT**, IANDS will host a panel discussion with two inspiring experiencers: Vinney Todd Tolman and IANDS President Evan Mecham. The event will be moderated by IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley. Please **click here** **to register** **for this free event**. Then, on **Saturday, June 6th at 3 PM EDT**, *[IANDS Afterlife Revealed](https://www.youtube.com/@Afterlife_Revealed_NDE_Podcast)* podcast host Dani Foffa will moderate a discussion “*What Academic Research and Personal Stories Tell Us About Near Death Experiences*”. Featured guests will include *Dying to be Me* author Anita Moorjani and University of Virginia School of Medicine Division of Perceptual Studies Research Assistant Professor for Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences Marieta Pehlivanova, Ph.D. **Click here** **to register for this free event**. On May 28th and 29th, IANDS also revealed the results of a new IANDS/Centiment poll in which we surveyed 2,100 Americans on near-death experiences and the afterlife. We’ll be integrating this study’s findings into our content and sharing the results here on IANDS.org for quite a while to come. **[See the results here](https://iands.org/results-of-new-iands-near-death-experience-poll-revealed/ "Results of New IANDS Near-Death Experience Poll Revealed")**! ## Your Near-Death Experience Week Educational Crash Course To celebrate *Near-Death Experience Week* with us, we’d like to invite you to read through some of the many articles published by IANDS on NDEs and related experiences. Below we’re sharing a plethora of valuable free resources, and we encourage you to also explore all of our [Learn](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/), [Support](https://iands.org/support/), [Explore](https://iands.org/explore/), and [Research](https://iands.org/nde-research/) content as well. If you can’t find something in particular, please [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") and let us know what you’re looking for. We’re here to help! ### For NDE Newcomers If you’re new to the concept of near-death experiences, we recommend starting with these informative articles: - [What is a near-death experience or ‘NDE’?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/ "What is a Near-Death Experience or ‘NDE’?") - [What causes near-death experiences, and who has them?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/ "What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?") - [How common are near-death experiences?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/how-common-are-near-death-experiences-heres-what-useful-research-says/ "How Common are Near-Death Experiences? Here’s What Useful Research Says") - [The characteristics of a near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) We also recommend taking a moment to read through our [**IANDS Q&A**](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A") articles, which aim to answer commonly-asked questions sent to IANDS or searched for on the Internet. And if and when you encounter scientific terminology you don’t understand, we encourage you to see if it’s defined in our [**IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies**](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies"), which also shares valuable links to more information. You won’t want to miss out on *[**Vital Signs Magazine**](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")*, either. It’s a free digital magazine published by IANDS featuring fascinating stories about NDEs, experiencers, and the tireless efforts of researchers studying this important and still-emerging field of scientific study. Here are a few IANDS Q&A entries to help get you started: - [What is a near-death experience like?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-what-is-a-near-death-experience-like/) - [Can anyone have a near-death experience? Are certain people more or less prone?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-anyone-have-an-nde-are-certain-people-more-or-less-prone/) - [Can a near-death experience change your life?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) - [Are near-death experiences just hallucinations?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/) - [Are pets seen in near-death experiences?](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/) ### Ready for a Deeper Dive? Looking for even more information? You should take a gander at **our extensive [recommended reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/ "Recommended Reading List")** showcasing our favorites amongst the countless books published on the subjects of near-death experiences and related phenomena. If you’re a documentary buff, you should also take a look at **our list of [recommended films and series](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/ "Recommended Near-Death Experience Films and Series")**, too. If you’re hoping to dig even deeper, we suggest checking out **our [IANDS fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/ "Fact Sheets")**. And you’ll also find whole tomes of valuable scientific knowledge contained within the **past issues of [the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/past-issues-jnds/ "Past Issues of the Journal of Near-Death Studies")**. Thank you for taking part in *Near-Death Experience Week* with IANDS! And if you find all of this information useful, we hope we’ll get to see you at [**IANDS Conference 2026**](https://iands.org/events/conference/). You can also support our educational non-profit organization and our mission by making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), by [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), or even by simply sharing any of our articles with others. We appreciate every contribution, big and small, and so do the experiencers, families, researchers, and healthcare professionals we serve! --- ### [How to Find a Professional Mental Health Provider](https://iands.org/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/) **Published:** February 3, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Finding someone you can speak with openly is a critical step toward better understanding your [near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) or [related transpersonal experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). And while we recommend [sharing your near-death experience](/support/advice-sharing-your-near-death-experience-with-people-you-trust/) with someone you know and trust personally, talking with a mental health provider has significant benefits as well. Finding a mental health provider can be challenging. But IANDS has prepared a list of qualified professionals you can reach out to. Those listed below have asserted that they’re each currently licensed as a mental health provider—a counselor, marriage/ family therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. And each one states they’re prepared work with clients who’ve had near-death experiences or related transpersonal experiences. In most cases, your mental health provider will only be licensed to work in one state. So the mental health provider listings below are organized by state and city to help you find someone close to home. If you’re a mental health provider who would like to be listed here, please [see our qualifications and application here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeM0lCJP36I155qGmvGzQ64ft9lBefi4NU7P1eQhlradtrbaQ/viewform). ## IANDS Disclaimer IANDS is providing this list of Mental Health Providers as a public service. We have verified each provider’s licensure through public records and we’ve carefully considered each provider’s professional preparation to address near-death experiences and related phenomena in counseling. However, IANDS cannot guarantee the quality or outcome of any services provided by any mental health provider on this list. You are responsible for determining whether speaking with a mental health provider is appropriate and whether it would be beneficial to you. All financial arrangements for services must be made between the individual and the provider. IANDS makes no guarantee or warranty of any kind with respect to this list and its contents. IANDS does not charge for the listing and does not gain financially if you choose to engage with a particular mental health provider. By using this listing, you agree that you have read, understood, and agree to the preceding information. ## Mental Health Provider List \[table id=2 /\] --- ### [Volunteer at IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) [Click HERE to volunteer](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwbC8NNwPgyinOW-dmjxtTfwD0ATL-4ttUCvG-piR4Yhtj6w/viewform) **IANDS Conference 2026 wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of our extraordinary volunteers**. When you volunteer at IANDS Conference 2026, you’re having a direct and positive impact on all those who attend, and we deeply appreciate your contributions! Volunteers at our IANDS Conference receive **a discount on conference registration**. Please **[fill out this form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwbC8NNwPgyinOW-dmjxtTfwD0ATL-4ttUCvG-piR4Yhtj6w/viewform)** if you’re interested in helping us make IANDS Conference 2026 our best event yet. **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from **August 27th through August 30th****, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. We can’t wait to see you there and work with you! --- ### [Closing the Gap in Medical Care for NDErs](https://iands.org/support/closing-the-gap-in-medical-care-for-nders/) **Published:** March 26, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## **NDE Disclosure Discrimination** Those who have a [near-death experience](/near-death-experiences/) (NDE) struggle with sharing this information with their healthcare providers, family members, and others. Some struggle to make sense of the experience, mainly if they are unaware that others have reported similar accounts. Though it’s challenging to explain NDEs scientifically, they happen to millions of people and often leave individuals profoundly changed for the remainder of their lives. Studies have found that 10 – 20% of people who are resuscitated after nearly dying have an NDE: an out-of-body experience accompanied by various perceptions such as traveling through a tunnel of light, feeling loved, and/or being received by deceased loved ones. Most NDEs are highly pleasurable experiences, but a percentage describe a distressing experience, which can be traumatizing to patients. ## **Healthcare Provider Education** Most healthcare providers receive no training on how to respond to a patient’s report of an NDE. Yet, how they treat patients following these experiences can have long-term impacts. Patients who tell a healthcare worker about their experience sometimes end up feeling ignored, having their experience disregarded as non-factual, or being misdiagnosed with hallucinations or a mental disorder. This is referred to as a “gap in medical care for near-death experiencers” because it can unwittingly harm the individual and cause patients to avoid future discussion of their experience out of fear that they will be stigmatized. ## **About the *Voices* Issue** In the winter of 2020, *Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics: A Journal of Qualitative Research* (NIB; Vol. 10, No. 3) published a special issue on “Healthcare After a Near-Death Experience.” The issue contained a collection of personal stories from individuals who had an NDE as well as articles by healthcare and other professionals. IANDS raised money to have this material published in *VOICES: Personal Stories from the Pages of NIB*, produced for the Foundation for Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics by Johns Hopkins University Press. This issue of *VOICES* contains the articles from the NIB issue, including 18 near-death experiencers who share what happened and how they felt about disclosing their NDE to healthcare providers and family. The hope is that these accounts will serve as an educational resource to help patients, families, and healthcare providers to close the gap of care for experiencers. [MORE INFORMATION & DOWNLOAD THE *VOICES* ISSUE](https://nibjournal.org/voices/healthcareafternde/) ## Video and audio resources ### **Medical Training Video** This groundbreaking video features six highly qualified medical professionals, including Dr. Eben Alexander, best-selling author of *Proof of Heaven*, and Dr. Bruce Greyson, pioneering and currently foremost NDE researcher. In addition, near-death experiencers describe their amazing journeys into the afterlife and back. Originally created to prepare medical health, mental health, and spiritual/religious health professionals to respond to NDE disclosure with ethical best practices, this video captivates general audiences, as well. *Note: Turning on subtitles/closed captions is recommended. Also, a media review of this video can be found [here](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p53-55.).* ### **Veterans’ NDE Video** Veterans who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) may experience a gap in healthcare. Most healthcare providers have little training to recognize NDEs and frequently confuse them with post-traumatic stress (PTS) or mental illness. Therefore, veteran NDErs may be ignored, misdiagnosed, over-medicated, and given costly, ineffective treatment. Hear veterans, their family members, counselors, and researchers share their insights into these powerful transcendent experiences and the need for appropriate responses by healthcare providers. *Note: Turning on subtitles/close caption is recommended.* ### **Healthcare Professionals’ Training Video** In this video, Dr. Jan Holden from the University of North Texas interviews a near-death experiencer, Leslie, about her distressing experience disclosing her NDE to medical professionals. Jan then presents results of a study indicating how frequently NDErs have felt harmed by disclosing their NDEs to medical health, mental health, and spiritual/religious health professionals, as well as family and friends. She concludes with recommendations for healthcare professionals and others to incorporate into their response to NDE disclosure—recommendations that enable the health professional to uphold their ethical mandate (and family and friends to uphold their personal moral code) to *do no harm* to near-death and related experiencers. • Also see • Reference: Holden, J. M., Kinsey, L., & Moore, T. R. (2014). [Disclosing near-death experiences to professional healthcare providers and non-professionals](https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000039). *Spirituality in Clinical Practice*, *1*(4), 278–287. ### **2021 IANDS Spring Symposium: Providing Healthcare to Near-Death and Related Experiencers** The purpose of this one-day online symposium was for anyone—professional or layperson—to complete the day feeling confident that they know how to fulfill their professional ethical and personal moral responsibility to do no harm to near-death and related experiencers. Contributors included healthcare providers (medical, mental, social, and spiritual), a bioethicist, family members and friends, as well as experiencers themselves who revealed their best and worst experiences of disclosure and offered their most important advice about how others can avoid harm and increase help to those touched by near-death and related experiences. Through April, 2023, nurses can earn continuing education credit by viewing the Symposium recording. The recording can be purchased and accessed [here](https://isgo.iands.org/product/closing-the-gap-in-medical-care-for-nders-symposium-spring-21-session-1/). ![](https://isgo.iands.org/media/2021/07/Symposium_graphic2.jpg)### ***The Day I Died* Documentary** The 2006 BBC documentary *[The Day I Died](http://www.documentarytube.com/videos/the-day-i-died)*, available at no cost online, is still relevant today, featuring leading researchers in the field of near-death studies addressing the ways in which NDEs challenge the materialist worldview that currently dominates Western scientific inquiry. Teachers can use the [viewing/teaching guide](https://research.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/TheDayIDied-Teacher-ViewingGuide.pdf). A 2006 media review of the video can be found [here](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2006-25-2-p121-128.). A study showing the effectiveness of using *The Day I Died* as an educational tool can be found [here](https://doi.org/10.2190/OM.63.4.e). ### ***Physician Reports a Case of Veridical Perception*** [In this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL1oDuvQR08), Dr. Lloyd Rudy reports a case of veridical perception—perception during an NDE that is later verified as accurate—in which Dr. Rudy was the attending physician. The evidential nature of the veridical perception is particularly strong in that what the patient “saw” during his NDE was idiosyncratic and could not have been deduced through hearing. [![LloydRudyThumbnail](https://research.iands.org/images/stories/2021/LloydRudyThumbnail.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL1oDuvQR08)### **NDE Radio** [Interview: NIB NDE Symposium & “Closing the Medical Gap of Care of NDE Patients.”](https://www.talkzone.com/episodes/199/10813.html) --- ### IANDS website resources • [Support for NDErs](https://iands.org/support/) • [Caring for the NDEr: Considerations for Caregivers](https://www.research.iands.org/resources/support-for-others/considerations-for-caregivers.html) • [Supporting Near-Death Experiences in the Health-Care Setting](https://research.iands.org/257-supporting-near-death-experiences-in-the-health-care-setting.html) • [NDEs in the Medical Profession](https://www.research.iands.org/resources/support-for-others/ndes-and-medicine.html) • [Other IANDS Brochures](https://www.researc.iands.org/component/content/article.html?id=313&Itemid=525) --- ### Other Publications An overview of the status of education about NDEs as of 2009: Foster, R., James, D., & Holden, J. M. (2009). Practical applications of near-death experiences research. In J. M. Holden, B. Greyson, & D. James (Eds.), [*The handbook of near-death experiences: Thirty years of investigation*](https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Near-Death-Experiences-Thirty-Investigation/dp/0313358648/?tag=iandsorg-20) (pp. 235–258). Praeger/ABC-CLIO. A report of a study about the effectiveness of an online educational program on NDEs for licensed counselors: Loseu, S., & Holden, J. M. (2017).[ Impact of an online education program on counselors’ knowledge and attitudes about near-death experiences](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p3-26.). *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, *36*(1), 3–26. A report of a study about the effectiveness of an educational program on NDEs for undergraduates: Tassell-Matamua, N., & Lindsay, N. (2017). [Undergraduate psychology students’ knowledge and attitudes about near-death experiences: Does education about NDEs make a difference?](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p27-52.) *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, *36*(1), 27–52. A report of a study about physician trainees’ metaphysical experiences and their relationship to end-of-life care: Schmit, J. M., & Meyer, L. E. (2020). [Metaphysical beliefs and experiences among physician trainees: An exploratory study.](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-3-p137-156.) *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, *38*(3), 137–156. A casebook of veridical NDEs — experiencers’ perceptions during NDE later verified as accurate: Rivas, T., Dirven, A., & Smit, R. H. (2023). *[The Self Does Not Die: Verified paranormal phenomena from near-death experiences (2nd ed.).](https://www.amazon.com/Self-Does-Not-Die/dp/0997560800/?tag=iandsorg-20)* IANDS Publications. --- ### Responding to Near-Death and Related Experiences: Recommendations for Healthcare Providers **1. Don’t:** - **Dismiss** the possibility that the person in distress is experiencing an NDE or related experience. - (In case of possible NDE or related experience) **Disregard** the possibility that an experience may have occurred. - (In case of disclosure of NDE or related experience) **Deny** the experience as one that has been professionally recognized and labeled. - **Discourage** the experiencer from talking about it and/or psychospiritually processing its aftereffects and meaning. - **Determine** the meaning of the experience for the experiencer. - **Disbelieve** that the experience was—or, at least, *could be—r*eal. - **Diagnose** the experience or experiencer as a sign of mental illness, based on the experience alone. - **Demonize** the experience, by default, as spiritually malevolent or evil. - **Deprive** the experiencer of resources for further information and support. **2.** **N-stead:** - (In case of search-and-rescue or resuscitation) **Narrate** your activities and intentions, either out loud or silently. - (In case of possible NDE or related experience) **N-quire (inquire)** whether client remembers anything noteworthy or unusual from the time during their medical crisis or other extreme circumstances. - (In case of disclosure of NDE or related experiences) **(K)now and name** the experience as it is referred to in the professional literature—while being open to a preferred term that the experiencer may have. - **N-vite (invite)** the experiencer to talk about the experience, its aftereffects, and its meaning. - **N-vestigate (investigate)** the meaning the experiencer attributes to the experience. - **Naturalize** the experience as real or potentially real. - **Normalize** the experience as common and not inherently related to mental illness. - **Numinize** the experience as spiritually neutral, benevolent, or potentially benevolent—except in case of explicit malevolent content. - **Navigate** the experiencer to resources for further information and support. **3.** **Effect** of the N’s is that the experiencer likely will feel: - **Elucidated** regarding your actions and intentions. - **Encouraged** to disclose whatever experiencer wishes to. - **Educated** that the experience is a known phenomenon with a name. - **Emboldened** to discuss the experience, its aftereffects, and its meaning as much as the experiencer wishes. - **Empowered** to reflect on and generate one’s own meaning. - **Endorsed** as having had a legitimate and real or potentially real experience. - **Equalized** that the experience itself does not render the experiencer “crazy.” - **Enlightened** that the experience likely was not inherently “evil” and is potentially spiritually beneficial. - **Equipped** to find further information and support. **Responding to Near-Death and Related Experiences: Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** ![NDE Chart](https://research.iands.org/images/NDE_Chart.png) --- ### [The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/) **Published:** July 2, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **The IANDS Glossary aims to break down complex terms and ideas from the scientific field of near-death studies**. Our goal is to clearly define these things in plain, easy-to-understand, conversational English that democratizes advanced terminology for everyone. Do you know how some people say “it’s not brain surgery” when they’re trying to explain how easy something is? Well, the scientific field of near-death studies may not *literally* be brain surgery, but it’s pretty darn close, given we’re often discussing topics from neuroscience, psychology, and other brain-related sciences. To say that science is generally inaccessible to most people is an understatement. It can sometimes feel like scientific communities have their own languages and methods of communication that leave everyone else scratching their heads. And that’s why we decided to create the IANDS Glossary. Here, you’ll find simple explanations of scientific phrases and ideas that aren’t usually intuitive. And each item is accompanied by an article explaining the concept in greater depth, too, without being overly complicated. You’ll also find links to our [fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/ "Fact Sheets") on those phrases that have them. The fact sheets are written in a more academic tone and are meant for researchers, healthcare professionals, and others. If you’re looking for a more advanced breakdown of a given subject, you’ll find it there. Table of Contents - [The IANDS Glossary](#the-iands-glossary) - [A to M](#a-to-m) - [N to Z](#n-to-z) ## The IANDS Glossary ### A to M **[Absorption](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-absorption-in-psychology/)**: Absorption is a personality trait describing a person’s tendency to become deeply immersed in imagination, inner states, internal imagery, or specific experiences. It’s a neutral trait, and isn’t seen as a negative trait. **[After-Death Communication](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-after-death-communication/)**: A spontaneous experience during which a living person believes they are in direct contact with someone who has died. (See also: [Fact Sheet](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/)) **[Deathbed Visions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-deathbed-visions-and-what-expert-research-tells-us/)**: Subjective experiences in which a dying (but awake) person sees, hears, or communicates with deceased loved ones or other beings that no one else in the room detects the presence of. (See also: [Fact Sheet](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-end-of-life-experiences-deathbed-visions-dbv/)) **[Dissociation](https://iands.org/what-is-dissociation-learn-more-in-a-new-iands-glossary-entry/)**: A mental state where a person becomes disconnected from their usual sense of self, their emotions, their memories, or their surroundings. Dissociation allows your brain to take a step back and cope with stress. It’s something that happens to nearly everyone, and it’s not always dramatic, either. Daydreaming, for instance, or simply zoning out during a conversation, are both mild and harmless forms of dissociation. **[Distressing Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-distressing-near-death-experience-negative-nde/ "IANDS Glossary: Distressing Near-Death Experience (Negative NDE)")**: A type of near-death experience categorized as one that’s scary, hostile, or threatening. It’s the opposite of a pleasurable near-death experience. Also known as a *negative near-death experience* or *negative NDE*. **[Life Review](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-the-remarkable-uplifting-definition-of-a-life-review/)**: A segment of autobiographical memory widely reported as a characteristic of near-death experiences. It’s a process during which a person witnesses a “replay” of their life in an instant, often accompanied with feelings of how others emotionally interpreted those moments. ### N to Z **[Out-of-Body Experience](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/):** An experience where a person sees or otherwise perceives the world from a perspective separated from their own physical body. They might be standing beside themselves, floating above themselves, or even feel as though they’re present in another room where their physical self is not. **[Peak in Darien Experience](https://iands.org/new-iands-glossary-what-is-a-peak-in-darien-experience/)**: A specific form of NDE where the experiencer reports encounters with individuals they did not know were dead, or had no prior knowledge of existing, including deceased relatives, friends, and even strangers. **[Pleasurable Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-pleasurable-near-death-experience/ "IANDS Glossary: Pleasurable Near-Death Experience")**: The most common type of near-death experience, categorized as being pleasant, peaceful, and affirming. It’s the opposite of a distressing near-death experience. **[Spiritually Transformative Experience](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/ "IANDS Glossary: What is a Spiritually Transformative Experience?")**: An event in a person’s life that profoundly changes their views on life, death, reality, consciousness, spirituality, or their own sense of purpose. **[Terminal Lucidity](https://iands.org/terminal-lucidity-learn-more-in-the-new-iands-glossary/)**: A phenomenon where people experience a sudden spike in mental clarity, and sometimes physical ability, shortly before they die. It’s been reported in those experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other severe neurological conditions. (See also: [Fact Sheet](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-terminal-lucidity/ "Fact Sheet: Terminal Lucidity")) **[Veridical Perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/):** Experiences in which a person sees, hears, or otherwise perceives something when they shouldn’t be able to, given their physical or medical state at the time. --- ### [IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Near-Death Experiences and Suicide: Implications for Healthcare and Humanity - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) The topic of suicide—already infused with deep existential emotions and questions—becomes even more compelling when a suicide attempt survivor reports they’ve had a [near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know"). So many questions arise about death, as well as about meaning and purpose in life. These are the topics we’ll be exploring at **the 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium**, an online event on **Saturday, April 25th 2026**. The 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium focuses on **the intersection of near-death experiences and suicide**, with attention to **clinical, ethical, and human considerations**. Presentations will examine existing research, clinical observations, and implications for healthcare practice, education, and compassionate care. This symposium is intended for professionals who provide medical healthcare, mental healthcare, and spiritual/religious healthcare—as well as for researchers, educators, students, and the general public with an interest in the subject matter. We hope you’ll attend **IANDS Spring Symposium 2026 online on Saturday, April 25th** and we look forward to meeting you there. ***Sensitivity Notice**: This symposium includes discussions regarding suicide and related experiences. Attendees should consider their own sensitivity to these topics and determine for themselves if these discussions may be challenging or triggering for them. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts should contact their country’s telephone helpline. People in the U.S. can dial 988.* ## How to Attend the 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium Online Please [click here to register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/ "Register and Attend IANDS Spring Symposium 2026") for the 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium. There you’ll find details regarding pricing, and other information regarding registration. Please note that this is an online event. ## Browse the IANDS Spring Symposium pages for more Use the navigation at the top of this page to learn more about our event schedule, speakers, sponsors, and continuing education opportunities. We’ll also be sharing information on past Symposiums in the near future as well. If you have any questions regarding the 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium, please don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"), and we’ll do our best to respond to you quickly. ![Iands members from around the world have diverse views on many topics. As an organization, iands is neutral and does not align itself with any particular social, religious, or political ideology. We promote respectful dialogue.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Neutrality-Statement-graphic.jpg "Neutrality-statement-graphic ‣ iands") --- ### [IANDS Press Releases](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/) **Published:** March 11, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of our formal IANDS press releases, with our most recent press releases displayed first. ## 2026 \[May 27th 2026\] [**Twenty-Three Percent of Americans Say They’ve Had Near-Death Experiences, According to Major Survey**](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/twenty-three-percent-of-americans-say-theyve-had-near-death-experiences-according-to-major-survey/ "Twenty-Three Percent of Americans Say They’ve Had Near-Death Experiences, According to Major Survey") \[May 11th 2026) [**Learn More About Near-Death Experience Week 2026**](https://iands.org/media-center/near-death-experience-week-2026/) \[April 30th 2026) **[International Association for Near-Death Studies Announces Inspiring Keynote Lineup for 2026 Annual Conference](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-inspiring-keynote-lineup-for-2026-annual-conference/ "International Association for Near-Death Studies Announces Inspiring Keynote Lineup for 2026 Annual Conference")** (March 11th 2026) **[Registration Opens for 2026 International Association for Near-Death Studies Spring Symposium April 25](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-2026-iands-spring-symposium-april-25/)** ## 2025 (July 29th 2025) **[Continuing Education Available for Counselors, Chaplains and Other Health Professionals at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/continuing-education-iands-conference-2025/)** (July 8th 2025) **[Award-Winning Film About Shared Death Experiences Featured August 27 at Near-Death Experience Conference in Chicago](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/award-winning-film-about-shared-death-experiences-featured-august-27-at-near-death-experience-conference-in-chicago/)** (June 16th 2025) **[Registration Opens for International Association for Near-Death Studies Annual Conference, August 27-31, 2025 in Oak Brook, Illinois](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-international-association-for-near-death-studies-annual-conference-august-27-31-2025-in-oak-brook-illinois/)** (May 15th 2025) [**International Association for Near-Death Studies Announces Keynote Speakers for 2025 Annual Conference, August 27-31, 2025 in Oak Brook, Illinois**](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-keynote-speakers-for-2025-annual-conference-august-27-31-2025-in-oak-brook-illinois/) (April 1st 2025) **[Registration Opens for 2025 International Association for Near-Death Studies Spring Symposium](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-2025-international-association-for-near-death-studies-spring-symposium/)** (March 19th 2025) **[IANDS-Published Book ‘The Self Does Not Die’ Receives Book Prize](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/iands-published-book-the-self-does-not-die-receives-book-prize/)** (March 11th 2025) [**International Association for Near-Death Studies Releases Virtual Reality Video to Simulate Reported Experiences**](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-releases-virtual-reality-video-to-simulate-reported-experiences/) (March 6th 2025) **[International Association for Near-Death Studies Announces Opportunity for Nurses and Other Healthcare Providers to Earn 21 Continuing Education Contact Hours](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-opportunity-for-nurses-and-other-healthcare-providers-to-earn-21-continuing-education-contact-hours/)** --- ### [Twenty-Three Percent of Americans Say They’ve Had Near-Death Experiences, According to Major Survey](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/twenty-three-percent-of-americans-say-theyve-had-near-death-experiences-according-to-major-survey/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *Data Released as International Association for Near-Death Studies Hosts 2026 Near-Death Experience Week, June 1-7, 2026* DURHAM, NC, UNITED STATES, May 27, 2026 — Twenty-three percent of American adults say they have had a near-death experience (NDE) in which they “transitioned to another realm and then returned to human existence,” and 35 percent who have not had an NDE know someone who has had the experience, according to a new survey of 2,100 Americans released by the [International Association for Near-Death Studies](http://www.iands.org/). The poll was conducted in March 2026 by Centiment. > **This remarkable data tells us…NDEs may be more common than we realized and people who have NDEs or hear about them are positively impacted…** > > — Janet Riley, Executive Director ![Iands will host the first ever near-death experience week june 1st to june 7th 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NDE-Week_WP_j-300x169.jpg "Nde week_wp_j ‣ iands")IANDS will host the first-ever near-death experience week, taking place June 1st to June 7th 2026According to survey results, 51 percent of those who had an NDE say the experience gave them a deeper appreciation for life. Another 36 percent said they feel more connected to the spiritual realm; 31 percent said the experience changed their life priorities; 30 percent said they have less fear of death; 30 percent said they are more empathetic towards others and 26 percent said they are more generous and socially minded. Forty-four percent of those who knew someone who reported an NDE said hearing about it increased their curiosity about the afterlife and 40 percent said it deepened their belief in an afterlife. Those who had not had an NDE said they believed there was strong evidence (27.3 percent) or some good evidence (31.3 percent) for the phenomena. Fifteen percent said there was limited evidence and 24 percent said there was insufficient evidence. Four out of five people (79.8 percent) said there is some value (36.7 percent) or major value (41.1 percent) in studying near-death experiences. “This remarkable data tells us three important things: NDEs may be more common than we realized; people who have NDEs or hear about them are positively impacted, and the majority of Americans believe evidence exists to support the phenomena,” said IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley. “The survey also makes clear the importance of normalizing conversations about life, death and what comes after. Those who have had NDEs or who research them may be some of the best teachers.” The survey also probed views on death and the afterlife broadly. One in four respondents (25 percent) said the idea of dying scared them “a little” and 14.8 percent said the idea of dying scared them “a great deal.” Thirty-one percent said they feel confident that when they die, they will be in a better place, but 6.2 percent said they worry that they will be in a worse place. Twenty-five percent said they had “made peace with death.” To read a complete summary of the research, click here. According to IANDS, people who experience NDEs typically require time and support to integrate the experience into their lives. IANDS offers more than a dozen monthly sharing groups on-line, and is affiliated with 80 local groups in the U.S. and around the globe that meet to host discussions and offer support. IANDS also offers training materials for physicians and manages a list of mental health professionals with special training to support people who have had an NDE. ## Two Free Online Events During NDE Week IANDS will offer two special free educational events during Near Death Experience Week. On Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern, IANDS will host a “Near-Death Experiences for Newcomers” featuring two individuals who have had NDEs and speak compellingly about them. The speakers include IANDS President Evan Mecham, who had an NDE in 1980, and Vinney Tolman, who had an NDE in 2003. The session will be moderated by IANDS Executive Director Janet Riley. Attendees may pose questions. On Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. Eastern, IANDS will host Near-Death Experiences: “What Academic Research and Personal Stories Tell Us About Near Death Experiences.” Speakers include Marieta Pehlivanova, Ph.D., assistant professor in the University of Virginia School of Medicine Division of Perceptual Studies and Anita Moorjani, who had an NDE in 2006 and is author of the New York Times best-selling book Dying To Be Me. The discussion will be facilitated by IANDS Afterlife Revealed Podcast Host Dani Foffa. Both events are free. To register, visit the special [Near-Death Experience Week](https://iands.org/media-center/near-death-experience-week-2026/) page. As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. IANDS also hosts an annual conference attended by nearly a thousand people. [IANDS Conference 2026](https://conference.iands.org/) will occur August 26-30, 2026 at Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington. Janet Riley International Association for Near-Death Studies +1 703-801-2238 [email us here](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") Visit us on social media: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-for-near-death-studies-iands-/?viewAsMember=true) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iands_nde/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/IANDS.NDE) --- ### [Volume 43-2: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-2-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Volume 43-2 | Summer 2025 | JNDAE7 43(2) 75–153 (2025) | ISSN 0891-4494 ***Important Note:** This issue has not yet been entered into the library of the University of North Texas. DOI links will be provided here as soon as they become available.* ![The cover for volume 43-2 of the journal of near-death studies, published by the international association for near-death studies (iands) summer 2025](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jnds-cover-43-2-725x1024.jpg "Jnds-cover-43-2 ‣ iands")## Editor’s Foreword **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD) ## Articles - **Mexican Near-Death Experiences: A Mixed-Methods Study of Features and Narrative Themes** (Alex A. Álvarez, PhD) - **The Paucity of Indian Near-Death Experiences in the Professional Literature and a Rare Indian Near-Death Experience With Veridical Out-of-Body Perception** (Jimmy Mathew, MCh, MS, MA, MBBS, & Jerry Paul, MD, MBBS) - **Systematic Review of Near-Death Experiences: Historical Roots and Influential Publications Through Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy** (Mohammad Faizee, PhD, & Akbar Husain, DLitt) - **Book Review: *What Comes Next? An Investigative Reporter Uncovers Quantum Physics’ Hidden Afterlife Hypothesis* by Michael Schmicker** (review by Bryon K. Ehlmann, PhD) ## Letters to the Editor - **Near-Death Experiencers’ Healthcare in Denmark and Beyond: Taking Care of Physical, Mental, Social, and Spiritual Needs** (Tobias Anker Stripp, MD, PhD) --- ### [Volume 36 (2017-2018): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-36-2017-2018-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ### **Volume 36-1 (Fall 2017**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p1-2.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505479/) - **Impact of an Online Education Program on Counselors’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Near-Death Experiences** (Saharnaz Loseu, PhD, and Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p3-26.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505502/?q=journal%20of%20near-death%20studies) - **Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Near-Death Experiences: Does Education About NDEs Make a Difference?** (Natasha Tassell-Matamua, PhD, and Nicole Lindsay, BA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p27-52.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505484/?q=journal%20of%20near-death%20studies) - **Media Review: *Near-Death Experience: What Medical Professionals Need to Know* \[DVD\] by Roberta Moore, Producer** (Reviewed by Rebecca Valla, MD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p53-55.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505509/) - **Book Review: *A Call from Heaven: Personal Accounts of Deathbed Visits, Angelic Visions and Crossings to the Other Side* by Josie Varga** (Reviewed by Linda Smith, JD, PhD, LPCC): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-36-1-p56-65.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505501/) ### Volume 36-2 (**Winter 2017**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Near-Death Experiences: A Critique of the Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin Physicalist Interpretation** (Robert G. Mays, BSc, and Suzanne B. Mays, AA): - **Understanding Near-Death Experiences: A Response to Mays and Mays’s Review** (Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin, PhD): - **Understanding Near-Death Experiences: A Rejoinder to Mitchell-Yellin’s Response** (Robert G. Mays, BSc, and Suzanne B. Mays, AA): - **Book Review: *Molecular Consciousness: Why the Universe Is Aware of Our Presence* by Françoise Tibika** (Reviewed by William D. Coffey, MPA): ### Volume 36-3 (**Spring 2018**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p133-134.](https://doi.org/%2010.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p133-134.) - **“My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead”: The Reception of Near-Death Experiences Across the Cultures of Oceania** (Gregory Shushan, PhD): - **Distressing Near-Death Experience: An Iranian Shia Muslim Case** (Alinaghi Ghasemiannejad Jahromi, PhD, and Ali Imaninasab, MA): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p161-171.](https://doi.org/%2010.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p161-171.) - **Spontaneous Mediumship Experiences Among Near-Death Experiencers: A Qualitative Study** (Ryan D. Foster, PhD, Bethany M. Kahoe, BA, and Danijela H. Nardelli, BS): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p172-184.](https://doi.org/%2010.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p172-184.) - [](https://doi.org/%2010.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p172-184.)**Book Review: *Near Death in the ICU: Stories from Patients Near Death and Why We Should Listen to Them* by Laurin Bellg** (Reviewed by Rebecca Valla, MD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p185-189.](https://doi.org/%2010.17514/JNDS-2018-36-3-p185-189.) ### [](https://www.iands.org/shoppingcart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_11&products_id=1825) Volume 36-4 (**Summer 2018**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p191-192.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p191-192.) - **Does Cultural Context Influence Descriptions of Change After a Near-Death Experience? Exploratory Findings From an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample** (Natasha A. Tassell-Matamua, PhD; Kate L. Steadman, MA; and Karen E. Frewin, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p193-218.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p193-218.) - **Brief Report: Near-Death Experience Features During Various Phases Related to Unconsciousness: An Exploratory Study of Norwegian Hospital Patients** (Øystein Buer, cand.theol.; Mary Kalfoss, DrPH; Lars Weisæth, MD, PhD; Hans Stifoss-Hanssen, PhD; and Bjørn Bendz, MD, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p219-231](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p219-231.)[.](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p219-231.) - **Book Review: *Illusory Souls* by Gerald M. Woerlee** (Reviewed by Titus Rivas, MA, MSc): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p232-239.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p232-239.) - **Book Review: *A Guided Tour of Hell: A Graphic Memoir* by Samuel Bercholz** (Reviewed by Nancy Evans Bush, MA): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p240-245.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p240-245.) - **Book Review: *Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions* by Gregory Shushan** (Reviewed by James Matlock, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p246-252.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2018-36-4-p246-252.) --- ### [Participate in an NDE Research Study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/) **Published:** January 19, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Content:** If you’ve had a near-death experience (NDE), NDE-like experience or related experience, please consider participating in an NDE research study, which we’re listing below. All of these studies have been reviewed and approved by the IANDS Academic & Research Committee. - [NDEs and the Bereavement Process](#aioseo-ndes-and-the-bereavement-process-3) - [NDEs Among Business Owners, Managers, and Leaders](#aioseo-ndes-amongst-business-owners-managers-and-leaders-3) - [Variations in Phenomenology of Out-of-Body-Experiences](#aioseo-variations-in-phenomenology-of-out-of-body-experiences-3) - [Have you had experiences that have felt invisibly orchestrated or guided?](#aioseo-have-you-had-experiences-that-have-felt-invisibly-orchestrated-or-guided) - [Call for research participants who have had a near-death experience during childbirth/delivery/labor](#aioseo-call-for-research-participants-who-have-had-a-near-death-experience-during-childbirth-delivery-labor) - [Near-Death Experiences, Sensory Processing and Interpersonal Sensitivities](#aioseo-did-your-near-death-experience-affect-your-work-life) - [Terminal Lucidity in Children and Adults](#aioseo-terminal-lucidity-in-children-and-adults) - [Physicians who have had a near-death experience](#aioseo-physicians-who-have-had-a-near-death-experience) - [The sense of space, feelings of motion, emotions, and sensations in NDEs](#aioseo-the-sense-of-space-feelings-of-motion-emotions-and-sensations-in-ndes) - [DMT Field Research project – NDE special interest](#aioseo-dmt-field-research-project-nde-special-interest) --- ## NDEs and the Bereavement Process If you are a: 1) bereaved individual who has never experienced a Near-Death Experience (NDE); 2) bereaved individual who has experienced an NDE during their lifetime; or a bereaved individual who has not experienced an NDE but who shows a strong interest in spiritual and transcendent topics, we invite you to participate in our study. The research investigates how NDE experiencers process bereavement by assessing emotional and experiential differences among the three groups of bereaved individuals. Participants will be asked to complete an initial questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data and to classify each individual within the appropriate group. They will then complete a set of closed-ended questionnaires designed to measure emotional and experiential dimensions relevant to the grieving process. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Padua (Unique Code: 1349-a). Participation is voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential. If you are interested, please contact us at: [iands.italia@gmail.com](mailto:Iands.italia@gmail.com) Thank you for considering sharing your experience! Dani Foffa [iands.italia@gmail.com](mailto:Iands.italia@gmail.com) --- ## NDEs Among Business Owners, Managers, and Leaders If you are a business owner, manager, or leader who has experienced an NDE during your career, we invite you to participate in our study. We are researchers from Cal Poly Humboldt conducting a study on how near-death experiences (NDEs) influence values, decision-making, leadership, and business practices. We are looking to interview business owners, managers, or leaders who have experienced an NDE during their career. Participation will involve one confidential interview—about 30-90 minutes—conducted by phone or Zoom. This study has been approved by the Cal Poly Humboldt IRB. Participation is voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential If you are interested, please contact us at: Thank you for considering sharing your experience! [Tyler Stumpf, PhD](https://www.humboldt.edu/business/tyler-stumpf), Associate Professor, School of Business, Cal Poly Humboldt [David Sleeth-Keppler, PhD](https://www.humboldt.edu/business/david-sleeth-keppler), Associate Professor, School of Business, Cal Poly Humboldt ## Variations in Phenomenology of Out-of-Body-Experiences > Have you ever found yourself feeling as though you are suddenly leaving your physical body, able to move freely, perceive the world around you from a perspective outside of yourself, or even observe your own body from above? Out-of-body experiences are commonly reported features of near-death experiences but also often occur spontaneously or through deliberate induction. These states raise questions about the nature of our consciousness, self, and the reality of the world we live in. > > As an undergraduate thesis student at King’s University College studying out-of-body experiences, I’m inviting individuals who have had at least one out-of-body experience in their lifetime—whether that be during a near-death experience or in another context—to participate in my research study. By sharing your experience, you can help expand our understanding of this phenomenon. If you are interested, please follow the link below and take 20-30 minutes of your time to fill out my survey. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. > > The survey can be found here: [https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_5znl6bgsNfsNSgS](https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5znl6bgsNfsNSgS) > > --- ## Have you had experiences that have felt invisibly orchestrated or guided? The Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia is recruiting for an online study researching individuals who have experienced events in their lives that felt invisibly orchestrated or guided. These may be events that feel too improbable to be just chance or that feel somehow arranged by a force beyond human control. If you’ve had one or more such experiences, this study invites you to describe your experiences and how they’ve affected your beliefs and emotions, in order to contribute to a deeper understanding of these phenomena and their impact on people’s lives. Participation in the study will take 20-40 minutes of your time and will consist of a single online questionnaire. You are eligible to participate if you have had an experience like this, are 18 years of age or older, and are fluent in English. This research project has been reviewed by the University of Virginia’s Institutional Review Board for the Social Sciences (protocol #7385). You will not be paid for your participation. If you are interested in enrolling in this study, please [click here to access the questionnaire](https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp6b9eQtw0IPPJI). Thank you for your support of this important research. --- ## **Call for research participants who have had a near-death experience during childbirth/delivery/labor** The Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is recruiting individuals who have had a near-death experience (NDE) during childbirth/delivery/labor for an online study. NDEs are subjective and potentially transformative experiences that sometimes occur when one is in a medical crisis or close to death. NDEs may involve the sensation of leaving one’s body, going through a tunnel, positive emotions, and a sense of having a life review, among others. The study explores the characteristics of NDEs during childbirth and how they may influence women’s perceptions of the birth experience and their overall postpartum well-being. ![This nde research study centers on near-death experiences that have occurred during childbirth.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Simon_Vouet_-_Birth_of_the_Virgin_-_WGA25353-300x191.jpg "Simon_vouet_-_birth_of_the_virgin_-_wga25353 ‣ iands")- Participation in the study will take up 30-45 minutes of your time. - A single online questionnaire - Eligibility: NDE during childbirth/delivery/labor, 18 years of age or older, and English fluency - You will not be paid for your participation This research project has been reviewed by the University of Virginia’s Institutional Review Board for the Social Sciences (protocol #5849). If you are interested in enrolling, please [visit the study’s online survey](https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87zE05VYn6MEq1g). Thank you for your support of this important research. --- ## **Near-Death Experiences, Sensory Processing and Interpersonal Sensitivities** How does a near-death experience impact a person’s everyday sensory processing patterns? That’s the topic of new research conducted by Dr. Nicole Lindsay of Massey University in New Zealand, who is investigating the correlation between near-death experiences and sensory processing and interpersonal sensitivities. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, and feel they’ve had a near-death incident at some point in their lives. Lindsay describes a near-death incident as “any event where you experienced some physiological/ physical impairment, and were unconscious for a period of time, and may or may not have been clinically dead.” Those who decide to take part will be required to fill out an online survey taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. During the survey, participants will answer a series of questions related to their near-death experiences and their sensory experiences. Topics will include subjective impressions, everyday sensory perceptions, and interpersonal thoughts and feelings in a variety of situations. There will also be demographic questions regarding the participant’s background, including questions regarding ethnicity, age, and gender. If you’d like to participate in this study, [please click here to reach the survey](https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Dee1f8ctii9OIK). If you have questions or concerns regarding this study, please contact Dr. Nicole Lindsay via email at . --- ## **Terminal Lucidity in Children and Adults** This is a call for people who have observed terminal lucidity in a child or adult. Unusually enhanced mental clarity characterized by spontaneous and often animated changes in verbal and/or non-verbal behaviour, have been reported for more than 250 years. Since these unexpected surges of mental clarity have predominantly been reported from the last minutes, hours, or days before a person’s death, they have come to be termed Terminal Lucidity (TL). Until today, however, TL remains little understood. Although it is often reported in those of older age who have dementia, anecdotal evidence suggests TL is also very common in children who are terminally ill. More research is needed to better understand TL in children, as this will provide important details regarding the end-of-life stage of children who are terminally unwell, what their and their parents/caregivers needs might be around this time, and how medical personnel can respond in appropriate ways to meet those needs. This study aims to address the need for more information about TL in children and adults. To participate in this project, you will need to: 1. Have witnessed a TL episode in an adult or a child at some stage in your life. 2. Be proficient in the English language. 3. Have access to the internet to complete the online questionnaire. 4. Be over the age of 18 years. If you agree to take part in this research, you are invited to complete an online questionnaire, which will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. The questionnaire will ask you questions about the TL episode you witnessed, the circumstances of the passing of the adult or child who had the TL episode, as well as the psychological impact of witnessing TL on your spiritual and religious beliefs, attitudes towards life and death, and nondual awareness. There is a separate link for the online questionnaire related to TL in adults vs. children. [Link to the Adult TL Questionnaire](https://northampton.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/terminal-lucidity-adult-survey) [Link to Children’s TL Questionnaire](https://northampton.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/terminal-lucidity-survey) If you have any questions about the research, please contact: **Associate Professor Natasha Tassell-Matamua**, PhD, Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand, . --- ## **Physicians who have had a near-death experience** **Marieta Pehlivanova, Ph.D.**, and **Bruce Greyson, M.D.**, of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine are recruiting physicians who have had a near-death experience (NDE) for an online study. The purpose of the study is to learn about physicians’ attitudes towards NDEs. Because of the impact of NDEs on experiencers’ lives, patients sometimes talk about these experiences with their physicians. This research aims to improve these interactions. We are interested in your participation even if you have not had patients who have reported an NDE. Participation in the study will take about 15 minutes of your time and will consist of an anonymous online questionnaire. You are eligible to participate if you are a physician in any specialty and have had a near-death experience. This research project has been approved by University of Virginia’s Institutional Review Board for the Social Sciences (protocol #5305). If you complete the questionnaire, you have the option to enter a raffle for one of several $100 Amazon gift cards. If you meet the inclusion criteria and are interested in participating in this study, please contact the investigators at and . --- ## **The sense of space, feelings of motion, emotions, and sensations in NDEs** **Dr. France Lerner is recruiting individuals who have had a near-death experience (NDE) for an online study.** NDEs are personal and transformative experiences that sometimes happen when one is close to death or under the threat of death. To participate in this study, you will need: 1. Internet access. 2. A Gmail account (or, if you do not have one, create an account at ). 3. A pen (blue ink ballpoint 0.5). 4. A printer with a scanner (or use a free cellular scanning App to scan your documents with your phone). 5. An indoor place where you feel physically and psychologically at ease. Your participation in the study will take up to 30 minutes for the preliminary questionnaire and up to 2 hours for the online study questionnaire. The study focuses on the type of spaces, feelings of motion, emotions, and sensations you experienced during your NDE. This research project has been reviewed by the Bar Ilan University Institutional Review Board Israel. To be eligible to participate in our study you must be fluent in English, be at least 18 years old, and have no mental disabilities or need for a guardian. To participate in this research study, please follow this link to the online preliminary questionnaire: --- ## **DMT Field Research project – NDE special interest** Dr. David Luke of the University of Greenwich in England is recruiting volunteers to take part in a field research study exploring the psychological, perceptual and mental effects of the psychedelic agent DMT (N,N-dimethyltriptamine) among those with past DMT experience. The study has ethical approval from the University of Greenwich Research Ethics Committee. We are specifically interested in participants who have had separate past DMT **and near-death experiences**. The study will involve being interviewed for approximately an hour, and completing a series of questionnaires. If you live within Sussex, Surrey, Kent or the Greater London area in the UK and want to know more, please send an email to (note double “d” in email address). Alternatively, if you are based elsewhere in the world, we would still be very interested to hear from you if you may like to be interviewed. You may use an anonymous email account. Note that confidentiality and anonymity will be strictly adhered to. --- ### [Recommended Reading List](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/) **Published:** February 18, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Content:** ***Disclaimer**: If you click a link in our recommended reading list and make a purchase, [IANDS](https://iands.org/about/ "About IANDS") earns a small commission from Amazon. This does not affect your purchase cost in any way—the commission comes to us directly from Amazon at no cost to you.* The deeper you delve into the world of near-death experiences (NDEs), the more fascinating the topic becomes. It truly is an extraordinary phenomenon. One you may find yourself wanting to read more about. So we decided to compile this staggering recommended reading list for you! This recommended reading list is, for lack of a better word, *gargantuan*. If there’s a more comprehensive recommended reading list on the topic of near-death experiences, we haven’t seen it. It’s so big, in fact, that just reading this list alone can feel like a challenge. So we recommend exploring the Table of Contents first, to help you find specific content you may be interested in. Happy hunting! ## Table of Contents - [Near-Death Experiences](#aioseo-near-death-experiences-ndes) - [Edited books – containing chapters by different authors](#aioseo-edited-books-containing-chapters-by-different-authors) - [Autobiographies and Biographies](#aioseo-autobiographies-biographies) - [Books Authored by IANDS Conference 2026 Speakers](#aioseo-books-authored-by-iands-conference-2026-speakers-54) - [Special NDE Topics](#aioseo-special-nde-topics-59) - [Aftereffects of NDEs](#aioseo-aftereffects-of-ndes) - [Children’s NDEs](#aioseo-childrens-ndes) - [Cultural diversity and NDEs](#aioseo-cultural-diversity-and-ndes) - [Disabilities and NDEs](#aioseo-disabilities-and-ndes) - [Distressing NDEs](#aioseo-distressing-ndes) - [Religion and NDEs](#aioseo-religion-and-ndes) - [Veridical perception and NDEs](#aioseo-veridical-perception-and-ndes) - [Afterlife and NDEs](#aioseo-afterlife-and-ndes) - [Shared death experience (SDE)](#aioseo-shared-death-experience-sde) - [Spiritual awakening and spiritual emergency](#aioseo-spiritual-awakening-and-spiritual-emergency) - [Transpersonal experiences in general](#aioseo-transpersonal-experiences-in-general) - [After-death communication (ADC)](#aioseo-after-death-communication-adc) - [Psychic abilities](#aioseo-psychic-abilities) - [Mediumship](#aioseo-mediumship) - [Nearing-death awareness and end-of-life care](#aioseo-nearing-death-awareness-and-end-of-life-care) - [Terminal lucidity (TL)](#aioseo-terminal-lucidity-tl) - [Reincarnation and life-between-lives](#aioseo-reincarnation-and-life-between-lives) - [Afterlife beliefs](#aioseo-afterlife-beliefs) - [Consciousness/mind-brain relationship](#aioseo-consciousness-mind-brain-relationship) ## **Near-Death Experiences** - ***[After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond](https://amzn.to/4aX61qm)*** (Bruce Greyson): Memoir of four decades of NDE research by the premier NDE researcher. - ***[Lessons from the Light: What We Can Learn from the Near-Death Experience](https://amzn.to/4l4b8JN)*** (Kenneth Ring and Evelyn Elsaesser-Valarino): What non-NDErs can learn from NDEs. - [***Life After Life***](https://amzn.to/42iIDAI) (Raymond Moody): The book that began it all. Easy reading, basic. An excellent phenomenological treatment of NDEs. Although some findings have since been clarified and expanded by further research, this book remains the basic work in the field of near-death studies. - ***[NDEs Unveiled: An Insider’s Look into the Mysteries of Near-Death Experiences](https://amzn.to/4huoDk7)*** (Susan Amsden): A summary book by an “insider” who has heard hundreds of NDEs in her many-years role as office manager of the International Association for Near-Death Studies. - ***[The Big Book of Near Death Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to What Happens When We Die](https://amzn.to/40WFPHS)*** (PMH Atwater): A popular and prolific author presents a thoroughgoing introduction to the subject of NDEs, along with some of the more controversial and unsubstantiated opinions about causes and effects. - ***[The Journey Home: What Near-Death Experiences and Mysticism Teach Us About the Meaning of Life and Living](https://amzn.to/40WFPHS)*** (Phillip L. Berman): A thoughtful, non-sensationalist presentation of NDEs, readable and well-reviewed by book-buyers at Amazon. - **[The Near-Death Experience: An Interview in *Overc*](https://amzn.to/41dg73f)*[o](https://amzn.to/41dg73f)*[*ming Death: Evidence of the Afterlife (excerpts from The MOON Magazine)*](https://amzn.to/41dg73f)** (Diane Corcoran): IANDS past-president and retired Army nurse Diane Corcoran covers numerous topics including an explanation of NDEs, NDE aftereffects, childhood NDEs, and NDEs in combat veterans. - ***[Impressions of Near-Death Experiences](https://amzn.to/3EvrOcq)*** (Robert Coppes): Drawing on quotes from more than 100 near-death experiencers from around the world, this book provides an impression of what near-death experiences (NDEs) are like. - ***[Revelations of Profound Love: New Insights into the Power of Love from Near-Death Experiences](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Revelations+of+Profound+Love%3A+New+Insights+into+the+Power+of+Love+from+Near-Death+Experiences&i=stripbooks&crid=3A8L4J75R6P32&sprefix=revelations+of+profound+love+new+insights+into+the+power+of+love+from+near-death+experiences%2Cstripbooks%2C118&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=08d196ec3cb68b8df199714228713e28&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Ann Frances Ellis): Insights from nearly 500 near-death experiencers illustrating the various aspects of love commonly found in NDEs. - [***The Truth in the Light***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0425156087/?tag=iandsorg-20) (Peter and Elizabeth Fenwick): Report by a well-respected neuropsychiatrist and his wife, based on a careful study of over 300 NDEs in the United Kingdom. See his article, [“Science and Spirituality”](https://www.iands.org/research/nde-research/important-research-articles/42-dr-peter-fenwick-md-science-and-spirituality.htmlindex.php?view=article&id=42:dr-peter-fenwick-md-science-and-spirituality&option=com_content&Itemid=150), on this website. - [***Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death***](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070227543/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (George Gallup Jr., with William Proctor): Overview of NDEs in the context of a Gallup study of American beliefs about death and life after death. Frequently referenced in other works. - [***Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences***](https://amzn.to/4hMoF60) (Jeffery Long, with Paul Perry): Long presents nine lines of evidence that humans survive bodily death, based on an analysis of 1,300 NDE accounts from his [NDERF web site](https://www.iands.org/component/weblinks/weblink/15.html?Itemid=428). - [***What Happens When We Die?: A Groundbreaking Study into the Nature of Life and Death***](https://amzn.to/3XvAl5W) (Sam Parnia): Data and theory about what is known about the mind, brain, and consciousness as demonstrated by NDEs. - [***Erasing Death: The Science That Is Rewriting the Boundaries Between Life and Death***](https://amzn.to/42qzF3B) (Sam Parnia): Parnia reveals that death is not a moment in time but, rather is a process that can be interrupted well after it has begun. He discusses some of the preliminary results of the AWARE multi-hospital study of NDEs during cardiac arrest. - ***[Lucid Dying: The New Science Revolutionizing How We Understand Life and Death](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lucid+Dying%3A+The+New+Science+Revolutionizing+How+We+Understand+Life+and+Death&i=stripbooks&crid=2K9F62A4AUXDA&sprefix=lucid+dying+the+new+science+revolutionizing+how+we+understand+life+and+death%2Cstripbooks%2C116&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=928e041f542e9074a2193b0b341c6fc1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Sam Parnia): Pulmonologist Parnia’s most recent work summarizing his extensive research on REDs—recalled experiences of death (his rename of NDEs)—and its implications for humanity. - [***Recollections of Death: A Medical Investigation***](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671464469/?tag=iandsorg-20) (Michael Sabom): A clearly written and fascinating discussion of “the Atlanta study,” the first physician-conducted hospital study of near-death experiences, with special attention to perceptions during NDEs that are later verified as accurate. Highly recommended. - [***Light and Death: One Doctor’s Fascinating Account of Near-Death Experiences***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310219922/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Michael Sabom): Cardiologist Sabom offers further insights from his Atlanta hospital study. Includes a detailed description of Pam Reynolds’s infamous NDE during hypothermic “standstill” brain surgery. The author takes an evangelical Christian perspective. - [***Consciousness Beyond Life: The science of the near-death experience***](https://amzn.to/41Kpp73) (P. van Lommel): Scientific evidence that the near-death phenomenon is an authentic experience demonstrating that consciousness can be experienced separate from the body. - ***[Foundations of Near-Death Research: A Conceptual and Phenomenological Map](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Foundations+of+Near-Death+Research%3A+A+Conceptual+and+Phenomenological+Map&i=stripbooks&crid=3D9ZXITB0OSAG&sprefix=foundations+of+near-death+research+a+conceptual+and+phenomenological+map+%2Cstripbooks%2C100&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=56a2b0336188c13c5a58cfcc46284928&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Alexander Batthyány): Landmark articles from the *Journal of Near-Death Studies* for anyone wanting a scholarly introduction to basic topics in the field of near-death studies. - [***When Ego Dies: A Compilation of Near-Death and Mystical Conversion Experiences***](https://amzn.to/4hRNRZ1) (Diane Corcoran): A collection of relatively brief pieces by members of the IANDS local support group of the Houston, TX, area. - [***The Near-Death Experience: Problems, Prospects, Perspectives***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0398050082/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Bruce Greyson and Charles Flynn): The earliest and still one of the best overviews of the field. - **[A Second in Eternity: A ‘near-death, out of body’ experience and a voyage beyond time and space, into the Infinite](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1475268998/)** (Gary L. Wimmer): A personal telling of the author’s experience before, during, and after their NDE. ## Edited books – containing chapters by different authors - [***The Near-Death Experience: A Reader***](https://amzn.to/4j31xB9) (Lee W. Bailey and Jenny Yates): Comprehensive overview of NDEs, with accounts and interpretations from writers representing a variety of fields. - [***The Science of Near-Death Experiences***](https://amzn.to/3XyhqYh) (John C. Hagan III): University of Missouri Press. Evidence-based research on NDEs by physicians and scientists, including those who themselves have had an NDE. The recollections of NDErs often refute attempts to explain how the brain can produce such vivid recollections. - [***The Handbook of Near-Death Experiences: Thirty Years of Investigation***](https://amzn.to/42fIIVQ) (Janice Miner Holden, Bruce Greyson, and Debbie James): A summary of what was discovered about NDEs in the first three decades of research; presentations from the historic 2006 IANDS conference at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Comprehensive, scholarly. ## **Autobiographies and Biographies** - [***Rag Doll: A Journey of Healing and Integration***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0965849007/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Alayna): Written by a woman whose NDE as an adult helped her resolve the lifelong traumatic aftereffects of childhood sexual abuse. - [***Lessons from the Light: In-Sights from a Journey to the Other Side***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0446602779/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Sandi Rogers): An autobiographical account from a woman whose NDE occurred when she attempted suicide. - [***Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife***](https://amzn.to/4l13Whx) (Eben Alexander): Former Harvard neurosurgeon Alexander describes his extensive NDE during coma associated with meningitis and how it transformed his former skeptical, materialist viewpoint into insight about the essentially spiritual nature of existence. - [***37 Seconds: Dying revealed heaven’s help***](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062402323/?tag=iandsorg-20) (Stephanie Arnold): Like *Proof of Heaven* and *To Heaven and Back*, a gripping medical drama with heavenly implications in which a woman receives premonitions of her death that come true, and her discovery of the heavenly help available to everyone. - ***[Angels in the OR: What Dying Taught Me About Healing, Survival, and Transformation](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Angels+in+the+OR%3A+What+Dying+Taught+Me+About+Healing%2C+Survival%2C+and+Transformation&i=stripbooks&crid=3KH5UQUBP2PPV&sprefix=angels+in+the+or+what+dying+taught+me+about+healing%2C+survival%2C+and+transformation%2Cstripbooks%2C127&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=c65c24c93904df3a5aba2b5ef2301e92&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Tricia Barker): A Community College English teacher describes the NDE she had as a college student following a catastrophic car accident and how she has found trauma healing and life inspiration from it. - [***Saved by the Light: The True Story of a Man Who Died Twice and the Profound Revelations He Received***](https://amzn.to/4iK9RWM) (Dannion Brinkley, with Paul Perry): Double NDE with two extensive life reviews. Includes Brinkley’s relationship with Raymond Moody. - ***[Heaven is For Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Heaven+is+For+Real%3A+A+Little+Boy%27s+Astounding+Story+of+His+Trip+to+Heaven+and+Back&i=stripbooks&crid=361EMRK5SZKU6&sprefix=heaven+is+for+real+a+little+boy%27s+astounding+story+of+his+trip+to+heaven+and+back%2Cstripbooks%2C109&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=9f28e8dac8be2c93d25bb552513ed7d3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Todd Burpo, with Lynn Vincent): Best-selling story of 4-year-old Colton Burpo who, during an emergency appendectomy, slipped from consciousness and entered heaven. Includes very interesting verifications of his deceased great-grandfather who died 30 years prior to Colton’s birth and his mother’s prior miscarriage, with impossible-to-know details about each. Strong Christian content and interpretation. - [***My Last Breath***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/1413701949/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Matthew Dovel): Distressing NDE associated with a suicide attempt. - [***Embraced by the Light***](https://amzn.to/43W0b72) (Betty Eadie): One of the most widely read accounts. - [***What Tom Sawyer Learned from Dying***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/1878901664/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Sydney Farr): An informative account about one of the participants in Ken Ring’s classic research. - ***[Love is the Link: A Hospice Doctor Shares Her Experience of Near-Death and Dying](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Love+is+the+Link%3A+A+Hospice+Doctor+Shares+Her+Experience+of+Near-Death+and+Dying&i=stripbooks&crid=1YIAL1JVPDJRK&sprefix=love+is+the+link+a+hospice+doctor+shares+her+experience+of+near-death+and+dying%2Cstripbooks%2C115&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=27197aff361ec2991c0be526516272cc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Pamela Kircher): Unique perspective from a physician who is, herself, a childhood NDEr. - ***[Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dying+to+Be+Me%3A+My+Journey+from+Cancer%2C+to+Near+Death%2C+to+True+Healing&i=stripbooks&crid=1NLP8AUG4XYF8&sprefix=dying+to+be+me+my+journey+from+cancer%2C+to+near+death%2C+to+true+healing%2Cstripbooks%2C146&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=1c29d5a00e3e45ce3801c75341a71100&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Anita Moorjani): Moorjani “died” of stage 4 lymphoma in 2006. During her near-death experience, she received a number of insights about the source of her cancer and was told by her deceased father that she needed to come back. She knew that she would be completely healed if she came back—and she was. Moorjani describes her experience of the nature of reality and consciousness during the NDE and recounts several verified perceptions. - [***To Heaven and Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0307731715/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Mary Neal): Orthopedist Mary Neal drowned in a kayak accident and recounts what happened as she moved from life to death to eternal life, and back again. Her experience in heaven provided a newfound understanding of her purpose on Earth, her awareness of God, her closer relationship with Jesus, and her personal spiritual journey. - [***Return from Tomorrow***](https://amzn.to/43W0b72) (George Ritchie, with Elizabeth Sherrill): This classic is the account that inspired Raymond Moody to inquire into the phenomenon that he eventually named “near-death experience.” - [***After the Light: What I Discovered on the Other Side of Life That Can Change Your World***](https://amzn.to/4iJaiRm) (Kimberly Clark Sharp): The personal story of a social worker who also has been active in IANDS. - [***My Descent into Death: A Second Chance at Life***](https://amzn.to/4j0T81d) (Howard Storm): An autobiographical account by a pre-NDE art professor, and post-NDE minister, with a distressing segment turning into a pleasant NDE. - ***[A Passage to Eternity: A Mystical Account of a Near-Death Experience and Poetic Journey into the Afterlife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Passage+to+Eternity%3A+A+Mystical+Account+of+a+Near-Death+Experience+and+Poetic+Journey+into+the+Afterlife&i=stripbooks&crid=286C7MTFH6VZU&sprefix=a+passage+to+eternity+a+mystical+account+of+a+near-death+experience+and+poetic+journey+into+the+afterlife%2Cstripbooks%2C112&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=440ec8179edf2b81c9a3c4cb44d65ccd&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Azmina Suleman): Rare account of a Moslem woman’s near-death experience, including her interpretation based on her upbringing in the mystical Shia branch of Islam. - ***[The Light After Death: My Journey to Heaven and Back](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Light+After+Death%3A+My+Journey+to+Heaven+and+Back&i=stripbooks&crid=19KEVR2IT3BZF&sprefix=the+light+after+death+my+journey+to+heaven+and+back%2Cstripbooks%2C105&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=e9c717b6cd2837c8ceb0f4fdad7d27ab&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Vincent Todd Tolman): During 30 minutes of death, Tolman had a near-death experience. He returned from the afterlife with 10 principles for living life. ## Books Authored by IANDS Conference 2026 Speakers - [***Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey Into the Afterlife***](https://amzn.to/4udyMrc) by Eben Alexander MD - ***[Living in a Mindful Universe: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Heart of Consciousness](https://amzn.to/4mRjkOV)*** by Eben Alexander - **[*Proof of Heaven, Living in a Mindful Universe, The Map of Heaven* 3-Book Collection Set](https://amzn.to/4cCb3v0)** by Eben Alexander MD - ***[Lo Spirito Animale](https://amzn.to/42jtlLD)*** by Chantal DeJean - ***[Embraced by the Light](https://amzn.to/3OIms3c)*** by Betty Eadie - *[**The Awakening Heart: My Continuing Journey to Love**](https://amzn.to/4mPNX7m)* by Betty Eadie - ***[We Met on the Other Side: A True Love Story](https://amzn.to/3Qz0Kz7)*** by Scarlett Heinbuch - ***[Becoming Ready to Die: The Fight for My Soul—and How You Can Reclaim Yours](https://amzn.to/4tAnehE)*** by Bubba Herrick - ***[The Handbook of Near-Death Experiences: Thirty Years of Investigation](https://amzn.to/3QBfNID)*** by Janice Miner Holden, Bruce Greyson, and Debbie James - ***[Dying to Be Me](https://amzn.to/4u6Kuno)*** by Anita Moorjani - ***[Sensitive Is the New Strong: The Power of Empaths in an Increasingly Harsh World](https://amzn.to/4uiUNoF)*** by Anita Moorjani - ***[The Light After Death: My Journey to Heaven and Back](https://amzn.to/4eefi0T)*** by Vincent Todd Tolman - ***[The Science of Channeling: Why You Should Trust Your Intuition and Embrace the Force That Connects Us All](https://amzn.to/4uhfcuj)*** by Helene Wahbeh - ***[Winks from Heaven](https://amzn.to/4cAFzp1)*** by Susan Wysoki ## **Special NDE Topics** Specific NDE subtopics, organized alphabetically such as aftereffects of NDEs, cultural diversity and NDEs, disabilities and NDEs, and distressing NDEs. ### Aftereffects of NDEs - [***Touched by the Light: Exploring Spiritually Transformative Experiences***](https://www.amazon.com/Touched-Light-Spiritually-Transformative-Experiences/dp/1459745515/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T937J76WXGTU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZOBtyiI5-aTCCHLeVZ4umtS2GFHAL7hPCd66vhjp0Kk.LLBjbO_r7XkUsf398oLtBcb36zDpRm5GWFW_OT9yiVQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=touched+by+the+light+yvonne+kason&qid=1738968841&sprefix=touched+by+the+light%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1) (Yvonne Kason): Comprehensive description of the varieties of potentially spiritually transformative experiences, including near-death experiences, addressing their aftereffects and suggestions for coping. Written by a physician who has had more than one transformative NDE. Contains hard-to-find information on the sometimes-alarming symptoms of kundalini awakening. - [***Coming Back to Life: Examining the After-Effects of the Near-Death Experience***](https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Back-Life-After-Effects-Near-Death/dp/1929661304/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GWZ3HOY5X2GG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vlBgVIunHHVPPXnNPv0G4bun0mXDiaC7OaIgLERnyyBc3yVX0kRFslyFFvKmyz0joTFt6UuQJf9shba7J5TMqw.xhk1UWkRd38_47OfnM2vlsNdQQHiWnW1b-G4Xj7Ei4I&dib_tag=se&keywords=coming+back+to+life+atwater&qid=1738968914&sprefix=coming+back+to+life+atwater%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1) (PMH Atwater): A mingling of observation, analysis, and metaphysical speculation. Experiencers say, “She tells it like it is” about aftereffects and experiencer reactions. - [***Transformed by the Light: The Powerful Effect of Near-Death Experiences on People’s Lives***](https://www.amazon.com/Transformed-Light-Melvin-Morse/dp/0749912669/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pintM9MRu4UiwKjL040n1AMOi_ar72nb6mwVLvVzbdkuTaDJSRr6onPiNk5pnQCR.1wyzgigEibgw1jjY998tqBHH4CxOqy34fw6qU6nrx3E&qid=1738969060&sr=8-1) (Melvin More, with Paul Perry): Those who return from the brink of death are profoundly changed for the better, both spiritually and physically, for the rest of their lives. - [***Heading toward Omega: In search of the meaning of the near-death experience***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0688062687/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Kenneth Ring): A classic work documenting changes after a near-death experience. Still an essential read for anyone interested in NDE aftereffects. - ***[Reborn in the Light](https://amzn.to/4aUqBrs)*** (Cheri Sutherland): Examining the effects of near-death experiences, including what experiences have come to believe about life. A collection of case stories offering messages of hope, peace, joy, and life after life. ### Children’s NDEs - [***Closer to the Light: Learning from the Near-Death Experiences of Children***](https://amzn.to/4hIVeSf) (Melvin Morse, with Paul Perry): A pediatrician’s description of children’s NDEs. - [***Transformed by the Light: Life After Near-Death Experiences***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/1863590706/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Cheri Sutherland): Includes near-death experiences in children. ### Cultural diversity and NDEs - [***Crossing Over & Coming Home***](https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Over-Coming-Home-Dale/dp/197935040X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vHil4-70VxbZJvjhCOMnduHcKOSn4RRyooDisUro--AoXFaAKBv3iLuyVggdFe6R-2FwEX9nKT0W9TkVY9YM9V_23tUbj-eQyDC6fuPcIMTQ5aXiUowzLElLNc8y1BNM1rR7WeioLud_whK-GtVmQg5J8kca31jIR0858aHq1fNZWSupOMZgB2JDp5Mmeb2P0iG2kkivXIBxBfST9q7EUxpPCEHNGZjZ2_m1IHyK0U8.rNhs7su83nyxpmhLgjaEx8MSmkyasYJj6XCk1q66FQA&qid=1738339381&sr=8-1) (Liz Dale): Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered near-death experiencers describe their experiences and aftereffects. - [***Experiences Near Death: Beyond Medicine and Religion***](https://amzn.to/43W1WkA) (Allan Kellehear): A cross-cultural and sociological approach to NDEs, their cultural and psychological response, and why they occur. Ken Ring called it “an absolute must read for any serious student of the NDE.” ### Disabilities and NDEs - ***[Mindsight: Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind](https://amzn.to/4c7mGIr)*** (Kenneth Ring): Evidence that the blind can see during near-death experiences with sight that has a different quality and is a kind of “transcendental awareness” referred to as “mindsight.” ### Distressing NDEs - ***[Reckoning: Discoveries After a Traumatic Near-Death Experience](https://amzn.to/3CAHcnz)*** (Nancy Evans Bush): A foremost expert on distressing NDEs reviews both her personal experience and professional discoveries about this phenomenon that can be disturbing yet ultimately uplifting. - [***The Buddha in Hell and Other Alarms: Distressing Near-Death Experiences in Perspective***](https://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Hell-Other-Alarms-Distressing/dp/0985191716/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V6nEwiA97nJPLmd44JDsNkgxHSnnbF-7GYvFTCLUWI91jMg4Shy31EJCk6wS6fA1wyk3QnmTgQOpiiXbeJ1EENgMDPwtjl3OH7LxPwAqiYumCFrXtWNM6x4Xax1iS4hVqCFI6eqf3VgqnX9EVcJQurS2ON32SpKOiJ_ruWBv3QahaLNlkUZelSvpQbpfteyrN0uQzFlqZHhZQoqsCLhVBuJNI3U0vy15Smw7Bu-7Jj8._EpBTzYMexETuWjZW6QcFy_cbXsCG1YPjnEgCVPgf2w&qid=1738338827&sr=8-1) (Nancy Evans Bush): Hellish NDEs are often assumed to exist as punishment, but evidence contradicts this assumption. Distressing near-death experiencer and researcher Bush seeks to understand distressing NDEs in the context of NDEs in general, to understand the concept of hell, and to find alternative ways to approach distressing NDEs through religious ideas and psychological insights. - [***Dancing Past the Dark: Distressing Near-Death Experiences***](https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Past-Dark-Distressing-Experiences/dp/1936912538/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YWOZHL4FL48S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qfh6z1kTdUaaWjrSiNaL2cGnqdVddT73MspWl0eOP4BqTNH6L7r7coNC__HnvGMvffMks9qFYynyqeaDUxdiYFKYWbZqwPh7WenPTsshBOAawiIF3Skc8xfbCA_JQFSFkh0FXWiJjOdITu9WqKiWA1lIoRG-gU8ZNDHo02Vt0PTCCKOJ8iXHmPQ87fyxLYNTSJjLxEwqhzfeMh_l3Wg5TPEkLEgpU3Fo1IPn2l5n7Zg.qxIITHyXsZ4dg1KM0idsVGdJwuowvaxWP0UzGeaEORY&dib_tag=se&keywords=dancing+past+the+dark&qid=1738338979&sprefix=dancing+past+the+%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1) (Nancy Evans Bush): The first comprehensive exploration of disturbing NDEs and how people interpret them. Packed with solid information and first-person narratives that, although marked by dismaying and even terrifying features, turn out to have something vital to say about life itself. - [***The Uttermost Deep: The Challenge of Painful Near-Death Experiences***](https://amzn.to/4hQ2Liv) (Gracia Fay Ellwood): Deeply thoughtful analysis of NDE phenomenon. Though actually a book that addresses in general the implications of NDEs, it contains a good chapter (#4) on, and subsequent discussion of, “painful” NDEs. - [***Blessing in Disguise: Another side of the near-death experience***](https://amzn.to/3Y1Am1C) (Barbara Rommer): Overview of what the author calls “less-than-positive” near-death experiences, written by a physician. ### Religion and NDEs - ***[The Essence of Religions: A Glimpse of Heaven in the Near-Death Experience](https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Religions-Glimpse-Near-Death-Experience/dp/1590792459)*** (Christopher Coppes): Coppes examines the NDE phenomenon as if it were a religious experience and compares NDEs from five major religions. He finds that the essence of the major religions can be found in NDEs, but not all of the positive elements of an NDE can necessarily be found in each of these religions. - [***Near-Death Experience in Ancient Civilizations: The Origins of the World’s Afterlife Beliefs***](https://www.amazon.com/Near-Death-Experience-Ancient-Civilizations-Afterlife/dp/1644118688/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UL4QGU8HRPRC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S0eG5Vtlqlok9Imqy2KzWtIE9-zRI3LlutERIta1QynACkoEgzS0Z1tJNlL_edlYN7pbUpiaOKsQNhDsGHEb2Uic7vrpLvmBY05vqJhAwtRdqnrUxpQgVFqP-9tZj2YKcNFq7FBY83lsXVYdX7UbXQjvH1aukXClo1fgyFTJoZc.SAlNlvyfmtCFTp0s-npG77R0vBN4_Jz5mBxfJkF2l94&dib_tag=se&keywords=gregory+shushan&qid=1738969397&sprefix=shushan%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1) (Gregory Shushan): Shushan reveals near-death experiences from the ancient texts of five ancient civilizations that developed independently of one another yet shared afterlife beliefs too consistent and specific to be mere coincidence. He concludes that afterlife beliefs are not entirely invented by cultures but stem from universal truths derived from NDEs. - [***Religion, Spirituality and the Near-Death Experience***](https://amzn.to/4l3ci8y) (Mark Fox): Well-done overview of a complex topic. - [***Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions***](https://www.amazon.com/Near-Death-Experience-Indigenous-Religions-Gregory/dp/0197685439/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1UL4QGU8HRPRC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S0eG5Vtlqlok9Imqy2KzWtIE9-zRI3LlutERIta1QynACkoEgzS0Z1tJNlL_edlYN7pbUpiaOKsQNhDsGHEb2Uic7vrpLvmBY05vqJhAwtRdqnrUxpQgVFqP-9tZj2YKcNFq7FBY83lsXVYdX7UbXQjvH1aukXClo1fgyFTJoZc.SAlNlvyfmtCFTp0s-npG77R0vBN4_Jz5mBxfJkF2l94&dib_tag=se&keywords=gregory+shushan&qid=1738969947&sprefix=shushan%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-2) (Gregory Shushan): Shushan explores the relationships between near-death experiences, shamanism, and beliefs about the afterlife in traditional indigenous societies in Africa, North America, and Oceania. Drawing on historical accounts of the earliest encounters with explorers, missionaries, and ethnologists, this study addresses questions about the role of NDEs in the afterlife beliefs of indigenous cultures. ### Veridical perception and NDEs - [***The Self Does Not Die: Verified paranormal phenomena from near-death experiences***](https://amzn.to/4l2mAG3) (Titus Rivas, Anny Dirven, and Rudolf Smit): A compilation of over 125 accounts of paranormal phenomena during NDEs that were later verified as accurate by independent sources. The authors discuss implications of these cases for the question of survival of physical death and address arguments skeptics have raised. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the “objective reality” of near-death experiences. ### **Afterlife and NDEs** - [***Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Promise, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You***](https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Heaven-Near-Death-Experiences-Exhilarating/dp/080101526X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2SDMB1TTXB28T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dl_dHFTo-MkzualQymRDBgKfbSDFluR36G7K3XgQcuHD4AlHGnOduYwCYSu0aWOJW_3JQ_CQYM_PSccRP3r4750MoSQjFG4KwP9T7PLt85ipGOjL5Ls847wwCf79qhglNe7odcVWbTB_xclH19sgg7dqXHOJjQLeOFrWyqYHSHhIpB4QhZvt90nxYtk-PkvR7vcgt2m8ZXFSrcVDbYOfTc5gIKSyWH4O45Y_6W-M8U8o5q7j9A7YNfQFQzBeIzsNtX9Y9fVwzYxFm6BK1h_Xg1vZ2VI4j8gHLWYXF-n_a8I.M3xbRRXdRtmP4ADZIiXgSeDKD1f1Z7vy_tRrgvyfePs&dib_tag=se&keywords=jeffrey+long+books&qid=1738970742&sprefix=jeffrey+long+books%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1) (John Burke): A former Christian minister finds evidence that near-death experiences are compatible not only with Christianity but also with biblical accounts of the afterlife. - ***[Science and the Near-Death Experience: How Consciousness Survives Death](https://www.amazon.com/Science-Near-Death-Experience-Consciousness-Survives/dp/1594773564)*** (Chris Carter): Philosophical argument based on evidence from near-death experiences, physics, and consciousness research that consciousness survives death. - [***The Case for Heaven: Near-Death Experiences as Evidence of the Afterlife***](https://amzn.to/4iX5K9C) (Mally Cox-Chapman): NDEs as evidence of an afterlife. - [***Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experience***](https://www.amazon.com/Evidence-Afterlife-Science-Near-Death-Experiences/dp/0061452572/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z9t07dviGfkoNq3TuVrpVL9BcZ_6SOqA845KgKQcQXCgtIKaocL3kyJwAESbbGkYZyiqAGORbjr1TPbqCCES7uFs42y7t-BAUKmcFnL6aZ7sW0cmJ7XAl5geQAzWLniawkdVDPymiSvqZjf2rpAk17dqXHOJjQLeOFrWyqYHSHi3-bCqgOjV8ZH17L5M9vnyhS80pV9asFiAewsLdkXrVJ1OlPa8sDo3BxUO5Iuc2zoikbWhO6xhAYsPnH0Oenkym5RqZTxwqw8-hPYLoIKPaygJKpV3DikNKTeljoCDUy5m4VhJu3PR7WhQrOQoDI02HpEoC3K-EZm9IrBYWG0cINKraPz1nHSRy9jIdWCsMKTVUq1F4JD2O7L06xhSILwh6sUzddeY3mJxRnokB9OrLwC75GG2UGUkElhD4fUYxCTqreejTMj4IDgdDh6nNcHT.XHd0_5QNHZ-I8aeulMP4lg7I6e95o0QeHP87LJ80MtM&qid=1738971185&sr=8-2) (Jeffery Long, with Paul Perry): The co-founder of [the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation](http://www.nderf.org) draws on over 1,500 NDE accounts to present several lines of evidence indicating the reality of an afterlife. - [***God and the Afterlife: Groundbreaking New Evidence for God and Near-Death Experience***](https://www.amazon.com/God-Afterlife-Groundbreaking-Near-Death-Experience/dp/0062279556/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z9t07dviGfkoNq3TuVrpVL9BcZ_6SOqA845KgKQcQXCgtIKaocL3kyJwAESbbGkYZyiqAGORbjr1TPbqCCES7uFs42y7t-BAUKmcFnL6aZ7sW0cmJ7XAl5geQAzWLniawkdVDPymiSvqZjf2rpAk17dqXHOJjQLeOFrWyqYHSHi3-bCqgOjV8ZH17L5M9vnyhS80pV9asFiAewsLdkXrVJ1OlPa8sDo3BxUO5Iuc2zoikbWhO6xhAYsPnH0Oenkym5RqZTxwqw8-hPYLoIKPaygJKpV3DikNKTeljoCDUy5m4VhJu3PR7WhQrOQoDI02HpEoC3K-EZm9IrBYWG0cINKraPz1nHSRy9jIdWCsMKTVUq1F4JD2O7L06xhSILwh6sUzddeY3mJxRnokB9OrLwC75GG2UGUkElhD4fUYxCTqreejTMj4IDgdDh6nNcHT.XHd0_5QNHZ-I8aeulMP4lg7I6e95o0QeHP87LJ80MtM&qid=1738971449&sr=8-3) (Jerry Long, with Paul Perry): The co-founder of [the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation](http://www.nderf.org) draws on over 3,000 NDE accounts from around the world to present evidence for the existence of God. - [***The Next World: Extraordinary Experiences and the Afterlife***](https://www.amazon.com/Next-World-Extraordinary-Experiences-Afterlife/dp/1786771810/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S0eG5Vtlqlok9Imqy2KzWtIE9-zRI3LlutERIta1QynACkoEgzS0Z1tJNlL_edlYN7pbUpiaOKsQNhDsGHEb2Uic7vrpLvmBY05vqJhAwtRdqnrUxpQgVFqP-9tZj2YKcNFq7FBY83lsXVYdX7UbXQjvH1aukXClo1fgyFTJoZc.SAlNlvyfmtCFTp0s-npG77R0vBN4_Jz5mBxfJkF2l94&qid=1738970247&sr=8-3) (Gregory Shushan): Shushan identifies similarities and differences between near-death experiences and shamanic spirit journeys to afterlife realms, intermission states between reincarnations from people who remember past lives, and descriptions of otherworlds by souls of the dead communicating through mediums. - [***Heaven and Hell***](https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Hell-Portable-New-Century/dp/0877854068/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yyUjNzxUhg7n3SoqPxrd2o_3V1FjdTiR1Cca8ah1JFi3C22ZUIaq02uefzVsHpjEkdAxKmigS2M7IlHwqYIuqCYpOhxmqMXqxB4Zb7PMocJqdsddBJYWhoDMoEi-VNaCh0qx-llP0Ch2sSeUsoEbd6KZ9BVtAPMmSQqJ6DGMwe7YXDzZtnu2ywy2KxQlXiIjA0WQ8LFc-ykB1Nh2YXLcVjZG5Hm3mZkkZ1DH3mjrY30.cpC1jaOVc4IyOy6YFq3S9EudhKMpB1CeoyRPKDy_Yxo&qid=1738510600&sr=8-1) (Emanuel Swedenborg): A description of the spiritual world as experienced by the famous 18th-century Swedish mystic. Somewhat less expensive versions are available online, but this is perhaps the most authoritative. ### Shared death experience (SDE) - ***[At Heaven’s Door: What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach About Dying Well and Living Better](https://amzn.to/4hPFlto)*** (William Peters): The most current, comprehensive, research-based—yet very readable—publication about experiences in which the living in some way accompanying dying persons into the first moments of the afterlife. - [***Glimpses of Eternity: Sharing a Loved One’s Passage from This Life to the Next***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0824948130/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Raymond Moody, with Paul Perry): The classic, ground-breaking book on shared death experience in which someone in some way accompanies a dying loved one in their transition to an afterlife. ### Spiritual awakening and spiritual emergency - [***Spiritual Emergency: When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0874775388/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Stanislav and Christina Grof): The classic work in which the term “spiritual emergency” is defined and discussed by authors and experiencers from varied professional backgrounds. - ***[The Awakened Way: Making the Shift to a Divinely Guided Life](https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Way-Making-Divinely-Guided/dp/1401978436?crid=LRP21MGRM6HV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fFXu7O5f0x7ludvaYLNZJoosKoyqVkagEe13bCF5Usk.18K_nhaHznwax1z2_eF_w06MtSwnFESoVHzh7Cx-35E&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Awakened+Way%3A+Making+the+Shift+to+a+Divinely+Guided+Life&qid=1739303044&s=books&sprefix=the+awakened+way+making+the+shift+to+a+divinely+guided+life%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=fd8be4abbf3bf523e3628f26737b973a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Suzanne Giesemann): An evidential medium “combines deep spiritual wisdom and practical tools for living a consciously connected and divinely guided life, helping readers go from an emptiness that can’t be filled to a fullness that can’t be contained”. - [***Your Soul’s Plan: Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born***](https://amzn.to/41LDuRM) (Robert Schwartz): Schwartz explores the premise that each person is an eternal soul who plan their lives, including their greatest challenges, before they are born for the purpose of spiritual growth. - [***Your Soul’s Gift: The Healing Power of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born***](https://amzn.to/3E5svcy) (Robert Schwartz): Following his book *Your Soul’s Plan,* Schwartz further develops his premise by exploring the pre-birth planning of spiritual awakening, miscarriage and abortion, caregiving, abusive relationships, sexuality, incest, adoption, poverty, suicide, rape, and mental illness. - [***Infinite Awareness: The Awakening of a Scientific Mind***](https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Awareness-Awakening-Scientific-Mind/dp/1538110199/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FdvDiXkw_cZcMi3COkxuF4514m_ttlKVbq3QWJ7uRet5E9m7m0ObLfVuKUbHgm1kIP_ffZDoTn1u9k2T1oB2xdK9Bqh8aM9uNd0buF6go0fhLELsPxAxHNYZvsaifG9Zb71zidgakVHH_2tvr30NEKRqUYjsYRN36KPFIP4XmwrKQUxjo8R0iSjJegFb4PI8.jZnlfiZQ322PX9T6pD-c6uZL_U9daqxByBbkjLfpJg8&qid=1739027738&sr=8-1) (Marjorie Hines Woollacott): A neuroscientist documents her transformation from a materialist to a knowing that consciousness is not a product of the brain but, rather, is primary. An engaging tour through challenges to materialist philosophy. ### **Transpersonal experiences in general** - [***Varieties of Anomalous Experience: Examining the Scientific Evidence***](https://www.amazon.com/Varieties-Anomalous-Experience-Examining-Scientific-ebook/dp/B0BG1CJGR1/ref=sr_1_2?crid=366OE9EO03TC7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IRbKnakeClwOcwPEbPF4SDi_MX16vNbDz1jd5IuUXBOtVhhMqbrEG99Xa1Yns-YXZKRXMCpE0MHBjcFvReXLH1tKr8mrbaWUcIfrla57dVwguJUg8KfKxjhQlZf76pIh.QqO_9G1m9A4U-HLd44dEO0dZB2aEdK4BXBbPvFynrSE&dib_tag=se&keywords=varieties+of+anomalous+experience&qid=1738507207&sprefix=varieties+of+an%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-2) (Etzel Cardeña, Stephen J., and Stanley Krippner): The APA’s first formal acknowledgment of non-ordinary experiences. Excellent chapter on NDEs by a foremost NDE researcher, psychiatrist Bruce Greyson. - ***[Connecting Soul, Spirit, Mind, and Body: A Collection of Spiritual and Religious Perspectives and Practices in Counseling](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Connecting+Soul%2C+Spirit%2C+Mind%2C+and+Body%3A+A+Collection+of+Spiritual+and+Religious+Perspectives+and+Practices+in+Counseling&i=stripbooks&crid=3AP8A381GXY2C&sprefix=connecting+soul%2C+spirit%2C+mind%2C+and+body+a+collection+of+spiritual+and+religious+perspectives+and+practices+in+counseling%2Cstripbooks%2C127&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=ff7086c09c983321d48ca5b914fbc803&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Ryan D. Foster and Janice Miner Holden): This edited volume presents spiritual and religious perspectives and practices that can be integrated into counseling, written by experts in the field. Includes chapters on near-death experiences, after-death communication, past-life therapy, psychosynthesis, and responding therapeutically to transpersonal experiences. - [***The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980060540/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (William James): The great classic study of religious and spiritual experiences, by the great classic scholar and pioneer in psychology. ### **After-death communication (ADC)** - ***[Induced After-Death Communication: A Miraculous Therapy for Grief and Loss](https://www.amazon.com/Induced-After-Death-Communication-Miraculous/dp/1571747125?crid=2CEEWYOBLVQ7E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TtLWRHTbZ1sGnKCSwvGtig.oZlTjHNcK1BeX69MW0IfzG-TQvLaoBx_4Db-xg1jowY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Induced+After-Death+Communication%3A+A+Miraculous+Therapy+for+Grief+and+Loss&qid=1739303472&sprefix=induced+after-death+communication+a+miraculous+therapy+for+grief+and+loss%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=9d054b82fc64ee79b3f1ef8b602befbf&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (Allan Botkin): A former Veterans Administration psychologist describes his discovery of a counseling/psychotherapy strategy uniquely effective in reducing painful grief symptoms by facilitating after-death communication for most patients/clients. His clinical observation of its effectiveness was recently confirmed by an **[experimental study](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WwP63RqbMYRToYEtclxUJkoOATuve0_2/view?usp=sharing).** - [***Hello from Heaven***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0553576348/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Bill and Judy Guggenheim): After completing her dissertation on all published work on after-death communication through 2010, Jenny Streit-Horn was asked: If I were to read only one book on this subject, which one would you recommend? Her answer was this book, a classic that summarizes reports of the frequency and types of after-death communication. - [***Love and the Afterlife: How to Stay Connected to Your Human and Animal Loved Ones***](https://www.amazon.com/Love-Afterlife-Connected-Human-Animal/dp/B0BZFRYPPG/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QZxzciurKoq-U6FbkHSdr9eDQfnUTSJ_7vYsR_ABPsu4U29ws7LgMKkdZGwAFtvPOTb_S5ToY3X9PCBWzr45a3tzfWEkDKtklMjtzUXGa0XFPL7uXucDeP3FFOsuDVh6bK7cDoOgbF-Zu7hLr179VfEacgaxNGCYgLSInq9YD2wenJjEvLTqLn6PsdU0oFYX.WmjXXaJwRSgV9iGGQaohiOc0mVavfvtnXWo8CLEOQNk&qid=1739031729&sr=8-1) (Judy Beischel): A foremost researcher of mediumship provides steps for people seeking contact with deceased loved ones to do so. - [***Spontaneous Contacts with the Deceased***](https://www.amazon.com/Spontaneous-Contacts-Deceased-International-Communications/dp/1803412283/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NPNPS3INE2AX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r3hMBwuTIcBzjnUa181fKIwlJ7MrctSxQ_LlKV3CfeR_aKArKLgB02QTRMYPvg0lgTYKS0SmaFkLOhwkmbEOJ1msPs_HGnLSekjk6B1N1CCoPuhx03BH_MggJRUOcbSL-a_bu_CKyOZ7y4h4qj-1qTxyRe02kEo2ZoM7uDt3sNIqH__jEQe_f9le2qm_iwhA-dV7zhO4i-k43sqDshPOXDKc2qqjspOXWNOnHCEY918.w7hy4y4S3uB7g4tCKhuanGMGpDO3OeKW1MFP-1ultr0&dib_tag=se&keywords=elsaesser+evelyn&qid=1739029297&sprefix=elsaesser+evelyn%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-2) (Evelyn Elsaesser): Results of a recent large-scale international study of after-death communication, reaffirming and adding to the body of knowledge about this meaningful experience that occurs so often yet remains widely misunderstood in Western culture. ### Psychic abilities - [***The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena***](https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Universe-Scientific-Psychic-Phenomena/dp/0061778990/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SSPS72HZO3WC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zs4g7unyyBMJp8OhcXJKP2-Fi_8IkSeR4PpTwCuFVN-9mGIrCua55863muMxu35TUDXfzPPsJLmGK7Hn8axa9GXTSpwu-1eEllEk3IeMjFhm8xKTYBoau_i_t2JPN4RT9WCOQGBHOzdmK3DHIlaskd5KOXb_ieTNj1lnk7Co6VFhT1fzfwz1A32YOMpwkuqpkKsWvvF72L_pt8vbzjsOfMEDaJpWyVnNWXOtZ5WBR3k.qxrH6H8DNb2Qa9vX-YZJAd08tQuedC7oBtG-jXVQGx8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+conscious+universe&qid=1739036645&s=books&sprefix=the+conscious+unive%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1) (Dean Radin): A renowned consciousness researcher compiles the extensive evidence indicating that paranormal phenomena such as remote viewing and psychokinesis are real. - [***The Secret Science of the Soul: How Evidence of the Paranormal is Bringing Science and Spirit Together***](https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Science-Soul-Evidence-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B073X3K463/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28QMAA1IKCA55&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._YcsuTp5T_AmEwaPMmHwfV3CpuB0mvdAzw0VG8Mi-09NjAclHEQrvs5WW7kmBjaYA2wL1rUhT1vNxzInLUzrY126MLuClSvQWx1y5nhuRe7uo_YER8KtZs1ucI2I5tCbaDxn7lJMUaBwGTPj2Yd62_AjZY50S9ZioVqcjMRxteUIiJCQ9jGbRGfY1BwtR_oEOMXgl0s-BY8LDGer-FNKGg3vmN6e94dYXyrHuW49Z0Q.-GlqUS_mgBt1qHbp_T1Mvg1NvXn4OKwYLlka4tjaLiE&dib_tag=se&keywords=secret+science+of+the+soul&qid=1739030456&sprefix=secret+scienc+of+the+soul%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1) (Charles Tart): A very readable summary of research on what Tart calls “the big five” psychic phenomena: telepathy, clairvoyance/remote viewing, precognition, psychokinesis, and psychic healing. Additional chapters on out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, after-death communication, mediumship, and reincarnation. Concludes with an integration supporting a post-materalist perspective. ### Mediumship - [***The Afterlife Frequency: The Scientific Proof of Spiritual Contact and How That Awareness Will Change Your Life***](https://www.amazon.com/Afterlife-Frequency-Scientific-Spiritual-Awareness/dp/B09G8532M6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ESBI9HTMX61K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wSLhK4Rbq1OYXqbpp6HJhmDvTdrmN4dQ6XawntG2VXECsf8O0pRe4m8u0-cO2_ni__ldFhZ-Hgwjmvo55Z0AzGkHTh3EpQx-38gnqo6dN7Ei67DJgeElWHCAti9MhqQnWqH0tfPkIMGOyu7CmHBbyTQWvfj1CPI4ODbprfbpluYA3Jk4TE1OEKmvvZVLMx8PP1L445njOQNo0Zd02ZPo9kwRBobovzHb-2sWYD3qK_A.OU2wJvh_AwcCL2hKxFflXUvJfcMQIP13TqmBP6TDfM0&dib_tag=se&keywords=afterlife+frequency&qid=1739030512&sprefix=afterlife+frequency%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1) (Mark Anthony): Mediumship experiences and more from the Oxford-educated Psychic Lawyer. Shows how contact with the deceased can be a powerful instrument of healing. - [***Investigating Mediums: A Windbridge Institute Collection***](https://www.amazon.com/Investigating-Mediums-Windbridge-Institute-Collection/dp/1320398030/ref=sr_1_5?crid=V0JRVXOCT8ZV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QZxzciurKoq-U6FbkHSdr-XrWe-SumKuo-RKbXrpGHveCJOl8jXc3tayzM6OGXU1bkRk6vBX-Z2Q2b6xAD9-7HtzfWEkDKtklMjtzUXGa0XFPL7uXucDeP3FFOsuDVh6bK7cDoOgbF-Zu7hLr179VTvmJUaUxZXFuVC6Vsc0hEShYWS0zhRmnDpkFaO3RsrO.bC_liNg_cXGhcWL73GAWy03oAho0Zb9f8xkyg6QCaNY&dib_tag=se&keywords=julie+beischel&qid=1739032789&sprefix=beisc%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-5) (Julie Beischel): From a foremost mediumship researcher, this volume combines three books previously available only electronically via Kindle: *Among Mediums: A Scientist’s Quest for Answers*, *Meaningful Messages: Making the Most of Your Mediumship Reading*, and *From the Mouths of Mediums Vol. 1: Experiencing Communication”* – and more. - [***Messages of Hope: The Metaphysical Memoir of a Most Unexpected Medium***](https://www.amazon.com/Messages-Hope-Metaphysical-Memoir-Unexpected/dp/0983853916/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.96TfkJI7P3ekOcHQjDUyXuFEEJG-EtCfenHNO5hTzmgUABHcGhh289twm02Uw3cuO3LYao8QAO_lOssiuz8jgw2eYkcnCUNi3D4Z8c7LK-jhDi-QN0_Y3Jo-KniD9bS4D7z0Y_6PrfVULGtREwv_QYnucdwkx1CpylEkdUfbKVDOzmYy6mOb7HVZdsd9qD3E7_flOTZSsS8-Ajd49v8-Fd91tOR46xgHXQw98GD03Bs.O6qBDCGSOsWbGabOzpqKf0ImZTlNpN9TkFPMBjYldn0&qid=1739031488&sr=8-4) (Suzanne Giesemann): Documents the transformation of a former Naval Commander and Aide to the Joint Chiefs of Staff to a full-time evidential medium. - [***Mediumship: Sacred Communication with Loved Ones from Across the Veil***](https://www.amazon.com/Mediumship-Sacred-Communications-Across-Sentience/dp/1958921602/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.96TfkJI7P3ekOcHQjDUyXuFEEJG-EtCfenHNO5hTzmipZwHh91wgE037JJIBkjf-RaXCYVUYTfyTdv01LwOWpg2eYkcnCUNi3D4Z8c7LK-jhDi-QN0_Y3Jo-KniD9bS4D7z0Y_6PrfVULGtREwv_QYnucdwkx1CpylEkdUfbKVDOzmYy6mOb7HVZdsd9qD3E7_flOTZSsS8-Ajd49v8-Fd91tOR46xgHXQw98GD03Bs.LIzZMapgyk757EITtlVbXFi3b0q0PON-nFZcK2zlUrw&qid=1739031180&sr=8-2) (Suzanne Giesemann): How mediumship works from a former Naval Commander turned evidential medium. This book is for professional mediums, people considering participating in mediumship as a sitter, or those simply interested in the mediumship process. ### Nearing-death awareness and end-of-life care - [***Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communication of the Dying***](https://www.amazon.com/Final-Gifts-Understanding-Awareness-Communications/dp/1451667256/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34SKIOP7QK13C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WfyeCir7m3HSqr54vA5kly4Hoa3FlToH-UPJR3m7UDUqCrbm89ee3RQqliIwNL1fEuUUJzzBCH-ZKYSV7zpQyhiPd9SHitM_ZF4jBFD5DxpZXxoUW9pDUd8ftrmikcL_D2va5RmEdvQA_OzrRxIGW06X29mhBBjvg56KWpsZ7Kk_QFzaYOn_6g2yVPgC0vCcCIRh_yJ6Ch-yTt9oo9POE7juY0hilBkO2oe13HzXP7k.QroiUNwcIIFQCyfExV88_cBuZhjkkR0Q4KkQKxqXPxU&dib_tag=se&keywords=final+gifts+by+maggie+callanan+and+patricia+kelley&qid=1738343833&sprefix=final+gifts%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1) (Maggie Callanan, Patricia Kelley): In this classic work on end-of-life care, two hospice nurses describe the experiences of dying patients. - [***Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0553382748/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Maggie Callanan): Callanan’s update of her classic co-authored work *Final Gifts.* - [***The Art of Dying: A Journey to Elsewhere***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0826499236/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Peter and Elizabeth Fenwick): The authors describe their ground-breaking research into the end-of-life phenomena, including near-death experiences, shared-death experiences, deathbed visions of the dying person, and other phenomena surrounding death, as well as the experiences of hospice and palliative care workers and relatives of dying people. - [***Death is But a Dream: Hope and Meaning Beyond***](https://www.amazon.com/Death-But-Dream-meaning-lifes/dp/1787478955/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T5OHlJlIdSDRMitOkWHr8nyEwEznApgRWXgyFoENa6jYaS_o47Gx2Q1LufDKjQ9_sANpZBt8LmT8rp2derUwGfmuktSScK8EB9mdj4dZmedth2-lo5Y_7K_1qFGHH9RjkL-uCCvSXXLO5RH2D5BylA0RAiqL9mioED67bkTEpMGUaNZOhZ4x6KrtourFIw4v7XMeVnkE3NUGT8qiy_7ApMHiI7K27r508G81zx7Hkkc.t8vWBf0_uKTpdxdfqBNHl19FEmxhyc-RXuft2fEXkA8&qid=1739036947&sr=1-1)***[ ](https://www.amazon.com/Death-But-Dream-meaning-lifes/dp/1787478955/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T5OHlJlIdSDRMitOkWHr8nyEwEznApgRWXgyFoENa6jYaS_o47Gx2Q1LufDKjQ9_sANpZBt8LmT8rp2derUwGfmuktSScK8EB9mdj4dZmedth2-lo5Y_7K_1qFGHH9RjkL-uCCvSXXLO5RH2D5BylA0RAiqL9mioED67bkTEpMGUaNZOhZ4x6KrtourFIw4v7XMeVnkE3NUGT8qiy_7ApMHiI7K27r508G81zx7Hkkc.t8vWBf0_uKTpdxdfqBNHl19FEmxhyc-RXuft2fEXkA8&qid=1739036947&sr=1-1)***[***Cure***](https://www.amazon.com/Death-But-Dream-meaning-lifes/dp/1787478955/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T5OHlJlIdSDRMitOkWHr8nyEwEznApgRWXgyFoENa6jYaS_o47Gx2Q1LufDKjQ9_sANpZBt8LmT8rp2derUwGfmuktSScK8EB9mdj4dZmedth2-lo5Y_7K_1qFGHH9RjkL-uCCvSXXLO5RH2D5BylA0RAiqL9mioED67bkTEpMGUaNZOhZ4x6KrtourFIw4v7XMeVnkE3NUGT8qiy_7ApMHiI7K27r508G81zx7Hkkc.t8vWBf0_uKTpdxdfqBNHl19FEmxhyc-RXuft2fEXkA8&qid=1739036947&sr=1-1) (Christopher Kerr): Results of the first systematic study of end-of-life experiences among hospice patients. - [***On Death and Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy and Their Families***](https://www.amazon.com/Death-Dying-Doctors-Nurses-Families/dp/1476775540/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Gd8RlRpCweRryKxn5_-oaktxPGPU_xipFIkMeMH-Z5rOFoAfRO6b9mbtTVHZT8KLziYHtytRLZEl21lN8dj-ocE1zxDygeYZFLUg0LA818LVCphoIows1YV1Fk9njBj50lUkndpDQIAgHrq8vLaVBeulW34B6eZl0CpHwiCs0-aMuPYKW-b9QSNd0fG9JjVDVWtaFVikTZnJtSkM3PDQs085saHy2kLmoZg0shTf8qQ.CPFAKp2Lhd0pTj9IoE7yfi9wF1-3CMC8F0ZrkGf1B0U&qid=1738344623&sr=8-1) (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross): Although subsequent research has shown that dying people do not go through a lock-step sequence of “stages of grief,” this book remains the classic work that raised American consciousness about the experiences and needs of the dying. - ***[Early Exits: Spirituality, Mortality and Meaning in an Age of Medical Assistance in Dying](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=early+exits+david+maginley&crid=1Q2T67FWCAJ2U&sprefix=early+exits+david+%2Caps%2C93&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=814e9b810cdbd16d406689ec2eb7e287&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** (David Maginley): Each chapter of this book begins with a case of a dying patient followed by discussion of existential and spiritual healthcare, with practical suggestions. Includes cases of nearing-death awareness and terminal lucidity. - [***At the Hour of Death***](https://www.amazon.com/At-Hour-Death-Evidence-After/dp/1908733276/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FI3UOGCSN4WQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Uqz-XVATzDKxP2QEGpxvrkPKHMhQeTWNBnssLEQsd6OB0fdijrTcUS6XMxqzh_bfafxKciotf3ldyWXKBjTgeDuvRettEJgkdWrbw_9n4sZhMHZIS_6o3yaqbJc2agNBx591dZbL1ggxu3NAVTmfrG4GldnVTMocI_2ClFkRrqoUYjtICFQ8Rbp14yQHeckvkvasYgFU3TTk0twPt70GOftgM3mGfC_MaZSQgC3H3iQ.sdEDS9KDhoflpsPv0Q0yZDQJh9azv1vrhr8WwFHyauM&dib_tag=se&keywords=at+the+hour+of+death&qid=1738344088&sprefix=at+the+hour+of+%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1) (Karlis Osis, Erlendur Haraldsson): A report of what over 1,000 physicians and nurses have observed in their patients at the time of death. ### Terminal lucidity (TL) - [***Threshold: Terminal Lucidity and the Border Between Life and Death***](https://www.amazon.com/Threshold-Alexander-Batthy%C3%A1ny/dp/1915590663/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fSPd2IBRbZBxJrjMjaeOXjbZuFOZKP1-kiMM9U87_cP6JqwfQnhd67RSbWIRpuLmTC_VMz-4oZUiERPgR8PJx8uRIpJxcNE_jU8iyI5RdiJumq4pmVXC3wDzwbNXcLZD5VIJj23GCeznmHWvMRFYLxeSXrVItxwh3U10ezA_neIk9Dq-l7i4TwjkxjBR47CTBDWRTrvFDZSusJdFAMzJSrjOcTqAkIt3IxbpabC_dbo.Fuz8wdEXasMNjIFa8YlEZfeAbKirmWe-p3gUzVCtH9E&qid=1739033698&sr=8-2) (Alexander Batthyány): To date, the only English book reviewing research about a deathbed phenomenon in which a dying person considered medically incapable of communication becomes—shortly before death—suddenly and temporarily lucid and able to communicate meaningfully with personal and professional caregivers. - [***Wenn die Dunkelheit ein Ende findet: Terminale Geistesklarheit und andere ungewöhnliche Phänomene in Todesnähe***](https://www.amazon.com/Wenn-die-Dunkelheit-Ende-findet/dp/3861910241/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oGR5uic8uXgkE7ucuRSuYkumzgTdi2owCrOVXnToVsQSgx83HkTuj2tOU0bofR9gSdPOd4WeYKk-lsluKdPIlxs7emWDhs70NwVvqIJ0GnguKIOY6FfThO3oKLQPKnEOWk70lB1cLwhqdAEE4ZPWYla68ZciNeOjVBg83yT7vA6vr3cbDzIvMcoeuTh4kQYI.2g1o6YMZXsu_jksRTkhl0PGHjr4bYz4UT6aji9kiGf4&qid=1739034358&sr=8-1) (Michael Nahm): The landmark text reporting research on a deathbed phenomenon in which a dying person considered medically incapable of communication becomes—shortly before death—suddenly and temporarily lucid and able to communicate meaningfully with personal and professional caregivers. Unfortunately for English speakers, this volume is available only in German. ### Reincarnation and life-between-lives - [***Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567184855/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Michael Newton): Using a special hypnosis technique to reach the hidden memories of subjects, Newton discovered some amazing insights into what happens to people between reincarnated lives. - [***Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567184995/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Michael Newton): In this follow-up to *Journey of Souls,* Newton presents 70 additional case histories of people who were hypnotically regressed into their lives-between-lives and more details about various aspects of life “on the other side.” - [***Where Reincarnation and Biology Intersect***](https://www.amazon.com/Where-Reincarnation-Biology-Intersect-Stevenson/dp/0275951898/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RBVL1D35M2HH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9DQdFSpFr-UKBOaJEKWouaBq9odQbpIKHy3bXd-Bc5A.W1X8B3cWsLc1g8EObuQDQo5vFzW1YoYIy5AtNYdM1tE&dib_tag=se&keywords=stevenson+where+reincarnation+and+biology+intersect&qid=1739035035&s=audible&sprefix=stevenson+where+reincarnation+and+biology+intersect%2Caudible%2C101&sr=1-1) (Ian Stevenson): In this unique volume, pioneering research Stevenson presents cases in which children who remember previous lives have birthmarks, disabilities, and other physical manifestations that match the traumatic death of the alleged previous person. Includes an inset with photos from several cases. - [***Before: Children’s Memories of Previous Lives***](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Childrens-Memories-Previous-Lives/dp/1250781779/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21XMM9E73RVN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HLuoPKY2TPTW-D-b8bC1XexrmHSTs5Tippxu-UEiscihiozWOePAqq5mU65RwXFpMYXVEE28q3gu2lO2OykNhyUjZetVzDZ6cmyktaMPRDy8XkBGTfgstA6tiIPn23-BzJQTql848S_PhQPFgJQRFemNqKWTkRE115W_zgzRzqaQ2-0Dfd-BwPRfK5YbrIEw96GV2D-FMXn6ygXIhgNfBs2wLf3oocApHcQmEBMR7XE.N0GeD9FmesvUlh0iu3mGjYu20CDFCb09i7HVEuWTu98&dib_tag=se&keywords=jim+tucker+books&qid=1739034610&sprefix=jim+tucke%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1) (Jim B. Tucker): Combines two previous bestselling volumes: *Return to Life* and *Life Before Life.* Reviews extensive research at the University of Virginia on children who remember previous lives. ### Afterlife beliefs - [***The Reasonable Beyond: Valid Afterlife Evidence***](https://www.amazon.com/Reasonable-Beyond-Valid-Afterlife-Evidence-ebook/dp/B0CM2GZZN1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=V0JRVXOCT8ZV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QZxzciurKoq-U6FbkHSdr-XrWe-SumKuo-RKbXrpGHsw8alZLkstOzOiMwsaH-0-T05zgMn4KAZGsefNXk6S-3tzfWEkDKtklMjtzUXGa0XFPL7uXucDeP3FFOsuDVh6bK7cDoOgbF-Zu7hLr179VTBGwSreBXCwfEKFYZgkFoXCQwM9usKX0J8wPqLlFeNi.EWYljjMujnX288SthABuIFWy8VIJmpHg46cGzTVwFWg&dib_tag=se&keywords=julie+beischel&qid=1739032030&sprefix=beisc%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-3) (Julie Beischel): A renowned mediumship researcher clarifies the true nature of scientific investigation and applies those principles to the question of the survival of consciousness after physical death. ### Consciousness/mind-brain relationship - [***Expanding Reality: The Emergence of Postmaterialist Science***](https://www.amazon.com/Expanding-Reality-Emergence-Postmaterialist-Science/dp/1789047250/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hVDGh-Ahq5HLPih7AH8cwOHEvIgf5IiPSDGfzy6falvtEh7a4QJIZacm5s39UwdmMnsMYnvHeV84qvq8mlMC2A.tnLE5pOeyC54_koKGomtKXXDlIOISXN00K5Q9CaHcGM&qid=1738506379&sr=8-1) (M. Beauregard): A neuroscientist presents near-death experiences as one of several lines of evidence that mind, consciousness, and spirit cannot be reduced simply to electrical and chemical activity in the brain. An updated version of the author’s 2012 book, *Brain Wars.* - [***Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century***](http://www.amazon.com/dp/1442202068/ref=nosim?tag=iandsorg-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380549) (Edward Kelly and Emily Williams Kelly, with Bruce Greyson): Comprehensive and detailed empirical proof that the reductive, materialistic belief that mind equals brain is not just incomplete but false. A major scholarly work. - [***Beyond Physicalism: Toward Reconciliation of Science and Spirituality***](https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Physicalism-Edward-Kelly/dp/153812596X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9QWWK0TKBL77&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9ii-RNiS2wbQcU_V7Lvez5YQ_j0vlP4dURzQsGXROwNihu-mTMBbVcypMxkIG-OStsyAjJV5bp9A5-6ZgHg-YsXezAzD8nJOj2ssOcCDJejV6dS0QZ_mkqEEE09Y4ECnulzsFq_HRDEie4YjybAcBka_z8ex7mvHgF3WRo5JNBSOIV-9TjjJv-Y_yknT788Aiq7L3pKuhjZDYpXSPiIDMbza0rPheB1_CE0Lpfwgv38.Y19EQWK7qPmy71JLhtDqz7BsydmX493q5fxGwSV1F3A&dib_tag=se&keywords=beyond+physicalism&qid=1739036055&s=books&sprefix=beyond+physicalism%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1) (Edward Kelley, Adam Crabtree, and Paul Marshall): Building on the previous book Irreducible Mind, this volume includes chapters by various authors addressing what model of reality expands upon physicalism/materialism to accommodate phenomena such as the paranormal and near-death experiences. - ***[Consciousness Unbound: Liberating](https://www.amazon.com/Consciousness-Unbound-Liberating-Tyranny-Materialism/dp/1538181916/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31WBOTX91LD0Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9_lHStRnMkytqCLgLUKvJGILFdRj32J6pkFpQHanTcbBbs1-y_WFyuj5RepzGAiVm0jVo2OlhdJCGJC4_zPfr15W6oAM4Xt8awd27wT9KFa8DVTDqRSZUU3_7sU_C-K5BVHqIOWprwYchyNxDZ199F3XE0EehHZCbhRQlEGpbKUR9TEoDQmrHncwGBZ_1SGejxPox6w3eiCjYVx1XXBfUSVWTWzxqvkT4c001RXtv36y55Y1hNw3muIVHss1QEzZy3scLP-vB98_ly2XbfagSMaMePTvVA3bQu5wYEkgSmw.XqwpepxH-pv4-csy7Mhi6egl5G1ahjLHp8-cQjMWyfE&dib_tag=se&keywords=kelly+edward+%26+marshall&qid=1739035725&s=books&sprefix=kelly+edward+%26+marshall%2Cstripbooks%2C88&sr=1-1)*** ***[Mind from the Tyranny of Materialism](https://www.amazon.com/Consciousness-Unbound-Liberating-Tyranny-Materialism/dp/1538181916/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31WBOTX91LD0Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9_lHStRnMkytqCLgLUKvJGILFdRj32J6pkFpQHanTcbBbs1-y_WFyuj5RepzGAiVm0jVo2OlhdJCGJC4_zPfr15W6oAM4Xt8awd27wT9KFa8DVTDqRSZUU3_7sU_C-K5BVHqIOWprwYchyNxDZ199F3XE0EehHZCbhRQlEGpbKUR9TEoDQmrHncwGBZ_1SGejxPox6w3eiCjYVx1XXBfUSVWTWzxqvkT4c001RXtv36y55Y1hNw3muIVHss1QEzZy3scLP-vB98_ly2XbfagSMaMePTvVA3bQu5wYEkgSmw.XqwpepxH-pv4-csy7Mhi6egl5G1ahjLHp8-cQjMWyfE&dib_tag=se&keywords=kelly+edward+%26+marshall&qid=1739035725&s=books&sprefix=kelly+edward+%26+marshall%2Cstripbooks%2C88&sr=1-1)*** (Edward Kelly and Paul Marshall): Various authors contributed chapters to this volume that endorses a post-materialist worldview and addresses the implications of that stance for a more comprehensive view of reality and a broader perspective on human potential. --- ### [Exhibitors at IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) [Click Here to Register as an IANDS Conference 2026 Exhibitor!](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0ZXWUsqczVBMWaiDXsQWweVSjcYRjBfNLnxrawTbAFPgi0A/viewform?usp=dialog) ***IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from **August 27th through August 30th****, with a pre-conference day on August 26th.* IANDS Conference 2026 offers an exhibit floor featuring 18 tabletop exhibits showcasing products and services of interest to our 1,000 attendees. Exhibitors spend four days interacting with researchers, healthcare professionals, experiencers, and other people with an interest in near-death experiences and related phenomena. The exhibit floor is open August 27, 28 and 29, from 9 am to 7 pm. and Sunday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exhibitor set up is on August 26th from 9 am to 4 pm. Please be sure to review our [exhibitor rules and information](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/iands-conference-2026-exhibitors-information/). Exhibits costs are $329 for 501c3 nonprofits and $399 for businesses. Booth spaces include a six-foot table and two chairs. Electricity is not included, but exhibitors may bring battery powered lights such as tabletop lamps. Wi-Fi connection is provided. IANDS exhibitors must offer products and services that are mission-consistent. All exhibitor applications are subject to review and approval. A cocktail reception will be held in and around the exhibit area, which will be shared with the very popular IANDS bookstore. Book your booth space now to maximize your exposure at this incredible event. Please **[click here to register](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0ZXWUsqczVBMWaiDXsQWweVSjcYRjBfNLnxrawTbAFPgi0A/viewform?usp=dialog)** and then [**click here to apply**](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2026-conference-in-bellevue-wa/2026-exhibitors-vendors/Site/Register). **Important Note**: Please [click here to learn about exhibitor rules and information](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/iands-conference-2026-exhibitors-information/ "IANDS CONFERENCE 2026 EXHIBITORS INFORMATION"). ## **Exhibit Floor Details** - *Exhibitor Set-Up Hours:* Wednesday August 26th at 9 am - Exhibit Floor Hours: Thursday, August 27, Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, from 9 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, August 31, from 9 am to 3 pm. - *Exhibit Location:* Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 --- ### [IANDS CONFERENCE 2026 EXHIBITORS INFORMATION](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/iands-conference-2026-exhibitors-information/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## **RULES/ EXPECTATIONS:** Booth spaces include a 6’ table and two chairs. A cocktail reception will be held in and around the exhibit area. The exhibit area will be shared by the IANDS bookstore. To reserve an exhibit space, please complete the application that will be reviewed. IANDS is looking for exhibitors who are mission-consistent with the work that the organization is promoting. ### **Specifics about Exhibiting:** **Exhibitor Hours:** - Set Up: - Wednesday August 26th at 9:00 am - Exhibit Hours: - Thursday, Aug. 27th, Friday, Aug. 28th, and Saturday, Aug. 29th, - from 9 am to 7 pm, - and Sunday, August 31st, - from 9 am to 3:00 pm. We expect your vendor table to be staffed during open hours. If the table needs to be left completely unattended, please keep it to an hour or less. You may bring an extra person(s) to assist at your vendor table. The vendor ticket does not include conference registration and events. You may purchase a registration ticket separately for conference events, which is designated by a special Conference Name Badge. This Conference Name Badge may be shared (alternated) with the person who assists staffing your booth. (Extra events not covered in the registration include Lunch with Speaker, Healing Sessions, Fundraising Banquet and Workshops. They may be purchased separately.) ### **INCLUDED IN VENDOR BOOTH:** - Includes 6’ table and two chairs w/ table cover/cloth & trash can, - Electricity not included. May bring battery powered lights – tabletop lamps, etc., - WiFi connection provided, - Ship to hotel (not recommended) Shipment and storage to hotel will be at vendor’s expense. Visibility on the IANDS Exhibitor section of the conference website App, conference.iands.org, including: \* Your logo \* Description of your business \* Your Website link \* Contact info for your business \* Photo(s) of items or store (optional) ***(please send the above if you have not already given to us with your application)*** Your logo will be rotated on the screen during conference Live Stream intermissions and included in post-conference Video on Demand recordings. Also, your logo with URL link will be displayed on the image rotation carousel of our conference website. We expect your vendor table to be staffed during open hours. If the table needs to be left completely unattended, please keep it to an hour or less. You may bring an extra person(s) to assist at your vendor table. The vendor booth does not include conference registration and events. You may purchase a registration ticket separately for conference events, which is designated with a Conference Name Badge. This Conference Name Badge may be shared (alternated) with the person who assists staffing your booth. (Extra events not covered in the registration include Lunch with Speaker, Healing Sessions, Fundraising Banquet and Workshops. They may be purchased separately). ### **Restrictions / Exclusions:** - No Music/sound, PA/speakers - No candle, incense burning, or diffusers - No distracting/obtrusive/flashing lighting - No wall hangings – must have their own display system (nothing allowed on walls) You are responsible for following the sales tax requirements for Bellevue, WA. **Liability**: Exhibitor assumes all responsibility for damages to the exhibit area caused by their negligence. The exhibitor agrees to keep and hold harmless the hotel, IANDS, their management, agents and employees from any and all claims, liabilities and losses for injury to persons or damage to property arising in connection with the exhibitor’s use of the exhibit space. Neither the hotel, IANDS, nor any staff or volunteer member of the above will be responsible for the safety of the exhibits from theft, damages by fire, water, vandalism or other causes. However, all reasonable precautions will be taken by show management to protect the exhibits from such losses. ITEMS SHIPPED AND STORED AT HOTEL WILL BE AT VENDOR’S EXPENSE. Information for shipping to the hotel and hotel policies for exhibiting are included in the next section below. **IANDS Refund Policy for Exhibitor tables:** Written cancellations received Ninety (90) days or more prior to the event a full refund will be given less a $100.00 processing fee. Sixty (60) days to eighty-nine days (89) days prior to the event a fifty (50) percent refund. Fifty Nine (59) days or fewer priors to the event there is no refund. No-shows are not refundable. **Other Items:** The vendor ticket does not include conference registration and events. You may purchase a registration ticket separately for conference events, which is designated with a Conference Name Badge. This Conference Name Badge may be shared (alternated) with the person who assists staffing your booth. (Extra events not covered in the registration include Lunch with Speaker, Healing Sessions, Fundraising Banquet and Workshops. They may be purchased separately.) No refunds will be issued. Substitutions are acceptable with a $25.00 processing fee. **IANDS Right to Cancel:** If IANDS determines it to be impractical or inadvisable to hold the event for any reason, including terrorism, acts of war, or other events commonly categorized as force majeure, IANDS shall have the right to cancel the event. Written request for refunds or to transfer funds to the next show will be honored for a 100% refund in the event IANDS cancels the event. If IANDS changes the venue thirty (30) days or less before the event all written requests for a 100% refund will be honored. Refunds refer to the amount of money IANDS received from your company for purchasing booth space. ## **GUIDELINES FOR SHIPPING AND RECEIVING BUSINESS PACKAGES AND MATERIALS** Please feel welcome to send any business packages or materials to the hotel prior to your arrival. We will receive them on your behalf and have them in safekeeping until your check in, at which point you can request they be brought up to your room or event space. ### **INBOUND RECEIVING/SHIPPING:** As a guide, please address the package(s) as follows: ATTN: YOUR NAME & Hold for Arrival (date) Hyatt Regency Bellevue 900 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA 98004 All business packages should also include a label with the following information: • Company name • Your name • Event name • Tradeshow dates • Function room • Event Planning Manager (Larry Cooper) • If shipping multiple boxes please label 1 of 10, 2 of 10 etc. 1\. Bring Tracking Numbers with you! These are critical to locating a package or determining if they are in transit. 2\. Come prepared with all pertinent shipping information (carrier, company, name on package, quantity, basic description, etc.). This will aid in the location of your packages in a timely manner. 3\. It is highly recommended you create and bring with you the return shipping labels to make shipping your items back a smoother process at the conclusion of your event. 4\. If you are a guest of the hotel and wish to pick up your package upon check-in please label the package(s) as a Guest Package with your name only (do not reference the event). The package(s) will be stored by the front desk for you to request at time of check-in. 5\. If you would like your package(s) delivered to the exhibit area you must label as noted above with event information. The hotel will make every effort to deliver your package(s) by setup time to the exhibit area based on vendor lists and maps provided by event management. 6\. If at any time you need your package(s) please ask for an Event Set-up representative or Meeting Concierge and they can assist in pulling your package(s). 7\. Deliveries for events will be accepted 5 business days prior to the event. All vendors will be responsible for their own shipping/receiving charges as follows in addition to charges incurred through shipping provider (i.e. FedEx, UPS, etc.). They will also be subject to the following handling fees: $10.00 per box weighing less than 25lbs, $15.00 per box weighing 25- 100lbs, $30.00 per box weighing more than 100lbs, $200 for each pallet the hotel ships and/or receives. Storage of both boxes and pallets is complimentary for up to 5 days prior to the start date and following the event end date. Additional days will be charged $5 per day per box and $25 per day per pallet and will be stored only if secure storage space is available (this space is limited). **DRAYAGE COMPANIES\\FERN:** 1. When groups ship through a drayage company, those packages, pallets etc., are handled exclusively by them. Please make sure you have their contact information to coordinate the delivery of the packages to the event space. Hyatt Shipping & Receiving personnel do not have access to this information. **SHIPPING COMPANIES**: To schedule pickups with FedEx and UPS: FedEx 1-(800)742-5877 UPS 1-(800)463-3339. Deliveries are Monday – Friday throughout the day. ### **OUTGOING SHIPPING PROCEDURES AND INFO:** 1\. It is highly recommended you create and bring with you the return shipping labels to make shipping your items back a smoother process at the conclusion of your event. a. Paper shipping forms for FedEx\\UPS are available if needed. b. All hand written paper shipping labels must include account information for payment. c. It is the responsibility of the shipper to keep their copy of the shipping label for tracking purposes. d. Hyatt does not have the ability to track outgoing shipments that are not on our accounts. e. After you have securely packaged your boxes and labeled them you may leave them at your booth/table and we will relocate them to the loading dock to be shipped out. f. ONLY packages which are clearly labeled with payment information will be shipped. g. If shipping out through FedEx or UPS, it is the responsibility of the shipper to schedule a pickup online or call for a pickup of your packages. 2\. All arrangements with private carriers are the responsibility of the individual exhibitor. Please ensure you have made the appropriate arrangements including a pick-up time on the last day of the event. 3\. Your package(s) must be relocated to the loading dock and will need to be picked up the morning after your event if arrangements cannot be made day of due to the carrier or show hours. **Note**: The only shipping materials available on-site are FedEx and UPS bill of ladings. The hotel does not have shrink wrap, packing tape, packing foam, etc. available for exhibitor use. ### **LOADING DOCK INFORMATION** • Hyatt Shipping \\ Receiving Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 6:30am – 3:30pm. Loading dock gates are closed daily between 11:00pm and 5:00am. If the gate is closed, please contact security by pushing the button located at the gate for access. • Hyatt Shipping\\Receiving is at the bottom of the ramp straight ahead. Look for the sign “Hyatt Shipping\\Receiving” and park next to either side of the yellow painted walls. This is level P2. • The south side of the loading dock belongs to Bellevue Collection, therefore all Hyatt deliveries need to unload in one of the two bays that belong to Hyatt. • The hotel has a loading dock lift gate for use. Maximum weight capacity is 5,500 lbs. • Truck Size Limitations: 40ft Truck without adjustable axle, 48ft Truck with adjustable axle. Loading Dock Policies: • Loading Dock is for loading/unloading vehicles only. No long-term parking on the loading dock is permitted. • The hotel does not own a fork lift or lend any equipment (electric or manual pallet jacks, hand carts, flatbed carts etc.) No deliveries are permitted via the front drive of the hotel or at the front desk. ### **DIRECTIONS TO THE LOADING DOCK** There are three (3) freeways that access the hotel. I-90 (East-West) I-405 (North, South) State Route 520 (East-West) If you are approaching the hotel from a location North or South of Bellevue, take I-405. If you are approaching from downtown Seattle, take I-90 or State Route 520 (East-West). I-405: I-90 EASTBOUND: Take NE 8th Street westbound. Take I-405 North. Take NE 8th Street westbound. S.R. 520 EASTBOUND: Take I-405 South. Take NE 8th Street westbound. HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE 900 Bellevue Way Northeast | Bellevue, WA 98004 | 425.462.1234. From I-405: ▪ Turn right onto 106th Avenue, after taking NE 8th Street exit heading west ▪ The loading dock entrance will be on your left hand side before you get to NE 10th St. ▪ Head down the steep ramp, which will read “Bellevue Place” ▪ Drive straight ahead to the double gray doors that read “Hyatt Regency Bellevue” (you are now located on level P2) ▪ Freight elevators for the Olympic Tower, Evergreen Ballroom 1st Floor and Grand Ballroom 2nd Floor, are located on the right hand side. Freight elevators for the Cascade Tower, Cedar and Regency Ballrooms 2nd Floor, are located straight through the grey double doors then to your left. **PARKING INFORMATION** Parking entrances are located on NE 8th Street, Bellevue Way NE and NE 10th Street. Parking validation is provided by Hyatt for up to 3 hours of complimentary self-parking. Valet is not included. Parking is complimentary beginning Friday after 8:00pm through Sunday at midnight. ### **Oversized Vehicles:** • Vertical clearance inside the garage is 6’10” • Vehicles more than 14’ long cannot access the parking garage • The garage cannot accommodate trailers of any size • Alternate parking for oversized vehicles can be arranged if notification is received at least one week in advance. ### **Self-Parking Rates:** \* Friday and Saturday night stays: Complimentary \* Other stays, with in and out privileges $35.00 daily \* Valet Parking Rates: In and out privileges $45.00 daily ## **ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE INFORMATION** Hyatt Regency Bellevue’s display rules and regulations are based on a philosophy that all Exhibitors should be given an equal opportunity to present their product to their audience in an effective manner. The following applies to all Exhibits: Adhesives – No pins, tacks or adhesives of any kind are permitted on any wall, door or column. Signs/Banners – All hanging signs must be professionally made and conform to show management rules, regulations and ceiling limitations. --- ### [Meet the IANDS Team](https://iands.org/about/the-iands-team/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Learn more about the IANDS team, including our board and staff. And be sure to also take a look at our [IANDS Advisory Board](https://iands.org/about/the-iands-advisory-board/ "IANDS Expert Advisory Board"), too! ## *Executive Committee of the Board* ![Evan mecham](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Evan-Mecham.jpg "Evan mecham ‣ iands")### **Evan Mecham, MA** **– President (2025)** Residence: Colorado Occupation: President & Founder of Conversations to Heal the Heart – Transpersonal Therapies Experience: IANDS Groups Coordinator; IANDS President (2025-present); IANDS Board Member, 2023-present ![Bob coppes](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bob-Coppes.jpg "Bob coppes ‣ iands")### **Bob Coppes, PhD** – Vice President (2026) Residence: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Occupation: NDE Researcher; Author Experience: IANDS member, 2002-present; IANDS Vice President (2026-present); IANDS Board Member, 2023-present ![Secretary janet melcher phd](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Janet-Melcher.jpg "Janet melcher ‣ iands")### **Janet Melcher, PhD, LISW-S – Secretary (2021)** Residence: Ohio Occupation: University of Cincinnati School of Social Work 1990-present; UCS SSW BSW Field Coordinator Experience: IANDS Board, 2020-present ![Iands executive director janet riley](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Janet-Riley.jpg "Janet riley ‣ iands")### **Janet Riley, MS, CAE** (2024) Residence: Maryland IANDS Executive Director Occupation: Communications Professional/Association Executive Experience: IANDS Executive Director, 2024-present and ex officio Board Member ### Colin Chambers, CPA (2026) Residence: Indiana IANDS Treasurer Experience: IANDS Treasurer, 2026-present ## *Other Board Members* ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dani-foffa-976x1024.jpg "Screenshot ‣ iands")### Dani Foffa, MSc, MPhil Residence: Italy Occupation: Afterlife Researcher, Lecturer on NDEs at the University of Padua, Entrepreneur Experience: IANDS member 2024, IANDS Podcaster 2025, IANDS Board 2025, IANDS Team Leader Italy, Business Analyst, Branding & Marketing Consultant ![Dabbie james](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dabbie-James.jpg "Debbie james ‣ iands")### **Debbie James, MSN, RN, CCRN-K** Residence: Texas Occupation: Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Experience: IANDS Board, 1995-2008, 2011-2017, 2020-present; IANDS Conference Coordinator, 1996-2006, 2010; IANDS Conference Co-Chair, 2021; Education Committee Co-Chair, 2020-present; Ethics Committee Co-Chair, 2020-present ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Kim-PenBerthy-jpeg.jpg "Kim-penberthy-jpeg ‣ iands")### J. Kim Penberthy, Ph.D., ABBP Residence: Virginia [Occupation](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/dops-staff/kim-penberthy/): Professor of Research in Psychiatric Medicine, University of Virginia Experience: IANDS Board 2026 ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image1-853x1024.jpg "Image1 ‣ iands")### **Mike Precopio, BA** Residence: Pennsylvania Occupation: CEO of Summers Laboratories, Inc. Business owner, chemist, SCORE certified business mentor, and motivational public speaker. Experience: IANDS member; IANDS Board, 2025 ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/KathyWiningsHeadshot--1024x768.jpg "Kathywiningsheadshot ‣ iands")### **Kathy Winings, EdD, MDiv** Residence: New York Occupation: Professor Emerita Religious Education; President Board of Directors IRFF; President Educare Experience: IANDS member; IANDS Board, 2025 ## *Staff* ![Smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a turquoise blouse, posing for a photo.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Susan-Amsden-11-12-23-cropped.jpg "Susan amsden 11 12 23 cropped ‣ iands")### **Susan Amsden, BSc** IANDS Office Manager; Editor of *Vital Signs*; New Groups Mentor; Durham RT IANDS Group Leader Residence: North Carolina Occupation: Business Specialist ![Hope pickard](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hope-Pickard.jpg "Hope pickard ‣ iands")### **Hope Pickard, BA** Bookkeeper Residence: North Carolina Occupation: Office Assistant Experience: IANDS staff, 2019; 2024-present --- ### [Join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Click Here to Join IANDS Online!](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membership-form-1) ## Explore the Extraordinary: Become an IANDS Member When you join IANDS, you’re joining more than an organization. *You’re joining a movement aimed at creating a better world.* Our community is committed to supporting research into near-death experiences and related phenomena. We support those who’ve had NDEs, educate healthcare professionals and clergy, and work toward normalizing conversations on these topics by informing and engaging the curious public. Why do we do this? Because every one of us faces a common human question: ***what happens when die?*** For some, this question creates anxiety and uncertainty. It can drive deep grief and a sense of separation when we lose people we love. But those who have glimpsed the afterlife through near-death experiences can offer the world valuable lessons that reduce fear and teach us how to live our lives more fully, more compassionately, and with deeper, eternal connections to one another. Join our community and ***explore the extraordinary.*** Various membership levels are available. Choose the one that’s right for you and then either [join online](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membership-form-1) or[ download a membership form](https://www.iands.org/images/stories/forms/joinform.pdf) and return it to our Durham headquarters. Please [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") if you have any questions. ## **Membership Levels** ***Effective May 15, 2026*** ### ***Basic Membership is $49 annually*** Basic membership includes a monthly “NDE of the month” email, a quarterly magazine [*Vital Signs*](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/) delivered electronically, exclusive notifications, 50% discount on all [IG&E](https://isgo.iands.org/?zetw-all=1&event-language=en&s=) events and on-demand videos, 10% member discounts on [IANDS conferences ](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 1995: Hartford, Connecticut")& [symposia](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/ "IANDS Spring Symposium 2026") (special member discount code provided to members by email). ### ***Supporting Membership (Our MOST Popular!) for $99 annually*** Basic level benefits plus nearly all [IG&E](https://isgo.iands.org/?zetw-all=1&event-language=en&s=) events and on-demand videos are FREE! ### ***Professional Membership for $149 annually*** All previous benefits and [*The Journal of Near-Death Studies*](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/) (three times a year). ### ***Patron Membership for $500 annually*** Our Patron Members receive all above benefits and immense gratitude for supporting IANDS and its mission at this higher level of financial commitment. Our Patrons are recognized at our IANDS Annual Conference. ### ***Benefactor Membership for $1,000 annually*** Our Benefactor Members are the “Angels of IANDS,” making the highest level of financial commitment. Our Benefactors are recognized at our IANDS Annual Conference. ### ***Journal of Near-Death Studies* individual subscription only, for $68 annually. Institutional subscription (libraries, universities), $398 per year.** The [*Journal of Near-Death Studies*](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/), a scholarly publication, peer-reviewed and published three times per year, serving as the central repository for the most current research and thought on NDEs. Includes articles by scholars from around the world, book reviews, and letters addressing issues raised in previous editions. ***Note:** An additional charge applies for mailings outside the United States* **IANDS is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the United States Internal Revenue Service.** ## Renew Your IANDS Membership **For Professional, Sponsor, and Journal Subscription levels outside the US**, add $10 for mailing the *Journal* three times per year outside the US. ### Other Ways to Join or Renew IANDS membership - [Download a membership form](https://www.iands.org/images/stories/forms/joinform.pdf) - Visit our [Contact Page](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") for the IANDS address and phone number to contact us during business hours (USA East Coast time) if you have more questions, or with your credit card information. --- ### [Keynote Speakers at IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) Four keynote speakers will deliver addresses at [IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World")—one on each of the four days of the event. Anita Moorjani will speak on Thursday, followed by Helané Wahbeh on Friday, Alex Ferrari on Saturday, and Vera Spillner on Sunday. Below, you can learn more about the four keynote speakers at IANDS Conference 2026. **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from August 27th through August 30th**, with a pre-conference day on August 26th. ![Older woman with glasses and wavy hair, wearing a pink sweater and beaded necklace, smiling indoors with flowers in the background](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Betty_Eadie.jpg "Betty_eadie ‣ iands")## Betty Eadie ***Wednesday, August 26th*** Betty Eadie comes from the Seattle IANDS community. She is the author of the book, *[Embraced by the Light](https://www.embracedbythelight.com/)*, which she initially sold out of the trunk of her car while driving around to local bookstores. Though she was an unknown author, the book gained so much attention that it remained at the top of the New York Times list for a record 78 weeks. She has spoken around the United States about her near-death experience and what she has learned from it. As one of the earliest members of IANDS, Betty has contributed a great deal to the history and work of IANDS. ### **An Evening With Betty Eadie** In this special pre-conference evening session, *Embraced by the Light* author Betty Eadie will reflect on her 1992 New York Times best-selling book and public reaction to one of the earliest bestsellers in the near-death experience (NDE) genre. During a relaxed, on-stage conversation with Seattle IANDS founder Kimberly Clark Sharp, MSW, attendees will be inspired by her story of transformation following her NDE. ![Couple posing for a portrait: woman with silver hair in a blue dress and man in a teal shirt and black blazer, against a dark backdrop.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-Eben-Karen2022-PREFERRED.jpeg "1-eben-karen2022-preferred ‣ iands")## **Eben Alexander, III, MD and Karen Newell** ***Thursday, August 27th*** **Dr. Eben Alexander** was an academic neurosurgeon for over 25 years, including 15 years at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School in Boston. In 2008, he experienced a transcendental Near-Death Experience (NDE) during a week-long coma from an inexplicable brain infection that completely transformed his worldview. A pioneering scientist and modern thought leader in the emerging science that acknowledges the primacy of consciousness in the universe, he is the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller *[Proof of Heaven](https://www.amazon.com/Proof-Heaven-Neurosurgeons-Journey-Afterlife/dp/1451695195)*, [*The Map of Heaven*](https://www.amazon.com/Map-Heaven-Religion-Ordinary-Afterlife/dp/1476766401), and *[Living in a Mindful Universe](https://www.amazon.com/Living-Mindful-Universe-Neurosurgeons-Consciousness-ebook/dp/B06Y2SFPR2)*. **Karen Newell** is an author and specialist in personal development with a diverse body of work that rests upon the foundation of spiritually transformative experiences. As an innovator in the emerging field of brainwave entrainment audio meditation, Karen empowers others in their journeys of self-discovery by demonstrating how to connect to inner guidance, achieve inspiration, improve wellness and develop intuition from a heart-centered consciousness. She is co-founder of [Sacred Acoustics](https://www.sacredacoustics.com/), and co-author with Eben Alexander III, M.D. of *Living in a Mindful Universe*. ### **A Conversation with Eben Alexander and Karen Newell** During this special evening event, attendees will be inspired by a relaxed conversation with two leading thinkers in the field of consciousness: neurosurgeon and *[Proof of Heaven](https://www.amazon.com/Proof-Heaven-Neurosurgeons-Journey-Afterlife/dp/1451695195)* author Eben Alexander, MD, and brainwave meditation innovator Karen Newell. Together, the husband-wife team founded [Sacred Acoustics](https://www.sacredacoustics.com/). ![Anita moorjani](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Anita-Moorjani-Headshot-4-copy-1-683x1024.jpeg "Anita moorjani - headshot 4 copy 1 ‣ iands")## **Anita Moorjani** ***Thursday, August 27th*** Anita Moorjani is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s most influential voices in personal transformation. Her extraordinary near-death experience during a battle with end-stage cancer not only reshaped her understanding of life and human potential—it led to a rapid and medically documented recovery. Her groundbreaking book *[Dying to Be Me](https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Be-Me-Journey-Healing/dp/1401937535)* has sold over three million copies and is published in more than 45 languages worldwide. Anita has been named in the Watkins list of the world’s most spiritually influential living people for 13 consecutive years. Blending profound spiritual insight with lived experience, Anita challenges conventional thinking and delivers a powerful message: true healing begins with self-love, authenticity, and the courage to fully be who you are. ### From Awakening to Embodiment — **The NDE is not the destination; it’s the doorway into who we truly are.** What happens after we touch the infinite… and return to the finite? In this deeply personal and expansive keynote, Anita Moorjani shares her near-death experience not as an ending, but as a beginning; a doorway into a deeper truth of who we are beyond fear, beyond identity, and beyond the roles we’ve learned to play. Through her journey, she invites us to peer beyond the veil, to sense into the vast, loving intelligence that exists beyond this physical life, and to discover how that knowing can transform the way we live here and now. Anita will also speak about how the greatest challenge is not the NDE itself, but learning how to live from it. With warmth, honesty, and profound insight, Anita explores the real journey of integration: the unraveling of old identities, the pull of fear-based conditioning, and the courage it takes to live authentically. She invites us to recognize that what we glimpse beyond the veil is not separate from us; it is who we are. This is a call to embody that truth, and to become, in this lifetime, all that we have always been. ![Helané wahbeh will serve as one of four keynote speakers at iands conference 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/HWahbeh-Photo-2-837x1024.jpeg "Hwahbeh photo 2 ‣ iands")## Helané Wahbeh ***Friday, August 28th*** Helané Wahbeh is the Director of Research at the [Institute of Noetic Sciences](https://noetic.org/), and a former president and current board member of the [Parapsychological Association](https://parapsychological.org/). Dr. Wahbeh is trained as a naturopathic physician and holds a Master of Clinical Research along with two post-doctoral research fellowships. She has published and spoken internationally about her studies on complementary and alternative medicine, mind-body medicine, extended human capacities, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and their relationships to physiology, health, and healing. Dr. Wahbeh is particularly recognized for her research on channeling and her noetic approach to it. ### When Consciousness Awakens: Channeling, Discernment, and the Long Arc of Transformation Near-death experiences and related spiritually transformative experiences often initiate enduring changes in perception, identity, and ways of knowing. One frequently reported outcome is the emergence or amplification of channeling and other forms of non-local information access. This keynote examines channeling as a common, innate human capacity spanning a continuum from intuition, precognition, and telepathy to rarer forms such as mediumship and trance channeling. Drawing on international survey data and laboratory research, Dr. Helané Wahbeh reviews what is known about the prevalence of channeling experiences, the distinction between belief and direct experience, and individual characteristics associated with non-local perception. Beyond whether channeling occurs, the presentation focuses on long-term impact. Research and clinical observation suggest that sustained engagement with non-local states can reshape identity, values, relationships, and worldview. Framed as a developmental trajectory, the keynote offers a research-informed perspective on responsible integration that supports well-being and meaning-making long after the initial experience. ![Alex ferrari will serve as one of four keynote speakers at iands conference 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Alex-Ferrari.jpeg "Alex-ferrari ‣ iands")## Alex Ferrari ***Saturday, August 29th*** Alex Ferrari is the creator and host of *[Next Level Soul](https://nextlevelsoul.com/)*, a global platform dedicated to exploring spirituality, consciousness, and the deeper meaning of life. Through profound conversations with near-death experiencers, spiritual teachers, scientists, and mystics, Alex helps illuminate the nature of the soul, the continuity of consciousness, and humanity’s evolving spiritual awakening. With over 25 years in filmmaking, Alex brings a storyteller’s heart and a seeker’s mind to his work, translating complex spiritual concepts into accessible, transformative insights. His journey from the film industry into spiritual media was born from a deep personal calling to understand life beyond the material world and to create a bridge between science, spirituality, and lived experience. Through *Next Level Soul*, Alex has cultivated a worldwide community committed to self-discovery, higher awareness, and soul-level growth. His mission is to empower individuals to remember who they truly are, deepen their connection to the divine, and live with greater purpose, compassion, and authenticity. By weaving together storytelling, spiritual inquiry, and consciousness exploration, Alex Ferrari serves as a guide for those seeking truth beyond the physical and inspiration for living in alignment with the soul’s highest calling. ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VSpillner-Photo-Bio-1.jpeg "Vspillner photo bio ‣ iands")## Vera Spillner ***Sunday, August 30th*** Vera Spillner, PhD, is a theoretical physicist, philosopher, and professor of media studies based in Germany. Her interdisciplinary work explores the intersection of quantum theory, philosophy of mind, and the societal and ethical implications of near-death experiences (NDEs). For over two decades, Vera has engaged with questions of free will, consciousness, and responsibility at the limits of a purely materialistic worldview—particularly where NDE reports resonate with foundational questions in quantum theory and cosmology. A defining element of her approach is her long-standing dialogue with experiencers. A key influence has been her collaboration with the near-death experiencer and artist [Vincenz Hensle](https://www.vinzenzhensle.de/), whose work shows how visual art can communicate what words often fail to capture. These encounters have shaped her conviction that NDEs are not only personal turning points, but catalysts for genuinely interdisciplinary inquiry across science, art, and ethics. Vera serves on the extended leadership team of IANDS Germany ([Netzwerk Nahtoderfahrung](https://netzwerk-nahtoderfahrung.org/)), is a frequent speaker at international conferences, and is currently working on several book projects exploring consciousness, human dignity, and the ethical consequences of an expanded view of reality. ### Oneness and Timelessness: What Fundamental Physics Can and Cannot Say About Near-Death Experiences People who have had near-death experiences often describe two deeply moving elements: a sense of being connected with everything, and a feeling that time no longer exists in the way we know it. In this Keynote, physicist and philosopher Vera Spillner explores how fundamental ideas from Theoretical Physics — such as Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Cosmology — seem to point to surprisingly similar features of our universe. She introduces concepts like entanglement (suggesting separation may not be fundamental) and timeless models such as Einstein’s block universe or the Wheeler–DeWitt equation, where past, present, and future may coexist. She also touches on the hard problem of consciousness and presents receiver-type models of the brain, allowing for personal continuity beyond neural activity without metaphysical claims. At its heart, this is a bridge-building journey between physics and lived experience, clarity and wonder, and what we know — and what we may still be learning about consciousness, time, and continuity. Following the presentation, Vera Spillner will be available to sign her forthcoming book *Quantum Trees of Gold*. --- ### [Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** February 3, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ***JOURNAL OF NEAR-DEATH STUDIES*** (JNDS; ISSN: 0891-4494; formerly *Anabiosis: The Journal for Near-Death Studies*) is sponsored by *the International Association for Near-Death Studies* (IANDS). *The Journal of Near-Death Studies* publishes articles on near-death experiences (NDEs), on the empirical aftereffects and theoretical implications of such events, and on related transpersonal (transcending the usual personal limits of space, time, identity, and/or influence) and spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). These phenomena include out-of-body experiences, deathbed visions, the experiences of dying persons, comparable experiences occurring under other circumstances, deathwatch or shared-death experiences, after-death communication, spiritual energy/kundalini awakening, mystical experiences, and past-life memories. A further focus of *the Journal of Near-Death Studies* is the implications of such phenomena for an understanding of human development and transformation and of human consciousness and its relation to life and death processes. The *Journal of Near-Death Studies* Editor(s) and Consulting Editors are committed to an unbiased exploration of these issues and specifically welcome a variety of theoretical perspectives and interpretations that are grounded in empirical observation or research. **[See past issues here](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/past-issues-jnds/)** ## **Publication** From the inception of *Anabiosis* in 1981 through 1986, 10 issues were published. In 1987 the journal became *the Journal of Near-Death Studies*, and through 2018 it was published quarterly, with each volume containing a Fall and Winter issue in one calendar year and a Spring and Summer issue in the following calendar year. In 2019, IANDS began publishing *the Journal of Near-Death Studies* three times per year: Each volume number corresponds to a calendar year and contains a Spring, Summer, and Fall issue. From the inception of the *Journal of Near-Death Studies* through 2024, subscribers received their issues as a mailed hard copy. Beginning with the first issue of 2025, volume 43, number 1, subscribers receive their issue electronically as an email link to PDFs. Subscribers could opt to receive their issues only electronically or also in hard copy to their mailing address. The *Journal of Near-Death Studies* is published by IANDS, 2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite #300, Durham, NC 27713-5273, and is printed by Cushing-Malloy Books, 1350 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. ## **Subscription** IANDS members at the Professional or higher level receive the *Journal of Near-Death Studies* as part of their membership. The subscription rate is $68.00 (USD) per year for individuals who are not Professional or higher level members of IANDS and $398.00 for institutions and libraries. Periodical postage paid at Ann Arbor, MI, and additional mailing offices. Subscription inquiries, subscription orders, and advertising inquiries should be addressed to IANDS, 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Building 500, Durham, NC 27705-8878, USA; telephone and fax: (919) 383-7940; email: . ## More Details **Circulation (2025)**: 361 **Peer Review**: Each article manuscript undergoes masked review by at least two scholarly reviewers from among the Consulting Editors or others with scholarly expertise regarding the topic of the manuscript. **Manuscript Acceptance Rate (2024)**: 48% (This percentage includes article manuscripts only; it does not include media reviews and letters to the editor which are accepted at a higher rate.) **INDEXED** in Cabells Journalytics, EBSCO, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Health Instrument File, International Bibliography of Periodical Literature, Parapsychology Abstracts International, Psychological Abstracts, PsycINFO Database, Sage Family Abstracts, Social Work Research and Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts. ### **DOIs** Each *Journal of Near-Death Studies* publication–article, editorial, media review, and letter to the editor–is issued a digital object identifier (DOI). During a 1-year embargo from date of issue, the publication may be purchased from the IANDS office. After the embargo, the full text of the publication becomes available at no cost on the Internet. During the embargo, an author may upload an IANDS-issued pdf of the full text to an academic website such as [ResearchGate.net](https://www.researchgate.net/) or [academia.edu](https://www.academia.edu/). Authors wishing to upload to other Internet sites may submit a request to the JNDS editor who will consider requests on a case-by-case basis. *Please note that for issues published prior to 2022, JNDS DOIs ended in a period, for example: doi:10.17514/JNDS-1997-15-4-p259-278**.** Beginning with 2022 publications, they no longer end in a period, for example: https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2022-40-1-p1-3* **Learn more** about our **[peer-reviewed research](/nde-research/peer-reviewed-research/)** --- ### [Volume 39 (2021): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-39-2021-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ### **Volume 39-1 (Spring 2021**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Self-Location Kinematics Influence the Generation of Near-Death Experience Cognitive and Affective Perception** (France Lerner, PhD; Steven Laureys, MD, PhD; Vanessa Charland-Verville, PhD; and Mylene Botbol-Baum, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2021-39-1-p3-51.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1834988/) - **Response to “A New Scale to Assess Near-Death Experiences** (Charlotte Martial, PhD; Bruce Greyson, MD; Jessica Simon, PhD; Ninon Puttaert; Olivia Gosseries, PhD; Vanessa Charland-Verville, PhD; Steven Laureys, MD, PhD; and Héléna Cassol, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2021-39-1-p52-54.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1834989/) - **Letter to the Editor: More Comments on the New NDE-C Scale** (Nancy Evans Bush, MA): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2021-30-1-p55-58. ](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1834990/?q=letter%20to%20the%20editor%3A%20more%20comments%20on%20the%20new%20nde-c%20scale) ### Volume 39-2 **(Summer 2021**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Survival Psi and Somatic Psi: Exploratory Quantitative Phenomenological Analysis of Blinded Mediums’ Experiences of Communication with the Deceased and Psychic Readings for the Living** (Julie Beischel, PhD; Adam J. Rock, PhD; Ronald J. Pekala, PhD; and Mark Boccuzzi, BS): - **Near-Death Experiencer’s Beliefs and Aftereffects: Problems for the Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin Naturalist Explanation** (Patrick Brissey, PhD): - **Book Review: *Beyond Surviving: Cancer and Your Spiritual Journey* by David Maginley** (Reviewed by Rebecca S. Valla, MD): - **Book Review: *The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery* by Joseph Jordania** (Reviewed by Jenny Wade, PhD): - **Letter to the Editor: Brief Dispatch From the Hospice Field: Transpersonal End-of-Life Experiences in the COVID-19 Era** (Scott Janssen, MSW, LCSW: ### **Volume 39-3 (Fall 2021**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Book Review: *After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond* by Bruce Greyson** (Reviewed by Rebecca S. Valla, MD): - **Commentary on *After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond* by Bruce Greyson** (Pascal Michael, MSc): - **Response to “Commentary on *After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond* by Bruce Greyson”** (Bruce Greyson, MD): - **Rejoinder to “Response to ‘Commentary on *After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond* by Bruce Greyson'”** (Pascal Michael, MSc): - **Near-Death Experience and Claims of Past-Life Memories** (Bruce Greyson, MD): [https://doi.org10.17514/JNDS-2021-39-3-p212-226.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2017035/) - **Book Review: *Waiting to Die: A Near-Death Researcher’s (Mostly Humorous) Reflections on His Own Endgame* by Kenneth Ring** (Reviewed by Michael Grosso, PhD): --- ### [Volume 40 (2022): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-40-2022-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## **Volume 40-1 (Spring 2022**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Invited Commentary: Recent Report of Electroencephalogram of a Dying Brain** (Bruce Greyson, MD; Pim van Lommel, MD; and Peter Fenwick, MD): - **Observed Somatic Continuance During Spontaneous Out-of-Body Experiences** (Robert A. King, MPsych): - **Hypnotically Induced Near-Death-Like Experiences: An Exploratory Study of Phenomenological Similarities to Near-Death Experiences** (Ana Sofia Machado Ferreira, MA; Ana Paula Farinha, PhD; and Mário Simões, PhD): - **Book Review: *The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact* by P. M. H. Atwater** (Reviewed by James G. Matlock, PhD): - **Letter to the Editor: Exciting New Prospective NDE Study: Proyecto Luz—The Light Project** (Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, NCC, LPC Associate): ### **Volume 40-2 (Summer 2022**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Comparing Near-Death Experiences and Shared Death Experiences: An Illuminating Contrast** (Shared Crossing Research Initiative): - ***“It’s made me reassess what I think and believe.”* An Exploratory Study of Therapists’ Experiences With Their Clients’ Deathbed Visions, Deathbed Coincidences, and After-Death Communication** (Gurm Bacchus, MSc, MEd, MA, MBACP; Divine Charura, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, AFBPsS, UKCP reg. Psych, SFHEA, UKCP Honorary Fellow; and Tara Fox, MA, PGCHE, MBACP \[Accred\], FHEA): - **Book Review: *Touched by the Light: Exploring Spiritually Transformative Experiences* by Yvonne Kason** (Dan Punzak, BS, PE): - **Letter to the Editor: Response to Recent Book Review of *The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experience in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact*** (P. M. H. Atwater, LHD): - **Letter to the Editor: Commentary on Previous *Journal* Article “Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories”** (James G. Matlock, PhD): - **Letter to the Editor: Beneficial NDE-Like Aftereffects Among Camino de Santiago Pilgrims** (Snežana Brumec, PhD candidate): ### **Volume 40-3 (Fall 2022**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Empirically-Based Best Estimates of After-Death Communication (ADC) Phenomena: A Systematic Review of Research** (Jenny Streit-Horn, PhD, LPC-S; Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP; and Julia E. Smith, PhD, LPC): - **Why Near-Death Experiences Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists’ Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice** (Natasha A. Tassell-Matamua, PhD; Nicole Lindsay, PhD; and Jonathan P. Winterbottom, PhD): - **Book Review: *Why an Afterlife Obviously Exists: A Thought Experiment and Realer Than Real Near-Death Experiences* by Jens Amberts** (Reviewed by Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, NCC, LPC-Associate): - ***Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Future* by Merlin Sheldrake** (Dan Punzak, BS, PE): - **Letter to the Editor: Historical and Current Investigations of Instrumental Transcommunication** (Anabela Cardoso, Lic. in Germanic Philology, DPS \[Honoris Causa\]): - **Letter to the Editor: Did Dostoevsky Have a Near-Death Experience?** (Don Cozzette): --- ### [Presenters at IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) **IANDS Conference 2026 will take place in Bellevue, Washington from **August 27th through August 30th**, with a pre-conference day on August 26th**. Below you’ll find a full listing of all the presenters at IANDS Conference 2026. Please note that our roster of presenters and the information associated with their entries may change at any moment, so please visit this page again for future updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"). --- ### [Volume 38 (2020): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-38-2020-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ### **Volume 38-1 (Spring 2020**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p1-2.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p1-2.) - **The Mystical Experience and Its Neural Correlates** (Marjorie Woollacott, PhD, and Anne Shumway-Cook, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p3-25.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p3-25.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p3-25.) - **The Significance of Autoscopies as a Time Marker for the Occurrence of Near-Death Experiences** (Michael Nahm, PhD, and Adrian Weibel, MLaw): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p26-50.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p26-50.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p26-50.) - **Book Review: *Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences: Brain-State Phenomena or Glimpses of Immortality?* by Michael N. Marsh** (Titus Rivas, MA, MSc): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p51-55.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p51-55.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p51-55.) - **Book Review: *Moral Development & Reality: Beyond the Theories of Kohlberg, Hoffman, and Haidt* (4th ed.) by John C. Gibbs** (Jenny Wade, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p56-60.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p56-60.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p56-60.) - **Letter to the Editor: Comment on Raymond Moody’s Interpretation of Past-Life Memories** (John C. Gibbs, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p61-62.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-1-p61-62.) ### **Volume 38-2 (Summer 2020**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Subjective Sleep Quality After a Near-Death Experience** (Nicole Lindsay, PhD, and Natasha Tassell-Matamua, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p65-86.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p65-86.) - **Coping With Cancer: Case Studies on the Effects of Learning About Near-Death Experiences** (Ryan D. Foster, PhD, Lauren Maxwell, MS, and William E. Butler, MS): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p87-100.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p87-100.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p87-100.) - **Book Review: *What Is It Like to Be Dead? Near-Death Experiences, Christianity, and the Occult* by Jens Schlieter** (Gregory Shushan, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p101-131](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2020-38-2-p101-131.). ### Volume 38-3 (Fall 2020) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Metaphysical Beliefs and Experiences Among Physician Trainees: An Exploratory Study** (Jessica M. Schmit, MD, and Lynne E. Meyer, PhD, MPH): - **Sentiment Analysis of Web Scraped Near-Death Experience Narratives** (Rory Joseph Quinn, MSc): - **The Phenomenology of Iranian Near-Death Experiences** (Alinaghi Ghasemiannejad Jahromi, PhD, and Jeffrey Long, MD): - **Letter to the Editor: Mediumship Not a Near-Death Experience Aftereffect, Part 2** (P. M. H. Atwater, LHD): - **Letter to the Editor: Response to “Mediumship Not a Near-Death Experience Aftereffect, Part 2”** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP, and Ryan D. Foster, PhD, LPC-S, CHST): - **Letter to the Editor: A New Scale to Assess Near-Death Experiences** (Robert G. Mays, BSc, and Suzanne B. Mays, AA): --- ### [Volume 42-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-42-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** April 30, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Editor’s Foreword **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): ## Articles - **Children’s Past-Life Memories: Parental Reactions Over Time** (Philip J. Cozzolino, PhD; Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD; and Jim B. Tucker, MD): - **The Geneva Bible as a Source of Solace in Troubled Times: Parallels With Present-Day Near-Death Experiences** (Marco Condorelli, PhD): - **Brief Report: The Interpreted Meaning of “It is Not Your Time” in Near-Death Experiences** (Robert A. King, MA Psych): ## Letters to the Editor - **Defining Terminal Lucidity: Taking the Need for Accuracy and Integrity Seriously** (Michael Nahm, PhD): - **Some Remarks and a Question Regarding Parnia’s Documentary *Rethinking Death*** (Titus Rivas, MA, MSc): --- ### [Volume 41-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-41-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Editor’s Foreword **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): ## Articles **Critique of Recent Report of Electrical Activity in the Dying Human Brain** (Pim van Lommel, MD; and Bruce Greyson, MD): **Comments on the Results of the AWARE II Study** (Alejandro Agudo, Lic.; Eduardo Jorge Fulco, and Titus Rivas, MA, MSc): **Animals and Near-Death Experiences** (Bruce Greyson, MD): **Near-Death Experiences, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Supernormal Abilities in a Latin American Sample** (Alex A. Álvarez, PhD; Rodrigo Arriola-Godoy, MSc; and Ramsés D’León, BSc): **Terminal Lucidity: The Need for Accuracy and Integrity** (Alexander Batthyány, PhD): **The Matter and Meaning of Near-Death Studies in the Humanities** (Marco Condorelli, PhD): ## Obituary **Obituary: Diane Corcoran, PhD, US Army Colonel (Retired)** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): --- ### [Volume 41-2: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-41-2-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): ## Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview? **Editorial: Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (John R. Audette, MS): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Thomas Brophy, PhD, on behalf of the Institute of Noetic Sciences): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”: Why IANDS Should Not Endorse a Specific Worlview** (Nancy Evans Bush, MA): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”: Why IANDS Should Not Endorse a Specific Worlview** (Bruce Greyson, MD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Neal Grossman, PhD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”: Maybe Keep the Original Statement But Add Something to It?** (Edward F. Kelly, PhD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Jeffrey Long, MD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (David Lorimer, MA, PGCE, FRSA): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”: Balancing Perspectives: The Significance of Empirical Evidence in Scientific Inquiry** (Charlotte Martial, PhD; Pauline Fritz, MSc; & Olivia Gosseries, PhD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Robert G. Mays, BSc; & Suzanne B. Mays, AAS): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Kenneth Ring, PhD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”: NDE Research Needs Firm Guiderails but Soft Boundaries** (David Rousseau, PhD, BEng, FRSA): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Michael Sabom, MD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Pim van Lommel, MD): **Response to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Marjorie Woollacott, PhD): **Rejoinder to Responses to Editorial “Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview?”** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD; Marjorie Woollacott, PhD; Robert G. Mays, BSc; and Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, NCC, LPCAssociate (TX), PhD student): ## Book Review ***The Substance of Consciousness: A Comprehensive Defense of Contemporary Substance Dualism* by Brandon Rickebaugh & J. P. Moreland** (Reviewed by Gary Habermas, PhD): --- ### [Volume 41-3: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-41-3-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Editor’s Foreword **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): ## Articles **Researchers’ and Experiencers’ Descriptions of Near-Death Experiences: In Search of a Conceptual Model** (Bruce Greyson, MD): **Analysis of Recent Objections to the Traditional Near-Death Experience Argument for a Transphysical Self** (Patrick Brissey, PhD): Book Review ***Coma and Near-Death Experience: The Beautiful, Disturbing, and Dangerous World of the Unconscious* by Allen and Beverley Pearce** (Reviewed by Dan Punzak, BS, PE):[ https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2023-41-3-p239-245](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2023-41-3-p239-245) --- ### [Volume 42-2: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-42-2-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 1, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Editor’s Foreword **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): ## Articles **Life Reviews in Near-Death Experiences and in Theosophy** (Natasha Tassell-Matamua, PhD; Antti Savinainen, PhD; & Bruce Greyson, MD): **Chronos and Kairos: The Perception of Time in Near-Death, Mystical, and Psychedelic States of Consciousness** (Mitchell B. Liester, MD): **Dead But Not Gone: Thoughts on the Next 50 Years of NDE Research** (Raymond L. M. Lee, PhD): ## Letters to the Editor **Endorsing IANDS’s Endorsement of a Post-Physicalist Worldview** (Neal Grossman, PhD): **Should IANDS Endorse a Post-Physicalist Worldview? Embracing a Nuanced Approach** (Deborah Hillman, PhD): **Supporting IANDS’s Endorsement of a Post-Physicalist Worldview** (Thomas Spitzer, BSEE): **My View on an IANDS Post-Physicalist Worldview Endorsement** (Bryon K. Ehlmann, PhD): **Worldviews: Personal Opinions vs. Official Endorsements** (Bruce Greyson, MD): **Change of Mind: No Longer Supporting IANDS’s Endorsement of a Post-Physicalist Worldview** (Kenneth Ring, PhD): --- ### [Volume 43-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Volume 43-1 | Spring 2025 | JNDAE7 43(1) 1–73 (2025) | ISSN 0891-4494 ![Volume 43-1: journal of near-death studies](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/JNDS-cover-43-1.jpg "Jnds-cover-43-1 ‣ iands")## Editor’s Foreword [Editor’s Foreword](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/editors-foreword/ "Editor’s Foreword") (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2025-43-1-p1-3](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2572725/) ## Articles [“I Was *Home*:” Near-Death Experiences and the Reincarnation Hypothesis](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/i-was-home-near-death-experiences-and-the-reincarnation-hypothesis/ "“I Was Home:” Near-Death Experiences and the Reincarnation Hypothesis") (John C. Gibbs, PhD) [Past-Life Memories as After-Effects of Near-Death Experiences: A Pilot Study](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/past-life-memories-as-after-effects-of-near-death-experiences-a-pilot-study/) (James G. Matlock, PhD) ## Letters to the Editor [Reaffirming Definitional Clarity in Terminal and Paradoxical Lucidity: Reply to Michael Nahm](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/reaffirming-definitional-clarity-in-terminal-and-paradoxical-lucidity-reply-to-michael-nahm/) (Alexander Batthyány, PhD) [Follow-Up to “Response to ‘Fabrication and Falsification in AI-Generated Manuscripts’”](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/follow-up-to-response-to-fabrication-and-falsification-in-ai-generated-manuscripts/) (Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, PhD Candidate) ## Obituary [Charles T. Tart (1937–2025)](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/obituary-charles-t-tart-29-april-1937-5-march-2025/) (Stephan A. Schwartz) --- ### [Volume 42-3: Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-42-3-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Editor’s Foreword Editor’s Foreword (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): ## Articles **What Role Should NDEs Play in the Lives of Those Who Have Undergone Them?** (Alexandru Manafu, PhD): **Guest Editorial: Fabrication and Falsification in AI-Generated Academic Publication Manuscripts** (Bruce Greyson, MD): **Guest Editorial: Response to “Fabrication and Falsification in AI-Generated Academic Publication Manuscripts”** (Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, PhD Candidate): **A New Scientific Model for Studying Near-Death Phenomena (Jeff O’Driscoll, MD)**: **Brief Report: Clairvoyance and Telepathy in Deathbed Visions: Testing the Hypothesis of Continued Consciousness/Life After Death** (Kenneth M. Coon): ## Book Review **Book Review: *In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face-to-Face with the Idea of an Afterlife* by Sebastian Junger** (Dan Punzak, BS, PE): ## Obituary **Peter Fenwick (1935-2024)** (Mick Brown): --- ### [Volume 35 (2016-2017): Journal of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-35-2016-2017-journal-of-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** May 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ### **Volume 35-1 (Fall 2016**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p1-2.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505480/) - **Asian Versus Western Intermission Memories: Universal Features and Cultural Variations** (James G. Matlock, PhD, and Iris Giesler-Petersen, Ass. iur.): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p3-29.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125651/) - **Book Review: *Cave and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality* by Michael Harner** (Reviewed by Deborah Hillman, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p31-38.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125166/) - **Letter to the Editor: A Research Proposal Concerning a Fundamental Assumption about NDE Research** (William D. Coffey, MPA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p39-41.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125246/) - **Letter to the Editor: Agreement with Recent JNDS Article** (P. M. H. Atwater, LHD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p43-47.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125030/) - **Letter to the Editor: Response to Book Review of *Telephone Calls From the Dead*** (Callum E. Cooper, MRes, FHEA, CPsychol): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p48-52.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125279/) - **Letter to the Editor: More Comments on the Book *Near-Death Experiences* by Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin** (Titus Rivas, MA, MSc): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p53-56.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125578/) - **Letter to the Editor: End-of-Life Experience Case Study and a Proposed Quantum Physics Hypothesis** (Contzen Pereira, PhD, and J. Shashi Kiran Reddy, MSc): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-1-p57-61.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125248/) ### [](http://www.iands.org/shoppingcart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1720) Volume 35-2 (**Winter 2016**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): - **Eben Alexander’s Near-Death Experience: How an Esquire Article Distorted the Facts** (Robert G. Mays, BSc): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-2-p65-93.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125118/) - **Am I Crazy or Spiritually Transforming? Beyond the Differentiation of Psychiatric and Spiritually Transformative Experiences** (Janet Elizabeth Colli, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-2-p94-115.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125733/) - **Letter to the Editor: On Prophetic Visions and Dreams of the Future** (William D. Coffey, MPA): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2016-35-2-p116-120.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125689/) ### Volume 35-3 (**Spring 2017**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-35-3-p121.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505498/) - **Tucker, Stevenson, Weiss, and Life: Renditions of the Transcendent View from Past-Life Memories** (John C. Gibbs, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-35-3-p123-165.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125149/) - **Book Review: *The Science of Near-Death Experiences,* edited by John C. Hagan III** (Reviewed by Rudolf Smit): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-35-3-p166-182.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1125723/) ### Volume 35-4 **(Summer 2017**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-35-4-p183.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505486/) - **“He should stay in the grave”: Cultural Patterns in the Interpretation of Near-Death Experiences in African Traditional Religions** (Gregory Shushan, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-35-4-p185-213.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505490/?q=journal%20of%20near-death%20studies) - **Historical Near-Death and Reincarnation-Intermission Experiences of the Tlingit Indians: Case Studies and Theoretical Reflections** (James G. Matlock, PhD): [doi:10.17514/JNDS-2017-35-4-p215-242.](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505508/?q=journal%20of%20near-death%20studies) --- ### [Volume 37 (2019): Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-37-2019-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ### **Volume 37-1 (Spring 2019**) - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p1-3.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p1-3.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p1-3.) - **Revelations From Near-Death Experiences of Two Ancient Chinese Coma Patients** (Matthew Richardson, BA, LLB): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p5-26.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p5-26.) - **Therapeutic Storytelling for Dying and Living: The Value of Famous Authors’ Stories** (Scott Janssen, MA, MSW): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p27-34.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p27-34.) - **Book Review: Response to James Matlock’s Review of *Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions* by Gregory Shushan** (Gregory Shushan, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p35-44.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p35-44.) - **Book Review: Rejoinder to Shushan’s Response to Book Review** (James G. Matlock, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p45-51.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p45-51.) - **Book Review: *God and the Afterlife: The Groundbreaking New Evidence for God and Near-Death Experience* by Jeffrey Long** (Reviewed by Reed Adams, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p52-55.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p52-55.) - **Letter to the Editor: Mediumship Not a Near-Death Experience Aftereffect** (P. M. H. Atwater, LHD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p56-58.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p56-58.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p56-58.) - **Letter to the Editor: Response to “Mediumship Not a Near-Death Experience Aftereffect”** (Ryan D. Foster, PhD, and Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p59-62.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p59-62.) [](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-1-p59-62.) ### Volume 37-2 **Summer 2019** - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p63-64.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p63-64.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p63-64.) - **An Exploratory Study of Perceptual and Cognitive Features in Near-Death Experiences: A Proposed Model and Research Recommendations** (Jean-Pierre Jourdan, MD, and John Smythies, MD, FRCP): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p65-97.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p65-97.) - **Letter to the Editor: The ‘Horizontal Clock’: A New Approach to Research on Veridical Perception in Near-Death Experiences** (Fred H. Thaheld, BA): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p99-102.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p99-102.) - **Letter to the Editor: Response to James Matlock’s Rejoinder, Regarding His Review of *Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions* by Gregory Shushan** (Gregory Shushan): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p103-112.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p103-112.) - **Book Review: *Not Yet: Near-Life Experiences & Lessons Learned* by Jeff O’Driscoll** (Reviewed by Dan Punzak, BS, PE): - **Book Review: *Babies Are Cosmic: Signs of Their Secret Intelligence* by Elizabeth Carman and Neil Carman** (Reviewed by James G. Matlock, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p124-127.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p124-127.) [](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p124-127.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-2-p124-127.) ### Volume 37-3 **Fall 2019** - **Editor’s Foreword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p129-130.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p129-130.) - **Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature** (Jack A. Mroczkowski, PhD, and Alexis P. Malozemoff, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p131-154.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p131-154.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p131-154.) - **Misuse or Breakthrough?: A Response to “Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature”** (Deepak Chopra, MD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p155-159.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p155-159.) - **Not Misuse but Progress: A Response to “Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature”** (Amit Goswami, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p160-170.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p160-170.) - **Don’t Look at My Hand: A Response to “Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature”** (Dean Radin, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p171-173.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p171-173.) - **Quantum Physics as Analogy: A Response to “Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature”** (Pim van Lommel, MD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p174-184.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p174-184.) - **Reasonable Inferences From Quantum Mechanics: A Response to “Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature”** (Bernardo Kastrup, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p185-200.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p185-200.) - **Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature: A Rejoinder** (Alexis P. Malozemoff, PhD, and Jack A. Mroczkowski, PhD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p201-221.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p201-221.)[](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p201-221.) - **Editor’s Afterword** (Janice Miner Holden, EdD): [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p222-226.](http://dx.doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2019-37-3-p222-226.) --- ### [International Association for Near-Death Studies Announces Inspiring Keynote Lineup for 2026 Annual Conference](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-inspiring-keynote-lineup-for-2026-annual-conference/) **Published:** May 1, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *Popular Event Will Be Held August 27-30, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington* DURHAM, NC, UNITED STATES, April 30, 2026 — The [International Association for Near-Death Studies](http://www.iands.org/) (IANDS) today announced the four[ keynote speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) who will headline the Annual Conference, August 27-30, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington. ![Anita moorjani will serve as one of the keynote speakers at iands conference 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/anita-moorjani-iands-keynote-s-267x300.jpeg "Anita-moorjani-iands-keynote-s ‣ iands")With the theme, “Expanded Lives: Exploring the Impact of Near-Death and Related Experiences,” conference keynote speakers include Dying to Be Me author Anita Moorjani; Institute of Noetic Sciences Director of Research Helané Wahbeh, ND, MCR; creator and host of Next Level Soul Alex Ferrari; and theoretical physicist, philosopher, and Professor of Media Studies Vera Spillner, Ph.D. Proof of Heaven author Eben Alexander, III, MD, will also speak during a special evening interview session, “A Conversation With Eben.” Moorjani’s story about her battle with cancer, her coma, near-death experience, and subsequent recovery inspires audiences and readers. During her keynote, “From Awakening to Embodiment: The NDE is not the destination; It’s the doorway into who we truly are,” she will share what she learned from her NDE and how the experience transformed her. She will speak at the Opening General Session on Thursday, August 27 at 9 a.m. PT. In addition to serving as IONS’s director of research, Dr. Wahbeh is a former president and current board member of the Parapsychological Association. She trained as a naturopathic physician and holds a Master of Clinical Research along with two post-doctoral research fellowships. During her keynote address, “When Consciousness Awakens: Channeling, Discernment, and the Long Arc of Transformation” she will examine channeling as a common, innate human capacity spanning a continuum from intuition, precognition, and telepathy to rarer forms such as mediumship and trance channeling. She will speak Friday, August 28 at 9 a.m. PT. Ferrari’s global platform Next Level Soul is dedicated to exploring spirituality, consciousness, and the deeper meaning of life. Through profound conversations with near-death experiencers, spiritual teachers, scientists, and mystics, he helps illuminate the nature of the soul, the continuity of consciousness, and humanity’s evolving spiritual awakening. During his keynote, “Truth in the Age of Spiritual Noise,” he will address the critical role of discernment as the foundation of a grounded and authentic spiritual journey. He will speak Saturday, August 29 at 9 a.m.PT. For more than two decades, Dr. Spillner has engaged with questions of free will, consciousness, and responsibility at the limits of a purely materialistic worldview—particularly where NDE reports resonate with foundational questions in quantum theory and cosmology. During her keynote, “Oneness and Timelessness: What Fundamental Physics Can and Cannot Say About Near-Death Experiences,” she will explore how fundamental ideas from theoretical physics — such as quantum mechanics and quantum cosmology — seem to point to surprisingly similar features of our universe. Dr. Spillner’s address will be Sunday, August 30 at 9 a.m. PT. ![Eben alexander md](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/eben-alexander-md.jpeg "Eben-alexander-md ‣ iands")Dr. Alexander was an academic neurosurgeon for over 25 years, including 15 years at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School in Boston. In 2008, he experienced a transcendental Near-Death Experience (NDE) during a week-long coma from an inexplicable brain infection that completely transformed his worldview. A pioneering scientist and modern thought leader in the emerging science that acknowledges the primacy of consciousness in the universe, he is the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Proof of Heaven, The Map of Heaven and Living in a Mindful Universe. Dr. Alexander will speak Thursday, August 27 at 7 p.m. PT. The Annual Conference draws more than 900 people annually to learn about new research into near-death experiences, to hear stories from people who have had near-death experiences and to explore other related experiences such as terminal lucidity, after-death communication, and shared death experiences. The conference will also feature a Healing Center offering a wide variety of treatments and services, as well as an on-site bookstore. On-line Annual Conference registration opens in late May. As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. Janet Riley International Association for Near-Death Studies +1 703-801-2238 [email us here](http://www.einpresswire.com/contact_author/909399237) Visit us on social media: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-for-near-death-studies-iands-/?viewAsMember=true) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iands_nde/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/IANDS.NDE) --- ### [OBITUARY: CHARLES T. TART (29 APRIL 1937--5 MARCH 2025)](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/obituary-charles-t-tart-29-april-1937-5-march-2025/) **Published:** April 22, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** --- ## **Stephan A. Schwartz** *California Institute of Human Science* *From the [Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 43-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/) Alternative Link: [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2025-43-1-p1-3](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2572725/)* In every branch of science, a very small group of scientists always stand out, and Charles Tart-known to his friends and colleagues as Charley, his preferred name form is one such person. In two disciplines, psychology and parapsychology, his work stands out for its originality, insights, and influence on others’ work. Charley died at the age of 86, by his own account, just before he died, “mostly of old-age.” He is survived by his daughter, Lucinda, and his son, David. His beloved wife, Judy, died in 2022, and her death was, as he told me, “very difficult and very sad.” Charley was born in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, but grew up mostly in New Jersey. As a teenager, his consuming interest was electronics, particularly for communications, and he became so proficient that, as a teenager, he became a Ham radio operator and even worked as a radio engineer. He was an excellent student, and his electronic interests and his student achievements qualified him for admission to the engineering program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But this was the age when drugs that produced altered states of consciousness became a major cultural trend amongst the young, and after several personal experiences, his fascination with altered states became so strong that, after reading J. B. Rhine’s *The New World of the Mind*, Charley transferred from MIT to Duke University to meet and be mentored by Rhine, then the leading parapsychologist in the United States. This professional decision marked the start of his lifelong research into altered states of consciousness, particularly nonlocal consciousness. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Charley went on to graduate work in psychology and became fascinated with altered consciousness produced by hypnosis. In 1963, Charley finished his doctorate in psychology at the University of North Carolina, based on his research on the use of posthypnotic suggestions to influence dreaming, and then went to Stanford University to pursue post-doctoral research with Ernest R. Hilgard, internationally known for his research in altering consciousness through hypnosis. This foundation led him on a lifelong dual-path career as a psychologist and as a parapsychologist and he was soon recognized for his substantial contributions. Charley joined the faculty of the University of California – Davis in the Department of Psychology, where he would serve for 28 years, eventually becoming a Professor Emeritus. But he also held several concurrent academic appointments: Senior Research Fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, the first holder of the Bigelow Chair of Consciousness Studies at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, a Visiting Professor in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, an Instructor in Psychiatry at the School of Medicine of the University of Virginia, and a consultant on government-funded parapsychological research at the Stanford Research Institute-now known as SRI International. Following his retirement from UC Davis, he spent several years on the faculty of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, in Palo Alto, CA-now Sophia University. From the beginning of his academic life, Charley was a prolific writer. He would go on to publish more than 250 papers in peer-reviewed journals and chapters in books. His work was recognized as being of such quality that his papers were accepted and published in both *Science* and *Nature*. His first book, *Altered States of Consciousness*, published in 1969, was quickly recognized as an international classic, as was his 1975 book, *Transpersonal Psychologies*. Both books were considered so significant that they became textbooks. He also became one of the founders of the then-emerging approach to psychology-transpersonal psychology and became an internationally recognized figure in both psychology and parapsychology. Over the course of his career, in addition to the two books already mentioned, he wrote a number of others on the topics of both psychology and parapsychology, including *On Being Stoned: A Psychological Study of Marijuana Intoxication*, *States of Consciousness* (1975), and *Symposium on Consciousness* (1976). In March 1998, his 1997 book, *Body Mind Spirit: Exploring the Parapsychology of Spirituality*, which explored the relationship between parapsychological abilities and spiritual and religious beliefs, won amazon’s best metaphysical book award. His most recent books were *Mind Science: Meditation Training for Practical People* (2013) and *The End of Materialism: How Evidence of the Paranormal is Bringing Science and Spirit Together* (2009), which he later re-released as *The Secret Science of the Soul: How Evidence of the Paranormal is Bringing Science & Spirit Together* (2017). Of the several videos of Charley that can be found on the internet, two are of note. In 2009, Charley “starred” in what was to become an award-winning documentary, *Something Unknown is Doing We Don’t Know What* ([https://somethingunknown.com](https://somethingunknown.com/)). The film is organized around Charley’s concept of “the big 5” parapsychological phenomena-precognition, telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and healing-exploring the research into each. Because a viewer can not only see Charley and hear his own words but also get a sense of the humor and spirit of this exceptional human being, the documentary stands as a lasting tribute to him. He is also commemorated in a 2025 reboot of his 2016 interview by Jeffrey Mishlove in the *New Thinking Allowed* video series ([https://wwww.youtube.com/watch?v=s3CMR5QB3Qc](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://wwww.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Ds3CMR5QB3Qc)). The lives of hundreds of students were positively affected by Charley’s instruction and mentoring. In addition, he co-founded, with myself and others, the International Society for the Study of Energy Medicine (ISSEM) and the Academy for the Advancement of Postmaterialist Science (AAPS), and he was a major figure in, and one-time president of, the Parapsychological Association (PA), an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Few people have advanced both the scientific study and the humanistic valuing of parapsychology as much as Charley did. As I said at the beginning of this tribute, in every discipline of science, a very small group of scientists always stand out, and Charles Tart was one such scientist. He will be celebrated in history and deeply missed by his friends and colleagues. --- Stephan A. Schwartz is a Distinguished Scholar at the California Institute of Human Science in Encinitas, CA. Corresponding regarding this obituary should be sent to Mr. Schwartz at email: saschwartz@earthlink.net. --- ### [“I Was Home:” Near-Death Experiences and the Reincarnation Hypothesis](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/i-was-home-near-death-experiences-and-the-reincarnation-hypothesis/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## John C. Gibbs, PhD *The Ohio State University* *From the [Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 43-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Volume 43-1: Journal of Near-Death Studies") Alternative Link:* *ABSTRACT:* In describing their transcendent or comprehensive near-death ex periences (NDEs), many people recollect feeling that they were “home,” indeed, had *returned* home. In this article, I explore the question of whether the “return ing home” impression implies that humans reincarnate. I address the topic of reincarnation not as a religious doctrine but as a hypothesis amenable to scien tific inquiry. The reincarnation hypothesis finds support from convergent lines of evidence pertaining to terminal lucidity, deathbed visions, and, especially, past-life memories. Paradoxical issues and problematic content challenge the ordinary conception of reincarnation as journeys in linear time. Challenges not withstanding, I conclude that “I was *home*” in NDEs points to death and birth as ontological transitions and to a spiritual—interconnected souls—reality under lying human bodily existences. ###### *KEYWORDS:* deathbed visions, near-death experiences, past-life memories, reincarnation, terminal lucidity The year was 1980, the spring semester of my first academic year as a psychology faculty member at The Ohio State University. Shortly after a lecture I gave on the topic of near-death experiences (NDEs), an undergraduate named Scott approached me; his quick gait indicated urgency and excitement. Six years ago, Scott told me fervently, he had nearly died from a violent assault. While close to death, he experienced precisely the phenomenon I had described in my lecture. Scott kept a personal journal, which he subsequently shared with me. I found his entries fascinating: > After I lost consciousness \[from the assault,\] I was looking down from the upper right corner of the room, I could see a figure kneeling over someone \[my body\] on the floor. . . . I was moving away from it. . . . I sensed I was in some sort of a tunnel. . . . Ahead I detected a faint glow. As I approached it the light became stronger, more brilliant. I felt more comfortable the closer I came. It was a good, warm, wonderful feeling—nothing like anything I have had before or since. I felt calm, peaceful, totally at ease, . . . The light seemed to be everywhere. It was brilliant, pure, clean. . . .The brightest light I have ever seen but it didn’t hurt my eyes. > > I had no sense of being enclosed, the space felt limitless. I did sense some sort of barrier ahead of me, . . . I sensed that there was someone or something else there. . . . The sense of being in the presence of the “being” was incredibly wonderful, calming, peaceful. I felt total acceptance and love. . . . The “Being” knew everything I had done, said, or thought. . . . I sensed that the “other” spoke to me (I heard it in my head). It said, “You should go back, it’s not your time.” I perceived the voice as associated with the light. . . . I felt that the decision to return was mine but that there was an insistence to the “should” . . . I had things to accomplish, people that would need my help. . . . I really didn’t want to leave but I felt I had to. At this point I felt a quick tug and it all ended. The next thing I recall was a nurse asking me if I knew my name and where I was. > > For years I told no one about the experience. . . . I tried to dismiss it but it would not go away. The feelings associated with it were too strong—the acceptance, the love, the sense of purpose to my life. . . . \[how\] I appreciate little things \[and\] don’t fear death. . . . I couldn’t explain it so it would be impossible for anyone else to understand. > > It wasn’t until I took a class from Dr. Gibbs at OSU that I finally understood. The course was developmental psychology and covered the whole life span. The last lecture dealt with the Near-Death Ex perience from Moody’s book \[Moody, 1975\]. As Dr. Gibbs described the \[elements\] I stopped writing after the third one. It was like being struck by lightning. Out of the \[15 elements\], I had gone through 10 or 11. I finally had my “answer,” and it was such a good feeling! . . . After class, I went up to him and told him briefly about my experience. In later entries, Scott described entering the light as “like going home”—and his “strong feeling” after his NDE that we “come back to this \[earthly existence\] at some future point.” In this article, I explore the ontological and spiritual significance of NDEs—also termed recalled experiences of death (REDs) and charac terized as “lucid dying” (Parnia, 2024). My focus is on the impression that entering the realm of light is—to quote Scott—“like going home.” “Home” has been defined as a familiar “place or environment natural or dear to one because of personal relations or feelings of comfort and security” (Funk & Wagnalls, 1974). If one is “at home,” one is “at ease or in one’s element,” indeed, “at the very heart or root of the matter” (Oxford University, n.d.). What might impressions of “going home”— and even being “back home again”— another phrase used in NDE accounts—imply about the nature of reality, human existence, and the meaning of life and death? Why does the “place or environment” of light feel familiar to so many near-death experiencers (NDErs)? Do we humans leave and return to the realm of light more than once? As Scott put it, do we “come back . . . at some future point”? Do we have a non-material essence—a soul—that embodies with other souls in an interconnected journey of successive earthly lives? ## **The Reincarnation Hypothesis and NDEs** The belief that humans have a continuing spiritual essence across temporal earthly lives has found advocates throughout religious doctrinal and philosophical history. Reincarnation as a doctrine has been thematic in Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Tibetan Buddhism, as well as in ancient Egypt, various tribal traditions, first century Gnostic sects, Jewish mysticism, Norse mythology, and spiritualist literature. Reincarnation beliefs have also found expression in the works of philosophers, theologians, and mystics. The third-century Neo-Pythagoreans and Neo-Platonist philosopher Plotinus posited that humans have souls that originate from and return to a timeless, unitary realm of light. The focus of this article is on reincarnation not as religious doc trine or philosophical postulate but, instead, as a hypothesis amenable to scientific investigation (cf. Tucker, 2005). Can studying NDEs and cognate phenomena lead to evidence-based insights into the nature of reality and human existence? The context for the “I was *home*” impression is NDEs. “When some people come close to death,” wrote psychiatrist and NDE researcher Bruce Greyson (2017), “they go through a profound experience that may include a sense of leaving the body and entering some other realm or dimension” (p. 19). Various typologies for classifying and studying core elements or broad features of NDEs have been proposed (see, for example, Greyson, 2014; Holden, 2009, 2017; Parnia, 2024). The most elegant of these typologies is cardiologist and NDE researcher Michael Sabom’s (1982) tripartite classification of NDEs as (a) autoscopic— literally, self-visualizing; clearly perceiving from an elevated vantage point one’s physical body and its surrounding earthly situation), (b) transcendental (moving through a dark region or tunnel to an otherworldly yet familiar realm of light; encountering and mentally communicating in that realm with one or more beings or deceased loved ones; reliving \[from others’ as well as one’s own perspective\] events of one’s earthly life; and reaching some border, limit, barrier, or juncture point), and (c) combined or comprehensive, such that “the transcendental portion of the experience \[typically\] followed the autoscopic portion in a continuous, unbroken sequence” (Sabom, 1982, p. 52). NDEs of all three types are intriguing. Can such experiences— especially, the “I was *home*” impression in transcendental or com prehensive NDEs—reveal anything about the nature of reality and human existence? Or are they merely a composite of “hallucinations, imaginings, and mental constructions” (Blackmore, 1993, p. 4). Sabom (1998) cautioned that, although “the NDE carries a powerful, spiritual imprint of God,” *near*-death experiences by definition do not necessarily inform spiritual or religious questions concerning death *per se* (pp. 98–99). Other cardiologists, however, have noted the intimate continuity from dying to death, especially in cardiac arrest cases. Cardiac standstill, brain nonfunction, and sensory shutdown constitute “the closest model \[we have\] to the process of dying” (van Lommel, 2006, p. 136; cf. Batthyány, 2023). The border between dying and irreversible cessation of bodily function, is tenuous (Parnia, 2006, 2013, 2024); in deed, “biologically and medically speaking,” cardiac arrest is virtually “synonymous” with death (Parnia, 2013, p. 23; cf. Parnia 2006, 2024). Although controversy continues, research reviewers (Egnor & O’Leary, 2025; Gibbs, 2019; Long, 2017; Parnia & Fenwick, 2002; cf. Greyson, 2010b, 2014, 2021a; Parnia, 2013; van Lommel, 2010) have generally concluded that NDEs, despite culturally or religiously based projective content and individual interpretations, do have significant implications for an understanding of reality, life, death, and mind. Autoscopic, comprehensive, and transcendental NDEs are generally evident across personal, situational, cultural, and historical contexts. The experience is more likely to occur, as well as to be more extensive or profound, for those who are closer to physical death (see Gibbs, 2019, p. 251); indeed, “the more severe the physiological crisis, the more likely are NDErs to experience (or report experiencing) complex cognitive functioning” (Batthyány, 2023, p. 172). Experiencers recollect heightened awareness and perceptual clarity while out of body. They typically insist that their experience was reality, neither a dream nor a hallucination (Parnia, 2024, pp. 259–277). Most notably: > Some \[autoscopic\] experiencers report *accurately* seeing events at some distant location from their unconscious body, such as in another room of the hospital; or an experiencer \[in the transcendental NDE\] might meet a deceased loved one who then communicates verifiable information that the experiencer could not have known through normal sensory or rational means. (Greyson, 2021b, p. 213, emphasis added; cf. Egnor & O’Leary, 2025, p. 100; Greyson, 2010a, 2021a; Par nia, 2024) Heightened awareness, perceptual clarity, accurate autoscopic per ception, and meeting deceased loved ones—during documented clini cal death—are illustrated in the widely noted surgery case of Pamela Reynolds Lowery (Egnor & O’Leary, 2025; Sabom, 1998). On August 15, 1991, Lowery underwent surgery to remove a brain aneurysm. The surgery is radical, often requiring body hypothermia to induce cardiac arrest. Preliminary procedures prepared Pam for surgery. Her eyes were taped shut. Instruments were inserted or attached first to anesthetize Pam intravenously and then to monitor many vital signs: her blood pressure, pulmonary pressure, heart rate and rhythm, blood oxygen level, body temperature, and brain—cerebral cortex, brain stem—electrical activity. To confirm > that her brain would be dead, molded earplugs were inserted into both of her ears. They emitted 100 dB clicks every second that would continuously stimulate her hearing nerves and thus be recorded in her brain waves. The sound of the clicks was about as intense as the noise generated by a loud hair dryer on the highest setting, blowing into each ear. When she stopped responding to these loud clicks, medical personnel would know that all of the brain activity had ceased. The loud clicks also meant that even if she were conscious, she could not hear conversations in the operating room (Egnor & O’Leary, 2025, p. 86) Pam’s comprehensive NDE began as neurosurgeon Robert Spetzler opened her skull with a cranial saw; she was already “under deep anesthesia,” though the hypothermia procedure had not yet begun (Spetzler, personal communication, July 2, 2002). Pam recounted: > The next thing I recall was the sound. . . . I felt it was pulling me out of the top of my head. The further out of my body I got the more clear the tone became. . . . I remember seeing several things in the operating room when I was looking down. I was the most aware that I think that JOHN C. GIBBS, PHD 9 I have ever been in my entire life. . . . I was metaphorically sitting on Dr. Spetzler’s shoulder. (Sabom, 1998, p. 41) The neurosurgeon was cutting through Pam’s skull. Through a cranial opening, a microscope was inserted into Pam’s brain to inspect the aneurysm deep in her brain. The aneurysm’s giant size meant that its excision—following induction of hypothermic cardiac arrest—would be necessary. A cardiovascular surgeon prepared access to Pam’s blood vessels. The vein and artery in Pam’s left groin area were connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, so that her blood could circulate through the machine and be cooled by it. The machine lowered Pam’s body temperature to the point that her heart stopped beating and her brain ceased electrical activity. Her blood was then drained from her brain and body and temporarily stored in the cylinders of the machine. Her NDE continued: > There was a sensation like being pulled, but not against your will. . . . It was like a tunnel but it wasn’t a tunnel. At some point very early in the tunnel vortex I became aware of my grandmother calling me. But I didn’t hear her call me with my ears. . . . It was a clearer hearing than with my ears. I trust that sense more than I trust my own ears. The feeling was that she wanted me to come to her. . . . there was this very little, tiny pinpoint of light that kept getting bigger and bigger. The light was incredibly bright, like sitting in the middle of a light bulb, The “incredibly bright” light “was real warm and real comfortable and real loving” (Benz, 2001). Pam > began to discern different figures in the light . . . they were all covered with light, they were light, and had light permeating all around them . . . they began to form shapes I could recognize and understand. I could see that one of them was my grandmother. I don’t know if it was reality or projection, but I would know my grandmother, the sound of her voice, anywhere. . . . I recognized a lot of people. My uncle Gene was there. So was my great-great-Aunt Maggie, who was really a cousin. On Papa’s side of the family, my grandfather was there. . . . They were specifically taking care of me, looking after me. They would not permit me to go further. . . . It was communicated to me—that’s the best way I know how to say it, because they didn’t speak like I’m speaking—that if I went all the way into the light something would happen to me physically. . . . So they wouldn’t let me go anywhere or do anything. I wanted to go into the light, but I also wanted to come back. I had children to be reared. (Sabom, 1998, pp. 44–45) With the aneurysm sac drained of blood, the neurosurgeon was able to excise it. Then the machine began to warm Pam’s blood and reintroduce it into her body. Pam’s brain and heart began to resume electrical activity. She “returned” to her physical body and “regained consciousness” (Sabom, 1998, pp. 46–47). Recall that throughout the surgery, Pam’s eyes were taped shut, her ear canals occluded, and her body and brain deeply anesthetized. Nonetheless, she reported numerous idiosyncratic visual and auditory details, such as the pitch and shape of the cranial saw, her partially shaven head, and surgeons’ comments—all of which were corroborated by the medical staff (cf. Bachrach, 2014, p. 35; Egnor & O’Leary, 2025, p. 92–93; Rivas et al., 2023, p. 115). These and other noted features common to NDEs—including accurate and clear autoscopic perception despite brain neuronal shutdown, telepathic communication in the light with a being and/or deceased loved ones, deeper NDEs in proximity to physical death—have impressed most NDE reviewers. Oncologist and NDE researcher Jeffrey Long wrote: “Multiple lines of evidence point to the conclusion that near-death experiences . . . cannot be explained by known physical brain function” (Long, 2017, p. 76). Neurophysiologist Wilder Penfield (1975; cf. Eccles, 1994) concluded from his studies of neuronal stimulation that “the mind has \[independent\] energy \[and\] the form of that energy is different from that of neuronal potentials that travel the axonic pathways” (quoted in Sabom, 1982, p. 183; cf. Greyson, 2021a, p.117). Neurosurgeon Michael Egnor (Egnor & O’Leary, 2025) concluded that, although “the mind generally depends on the function of the brain . . . it can also, at times, function independently” (p. 67). As Greyson, cited in Batthyány, has suggested, > what holds for the role of boundary conditions for physics might also help us understand the role of death and dying in TL \[terminal lucidity\] and the NDE. . . . death undoubtedly is an extreme condition of and for the organism (and the person), and thus represents another case in which extreme conditions reveal new insights about nature— in this case: about our nature. (Batthyány, 2023, p. 154, emphasis added) Might “some element of the human organism (the mind?)” be separating from “physical determinants of consciousness” (Sabom, 1982, p. 181; cf. Parnia, 2024, p. 104)? Once separated from the brain, might the mind—self, consciousness—transition to a deeper reality? Might we humans return to a primary realm whence we came—and do so more than once? ## Lines of Evidence, Past-Life Memories, and the Reincarnation Hypothesis The multiple lines of evidence for mind or consciousness as distinct from brain—and hence for the possibility of reincarnation—extend from NDEs to end-of-life phenomena and past-life memories. “Terminal lucidity” refers to “the unexplained return of mental clarity and memory shortly before death in patients who had suffered years of chronic schizophrenia or dementia” and even lifelong mental disabilities (Greyson, 2010a, p. 38; cf. Batthyány, 2023; Nahm, 2009; Nahm & Greyson, 2009; Nahm et al., 2012). “Long thought lost to the ravages of dementia, unable to recall the events of their lives or even recognize those closest to them,” patients in these cases “suddenly wake up and exhibit surprisingly normal behavior, only to pass away shortly thereafter” (Egnor & O’Leary, 2025, p. 69). The patient “expresses gratitude \[to close friends or family members\], maybe takes care of unfinished business, makes peace, is ready to take leave”—as if the loved one is “back with us, and at the same time \[is\] moving on to another plane” (Batthyány, 2023, pp. 82, 115). Witnesses > tell us that they had an encounter with the preserved self or soul of their loved one—the very soul or inner self that for so long had been “hidden” or rendered inaccessible by dementia or a similarly devastating brain disorder. (p. 57) Particularly pertinent to “I was home” is the case of Katharina (“Kathe”) Ehmer. Kathe was a severely disabled woman who had never spoken a single word during her entire life. Moreover, she was said to have suffered from repeated and severe attacks of meningitis, which were thought to have destroyed much of the brain tissue required for intelligent reasoning. Yet shortly before her death, Kathe > sang songs to herself. Specifically, she sang over and over again, “Where does the soul find its home, its peace? Peace, peace, heavenly peace!” For half an hour she sang. . . . Then, she quietly passed away. (Nahm & Greyson, 2013, p. 78, 83; cf. Batthyány, 2023) Besides studies of NDEs and terminal lucidity, another line of evidence pointing to mind as distinct from brain is noteworthy: an end-oflife phenomenon that has been variously termed deathbed visions (Osis & Haraldsson, 1977), nearing-death awareness (Callanan & Kelley, 1992), and, more broadly, approaching-death experiences (Fenwick, 2005; see E. F. Kelly et al., 2007). Deathbed visions have been reported across age, gender, nationality, religious tradition, and culture (Barrett, 1926; Osis & Haraldsson, 1977). The core features of deathbed visions—otherworldly visions of light, vivid or bright landscapes, and deceased loved ones or other figures—resemble those of transcendental and comprehensive NDEs. It might be possible “to explain some of these death-bed visions,” acknowledged past-life researcher Ian Stevenson, “as deriving from the wish of the dying person to be reunited with loved persons who died earlier” (Stevenson, 2001, p. 230) > “Why is my sister with my husband?” she asked. “They are both calling me to come.” “Is your sister dead?” I \[Callanan\] asked. “No, she still lives in China,” she said. “I have not seen her for many years.” When I related this conversation to the daughter \[Lily\], she was astonished and tearful. “My aunt died two days ago in China,” Lily said. “We decided not to tell Mother-her sister had the same kind of cancer. It was a very painful death; she lived in a remote village where good medical care wasn’t available. We didn’t want to upset or frighten Mother, since she is so sick herself.”… When Lily tearfully told her mother about her sister’s illness and death, Su said, with a knowing smile, “Now I understand.” Her puzzle solved, she died three weeks later, at peace and with a sense of anticipation. (pp. 98-99). Multiple lines of suggestive evidence-from NDEs, terminal lucidity, and deathbed visions-notwithstanding, the reincarnation hypothesis has remained an issue in NDE literature. Raymond Moody, the pioneering researcher who popularized the term “near-death experience,” was neutral on the question in his landmark book Life After Life (1975). Moody did note that, in his sample of 50 cases, some respondents used “analogies which portray death as a transition from one state to another.” Transitioning to the state or realm of light was often analogized as coming “home”-a loving, comfortable, and secure realm encompassing, as in the dictionary definition, “personal relations.” Similar to Su’s deathbed vision of her deceased husband and sister “calling \[her\] to come” is that of a woman in Moody’s sample “whose deceased relatives were there to greet her at her death.” Recollecting her NDE, the woman compared death to a ‘homecoming” (Moody, 1975, pp. 96-97; cf. pp. 55-56). Left open was the question of whether one comes and leaves “home” more than once; that is, the issue of reincarnation. None of Moody’s 50 cases reported a past-life memory or a subsequent increased belief in reincarnation. Larger samples entailed in more recent NDE studies enable revisitation of the “homecoming” impression and further exploration of evidence consistent with the reincarnation hypothesis. These studies have reported emphatic impressions among NDErs of having entered a familiar and comfortable place; impressions of “home” are also found in NDEr autobiographies such as those of Eben Alexander (2012), Betty Eadie (1992), and George Ritchie (1978). Some experiencers explicitly attribute their sense of familiarity to having returned home or to having been home again. But do such attributions necessarily imply reincarnation? Could not the round trip, as it were, instead be a singular event? Christian author John Burke (2015) posited the self as eternally embedded in the mind of God to account for NDErs’ feelings of having returned to a familiar realm of existence “I feel like I’d been here before” or “I feel like I had always existed.” Burke wrote: “You did exist in the mind of God eternally. In Heaven, we get clarity on who he intended us to be before we were born” (emphasis added, p. 75). Human pre-existence, in other words, does not necessarily imply reincarnation. Nonetheless, the reincarnation hypothesis has gained explicit support in the larger, more extensive investigations conducted since Moody’s pioneering contribution. Cardiologist Pim van Lommel and colleagues’ (2001) prospective longitudinal study of 344 cardiac arrest survivors included 62 NDE cases. “Some \[of these\] NDEs,” van Lommel reported, “involve the experience of what appear to be previous lives cut short by a violent death” (van Lommel, 2010, p. 333). Му student Scott’s post-NDE reflection and “strong feeling” that we “return at some future point” was corroborated in psychologist Kenneth Ring’s (1980, 1984) aftereffects studies, each entailing over 100 cases. Whether NDEs lead directly to a belief in reincarnation, however, has been questioned (Greyson, 2021b; Sabom, 1998, pp. 138-141; cf. Wells, 1993). By far the largest case collection for investigating questions such as reincarnation in NDEs was established in 1998 by Jeffrey Long (2010). Long created a website database, the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF; www.nderf.org), that enables NDErs to recount their experiences using a standard, highly structured, and extensive survey protocol. The NDERF database currently includes over 5,000 entries from individuals across diverse cultures. Indeed, NDEs in this database and elsewhere have been “reported by children, adults, scientists, physicians, ministers, among the religious and atheists, and from countries throughout the world” (Long, 2017, p. 63). Consistent with van Lommel’s and Ring’s studies, the NDERF database includes numerous entries with recollections not only of an ethereal “home” but also of one or more past lives. As of February, 2025, the “I was home” impression-for example, “I knew I was in my real home;” “I felt more at home there than I do here;” “This was where I was from \[and\] I was home;” felt “happy to be home again,” was evident in nearly 300 of the extant 3,598 NDE entries (J. Long, personal communication, February 22, 2025). Over 50 transcendental or comprehensive NDE cases entail not only “home” content but also explicit reference to having lived one or more previous lives. Although 50 or 300 cases count for little percentage-wise in a large database (Miller, 2023), a content feature-such as “home” or past-life memory-can gain validity status insofar as it meaningfully embeds in an organic, rather than purely empiricist, approach that identifies themes and subthemes in a core narrative (see Parnia, 2024; Parnia et al., 2022). A case illustrating both “I was home” and past-life memories in a core narrative is that of Richard L. (Richard L NDE, n.d.). Richard’s comprehensive NDE occurred in connection with his near-fatal bicycle accident when he was eight years old. “The last thing I remember,” wrote Richard, “was the sound of screeching tires:” > The next thing I remember was the sensation of floating about twenty feet up in the air. I looked down and saw some kid lying in the middle of the road. He looked familiar.. I watched this scene for what seemed like about a minute, then I noticed a bright light shining above me. I looked up and saw light streaming out of what looked like a pinhole in the sky. The hole was slowly getting bigger…. It \[the light\] was very beautiful and very bright, yet I could see it clearly… . I felt myself being pulled up towards it…. The sensation was like speeding down a tunnel of light…. I passed through some kind of dividing line, a barrier of sorts. I was surrounded by light. Misty shapes began to form as I looked around. At first, they were just moving swirls of light, but they took the shape of human forms… One of them spoke to me, “You’re not supposed to be here, yet. You have to go back. You know what you agreed to,” he said. I told him I didn’t want to go back. I liked it here. It felt like home” “You must go back, you have work to do. We’ll send you back, soon.” Richard asked one of the forms, “Why do I feel like this is home?” He was told: “Because it is home. All begin and all return here. It is the starting point for all journeys and lessons” (emphasis added). In the light, Richard “looked around” and “saw familiar faces:” > These were friends, family, enemies, people I had known before, but I couldn’t remember from where or when. Some of them I knew I had known for a very long time. Many lives, many places, many times. I flashed on visions from those lives and events. There was a continuity and connectedness about all of it, a sense of purpose and order that spanned the centuries. The “this is home” and past-lives content in Richard’s NDE recollection are noteworthy. The realm of light in his NDE is specified as a primary reality where “all begin and all return… the starting point for all journeys and lessons.” Across the journeys-spanning “centuries” was a “continuity and connectedness, a sense of purpose and order.” Richard recognized deceased relatives (“family”) as well as friends-even “enemies” and people he “had known for a very long time” (cf. Parnia, 2024, p. 201). His spiritual journey or successive journeys to and from “home” -had entailed “many lives and events” in “many places.” “Somehow I comprehended,” another NDEr reflected, “that the current life that I was living was just a continuation of a very long existence” (Parnia, 2024, р. 200). Yet details are typically scarce. Richard could not recall “from where or when” he knew persons in the light, perhaps because he merely “flashed on visions from those lives and events” (emphasis added). Gregg S (Gregg S NDE, 2016) recalled only “echoes of many past lives” (emphasis added). Joschua B (Joschua B NDE, n.d.) “knew I had lived before but not the specifics.” Yet another NDEr, cited by Parnia (2024), “was shown various clips from past lives” (p. 199, emphasis added). Some NDErs reported that they at least briefly experienced past identities, for example: “Hans” in old Holland (Bob M NDE, n.d.); a soldier marching in the Roman army, then an indigenous person in pre-Columbian Mexico (Vinnie G NDE, n.d.); a man in Kansas in the 1800s (Kitty W NDE, n.d.); a woman in Eastern Europe (Joschua B NDE, n.d.); and “some sort of scullery maid . probably in France” (VNDE, n.d.). Without specifics, however, such recollections cannot be investigated for empirical veracity. Even elaborated past-life recollections may not be researchable. Greyson (2021b) provided an example. As she drifted in and out of a coma, Anita Moorjani > saw a glimpse of my \[older\] brother and me and somehow seemed to understand that it was a previous life where I was much older than he and was like a mother to him…. I was very protective towards him \[in\] a very underdeveloped rural setting, in a time and location I couldn’t identify. We were living in a sparsely furnished mud hut, and I looked after him while our parents went out to work in the fields. (Greyson, 2021b, p. 216) Although a “glimpse,” Moorjani’s past-life memory is more elaborated than Richard L.’s “flashes” on past “lives and events.” Yet the details are not researchable. The “underdeveloped rural setting” was “in a time and location I couldn’t identify”. As Greyson (2021b) noted, NDE flashes, echoes, glimpses, clips, or even elaborated memories of past lives, although “quite compelling” to the experiencers, typically include “no specific details that could be corroborated by independent investigators and, therefore, considered evidential” (p. 216). Greyson did note a researchable and hence evidential-NDE case: that of 48-year-old David Moquin, who, as he drifted in and out of a coma, repeatedly experienced in his NDE an empirically specified past-life memory of having burned to death in an airplane crash as a combat pilot during World War II. Moquin’s details of his identity and the crash were specific enough to allow corroboration by his daughter through historical investigation. A line of evidence pertaining especially to the reincarnation hypothesis is past-life memory field research. Although past-life memory content in NDEs is noteworthy and, in a few cases, detailed enough to investigate, greater numbers of specified and hence researchable- past-life recollections have been found in cases of young children spontaneously claiming to remember a past life. As Greyson (2021b) noted, extensive investigations have been conducted of young children’s past-life claims often resulting in empirical verification: > Researchers at the University of Virginia and other universities around the globe have studied more than 2,000 cases of very young children-before they were of school age who claimed to recall details of a past life (Stevenson, 2001; Tucker, 2013). In about two-thirds of those cases, they have been able to identify the person the child claimed to have been in that past life, based on the child’s memories matching specific details of the claimed past life. These cases of young children are too consistently verified by independent means to be written off as fantasy and wish fulfillment and must be regarded as evidence supporting a belief in \[or hypothesis of\] reincarnation. (Greyson, 2021b, pp. 217-218) One such case, extensively investigated and corroborated by past-life memory researcher and psychiatrist Jim Tucker (2013), is that of young James Leininger (Leininger & Leininger, 2009; Taylor, 2004; see also Gibbs, 2010, 2017; see a critique by Sudduth, 2022; and rejoinders by Matlock, 2022a, 2022b; and Tucker, 2022), whose past-life- like that in Moquin’s NDE-pertained to a World War II plane crash. James had begun having nightmares about a plane crash when he was two years old. By the time he was three, he told his parents that before he was born, he was a pilot who flew from a boat: His plane was shot in the engine, he crashed in the water, and that’s how he died. Tucker and James’s parents were subsequently able to verify many of James’s references to the death over 50 years prior of a World War II pilot, James Huston, who was killed as his plane was shot down near Iwo Jima. When James was two years old, his mother gave him a toy plane and commented that it had a bomb on the bottom. James corrected her, saying accurately that it was a drop tank. Before James even turned two, his father, Bruce Leininger, had taken him to an air museum. James kept begging to return to the World War II exhibit and persuaded his father to buy him certain toy vintage World War II fighter planes. At home and in play, James would repeatedly crash the planes onto the living room coffee table, saying, “Airplane crash on fire.” James’s nightmares began several months after the museum visit. His mother, Andrea, would find James thrashing around and kicking his legs up in the air, screaming, “Airplane crash! Plane on fire! Little man can’t get out!” When his father entered the bedroom and asked who shot his plane, James appeared exasperated and exclaimed, “The Japanese!” (Leininger & Leininger, 2009, pp. 47, 56). He would refer to the little man in the plane as “me.” On the advice of past-life therapist and researcher Carol Bowman (1997, 2001), Andrea began to reassure James after his nightmares that he was “safe now.” His nightmares began to subside. Nonetheless, James started talking more about his nightmarish memories and engaging in repetitive play. James said that his plane was a Corsair-a World War II fighter plane, one that was not on exhibit at the museum-which he had flown off a boat called the “Natoma” the name, Bruce subsequently discovered, of a Corsair- laden escort carrier on which the Navy pilot named James Huston was stationed. James mentioned that the Corsairs got flat tires-a correct statement according to a military historian: The Corsairs tended to land hard and thereby flatten a tire. When asked if anyone else was in the dream, James referred to a friend and fellow pilot, Jack Larsen. On another occasion, upon seeing an aerial photo and map of the island of Iwo Jima, James pointed to the island and exclaimed, “Daddy, that’s when my plane was shot down” (p. 91). Following his third birthday, James began drawing pictures of scenes with ships and planes. He mentioned his plane had been hit in the front of the engine and that the impact “took off the propeller” (Leininger & Leininger, 2009, p. 222). Intriguingly, “none of James’s toy planes still had their propellers on the nose, as James had apparently crashed them all until the propellers broke off” (Tucker, 2013, p. 74; cf. Leininger & Leininger, 2009, p. 222). The investigation-initially by James’s father and subsequently by Tucker-continued. Bruce discovered that precisely such a veteran pilot named Jack Larsen was still alive; contacted, Larsen “remembered well the day that Huston was killed” (Tucker, 2013, p. 76). Other veteran pilots from a WWII reunion event specifically reported having seen Huston’s plane take a direct hit to the engine. Young James’s past-life recollections included content relevant to the “homecoming” recalled in one of Moody’s NDE cases. As five-year- old James played with toy soldiers, Bruce asked, “Hey, how come you named your G.I. Joes Billy and Leon and Walter?” James replied: “Because that’s who met me when I got to heaven.” Billie Peeler, Leon Conner, and Walter Devlin were among James Huston’s squadron mates; their deaths shortly preceded his on March 3, 1944 (Leininger & Leininger, 2009, . 158). After age five, James’s apparent past-life memories faded. They were no longer evident by the time James was 12 years old, when he identified himself solely as James Leininger. Corroborated past-life memories such as young James’s constitute a direct line of evidence-beyond suggestive evidence from NDEs, terminal lucidity, and deathbed visions for the reincarnation hypothesis. As noted, young James’s past-life memory of meeting deceased close friends when he “got to heaven” would seem to follow in a core narrative from the incipient “homecoming” reported in some NDEs, or from perceived loved ones “beckoning \[the experiencer\] to come” in some deathbed visions. Also sometimes amenable to investigation are past-life memories induced in patients undergoing hypnotic regression psychotherapy. The contribution of such work to scientific inquiry into the reincarnation hypothesis has been questioned, given patients’ tendency to produce fantasy material under hypnosis. Nonetheless, Tucker (2005) acknowledged that “some adults may be able to discover \[past-life\] memories through the use of hypnosis” (p. 226). Empirical validation is important if hypnotically induced past-life memories are to contribute to the scientific investigation of the reincarnation hypothesis. Although, like Tucker, Ian Stevenson (2001) was skeptical of the scientific value of regression therapy, he acknowledged some instances in which hypnotized and regressed subjects narrated obscure but accurate historical information and/or spoke in foreign languages they apparently had not known previously (p. 46). Similarly, psychiatrist and regression therapist Brian Weiss claimed that he has > seen patients remember a name during a recall of a recent lifetime and subsequently find old records that validate the existence of that past-life person confirming the details of that memory. Some patients have even found the graves of their own previous physical bodies \[and\] speak portions of languages that they have never learned, or have never heard in their current lifetimes. (Weiss, 1996, . 15) Weiss (2004) noted the case of a patient who experienced a comprehensive (“almost classic”) NDE as she regressed to the life of a > Great Plains farm woman in the nineteenth century. At the end of her long lifetime she floated above her body, watching it from afar. Then she felt she was being drawn up into a light, in her case a blue one, becoming distanced from her body and going toward a new life, one that was as yet unclear. This is a common, almost classic near death experience except that Andrea was describing the experience of someone in a past life herself-who had been dead for more than one hundred years. (p. 11) Greyson (2021b) found the convergence between the two chief lines of evidence for mind as distinct from brain impressive: “Both NDES and… memories of past lives bear on the mind-brain relationship and on whether the mind can continue to function after death of the brain” (p. 220). “Data from the two phenomena,” he wrote, “might actually complement” and “shed light on each other” and thereby “form a bridge to a new understanding of mind” or consciousness as distinct from physical brain function (p. 220). In particular, the convergence of NDE past-life flashes or identities with corroborated past-life memories-whether spontaneous cases in field research and or induced cases in therapeutic practice-“may provide compelling evidence that people live more than once” (p. 217). Especially when the evidence from kindred phenomena such as terminal lucidity and deathbed visions is included, Greyson’s complementarity point is well taken: “The convergence of several lines of evidence builds a much stronger case than only a single line of evidence” (Long, 2010, p. 4). As Miller (2018) noted, “conclusions based upon a convergence of evidence from different methods”-such as self-reports, survey protocols, hypnotic regressions, and archival investigation- “can be held with greater certainty than conclusions based on one approach alone” (p. 118). Terminal lucidity cases, for example, complement and corroborate the NDE phenomenon (Batthyány, 2023, p. 191). Despite this impressive convergence, Greyson (2021b) qualified his conclusion that NDEs and past-life memory research may provide compelling evidence for reincarnation. He described problematic content in the University of Virginia past-life memory case collection as well as paradoxical aspects of NDEs. In some past-life cases, for example, two or more children seemed to be recalling (cf. Keil, 2010; Matlock, 2019, pp. 266-267; Matlock, 2022c; Mills, 2001) the same past life- prompting speculations of “soul-splitting,” a notion that at least would reconcile the reincarnation hypothesis with human population increases (Tucker, 2005, pp. 198–199). Additionally, NDErs’ references to their spiritual existence as “timeless” or events as “all happening at once” would seem to contradict the ordinary linear-time conception of reincarnation as a spiritual journey (or journeys) entailing successive temporal embodiments: > Rather than conceptualizing it \[reincarnation\] as a series of incarnations over linear time the normal perception of time in Earthly life it may involve incarnations that occur simultaneously in a state of timelessness in which everything is happening all at once the perception of time that experiencers report during their NDEs. Especially for the majority of people who have not experienced the timelessness of an NDE, this paradigmatic shift in thinking about the nature of time can be challenging. (Greyson, 2021b, p. 224) Accordingly, Greyson suggested, researchers “need to be flexible in their understanding both of time and its apparent passage” (p. 224). The point is well taken. Physicists for many decades have had to be “flexible” in their understanding of light, given their discovery that light paradoxically displays both wave and particle properties. Could time paradoxically display both linear and “timeless” properties? This paradox relates to another quandary pondered by Greyson (2021b): NDErs’ recollections of “home” as often including reunions with deceased loved ones raises “the question \[of\] how it might be possible for deceased people to continue existing in some otherworldly realm after death if they have been reborn into a new Earthly life” (p. 222). Greyson speculated: > Given the claim of many near-death experiencers that time as humans typically know it doesn’t exist in the otherworldly realm, then it might be possible both to be reincarnated into another body on Earth and also to persist simultaneously in a non-Earthly realm or dimension” (p. 222). Challenges notwithstanding, empirical verifications of detailed past-life memories spontaneous as well as induced along with other lines of evidence do encourage further investigation of “I was home” and the reincarnation hypothesis. Perhaps a deeper reality provides a “home base,” as it were, for earthly existence(s). ## **The Light, Interconnected Souls, and Reincarnation** > \[It was\] another of those moments that left Bruce and Andrea \[Leininger\] agape. While Bruce and James were raking leaves and gathering the fallen branches from the yard \[after a hurricane\], Bruce had a sudden impulse to hug his son. He picked him up and kissed him and said how happy he was to have him as a son. James replied, in a tone that seemed eerie to Bruce, “That’s why I picked you. I knew you would be a good daddy.” Bruce did not know what he had heard. “What did you say?” “When I found you and Mommy, I knew you would be good to me.” This was not the voice of a child, although it came out of the mouth of a four-year-old. “Where did you find us?” asked Bruce. “Hawaii,” James replied. Bruce said that James was wrong. They had gone to Hawaii just that summer, when they were all together. “It was not when we all went to Hawaii. It was just Mommy and you.” Although profoundly shaken, Bruce managed to ask where he had found them. And James said, “I found you at the big pink hotel.” Bruce remained dumbfounded as James added, “I found you on the beach. You were eating dinner at night.” In 1997, Bruce and Andrea had gone to Hawaii to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. They had stayed at the Royal Hawaiian, the landmark pink hotel on Waikiki Beach, and on their final night, they had a moonlight dinner on the beach. It was five weeks before Andrea got pregnant. (Leininger & Leininger, 2009, pp. 153-154; cf. Tucker, 2013, pp. 86-87) The moment does leave one “agape.” Whose voice was speaking, if not that of a child? Tucker (2005) considered and rejected a “possession” explanation of children’s past-life claims (pp. 46-47). Rather, the “voice” of young James may have been that of a “larger self” (Stevenson, 2001), non-material essence, or soul that had journeyed to-and from-a deeper reality in a “continuity of consciousness” (van Lommel, 2021, p. 264). Did the previous earthly self, James Huston, really-at his material death- “\[meet\] in heaven” his deceased close friends? While still in the light, did young James really “find” and “pick” Bruce and Andrea Leininger as the hosts for his conception-and leave “heaven” to begin his new earthly life because he “knew they would be good” parents to him? Had he even been presciently aware that they would help him to resolve his post-traumatic stress from his violent death as James Huston? At least, it can be noted that young James’s comments to his father are not atypical among children expressing past-life memories. In past-life memory research, Tucker (2013; cf. Sharma & Tucker, 2004) reported that “about twenty percent of the children say they remember either observing earthly events such as the previous person’s funeral, going to another realm, or having experiences related to conception or gestation to begin their current life” (p. 198; cf. Matlock & Giesler-Petersen, 2016; Rivas et al., 2023; Sharma & Tucker, 2004; Wade, 1998; Weiss, 2000, pp. 11, 44-45). Young James’s conception-related “experience” was proactive: He said that, while still in the light-perhaps with help from one or more “beings” he had found and “picked” his prospective parents. Although journeys from the light to a new earthly life are generally remembered as voluntary, as indicated in Long’s database, some NDErs reportedly felt ambivalent or even resistant. Scott and Pam reported that they-more or less willingly-decided to return, whereas others, such as Richard L., were finally and simply told that they would be sent back: “You must go back; you have work to do.” “I was home” in the realm of light is not a solipsistic experience. The NDEs and deathbed impressions reviewed herein have exemplified the dictionary definition of “home” as a “place or environment natural or dear to one because of personal relations.” “Personal relations” in these accounts refer to one or more transcendent “beings” and/or familiar deceased individuals in the light. My former student Scott met a loving and accepting “Being” who “knew everything \[Scott\] had done, said, or thought.” Richard L. met multiple “forms” -one of whom, curiously, reminded Richard that he had “agreed” to leave “home.” Besides the “Being” or beings, other entities are those with whom the experiencer has been emotionally connected. Dying 94-year-old Su saw her deceased husband and sister “calling her to come.” Pam Reynolds met “a lot of people,” including deceased relatives she recognized, who were caring and “looking after” her and would “not permit her to go further” into the light. James Huston met his deceased squadron mates “in heaven.” In transcendent or comprehensive NDE life reviews, some NDErs recall reliving events of their earthly life not only as themselves but also as the other persons in those events (Lorimer, 1990; cf. Long 2010, 2017, p, 71; van Lommel, 2010)-an experience that can be positive but also “very devastating” in the multi-perspectival reliving of events in which one harmed and wronged others (Farr, 1993, pp. 29-30; cf. Gibbs, 2019, pp. 263-266; Moody, 1977, p. 38-39; Parnia, 2024, pp. 159-165, 173-180, 290, 311). Although “unpleasant or frightening,” “distressing NDEs can also result in insight and personal growth” (Egnor & O’Leary, 2025, р. 96). It is important to note the impression of some NDErs that not every soul was yet spiritually “home” indeed, that the deeper reality of light includes darker regions. Jean R (Jean R NDE, n.d.; cf. Parnia, 2024, pp. 204-206) entered “a place filled with love” but > was also shown a much darker place where people did not seem to know that they had moved out of their bodies and continually fought each other…. Above them were also a legion of beings waiting. Whenever someone looked up and asked God for help, they were whisked away to. a place \[home?\] more peaceful and tuned to God and God’s love. But many seemed lost in this \[darker\] place, never looking up and never asking for help. NDEr Carl D (Carl D NDE, n.d.) recalled in his transcendental NDE that “everything there” (a realm of “love” and “peace”) “was made up of light…. it was HOME, my real HOME.” Yet Carl was also “shown grey places \[and\] grey beings” who had “less light;” they “were sad, and all alone.” In a follow-up to his classic Life after Life, Moody (1977) reported some NDErs’ “glimpses” of a “dull, grey… realm of bewildered spirits” (pp. 19-22). Besides much darker places or dull, grey regions of fighting, sad, or bewildered spirits, images of malevolent and violent creatures have been described in distressing NDEs (Bush, 2002; Bush & Greyson, 2017; Rommer, 2000). Some distressing NDEs entail idiosyncratic hellish imagery, leading Weiss to question the reality status of frightening, malevolent creatures (cf. Parnia, 2024, pp. 79, 290). In one case, Weiss (2000) > regressed a policeman who had been injured in a car accident while on duty. He described a “terrible” NDE in which his body had been pushed and probed and pierced by malevolent beings. In truth, as the regression proved, he had partially awakened while being transported by ambulance to the hospital emergency room. During the trip, the paramedics were administering emergency medical treatment, inserting intravenous lines for fluid replacement, injecting necessary medications, monitoring blood pressure, creating an airway to assist his breathing, and so on. In actuality, the “malevolent beings” were the emergency personnel who saved his life. (p. 156) Personal relations or emotional connections populate past-life memories as well. As noted, NDEr Richard L. “looked around” in the light and “saw familiar faces” of “friends, family, enemies, people I had known before,” some of whom he had known across “many lives, many places, many times \[and\] events… There was a continuity and connectedness about all of it.” As noted, Anita Moorjani in her NDE glimpsed a past life in which she was “very protective” of her brother- who, in that life, was younger than she. Weiss even declared that, despite circumstantial changes, “we come around in \[interconnected\] groups \[of souls\], over and over” (Weiss, 1992, p. 86; cf. Parnia, 2024, p. 157) and that earthly “relationships are the soil of our \[spiritual\] growth” (Weiss, 2000, p. 62), A common impression of NDErs is that their return has some reason or purpose, typically involving a spiritual journey of growth or learning “lessons”. This growth entails learning “to express and receive love, to forgive, to help, and to serve” (Weiss, 1992, p. 86), sometimes extending to global concerns (e.g., Weiss, 2004, p. 193). Another NDEr (Jean R NDE, n.d.) was told that “the Earth is like a big school, a place where you can apply spiritual lessons” (cf. Stevenson, 2001; cf. Parnia, 2024, p. 176). The key “lesson” to master is “to help each other and help those in need.” The “emphasis should be on the golden rule: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Jean R NDE, n.d.). My former student, Scott, provided a case in point. Scott “heard” from the Being “associated with the light” that he “should go back, it’s not your time.” “There was an insistence to the ‘should,” Scott recalled, because he still “had things to accomplish, people that would need my help.” Scott wrote in his journal that he returned from his NDE with a deeply spiritual “awareness” central to his earthly existence: > That unseen voice from my NDE is in me it is the thing I listen to and can rely upon. I strive to touch a part I have labeled as my “center.” It is that place where there is the balance between my two “realities,” the point where they meet and connect. It is here that I find peace. It is also the point where my “awareness” originates. It is from my “center” that I can still “feel” the presence of the “being” of my NDE. The contact is never direct but rather through that part of me \[that is\] still in that other existence. Scott attributed to his “awareness” from “that other existence” or deeper reality an uncanny knowledge of the thoughts and concerns of others. For example, Scott kept sensing that a co-worker was contemplating suicide: “At first, she wouldn’t admit it but finally broke down and said that she had thought about it for several days.” Scott helped her work through her suicidal ideation and enabled her to restore, before it was too late, her mental and spiritual health. Intriguingly. Scott reflected that in the process of helping others, he himself was helped in his spiritual growth. ## **Conclusion** In this article, I have explored NDEs and cognate phenomena to advance the understanding of reality and human existence-essentially, the deeper meaning of life and death. “I was home” led to a review of convergent lines of evidence in studies of terminal lucidity, deathbed visions, and, especially, past-life memories consistent with the reincarnation hypothesis that at least some humans live an earthly life more than once. Paradoxes and challenges notwithstanding, reincarnation means that deaths and births are not finalities but instead transitions-exits and entrances of mind, personhood, or consciousness to and from a deeper reality. This primary realm of light has been described by some NDErs as “realer than here” (Sabom, 1982, p. 16; cf. Long, 2010, 2017; Parnia, 2024). “I was home” in the light-dark regions are sometimes seen-refers to a familiar environment of love, a place “at the very heart or root of the matter,” populated by interconnected souls. In comparison to “the reality of the Light,” according to NDEr Thomas Sawyer, “the reality in which we are currently existing is in fact a lesser reality” (Farr, 1993, p. 51; cf. Parnia, 2024, p. 159). In this lesser reality, it can be “difficult to remember that we are souls and not just physical bodies.” We are constantly distracted by “illusions and delusions” such as “money, power, prestige, material possessions, and other tangible accumulations and creature comforts” (Weiss, 2001, p. 112). Other delusions or distractions include “denial. fatigue, rationalizations, mental escape,.. and all the other businesses of the mind” (Weiss, 1996, p. 147). Some readers have asked Weiss: “Why don’t we just stay on the other side, in the heavenly dimension, and learn there, where we do not have all the burden, all the pain, of physical existence?” (Weiss & Weiss, 2012, p. 64). Earlier noted was Richard’s plaintive plea in his NDE: “I like it here I told him I didn’t want to go back… It felt like home.” Yet we don’t grow by staying home. There is a meaning and purpose, a continuity and connectedness, to journeys from “home” to the “lesser reality” of bodily existence(s). As Richard L. was told, “home” in the light is the “starting point for all journeys and lessons.” Whatever “learning” may take place in the light (Moody, 1977, p. 17) may be preparatory to a journey. Although often rife with burdens and pain (even tragic loss; see Gibbs, 1999), this earthly existence is the dimension in which souls can grow. “Who we are today,” one NDEr stated, “is the result of all our previous lives combined” (Parnia, 2024, p. 199). Besides burden, pain, and loss, we may also experience in earthly life “incredible beauty, physical love, unconditional love, soul mates, pleasure for all our senses, \[and\] kind and compassionate people” (Weiss & Weiss, 2012, p. 18). NDEs and cognate phenomena may impart the life-changing insight that we are all “connected at a deep level which is occasionally experienced by those who transcend the boundaries of ordinary perception” (Lorimer, 1990, p. 104). This insight often entails “increased awareness or spirituality, decline in materialistic worries, the development of a more loving, peaceful nature, a dramatic lessening of the fear of death \[and\] the new and certain conviction that love is what really matters” (Weiss, 1992, p. 51; cf. Batthyány, 2023, p. 11; Ring, 1984)-even purpose and order, “a sense that we are all part of something greater” (Greyson, 2021a, p. 172). 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Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(4), 249-275. https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-1998-16-4-p249-275. Weiss, B. L. (1992). Through time into healing. Fireside Books. Weiss, B. L. (1996). Only love is real: A story of soulmates reunited. Warner Books. Weiss, B. L. (2000). Messages from the masters: Tapping into the power of love. Warner. Weiss, B. L. (2004). Same soul, many bodies: Discover the healing power of future lives through progression therapy. Free Press. Weiss, B. L., & Weiss, A. E. (2012). Miracles happen: The transformational healing power of past-life memories. HarperOne. Wells, A. D. (1993). Reincarnation beliefs among near-death experiencers. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(1), 17-34. [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-1993-12-1-p17-34](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-1993-12-1-p17-34). --- ### [Past-Life Memories as After-Effects of Near-Death Experiences: A Pilot Study](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/past-life-memories-as-after-effects-of-near-death-experiences-a-pilot-study/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *From the [Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 43-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/) Alternative Link: * ### **James G. Matlock, PhD** *Parapsychology Foundation* ### ABSTRACT Apparent reincarnation has been studied principally in connection with young children, whose veridical past-life memories (PLMs) often surface in the ordinary waking state. In contrast, when PLMs come to adults, they tend to appear in dreams or altered states of consciousness. In this mixed methods study, I examined 10 cases of PLMs or non-veridical past-life visions (PLVs) that arose following near-death experiences (NDES), mostly in adulthood. Respondents completed the revised NDE Scale and scored a Reincarnation Memory Strength Assessment (ReMSA) questionnaire regarding PLMs and PLVs before and after their NDEs. In all 10 cases, PLMs or PLVs either first surfaced or became stronger after NDEs. Also, after NDES, PLMs and PLVs were more likely to appear in the waking state than in dreams and to be clearer, more extensive, and more often veridical than those before the NDEs. The strongest before-versus-after effects on ReMSA were found when NDEs scored 5 or above on the NDE Scale’s Transcendental subscale, suggesting that the transcendent consciousness associated with deeper NDEs facilitates PLM retrieval in adulthood. Although the small sample cannot support firm conclusions, the patterns are robust enough to generate hypotheses that will be tested in an internet-based survey incorporating the same testing instruments. **KEYWORDS:** near-death experience aftereffects, past-life memory retrieval, reincarnation, transcendental states of consciousness, transliminality --- A good deal of attention has been paid to the aftereffects of near-death experiences (NDES), among them greater openness to subconscious processing and psychic activity (Álvarez et al., 2023; Noyes et al., 2009; Sutherland, 1989, 1992). An increase in the belief in reincarnation following NDEs has also been remarked (Wells, 1993), with occasional mention of apparent past-life memories (PLMs) arising during the episodes (e.g., Greyson, 2021; Krohn & Kripal, 2018; Moorjani, 2012), but little notice has been taken of PLMs that surface following NDEs. That PLMs should be retrieved more easily after NDEs should not be surprising; however, if NDEs confer a lasting transliminality that opens access to the subconscious over the long term, given that PLMs appear to be recorded in the subconscious mind (Matlock, 2019). Many PLM claims provide little to substantiate them as genuine memories, but some have been confirmed. I use “past-life vision” (PLV) for apparent memories of previous lives that have not been verified in any way, reserving “past-life memory” (PLM) for veridical memory claims. PLMs can be differentiated between those involving an identified deceased person—solved cases, and those for which a previous person has not been identified—unsolved cases. This mixed methods study employed a convenience sample of 10 accounts of PLMs and PLVs that arose following NDEs. The study began with my informal collection of accounts of PLMs that surfaced following NDEs. I noticed a recurring pattern of PLMs and PLVs first appearing, or becoming stronger, after NDEs. This observation led me to search for more cases through appeals in several Facebook groups, strengthening my sense of an important yet heretofore unrecognized NDE aftereffect. Although my sample was too small to support firm conclusions, I decided the best way to enlarge it was to solicit accounts in an internet-based survey, still to be conducted. Thus, what began as an informal hunt for PLMs and PLVs following NDEs became a formal pilot study. The results of this pilot study led me to develop hypotheses to be tested through the planned survey. ## Evolution of the Study I became interested in PLMs as NDE aftereffects upon encountering two cases of veridical PLMs following NDEs in adulthood (Matlock, 2024, 2025). Because PLMs have been reported most often in childhood (Matlock, 2019; Stevenson, 2001), I viewed this phenomenon as potentially important and tried to determine how common it was to have PLMs in the wake of NDEs. A table from a 1983 study by Bruce Greyson, reprinted in the Handbook of Near-Death Experiences (Noyes et al., 2009, p. 50), showed that 14.5% (10) of 69 NDErs reported “memories of previous lives” before their NDEs and 29% (20) reported “memories of previous lives” after their NDEs. Hoping to follow up on these cases for more information, I wrote to Greyson for details. He referred me to John Palmer, who had conducted the survey (Palmer, 1979) on which the 1983 figures were based. Unfortunately, I learned from Palmer, the data had been collected anonymously, so respondents could not be contacted for interviews. Greyson checked the large NDE database at the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, for replies to the question, “Since your NDE, have you had what seemed to be a memory of a past lifetime?” Almost half of the respondents answered “yes” to this question, but the narrative descriptions given by most respondents did not bear out that affirmative response, Greyson told me. The few more interesting responses said nothing substantive that would enable a proper assessment or investigation of the past-life memory claims. I found a few intriguing accounts on the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF) website, which I searched in early November 2024. The NDERF reporting form included the question, “Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience?” Of 83 NDES or related experiences—probable NDEs, possible NDEs, or NDE-like experiences with references to reincarnation or past-life memory, 4 (5%) mentioned probable PLVs. Helen E (Helen E NDE, n.d.) related that she had experienced “past life recall.” Maria P (Maria P NDE, n.d.) wrote, “I can see past life or future events.” Beverly H (Beverly H NDE, n.d.) wrote, “My whole past life experience opened up, access that I never had or even thought of prior to that experience.” Lael (Lael NDE, n.d.) wrote, “Over the years I have become more and more aware of several of my past lives.” Unfortunately, none of these four contributors provided details of their seeming past-life recall, and again, there was no possibility of follow-up. The online database of the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) does not have a question about NDE aftereffects, and I found no mentions of PLMs following NDEs in their archive. However, I learned about some cases through appeals on Facebook, which is where I first heard about the two cases I have studied closely (Matlock, 2024, 2025). Four respondents—later study participants—have written about their experiences in books (Feinstein, 2023; Heath, 2023; Love, 2018; Shahar, 2018). I was unable to get in touch with another book author, Rand Jamison Shields, who, at 6 years old, came close to drowning in a community swimming pool (Shields, 2013). During an NDE, he encountered angelic spirit guides who sent him back to his body. He had had no inkling of a previous life before his NDE, and none during the experience. A month after it, he began to have out-of-body experiences (OBEs) triggered by stroking his eyebrow in a certain way during classroom lectures he found boring. The OBEs were somehow linked to the angels he saw during his NDE, and they led to visions of bygone times. Over the remainder of the school year, Shields experienced 68 past-life visions, 34 of them pertaining to what seemed to be the same life. Eventually, he was able to identify the latter with a resident of Steubenville, Ohio, who had died 28 months before his birth, “solving” his own case. The OBE element in Shields’s experience may be significant. I have heard about—although am not including in the present study—an instance of apparent PLMs arising after an OBE. At 54, Noemi Adamo (pseudonym) experienced the sudden sensation of her consciousness leaving her body. She vividly perceived all that surrounded her—the fresh air, the trees, her house—and met an uncle who had died years before. He told her how proud he was of her and that he loved her very much. The experience lasted about five minutes. Two days later, for the first time, Adamo had a waking vision of being a young girl in a Nazi concentration camp, sexually abused by the guards. Visions of additional lives followed, some in the waking state and others in dreams, although none with sufficient detail for her to verify any details, much less to identify any of the people she recalled having been. I collected the 10 accounts analyzed in this study over a period of about two years. Because I did not anticipate a formal analysis until after I began to perceive interesting patterns in the experiences, I did not recruit my study participants in a systematic way, using a standard protocol. Four of the 10 accounts came to my attention through books, three through unsolicited posts on Facebook, and three through appeals in reincarnation and NDE groups on that platform. Although my appeals elicited other accounts, the respondents failed to follow through with details of their experiences and were dropped from this study. As I began to conceive a formal study utilizing a web-based questionnaire, I pulled back on the informal solicitation of accounts and turned attention to this pilot study utilizing testing instruments. These instruments are embedded in the survey questionnaire I have developed in association with Marieta Pehlivanova and Bruce Greyson of DOPS, so that the analytical procedures described here will be applied to the survey results as well. In the discussion below, I consider the theoretical implications of my findings and draw out hypotheses to be tested with the future survey. ## Method ### Participants At the time of my interviews with participants, all 10 were adult females. Six were American, one was Canadian, one French, one Norwegian, and one an American-born Israeli. One of the NDEs transpired in childhood, at age 4 years; one in adolescence, at age 15 years; and eight in adulthood, at ages ranging from 18 to 63 years. The median age at NDE was 23.5 years. No further demographic data were collected. I interviewed all participants in English. All gave permission in writing to have their narrative accounts presented in this study, although I did not request signed consent forms. Except for the four cases in which participants had written books under their own names, I assigned pseudonyms to protect identities. ### Measures When I decided to formalize this study, I asked each of my participants to complete two questionnaires. The first was the revised version (International Association for Near-Death Studies, 2025) of the Near-Death Experience Scale (NDE Scale; Greyson, 1983; Lange et al., 2004). Although the revised version has been published only online, other versions of the NDE Scale have been published in print. Because internet links may change, for clarity and posterity, the version used in this study appears below in Appendix A. The NDE Scale comprises 16 questions with numerical values from 0 to 2, which are summed to give a composite score ranging from 0 to 32. Greyson (1983) decided on a composite score threshold of 7 for an experience to qualify as an NDE because 7 was about one standard deviation below the mean score of 15.01 obtained from 74 criterion test respondents to the then-final iteration of his scale. The scale’s reliability was established through a Rasch scaling exercise conducted by Lange et al. (2004). The revised version of the NDE Scale includes the same 16 questions and response categories as the original, with some minor changes in item wording and the order of the response categories reversed—listed from 0 to 2 rather than from 2 to 0—but the total-score cut-off of 7 is retained. The scale includes four subscales, each comprising four items: items 1-4 Cognitive, 5-8 Affective, 9-12 Paranormal, and 13-16 Transcendental; in each case, a score of 5 or higher for the four items qualifies the NDE to be categorized as that “type.” The second questionnaire was a modified version of an instrument designed to evaluate past-life memory claims: the Reincarnation Memory Strength Assessment (ReMSA) questionnaire (Appendix B). Although I had considered using Tucker’s (2000) Strength-of-Case Scale (SOCS) to compare past-life memory strength before and after the NDEs, I came to realize that, perhaps because SOCS was standardized on relatively well-developed children’s cases, it was ill-suited to assess the nature and strength of adults’ PLMs. By contrast, the ReMSA is a self-report questionnaire intended for subjects 8 years or older. It is restricted to apparent PLMs that arise spontaneously, in waking life, in dreams, and in other naturally occurring states of consciousness, explicitly eschewing putative memories elicited through past life regression, guided meditation, or other facilitated means, or under the influence of psychoactive drugs. The modified ReMSA version employed here asks respondents to characterize their putative PLMs before and after their NDEs. Specifically, Part 1 comprises nine questions about a respondent’s PLMs before their NDE—or, if they had had multiple NDEs, before their first NDE—responding from one’s current perspective, even if one did not realize they were recalling a previous life at the time; and Part 2 comprises nine questions about a respondent’s PLMs after their (first) NDE, with the same response parameters. This abbreviated version of the scale focuses on declarative memories and emphasizes items that contrast experiences before and after NDEs. The full ReMSA asks about implicit (emotional and behavioral) and psychogenic (physically expressed) memories as well as a more extensive array of declarative memory features. Neither the full nor the modified version of the scale has been validated or published; this is its first application. ### Procedures I collected the data for this study through interviews, conducted mostly through Facebook Messenger but some via email or on Zoom. The Zoom interviews were transcribed so that I had written records of all testimony to refer to in writing my narrative summaries of the experiences. In the earlier, informal phase of this study, I asked respondents to describe their NDEs and apparent past-life memories or, if they had related them in books, to answer questions about features I found unclear or incomplete there. I had largely finished the interviews when I asked participants to complete the revised NDE Scale and the modified ReMSA. Their replies helped to refine the latter questionnaire, which led in some instances to returning to my respondents for additional information. I assessed all questionnaire responses for consistency with what respondents had told me in the interviews, which led to them occasionally correcting responses they had given me previously. I am confident that, in the end, this back-and-forth process produced a reliable and consistent set of responses. All respondents approved their final test scores as well as my narrative summaries of their cases. I will be including the same scale items in my survey questionnaire, without further changes to them. The present study thus may be regarded as exploratory as well as a pilot for the forthcoming survey-based study. --- ## Results ### Qualitative Results: PLVs and PLMs Following NDES The narrative case summaries are ordered chronologically according to age at NDE, or first NDE, if the participant had more than one. ### Debora Christy Love, age 4 years at NDE Debora Christy Love (2018) described her NDE at age 4, the result of complications from a tonsillectomy. The following account is based both on her book, There is Love, and what she told me about her experiences in Facebook private messaging and in a Zoom session. Love was living in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, at the time of her NDE. Before then, she had some vague visions of what seemed to be previous lives, but many clearer ones came to her after the NDE. She began to feel in contact with a spirit guide who introduced himself as Many Tail Feathers and informed her about events in her life. Shortly after Many Feathers as she came to think of him—appeared, Love was watching a television show about Native Americans, in which a character called them “heathens.” I felt anger rise up in me. I was so exasperated that I ran straight through the kitchen and out the side door, down the porch stairs and did not stop until I was on the grass of the yard. I then stopped and gasped to the air around me, out loud and in an almost teary fashion, “We weren’t heathens, were we?” (Love, 2018, pp. 42-43) Many Feathers advised her to look within, and when she insisted to herself indignantly that they most certainly were not heathens, heard him say, “There you go then.” A little while later, Love was playing in her yard when she was overcome with the sense that a plant she was holding had medicinal properties. She later recognized it as a plantain plant (Plantago sp.), an herb brought to North America by European settlers and adopted by Native American groups for its healing effects. In adulthood, Love had a dream in which Many Feathers took her to Montana. Then, during a psychic development workshop, she began to work more closely with Many Feathers and asked him what he looked like. She heard him say, “Open your eyes,” and when she did, she saw what appeared to be a rather large orb that had a slightly green haze to it; but what was most remarkable was that in that orb I saw Many Feathers’s face. I noticed his tanned skin and his rather wide nose. (Love, 2018, p. 79) Love asked what connection she had to Many Feathers, and he told her that she had been his wife, Wind Whisperer. After her instructor encouraged her to look for Many Feathers online, Love discovered a photograph of Blackfoot Chief Many Tail Feathers, taken around 1915 at Glacier National Park, Montana. She recognized him as matching the image she had had of him in the orb. She has not been able to confirm that Chief Many Tail Feathers had a wife named Wind Whisperer, however. Love recalled other lives in waking visions, meditations, and regressions after her NDE, coming to appreciate how people in her present life figured also in her past lives, but none except the Blackfoot life have been verified in any way. ### Alicja Heath, age 15 years at NDE I learned about Alicja Heath’s NDE from her book (Heath, 2023) and followed up on Facebook instant messaging. Before age 6, Heath had an inexplicable fascination with the French language, with which her family had no association. Then, when she was 15, while climbing Poland’s tallest mountain, Rysy, in the High Tatras, she fell 200 meters—about 650 feet—into the snow. On the way down, she experienced an NDE life review, reliving her decade-and-a-half in a few seconds. Not long thereafter, she began to dream about a succession of past lives. Except for one on Easter Island in the era before its European discovery, all had European settings: Switzerland, England, Italy, Spain, and France. In a dream related to what apparently was her most recent previous life, Heath visualized herself as a French woman killed by her husband in retaliation for an affair she was having. Some of the dreams had elements she was able to confirm as realistic, and in one instance, she made a probable identification of the woman involved. Interestingly, in early childhood, Heath had often drawn roses, which turned out to be a favorite subject in the drawings of this woman. Heath’s dreams went on intermittently for 35 years before she encountered the concept of Universal Knowledge, which is said to be stored in and retrieved from the Akashic Records. Through the Akashic Records, one is purportedly able to explore one’s previous existences. Heath began to access the Akashic Records meditatively, visualizing new information for some of the lives she had recalled in dreams. She also learned about additional, ancient lives that had not transpired in Europe. The title of her book, Accessing Past Lives with the Help of Technology, is used as an analogy for this mode of information retrieval: “Just as we access data on our computers or phones without knowing exactly where it is coming from, we can access the Akashic Records without knowing its exact location” (pp. 20-21). ### E.C., age 18 years at NDE E.C.’s was the first NDE-related reincarnation case to come to my attention, through a post in the Signs of Reincarnation Facebook group. It was the first case I investigated extensively and wrote about (Matlock, 2024). E.C.’s experience is unique in this sample in that it involves apparent memories of seven previous lives that arose following a second serious accident many years after the accident that led to her NDE. In her childhood in France, E.C. responded to the sound of helicopters approaching her apartment by going out on the balcony to look for them, disappointed when they did not fly her way. At the time, there was nothing to connect this to past-life experience. Her odd behaviors intensified after she was thrown from a two-wheeled sulky when the horse she was training to pull it was spooked by a fighter jet flying directly above them. E.C. hit her head when she fell, resulting in a classic core NDE (Zingrone & Alvarado, 2009), following which she became obsessed with the Vietnam War and began to wear surplus military camouflage clothing. She returned from a period in the United States, joking that she had been an American soldier killed in Vietnam, but it was not until another horse spooked and dragged her some distance, dislocating her shoulder, that E.C. began to remember having been an American Marine fatally shot there. After determining the man’s name with the help of a pendulum, she confirmed his identity through online searches. It turned out that he had had to lie wounded on the battlefield in heavy rain before helicopters were able to evacuate him, perhaps the source of her childhood preoccupation with the aircraft. Many additional memories and apparent although as yet unverified—impressions about the Marine then came to E.C. in regressions, in guided meditations, in dreams, and in the waking state. She recalled a few events from other lives, but the Marine life is the only one she was able to confirm, so her recollection of it alone constitutes PLMs. ### Yael Shahar, age 18 years at NDE I learned about Yael Shahar’s NDE and past-life memories from her book, A Damaged Mirror (Ben Malka & Shahar, 2014), revised and updated as Returning (Shahar, 2018). Because these books present Shahar’s story in a nonlinear and slightly fictionalized format—the timeline of events is greatly condensed—this summary relies not on them but, instead, on communications directly from Shahar. During her childhood, Shahar had a series of apparent past-life memories of an adult male Greek Jew caught up in the Holocaust. In addition to numerous waking visions and dreams, she remembered his name, a number tattooed on his arm, and the date of his transport to Birkenau—the sister camp to Auschwitz. Some of her earliest recollections seemed to be triggered by scenes, weather, and smells. When she was 18, Shahar was stung by a wasp, sending her into anaphylactic shock. She briefly lost consciousness, during which she had an NDE that included a scene from the Holocaust life. A friend with her at the time was able to bring her back to awareness. After her NDE, Shahar’s memories of the earlier life came to her more strongly and clearly, and she was able to retrieve additional images by focusing on her flashbacks, treating them as one would a present-life traumatic memory with which one was trying to come to terms. She determined that the tattooed number she remembered before her NDE matched the transfer date to Birkenau she recalled, but the card that would have confirmed the man’s name was part of a group missing from the preserved files, so her case, although veridical to a considerable extent, remains unsolved. ### Grace Anderson, age 21 years at NDE Grace Anderson is one of the respondents to my Facebook appeals. When she was 21 years old, she had two NDEs in three days as a result of childbirth complications—a severe onset of eclampsia in labor. On the first occasion, she had a cardiac arrest and coded for eight minutes before being revived. As a child of 3-4 years old, Anderson had had nocturnal dreams of living in poverty in what appeared to be the Louisiana bayou, with the aroma of turtle soup her mother prepared. The dreams receded, but after her NDEs, when she smelled turtle soup, she was transported in her waking state back to that lifetime. Subsequently, several related images came to her, both in her waking state and in dreams that were much clearer and more precise than those she had experienced when younger. She also began to have vague recollections of an earlier life as a man, seemingly in another country, and impressions of what she thought might be a future life. Olfactory and gustatory cues figured in these latter visions as well as in her apparent memories of the Louisiana life. However, she has not been able to identify the people in any of the lives she has visualized, nor to verify any of the details of her apparent memories, which therefore remain classified as PLVs. ### Sonya McCallum, age 26 years at NDE Sonya McCallum is another experiencer I heard from on Facebook. When she was 26 years old, a pulmonary embolism provoked an NDE. Before the NDE, McCallum had had no past-life recollections, but shortly afterward, she began to have a recurrent dream of walking in a forest, wearing a long brown dress, stepping over fallen logs, and looking up at the sky, feeling that she must hurry because it was growing late and she had to get out of the woods and safely home before night fell. From her clothing, she surmised it was the late 1700s or early 1800s. The dream repeated intermittently, without change, for about two years. At age 80, in August 2022, while undergoing hip replacement surgery, McCallum felt her consciousness leave her body. She was at the top of the room, looking down, bumping her back on the ceiling and upper walls. She saw many people gathered around an operating table, all dressed in green. The people were treating someone lying on the table, but she thought to herself, “That can’t be me; I am on the ceiling!” Within a few months of this OBE—following an additional uneventful surgery, a Stevens-Johnson syndrome diagnosis, and a bout with COVID-19—McCallum had a series of dreams related to another past life. Unlike her earlier dream, each of these new dreams came only once for a short period of time, but all were very detailed and realistic. They told the story of a young man from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who labored at a cotton mill in Pittsburgh. He worked alongside a Puerto Rican girl named Rosa, in whose mother’s run-down boarding house he rented a room. At the end of the large hall in which he and Rosa smoothed long strips of white cotton cloth on a wooden table, McCallum could make out a calendar showing the month of August, 1939, two and a half years before McCallum’s birth into this current lifetime. The cotton mill dreams followed a sequence, more or less nightly for four or so nights, then ceased, and have not resumed. Intrigued, through internet searches, McCallum was able to determine that there were cotton mills in Pittsburgh in the 1930s, around the time that there had been a large influx of Puerto Ricans into the city. In the 1930s, Pittsburgh had trolley cars, as appeared in one of her dreams. Moreover, if she had been employed in a cotton mill in a previous life, she might have identified the source of her lifelong asthma. After doing tests, the first allergist McCallum consulted asked if she had ever been around cotton, as she was severely allergic to cotton fibers. Curiously, she has never had skin reactions to cotton, only upper respiratory problems related to it, although she is allergic to manufactured fibers, soaps, and other products. One must wonder if the young man died from byssinosis, brown lung disease, a type of pneumoconiosis caused by inhaling dust from cotton fibers, which then precipitated McCallum’s upper respiratory issues, a type of physical carryover well known in reincarnation cases (Matlock, 2018, 2019). ### Astrid Hansen, age 28 years at NDE Astrid Hansen is the name I gave to a woman whose case I described in a recent journal paper (Matlock, 2025). I learned about her case from her post in the Signs of Reincarnation Facebook group. Hansen, a Norwegian woman, appeared to recall incidents from several past lives in dreams and waking visions, all following an NDE in childbirth at age 28. Before her NDE, Hansen had had a recurrent déjà vu feeling related to one of the lives but no imaged recall of it. Immediately after her NDE, she began to have waking flashbacks and dreams about this life, which seemingly transpired in the region of southern Norway where she now lives, but toward the end of the pre-Christian Viking era, in the 900s AD. Although many elements of her PLVs of this life are historically accurate or plausible, consistent with archaeological investigations and ancient sagas, it has not been possible to identify who she was at the time. The apparent memories of her other lives are much less detailed and have no veridical elements, although in some of them, Hansen felt that she was acquainted with people she knew in her present life. ### Terri Snyder, age 37 years at NDE I learned about Terri Snyder’s NDE and PLVs when she posted about them on Facebook and followed them up in private messaging. Her NDE was associated with a domestic assault when she was 37 years old. Before her NDE—when she was 15 and 21—Snyder had images of what seemed to be past lives come to her during guided meditations. After her NDE, she started to perceive spontaneous waking images of a different life. In one vision, she was running barefoot up some stairs carved into a mountainside. Two years later, she watched a documentary about Machu Picchu that included a view of the complex from one of its staircases and felt an electric bolt course through her: The sight was exactly that of her apparent memory. More recently, she has had additional impressions of what is seemingly the same life, triggered by the sound of ancient instruments, the odor of certain smells, or other stimuli. Since her NDE, images of two other lives have come repeatedly to Snyder, less intensely than the Machu Picchu impressions, but more frequently. In one image, she was a woman in her 20s in a Japanese fishing village; in another, she was living in what appeared to be 18th-century Canada. As with the lives she recalled before her NDE, in addition to seeing images, Snyder experienced emotions and intuitive appreciations of relationships, especially with her husbands in each life. Although most of her visions have come to her in the waking state, Snyder also has had dreams related to the lives she saw in the guided meditations prior to her NDE, although in these dreams, it was as if she were reliving or rewatching the same events unfold from different vantages, yet with no new details. ### Catherine Woolsey, age 38 years at NDE In response to one of my appeals on Facebook, Catherine Woolsey told me about a shallow autoscopic NDE she experienced when she was 38. She needed a blood transfusion and was dehydrated, but because she also had pneumonia, the fluids she was given in the hospital emergency room filled her lungs and resulted in a cardiac arrest. Her excruciating pain ceased, and she was overcome by a warm relaxation—until she noticed that the people around her were panicking. She felt paralyzed and unable to communicate with them, whereupon she, too, panicked. Then she saw a physician with big, curly hair enter the room and take charge. Afterward, in the intensive care unit, she was informed that she had flatlined and should not have been aware of any of this activity, especially not the curly-haired surgeon who attended to her only while she was unconscious during her cardiac arrest and resuscitation. As a young child, before her NDE, Woolsey experienced flashes of what were seemingly past lives. She had images of a life in ancient Egypt and of an Irish man who wore a wig full of lice, which he felt made him look important. In what she believes was her most recent life, she was a mistress for a wealthy man in Liverpool, England. After her NDE, Woolsey’s memories became more vivid, and she felt that she understood them better, but she recalled no new lives or events, so far as she can reconstruct now, 25 years later. ### Tikvah Feinstein, age 63 years at NDE I learned about Tikvah Feinstein’s experiences through her book (Feinstein, 2023) and followed up with her on Facebook Messenger and in emails for more information and clarification. Feinstein’s past-life memories began in infancy, with recurring nightmares and phobias. Her behavior led her mother to make the connection with a teenager named Elsagene, her cousin by marriage, who had been found dead in a boardinghouse bathroom six years before Feinstein’s birth. Feinstein’s nightmares and phobic reactions continued into her adult life. She occasionally sketched drawings of memories that had surfaced during meditations as well, but it was not until after her NDE following a cardiac arrest at age 63 that she came to have clearer memories in her normal waking state. Feinstein then drew on her journalistic skills to piece together Elsagene’s story, eventually identifying Elsagene’s murderer and his motives. As she came to accept that, indeed, she had been Elsagene, she began to understand how what she had been dealing with her whole life was a product of Elsagene’s experience, and this understanding had a profound healing effect on her. ### Quantitative Results Tables 1 and 2 present component and composite scores from the revised NDE Scale and the modified ReMSA scale, respectively, both ordered by participants’ ages at NDE. Table 3 presents summary data for the 10 cases of my sample, arranged according to participants’ scores on the revised NDE Scale, from lowest to highest. Scores on the Scale’s Transcendental subscale appear to the right of the total score in Table 3. Before- and after-NDE REMSA scores are shown in the two right-hand columns of Table 3. Despite the small sample, the essential pattern appears to be regular and striking: Past-life memories become stronger following NDES, sometimes appearing for the first time after them, confirming the impression given by the two cases—those of E.C. and Astrid Hansen—I investigated at length (Matlock, 2024, 2025). The weakest relationship was with Catherine Woolsey, whose NDE scored 3 on the revised NDE Scale, falling short of the 7 required to qualify as an NDE for research purposes. Further, data in Table 3 suggest that PLMs are more likely to arise in the waking state following NDEs. PLMs are more likely to be veridical and “solved” following NDEs; in fact, in all cases in which the apparent memories were verified or the cases solved, the verifications came after the NDEs. In two cases—those of E.C. and Sonya McCallum—past-life influences or memories manifested shortly after the NDEs but became much stronger after a second incident years later. Also, unexpectedly, age at NDE may play a role in the manifestation of PLMs. When NDEs occur in adulthood, the data suggest a possible association with NDE depth. The effects are strongest when NDES score 5 or above on the NDE Scale’s Transcendental subscale and are less likely to be veridical or solved when NDEs lack a Transcendental component. Alicja Heath and E.C. reported strong past-life memories while scoring 0 on the Transcendental subscale, but they were ages 15 and 18, respectively, at the time of their NDEs. **Table 1 Participants’ Revised NDE Scale Component and Total Scores, Ordered by Age at NDE** **Name (Age at NDE)****Cognitive****Affective****Paranormal****Transcendental****Total Score**Debora Christy Love (4)877830Alicja Heath (15)850518E.C. (18)625316Yael Shahar (18)560415Grace Anderson (21)525820Sonya McCallum (26)433721Astrid Hansen (28)866626Terri Snyder (37)665421Catherine Woolsey (38)02013Tikvah Feinstein (63)368421**Table 2 Participants’ Modified ReMSA Scale Item Responses and Total Scores Before and After NDE, Ordered by Age at NDE** **Time****Name (Age at NDE)****1.****2.****3.****4.****5.****6.****7.****8.****9.****Total Score**Before (first) NDEDebora Christy Love (4)22112000008Alicja Heath (15)0000000000E.C. (18)1101000006Yael Shahar (18)12121111113Grace Anderson (21)1111020006Sonya McCallum (26)0000000000Astrid Hansen (28)1100010003Terri Snyder (37)0000000000Catherine Woolsey (38)22120220011Tikvah Feinstein22212222217After (first) NDEDebora Christy Love (4)33222221017Alicja Heath (15)33212222219E.C. (18)33222222220Yael Shahar (18)13222222117Grace Anderson (21)22222200012Sonya McCallum (26)22210012010Astrid Hansen (28)33222212118Terri Snyder (37)22222002014Catherine Woolsey (38)22220211113Tikvah Feinstein21222222219McCallum—past-life influences or memories manifested shortly after the NDEs but became much stronger after a second incident years later. Also, unexpectedly, age at NDE may play a role in the manifestation of PLMs. When NDEs occur in adulthood, the data suggest a possible association with NDE depth. The effects are strongest when NDEs score 5 or above on the NDE Scale’s Transcendental subscale and are less likely to be veridical or solved when NDEs lack a Transcendental component. Alicja Heath and E.C. reported strong past-life memories while scoring 0 on the Transcendental subscale, but they were ages 15 and 18, respectively, at the time of their NDEs. **Table 3 Summary of Revised NDE Scale and Transcendental Component Total Scores and Modified ReMSA Total Scores Before and After NDE, Ordered by Revised NDE Scale Total Scores** **Name (Age at NDE)****Revised NDE Scale Total****Transcendental****Modified ReMSA Score Before NDE****Modified ReMSA Score After NDE**Catherine Woolsey (38)301113Yael Shahar (18)1501317VE.C. (18)165620SAlicja Heath (15)180019SGrace Anderson (21)205612Terri Snyder (37)215014VSonya McCallum (26)217010VTikvah Feinstein (63)2181719SAstrid Hansen (28)286418VDebora Christy Love (4)308817V*Note. Includes past-life identification (solved case). Includes veridical memory claims, short of past-life identification (unsolved case).* All 10 accounts came from women. This demographic may be a sampling error, although interestingly, in one study (Greyson & Stevenson, 1980), female NDErs reported experiencing non-earthly realms significantly more often than male NDErs did ($\\chi^2=7.58$, $df=1$, $p<$ .05). In Stevenson’s child cases, past-life memories are claimed more frequently by boys than girls (Stevenson, 2001), but no comparable data are available for adult case subjects. From Table 3, it appears as if age at NDE is not a predictor of PLMs following NDES. Questions might be raised about the time elapsed between NDES and PLMs and reports of them, especially considering that I asked respondents to reflect on events that, in some instances, occurred decades in the past. I did not ask about participants’ present ages, so I do not know how long before talking to me the NDEs occurred, although lapse of time since the NDEs would likely provide little data of consequence, inasmuch as the critical issue is that the PLMs intensified—and/or became more frequent—following the NDEs. In four cases, the PLMs ceased before my interviews, whereas in six cases—Debra Christy Love, Alicja Heath, E.C., Yael Shahar, Astrid Hansen, and Tikvah Feinstein—they remained active at the time of my interviews. ## Discussion ### Theoretical Foundation of Pilot Study The NDE Scale (Greyson, 1983; Lange et al., 2004) was developed from a list of 80 features recurrently reported in NDEs. These features included passing through a tunnel, which was a key part of Raymond Moody’s (1975) seminal characterization of the NDE. With the elimination of several features—the tunnel among them that proved to be weakly correlated with the rest, the list was reduced to 33 items. These “purified” items were then grouped into the 16 questions of the published scale, classified into psychologically meaningful Cognitive, Affective, Paranormal, and Transcendental “components” of four questions each (Greyson, 1983). The individual questions and four component subscales of the NDE Scale measure progressively deeper NDEs, at least for “true NDErs” with scores of 7 or above. Greyson, Rense Lange, and James Houran determined in a Rasch scaling evaluation: > For those with true near-death experiences (NDES), Greyson’s (1983, 1990) NDE Scale satisfactorily fits the Rasch rating scale model, thus yielding a unidimensional measure with interval-level scaling properties. With increasing intensity, NDEs reflect peace, joy and harmony, followed by insight and mystical or religious experiences, while the most intense NDEs involve an awareness of things occurring in a different place or time. (Lange et al., 2004, p. 161) The last four items on the Scale, the Transcendental ones, address entering some unearthly realm; encountering a mystical being or presence, or hearing an unidentifiable voice; seeing deceased or religious spirits; and coming to a border or point of no return. It is striking that so many of my respondents with improved PLVs and PLMs after NDEs scored 5 or higher out of a possible 8 on this fourth subscale (see Table 3), meeting the criterion for their NDEs to be categorized as a Transcendental type and indicating that they experienced the deepest type of NDE. This result suggests that a transcendent consciousness is associated with past-life memory retrieval in adulthood, although, of course, the concern here is not the NDE itself but, rather, its aftermath. PLVs and PLMs appear to be an aftereffect of the deepest and most intense NDEs. Given that NDEs are known to foster psychic activity (Álvarez et al., 2023; Sutherland, 1989, 1992), this finding is not particularly surprising—but a legitimate question is whether the data indicate past-life memory or, instead, psychic information acquisition, perhaps from a celestial Akashic Records store—as Alicja Heath presumed; a subquantum Akashic realm (Laszlo, 2007, 2009); or otherwise via super-psi (Braude, 2016). For several reasons, however, psychic information acquisition does not account adequately for PLMs. Past-life memory retrieval in general resembles present-life memory retrieval much more closely than it resembles psychic information acquisition (Matlock, 2019, pp. 135-136). Moreover, a great deal more is involved in PLMs than facts about previous lives; emotions, behaviors, and psychogenic physical carryovers imply a greatly more extensive identification with a deceased person than is conveyed by psi in either spontaneous cases or experimental tests. These dynamics are especially evident in the cases of Debora Christy Love, Yael Shahar, E.C., Grace Anderson, Sonya McCallum, Terri Snyder, and Tikvah Feinstein, all of whom—except Yael Shahar, whose PLMs surfaced first in childhood—scored 5 or above on the Transcendental subscale. John Gibbs (2017, 2025) drew attention to the transcendent implications of past-life memory, but the question arises why identification with a deceased individual should be furthered by a transcendent consciousness. I believe the answer lies in the transliminal nature of transcendental states. Transliminality refers to the permeable boundary between conscious awareness and the subconscious—the supraliminal and subliminal mind. The transliminality construct has been extensively studied (e.g., by Evans et al., 2019; Lange et al., 2000; Thalbourne et al., 1997). It is said to pertain to NDEs and other transcendental states (Evans et al., 2019) and to constitute a valid psychological metric (Evans et al., 2019). The importance of transliminality in past-life memory retrieval becomes clear when my processual soul theory is considered. This theory is grounded in reincarnation research data (Matlock, 2019). Similar to van Lommel’s conceptualization (2010; Gibbs, 2010), the theory includes a hypothesized continuity of consciousness from death to reincarnation. Furthermore, it addresses the duplex nature of consciousness, with a subconscious alongside a supraliminal conscious awareness. Its propositions hold that memories, emotions, personality traits, behavioral dispositions, and other aspects of personal identity were recorded in the subconscious. When consciousness reincarnated, there was a reset of awareness at the supraliminal level, but information about the past was preserved at the subliminal level, whence it affected the new person from within. In certain circumstances, information held in the subconscious made its way into conscious awareness in the form of PLMs. This process occurred most readily in early childhood but, when conditions were favorable, also occurred in later in life. The transcendental states that accompany and follow NDEs are among the conditions that facilitate the movement of information from the subconscious into conscious awareness, due to their transliminal qualities. For adults, NDE depth evidently plays a role as well. ### Hypotheses for Future Investigation This study’s findings suggest hypotheses I intend to test through a web-based survey, which hopefully will produce a sample large enough for statistical evaluation. **Hypothesis 1:** Adults’ past-life memories present more strongly after NDEs than before them. As measured by my modified ReMSA scale, past-life memories after NDEs tend to surface in the waking state more often than in dreams and to be clearer, more developed, and more veridical than past-life memories reported before NDEs. **Hypothesis 2:** These effects are most pronounced with NDEs that have a Transcendental component of 5 or above on the revised NDE Scale (International Association for Near-Death Studies, 2025), when the NDEr was an adult (18 years or older). **Hypothesis 3:** When NDEs occur in childhood or adolescence (below age 18), the same effects appear regardless of the score on the Transcendental component. **Hypothesis 4:** The effects appear independently of the NDEr’s sex. **Hypothesis 5:** The effects appear independently of the NDEr’s culture **Hypothesis 6:** The effects are independent of time elapsed between NDEs and PLMs and their reporting. Hypotheses 4 to 6 are concerned with showing the universality of the experience and ruling out the possibility that vagaries of memory account for the findings. Although Hypotheses 1 to 3 are suggested by this pilot study, they have a theoretical foundation, as I will explain in conclusion. ## Conclusion There is reason to think that deep NDEs have abiding aftereffects that promote the retrieval of memories of past-life experiences from the subconscious mind. The planned survey is concerned with PLMs and PLVS in relation to NDEs in order to test hypotheses suggested by this pilot study, but that survey could be followed by a more extended examination of factors that encourage PLM retrieval in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. There are indications that variables—manner of death, age at death, state of consciousness at death—on the previous-life side are involved with what is recalled and how likely it is to be recalled (Matlock, 2019). Cues to recall become increasingly apparent as experiencers age (Matlock, 1989). Research on adults’ past-life memories is in its early stages, but already it is clear that the essential differences in the way PLMs are expressed in childhood and adulthood are rooted in developmental psychological and neurophysiological changes (Matlock, 1989, 2019). The varying contributions of elements at different life stages might profitably be explored in a multifactorial statistical analysis. Also, if I am right about the link between transliminality and transcendent consciousness, transcendental states other than NDEs can be expected to have impacts on past-life memory retrieval in adulthood. Noemi Adamo’s PLVs following her OBE are a case in point, especially given the role OBEs played in the cases of Rand Jameson Shields (2013) and Sonya McCallum. Another direction for future research would be to investigate the neurophysiology of transcendent consciousness with an eye to influences on past-life recall. Jean-Pierre Jourdan (1994) emphasized the common underpinnings of NDEs and mystical states, and, more recently, Marina Weiler et al. (2024) took on the brain mechanisms connecting OBEs and personal transformation. Sam Parnia (2024, p. 65) drew attention to the appearance of gamma waves in after-death states, noteworthy given the link between gamma waves and transcendent consciousness in meditative states (e.g., Braboszcz et al., 2017) ## References Álvarez, A. A., Arriola-Godoy, R., & D’León, R. (2023). Near-death experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder, and supernormal abilities in a Latin American sample. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 41(1), 40-66. [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2023-41-1-p40-66](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2023-41-1-p40-66) Ben Malka, O., & Shahar, Y. (2014). 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Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(1), 17-34. [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-1993-12-1-p17-34](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-1993-12-1-p17-34). Zingrone, N., & Alvarado, C. S. (2009). Pleasurable Western adult near-death experiences: Features, circumstances, and incidence. In J. M. Holden, B. Greyson, & D. James, The handbook of near-death experiences: Thirty years of investigation (pp. 17-40). Praeger/ABC-CIO. ## Appendix A. NDE Scale (Revised) This revised version of the NDE Scale is presented on the IANDS website (International Association for Near-Death Studies, 2025). It includes the same 16 questions and response categories as the original (Greyson, 1983; Lange et al., 2004), with some minor changes in wording and the order of the response categories reversed—listed from 0 to 2 rather than from 2 to 0. Instructions to respondents: Please let me know how you would score each of the 16 items in relation to your NDE. If you had more than one NDE, please score according to your most powerful NFE. Do not merge the NDEs in the following responses. Thank you! **1. Did time seem to speed up or slow down?** 0 = No 1 = Time seemed to go faster or slower than usual 2 = Everything seemed to be happening at once; or time stopped or lost all meaning **2. Were your thoughts speeded up?** 0 = No 1 = Faster than usual 2 = Incredibly fast **3. Did scenes from your past come back to you?** 0 = No 1 = I remembered many past events 2 = My past flashed before me, out of my control **4. Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?** 0 = No 1 = Everything about myself or others 2 = Everything about the universe **5. Did you have a feeling of peace or pleasantness?** 0 = No 1 = Relief or calmness 2 = Incredible peace or pleasantness **6. Did you have a feeling of joy?** 0 = No 1 = Happiness 2 = Incredible joy **7. Did you feel a sense of harmony or unity with the universe?** 0 = No 1 = I felt no longer in conflict with nature 2 = I felt united or one with the world **8. Did you see, or feel surrounded by, a brilliant light?** 0 = No 1 = An unusually bright light 2 = A light clearly of mystical or other-worldly origin **9. Were your senses more vivid than usual?** 0 = No 1 = More vivid than usual 2 = Incredibly more vivid **10. Did you seem to be aware of things going on elsewhere, as if by extrasensory perception (ESP)?** 0 = No 1 = Yes, but the facts have not been checked out 2 = Yes, and the facts have been checked out **11. Did scenes from the future come to you?** 0 = No 1 = Scenes from my personal future 2 = Scenes from the world’s future **12. Did you feel separated from your body?** 0 = No 1 = I lost awareness of my body 2 = I clearly left my body and existed outside it **13. Did you seem to enter some other, unearthly world?** 0 = No 1 = Some unfamiliar and strange place 2 = A clearly mystical or unearthly realm **14. Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice?** 0 = No 1 = I heard a voice I could not identify 2 = I encountered a definite being, or a voice clearly of mystical or unearthly origin **15. Did you see deceased or religious spirits?** 0 = No 1 = I sensed their presence 2 = I actually saw them **16. Did you come to a border or point of no return?** 0 = No 1 = I came to a definite conscious decision to “return” to life 2 = I came to a barrier that I was not permitted to cross; or was “sent back” against my will. ## Appendix B. Modified Reincarnation Memory Strength Assessment (ReMSA) Scale **Instructions to respondents:** This questionnaire is concerned with apparent past-life memories that arose spontaneously, while awake, in altered states of consciousness, in dreams, during NDEs, etc. It is not concerned with apparent memories that came in response to attempts to induce them, in past life regression, in guided meditation, or in other ways. Please limit your responses to spontaneous memories, even if you’ve also had induced ones. Thank you! --- ### Part 1: Before your first NDE, if you had at least one NDE **1. How many lives did you recall or seem to recall before your (first) NDE?** Answer from your present perspective, even if you did not realize you were recalling a previous life then. 0 = none 1 = 1 2 = 2 or 3 3 = 4 or more **2. How many incidents or scenes did you recall in total, in all lives combined, if you remembered more than one previous life?** Answer from your present perspective, even if you did not realize you were recalling a previous life then. 0 = I recalled none distinctly 1 = 1 – 4 2 = 5 – 19 3 = 20 or more **3. How clear would you say your memories were, on average?** 0 = Very indistinct, or no conscious memories 1 = Not so clear 2 = Very clear **4. Did any of your memories come to you in your waking state?** 0 = No, I had no memories at all 1 = No, only in dreams, as mere impressions, or in other ways 2 = Yes **5. Did you have the sense that your memories were triggered by something (for instance, seeing, hearing, smelling or tasting something)?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **6. Did any of your memories come to you recurrently, with little or no change from one time to the next?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **7. Do you remember your past-life name or the names of places or people you think you must have known before?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **8. Were you able to confirm any of your memories from a past life, short of being able identify the person you were before?** Answer from your perspective before your (first) NDE. 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **9. Have you been able to verify the existence of the people you recall having been before in any of the lives you recall?** Answer from your perspective before your (first) NDE. 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes --- ### Part 2: After your NDE or first NDE, if you had more than one NDE **1. How many lives have you recalled or seemed to recall since your (first) NDE?** Include the life or lives recalled before your (first) NDE, if you have recalled it or them afterwards as well. 0 = none 1 = 1 2 = 2 or 3 3 = 4 or more **2. How many incidents or scenes have you recalled in total, in all lives combined (if you have remembered more than one life) since your (first) NDE?** 0 = I recalled none distinctly 1 = 1 – 4 2 = 5 – 19 3 = 20 or more **3. How clear would you say your memories have been since your NDE(s), on average?** 0 = Very indistinct, or no conscious memories 1 = Not so clear 2 = Very clear **4. Did any of your memories since your NDE(s) come to you in your waking state?** 0 = No, I had no memories at all 1 = No, only in dreams, as mere impressions, or in other ways 2 = Yes **5. Do you have the sense that your memories since your first NDE were triggered by something (for instance, seeing, hearing, smelling or tasting something)?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **6. Have any of your memories since your NDE come to you recurrently, with little or no change from one time to the next?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **7. Do you remember your past-life name or the names of places or people you think you must have known before?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **8. Were you able to confirm any of your memories from a past life, short of being able to identify the person you were before?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes **9. Have you been able to verify the existence of the people you recall having been before in any of the lives you recall?** 0 = No, I don’t think so 1 = I think so, but I’m not sure 2 = Yes --- ### [Reaffirming Definitional Clarity in Terminal and Paradoxical Lucidity: Reply to Michael Nahm](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/reaffirming-definitional-clarity-in-terminal-and-paradoxical-lucidity-reply-to-michael-nahm/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *From the [Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 43-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/) Alternative Link:* ## LETTER TO THE EDITOR ### Reaffirming Definitional Clarity in Terminal and Paradoxical Lucidity: Reply to Michael Nahm To the Editor, I appreciate the opportunity to address Michael Nahm’s (2024) recent critique. Unfortunately, Nahm’s Letter contained factual inaccuracies and, in my view, reflected a misunderstanding of the consensus-based definitions established within our discipline. After addressing these topics, I conclude by emphasizing the common ground between Nahm and me. **Rectifying Factual Inaccuracies** Nahm (2024) asserted that the “alleged definition of terminal lucidity (TL) that Batthyány presented in his Letter (2023a) and his book (2023b) conspicuously lacks, of all things, a mention of the proximity to death” (p. 73). I found this assertion quite surprising. Regarding my Letter, the second sentence explicitly stated: “Terminal lucidity is the unexpected return of mental clarity shortly before death in patients suffering from severe psychiatric and neurologic disorders” (Batthyány, 2023a, emphasis added). Regarding my book, two points seem relevant. First, the title—*Threshold: Terminal Lucidity and the Border of Life and Death*—clearly referenced the centrality of the timing of TL as being on the verge of death. Second, in the opening pages of the book, I described TL as occurring “at the hour of death” (p. 5)—and I sustained this focus throughout the book. Indeed, the proximity to death is the defining theme of the work; the entire theoretical framework rests upon the explicit significance of the “pre-mortem” window. The theme of Nahm’s (2024) Letter was the need for greater accuracy in the scholarship of our shared field of study, so it is difficult to fathom how a central tenet so plainly evident—inscribed in the very title of my monograph and the second sentence of my Letter—could have been overlooked. **Functional vs. Fundamental Distinction: The Consensus Framework** Although Nahm (2024) frequently referenced his co-authorship of the Mashour et al. (2019) white paper, it may be clarifying to provide some context regarding the origins of that framework. The white paper arose from an expert workshop convened by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health, of which one of the explicit aims was to produce a consensus document. Although Nahm contributed to the final paper, he was not among the participants at the summit, which included, alphabetically by last name, myself, Lori Frank, Bruce Greyson, Jason Karlawish, Ann Marie Kolanowski, George A. Mashour, Serguei Pakhomov, Dena Schulman-Green, and Raj C. Shah, and, from the NIA, Basil Eldadah, Elena Fazio, and Kristina McLinden. Much of the data evaluated at the workshop originated from case studies subsequently published as statistical analyses in Batthyány and Greyson (2021). As an attendee of those discussions, I can attest that the resulting paper’s definition was intended to integrate, rather than isolate, terms. The white paper hence explicitly referenced case studies “focused on the time around death,” noting that “the phenomenon \[paradoxical lucidity\] in this context is sometimes called terminal lucidity” (Mashour et al., 2019). The operative context here is the proximity to death rather than a categorical separation. Had a categorical distinction been intended, the paper would have articulated one. In this sense, terminal lucidity is not a separate phenomenon, but, rather, is a temporal designation for paradoxical lucidity occurring near death. As the team of Professor Karlawish—himself a workshop participant and co-author of the Mashour (2019) white paper—recently confirmed in a similar exchange with Nahm: “Terminal lucidity should be regarded as an instance of paradoxical lucidity, but not all instances of paradoxical lucidity should be regarded as terminal” and that terminal lucidity is thus properly understood as a “special subtype of paradoxical lucidity” (Peterson et al., 2022). **The Problem of “Clinical Noise:**” **The Fallacy of Non-Paradoxical “Unexpectedness”** I concur with Nahm (2024) that restricting paradoxical lucidity or terminal lucidity, as in our white paper and some of my and his work, to severe chronic neurological, psychiatric, or neurodegenerative disease may prove too narrow, because the phenomenon also appears in acute-onset neurological disorders or secondary neurological involvement (Batthyány & Greyson, 2021; Batthyány, 2023b). However, I have doubts that Nahm’s current proposal to, therefore, extend the definition to include patients who were merely “dull” (2024, p. 76) or “drowsy or confused .. with healthy brains” (2022b, p. 270) is advisable. There is still a substantial difference between shifting the focus from neurodegenerative diseases to include acute neurological disorders—or neurological involvement in systemic diseases—and further opening the definition to admit such mild fluctuations as dullness or drowsiness “with healthy brains” into the definition of TL. I fear that this proposal introduces a degree of clinical noise that is scientifically unfounded and that threatens to seriously undermine the term’s discriminant validity. To illustrate: Under Nahm’s proposal (2022a, 2022b; 2024), a patient who had been “dull” or “drowsy” and “with healthy brain” but then—after a prolonged period without adequate rest—finally enjoyed a restorative night’s sleep, unbeknownst to caregivers, would qualify as exhibiting “terminal lucidity.” The mere fact that such a patient, having thereby replenished previously depleted cognitive resources, engaged in meaningful communication before passing away within 24 hours would suffice. But such an event would merely represent a normal, albeit perhaps subjectively “unexpected,” physiological fluctuation. To place minor clinical variations without pathological brain involvement—such as a subjectively unexpected improvement in a patient’s cognitive state following a good night’s sleep or adequately nutritious food—in the same scientific category as an end-stage Alzheimer’s patient who, after months of mutism and profound cognitive decay, suddenly recognizes family members and speaks coherently hours before death, is, in my view, untenable. If all such cases are admitted into the catalogues of terminal lucidity, the category loses its scientific validity and usefulness. Without a requirement for a neurological baseline, case collections would become overcrowded with minor clinical fluctuations that happened to occur before a patient’s death, effectively obscuring the profound neurobiological mystery of true terminal lucidity under an accumulation of clinical noise. Hence, the proposed expansion of the spectrum—from pathological brain involvement to merely “drowsy” or “dull” in the explicit absence of brain pathology under a single conceptual umbrella—obscures these clinically significant distinctions and engenders confusion rather than clarity, thus elevating the risk of artifacts that contaminate the data. It is possible that Nahm (2024) sought to pre-empt this objection by retaining the criterion “unexpected” (2024) in his definition of terminal lucidity. But this retention does not resolve the problem; it merely makes it more visible: namely, that the word “unexpected” becomes uncertain and potentially arbitrary when not understood in a clearly diagnostic or clinical sense—that is, not as a function of the disease itself, but as a function of the expectations of third parties who happen to find this or that turn in the patient’s condition surprising. In other words, this matter involves distinctions between fundamentally different forms of what it means for an event to be “unexpected.” In the first case, the improvement may only remain unexpected until one becomes aware of all the factors that contributed to the temporary amelioration—such as a restorative night’s sleep—which effectively reduces this criterion to a criterion of lack of information. In the second case, however, the word “unexpected” carries an altogether different, namely clinical, weight. Furthermore, by expanding the scope of TL to encompass minor fluctuations—from “dull” to “alert” within neurologically intact populations, the construct becomes ontologically tethered to the timing of death. This association creates a circular dependency wherein the diagnosis is contingent upon a possibly entirely unrelated outcome. This conceptual elasticity facilitates a post-hoc fallacy, conflating two potentially decoupled phenomena—a transient, if unexpected, physiological surge and the subsequent death of the patient—into a single, teleological construct. Expanding the scope of TL in this way would, in effect, conflate a temporal sequence with a biological consequence. **On Scientific Maturation and Semantic Revision** Naturally, as in any evolving field, definitions and case evaluations evolve and sometimes remain in flux; my own usage of the term has developed with further research, as indeed has Nahm’s—one need only compare his earlier definition of TL as lucid episodes in patients with “severe neurological and psychiatric disorders” (Nahm et al., 2012, p. 138) with his current, considerably more expansive formulation (Nahm, 2022, a, b; 2024). As already pointed out, I grant that I may have, at times, placed excessive emphasis on the role of neurodegenerative diseases. I suspect, however, that some of Nahm’s criticism somewhat misses the genre of the respective chapters of my book (Batthyány, 2023b), for in these chapters I first described the historical development of my research: my grandmother’s case, our early attempts as a working group at the University of Vienna in the winter semester of 2009, our first study, the NIA workshop, and so forth. To extract remarks from these intermediate steps and pin them down as inconsistencies seems not entirely appropriate. Having said that, Nahm is not wrong to observe that in my earlier publications, I may have included accounts in which the neurological component appeared unclear, or where I speculatively considered such involvement likely. I am not certain, however, that Nahm’s criticism here is entirely justified. For example, he took issue with my mention in Threshold (Batthyány, 2023b) of the case of Queen Dagmar of Denmark—though he omitted the fact that I made this mention as an attributed quotation from Macleod to illustrate that unexpected lucidity attracted attention as early as the 13th century. Contrary to Nahm’s claim that Queen Dagmar was merely giving birth (Nahm, 2024, p.74), however, her critical state—described as being taken for “dead”—suggests a profound physiological crisis with at least some neurological involvement. Whether the underlying cause was puerperal sepsis or eclampsia, both pathways necessarily involve significant cerebral impairment: In the case of advanced sepsis, the systemic inflammatory response and subsequent septic shock would trigger sepsis-associated encephalopathy, whereby bacterial endotoxins and global hypoxia due to hypotension cause acute brain dysfunction and coma. Alternatively, if the condition arose from eclampsia, the “coma” would represent a primary neurological catastrophe characterized by hypertensive brain edema and a deep postictal state following tonic-clonic seizures. Consequently, given that both sepsis-induced hypoxia and eclamptic cerebral edema fundamentally disrupt the central nervous system, the presence of significant neurological damage remains entirely plausible, making the claim of a condition without neurological involvement physiologically unlikely. Yet Nahm also took issue with the fact that, in my earlier work, I did not include cases involving diseases such as cancer. I handled the matter thus, however, for a different reason than Nahm appears to have assumed. I made this distinction as a matter of basic scientific hygiene for the very same reason that I consider it inadvisable to regard neurologically healthy “dull” or “drowsy” patients as candidates for TL. In many such cancer cases, including terminal cases, cognitive fluctuations can be explained as, in principle, predictable clinical recovery following, for example, the cessation of chemotherapy or high-dose analgesics with cognitively relevant side effects. Although such improvements may be impressive—even “unexpectedly” robust to attending physicians or family members—they represent a well-understood replenishment of resources and are fully explicable within existing conceptual frameworks. On the other hand, I am not certain that the “peritonitis” case that Nahm (2024) cited truly serves as good evidence for a non-neurological definition: The patient’s confusion and unconsciousness are clinical features likely pointing to sepsis-related encephalopathy (Shuliatnikova & Shavrin, 2018), which would make it a classic example of TL under the neurological definition. **Common Ground** To again emphasize our common ground and narrow down our differences, I concur with Nahm that restricting paradoxical lucidity or terminal lucidity to chronic or neurodegenerative disease is too narrow. Hence, my earlier exclusion of cancer and other cases may have been too cautious. Point taken. However, I consider Nahm’s expansion to cases in which individuals felt “dull” or “drowsy” prior to a lucid episode to compromise the conceptual integrity of the phenomenon. In any case, time will tell which concepts and taxonomies or nosologies better accommodate the observed phenomena. My recent work with colleagues (Gilmore-Bykovskyi et al., 2021; Griffin et al., 2024), for example, demonstrates a diverse spectrum of lucidity requiring precise, data-driven categorization, and it seems likely that typologies—though not necessarily categories of unexpected lucid episodes will require expansion or further narrowing. I suspect Nahm and I would agree that any expansion of our conceptual framework must be driven by empirical data and rigorous typologies rather than by semantic dilution that robs the term of its scientific utility. Ultimately, this debate will not be settled by terminology alone. Only further empirical work will resolve these questions and is, in any case, already in the process of doing so. **References** Batthyány, A. (2023a). Terminal lucidity: The need for accuracy and integrity \[Letter to the Editor\]. *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, 41(1), 67-71. [https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2023-41-1-p67-71](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2023-41-1-p67-71) Batthyány, A. (2023b). *Threshold: Terminal lucidity and the border of life and death*. St. Martin’s Essentials. Batthyány, A., & Greyson, B. (2021). Spontaneous remission of dementia before death: Results from a study on paradoxical lucidity. *Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice*, 8(1), 1-8. Gilmore-Bykovskyi, A., Block, L., Benson, C., & Griffin, J. M. (2021). The importance of conceptualizing and defining episodes of lucidity. *Journal of Gerontological Nursing*, 47(4), 5. [https://doi.org10](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org10).3928/00989134-20210326-01 Griffin, J. M., Kim, K., Finnie, D. M., Lapid, M. I., Gaugler, J. E., Batthyány, A., & Frangiosa, T. (2024). Developing and describing a typology of lucid episodes among people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*, 20(4), 2434-2443. Mashour, G. A., Frank, L., Batthyány, A., Kolanowski, A. M., Nahm, M., Schulman-Green, D., Greyson, B., Pakhomov, S., Karlawish, J., & Shah, R. C. (2019). Paradoxical lucidity: A potential paradigm shift for the neurobiology and treatment of severe dementias. *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*, 15(8), 1107-1114. Nahm, M. (2022a). Terminal lucidity versus paradoxical lucidity: A terminological clarification. *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*, 18(3), 538-539. Nahm, M. (2022b). The importance of the exceptional in tackling riddles of consciousness and unusual episodes of lucidity. *Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition*, 2(2), 264-296. Nahm, M. (2024). Defining terminal lucidity: Taking the need for accuracy and integrity seriously \[Letter to the Editor\]. *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, 41(2), 70-78. Nahm, M., Greyson, B., Kelly, E. W., & Haraldsson, E. (2012). Terminal lucidity: A review and a case collection. *Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics*, 55(1), 138-142. Peterson, A., Clapp, J., Harkins, K., Kleid, M., Largent, E. A., Stites, S. D., & Karlawish, J. (2022). Is there a difference between terminal lucidity and paradoxical lucidity? *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*, 18(3), 540-541. [https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12579](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12579) Shuliatnikova, T. V., & Shavrin, V. O. (2018). Sepsis associated encephalopathy and abdominal sepsis: Current state of problem. *Art of Medicine*, 3(7), 158-165. Alexander Batthyány, PhD, Director and Chair Institute for Theoretical Psychology and Personalist Studies Pázmány Péter Catholic University Budapest, Hungary alexander.batthyany@gmail.com --- ### [Follow-Up to "Response to 'Fabrication and Falsification in AI-Generated Manuscripts'"](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/follow-up-to-response-to-fabrication-and-falsification-in-ai-generated-manuscripts/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *From the [Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 43-1](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/)* *Alternative Link:* [*https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2025-43-1-p69-70*](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2025-43-1-p69-70) ## LETTER TO THE EDITOR ### Follow-Up to “Response to ‘Fabrication and Falsification in AI-Generated Manuscripts'” To the Editor: As a follow-up to my response to Bruce Greyson’s (2024) Guest Editorial, “Fabrication and Falsification in AI-Generated Manuscripts,” I would like to point out some additional findings and resources. As Greyson highlighted in a personal communication on December 21, 2025, even *Rolling Stone* magazine (Klee, 2025) has addressed the issue of artificial intelligence (AI) accuracy and the associated challenges. Inaccuracies in a single article can lead to subsequent articles building upon and perpetuating these inaccuracies, adversely affecting any scholarly work that relies on this information (Klee, 2025). Additionally, it impacts the work of those whom we rely on to provide accurate information. “Fake citations have turned into a nightmare for research librarians, who by some estimates are wasting up to 15 percent of their work hours responding to requests for nonexistent records that ChatGPT or Google Gemini alluded to” (Klee, 2025). That estimate highlights the importance for scholars to engage critically with AI and to assert and maintain ultimate ownership of their work. To achieve this goal, ongoing continuing education is necessary. Staying current on tools and issues related to the use of AI in research can be a daunting task. However, some YouTube channels regularly post review videos of AI tools for research and can keep researchers informed. My personal favorite is Andy Stapleton’s channel, titled simply “Andy Stapleton” (Stapleton, n.d.). In a recent video, Stapleton (2025) stated about large language model (LLM) AI systems, “These are plausibility machines” (8:59) and pointed out that thorough checking down to the actual content of a specific article, not just its abstract or introduction, is always required to ensure accuracy. Even using more expensive and supposedly better versions of AI platforms cannot stop LLMs from hallucinating, and costs are not always a reliable indicator of accuracy, as the comparison in this video shows. Stapleton explicitly recommended that authors avoid using LLMs for references and pointed to AI systems specializing in literature search based on real databases, such as Elicit, SciSpace, or Consensus. Despite being a strong proponent of AI for research, he is a critical user of this technology and strongly advocates for its ethical use. Because this video is both informative and less than 12 minutes long, I recommend that researchers take the time to view it. My own experience matches Stapleton’s (2025) findings. Additionally, I have observed that not every AI tool is equally suitable for specific areas of research. An environmental scientist might get greater benefit from one literature search-focused AI platform, and a consciousness researcher might get better results from another tool. To reap the benefits from using these tools, an investment of time and money is required. Scholars will have to determine which path is right for them in their research area and whether the benefits will justify the effort. In many cases, I think they will. However, merely testing one or two tools over a brief period is insufficient. A more extensive engagement and experience are required. Using Stapleton’s video channel or similar sources offers a good starting point for scholars to build their own AI-supported workflow. **References** Greyson, B. (2024). Fabrication and falsification in AI-generated manuscripts. *Journal of Near-Death Studies*, 42(3). Klee, M. (2025, December 17). AI is inventing academic papers that don’t exist—And they’re being cited in real journals. *Rolling Stone*. Stapleton, A. (Director). (2025, October 27). *The ultimate AI showdown: ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini* \[Video recording\]. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDN\_XVcdCLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDN_XVcdCLo) Stapleton, A. (n.d.). Andy Stapleton. *YouTube*. Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, LPC (TX), NCC, PhD Candidate Department of Counseling University of the Cumberlands nklaunig6986@ucumberlands.edu norman@klaunig.com --- ### [Editor's Foreword](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/volume-43-1-journal-of-near-death-studies/editors-foreword/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Sorry, but you do not have permission to view this content. --- ### [Continuing Education (CE) at IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) For Symposium attendees seeking continuing education (CE), the cost of CE is $15 in addition to the Symposium registration fee and paid at the time of registration. **Professional counselors**, and other healthcare professionals who can use National Board for Certified Counselors continuing education to fulfill their CE requirement: You may earn up to five (5) hours of CE by attending the Symposium. This continuing education opportunity is provided through IANDS’s partnership with the [Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling](https://www.aservic.org/), a division of the American Counseling Association. **Nurses:** This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Emergency Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. **Social workers:** This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886851476-1932) for 5 continuing education contact hours. New York and West Virginia do not accept CE credit from this National CE Approval Program. **Other professionals:** If you are a professional not covered by the above categories, you may receive a CE Certificate of Attendance verifying up to five (5) hours of Symposium attendance. Before you register for CE, check with your CE provider to ensure they will accept a Certificate of Attendance for your CE credit. --- ### [Recent Issues of the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/recent-issues-of-the-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Sorry, but you do not have permission to view this content. --- ### [Speakers: IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) Below you’ll find our full list of speakers at IANDS Spring Symposium 2026. Please be sure to also take a look at the event’s schedule, and learn how you can attend this special online event. ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/26-IANDS-Symposium-Presenter-Info-Batts-2-photo-1.jpg "26 iands symposium presenter info batts 2 photo 1 ‣ iands")## Chris Batts, AA, AA After enduring lifelong trauma and abuse, Chris Batts attempted suicide and had a near-death experience. Although this suicide attempt failed, it enabled him to meet angels as well as God. Chris is now pursuing his purpose as a public speaker, sharing a message of God’s love, and advocating for suicide prevention. Author of the best-selling book *[Boom](https://www.amazon.com/Boom-Times-Suicide-Death-Experiencer/dp/1095405756),* Chris has two associate degrees, is currently working on his bachelor’s degree, and enjoys his career in special education. ![Nicole consiglio-thogersen](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nicole_Consiglio-Thogersen-589x1024.jpg "Nicole_consiglio-thogersen ‣ iands")## Nicole Consiglio-Thogersen Nicole Consiglio-Thogersen is a survivor and speaker with lived experience of self-harm, addiction, and a life-altering near-death experience. In 2021, Nicole suffered a critical medical emergency related to alcohol use and spent 32 days in a coma on life support. What followed was not only physical recovery but also a reckoning with survival, meaning, and healing after coming close to death. Through their work, Nicole Consiglio-Thogersen speaks candidly and compassionately about near-death experiences, recovery, and what it takes to keep going—especially when life feels unbearable. ![Susie herrick](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/26-IANDS-Symposium-Presenter-Info-Herrick-2-1-762x1024.jpg "26 iands symposium presenter info herrick 2 ‣ iands")## **Susie Herrick**, LMFT (CA) Susie Herrick is a licensed psychotherapist, past academic department chair (Institute of Transpersonal Psychology/[Sofia University](https://www.sofia.edu/)), past adjunct faculty at [Santa Clara University](https://www.scu.edu/), mediator, consultant, writer, and speaker ([WISDOM ](https://wisdom2summit.com/)[2.0](http://web.archive.org/web/20181027024137/http:/www.wisdom2summit.com/Speakers/myriad_single_element/3001), [International Enneagram Association](https://www.internationalenneagram.org/), [Stanford Haas Center](https://haas.stanford.edu/about), and [IANDS](https://iands.org/)). She has consulted and trained on the Enneagram and on mediation at institutes and corporations such as [Stanford Law](https://law.stanford.edu/), [Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/about), [Google](https://www.google.com/about/our-company/), and [San Quentin State Prison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Quentin_State_Prison). In her graduate academic roles, Susie has taught suicide prevention and has served in suicide hotline work via Magellan Health and other corporations, serving California state and U.S. Federal employees, and she has performed psychological autopsies for grieving families after a suicide. Currently, Susie has a private practice. She is also the author of two books, *Aphrodite Emerges* and *Your Story Is Your Power*, the latter co-authored with Elle Luna, with both books focused on freeing the feminine voice and intelligence that we all possess, men and women alike. ![Janice miner holden](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/26-IANDS-Symposium-Presenter-Info-Holden-2-photo.jpeg "26 iands symposium presenter info holden 2 photo ‣ iands")## Jan Holden, EdD, LPC-S (TX), ACMHP Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP, retired in 2019 as professor emerita of Counseling from the [University of North Texas](http://www.unt.edu/) following 31 years on faculty—including 12 years as chair of the Department of Counseling & Higher Education. Beginning with her 1988 doctoral dissertation, Jan’s primary research focus has been counseling implications of near-death experiences, after-death communication, and other transpersonal experiences—those that transcend the usual personal limits of space, time, identity, and influence. In this research area she has over 50 refereed journal publications, several books and book chapters, over 100 national and international presentations, and several awards and honors. Since university retirement, Jan has remained active in research, education, and professional publication, presentation, and service. She has served since 2008 as editor of the scholarly peer-reviewed *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies")* and for six years – 2020-2025 — as president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies. ![Norman klaunig](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/26-IANDS-Symposium-Presenter-Info-Klaunig-2-photo-1024x1024.jpeg "26 iands symposium presenter info klaunig 2 photo ‣ iands")## Norman Klaunig, PhD Candidate, MA, MBA, LPC (TX), NCC Norman is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who is currently a PhD Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the [University of the Cumberlands](http://www.ucumberlands.edu/). His interest in near-death and other transpersonal experiences started during his youth. Now, Norman identifies as a transpersonal counselor, integrating the spiritual dimension into the counseling process. He has a virtual counseling practice serving all of Texas. Norman extensively studied and continues to study the near-death experience / spiritually transformative experience / transpersonal experience literature and has contributed to the [*Journal of Near-Death Studies*](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies") and the IANDS magazine *[Vital Signs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")*. ![Jeffrey long](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/26-IANDS-Symposium-Presenter-Info-Long-2-photo-1024x809.jpg "26 iands symposium presenter info long 2 photo ‣ iands")## Jeffrey Long, MD Jeffrey Long is a full-time radiation oncology physician practicing in Kentucky and a prominent researcher of near-death experiences (NDEs). Over 25 years ago, he founded the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation ([NDERF](https://nderf.org/index.htm)) website (www.nderf.org). Available in over 30 languages, the website serves a global audience and hosts the world’s most extensive collection of scientifically studied NDEs with over 4,000 accounts. Jeff’s groundbreaking research is prominently featured in his New York Times bestselling book, *Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences.* He has appeared on major television programs, including NBC’s *Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show, National Geographic, The History Channel, CBS Inside Edition, The O’Reilly Factor,* and many international broadcasts. His recent podcast interviews have reached millions, further broadening the impact and recognition of his pioneering work in NDE research. ![David maginley](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/26-IANDS-Symposium-Presenter-Info-Maginley-2-photo-696x1024.jpg "26 iands symposium presenter info maginley 2 photo ‣ iands")## David Maginley, MDiv, CSCP Rev. David Maginley is a Lutheran minister and psychospiritual specialist in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For 25 years, he provided spiritual care to cancer, palliative and intensive care patients. He is a four-time cancer survivor, which resulted in a profound near-death experience and exploration of the nature of consciousness. David is the award-winning author of *Beyond Surviving: Cancer* and *Your Spiritual Journey and Early Exits: Spirituality, Mortality and Meaning in an Age of Medical Assistance in Dying*. ![Evan mecham](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Evan-Mecham.jpg "Evan mecham ‣ iands")## Evan Mecham, MA Evan Mecham is an American business leader with more than 40 years of experience who currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of BPE, Inc. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Jill, to whom he has been married for 55 years. In his early 30s, Evan survived a catastrophic automobile accident that resulted in life-threatening injuries and a profound near-death experience. This event became a defining moment, shaping his lifelong interest in consciousness, healing, and human transformation. Following his recovery, Evan earned a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology and became a teacher of meditation and dreamwork. He is a frequent speaker and podcast guest, sharing insights drawn from both personal experience and academic study. Evan has served on the board of Caritas Spiritual Center in Boulder, Colorado, and joined the board of the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) in 2023. He currently serves as President of IANDS. --- ### [Past IANDS Conferences: See our Full Conference History](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Conference Home](https://iands.org/events/conference/) - [Registration](https://iands.org/events/conference/register/) - [Hotel and Trip Planning](https://iands.org/events/conference/bellevue-washington-trip-planning-for-iands-conference-2026/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/conference/schedule-iands-conference-2026/) - [Keynote Speakers](https://iands.org/events/conference/keynote-speakers-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Presenters](https://iands.org/events/conference/presenters-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Exhibitors](https://iands.org/events/conference/exhibitors-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Volunteer](https://iands.org/events/conference/volunteer-at-iands-conference-2026/) - [Sponsorships/ Advertising](https://iands.org/events/conference/sponsorships-and-advertising/) - [Past Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/) - [Room and Ride Sharing](https://iands.org/events/conference/iands-conference-2026-room-and-ride-sharing/) - [Healing Center](https://iands.org/events/conference/healing-center-at-iands-conference-2026/) If you’re interested in learning about the full history of our past IANDS Conferences, you’ve come to the right place. This page reflects our full archive of past IANDS Conferences, dating back to our very earliest medical conference in 1982. ## Past IANDS Conferences: The Early Years While not really a Conference in the modern sense, **the first IANDS “Conference” was a medical seminar held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut in 1982**. This was followed by our first clinical conference in Pembroke Pines, Florida and our first research conference in Farmington, Connecticut, both in 1984. A general conference was held In 1989, taking place in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and then another was held in Washington, DC in 1990. ![Past iands conferences: this is the logo from iands conference 1996](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1996logo.jpg "1996logo ‣ iands")**IANDS began holding annual conferences in 1993**, and there’s been an IANDS Conference almost every year since, apart from 2002 and 2007. The list of IANDS Conferences in the 1990s include: - **[1993](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/past-iands-conferences-1993-north-american-conference/)**: St. Louis, Missouri - **[1994](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1994-san-antonio/)**: San Antonio, Texas - **[1995](https://iands.org/iands-conference-1995-hartford-connecticut/)**: Hartford, Connecticut - **[1996](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1996-oakland/)**: Oakland, California - **[1997](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1997-san-antonio/ "IANDS Conference 1997: San Antonio")**: San Antonio, Texas - **[1998](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1998-salt-lake-city/ "IANDS Conference 1998: Salt Lake City")**: Salt Lake City, Utah - **[1999](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1999-vancouver/ "IANDS Conference 1999: Vancouver")**: Vancouver, British Columbia ## Past IANDS Conferences: The 2000s Since 1993, we’ve only missed two years for holding IANDS Conferences, and both took place in the 2000s—2002 and 2007 specifically. Here’s the full list of IANDS Conferences in the 2000s: ![The logo for iands conference 2000](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2000logo.jpg "2000logo ‣ iands")- **[2000](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-2000-philadelphia/ "IANDS Conference 2000: Philadelphia"):** Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - **[2001](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-2001-seattle/ "IANDS Conference 2001: Seattle"):** Seattle, Washington - **2003:** Honolulu, Hawaii - **2004:** Evanston, Illinois - **2005:** Virginia Beach, Virginia - **2006:** Houston, Texas - **2008:** Durham, North Carolina - **2009:** San Diego, California ## The 2010s - **2010:** Denver, Colorado - **2011:** Durham, North Carolina - **2012:** Scottsdale, Arizona - **2013:** Arlington, Virginia - **2014:** Newport Beach, California - **2015**: San Antonio, Texas - **2016:** Orlando, Florida - **2017:** Westminster, Colorado - **2018:** Bellevue, Washington - **2019:** King of Prussia, Pennsylvania ## The 2020s The world effectively shut down in 2020 and 2021 due to [the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.cdc.gov/museum/timeline/covid19.html). It was a period of lockdowns, social distancing, and isolation. And during those two years, our IANDS Conferences were held online, resuming with an in-person Conference in 2022. - **2020:** Online - **2021:** Online - **2022:** Salt Lake City, Utah - **2023:** Washington, DC - **2024:** Phoenix, Arizona - **2025:** Oak Brook, Illinois - [**2026**](https://iands.org/events/conference/ "IANDS Conference 2026: Come See the Largest NDE Gathering in the World")**:** Bellevue, Washington [![Iands conference 2026 in bellevue washington august 26th to august 30th 2026](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IANDS-Conference-2026-1024x148.jpg "Iands-conference-2026 ‣ iands")](https://iands.org/events/conference/) --- ### [IANDS Conference 2001: Seattle](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-2001-seattle/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This article presents information regarding IANDS Conference 2001, which took place in Seattle, Washington from July 26th to July 28th at Seattle Pacific University. Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![The logo for iands conference 2001 at seattle pacific university](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2001logo.jpg "2001logo ‣ iands")The logo for IANDS Conference 2001 at Seattle Pacific University## A Leap in the Dark (Jayne Smith) I support the position that the NDE is an experiential vehicle not solely for the benefit of the experiencer, but for the dissemination of such universal truths and “perennial wisdom” as may be revealed; that there is quite possibly a “celestial speedup” occurring now which circumvents the long evolutionary process generally required for growth; that it is time to focus on understanding the content of NDEs with the same zeal as has been displayed toward attempting to understand the mechanics. I present revelations from my own NDE, citing relevant commentary from such sources as Gary Zukav, John White, and A Course in Miracles for further amplification. We can bring peace to planet Earth only if we act on the message that hundreds and hundreds of NDEers bring back: it’s all about love. ## Physically Impossible Penetrations During NDEs: A Hyperspatial Analysis (F. Gordon Greene) This presentation concentrates on analyzing two visionary sensations experienced during near-death experiences (NDEs) and on finding the most suitable explanation to account for these effects: 1) sensations of seeing through ordinarily opaque and presumably solid physical obstructions and 2) sensations of passing through such obstructions. A hyperspatial explanation is favored over two other explanatory models. The first of these other models is the simple out-of-body (OBE) explanation supposing that some aspect of human nature actually separates from the physical body; the second is the brain-generated hallucinatory model supposing that NDEs are entirely brain dependent. The OBE explanation is dismissed because 15 years of parapsychological research have failed to confirm the existence of an OBE component to human nature. The brain-generated hallucinatory model is dismissed because this approach cannot account for the reported paranormal accompaniments to NDEs. In the hyperspatial model, sensations of seeing and passing through physical obstructions presumably become possible when human awareness begins to function within a fractally-dimensioned body possessing more than three but less than four dimensions. Those who occupy this posited body presumably are able to perceive our world from without and to move in fractally dimensioned increments through a spatially more comprehensive reality level existing outside of and at right angles to our three-dimensional world. ## Hyperdimensional Imagery in Out-of-Body & Near-Death Experiences (Robert Brumblay, M.D.) Recent theories of modern physics predict that the universe has more dimensions than are apparent to us. Many near-death experiencers report the perception that there are more dimensions than we are commonly aware of. These two statements might be related. This presentation examines the possibility of additional dimensions (hyperdimensions), what they would seem like, and whether they seem to be described in out-of-body and NDE accounts. ## Welcome to the Land of Awes (Kimberly Clark Sharp, M.S.W.) Kansas girl drops dead on sidewalk, travels to Oz, decides to live in Emerald City. She meets others who have traveled the yellow brick road and decides to form a support group. This presentation tells the stories of these travelers’ time in the Land of “Awes”. ## Veridical Perception During NDEs: What Have We Learned, and Where Are We Going? (Janice Holden, Ed.D. & Jeffrey Long, M.D.) Veridical perception occurs when NDErs apparently accurately perceive earthly events from a vantage point outside their physical bodies – events that are imperceptible from the vantage point of their physical bodies. Because veridical NDEs can potentially be corroborated, these experiences hold great promise to help establish whether NDEs are “real”. The presenters review published research about veridical perception; report on the results of a current, large-scale study of self-reported verdical NDErs; describe a planned experimental study of veridical NDEs in the hospital setting; and seek feedback from participants and answer their questions. ## Afterwards: Coming to Terms with a Frightening NDE (Nancy Bush, M.A.) My premise is that as radiant NDEs reflect a peak of spiritual experience, so terrifying NDEs are an excursion into the spiritual depths and can lead to profound insight. However, the difficulties in achieving that understanding are enormous. Unlike people emerging from radiant spiritual experiences knowing, “I am loved!,” these experiencers know equally strongly that they are threatened, damned, cast out; they carry within themselves not joy but betrayal and terror. During this presentation I share some perspectives about alternative interpretations, based on almost 40 years of personal experience, such NDE-related research as there is, and wide reading in the spiritual literature as well as in Jungian shadow, post-traumatic stress, and psychedelic experience. ## Body, Soul, and Spirit: After Effects of a Multiple Experiencer (Martha Wall) When a pupil is ready a teacher appears. Numerous teachers have been sent to enlighten me throughout my life. The presentation is not about me: it’s about the free gift of the Holy Spirit which is the power of love and self control. The opposing type of power is control of others which I chose to deal with in my family. My multiple experiences gave me insight into people whose hair I styled in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and California. In addition I taught hair coloring, advanced styling, and how to heal the body to produce more hair. For forty years my customers told me of their near death experiences and child abuse. ## The Nature & Meaning of NDEs to Patients & Critical Care Nurses (Linda Morris, Ph.D., R.N.C.) This study was designed to develop a conceptual framework of the near-death experience (NDE), reflecting its nature and meaning for the patient and the critical-care nurse. The study used naturalistic inquiry to examine the question: What is the nature and meaning of an NDE and how has it influenced the individual’s view of the self, the future, and feelings and beliefs about life and death? A quantitative instrument, the Greyson NDE Scale, was used with patients, and semi-structured interview guides were used with both nurses and patients to explore the NDE from a comprehensive perspective. This study highlighted the emotional aspects of the NDE and the findings showed that it was a transformative experience for both patients and nurses. Because NDEs do occur, critical care nurses must be knowledgeable about them in order to realize the implications of the NDE in their patients and help them resolve the meaning of the experience for their lives. ## Homesick for Heaven (Vanessa Chicca) I was born homesick. My first breath was filled with longing to be back in the heavenly realms from which we all come. Nevertheless I found myself here on Earth, squeezed into a tiny little body. I’m still not sure how I, as a wise and wonderful spiritual entity, was convinced I could make a difference here and now. Nevertheless here I am, doing just that! Many of us don’t realize we simply suffer from homesickness. It’s an epidemic! The good news is it’s easy to diagnose and even easier to treat. The prognosis is good and the recovery rate is even better! We can achieve happier, healthier lives as we fulfill our purpose here, and the best is yet to come. ## What White Light (Chuck Gaylord) Light and LIGHT: an experiencer’s exploration of physiological, psychological and spiritual explanations and perspectives. Chuck offers a comparison of experiences of the light, from the clearly physical to the clearly spiritual, building on his own spectrum of “light” experiences. From his search for explanations and meaning, he weaves together a layman’s exploration into physiology, neurology, psychology, meditation, spirituality and mysticism. Drawing on many fields, ranging from migraine aura to neurological models of perception, from existential philosophy to Buddhist Adhidharma, from meditational experiences and Wilber’s spectrum of consciousness to models of human development, Chuck illustrates both the value of differing perspectives, and the richness of human experience. ## Are NDErs Out of Their Bodies or Out of Their Minds? (Bruce Greyson, M.D.) Some clinicians have suggested that NDEs are a form of mental illness. One reason for that suggestion is that NDErs often seem to perceive and believe things that non-experiencers cannot perceive and find unbelievable. Another reason is that NDErs often have difficulty returning to the social and occupational roles they had prior to their experiences. Specific mental conditions that have been hypothetically linked to NDEs include autoscopy, drug-induced hallucinations, psychosis, depersonalization, dissociation, absorption, fantasy proneness, and posttraumatic stress disorder. I review the objective data bearing on the question of specific mental illnesses and general psychological distress in NDErs. Based on that review of the empirical evidence, I discuss the possible evolutionary value of NDEs. ## The NDE as a Channel to Higher Truths (Barbara Rommer, M.D.) The majority of near-death experiencers ultimately affirm the inter-connection of us all with each other and with that highest energy source. Most NDErs also confirm that the living, loving, bright, white light is a representation or extension of The Creator, and that The Creator radiates unconditional love and acceptance, forgiveness and nonjudgment. Many NDEs suggest the validity of other higher truths such as reincarnation, and the fact that all knowledge is available to us and most probably is already known on a soul level. Many experiencers report being taken to classrooms and libraries in the other dimensions to learn. Some persons have been shown that although our earthly future is known in the already mapped perfect plan, our free will may certainly amend the direction. Also, although our astral bodies are perfect, our physical bodies are less than perfect, but certainly may be healed during an NDE. ## Social Responsibilities of the Near-Death Experiencer (Taffy Lee Williams) Discussion centers on the NDEr’s role in society, the influence of spirituality in social settings both informal and formal, at grass roots or political levels, in social activism and in personal growth. Topics included in the presentation: 1) After the Return: What’s Next? New directions, focusing new and emerging energies, personality traits, values, goals, shifting priorities and internal chaos in the aftermath of an NDE. Examining values that shape the goals for social evolution, environmental responsibilities and the quandaries of personal “mission”. 2) Keys to Recovery. NDErs discovering social, political or environmental goals or activism which in turn bolsters self-actualization and self-esteem. 3) The NDEr: A Powerful Motivational Force in Actions for Good. Spiritual effects on social and environmental issues is explored, including sincerity, religiosity, psychic abilities, energy manipulations, dowsing, healings and visions. Examples from dolphin research and remote viewing. 4) Exploring the perceived or accepted role models and “heroes” in NDE society, and the reasons supporting this. Images defined: Whom do people look up to? Possible audience participation. ## Truth as a Paradox Putting NDEs in Context (B. Grant Bishop, M.D.) NDErs reveal a mystery. While having their NDEs, NDErs are everywhere, connected to the entire cosmos, yet they remain as individuals in one place. They transcend time while having their NDEs but are tied to time when they return to life. NDEs are not the only phenomenon that reveals the paradox of man and the cosmos being interconnected, transcending time while also being in place and in time. Eastern philosophy, Christian theology, meditation and quantum physics all support the dual nature of man and his environment. NDEs are one book in the library of life that helps us understand not only our true nature, but the dichotomous nature of the cosmos in which we live. Historically, truth has been seen as a paradox. I propose that NDEs are one of several phenomena that are accelerating spiritual consciousness in the world, rushing us toward Omega. ## Angels and Aliens: Encounters with Both Near-Death and UFOs (Janet Elizabeth Colli, Ph.D.) Social psychology research has given us comparative studies of those who have experienced either near-death or UFOs. This presentation investigates subjects who have experienced both. What do encounters with both ND and UFOs reveal about human nature and the nature of reality? From the case files of a transpersonal psychotherapist come preliminary conclusions. The psychology of such experiencers is reviewed as well as how their expanded vision of material, physical reality relates to the new scientific paradigm of subtle energy. ## NDE Marriage (Paul Carr & Libby Carr) This presentation, in panel form, discusses how, and to what degree, marriage between NDEers may differ from a “normal” marriage. At least two sets of NDE married couples describe how they communicate, with particular reference to the use of intuition. Also, how they go about decision-making in their every day lives. Finally, how the NDE experience has affected their common values. ## I’m Not Crazy, I Just Died (Linda Jacquin, C.A.S.) Ever been labeled “confused,” “hysterical,” or even psychologically unstable, when sharing a near-death experience with a member of the medical community? One experiencer’s account and what she did. ## The Varieties of Ecstatic Experience & What They Have to Contribute to the Field of Near-Death Studies (J. Timothy Green, Ph.D.) In this presentation, I describe the NDE as one of a variety of ecstatic experiences. I then describe other types of ecstatic experiences, discuss what these experiences have in common with NDEs and how they can help broaden and deepen the field of near-death studies. I describe lucid dreams as one of the most easily accessed of ecstatic experiences and also the only experience of ecstasy that has been scientifically proven to be a discrete state of consciousness. I also describe shamanism, and the shamanic journey, as a classic form of ecstasy and how through incorporating shamanism into our understanding of NDEs we can develop a clinical methodology based, not on biological or psychological principles, but on spiritual principles. ## Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of NDEs on Those Dying and Grieving (Bruce Horacek, Ph.D.) Kenneth Ring argued that near-death experiences act as compensatory gifts, helping individuals cope with and understand life’s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring “amazing grace” on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self-destruction. Expanding that contention, we present evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge of NDEs and nearing death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one’s own death or the death of a significant other. ## Growing Up ‘Different’ (Nina Hajda) I was not breathing when I was born. Though I have no memory of an NDE, I have lived the after-effects all of my life. I have always been psychic and had a unique way of viewing life. I felt that I did not fit in – not in my family, nor school nor other situations. This feeling of displacement seems prevalent among infant/child NDErs. ## Experiencer Panel A (Panel Members) The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## The Hologram of Existence (Pam Barrett) Pam Barrett served as an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing Edmonton Highlands from 1986 to 1993. Pam quit her job in elected public office the day after she had two brief death experiences. She describes where her soul went on those two occasions as The Hologram, where all souls – past, present and future – dwell in harmonious eternity. In this cosmic stew, every ingredient is discernable but without ego, and all are held in permanent suspension by the gravy: perfect enlightenment itself. Even a hologram which can be thought of as a three-dimensional image formed by light from a coherent source interfering with the object, is insufficient to describe life in death, according to Barrett, because the word fails to address the unlimited number of dimensions of the experience. Her sojourn since experiencing both death and an out-of-body episode has led her to question if even the mind exists as a permanent entity – she explores this in her presentation. “The only boundary between life and death exists purely in the mind,” says Barrett. ## NDEs & Health Care Professionals (Pamela Kircher, M.D.) Pam Kircher, M.D. facilitated a discussion among health care professionals about how they see the NDE being addressed in their professional settings. In the past 20 years NDEs have become more widely accepted among the general public, but the medical profession’s knowledge of NDEs continues to lag somewhat behind the general public’s understanding of NDEs. This discussion was an opportunity to have medical personnel exchange ideas about what has been helpful and what has hindered the acceptance of NDEs in their individual clinical settings. NDErs in the group also shared ways that their health care professionals had influenced their adjustments to their NDEs and ideas about how physicians might be more helpful to NDErs. Finally, clinicians that have been involved in NDEs for years discussed ways that they see the medical profession’s attitudes towards NDEs changing. ## Where God Lives: Our Biological Link to a Loving Conscious Universe (Melvin Morse, M.D.) We are all born with a “god spot”, an area in our brain that allows us to communicate with a timeless spaceless universe. This area facilitates the near-death experience, is the source of paranormal talents such as telepathy and remote viewing, allows us to perceive angels and ghosts, and is the source of our intuition. Dr. Morse seeks to answer many important questions in the field of near-death studies from a single premise: that most paranormal perceptions take place through the god spot’s link to a universal memory bank from which we can access and receive information – and with which we can interact to alter physical reality. ## What the Near-Death Experience Reveals About Consciousness (P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D.) During the twenty-two plus years I have been researching near-death states, I’ve been impressed by the degree to which episodes and aftereffects illustrate signs that suggest a transformation of consciousness has and continues to occur in the lives of experiencers. These signs are quite persuasive if you examine the four types of near-death experiences I discovered: initial, unpleasant and/or hellish, pleasant and/or heavenly, and transcendent, along with the subtle psychological profile that seems to go with each, as if predictive of who might have each type. I also consider that no matter how long without vital signs, the vast majority of experiencers revive not only with little or no brain damage but are somehow smarter than before. In shared and group death situations, more than one person can have the same or similar experience. Because numbers are increasing, and worldwide, the transformations associated with near-death states appear to model evolutionary changes in the human family. ## Messengers of Hope: NDErs as Agents of Transformation (Nadia McCaffrey) This presentation is about the power of the near-death experience (NDE) to infuse NDErs with the inspiration and passion to make a difference in the world. It is presented especially for those who have had an NDE; however its message holds equally well for anyone who is interested in actualizing more fully their life purpose. Many people share the belief that we are born with a life purpose, or mission, through which we are called to bring forth our talents and passions to serve the world and make it a better place. Given their otherworldly experiences, many NDErs have tasted a universal love and understanding that goes beyond ordinary human experience. Sadly, yet understandably, many of them then find it extremely difficult to be in this seemingly gross physical world. Based on personal experience and years of sweat and tears, the author will share her own insights into the nature of the challenge of being on the earth plane. Ms. McCaffrey has had three NDEs. Her experiences have lead her to create a Non-profit organization, Changing the Face of Death, that is dedicated to public awareness, consciousness raising and service towards the rights of the dying. Ms. McCaffrey has lectured locally on Near-Death Experiences and dying. ## SoulMates: New Understanding from NDEs (Jeffrey Long, M.D. & Jody Jovanovich, J.D.) A review of near death experiences submitted to the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation ([NDERF](https://www.nderf.org/)) suggests an important new understanding about our earthly relationships. These new understandings include a relationship concept we refer to as SoulMate, defined for the purpose of this investigation as: “A loving relationship manifesting spiritual growth”. ## Do’s, Don’ts, Disasters & Dealings: One Woman’s Practical Tips for Handling Post-NDE Paranormal Gifts (Alexa Hartung, L.M.T., C.N.A.) A recent survey conducted by Dr. Jeff Long on his Near-Death Experience Research Foundation ([NDERF](https://www.nderf.org/)) found that out of 100 NDErs, 53.5% answered “Yes” to the question, “Did you have any psychic, paranormal, or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?” This presentation gives suggestions, anecdotes, etc. from a healer, who is both an NDEr and a professional in the health field. ## Research Panel Four researchers discussed their current studies. Dr. Jan Holden, a professor at the University of North Texas, spoke of studies of veridical perception where NDErs are asked to identify a flashing sign in the room where they had their NDEs. The sign was placed in a position that they couldn’t see it from the supine position of their bodies. Dr. Jeffrey Long, a radiation oncologist from Tacoma, WA, spoke of his web research site and the information that he is gathering through that site. Dr. Bruce Greyson, a psychiatrist from the University of Virginia, spoke of the window of opportunity that we currently have for studying NDEs in electrophysiologic labs where cardiac patients with severe rythm disturbances of their hearts are frequently caused to have a cardiac arrest in the interest of determining if they need implanted ventricular defibrillators. Willoughby Brittain, a PhD student at the University of Arizona, spoke of her doctoral research which involves monitoring EEGs during sleep in people who have had NDEs and those who have not. She postulates that there may be different brain wave activity in the right temporal lobe beween the two groups. ## The Mystical Path & the Shadow: Necessary Partners for Spiritual & Evolutionary Development (Judith S. Miller, Ph.D.) NDEs and other spiritual openings catapult people onto the Mystical Path. Once there, their lives will never again be the same. As spiritual energies speed up during this period of human evolution, it becomes necessary for all experiencers to realize that their spiritual experiences – whether manifested as an NDE or through another form – have been given for a reason. Such experiences provide the opportunity for humanity to realize its true nature. This nature will come about when the ego is transformed into Union with the Divine. To move through this next phase of human development, people must begin the process of confronting their shadows in order to effectively burn away the ego-self. This presentation discusses five stages of the Mystic Path, describes a psycho-spiritual approach that helps experiencers travel this path, and provides information on the challenges involved. ## Parallels Between NDEs & the Life of the Soul Before Entering the Mother’s Womb: Ancient & Contemporary Cases (Elizabeth Carman & Neil Carman, Ph.D.) Who are we? Where do our souls come from? Why do we journey here? What is the relationship between NDEs and the soul’s superphysical life (prior to biological conception)? Are they the same or do they just appear to be the same? Since 1989, the Carmans have been investigating cross-cultural reports (ancient and modern) of the soul’s pre-life experience (PLE) in a superphysical world leading up to earthly existence. The Carmans will discuss evidence from contemporary interviewees who report life long memories of the pre-uterine world (no hypnosis) as well as from information collected from philosophy, religion, and indigenous peoples. The element of reluctance/surrender exemplifies one similarity between NDEs and PLEs. Glen, one interviewee, encountered a NDE during surgery. He recalls “Once I floated outside my body, all my earthly possessions meant less to me than a burnt cigarette.” Glen finally agreed to return to Earth: “I met my deceased son on the other side and he asked me to take care of the two children his death had left behind. Besides that, I knew I would experience that Peace again someday.” Reluctance/surrender plays a similar role in the cosmic flight of the soul to Earth. The Jewish Kabbalah, for instance, teaches that God commands a particular soul: “Descend to a certain place and enter that sperm.” The soul pleads: “Master of the Universe, why must I, who am holy and pure and a part of Thy glory, enter an impure sperm? I am pleased with the Paradise I live in. I do not wish to be enslaved and corrupted.” God convinces the soul, “You were created to experience human life. You have received certain gifts in order to carry out a role in the Divine plan. The Carmans present parallels between NDE consciousness and PLE consciousness, the NDE life review and the PLE life preview, as well as the ascent up the “tunnel of light” versus the descent. ## Similarities of Communication & Perceptions during NDEs with Those Experienced in Hauntings (Vallie Fletcher Taylor) Over a period of nine years, I conducted research interviews with individuals involved in real and ongoing haunting situations. These have been collected into a book of non-fiction stories, *[The Spirits of Texas](https://www.amazon.com/Spirits-Texas-Vallie-Fletcher-Taylor/dp/1885373414)*, published by Emerald Ink Publishing in March 2001. Over and over, it was my job to ascertain how ghostly communication was received. By relating some of the information I gathered, plus my own encounters with haunting spirits during the procedure, I plan to show that quite often the type of communication is of the exact non-verbal variety experienced during an NDE. Just as survivors of NDEs are no longer afraid of death, I would hope that listeners would lose any fear they might have of “ghosts” and begin to think of them as spirits with a message to relate. ## The Healing Power of Near-Death Experiences (Loraine Magda) This presentation is about the power of the Near-Death Experience (NDE) to facilitate healing and transformation of body, mind and soul. The term “body” denotes the physical body, “mind” denotes mental attitudes, values, core beliefs or worldview, whereas “soul” denotes the subtle or energetic part of the self that underlies mind and body, and possibly acts as a kind of morphogenic field (Rupert Sheldrake) for the mind and body. Extensive information has been presented in the literature about the profound changes in values, priorities and worldviews of NDErs, and also those interested in NDEs. This study focuses on the healing power of the NDE on physical, mental and energetic levels, and explores the mutuality of such healing experiences. The purpose of this study is to explore the internal core shifts experienced at an energetic level, for example Kundalini shifts, and how these might be associated with “external” shifts, such as healing of the mind and body. Information is collated both from the available literature and directly from NDErs. The implications of this exploration are intended for experiencers and non-experiencers alike, and suggest that certain “external” aspects of healing can be facilitated by tending to “internal” conditions. ## Transplant Recipients and Their NDEs (Debbie James, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N.) Caring for the transplant patient is more challenging today than at any time in the past. Health care providers must stay abreast of constant changes in technology, immunosuppressive therapy, and new developments in rehabilitation. They also must possess strong interpersonal skills to help them work with different family dynamics and crisis situations. But there is more! Researchers report that one in three patients who encounter a close brush with death will have a near-death experience (NDE). This presentation provides the participant with a foundation of knowledge regarding the NDE which will promote the establishment of a safe environment and encourage disclosure. Definitions of terms such as near-death experience, transplant recipient, and disclosure decisions will broaden the scope of those rendering care to such patients. A review of the literature reflects the most current research in this area. Factors which influence disclosure and nondisclosure are included. The session concludes with suggested interventions for care of transplant recipients who have had an NDE. ## Experiencer Panel B The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. --- ### [IANDS Conference 2000: Philadelphia](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-2000-philadelphia/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This article presents information regarding IANDS Conference 2000, which took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 13th to July 15th. Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![The logo from iands conference 2000](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2000logo-1.jpg "2000logo ‣ iands")The logo from IANDS Conference 2000## NDE Anomalies (Kimberly Clark Sharp, M.S.W.) A child who flies with Jesus, a man who looks down at heaven and up to hell, suicidal NDErs. Some NDEs can challenge the listener considerably more than the “normal” NDE. This presentation addresses strange and unusual NDEs that are just made for the camp-fire. ## Survival of Consciousness (Elizabeth Fenske, Ph.D.) No description of this presentation is currently available. ## The Value of Stories of NDEs on Reducing the Fear of Death (David San Filippo) Many human beings, fearing the dying process, the finality of death, and the unknown of after-death, have searched for confirmations other than religious and cultural, to prepare for these eventualities. Contemporary reports of near-death experiences have provided support for many after-death beliefs. ## The 12 Steps and the NDE (Karl Williamson & Chris Carson) The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have been called the most important human achievement of the 20th century (by M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled). This is because they lead, as do many NDEs, to a spiritual awakening, the absence of which, he and we view as the fundamental problem of the human condition. Indeed, the inspiration for the 12 steps came about as a result of an NDE-like experience. And, in fact, a full-blown NDE is similar to the first five of the 12 steps. We believe that the remaining seven steps can serve as a guide for the NDEr to reintegrate into being in this world. And the 12 as a whole, a guide for just about anyone trying to be happier. The 12 Steps have been adapted by many people to address many problems besides alcoholism. Come hear an informal discussion of what the 12 Steps are and what they have to offer us. ## Hello from Heaven (Bill Guggenheim) In 1977, we learned about remarkable experiences that often occur after the death of a loved one. Though they have been reported throughout history, no one had ever given them a name or studied them systematically. An After-Death Communication or “ADC” is a spiritual experience that takes place when a person is contacted directly and spontaneously by a family member or friend who has died. No psychics, mediums or devices are involved. ADC web site (opens in a new window). ## Soldiers of the Light: Combat Perspectives on the NDE (Bob Sullivan) This presentation reports on interviews with combat veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other operations, who report NDEs when “clinically dead” or close to death as a result of combat operations. Elements of the prototypical NDE were observed, as well as perceptions unique to the combat milieu. Post-war integration of the experience is often difficult and may be delayed during the period of resolution of other war trauma. Audio tape interviews are presented. ## Update: Less Than Positive Near-Death Experiences (Barbara Rommer, M.D.) The “Less Than Positive” (LTP) near-death experience, or frightening near-death experience, is under-reported in large part because the majority of LTP experiencers assume that their account will be met with harsh judgment. I feel that rather than being a tool for intrinsic or extrinsic condemnation, LTP should be viewed as an instrument of spiritual growth. I feel that it has the potential to bring about as much or even more soul growth than the prototypical “Light” experience. More than 18 percent of the 350 cases in my on-going study are LTPs. Divinely positive messages may result from these frightening experiences. ## Amazing Grace: Healing Effects of NDEs on Those Dying and Grieving (Bruce J. Horacek, Ph.D.) Kenneth Ring argued that near-death experiences act as compensatory gifts, helping individuals cope with and understand life’s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring “amazing grace” on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self-destruction. Expanding that contention, we present evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge of NDEs and nearing death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one’s own death or the death of a significant other. ## Transcending Birth and Death (Irina Gajjar) This discussion presents evidence of the survival of the human soul from conception through birth, life and death. Our analysis of near-death experiences and other data leads to a consideration of whether or not such evidence validates the theories of reincarnation and karma. Consideration is given not only to near-death experiences and epiphanies that persons have undergone in this lifetime, but also to reconferences of such events from presumed past lifetimes. These questions touch every human being and have far-reaching implications not only for persons facing death, but also for the development of overall mental health, faith, and peace of mind. ## Children’s Past Lives: Further Evidence for Survival after Death (Carol Bowman) Many children before the age of seven spontaneously remember their previous lives and deaths. Through their statements, behaviors, and physical characteristics, we can discern what qualities of personality and character transcend physical death and carry forward into a new life. Due to thousands of cases collected and verified by scientific researchers, these memories provide strong evidence for the continuity of life after death. ## A Comparative Analysis of the NDE among Gay and Non-Gay Individuals (Jeff Long, M.D. & Liz Dale, Ph.D.) This session reports a work-in-progress. A detailed questionnaire has been established on the web site of the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF, www.nderf.org) (opens in a new window) to allow gay NDErs to share their accounts. Gay and non gay experiencers are asked whether sexual identity played a role in the experience and whether the experience affected their sexual identity. When enough cases have been collected, statistical comparison of the NDE elements of the gay and non gay groups will be performed. Conclusions from the data are discussed and directions for future research are presented. ## Soul Division: Evidence of Independent Functioning of the Conscious and Unconscious during NDEs (Peter Novak) For millennia, The Ancient world possessed something that modern culture does not namely, widespread agreement on the nature of death and the afterlife. From Egypt to China to Australia to Alaska, cultures believed that each individual had not one, but two souls, which would permanently separate apart at death unless steps were taken to prevent this division. The ancient world’s descriptions of these two souls were often strikingly similar to modern science’s descriptions of the conscious and unconscious halves of the human psyche. Modern NDE reports, also seem to reflect just such a division. The “Darkness” stage seems to be perceived or experienced exclusively through the lens of the conscious half of the psyche, while the “Light” stage seems to be experienced exclusively through the unconscious. ## Where Do We Go From Here? How Can the NDE be Utilized to Effect Changes in Consciousness? (Diane Corcoran, Ph.D.) This was an open discussion, facilitated to encourage a broad exchange of ideas on how we might use the NDE to effect changes in consciousness. It is time for experiencers and interested individuals to discuss how the experience could best be used for individual and group purposes. ## What NDEs Reveal about the Status of the Aborted, Miscarried and Stillborn (Harold Widdison, Ph.D.) In the process of interviewing individuals who have had a near-death experience, a significant number reported encountering beings who had been aborted, miscarried or stillborn. While many in the medical professions tend to view a miscarriage or stillbirth as a failure to have a child, these experiencers reported that they discovered that they had lost a child with a distinct identity/personality and that the child considered them to be their mothers/fathers. In some cases, the miscarried/stillborn child informed those parent(s) that their mission was not intended to be on this earth but in the world of spirits. These encounters of NDErs and those who were stillborn/miscarried/aborted raise some intriguing questions about long standing assumptions as to the status of the unborn. ## Heaven and Hell, or Limbo? (Peter Novak) The Contrasting Afterlife Descriptions of NDEs and Past-Life Regressions As Evidence of a Post-Death Division of Consciousness. NDE descriptions of the afterlife often stand in stark contrast to the afterlife descriptions emerging from Past-Life Regression research, which frequently paints the afterlife as an emotionless dark void of pure emptiness. While this void seems to have much in common with the peaceful tunnel experience commonly experienced during the first moments of NDEs, Past Life Regression subjects describe spending vast amounts of time, sometimes years or even decades waiting quietly alone in this passionless limbo, while NDErs commonly report spending only a few fleeting moments in this dark void. I propose that these two quite opposite afterlife models are taking shape in modern afterlife research precisely because two entirely different afterlives are indeed being experienced. The “Dark Void” experience seems to be exactly what a conscious half of the mind would experience if it was separated from the unconscious, and the “Realm of Light”/ “Realm of Bewildered Spirits” experience seems to be exactly what an unconscious half of the mind would experience if it was separated from the conscious mind after death. ## Let Love Be Your Legacy (Vanessa Chicca) There is a force in the universe that has touched many of us directly and transformed our lives. That celestial force is love. NDE and other Spiritual Transformative Experiences often have the key element of this love. This unconditional love is a catalyst that brings about a transformation, impacting both the experiencer and those who come into contact with him. We are being called to implement love in our lives, now. This presentation seeks to explore how we can access this unconditional love and how we can develop a living legacy of love in our lifetime. ## Experiencer Panel A The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## My Mission with IANDS (Tom Sawyer) IANDS’ mission has brought worldwide attention to subjects that have been feared or ignored throughout history. IANDS has given credibility to the scholarly study and investigation of deathbed visions, out-of-body experiences, experiences of dying people, as well as the transformative experiences of the witnesses to such phenomena. One aspect of IANDS that has not been noted, to my satisfaction, in literature, television programs, or symposiums is the cultural changes that occur among everyone involved. This is the reason I share some of the details of my NDE and incorporate those details into a history of IANDS, showing how our missions have merged. ## A Paradigm Shift on the Horizon: The Role of NDEs in the “New Medicine” (Pamela Kircher, M.D.) Since Raymond Moody published Life after Life in 1975, NDEs have become increasingly part of human consciousness. Myriad books, television programs, movies, and articles have been written on NDEs, allowing them to become more mainstream, now that people feel freer to talk about them. Other areas of expanding consciousness are contributing to that greater freedom. This talk gives a brief overview of current research in these areas, including reincarnation, power of prayer on healing, influence on plants and inanimate objects by intent, and awareness during unconscious states as in surgery. As science comes to know more about these other areas, it becomes increasingly apparent that NDEs must be understood by the medical profession as common normal phenomena. We are on the brink of a major paradigm shift in our understanding of medicine and healing, and the insistence of NDErs on the reality of their experience has been a major impetus in that direction. ## Mediumship: Maintaining Communication with the Other Side (Paul Bernstein, Ph.D., Moderator & Panel Members) After returning to their body, some NDErs continue to see or hear persons who’ve remained on the other side of the tunnel. Like so-called ‘mediums’, these experiencers can feel the presence of a person who had died, and can communicate that person’s thoughts and feelings to relatives still alive on this side. Three panelists each describe this communication process from the particular perspective of his/her own life: - One NDEr who spontaneously hears from dead relatives of persons who come to him in grief - A professional medium who is also a near-death experiencer - A scientist who learned to perceive and communicate with the departed even though he was not born with any special talent for this and is not an NDEr. ## It’s a Wonderful Life Review (Beverly Brodsky) “I have come with my whole life written upon me.” These are the opening words to an unseen God to be pondered in night-long meditation by a Jewish Renewal rabbi on the evening of her ordination. And how true it is in the life review portion of the near-death experience. There we view, through empathic goggles a flawless video of our entire life in which we become all the players of our highest and lowest moments. The perennial Christmas week film “It’s a Wonderful Life” reaffirms meaning through angelic intervention to show a suicidal man what the world would be like had he not ever lived. In contrast, in the NDE life review we see what the world is like because we have lived. The lessons of this review are available for all students of the literature, whether you have had such an experience or not. By understanding our ability to create joy or pain, we can reclaim our power, and focus on living our lives by the light of spiritual understanding. With compassion for our mistakes, the life review teaches us to strive to live impeccable lives of increasing mindfulness and awareness of our starring role on this brief stage. ## Human Consciousness at the Millennium: The Next Phase (Judith S. Miller, Ph.D.) This presentation discusses the necessity for experiencers of expanded consciousness (whether NDE or other spiritual opening) to engage in ongoing, in-depth inner transformational work, that incorporates moving through shadow material and learning to identify and integrate the Light. This necessary work is what naturally occurs when one travels the Mystical Path, and is what needs to be done at this next phase in our evolution. The five stages of the mystical path are described. The benefits and difficulties inherent in traveling such a path are also discussed, and resources for assisting in this process are offered. ## Research Panel A researcher panel consists of several people who are doing research into NDEs talking about their current projects, results, difficulties, etc., with audience participation. ## I’m Not Crazy, I Just Died (Linda Jacquin) Ever been labeled “confused,” “hysterical,” or even psychologically unstable, when sharing a near-death experience with a member of the medical community? One experiencer’s account and what she did. ## NDEs and Modern Theories of Consciousness (Rich Borutta) The enigma of the NDE presents a perplexing challenge as a genuine human experience. In spite of the fact that every living individual will eventually experience death the NDE has remained classified as either a supernatural or religious experience, or has been classified as not a genuine state of consciousness at all. Current advances in medicine and bio-imaging have given us a clearer picture of how the human brain functions, and this evidence has been used to revise models of how consciousness arises in the brain. The NDE is an extreme state of consciousness approaching the limits of and transcending the normal realm of consciousness considered in these studies. Elements of the NDE may provide validation of some of the processes described by these models as well as identifying some physical basis for the experience. The evolution of human cognitive processes should be enhanced by the inclusion and understanding of NDEs in the category of valid human experiences. ## The Gay Near-Death Experience (Liz Dale, Ph.D.) One year before this talk, preliminary findings on Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender individuals who participated in a study was presented to the IANDS community in Vancouver, Canada. This first-of-its-kind, gay-identified NDE study examined questionnaires and individual stories for themes of interest. Additional data has been gathered and is presented. Specific areas of review are on recently gathered autobiographical data for 21 subjects, a review of specific themes in stories/questionnaires, sexual identity questions relating to time during the NDE, and sexual identity issues that may have come up after the NDE. ## Experiencer Panel B The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. --- ### [IANDS Conference 1999: Vancouver](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1999-vancouver/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This article presents information regarding IANDS Conference 1999, which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia from August 20th to August 22nd. Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1999logo.jpg "1999logo ‣ iands")## The NDE and Ancient Spiritual Truths (Elizabeth Fenske, Ph.D.) There are Ancient Spiritual Truths, known to many as Cosmic Principles, which are relevant to the way we live our lives. To know these principles or truths is to have in our possession a key to transformation. These seven truths are recorded in the ARCANE TEACHINGS (Arcanus meaning “a treasure chest”), and the HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY, also known as the KYBALION. These truths are inherent in the NDE and in other Spiritual Transformative Experiences. They are the lessons we are called to implement in our everyday living after an experience in the Light. These truths are conveyed to experiencers on the SOUL/HEART level. This presentation will seek to explore these seven truths and apply them in our daily living. ## What NDE’s Reveal About the Status of the Miscarried and Stillborn (Harold Widdison, Ph.D) Details currently unavailable. ## Learning From the Life History Narrative of NDE Survivors (Laura Suzanne Gordon) This presentation covers key findings of a two-year, ethnographic field study of the lives of 41 NDE informants. The study explored the meaning for experiencers of their NDEs and aftereffects. The presentation explores highlights of the life history narrative produced by study participants, and explains how these findings problematize the Western scientific, clinical diagnostic model of the NDE. ## Dreams as Spiritual Guidance: Their Importance to the NDE (Gloria M Gieseke, B.A., M.A.) Dreams are a gift from God to every human being from the moment of birth, but most people hardly recognize the importance of the gift, and so it lies neglected and unused for most of our lives. A glimpse into the crowded treasures of the subconscious through dreams, will encourage us to pay attention to the messages our souls want to deliver, for the enrichment of our own lives. The awakening of the gift of dreaming in the near-death experiencer must not be uncommon, but we don’t hear much about it. Its usefulness, however, can not be ignored. ## Amazing Graze: The Healing Effects of NDE’s on Those Dying and Grieving (Bruce J. Horacek Ph.D.) In 1991, Kenneth Ring argued that NDEs act as compensatory gifts helping individuals cope with and understand life’s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring “amazing grace” on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self-destruction. Expanding on Ring’s contention that NDEs can be seen as healing gifts, this session presents evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge of NDEs and nearing-death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one’s own death or the death of significant others. NDEs and nearing-death awareness experiences seem to free persons from paralyzing death anxiety and, consequently, allow them to focus on additional ways to help each other to face dying and grieving. ## I Am the Love I Seek (Robert Caplan) For more information, see [Robert Caplan’s website](http://www.robertcaplanhfc.com/). ## Mystical, Out-Of-Body, Near Death and Death Experiences (Heather Botting, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.) While many significant after-effects of the NDE have received considerable scholarly attention in the three decades since the publication of Raymond’s Moody’s Life After Life (opens in a new window), one effect which has been assiduously ignored is the resultant conviction on the part of the experiencer that consciousness can survive the death of the physical body. The reason for declining to address this question lies in the fact that it is beyond the scope of the current scientific paradigm which presumes conscious life to be a mere epiphenomenon of biological life, and nothing more. Death is therefore said to be not only unknown, but unknowable. ## After Death Communication: A New Field of Research Confirms That Life and Love Are Eternal (Bill Guggenheim) In 1977, we learned about remarkable experiences that often occur after the death of a loved one. Though they have been reported throughout history, no one had ever given them a name or studied them systematically. We named these experiences “After-Death Communications.” We began our research in 1988 by interviewing people who replied “Yes” to our question, “Have you been contacted by a loved one who has died?” An After-Death Communication or “ADC” is a spiritual experience that takes place when a person is contacted directly and spontaneously by a family member or friend who has died. ADCs are always initiated by deceased loved ones, and no psychics, mediums or devices are involved. ## The Human Energy Field (Harry Oldfield) Harry will be talking about his development of the Polycontrast Interference Photography (PIP) system which shows us the energy field surrounding all living bodies. This field has a direct connection with the physical condition of the body and can show not only blockages in the field where disease is present, but also where disease will develop in the future. He will also show examples of this energy field existing without a physical body. The implication is that this is the “conscious energy” field described by Dr. Brian Weiss. It is also possible that this field leaves the physical body during out-of-body and near-death experiences. Harry will touch briefly on the development of the “electro-crystal” healing system which can alter and remove blockages in the human energy field and thereby initiate healing. ## Divine Encounters: Light and Ecstasy in Religious and NDE’s (Brian Bain, M.A) Until now, efforts to compare the NDE with various religious traditions have focused on the encounter with death, which has resulted in several very interesting comparisons. However, if we extend our study beyond death alone, and focus primarily on the experience of light and ecstasy in the NDE, we find evidence of the similarities between this aspect of the NDE and the experiences of individuals in every major religious tradition in substantial, sometimes even overwhelming, volume. ## I’m Not Crazy, I Just Died (Linda Jacquin, C.A.S.) Ever been labeled “confused,” “hysterical,” or even psychologically unstable, when sharing a near-death experience with a member of the medical community? One experiencer’s account and what she did. ## Panel of Spouses of Experiencers (Debbie James, Moderator) Four people talk about what it is like to have their spouse have an NDE. ## NDE Shamanism and Applied Science: Developing a Clinical Methodology From Within the Field of Near Death Studies (J. Timothy Green, Ph.D.) Since its inception the field of near-death studies has been academic, descriptive and theoretical. Researchers have thoroughly documented the fact that NDEs are reported by approximately one-third of people who have a close brush with death, and they have described the aftereffects of the experience. However, the field of near-death studies has always had one glaring, seemingly unsolvable problem: from a theoretical standpoint it is impossible to prove that an NDE is what it appears to be, a profound spiritual experience. In this presentation I will discuss the overlap between NDEs and shamanism, the most important being that an NDE is a time honored form of shamanic initiation. I will then suggest that because shamanism is an applied, clinical methodology, it can be used to develop a clinical modality which could be incorporated into the field of near-death studies. Said differently, the field of near-death studies could evolve from a purely descriptive, academic and theoretical discipline, into an applied clinical methodology capable of helping alleviate human suffering by using spiritual methods. ## Less Than Positive Near-Death Experiences (Barbara Rommer, M.D.) The “Less Than Positive” (LTP) near-death experience, or frightening near-death experience, is under-reported in large part because the majority of LTP experiencers assume that their account will be met with harsh judgment. I feel that, rather than being a tool for intrinsic or extrinsic condemnation, it should be viewed as an instrument of spiritual growth. I feel that LTP has the potential to bring about as much or even more soul growth than the prototypical “Light” experience.More than 18 percent of my on-going study of over 350 cases are LTPs. Divinely positive messages may result from these frightening experiences. ## After Death Communication: A New Field of Research Confirms That Life and Love Are Eternal (ill Guggenheim) In 1977 we learned about remarkable experiences that often occur after the death of a loved one. Though they have been reported though history, no one had ever given them a name or studied them systematically. We named these experiences “After-Death Communications.” We began our research in 1988 by interviewing people who replied “Yes” to our question, “Have you been contacted by a loved one who has died?” ## Case Study of Thirty Gay-Identified Near-Death experiences (Liz Dale) Thirty Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals participated in a San Francisco Bay Area study during the past two years. This presents some results of this study. ## Cross-Cultural Near-Death Experiences (Carol Burke, B.Sc., M.L.A., M.A.) People from different cultures have described their near-death experiences from a cultural perspective. The main elements of the NDE are similar, but details vary because of cultural shadings. Some of the similarities and differences will be the focus of this presentation. ## Near-Death and Death-Watch Experiences–Opening onto the Mystic Path (Yvonne Kason, M.D.) Dr. Kason will describe the NDE that she experienced in an airplane crash in 1979. She will tell how this led her, as a medical doctor, to research and counsel persons who have had near-death and other types of mystical experiences. She will share several stories of other people who had glimpses of Spirit, the unconditionally loving power behind the universe, not when they were close to death, but when they were close to somebody who died, what she calls “Death-Watch Experiences.” Drawing from both eastern and western spiritual traditions and from modern depth psychology, she will describe the long-term psychological healing and spiritual transformation process which often begins after a mystical experience, including an NDE. She will use the Kundalini model to provide a framework to understand this transformation, sometimes called “The Mystic Path,” as a lifelong process of deep soul healing, spiritual growth, deepening surrender to the Divine, and ultimately unitive consciousness. ## Children of the New Millennium (PMH Atwater, L.H.D.) This is a major study of child experiencers of near-death states and today’s youngest children. PMH Atwater opens up the field of near-death studies to entertain a new agenda–that near-death states, as part of the larger genre of transformations of consciousness, provide the best model for determining how to recognize and understand the growth, development, and transmutation of evolving consciousness. The young, more so than adults, exhibit clear signs that the near-death experience is far more than the simple composite of scenario elements the media used to sensationalize Raymond Moody’s first book, creating as they did what is now known as the NDE. That near-death is actually a complex and dynamic phenomenon which defies ready explanation is shown by what happens to kids when they receive the brunt of the “energy charge” at ages critical to brain development. ## The NDE–What Caregivers Need to Know (Diane Corcoran, Ph.D.) No matter what you personally think happens in an NDE, its effects on the experiencers are profound. In this session, the basic NDE will be discussed: what it is, how it occurs, typical experiencers’ reactions to be aware of, and how to handle the experiencer with compassion and understanding. ## Understanding NDE’s and their After Effects: Learning from the Kundalini and Chakra Model (Yvonne Kason, M.D.) Dr. Kason will explore the historical and current research evidence that suggests that the awakening of latent spiritual energy may be the basis of NDEs. This spiritual energy is known in various sacred traditions as Holy Spirit, Vital Winds, Chi, Mana, and in the yogic tradition, as Kundalini. Examples of ancient knowledge of the relationship between activation of spiritual energy and NDEs will be shown from esoteric practices of ancient Egypt, the Buddhist Tibetan Book of the Dead, and from ancient secret Yogic practices. Drawing from the yogic model of kundalini and the chakras, Dr. Kason will show how this model can account for the spectrum of types of NDEs experienced by persons today, from the more common out-of body NDE, to the intensely transformative white light NDE. She will describe how the yogic model can help experiencers understand and cope with the physical symptoms, the psychological upheavals, and the long term spiritual transformation which can all be after-effects of NDEs. ## Message of the NDE: Healing (Alayna (pseud.)) Through my presentation, I try to show how my NDE opened my subconscious to remember my childhood abuse, which in turn gave me the insight to understand my life and its pain. My NDE then helped me in my healing process; and finally, it provided me the insight to forgive. Overcoming the fear of memories was extremely difficult, but the discovery of being a multiple personality was horrifying. I was blessed with inner strength that I received through my NDE. This experience helped me heal my alternetive personalities, which helped me merge. ## Research Panel A researcher panel consists of several people who are doing research into NDEs talking about their current projects, results, difficulties, etc., with audience participation. The Integration of the NDE (Chris Carson) ## The Message of the Near-Death Experience (Howard Storm, M.Div.) Howard’s life best represents the life-changing potential of the NDE. Once a cynical and self-serving professor, he is now serving his community and parishioners as pastor of an Ohio church. He has shared his story with many audiences, including those of national and regional television programs. Howard understands the NDE to be an individual’s radical transformation along the spiritual journey to God, and each of us is at a different stage of the journey. He will speak about the spiritual journey from his own experience, his study of NDEs, and theology. ## Stories from the Pacific Northwest: NDEs from God’s Country (Kim Clark Sharp, M.S.W.) Details currently unavailable. Love, Death and Liberation in Cameron’s Titanic (Gracia Fay Ellwood, Ph.D.) The basic scenario and symbols of Cameron’s film offer a powerful fictional representation of the experience of ego-death, transcendent love, and transformation that many undergo in NDEs and similar spiritual experiences. These aspects of the film cast light on the message of the NDE, and vice versa. ## Experiencer Panel A The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## Experiencer Panel B The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. --- ### [IANDS Conference 1998: Salt Lake City](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1998-salt-lake-city/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This article presents information regarding IANDS Conference 1998, which took place in Salt Lake City, Utah October 8th to October 10th. Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![The logo for iands conference 1998](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1998logo.jpg "1998logo ‣ iands")The logo for IANDS Conference 1998## The Case for Heaven (Mally Cox-Chapman, M.A.) Author and experiencer Mally has brought to her research the inquiring mind of a Yale-trained journalist and the compassion of the NDEr, giving her an enviable ability to capture people’s stories. Since the publication of The Case for Heaven, she has been one of the most requested guests on New England radio and television. ## Light: Its Mystery, Message and Meaning in the NDE, STE and Me (Elizabeth Fenske, Ph.D.) An experience in the Light comes to us to awaken us to Light’s Mystery. It gives us a Message and is that which gives our Life its ultimate Meaning. The most fundamental thing in the Universe for Light is LIGHT. It is the mystery behind all mysteries, i.e., how it brings about Life and Growth. It presents us with a message, which awakens us and brings about healing. Its message is one of unity and wholeness, growth and nurture and ultimately that of illumination and a return to the oneness of the Universe. ## Belief Systems and the Near-Death Experiences (Sandra Elizabeth Harter Rogers) Sandra Rogers begins this session by reviewing her own death experience focusing on parts of her experience that motivated her interest in finding a common thread in the various religions and belief system in the world. She makes an assertion that one of the common threads the world religions have is a belief in an afterlife based on the NDE. She discusses her belief that the knowledge of the near death experience can be a catalyst toward world peace ## Life Everlasting (Duane Crowther) Details unavailable for this presentation. ## Analogous Dilemmas in Near-Death Studies and Modern Physics and What These Dilemmas Imply (Craig Lundahl, Ph.D. & Arvin Gibson) Researchers and others having an interest in the current state of the near-death and modern physics research and some of the implications of that research. We discuss status of the search for suitable explanation of various near-death phenomena, various theoretical and experimental physics, cosmological and astronomical findings. Corroborative NDE and OBE and their implications. Serendipitous natural constants and other physical relationship which lead to an anthropic world and universe. Implications concerning further research oriented more towards spiritual otherworld and/or guiding intelligence cause-and-effect relationships. ## What NDEs Involving Children Reveal About the Meaning Of Life and the Purpose Of Death (Harold A. Widdison, Ph.D.) The death of a child violates what most adults, parents especially, believe to be the natural order of things. In the normal course of evens, children should outlive their parents, not the reverse. So when a child contracts a serious disease, it is almost inevitable that everything should be done to prolong it’s life. Thus the vast arsenal of medical science is brought to bear on preserving the child’s life. This often isolates the child from its parents, siblings, friends, and other relatives. People who have had the privilege of working with dying children have discovered that these children can teach us much about the real meaning of life and death if we listen to them. Those parents who are able to love their dying children enough to listen to them, who can give their child permission to die, share in a beautiful but difficult experience. The presenter shares with the audience some of the gifts dying children have given others. Accounts of dying children’s pre-death visions, NDEs of children, and NDEs where children are a key component. While this presentation cannot address why every child dies, it explores reasons some children report that they died, the status of children after death, and the continuity of parent/child relationships in life and death. ## The NDE: What Caregivers Need to Know (Diane Corcoran, Ph.D.) No matter what you personally think happens in an NDE, its effects on the experiencers are profound. In this session, the basic NDE are discussed, what it is, how it occurs, typical experiencers reactions to be aware of, and how to handle the experiencer with compassion and understanding. ## Amazing Grace: Healing Effects of NDEs on Those Dying and Grieving (Bruce J. Horacek, Ph.D.) Ring (1991) argued that NDEs act as compensatory gifts helping individuals cope with and understand life’s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring “amazing grace” on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self destruction. Expanding on Ring’s contention that NDEs can be seen as healing gifts, this session presents evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge or NDEs and nearing-death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one’s own death or the death of significant others. NDEs and nearing-awareness experiences seem to fee persons from paralyzing death anxiety and, consequently, allow them to focus on additional ways to help each other face dying and grieving. ## Ecstatic Experiences and the Possibilities for Clinical Application (J. ‘Joe’ Timothy Green, Ph.D.) Although in everyday speech we use the term ecstasy to refer to a sense of overwhelming joy, the word has its roots in both the Latin expression ex statis, which means “to stand outside of ones self”, as well as the Greek work ekstasis, meaning “a being set apart from itself.” This has led many to suggest that the ancients used the term ecstasy to refer to the experience of finding ones conscious awareness outside the physical body. This occurs during an NDE but it is also known to occur at other times and under other conditions. This presentation discuss NDEs as one form, or one member of the family of ecstatic experiences. I discuss three other ecstatic experiences lucid dreams, OBEs and shamanic journeys which occur as other times and under other conditions. While NDEs by definition occur at the point of apparent physical death, lucid dreams occur during the sleep state, OBEs are known to occur most frequently during the conscious waking state when the person in “mentally calm and physically relaxed”, and shamanic journeys usually occur during drumming, rattling, singing and dancing. Despite these differences, all four experiences have amazing similarities, which, I argue, is because they share the same underlying phenomenological nature, which is best described as ecstatic. Because lucid dreams, conscious OBEs and shamanic journeys are not related to death or physical injury, the idea of developing a therapeutic modality based on the facilitation of ecstatic experiences is a real possibility. Shamanism is, in fact, exactly this: a therapeutic modality. I discuss how many of the leaders in the contemporary Western shamanic movements have written or commented on the fact that NDEs are a form of shamanic experience. From the shamanic perspective, an NDE is a shamanic initiation and NDErs are among the best candidates for further training in shamanism. For those who have no experience of ecstasy, lucid dreaming is the most easily accessed of ecstatic experiences. I review new research on lucid dreams and show how anyone is able to experience ecstasy during the dream state and how some of these dreams share similar components to NDEs. I discuss how I, and many others, have begun to incorporate some of this into clinical practice in mental health, sometimes with amazing results. I outline what I feel should be clinical subspeciality that can be scientifically validated and should be incorporated into clinical practice in medicine and mental health. Finally, I discuss how developing a clinical approach would have lasting benefits for NDErs and for the field of near-death studies. ## The Implications of the NDE (George G Ritchie, Jr., M.D.) George may be the actual alpha point in the field of near-death studies, as it was his account of a life-changing experience that started Raymond Moody on the road to Life after Life. In other words, without George Richie there would be no IANDS conference. Physician and author, he has spoken widely about his experience. ## Aftermath: Startling Differences Between Adult and Child Experiencers (P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.) In 1994, Atwater went back and redid all her work with child experiencers. Although she had studied many, she was uncomfortable with the prevailing notion that kid’s cases were just about the same as adults. What she found is contained in the book “Children Of The New Millennium,” a major study of children’s near-death states and the new Millennial Generation (due out Spring 1999 from Three Rivers Press in New York City). Children’s episodes follow the same four type pattern as adults, described in her book “Beyond the Light.” Most kids have the Initial or Simple Experience (76%) and most of their “deaths” come from drowning, suffocation, and surgery. but when the aftermath is studies, their response to what happened to them can be just the opposite as that of adults, sometimes radically different. Children do not have history, a reality system in which they can make sense of that occurred or integrate it properly. Focusing on their stories, “out-of-the-mouth-of-babes”: kind of thing, distorts their truth and missed altogether their true voice and very different perceptions. This talk contrasts kids’ cases with those of adults. A child of any age can have a NDE, and that includes pre-birth, during delivery, and immediately after. Once they are verbal, what they tell their parents about that happened to them is often surprising and sometimes embarrassingly accurate in its detail. But dealing with it, coping with the loss of their “real home” once the episode ends, can be painful. Where attempted suicides for adult experiencers afterward is less than 4%, with kids it is 21%-over a third of Atwater’s research base of 277 child experiencers were having serious problems with alcohol within five to ten years. Various differences are discussed: children can hardly wait to go to church afterward and often drag their parents with them; adult experiencers, the vast majority, leave the traditional church experience to pursue mystical states and a more spiritual approach. Kids are drawn to math and science after, adults turn away; kids later form lasting marriages, adults seldom do; kids tend to close down, become loners, unsocial, while adults tend to loosen up, become more friendly and open. ## Similarities Between NDE and Shamanism (Thomas Nibley) Details unavailable for this presentation. ## Angels in the Making (Frances Gomez) Utilizing cognitive and decision-making theories, participants will be introduced to material which allow them to gain knowledge about dying, death, and grief. Social cognitive theory allows the exploration of social variables and self efficacy in changing old behaviors and/or adopting new ones. ## Integrating the Near-Death Experience into a Lifestyle Change (Grace Bubulka, R.N., M.S.N.) NDE’s have often been described as life changing significant events. Twenty, forty or more years later, it is not unusual to hear a person vividly describe the event, which may have even occurred in their early childhood. What, however, are the factors that lead to a person’s perception of the NDE? When people come together and openly recount their NDE, some do so with tears, some with elated emotions. There are those who are visibly shaken by the event. Others reveal little emotion but use words or other non-verbal mannerisms that belie the importance of this occurrence to them. Did the circumstances surrounding the NDE effect the person’s perception? Did the response of significant others and/or professional alter the person’s ability to disclose? Are there factors within the person him or herself that could effect their perception? What are some common methods of adaptation? Can the NDE promote a lifestyle change? if so, how does it effect people? Research and discussions with nurses, chaplains, oncology and trauma staff propose some insight and raise some additional thought provoking questions. ## The NDE, Career Values, and Spiritual Wellness: A Comparative Study (Lauren B. Thibodeau, Ph.D.) An overview of the research project which consists of research used from Super’s Work Values Inventory (1985) and Ingersoll’s Spiritual Wellness Inventory (SWI) (1995) to compare 41 near-death experiencers. The quantitative data was remarkable robust, suggesting that the incidence of an NDE was much more important than any other variable such as years since NDE, type of NDE, gender, age at NDE. This study found that NDErs and non-NDErs who participated are different in terms of their work values and levels of spiritual wellness. Qualitative data from the study further suggest that NDErs feel very isolated and unlike others. As a result, NDErs reported feeling extremely reluctant to discuss their profound, traumatic experiences and its aftermath. ## After the Light: Living With One Foot In Heaven, Living with One foot In Hell (Kimberly Clark Sharp, M.S.W.) Coming back from a near-death experience requires major adjustments on all levels of experience. Or, as express by the Genie in the movie, Aladdin, “All The Powers Of The Universe!!! itty-bitty living space.” This presentation covers the more remarkable aspects of returning to our “itty-bitty living space” as shared by countless NDErs. Author of “After the Light” is representative of these NDErs–those who return with paranormal abilities. Sharp’s NDE in 1970 was only the springboard into a life populated with angels, demons, ghosts, and other spiritual visitors. How she coped with divine awareness, life altering synchronicities and sometimes frightening apparitions is of value to anyone who has had a spiritually transformative experience that defies western culture’s definition of “consensual reality”. ## NDEs Following Violence: Resultant Positive Spiritual Growth (Barbara R. Rommer, M.D.) Violent crimes often have catastrophic results, permanently affecting the lives of all who are involved. Those who are blessed to have a near-death experience at the time, often demonstrate the ability to “rise above” the usual human emotions as a result of remarkable spiritual growth. ## Experiencer Panel A The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## The NDE and Life Changes (Rev. Howard Storm, M.Div.) Many people who have heard Howard speak of his experience say that his life best represents the life-changing potential of the NDE. The once cynical and self-serving professor is today serving his community and parishioners as pastor of an Ohio church. He has shared his story with many audiences, including those of national and regional television programs. ## Mormon Theology (Brent Top & Wendy Top) Details unavailable for this presentation. ## They Come by Light: Healing Gifts and the NDE (Kenneth Ring, Ph.D.) In this presentation, we consider various aspects of the connection between the near-death experience and healing. To begin with, we review the evidence that suggests that the NDE facilitates the emergence of healing gifts in the NDEr and present several illustrative case histories. We then explore some possible factors that may underlie this effect before discussing the hypothesis of the Light as a healing force in its own right. We conclude by commenting on the role of the NDE in healing from psychological despair, the healing power of NDE stories and, finally, the way in which the NDE may be understood as a kind of “benign virus” whose contagious effects themselves may represent a significant source of healing for those who are “exposed” to this phenomenon of our time. ## The Three Very Different Types of Subjective Light (P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.) After twenty plus years of original fieldwork, interviews, observation, and analysis, of people who experience near-death states, Atwater, has noticed some surprising things about the “lights” experiencers claim to see during their episode. they actually describe three very different types of light; and these lights, when reports are examined carefully, seem to reveal aspects of Creation’s story. And this is not insignificant. For instance, the most evidential and compelling cases of genius Atwater discovered with child experiencers of near-death states, was with those who had “dark light” episodes before the age of fifteen months. “Dark light’ has mistakenly been associated in the past with that which is negative, evil, base. In making such a judgment, we may have either overlooked or even misconstrued the very meaning of subjective light. This is explored, as Atwater discusses some of her findings in her latest book “Children Of The New Millennium.” The goal of this talk is to both challenge and inform. The term “light experience” has become synonymous with near-death states over the last several decades, and the “light” experiencers are said to refer to is White Light, Bright Light, the Light of God, the Light of Love. “Children Of The New Millennium,” a major study of children’s near-death states and the new Millennial Generation of kids, reveals three distinctive types of light experiencers have, be they adult or youngster. The three types of subjective light are: Primary Light, Dark Light, and Bright Light. Each of these types have different colorations, feeling tones, and effects; children especially encounter “The Darkness That Knows.” Electrical sensitivity can be traced to the intensity of “Bright Light” (not length of exposure as some claim), but genius, at least with kids, links back to “Dark Light.” Various points of view are offered for this as Atwater reviews her research in respect to the effect of subjective light in near-death states. ## Mystery of Our Eternal Home (Sarah Hinze, B.Sc. & Brent Hinze, Ph.D.) Details unavailable for this presentation. ## The Earth’s Future In NDE Prophetic Visions and Prophecies from the Bible and Modern LDS Holy Writ (Craig Lundahl, Ph.D.) A description of the prophetic vision or PV. I’ll discuss the five elements of the prophetic visions for the future of the earth. Along with a comparison of the events of NDE prophetic visions of the earth’s future with events of the earth’s future in prophecies from the Bible and the LDS Doctrine and Covenants. Implications of the findings of this study. ## Suicide and The Near-Death Experience (Sandra Elizabeth Harter Rogers) Sandra Rogers begins this session by reviewing her own suicide attempt and subsequent NDE when she fired a .38 caliber pistol into her chest. She then discusses the questions of whether or not suicide is an unforgivable sin, whether or not suicide is an escape from life’s tough lessons, and the determining factor of kind of experience one has in the afterlife following a suicide. Answers to the above are based upon the accounts of NDEs, her own and others Ms Rogers has investigated since her own experience. ## Experiencer Panel B The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## I Stand All Amazed (Elane Durham) Author of “I Stand All Amazed” talks about her own death bed vision which took place in October of 1976. It is extensive and thought provoking. ## Research Panel A researcher panel consists of several people who are doing research into NDEs talking about their current projects, results, difficulties, etc., with audience participation. --- ### [IANDS Conference 1997: San Antonio](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1997-san-antonio/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This article presents information regarding IANDS Conference 1997, which took place in San Antonio, Texas from October 30th through November 1st of that year. Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![The logo for iands conference 1997](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1997logo.jpg "1997logo ‣ iands")The logo for IANDS Conference 1997## **Near-Death Research After 20 Years (Bruce Greyson, M.D.)** 20 years after the first formal gathering of near-death researchers, will review current research trends and findings in the field of near-death studies. We will discuss the implications of new information from physiological, psychological, and sociological research into NDEs, and the models on which they are based. Finally, we will explore why the choice of one’s explanatory model makes a difference, and extrapolate to future directions in research and what they may teach us about humanity’s role in the universe. ## **The Four Phases of Integration and ‘The Unspoken Grief’ (PMH Atwater, L.H.D.)** After nineteen years of interviewing near-death survivors, and with a research base numbering in the thousands, PMH Atwater was the first to recognize and identify cycles or phases to the integration process after one has a near-death experience. She originally isolated three such phases, but as her work progressed she noticed a fourth one–and a time of “Unspoken Grief.” because of the importance of the aftereffects and the fact that in the majority of cases such changes can become permanent, it is vital that more attention be given to the universal pattern of how the aftereffects tend to impact on an individual’s life–especially during the fourth phase when a second drop and a second shift occur and varied degrees of grief and/or depression can be overwhelming. A goal in presenting this material is to engage the audience in lively dialogue. ## **Recovering NDEs in the English-Speaking Literary Tradition (Susan Gunn)** The question of whether or not cases of the NDE can be identified across the English-speaking literary tradition goes to the heart of a major controversy in language study. Scholars are debating whether there is such a thing as an individual subject who can have personal experiences that are not entirely constructed by language and social context. While common sense might suggest that the self is more than a social construct and experience is more than language, the search is on for something resembling a “universal experience” that is discovered that is discovered through language and social behavior, yet transcends both. Since Steve Straight’s excellent article on Katherine Anne Porter’s short story, “Pale Horse, pale Rider” in Anabiosis, very little seems to have been published concerning the NDE in literature. This session examines three literary artifacts in the light of Dr. Raymond Moody’s clinical model of the NDE leading to the recovery of both the features and the effects of NDE in all three artifacts. The implications of this research in the debate among language scholars will be discussed. ## **Dealing with the Aftermath of an NDE (Jo Ann Marnie)** In this session, Jo Ann Marnie will discuss methods that can be used to integrate the effects an NDE into one’s life. A “whole body” approach, considering body, mind and spirit will be considered. Methods for balancing the body and mind, to help the experiencer back to “conscious reality” will be included as well as ways for non-experiencers to understand the distress of experiencers in what they say has occurred. ## **Less Than Positive NDEs (Barbara Rommer, M.D.)** “Less then Positive” NDEs (termed “inverted” by Kenneth Ring and “distressing” by Greyson and Bush) are significantly under-reported. Dr. Rommer’s research suggests that at least 13.9% interviewed (just over 200 thus far) have had an LTP. Her findings concur with Greyson and Bush concerning the three types of LTP’s. In this session, Dr Rommer will present specific examples of each with particular attention to the subsequent changes in the person as a result of the LTP. ## Healing of NDErs Through Storytelling (Elizabeth Langston, L.P.C.) Communicating a profound experience such as an NDE confounds most experiencers because of lack of terminology, supportive environment and a non-judgmental listener. Internalizing an NDE is difficult and sometimes impossible for the experiencer. Encouraging a person to tell his/her own story can be taught using methods such as Ericksonian guided imagery. Programs such as the Past Is Prologue (which employ learning stories to illustrate or point up problem areas), use storytelling to create a safe place to introduce a “dangerous” subject area. Storytelling through time, has been used to communicate learning and integration of life events in a way other current techniques cannot touch. In this session, Elizabeth Langston, a psychologist and licensed professional counselor will present summary data gathered from cases in her own practice regarding healing the traumas of experiencers plus an interview process she uses to help promote the beginning of the storytelling, and to set the stage for integrating the storytelling into the counseling session. ## Out of The Mouths of Babes: What Children Teach Us About the Meaning of Life and Death (Harold Widdison, Ph.D.) Most individuals do not consider stillbirths or miscarriages to be the equivalent of a death because they believe the spirit or life force enters the body with the first breath of air. therefore a stillbirth is not a child, but an unfortunate, even tragic, failure to have a child. This sense of failure, or not having a child, makes it very difficult for may parents to complete their grieving as they sincerely feel that they have lost a child. Harold Widdison will share case examples illustrative of encounters with those who were stillborn or miscarried and the messages they wanted their mothers to receive. ## The Medical Profession and NDErs: Creating a Positive Connection (Pamela Kircher, M.D.) The relationships between Near-Death Experiencers and health care professionals has often been a problematic one and sometimes a very hopeful one. In this presentation, Dr. Kircher will discuss the historical perspective as well as the ways that the relationship has been changing over the past ten years and some practical aspects about approaching health care professional concerning NDEs. Dr. Kircher is a Family Practice physician who had a Near-Death Experience as a young child. She has worked as a hospice physician, a clinical instructor at Baylor College of Medicine, a NDE support group facilitator and has authored the book Love is the Link (opens in a new window). ## Panel – Various NDE Related Topics (Jo Ann Marnie, Moderator, Barbara With, & Gloria Gieske) Details unavailable. ## The Emerging Coyote (Victor Escalante) Details unavailable. ## Prebirth Encounters and NDEs (Sarah Hinze, B.Sc. & Brent Hinze, Ph.D.) In the summer of 1995 we presented some of our research at the IANDS conference at the University of Hartford based on the following: Several years ago Sarah had encounters with some our children before they were born. Encounters occurred through dreams, hearing a noise, sensing a presence, seeing a presence, etc. She initially shared her prebirth encounters (PBEs) only with immediate family, but wondered if other people had similar experiences. She initiated a quest and soon located others who had been or heard from their future children before they were born, or even before conception. Brent joined Sarah in her research. ## A Contribution of Tipler’s Omega Point Theory to NDE Studies (James Crumbaugh, Ph.D.) A fundamental principle of behavioral and natural scientists is reductionism: all mental phenomena can be reduced to a physical basis. Phenomena which have no physical basis cannot really exist. For most scientists this rules out “transpersonal”, “New Age”, spiritual or noetic, religious and related phenomena, all of which maintain strongly antireductionist positions. Thus believers in NDEs have an uphill battle to stay scientifically afloat. ## Amazing Grace: Healing Effects of NDEs on Those Dying and Grieving (Bruce Horacek, Ph.D.) Ring (1991) argued that NDEs act as compensatory gifts helping individuals cope with and understand life’s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring “amazing grace” on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self-destruction. Expanding on Ring’s contention that NDEs can be seen as healing gifts, this session presents evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge or NDEs and nearing-death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one’s own death or the death of significant others. NDEs and nearing-awareness experiences seem to fee persons from paralyzing death anxiety and, consequently, allow them to focus on additional ways to help each other face dying and grieving. ## Suicide and the NDE (Sandra Rogers) Sandra Rogers begins this session by reviewing her own suicide attempt and subsequent NDE when she fired a .38 caliber pistol into her chest. She then discusses the questions of whether or not suicide is an unforgivable sin, whether or not suicide is an escape from life’s tough lessons, and the determining factor of kind of experience one has in the afterlife following a suicide. Answers to the above are based upon the accounts of NDEs, her own and others Ms Rogers has investigated since her own experience ## After-Death Communications: A New Field of Research Confirms That Life and Love are Eternal (Bill Guggenheim) In 1977 we learned about remarkable experiences that often occur after the death of a loved one. Though they have been reported though history, no one had ever given them a name or studied them systematically. We named these experiences “After-Death Communications.” We began our research in 1988 by interviewing people who replied “Yes” to our question, “Have you been contacted by a loved one who has died?” ## Experiencer Panel The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## Second Birth: What Really Happens When Children Have a NDE (PMH Atwater, L.H.D.) Children of any age–even babies making their journey through the birth canal–can die, have a near-death experience, and live to speak of it as soon as they have language and can find willing listeners. How many children cross the borderland into the bright worlds on the other side of death, no one knows; but Melvin Morse, MD, in his ground breaking research on children’s near-death experiences estimated that incident rates may be as high as 75%, more than anyone ever imagined. Missing from research, however, is an in depth study of these children and what they experience as sifted through their own uniquely special perspective. PMH Atwater has spoken before of her work with children, mentioning it in all three of her previous works on near-death and transformative states of consciousness. With this talk, though, she will focus on her next book, “Second Birth”, and what appears to really happen when children have a near-death experience. ## The NDE: What Caregivers Need to Know (Diane Corcoran, Ph.D.) No matter what you personally think happens in an NDE, its effects on the experiencer are profound. In this session, the basic NDE will be discussed, what it is, how it occurs, typical experiencer reactions to be aware of, and how to handle the experiencer with compassion and understanding. ## 20 Years of Near-Death Studies: Where Do We Go From Here? (Raymond Moody, M.D., Ph.D.) Dr. Moody began his research into NDEs over twenty years ago. Since then he has written seven books, including *Life After Life*, which has sold over 10 million copies world wide. He is credited with coining the phrase “near-death experience,” a concept on which he is a leading expert. In this presentation, Dr. Moody will be looking back on the years since he first entered the field and reflecting on where the research has taken us all. ## Closing Presentations - Panel – Family Members of NDErs - How to Maintain a Healthy IANDS Group (Kim Clark Sharp, M.S.W., Greg Wilson, & Lee Campbell) - Panel – Spiritually Related NDE Topics (Elizabeth Fenske, Ph.D., Moderator, Boyce Batey, Gracia Fay Ellwood, & Sandra Rogers) - Psycholtherapeutic and Spiritual Implications of the NDE (Elizabeth Fenske, Ph.D.) - Experiencer Panel B: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. --- ### [IANDS Conference 1996: Oakland](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1996-oakland/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** This article presents information regarding IANDS Conference 1996, which took place in Oakland, California from August 8th to August 10th. Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![The logo for iands conference 1996](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1996logo.jpg "1996logo ‣ iands")The logo for IANDS Conference 1996## IANDS Conference 1996 Presentations, Part I **After the Light: One Foot in Heaven (Kim Clark Sharp, M.S.W.):** Coming back from a near death experience requires major adjustments on all levels of existence. Or, as expressed by the Genie in the movie Aladdin, “All the powers of the Universe!!!; itty-bitty living space.” Covering the more remarkable aspects of returning to our “itty-bitty living space” as shared by countless near death experiencers. Kimberly is representative of these near death experiencers-those who return with paranormal abilities. **NDEs in Hospice Patients (Pamela Kircher, M.D.)**: The NDEs of hospice patients differ from those of people in acute situations. **Introduction to the Near-Death Experience (Pat Fenske, Ph.D.)** **Experiencer Panel A**: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## IANDS Conference 1996 Presentations, Part II **The Rainbow Bridge, Where Science and Spirit Meet (Mellen-Thomas Benedict)**: While suffering from a terminal illness in 1982, Mellen-Thomas was near-death for an hour and a half with no vital signs. He returned from his NDE to his body with his disease in complete remission and with enhanced psychic abilities. While on the “other side,” Mellen was taken “through the light” at the end of the “tunnel,” and beyond. He was shown Earth’s past and a vision of our future for the next 400 years. Since his near-death experience, Mellen-Thomas has maintained his direct access to Universal Intelligence and has been involved in research programs at universities and medical schools. A portion of the first tape and much of the 2nd tape are about various products that Mr. Benedict has developed as a result of his NDE. **NDE and Kundalini Awakening: The Challenge of Transformation (Bonnie Greenwell)**: A near-death experience can trigger the awakening of intense spiritual energy in the body, known as Kundalini in yogic teachings, which brings about transformation of consciousness through physical, emotional, psychic and spiritual changes and revelations. This can be overwhelming for someone who has no preparation as it profoundly shifts the sense of self in the world. This talk presents a yogic model describing why NDEs can cause Kundalini awakening. It presents seven categories of phenomena characteristic of Kundalini awakening, and addresses the challenges and positive potential of a spontaneous Kundalini awakening triggered by an NDE. Bonnie Greenwell has specialized in work with spiritual emergence since 1989. Formerly the director of the Transpersonal Counseling Center at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA, she is currently a member of the adjunct faculty there. ## IANDS Conference 1996 Presentations, Part III **Experiencer Panel B**: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. **Sights and Sounds of NDE (Ned Dougherty)**: A multimedia reminiscence of the NDEs of the presenter and others. **Healing Effects of NDE (Bruce Horacek, Ph.D.)**: Evidence of how NDEs and nearing-death-awareness serve as healing agents to those facing death. **Nihilism and No-thingness in NDE (Lee Bailey, Ph.D.)**: Exploring the nature of the power of “thing-ness” and of imaginative visionary journeys such as NDEs, can help to overcome the meaninglessness of materialistic culture. **Frightening NDEs (Nancy Evans Bush, M.A.)** **NDE’s and European Dream Tradition (Stephanie Van Zandt Nelson)**: Slide-illustrated. In contrast to earlier ages, the terror of the Inquisition still manifests in Western minds as a suspicion of dreams, denial of visionary experience, and fear of death. **Starting a ‘Local Friends of IANDS’ Group (Debbie James, RN)**: Discussion of how to go about forming a local interest or support group. **Depth and Intensity of NDE (Max Norton, Ph.D.)**: By their questions and the answers they develop, NDErs assign meaning to their experiences. Part 2 of a long-term research project. ## **Presentations, Part I**V **Out of the Body, Out of the Mind, and Then … (Charles Tart)**: It is common to think of “mind” as something different from “body.” We now know that what we ordinarily experience as mind is actually heavily structured by the nature of the body, brain and nervous system. Special circumstances sometimes give us glimpses of what mind might be like if it were not so heavily influenced by the body, and these glimpses are important in understanding who we really are. Charles Tart, internationally known for his psychological work on altered states of consciousness and as one of the founders of transpersonal psychology, describes his and others’ research into out-of-the-body experiences, especially those with parapsychological aspects, and then discuss how this lessened connection with the body can take us “out” of ordinary mind as well as body. **Prospective NDE Studies with AIDS and Cardiac Patients (Madelaine Lawrence)**: This presentation includes a report on one of the first prospective NDE studies done at Hartford Hospital (CT) and televised on national television. The study included administration of a disassociative experience scale and personality test to patients who were to undergo an electrophysiology study; some of whom had previously reported an NDE. A small electronic sign was placed in the study room in a position not visible from normal vantage points in the hopes that anyone undergoing an NDE or similar experience would later be able to report on its message. Three case histories of AIDs patients and their experiences with NDEs and other extrasensory experiences are also reported. Madelaine Lawrence is a member of the graduate faculty at the University of Hartford as well as a hospice coordinator in Middlesex, Connecticut. ## Presentations, Part V **NDE Research Panel (Diane Corcoran, R.N., Ph.D., Moderator)**: A researcher panel consists of several people who are doing research into NDEs talking about their current projects, results, difficulties, etc., with audience participation. **NDE and Shamanism (Timothy Green, Ph.D.)**: Exploration of similarities and distinctions between shamanic and near-death experience, with the opportunity to experience shamanic journeying through drumming. **What Health Care Professionals Need To Know (Grace Bubulka, R.N., M.S.N.)**: Appropriate therapeutic responses to a patient’s report of an NDE, and #2, results of a survey of hospital staff reactions to NDE. **Brain Shift (PMH Atwater, L.H.D.)**: A model of theoretical structural, chemical and functional change that the presenter believes may occur in the brain of experiencers. **Panel – Family Members of NDErs** **Suicide and the NDE (Sandra Rogers)**: An experiencer’s conclusions about the act of suicide as it pertains to human existence. **Not-Close-to-NDEs (Dianne Morrissey, Ph.D.)**: Similarities and differences in NDE and the visionary and sensory content of OBE. **Divine Presence in the NDE (Timothy West)**: The reflections of experiencers suggest that reports of the “classic” NDE may be misleading, and that the experience itself, rather than any specific component, is transformationally potent. **NDEs and Psychic Experiences (Jon Klimo)**: The interrelated nature of both types of experience, and the function of post-NDE psychic events. --- ### [IANDS Conference 1995: Hartford, Connecticut](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1995-hartford-connecticut/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![Iands conference 1995 logo](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1995logo.jpg "1995logo ‣ iands")IANDS Conference 1995 Logo## Presentations, Part I - Near-Death Experiences and Disclosure (Debbie James, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N.) - Children and the NDE – Another View (PMH Atwater, L.H.D.) - The No-Thingness of the NDE (Lee W. Bailey, Ph.D.) - The NDE As A Call To An Expanded Consciousness (Boyce Batey, B.A.) - Trauma Induced NDEs and Post Traumatic Stress Considerations (Alexandra Teguis, M.A., N.C.C.) - What Can Be Learned From Children’s NDEs (Harold Widdison, Ph.D.) - The NDE: Spiritual Transformation: A Study of Northwest Members of the Seattle Chapter of IANDS (Cassandra Musgrave) - Sights and Sounds of NDE: A multimedia reminiscence of the NDEs of the presenter and others. (Ned Dougherty) - Psychological NDEs – The Marriage of Heaven and Hell Richard Rubacher, M.A. - Experiencer Panel: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. - God, Physics, and the Near-Death Experience (Ronald L. Mallett, Ph.D.) - Near-Death Experiences in the Blind – Can They Actually See? (Kenneth Ring, Ph.D.) - Panel of Near-Death Researchers: A researcher panel consists of several people who are doing research into NDEs talking about their current projects, results, difficulties, etc., with audience participation. ## Presentations, Part II - Traumatic Effects of Near-Death Experiences (Laura Combs) - NDEr’s Ego, Moral and Faith Development: Is There Any? (Roselea Newsome, Ph.D.) - Transpersonal Perspectives on NDEs: An Interview w/Stanislov Grof (Roselea Newsome, Ph.D.) - Living Life After Encountering the Light (Jann Devereux, Ph.D.) - No Dogs Allowed? Survival and Spiritual Status of Nonhuman Animals (Gracia Fay Ellwood, Ph.D.) - Coming From the Light (Sarah Hinze, B.Sc. & Brent Hinze, Ph.D.) - The Paradox of Jonah: Spiritual Development After a Frightening NDE (Nancy Evans Bush, M.A.) - The Case for Heaven (Mally Cox-Chapman, M.A.) - Physically Transcendent Awareness (Jenny Wade, Ph.D.) - The Healing Effects of NDEs on those Dying and Grieving (Bruce J. Horacek, Ph.D.) - Experiencer Panel: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. - The Bible and the NDE (Rev. Dr. Judith Cressy, D.M. & Haisley Long) - After-Death Communications (William Guggenheim, III) - The NDEs of Black Elk and John Neihardt (John Neihardt, Steve Straight, M.A.) - Stone Soup: How An NDE Survivor Views Her Role In Earth School (Laura Suzanne Gordon, M.A.) - Round-Robin Discussion: How to Use the NDE in Our Daily Lives and Work: A Discussion of Panelists and Audience Nancy Evans Bush, M.A., Moderator --- ### [IANDS Conference 1994: San Antonio](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/iands-conference-1994-san-antonio/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/). ![Iands conference 1994 logo](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1994logo.jpg "1994logo ‣ iands")IANDS Conference 1994 Logo ## Presentations, Part I - Brain Gym: Body/Mind/Spirit Integration for Experiencers and Helpers (Sharon Heller, B.A.) - Electrical Sensitivity: An Update on How It Can Affect NDEers (PMH Atwater, L.H.D.) - Can Christianity and the NDE be Reconciled? A Theological Approach (Rev. Judith Cressy, D.M.) - Transcending Grief: The NDE (Janna Excell, M.Ed.) - Hypnotic Recall of NDEs: Risk Management Access of Paranormal Info, and Potential Benefits (Janice Miner Holden, Ed.D.) - George Fox, the Inward Light, and Social Justice (Gracia Fay Ellwood, Ph.D.) - A Contribution of Frankl’s Logotherapy to Interpretation of NDEs (James C. Crumbaugh, Ph.D.) - The Near Death Experience – Perspectives and Strategies for Health Care Professionals (Diane Corcoran, R.N., Ph.D.) - Faith, Medicine, and Near-Death Experience (Michael Sabom, M.D.) - Panel of Researchers (Corcoran, Morse, & Sabom): A researcher panel consists of several people who are doing research into NDEs talking about their current projects, results, difficulties, etc., with audience participation. - Experiencer Panel: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. - NDEs as Spiritual Emergency: Considerations for Counseling (J.M. Holden, Ed.D. & E. Bodenhamer-Davis, Ph.D.) - The Healing Effects of NDEs on the Dying and Grievers (B. Horacek, Ph.D.) - The Meaning of Life (Haisley Long) - Coping Skills: Three Case Studies (Rev. Judith Cressy, D.M.) - Heavenly or Hellish, the Value of Near-Death Imagery (P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.) ## Presentations, Part II - Describing the Light: Attribution Theory as an Explanation of the NDE (M.C. Norton, Ph.D.) - The Soul, Spirit, and the NDE (George Rodonaia, Ph.D., M.D.) - To Hell and Back (Maurice S. Rawlings, M.D.) - Bedside and Beyond: Immediate Intervention and Delayed Disclosure (K. C. Sharp, M.S.W. & R. M. Hoffman, Ph.D.) - The NDEer and Social Integration (Dianne Jane Morrissey, Ph.D.) - Experiencer Panel: The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. - Parting Visions: Meaning and Uses of Death Related Visions and Spiritual Encounters (Melvin Morse, M.D.) - Workshop for Friends of IANDS Leaders (Nancy Evans Bush, M.A.) - Phenomenological Case Studies of Four Hispanic and Four Non-Hispanic NDEs (Patti White, Ph.D.) - Mysticism, Religious Revelation, and the NDE (Ken Vincent, Ed.D.) --- ### [Registration Opens for 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium April 25](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-2026-iands-spring-symposium-april-25/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **Registration Opens for 2026 International Association for Near-Death Studies Spring Symposium April 25** Durham, NC, March 11, 2026 — Registration opened today for the 2026 [International Association for Near-Death Studies](http://www.iands.org/) (IANDS) Spring Symposium, a virtual event designed for [healthcare professionals](https://iands.org/our-communities/healthcare-providers/), educators, and the general public interested in the intersection of near-death experiences and suicide, with attention to clinical, ethical, and human considerations. The on-line event will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Presentations will examine existing research, clinical observations, and implications for healthcare practice, education, and compassionate care. This symposium is intended for professionals who provide medical healthcare, mental healthcare, and spiritual/religious healthcare—as well as for researchers, educators, students, and the general public with an interest in the subject matter. The event will feature presentations and panel discussions by recognized experts in the field of near-death experiences, suicidality and integration. Speakers include Susie Herrick, a licensed psychotherapist and past academic department chair, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology/[Sofia University](https://www.sofia.edu/); Jeffrey Long, MD, a full-time radiation oncology physician practicing in Kentucky and a prominent researcher of near-death experiences (NDEs); David Maginley, MDiv, CSPC, a psychospiritual specialist at Optimal WellBeing in Halifax, Nova Scotia and author of the book *Early Exits*; and Norman Klaunig, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who is currently a PhD Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the [University of the Cumberlands](http://www.ucumberlands.edu/) and others. All speakers and their bios are listed on the [Symposium website](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/). > “The 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium offers a unique opportunity to engage with researchers and practitioners at the forefront of near-death and suicide,” said Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP. “Attendees will gain knowledge and skills to help those who who have had near-death experiences as a result of suicide attempts or suicidal ideations.” Professional counselors and other healthcare professionals who can use National Board for Certified Counselors continuing education to fulfill their CE requirement may earn up to five hours of CE by attending the Symposium. This continuing education opportunity is provided through IANDS’s partnership with the [Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling](https://www.aservic.org/), a division of the American Counseling Association. Registration fees are $95 for non-members; $60 for members; and $30 for students. There is an additional fee of $15 for attendees seeking a Continuing Education Certificate. For those unable to attend live, on-demand access will be available for one year post-symposium, with continuing education credits still accessible for some healthcare professionals. To register, visit the [IANDS Spring Symposium website](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/). As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. Janet Riley International Association for Near-Death Studies +1 919-275-1982 [email us here](http://www.einpresswire.com/contact_author/898765551) Visit us on social media: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-for-near-death-studies-iands-/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iands_nde/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/IANDS.NDE) --- ### [Subscribe to IANDS Updates](https://iands.org/about/subscribe-to-iands-newsletters/) **Published:** December 30, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** --- ### [Register and Attend IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) [Click Here to Register for IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/event.jsp?event=294&) **Registration is now open for IANDS Spring Symposium 2026**, which will take place on **April 25th, 2026**. Please click the button above to register. We’re looking forward to (virtually) seeing you there! This event will take place **entirely online** and requires [a Zoom-capable device](https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0062179) (PC, MAC, tablet, smartphone, etc.) with an internet connection for participation. ## Registration Fees **Registration****Registration fees** (Member / Non-Member / Student) **Full Symposium** (with video replays available up to April 30, 2027)$60 / $95 / $30 **Continuing Education – 5.0 CE hours** $15 **Video On Demand (VOD) Recordings** (available up to April 30, 2027)$25 / $35 / $15## Need Help? Please reach out to us through our [Symposium Contact page](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/ "Contact Us (IANDS Symposium)") if you need help with registration, Zoom access, or VOD issues. --- ### [Contact Us (IANDS Symposium)](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) Need help with something regarding IANDS Spring Symposium? Please reach out to us using the form below. We look forward to helping you! Please note, this form is intended for questions regarding our Symposium event. For general IANDS inquiries not related to the Symposium, please visit our standard [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") page. Symposium Contact What can we help you with regarding IANDS Symposium? \* I’m having issues with Zoom I’m having issues accessing the VOD page I have another issue or a general inquiry Please describe your issue: \* Your Email \* (Optional) Your Phone Number Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. ## Mailing Address IANDS 2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite #300 Durham, NC 27713 U.S.A. > Phone: (919) 383-7940 ## Business Hours > Monday – Friday > 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST > Closed for federal holidays in the United States of America --- ### [Graduate Student Awards](https://iands.org/nde-research/graduate-student-awards/) **Published:** May 23, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** The IANDS Academic and Research Committee (ARC) oversees two graduate student awards: the **Graduate Student Research Award** and the **Graduate Student Conference Travel Award**. ## Graduate Student Research Award This Award is for graduate students or recent graduates (within one year of graduation) conducting thesis or dissertation research or another study undertaken as part of the graduate program for which the student serves as principal investigator, on the topic of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences") (NDEs) or [similar/related experiences](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/), their transformational effects, and other related topics. The award is for a possible total of $1,500: $500 awarded to the student upon receipt of the Award, an additional $500 awarded toward travel expenses if the IANDS Conference Committee accepts the student’s proposal to present this study in person, and an additional $500 awarded if the study is published in [the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/). Although research on similar/related experiences will be considered, research on NDEs may be prioritized. **Proposal instructions**: Length: 12 pages maximum, using 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double spaced. Include the following sections: - Specific aims of the research project - Background literature review and significance of the research - Methods - Expected results - Possible limitations/obstacles and how you will deal with them - References (not included in the 12-page limit) - Letter of approval for the study from student’s university Institutional Review Board **Proposals are due each year by November 1st**, with results announced by December 1st. ## Graduate Student Conference Travel Award This Award is for graduate students or recent graduates (within one year of graduation) whose IANDS Annual Conference proposal—to present in person the results of their master’s or doctoral thesis or dissertation, or another study undertaken as part of the graduate program for which the student served as principal investigator—has been accepted by the Conference Committee. **Upon notification of acceptance, a student/graduate has two weeks to email the IANDS Research Director at [research\_director@iands.org](mailto:research_director@iands.org) to indicate that they want to be considered for this Award.** The Research Director will reply by email with a brief form to complete regarding estimated travel expenses and the basis for the student’s/graduate’s need; **the applicant must complete and return this form within two weeks of receiving it.** The IANDS Academic and Research Committee (ARC) will consider this information and information from the Conference proposal form regarding the nature of the research and notify applicants within one month whether their application has been approved or denied. Approved applicants will receive their funds within two weeks following their conference presentation. Up to two students may each receive this competitive, needs-based $500 award. If only one student qualifies, they may, at the discretion of the ARC, receive up to $1,000. For further information about either of these Awards, email [research\_director@iands.org](mailto:research_director@iands.org) or [contact the IANDS Office](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact"). --- ### [Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Light The Way General Fund](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general-operations) [The Chrysalis Campaign](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/chrysalis-campaign) [Miscellaneous Payments](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/miscellaneous-payment) [Giving Tuesday](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/giving-tuesday-1) ## **Why Give to IANDS?** ***Your gift helps change lives, inspire understanding, and bring hope. Through our work, we transform fears about death into wonder about what comes after.*** [![Iands holds a platinum transparency award from candid](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/iands-2025-candid-seal-platinum-300x300.jpg "Iands-2025-candid-seal-platinum ‣ iands")](https://app.candid.org/profile/6868090/)Platinum is the highest transparency awarded by Candid (formerly known as Guidestar). IANDS now holds a platinum rating.IANDS relies on the generosity of people like you to carry out our important mission. Your gift will support the mission and light the way. Whether you donate once, give monthly, or leave a legacy, every contribution helps IANDS explore the ordinary and enhance our offerings of education and support around the world. ## **Donate Online** When you support our [**Light the Way General Operating Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general-operations), you enable us to apply your gift where it’s needed most. This fund helps keep IANDS running strong, by supporting general operations, events, research, outreach, publications, and more. Looking to contribute toward the future of IANDS, and not just the IANDS of today? Consider supporting our **[Chrysalis Campaign](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/chrysalis-campaign)**, which endeavors toward major goals: - Funding **new, inclusive research** that extends beyond borders and language barriers - Creating **fresh accessible content** for the hearing-impaired and non-English speakers - Launching a robust digital strategy that **meets people where they are—across platforms, generations, and continents** - Building a speaker’s bureau and media team to **normalize the conversation around NDEs** - Updating and improving data by **developing major surveys** on how near-death experiences shape belief, behavior, and healing Make a one-time or recurring donation using your credit card, PayPal, donor-advised fund, or ACH bank transfer. **IANDS holds [a platinum charity rating on Candid’s GuideStar](https://app.candid.org/profile/6868090/)** and your donation is 100% tax deductible! ## **Matching Gifts** **You may be able to double or triple your donation to IANDS for free!** Many companies match their employees’ charitable contributions, making your gift go even further at no additional cost to you. Your company, your spouse’s company, and even a company you are retired from may match your gift. Be sure to check with your current or former employer to understand matching opportunities. ## Payroll Giving Did you know you can also make regular contributions to IANDS directly from your paycheck? Your employer might allow for automated payroll giving, which helps you make hassle-free and tax-deductible payday donations directly. Use the tool above to find out if your employer facilitates this simple method of giving. ## **Give by Phone or by Mail** Call us at **1-919-383-7940** (EST business hours) to donate by credit card with personal assistance. Prefer to mail your donation? [Download the donation form here](https://www.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/donate_to_iands.pdf) and send it to: **IANDS, 2741 Campus Walk Ave, Building 500, Durham, NC 27705** Your gift brings light to the world. **Thank you for being part of this journey**. ## **Paying for Ads or Miscellaneous Items** Looking to pay for advertising in one of our publications? Or perhaps you’re looking for a way to pay for something else? [Click here](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/miscellaneous-payment) to make miscellaneous payments, and be sure to state the purpose of the payment in the comment box so we allocate the funds correctly. ## **Legacy Giving** Planned legacy giving supports our mission. With just a few simple steps, you can plan a gift to IANDS – and become part of the **Diane Corcoran Bequest Society,** named in honor of our late former president who gave generously of her time and resources. Your bequest will support our many efforts to support research, experiencers, the health care community, clergy and the curious public. ### **Estate Planning** Create a lasting impact by remembering IANDS in your will, trust, life insurance, or retirement plan. It’s simple to do, and your legacy will help others explore and understand near-death experiences for generations. Suggested legal language (review this with an attorney first): *“I devise and bequeath to the International Association for Near-Death Studies (Tax ID: 06-1050150), located at 2741 Campus Walk Ave, Building 500, Durham, NC 27705, the sum of $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (or a percentage of my estate).”* To notify us of your planned gift, contact us by phone, email, or mail. You don’t need to disclose the amount. ### **Targeted Funds** If you prefer that your gift support a targeted fund, we have several available: [**Support Multiple Funds**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/multiple-funds): Through one clicks, you can contribute to multiple funds by listing them in the comment box [**Dr. Linda Moore Healthcare Education Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/dr-linda-moore-education-fund): Support training and outreach to medical professionals, who may not know how to best support their patients in the wake of an NDE. [**IANDS Groups & Events**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/isgo-development): Help keep [our Sharing Groups](https://isgo.iands.org/) running and accessible to all. [**Book Publication Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/book-publication): Help IANDS publish research-back books like [*The Self Does Not Die*](https://www.iands.org/2024-11-23-16-15-26/publications-2/book-publications/the-self-does-not-die.html) and expand the global conversation [**Col. Diane Corcoran Veteran’s Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/veterans-fund): Bring NDE awareness and care into military hospitals and veteran communities. [**PMH Atwater Research Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/research-fund): Contribute to the maintenance of our NDE registry and help fund direct grants to researchers [**Sandi Rogers Conference Scholarship Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/conference-scholarships): Help experiencers attend the IANDS Conference who couldn’t otherwise afford it. [**Angel Membership Fund**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/forms/angel-membership-fund): Provide memberships to those with financial need. --- ### [Schedule: IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) The 2026 IANDS Spring Symposium will take place online on Saturday, April 25th. You’ll find our full schedule of speakers and presentations in the table below. Please be sure to also learn more about each of our [speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/ "Speakers: IANDS Spring Symposium 2026") and learn how you can attend this year’s Symposium online. ***Note:** This event schedule should be considered tentative and subject to change.* \[table id=10 /\] --- ### [Sponsors: IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** - [Symposium Home](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/) - [Register](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-registration/) - [Schedule](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/symposium-schedule/) - [Speakers](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/speakers-symposium/) - [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/continuing-education/) - [Sponsors](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/sponsors-symposium/) - [Contact IANDS](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/contact-us-iands-symposium/) - [Video Library](https://iands.org/events/iands-spring-symposium/iands-spring-symposium-2026-video-library/) The following organizations are sponsoring IANDS Spring Symposium 2026, which takes place on Saturday, April 25th. Please [contact us](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") if you’d be interested in joining them in sponsoring this unique and highly educational online event. ![](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-favicon-1.png "Cropped-favicon ‣ iands")The [Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling](https://aservic.org/) (ASERVIC) is an organization of counselors and human development professionals who believe that spiritual, ethical, and religious values are essential to the overall development of the person, and they are committed to integrating these values in the the counseling process. Through research and practice, ASERVIC empowers and enables the exploration, development, and expression of spiritual, ethical, and religious values relating to the person, society, and counseling professional. --- ### [Fact Sheet: End-of-Life Experiences: Deathbed Visions (DBV)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-end-of-life-experiences-deathbed-visions-dbv/) **Published:** April 11, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** A DBV is a subjective experience in which a dying person, while awake, perceives and interacts with deceased loved ones—people or pets—or religious/spiritual figures that are imperceptible to others who are with the dying person. *This fact sheet is also available in [PDF format](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IANDS-Fact-Sheet-DBV-FINAL.pdf).* ## What forms do DBVs take? DBVs typically include several features. Someone experiencing a DBV: - Can describe who or what they are seeing at the time of the experience – for example, “He’s \[deceased person\] here now. Don’t you see him?” - Can report it sometime later—for example, “Yesterday, I saw my mother \[deceased\] sitting on the end of my bed.” - Behaves in a way that implies they are experiencing a DBV—for example, smiling or pointing in the direction of someone or something that no one else can see. Features of a DBV include the dying person: - Communicating and conversing responsively with the unseen (by others) visitor – for example, speaking out loud or mouthing words • Staring or gazing fixedly at a spot in the room—such as, in a room, at the doorway, foot of the bed, an empty chair, or the upper ceiling corner - Pointing or reaching out one or both arms toward the unseen visitor - Expressing feelings of happiness, joy, and peace verbally and nonverbally—for example, smiling - Trying to sit up or get out of bed—sometimes involving physical movements others thought the dying person was no longer capable of (see [Fact Sheet: Terminal Lucidity](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-terminal-lucidity/)) - Apparently journeying with their unseen visitor to a different reality – often a beautiful place where they will go when they die DBVs occur most frequently in the hours, days, weeks, or, more rarely, months before death and are widely recognized as an indicator that death is near. In the literature, deathbed visitors tend to appear in the dying person’s room; in principle, however, they could appear when a person dies outdoors. ## Who has DBVs, and how common are they? A wide variety of dying people have reported DBVs; they are not uncommon. DBVs have been observed since ancient times among people of different ages, cultures, religious practices, socioeconomic levels, educational levels, and genders. The frequency of DBVs varies depending on who is reporting them—for example, healthcare professionals, nursing home staff, hospice volunteers, death doulas, family caregivers, or dying persons themselves. In one U.S. study, 88% of the hospice patients interviewed reported experiencing at least one end-of-life dream or vision (Kerr et al., 2014). In a Canadian study, 88% of the death doulas surveyed reported witnessing a dying person experiencing a DBV in the previous five years (Claxton-Oldfield & de Ste-Croix Killoran, 2025). ## Are DBVs hallucinations? Many factors indicate that DBVs are not hallucinations. - Although low oxygen in the brain can cause hallucinations, people whose oxygen levels are good report DBVs. - Although some medications can cause hallucinations, dying persons who are not on painkilling medication—or on any medication at all—report DBVs. In fact, people on large doses of painkilling drugs are less likely to report DBVs. - Whereas hallucinations brought on by oxygen deprivation, drugs, or delusional states such as delirium, high fever, or dementia are usually confusing, disordered, and bizarre (make no sense), DBVs make perfect sense to dying people and usually to those who witness or learn about the DBV, as well. - Whereas someone who had a hallucination considers it unreal, someone who had a DBV reports that it felt real. - Whereas drug- or disease-induced hallucinations are generally perplexing and frightening, DBVs are usually pleasurable, comforting, and reassuring. - In some DBVs, the dying person receives information not normally available but later confirmed as accurate, indicating the experience was not a hallucination. Examples include when: - The dying person is visited by a deceased loved one whose death was not known to them—who they believed was still alive but who is later confirmed to have been dead at the time of the DBV. - The dying person is told by their ‘visitor’ the estimated time of their death, and that time is when the person actually dies. ## What is the purpose and impact of DBVs? DBVs appear to comfort and reassure the dying person and those around them. According to Peter Fenwick, a British neuropsychiatrist and expert on end-of-life experiences, the dying say that their ‘visitors’ have come: - to greet them - to reassure them that they will be with them when they die—that the dying person will not be alone in the process - to tell them when it is their time to go - to give them a “preview” of where they will be going when they die - to take them away on their journey to the afterlife For both DBV experiencers and those who witness or later learn about them, DBVs typically: - bring feelings of peace, joy, and happiness - are comforting and reassuring - reduce fear of dying and of death Because those who love and care for dying people are comforted by thinking their loved one is not, or will not be, alone while dying or after death, DBVs can help with the grieving process—that is, reduce some painful aspects of grief. ## Recommended resources Readings include: Callanan, M., & Kelley, P. (2012). *Final gifts: Understanding the special awareness, needs, and communications of the dying.* Simon & Schuster. Claxton-Oldfield, S. (2022). Deathbed visions: Visitors and vistas. *OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying, 90*(1), 21–36. Claxton-Oldfield, S., & de Ste-Croix Killoran, M. (2025). Death doulas’ experiences with and perspectives on unusual end-of-life phenomena. *OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying*. Fenwick, P., & Fenwick, E. (2013). *The art of dying*. Bloomsbury. Kellehear, A. (2020). *Visitors at the end of life: Finding meaning and purpose in near-death phenomena*. Columbia University Press. Kerr, C. W., Donnelly, J. P., Wright, S. T., Kuszczak, S. M., Banas, A., Grant, P. C., & Luczkiewicz, D. L. (2014). End-of-life dreams and visions: A longitudinal study of hospice patients’ experiences. *Journal of Palliative Medicine, 17*(3), 296–303. [https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2013.0371 ](https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2013.0371) Videos include: Fenwick, P. (2013). End-of-life experiences: A spiritual perspective Kerr, C. (2015). I see dead people: Dreams and visions of the dying --- ### [Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **Near-death experiences, or *NDEs*, are profound personal events occurring at the boundary between life and death.** They’re experienced by people close to death. And they can change a person’s whole life in their aftermath. Millions of people around the world have reported similar experiences, strongly suggesting that near-death experiences are real, shared phenomena. They’ve been reported throughout human history and across all cultures. They include features like tunnels of light, [encounters with lost loved ones](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/) or spiritual beings, [out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/), and more. People who were **clinically dead**, or **came close to dying**, have reported near-death experiences. People describe these experiences in remarkably consistent terms, suggesting a shared underlying phenomenon. For many, near-death experiences provide comfort, insight, and a new perspective on both life and death. Having an NDE can change a person’s entire outlook on the world around them, offering them a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh perspective on life. Near-death experiences raise questions the scientific community has only just begun to explore the answers to. What causes a near-death experience? Why are they so vivid, unlike hallucinations? What can NDEs teach us about the human mind, mental health, or what waits for us beyond? **The International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS)** is an educational nonprofit devoted to unraveling the mysteries of near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). We **research NDEs**, help guide experiencers toward **compassionate support**, and work tirelessly toward **educating the public about NDEs** as well. Through all of these efforts, we can stop the stigmas experiencers face and normalize discussions about these life-changing events. And one day, we may unlock the secrets of near-death experiences and learn what they truly mean. **Read more:** [What is a near-death experience or ‘NDE’?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) ## The Common Characteristics of NDEs ![Near-death experiences often include descriptions of tunnels of light.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ai-generated-9201417_1280-300x300.jpg "Near-death-experiences-tunnel-of-light ‣ iands")*Near-death experiences often include descriptions of tunnels of light.*While **no two near-death experiences are exactly identical**, they do share **a number of fascinating common characteristics**. And these shared traits have been instrumental in studying NDEs for more than fifty years. Near-death experiences often include **an out-of-body experience**, or “OBE”—a perception of your consciousness being separated from your physical body. Some experiencers have reported watching their own medical resuscitation efforts or their surgeries. And some people have even reported eavesdropping on conversations, accurately reporting what was said in different rooms while unconscious elsewhere. NDEs also include **tunnels of light**, or a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel. And they typically include **encounters** with one or more **deceased loved ones**—sometimes even [their deceased pets](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/). Many experiencers describe meeting **spiritual beings**, **religious figures**, or beings they don’t recognize. Near-death experiences also typically involve **a life review**, where the experiencer relives moments from their life, sometimes from the perspectives of others. Near-death experiences are described as **incredibly vivid, detailed, and real**. In fact, some experiencers say their NDEs were more real to them than the mortal world. **Read more**: [The characteristics of a near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) ## What causes near-death experiences? There are countless medical, psychological, spiritual, and even paranormal theories regarding what causes near-death experiences. But in truth, we can’t say with any certainty what specifically causes NDEs. Here’s what we do know: **NDEs occur after a person has been declared clinically dead, but recovers. They also occur as the result of loss of consciousness or severe physical, mental, or emotional trauma.** They’ve taken place during childbirth, [military combat](https://iands.org/support/combat-veterans-valuable-info-you-need-to-know/), and serious illnesses and injuries. **There are no cultural, mental, or societal conditions that affect near-death experiences**. They can happen to literally *anyone*, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, financial background, education level, or any other immutable or mutable characteristic. Age also isn’t a factor in what causes near-death experiences. They can happen to people of all ages, [including young children](https://iands.org/support/children-and-near-death-experiences-advice-you-need-to-know/). In short, anyone and everyone is able to have a near-death experience. Not everyone does, of course, but millions of people have experienced these profound, life-changing events. **Read more:** [What causes near-death experiences, and who has them](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/)? ## The Aftereffects of near-death experiences With their hyperrealism and extraordinary characteristics, near-death experiences can change a person’s whole worldview in an instant. Most experiencers have what researchers refer to as [pleasurable NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/). They feel a sense of peace and unconditional love during their NDEs, and those sensations often carry on well after the event itself. Most people report losing their fear of death in the aftermath of their NDEs, confident that their consciousness will continue on after their physical bodies are gone. Their values change, becoming more compassionate, altruistic, and service-oriented. NDE researchers still can’t fully explain some of the phenomenon’s most unusual aftereffects. For instance, some studies have suggested that some of the deeper NDE cases included increased sensitivity to [electromagnetic phenomena](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc799170/m2/1/high_res_d/vol27-no2-83.pdf), and even malfunctions of devices, batteries draining more quickly, and phones losing reception unexpectedly. Finding someone to speak with after an NDE can be challenging for experiencers. Be sure to explore the [support](https://iands.org/support/) articles and other resources offered by IANDS, or to learn how you can be there for someone after they’ve had an NDE. **Read more:** [Aftereffects of near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) ## Scientific research and academic studies on NDEs ![Near-death experiences can teach us a great deal about the human brain and consciousness.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/thoughts-9217669_1280-300x214.jpg "Thoughts-9217669_1280 ‣ iands")*Near-death experiences can teach us a great deal about the human brain and consciousness.*Researchers have been studying near-death experiences since the 1970s, particularly following the publication of Raymond Moody’s groundbreaking 1975 book [*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/). Since then, researchers have been looking closely at accounts of NDEs and studying all manner of scientific data, from electroencephalograms, or EEGs—an electrical measure of brain activity—to other neurological, psychological, and physical data. IANDS publishes [*the Journal of Near-Death Studies*](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/), the world’s only peer-reviewed scientific journal exploring near-death experiences and related phenomena. We also offer a listing of [NDE research studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/) you can participate in, as well as [continuing education programs](https://iands.org/education/continuing-education/), [graduate student awards](https://iands.org/nde-research/graduate-student-awards/), and more. And be sure to explore our [fact sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/) to learn about specific phenomena. If the Journal is a bit too academic for your needs, we’d love for you to check out our [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) articles, answering questions asked by readers and by the Internet in general. You’ll also want to peruse [the IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/), which breaks down complex scientific terminology and explains these phrases in a simple, fun way. IANDS isn’t alone in researching NDEs. Prominent researchers are exploring the phenomenon at the [University of Virginia Division of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/), at [NDERF](https://nderf.org/index.htm), and through several other notable organizations. ## Real near-death experience stories shared by real people Near-death experience stories are truly fascinating. Whether you’re an NDE researcher, an experiencer hoping to learn more about the phenomenon, or someone with a more general interest in NDEs, you’re going to want to see [the IANDS registry of personal NDE accounts](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/). The registry allows you to explore hundreds of genuine NDE reports submitted to IANDS by real near-death experiencers. If you’re someone who has had an NDE of your own, we’d love for you to share your story with us. Please consider visiting the registry, where you can submit your own near-death experience. Your stories provide invaluable research material to the scientific community, and may just hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of near-death experiences and related phenomena. Looking for even more near-death experience stories? Be sure to also take a look at our magazine, [*Vital Signs*](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/). You won’t want to miss an episode of our [*Explore the Extraordinary* Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/@IANDSvideos), either. And you can keep up with us on all fronts by signing up for the IANDS newsletter. We can’t wait to meet and connect with you! See the [IANDS registry of personal NDE accounts](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) ## Meet the NDE Community today through IANDS Are you ready to join the near-death experience community at large? We can help with that, too. [IANDS Groups and Events](https://isgo.iands.org/) include local peer-to-peer support and sharing groups with monthly meetings all around the world. IANDS support groups connect you directly with other experiencers in your area. Find specialized groups for military veterans, those who’ve encountered childhood NDEs, distressing NDEs, and more! What if you’re not really seeking support, but you’re hoping to support others? Well, first off, we sincerely thank you for all of your dedicated and compassionate service! And IANDS has special groups and events for you as well. You’ll find groups for healthcare professionals, clergy, and more. You’ll also want to learn about [our annual IANDS Conference](https://conference.iands.org/), the world’s largest and longest-running event of its kind, where researchers, experiencers, and supporters come together to explore near-death experiences and related phenomena. You should also see the [IANDS Symposium](https://symposium.iands.org/), an annual event with more emphasis on the research and the science of near-death studies. ## Explore the Extraordinary world of near-death experiences with IANDS! Near-death experiences are truly fascinating occurrences that not only challenge an individual’s perceptions of the world around them, but the very foundations of mainstream science itself. And the team at IANDS invites you to join us in our quest to unravel the secrets of this exciting phenomenon. IANDS is an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our efforts afloat, including our research initiatives, our support services, outreach programs, and our mission to educate the world about near-death experiences. If you can, please consider making a 100% tax-deductible [donation to IANDS](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) or patronizing our [Extraordinary Store](https://iands.org/shop/), both of which help our mission directly. And please also consider [becoming an IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/)! Doing so earns you lots of wonderful perks, including discounts on events like IANDS Conference. We hope you’ll come with us as we explore the extraordinary! --- ### [Past IANDS Conferences: 1993 North American Conference](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/past-iands-conferences-1993-north-american-conference/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Interested in learning more about our conference history? Be sure to look at our comprehensive list of [Past IANDS Conferences](https://iands.org/events/conference/past-iands-conferences/ "Past IANDS Conferences: See our Full Conference History"). ![Iands conference 1993 logo](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1993logo.jpg "1993logo ‣ iands")IANDS Conference 1993 Logo ## Near-Death Experience And Kundalini (Bruce Greyson, M.D.) Research findings on relation between physical symptoms of kundalini, psychoticism, and NDEs. Aftereffects of NDEs are similar to kundalini awakening. Spiritual issues around kundalini and NDEs. ## President’s Address (Nancy Evans Bush, M.A.) Presentation of resources and needs of International Association for Near Death Studies (IANDS). Resources include publications, conferences, information resources, interviewees, research grant program, education, support contact for experiencers. Needs include increased support through membership, volunteer time and talents. ## Experiencer Panel The experiencer panels are always some of the high points of the conference. Each of the four or so experiencers on the panel tells his or her experience and answers questions from the audience. ## Embraced By the Light (Betty Eadie) Detailed autobiographical account of NDE occurring after surgery by Eadie, a Sioux Indian adult female. ## The Knowledge Celebration of Death (George Rodonaia, Ph.D., M.D.) Detailed autobiographical account of NDE occurring after automobile accident by Rodonaia, a Russian adult male. ## Bedside And Beyond: Immediate Intervention And Delayed Disclosure (Kimberly Clark Sharp, M.S.W. & Regina Hoffman, Ph.D.) Part 1 includes an account of Clark Sharp’s NDE as a result of a medical crisis, including after-effects. Account of her experiences as a Social Worker, including validation of veridical perception experienced by Maria, a migrant worker, during an NDE. Suggestions about how to assist people during and after an occurrence during which they might experience an NDE, including how to help them to re-orient themselves back into their bodies. These suggestions are based on the presenter’s own experiences and on interviews with people who had to be resuscitated by medical personnel about what they would have found helpful. Part 2 gives Research that Regina Hoffman has done on the disclosure of NDEs, including the reasons NDErs choose to take the risk of disclosure, how disclosure affects the immune system, the difficulty of describing an NDE with words, and the effects on non-NDErs who listen to accounts of NDEs is presented. ## Near-Death Experience Versus Not Close To Death Experience (Diane Jane Morrissey, Ph.D.) Account of Morrissey’s NDE as a result of electrocution. She now teaches people how to have OBEs. Discussion of sleep, dreams, and OBEs. Also distinctions between NDEs, OBEs, astral projection and remote viewing. ## The Role Of The Spiritual Path In Near-Death Experience Re-Entry (Judith Cressy, D.M.) Cressy reports being an NDEr. (No account of her experience is on this tape.) Discussion of problems NDErs experience as a result of returning to their lives after their experience. Discussion of Cressy’s perspective that many, if not most, of these problems are spiritual in nature and can be ameliorated by becoming a spiritual aspirant. Discussion of Cressy’s model for mystical experiences and how it compares with Ken Ring’s model and Ken Wilber’s model. Discussion of devastating side-effects of intense spiritual experiences. ## Physiological After-effects Including Electrical Sensitivity (P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.) Atwater reports having 3 NDEs. (No account of those experiences is on this tape.) She reports common aftereffects of NDEs, including new relationship the NDEr may have with electricity. ## The Frightening Near-Death Experience (Nancy Evans Bush, M.A.) Bush reports having a frightening NDE. (No account of her experience is on this tape.) Discussion of 3 types of frightening experiences: Experiences that are like non-distressing NDEs but the person perceives them as distressing, Experience of a void, Experiences that include imagery of demons and hellish landscapes. Discussion of aftereffects of these experiences and Bush’s interpretation of them. ## The Distressing Near-Death Experiences As Initiatory Ordeal (Gracia Fay Ellwood, Ph.D.) Brief description of Ellwood’s OBE, which was analogous to the NDE in which the person experiences a void. Biographical accounts of distressing NDEs. Discussion of 3 types of distressing NDEs: Experiences that are like non-distressing NDEs but the person perceives them as distressing, Experience of a void, Experiences that include imagery of demons and hellish landscapes. Discussion of several possible interpretations of these experiences. ## What Near-Death Experiences Teach Us About Purposes Of Earth Life And Post-Earth Life (Harold A. Widdison, Ph.D. & Craig R. Lundahl, Ph.D.) Discussion of Widdison and Lundahl’s interpretations of the meaning of pre-earth life, earth life, and post-earth life based on biographical accounts of NDEs in the literature. Much of this presentation is based on Betty Eadie’s report of her NDE. ## Near-Death Experience And Kundalini Awakening: Exploring The Links (Yvonne Kason, M.D.) Kason reports having an NDE. (No account of her experience is on this tape.) Account of aftereffects of her experience. Discussion of common mechanism in the brain that is responsible for NDEs and other spiritually transformative experiences. Kason describes seven main groupings of spiritually transformative experiences including mystical, psychic awakenings, classical kundalini awakening, inspired creative expression, NDE, perceived UFO encounters, and transient psychoses with mystical features. Relationship between symptoms of kundalini and aftereffect of spiritually transformative experiences. ## The Seven Major Aftereffects Of The Near-Death Experience: Positive And Negative Aspects (P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.) Atwater reports having 3 NDEs. (No account of those experiences is on this tape.) Aftereffects of these experiences are described. Atwater also reports that she was born with synesthesia and describes the impact that has had on her life. Seven general major aftereffects of NDE’s and seven major negative aftereffects are delineated. Atwater’s interpretation of NDE’s is discussed. ## Workshop For Leaders And Prospective Leaders (Peggy Raso & Kimberly Clark Sharp, M.S.W.) Suggestions are given for people who are leading or plan to lead IANDS associated discussion groups for NDErs. Suggestions come from experiences of both presenters. ## Perspective And Strategies Of Working With The Near-Death Experience Patient (Diane Corcoran, R.N., Ph.D. & Roselea Newsome, Ph.D.) Discussion of experiences of family members of NDErs. Supportive and non-supportive reactions illustrated. Discussion about how statements that NDErs make may affect their families (i.e. “I didn’t want to come back”). Suggestions for spouses and children about how to adjust to extreme changes that may be present in the NDEr. Though the discussion is intelligible, there is a significant amount of distracting background noise on this tape. ## After Death Communication (Bill Guggenheim) Biographical accounts of people who have experienced communications from deceased loved ones. Descriptions and interpretations of after death communications (ADCs) and their effects on those who experience them. Delineation of twelve categories of ADCs. ## The Near-Death Experience As An Agent For The Evolvement In Consciousness Of Mysticism And Mediumship (Jayne W. Smith) Account of Smith’s NDE and her life journey after her experience. Discussion includes experiences in spiritual awakening, alternate states of consciousness, mysticism, mediumship, spiritual healing, guided imagery, and A Course in Miracles. This tape contains only the first 45 minutes of this presentation. We do not know how long the entire presentation was. ## The Role Of Near-Death Experience In Hospice Work (Pamela M. Kircher, M.D.) Kircher reports that she is an NDEr. (No account of her experience is on this tape.) Describes her experiences as a Hospice physician. Discussion of deathbed visions, experiences of hospice workers and how NDEs affect them, reasons why patients have NDEs, and how to encourage disclosure. ## The Human Energy Field And The Dying Process (Elke Siller Macartney) Discussion of the human energy field and its relationship to healing and dying processes. Discussion includes auras, astral travel, mental auras, healing through energy, and kundalini. --- ### [Does Your Employer Offer Matching Gifts? Find Out Here!](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/does-your-employer-offer-matching-gifts-find-out-here/) **Published:** December 19, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Did you know that many employers are willing to **match charitable donations made by their employees**? These matching gifts programs allow you to **double the impact of your contributions**, all thanks to the generosity of your employer. If you’ve donated to IANDS or if you’re planning to, **your gift may be eligible** to be matched **at no additional cost to you**. *Double the Donation* is a trusted matching-gift platform that makes it easy to check your eligibility in a matter of seconds. Simply take a look at the box below and follow the instructions, and you’ll find out quickly if your employer is willing to match your charitable contributions. You don’t even need to call anyone. ## What are Matching Gifts? Matching gift programs are philanthropic initiatives where companies match donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations. If their employee is making a donation, the company makes a donation as well. Some employers match gifts 1:1, dollar-for-dollar, while others may contribute two or three times the original donation amount. It all boils down to the specific employer. Though the employer won’t know to contribute anything if they never learn about your initial donation. This typically involves requesting a matching gift, often through a simple online process that might only take a matter of minutes to complete. Unfortunately, billions of dollars in matching gifts go unclaimed each year, simply because donors don’t realize their employer offers the program to begin with. And these programs are offered by many employers, too, including 65% of Fortune 500 companies. Roughly 66% of companies overall have some form of matching program that’s open to most non-profits, including IANDS. Over 26 million people work for companies that offer matching gift programs. And you could be one of them! ## How Matching Gifts Help IANDS Matching gifts directly support our mission at IANDS to advance research, education, and the understanding of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). When a donation is matched, it allows IANDS to: - Support scientific research and academic inquiry - Expand educational resources and public outreach - Maintain support services for experiencers, families, and more - Continue and strengthen our conferences, publications, and community programs In short, matching gifts can double (or even triple) the impact of your support. ## How to Check Your Eligibility Using the simple search tool powered by *Double the Donation*, you can find out in minutes if you’re eligible. You can use the tool above to search for your employer, review your company’s matching gift guidelines, and even submit a matching gift request. And it normally only takes a few minutes to complete! **Already donated? That’s okay!** Even if you’ve already made your donation to IANDS, your gift may still qualify for a match. **Many companies allow matching requests to be submitted even months after the original donation was made**. It’s still worth checking either way. A few minutes of your time could significantly increase the impact of your support for IANDS. So please, use that tool shown above and see if your employer is willing to offer matching gifts! --- ### [Research](https://iands.org/nde-research/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** NDE research involves the science behind near-death experiences. And with interest in near-death experiences (NDEs) growing significantly in recent years, many people are intrigued to learn how much NDE research has been peer-reviewed and published, dating all the way back to the late 1800s. Supporting ongoing research into near-death experiences and related phenomena is an essential part IANDS’ mission—and a key reason why leading researchers founded our organization. As part of our commitment to the research field, IANDS publishes its own *Journal of Near*–*Death Experiences* three times a year. We also sponsor an annual online symposium, provide research updates during our [annual conference,](https://conference.iands.org/) and maintain a listing of select, peer-reviewed research and an *Index of Periodical Literature* dating from 1877 to 2011. ## **Support for Researchers** If you are a researcher seeking IANDS support or collaboration for your study, the following information provides a pathway for you. IANDS’s policy is to support well-designed research studies. The primary ways we have supported past researchers has been - Recruiting research participants – posting an announcement of the study at the IANDS website, announcing it in IANDS’s quarterly magazine *Vital Signs,* and asking national and international IANDS Local Group leaders to announce it to their membership, and - Providing access to the IANDS Experience Registry – giving qualified researchers access to the IANDS database of near-death experience accounts. If you would like to request support from IANDS, please [complete this form](https://iands.org/instructions-for-researchers-seeking-iands-support-or-collaboration/ "Instructions for Researchers Seeking IANDS Support or Collaboration") (find a downloadable version below). You should receive a reply from IANDS’s Research Director within two weeks. [IANDS\_Research\_Application\_Form-03-2024.doc](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IANDS_Research_Application_Form-03-2024.doc.pdf)[Download](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IANDS_Research_Application_Form-03-2024.doc.pdf) ## **Graduate Student Research Award Competition** Graduate students may propose a **graduate-level research project on near-death experiences (NDEs)** or [similar/related experiences](https://www.research.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/What_Are_Related_Experiences.pdf), their transformational effects, and other related topics. The award is for a possible total of $1,000, with $500 awarded to the student at the onset of the research project and an additional $500 awarded if the project is published in the *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/).* In its ongoing efforts to support graduate students at universities who are interested in performing research on the nature of NDEs, their transformational effects, the applications of this knowledge to health care and counseling, and other related topics, IANDS is announcing the creation of the **IANDS Graduate Student Research Award Competition**. Proposals for a graduate level research project (see details in the proposal instructions, below) are due each year by November 1st, with results of the review of the submissions by December 1st, and the Award start date of January 15th. The award is for a possible total of $1000, with $500 awarded to the student at the onset of the research project and an additional $500 awarded directly to the student if the project is published in the [*Journal of Near-Death Studies*](/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/). **Proposal instructions:** Length: 12 pages maximum, using 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double spaced. Include the following sections: - Specific aims - Background literature review and significance of the research - Methods - Expected results - Possible limitations/obstacles and how you will deal with them - References (not included in the 12 page limit) - Letter of approval for the study from student’s university Institutional Review Board - The focus of research may be near-death experiences or similar/related experiences. For a discussion of what constitutes similar/related experiences, see [this page](https://www.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/What_Are_Related_Experiences.pdf). Although research on similar/related experiences will be considered, research on NDEs may be prioritized. For further information, email [research\_director@iands.org](mailto:research_director@iands.org) or [contact the IANDS Office](https://www.iands.org/about/about-iands27/contact-us.html). --- ### [Instructions for Researchers Seeking IANDS Support or Collaboration](https://iands.org/instructions-for-researchers-seeking-iands-support-or-collaboration/) **Published:** December 15, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDS’s policy is to support well-designed research studies. The primary way we have supported past researchers has been to distribute a request for people in our approximately sixty *Friends of IANDS* groups, located mostly across the US but some internationally, to answer online surveys. Another way has been to give qualified researchers access to the IANDS database of near-death experience accounts—the IANDS Experience Registry. If you would like to request support from IANDS, please take up to two pages to complete the following form, and return it, along with any attachments, to [research\_director@iands.org](mailto:research_director@iands.org): 1. Synopsis of Study. Please describe the purpose and methodology of your study. 2. Describe how you would like IANDS to help you. If you are requesting access to IANDS’s Experience Registry, or specific information from the Registry, please complete the form below 3. Please attach a copy of your survey(s). 4. If your study has been approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), please attach a copy of the approval letter. If your study has not been IRB-approved, this application is subject to Academic and Research Committee approval. 5. If you would like IANDS to recruit participants via our approximately 60 US and/or international local groups, please provide the following: - Place an “x” in the relevant blank(s): **\_ US local groups. \_** International local groups - Provide an email for IANDS to send to the relevant group leaders. See example on p. 3 below. - Provide an email for IANDS and group leaders to send to their email lists. See example on p. 3 below. 1. Beginning date of the study: 2. Ending date of the study (at which time all reference to the study will be removed from the website): ## **EXPERIENCE REGISTRY ACCESS AGREEMENT** **THIS AGREEMENT** is entered into to be effective on the last date set forth below with signatures, between The International Association for Near-Death Studies (hereafter “IANDS”), a 501(c)(3) corporation, with headquarters in North Carolina, and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (hereafter individually or jointly “Author”) for the consideration deemed sufficient by the parties. 1\. IANDS receives accounts, narratives, stories, recordings, descriptions, manuscripts, data, and other kinds of information related to near-death experiences (hereafter “Narratives”) and stores them in the Experience Registry data base (hereafter the “Registry”). 2. IANDS makes the Narratives available to authors, researchers, and others, so long as they appropriately promote the interests and 501(c)(3) purposes of IANDS, as determined in the sole discretion of IANDS. 3\. Author will submit to IANDS a written description of Author’s “**proposed use**” of Author’s access to the Registry and/or Narratives in the Registry. 4\. To enable IANDS to determine whether access should be given, Author provides IANDS with a written description of all **proposed uses**. The written description is attached or provided by Author with this agreement, and includes Author’s background information, detailed description of proposed publication(s), planned use of Narratives and excerpts of Narratives, and all other information Author believes to be relevant. 5\. Author agrees to abide by permissions specified in each registry submission, in particular (a) restrictions on publication of narratives, and (b) limits of contact between author and experiencer (no contact, or if contacted, experiencer’s right to accept or decline participation); and to maintain the confidentiality of experiencers’ personal and contact information. 6\. Au**thor must obtain IANDS’s written approval prior to any and all publication and/or media and any other final use**. This means Author agrees to provide IANDS with a draft of any final proposed publication. 7\. This agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina without reference to the conflict of law principles. 8\. This is the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties, written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. 9\. This agreement may be amended and modified only by written agreement of the parties hereto. This agreement will not be assignable by any party. 10\. This agreement is binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Understood and agreed to by Author and IANDS, executed by Author and IANDS authorized representative. **AUTHOR(S)**: DATED: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author Signature \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author typed name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author Signature \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author typed name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author Signature \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author typed name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **IANDS**: DATED: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ IANDS Representative Signature \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ IANDS Representative Title \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ IANDS Representative typed name \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ --- ### [Contact](https://iands.org/contact/) **Published:** January 8, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Please use this form to contact IANDS. You can also scroll down for our phone number and mailing address. ContactName \* Name First Name First Name Last Name Last Name Email \* Phone Paragraph \* Captcha Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. ## Mailing Address IANDS 2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite #300 Durham, NC 27713 U.S.A. > Phone: (919) 383-7940 > > ## Business Hours > Monday – Friday > 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST > Closed for federal holidays in the United States of America --- ### [IANDS Events: Learn More About These Amazing Gatherings Here](https://iands.org/events/) **Published:** November 26, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) [IANDS Groups & Events (IGE)](https://isgo.iands.org/) [Symposium](https://symposium.iands.org/) **Community, learning, support, and science**. These four pillars guide our IANDS events, where all comers are invited to explore the extraordinary world of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals You Need to Know") and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). And we would love to welcome you to **learn about these incredibly fascinating subjects with us**. At IANDS events, you’re invited to join experiencers, researchers, healthcare professionals, students, clergy, family members, and others seeking a deeper understanding of near-death studies. Our events are **inclusive, supportive, educational, and inspiring**. Whether you’re seeking insight, connection, meaning, or something else entirely, **there’s a place for you at IANDS events**. ***Quick Note:** If you’re an [IANDS member](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS"), be sure to check out the discounts you should take advantage of!* ## What will you find at IANDS Events? And who will you meet? IANDS events are focused on … - **Education** grounded in **credible research** - **Personal stories** shared with **compassion and respect** - **Community support** and **connection** - **Opportunities to learn** from leading experts - **Safety, accessibility, inclusion,** and **respect for all** Our events draw a diverse audience, too, including … - **Experiencers** and their families and caregivers - **Medical experts**, including mental health providers, doctors, and nurses - **Researchers** in consciousness studies, psychology, neuroscience, and more - **Students**, **clergy**, and anyone simply interested in learning more ## Explore IANDS Events, Big and Small ### IANDS Conference The annual IANDS Conference is an event like no other. It’s the world’s largest event focused on NDEs and related experiences, bringing together hundreds of experiencers, professionals, and supporters for several days of presentations, workshops, community, and shared learning. [Learn more about the IANDS Conference here](http://conference.iands.org) ### IGE (IANDS Groups and Events) ![Ige hosts smaller iands events throughout the year](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IANDS-groups-logo-300x109-1.jpg "Iands-groups-logo-300x109 ‣ iands")Looking to connect with our community year-round? Then IGE is the global online meeting place for you. Our Groups and Events listings include live talks and workshops both online and in-person, with members from around the world. IGE promotes respectful dialogue with no particular social, religious, or political ideology. Whoever you are, we encourage you to come and be involved! [Check out IGE and find the right group for you here](https://isgo.iands.org/) ### IANDS Symposium Looking for a more research-focused and academically-themed IANDS event? Our annual IANDS Symposium will be right up your alley. Join leading researchers, mental health providers, healthcare professionals, and more in scholarly discussions regarding emerging ideas in the study of NDEs and related experiences. The IANDS Symposium is idea for researchers, clinicians, students, and those seeking a deeper, more scientific understanding of the field. [Explore the IANDS Symposium here](https://symposium.iands.org/) --- ### [All Rights Reserved](https://iands.org/all-rights-reserved/) **Published:** February 14, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Below you’ll find our Rights and Usage FAQ with information regarding copyrights, usage rights, backlinks and more. If you have any further questions about rights or usage, please [contact us](/contact/ "contact us"). ## Rights and Usage FAQ ### **May I link to IANDS.org?** > **We encourage you to link to our website and our content**, and we may even link back to your own content if it’s relevant to our content and valuable to our readers. > > Please note that **this is not permission to duplicate, republish, or emulate our content** in part or in full. If you’d like to share our full content on another site, please link to it instead. > > We also ask that you not use IANDS’ logos or trademarks when creating links to our site or our content. IANDS reserves the right to request the alteration or removal of such links. ### **Will iands.org link to my site?** > IANDS will link to pages that, in our sole judgment, offer significant added value to the people who view our site. Such a page must be on a related topic, and must have relevant high-quality information that is not found on iands.org. We monitor all pages that we link to to make sure that they continue to live up to this expectation. If you want IANDS to link to your site, [send us e-mail](https://iands.org/contact/ "Contact") using the format from the article [What Your Link Request Should Contain and Why](http://www.clickz.com/experts/archives/linking/build_links/article.php/831971) ### **May I copy the text of a near-death experience or similar experience and publish it as a quotation in a book or article, or publish an audio reading of the account online, for example on YouTube?** > **IANDS cannot grant permission to publish quotations from the NDE accounts** that we publish on our web site because we have not received permission from the NDE account authors to do so. However, we advise researchers and authors who wish to use quotations from these accounts to follow the [Fair Use Doctrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use). If you are not familiar with this legal doctrine in US law, please refer to the [factors involved in determining fair use](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use#U.S._fair_use_factors). Some of the factors that may be involved in cases involving quotations from NDE accounts are: > > - If the book or article’s use involves research, scholarship or education of the public. > - If the book or article’s use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes. A commercial use weighs against a claim of fair use but does not preclude it, if other factors are involved. > - If there is not a likely impact on the NDEr’s potential to market the NDE account, especially considering the next item. > - The fact that these NDE accounts have already been published and are freely available on the Internet. > - If the number of words the author is quoting is small (for example, 250 words) or is small compared to the total of the account. Use of longer quotations may still count as fair use, if other factors are involved. Alternatively, the author can reword a long quotation in the author’s own words, and can include only shorter portions that are directly quoted. > - If the author includes where these accounts have been published, that is, gives credit to the International Association for Near-Death Studies (). ### **May I use content I find on iands.org for something such as a school project?** > You may include a page or article from the IANDS web site for your school project so long as the following copyright clause accompanies it: > > > Copyright , International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS). All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from [http://www.iands.org](http://www.iands.org/). > > > (Replace by the date or dates that appear on the page.) > > You may also **print and freely distribute** [**any of the brochures**](https://research.iands.org/resources/education/brochures.html) we have on our site that are in PDF format, as long as you do not change the brochures in any way; this includes not omitting anything. --- ### [IANDS Sharing Groups: Building Connection, Support, Understanding](https://iands.org/support/iands-sharing-groups-building-connection-support-understanding/) **Published:** February 4, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDS-affiliated Groups serve people who have had near-death experiences (often called “experiencers”) by offering supportive sharing opportunities and connection with others who have similar experiences and those who care about and support them. IANDS Groups also offer education and discussion of near-death and related experiences to the general public in a supportive, accessible setting. Located in [various cities in the U.S. and a number of other countries](https://isgo.iands.org/local-groups/), the IANDS Groups hold regular meetings for both experiencers and the general public. IANDS trained facilitators group facilitations strive to create a safe and respectful environment for all. - [Find an IANDS Group](https://isgo.iands.org/local-groups/) — Listing of IANDS in-person Groups and Contact Information. - [Find an Online Group](https://isgo.iands.org/) – Online Sharing Groups (ISGO) offer a convenient option when in-person group aren’t convenient or accessible. ## **Interested in Starting an IANDS Sharing Group? We’re here to help.** Starting an IANDS Group is a true commitment of your time, energy, and dedication to supporting those who have had near-death and related experiences, to those who care about and support them and to the general public. IANDS Groups are organized and run by trained Group Facilitators who must be IANDS Members at the Supporting Level or higher and who agree to lead their Group according to IANDS’ policies and by-laws. Most IANDS Groups meet monthly and are open to everyone, offering peer-to-peer support and sharing information about NDEs and similar experiences. To get started, follow these steps: **Step 1:** Define your purpose. Do you want to create a peer support group primarily for experiencers, a speaker group or a study and discussion group for the general public? Your purpose will determine which people you invite and the program structure you’ll need. **Step 2:** Review the IANDS Group Affiliation Policy **Step 3:** Register your group with IANDS. How to Register an IANDS Group **Step 4:** Decide how and when you will meet – this can always be revised once the group is formed. Locations may include libraries, community centers and local churches. **Step 5:** Develop a list of potential participants and ways to inform them. Start small and grow the group through word of mouth. Potential interested participants may: - Nurses and other healthcare workers - Physicians and emergency personnel - Nursing homes and hospices - Senior centers - Clergy and spiritual counselors - Therapists and social workers - Support groups for the terminally ill or the bereaved - Death doulas - Funeral directors **Step 6: Follow IANDS’s Group Guidelines** All IANDS groups must agree to the following guidelines: - Allow freedom of interpretation of NDEs and similar experiences and don’t proselytize any single point of view. - Provide peer support, not therapy. - While fostering the free exchange of ideas through open discussion, IANDS groups, led by trained facilitators, safeguard participants by refraining from techniques that are known to have been emotionally hazardous for some individuals. - Are led by a person who is an IANDS member. - Hold IANDS membership in the group’s name within a year of formation. Each local group is financially independent of IANDS. **If you’re interested in starting an IANDS group, fill out and submit the request form.** --- ### [Religious and Spiritual Leaders](https://iands.org/our-communities/religious-spiritual-leaders/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Religious and spiritual leaders are often an early point of contact for people who have had a near-death experience. They also must meet continuing education requirements. IANDS offers several resources that may be helpful. - **Interfaith Clergy Group –** We offer an [Interfaith Clergy Group](https://isgo.iands.org/sharing-and-theme-groups/) that brings clergy from a variety of faiths together for mutual support as they serve people in need of counsel, support, and information. - **Christian Clergy Group** – IANDS runs a [private sharing group](https://isgo.iands.org/sharing-and-theme-groups/) specifically for Christian clergy engaged in counseling, supporting, and educating people about near-death experiences. - **Jewish Experience Group —** IANDs runs a sharing group for those in or from a Jewish community who have had near-death or similar experiences or are interested in them. Non-Jewish people are also welcome to join us as well to learn about Jewish perspectives. - **Annual Conference** – The IANDS [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) offers clergy and other spiritual leaders the chance to learn, connect and feel supported and inspired. - **Continuing Education –** According to[ Manuals of Spiritual Care](https://chaplaincyandspiritualcare.com/continuing-education-for-chaplains/), certified chaplains must document 50 hours of Professional Development (PD) per year (20 hours of Spiritual Growth, 20 hours of Continuing Education & Supervision, 10 hours of Research). Each professional body has a form to record these hours. Many churches also require continuing education to further develop present skills and knowledge, which can include near-death experience education through IANDS programming. More information on [continuing education](/education/continuing-education/) is available here. --- ### [Researchers](https://iands.org/our-communities/researchers/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Near-death experience research is the reason why IANDS was founded and central to our purpose. Your work is essential to helping illuminate our understanding about the nature of consciousness and what happens when we die. IANDS is proud to support the research community with important resources. - **Annual Conference** – IANDS [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) offers researchers the chance to connect and hear emerging information in the field of near-death studies. - **Research Symposiums** – IANDS offers periodic research symposiums focused exclusively for researchers. - ***Journal of Near-Death Studies –*** our peer-reviewed journal, now published three times per year, is essential reading for researchers. - **Near-Death Experiences: Index to the Periodical Literature 1877 – 2011 —** The [NDE Index ](https://www.research.iands.org/research/nde-research/index-to-nde-periodical-literature/index-overview.html)is an invaluable tool for finding almost every article about NDEs published in English between 1877 and 2011. The Index does not contain the actual text of the articles, but tells what has been written and where to find it. (\*Requires member access) --- ### [About IANDS](https://iands.org/about/) **Published:** January 8, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ![The logo for the international association for near-death studies (iands)](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-iands_logo_6-1-23-1-1.png "The international association for near-death studies ‣ iands")Founded in 1981 by leading researchers, **the International Association for Near-Death Studies** (IANDS) provides research, information and education about near-death experiences and related subjects. We also support those who have had near-death experiences and those who care about them. We are the only membership group devoted to this field in the world. And we invite you to join us in *exploring the extraordinary.* ## Mission, Vision and Purpose **Our Mission** is to advance global understanding of near-death experiences and related phenomena through research, education, and supportive communities and resources. **Our Vision** is a world in which near-death experiences and related phenomena are widely recognized as valid and profound experiences that inspire and create lasting positive change. **Our Purpose** is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. When no reasonably clear position exists on the origin or interpretation of these experiences, we remain impartial and open to the presentation of varying points of view. While all personal beliefs are respected, IANDS never supports proselytizing. We invite you to [join today](/about/join-iands/) to become a part of our mission and keep up to date on what is known about this fascinating subject. ## The History of IANDS Originally founded in 1978 in Oxford, Ohio, as the Association for the Scientific Study of Near-Death Phenomena, IANDS became the International Association for Near-Death Studies in 1981. IANDS was founded by five physicians and researchers working in what was then an emerging field: John Audette, MS; Bruce Greyson, MD; Raymond Moody, MD; Ken Ring, PhD.; and Michael Sabom, MD. Throughout its history, IANDS has focused its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. It is the only membership group of its kind in the world. IANDS’ purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. Whatever the viewpoint, IANDS never supports proselytizing. In addition to maintaining this information-rich website, IANDS publishes the peer-reviewed scholarly *Journal of Near Death Studies* three times a year; a member magazine called *Vital Signs;* sponsors conferences and other programs; provides professional, continuing education those in the healthcare field; works with the media; and encourages the formation of regional discussion and support groups. IANDs also publishes an indexed bibliography to the periodical literature on near-death and near-death like experiences. ## We Serve a Broad Range of People - **Experiencers**: People who have had a near-death or similar experience - **Veterans:** Veterans who have had near-death experiences and those who have witnessed death and are searching - **Researchers**: People who are interested in the objective academic or clinical study of near-death experiences and/or near-death-like experiences - **Health care professionals**: People who care for experiencers’ physical and mental health - **People close to experiencers**: Family and friends of persons who have had an NDE - **Educators**: People who teach about near-death and near-death-like experiences - **Interested other people**: People with terminal illness, those in grief, and the general public ## IANDS Programs and Activities - IANDS provides reliable information to caregivers, experiencers, and the public by publication of the approximately quarterly magazine *[Vital Signs](/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/)*; maintaining this active and growing website; working with media around the world; sponsoring periodic North American conferences, continuing education programs, and other programs; offering a speaker’s bureau; and producing a wide variety of educational materials. - IANDS encourages interest in research and professional applications through publication of the three-times-a-year *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)*, management of a program of small grants to encourage scholarly research, creation of an [NDE Research Fund](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution"), sponsorship of conferences and other programs, work with media representatives around the world, and publication of an indexed bibliography to the periodical literature on near-death and near-death like experiences. - IANDS facilitates support. Near-death and similar experiences can raise deeply troubling questions for many experiencers. Aftereffects of the NDE can be disturbing to the experiencers as well as to their families, friends, and caregivers. To meet these needs, [support and interest groups](/support/iands-sharing-groups-building-connection-support-understanding/) have developed across North America and around the world. ## **Tax Exempt Status** IANDS is classified by Internal Revenue Service Section as a 501(c)(3). [IRS Determination Letter](https://www.research.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/501C3Letter.pdf) [IRS Group Exemption Letter for affiliated groups](https://www.research.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/iands-groupexemptionletter-groupno-6038.pdf) Our EIN is: 06-1050150 Our 990s Forms may be found here: [2023](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T63RKpdrY00LuXP46UMpEdsWnpAO1ITU/view?usp=drive_link) [2022](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJ-p7dTPp93pAGriMVroB7n-sFQod_si/view?usp=drive_link) [2021](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1clVR5tjgE5s3sy04k1a4Un13LIVN8okI/view?usp=drive_link) [2020](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HSSx9HctR0RPcw06K1OVP02B-v7_IoU_/view?usp=drive_link) [2019](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XzyCr5N0-vxKOnOfh8SUcwW6-g6yGptJ/view?usp=drive_link) --- ### [What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** What causes [Near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs)? That’s a question researchers in the field of near-death studies have been fascinated by for half a century, and a question surely asked prior throughout the course of human history. And while research has told us a great deal about this phenomenon, **we still don’t fully understand what causes near-death experiences**. We know the conditions under which NDEs can occur. We know they can happen to literally *anyone*, of any background. But the actual processes taking place remain elusive to modern science. NDEs are real, they’re fascinating, and they’re life-changing for those who have them. So let’s dive into this question of what causes near-death experiences. And let’s also see what *doesn’t* cause them. Because each time a popular theory gets debunked, the level of intrigue skyrockets. And while we’re at it, let’s take a look at what sorts of people have near-death experiences, too. Are there any cultural, social, educational, or religious factors that increase the likelihood of NDEs? The short answer is “no”, but we’ll dive into that research here as well. ***Read More:** [What is a near-death experience?](/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/)* ## What causes near-death experiences? So what causes near-death experiences? Well, that’s really two questions in one—what causes near-death experiences physically and psychologically, and what specific conditions cause near-death experiences? ### The conditions leading to an NDE Let’s start with the conditions that cause NDEs. In most cases, NDEs are experienced by people exposed to **extreme life-threatening scenarios**—serious illness or injury, military combat, childbirth, suicide attempts, or being clinically dead for a brief or extended period of time. Some research indicates that people who experience cardiac arrest are most likely to have a near-death experience. According to that research, as many as **40 percent of cardiac arrest survivors** report having an NDE. Some conditions—moments of profound grief, deep meditation, or extreme physical exertion—may lead to what researchers define as **a near-death-like experience**—an experience similar or even identical to an NDE, despite the fact these experiencers were not actually near death. ### What causes near-death experiences physically or psychologically? Now for the aspects of near-death experiences we *don’t* know. As of our writing this, the science community still doesn’t understand what physical or psychological activity may be happening in the human body or mind that might lead to an NDE. So far, there hasn’t been a single scientific explanation that accounts for all of [the characteristics of NDEs](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience"). For instance, one popular theory claims NDEs are hallucinations, though researchers have disproven this theory many times, pointing out that hallucinations aren’t as vividly detailed as NDEs, nor are memories of them as long-lasting. ## Who experiences NDEs? One of the more fascinating elements of NDE research is that **there aren’t any known underlying cultural, mental, or societal conditions that affect them**. They impact people regardless of psychological, educational, emotional, environmental, or socioeconomic backgrounds or settings. Near-death experiences have been encountered by people of every race and creed, from children through adulthood and beyond. Every nationality and cultural identity. And there are examples of both modern accounts gathered scientifically and examples from antiquity noted in ancient texts. Put simply, ***anyone* can have a near-death experience**. **NDEs are not attributable to any known conditions, behaviors, or characteristics. This includes education level, mental illness, drug abuse, spiritual beliefs or practices, criminality, sexual orientation, gender, age, poverty, or any other characteristic**. You might say NDEs are “equal opportunity” experiences. There is one exception to this rule—those with a psychological condition known as [absorption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorption_(psychology)), a personality trait wherein a person becomes “absorbed” in mental imagery. Absorption is noted in a substantial number of NDE cases. However, research has proven conclusively that **near-death experiences are not an indication of personality traits or mental disorders**, and it remains unclear if higher levels of absorption increase the likelihood of an NDE or not. ***Read More:** [Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/)* ### NDEs in special populations Reports of near-death experiences tend to share contextual similarities that show us that NDEs do not have isolated features depending on cultural, geographic, or socioeconomic backdrops. How an NDE is interpreted boils down to those cultural factors, but the NDE reports themselves still share identical characteristics. NDEs in western cultures—North America, Europe, Australia, etc.—often mention the experiencer moving through a tunnel. In countries without tunnel infrastructure, NDE reports have described experiencers moving through the neck of a gourd or the funnel of a plant. Today, it’s generally understood that near-death experiences have three structures. - A deep structure—general features that appear to people across cultures - A cultural surface structure—specific forms of those features that correlate to the experiencer’s culture - A personal surface structure—the unique qualities to each person having a near-death experience #### Child NDEs Reports of NDEs in children are particularly interesting. The younger a child is, the less influenced by their culture they are. Their experiences share the same features as those of adults, but are described in simpler terms. Children who’ve experienced an NDE also later report having felt different from other children while growing up. #### NDEs resulting from suicide attempts Research also indicates that suicide attempt survivors who experienced an NDE are much less likely to try again, saying their experience showed them that their lives have purpose. They come out of their attempt and their resulting NDE seeing life as a gift, and take on challenges more constructively. They see life experiences as opportunities to deepen their ability to love and to increase their knowledge. #### NDEs involving ‘veridical perception’ Near-death experiences involving accurate descriptions of specific, unique events happening around their unconscious or deceased physical body—*[veridical perceptions](https://iands.org/iands-glossary-what-are-veridical-perceptions-are-they-important/ "IANDS Glossary: What Are Veridical Perceptions? Are They Important?")*—are also highly fascinating. For instance, there are reports of NDE vision in persons blind from birth. In these cases, experiencers are able to describe activities that took place around them that they technically and scientifically shouldn’t have been able to describe. These descriptions often involve the presence, physical appearance, or activities of people nearby, or even of family members at a distance. One reported case of veridical perception in an NDE involved a woman undergoing brain surgery. She was fully anesthetized, with her eyes taped shut and her ears plugged with small speakers emitting noise. Nevertheless, she correctly described instruments used by doctors and conversations between hospital staff conducting the operation. **Read More**: *[Quantifying the Phenomenon: The Greyson Near-Death Experience Scale](https://iands.org/nde-research/quantifying-the-phenomenon-greyson-near-death-experience-scale/)* --- ### [How Common are Near-Death Experiences? Here's What Useful Research Says](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/how-common-are-near-death-experiences-heres-what-useful-research-says/) **Published:** August 26, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Most people likely assume that [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs) are impossibly rare, happening to only a tiny fraction of the population. But just how common are near-death experiences, really? According to research data, **near-death experiences affect anywhere from 5% to 40% of the population**, with much of that research pointing toward a range between 10% and 20%. Let’s put these numbers into perspective. The population of the United States is around 340 million as of August 2025. This means anywhere from 17 million (5%) to 136 million people (40%) either have had or will have NDEs in their lifetimes. And that’s just in the United States alone. Though it’s probably closer to a range between 34 million (10%) and 68 million people (20%). Now think about what those numbers might look like worldwide, with our global population exceeding 8.142 billion people. Even by the most conservative estimates of 5%, that still means **there are more than 407 million people globally who’ve had an NDE, or will have one at some point**. ## How do we know how common NDEs are? ![How common are near-death experiences and how do we know nde prevalence data is accurate?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/data-2723105_1280-300x200.jpg "Data-2723105_1280 ‣ iands")Image by [Gerd Altmann](https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2723105) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2723105)This question—how common are near-death experiences—is one researchers have been hoping to answer for as long as they’ve studied NDEs, which started in the 1970s. But NDE prevalence is a difficult number to pin down precisely. Large-scale surveys and clinical surveys form the backbone of what we’ve learned, but there are a lot of variables involved in figuring out just how common NDEs are. Some researchers define NDEs more restrictively than others, and they deploy a variety of methodologies to collect and report data as well. And there are social stigmas to contend with, too. Not everyone is comfortable reporting their NDE to medical professionals or even discussing it with trusted friends or family, let alone with researchers. Medical professionals don’t always know how to identify NDEs or communicate with patients about them in a supportive, informative way. All of this skews our data and makes it impossible to answer that question—how common are near-death experiences—with any degree of certainty. But we do know millions of people are having near-death experiences. And many people may not report their NDEs for months or years, if they do at all. ## Who can have a near-death experience? Near-death experiences are often experienced by those exposed to extremely dangerous, life-threatening scenarios known as **near-death episodes**. This includes physical illness or injury, harrowing experiences like combat, or even being clinically dead for a period of time. A person doesn’t need to be clinically dead to have an NDE. There are no apparent restrictions on who might have an NDE, either. **Anyone can experience an NDE**—no person is more or less prone to them, **regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, socioeconomics, mental health, education, religious views, or any other factor or characteristic**. ***Read More:** [What causes near-death experiences, and who has them?](/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/)* ## How common are near-death experiences versus NDLEs? NDLEs—*Near-Death-Like Experiences*—don’t get the same level of attention from researchers as their more famous sibling, the NDE. But do NDLEs conflate the numbers? How common are near-death experiences versus NDLEs? **Near-death-like experiences typically occur outside of life-threatening emergencies**. NDLEs can happen during intense meditation, at moments of intense grief of stress, when a person faints, or when consuming certain recreational drugs. But otherwise, they’re quite similar to NDEs, with similar or even identical [characteristics](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience"). These overlaps in similarity do sometimes inflate NDE prevalence data, with some studies counting NDLEs as NDEs. But many researchers do take the time to distinguish and separate the two similar phenomena. For instance, [Pim van Lommel’s *Lancet* cardiac arrest research](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(01)07100-8/abstract) only counted experiences during actual clinical death and near-death scenarios. These studies tend to yield lower but more reliable NDE prevalence rates, in the range of 10% to 20%. ## Get involved in NDE research with IANDS! Near-death experiences are a truly fascinating, extraordinary phenomenon. And IANDS is devoted not only to researching NDEs and [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), but to educating the public, combating stigmas, and normalizing conversations about them, too. And we could use your help in reaching these important goals. You can support IANDS in a number of ways: - If you or a loved one has had a near-death experience, please consider [submitting your NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/ "Personal NDE Accounts") or [participating in an NDE research study](https://iands.org/nde-research/participate-in-an-nde-research-study/ "Participate in an NDE Research Study") - Make [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) to IANDS - [Join IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) as a member and take advantage of special benefits - Visit [the official IANDS merch shop](https://iands.org/shop/), where proceeds help fund education and outreach - Sharing our articles and social media posts with others --- ### [What is a Near-Death Experience or 'NDE'?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** What is a near-death experience, and what do we know about them? Let's go over the basics of NDEs in this overview of these extraordinary events. **Content:** What is a near-death experience, exactly? **A *near-death experience*, or “NDE”, is a profound experience resulting from a close encounter with death**. During NDEs, people have experiences that seem fantastical or even impossible. But for the people actually having them, these are incredibly vivid, hyper-real events. They’re as real as anything they’ve encountered in Earthly life, or even *more* real. NDEs are the result of **near-death episodes**—extreme physiological or psychological conditions during which a person is temporarily clinically dead, near death, or in a situation where death is likely or expected. This includes physical illness or injury, harrowing experiences like combat, or even being clinically dead for a period of time. There are also experiences quite similar or even identical to NDEs known as **near-death-like experiences**. These can be brought on by profound grief or in states of deep meditation or extreme physical exertion. These suggest a potentially broader phenomenon not linked directly with physical death. ***Read More:** [Near-death experiences (NDEs): Fundamentals you need to know](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/)* ## What is a near-death experience like? Reported NDEs fit into [one of two categories](/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/). The first type, “pleasurable” NDEs, are coupled with feelings of love, joy, peace, or bliss. These are the most common. A minority of NDEs are second “distressing” type, with feelings of terror, horror, anger, isolation, or guilt. NDEs typically share [common NDE features](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/), regardless of whether they’re pleasurable or distressing. These features include: - Having an [out-of-body experience](https://iands.org/out-of-body-experience-how-to-define-them-in-the-iands-glossary/ "Out-of-Body Experience: How to Define Them in the IANDS Glossary") - Rapidly moving through darkness, a void, or a tunnel, often toward a light - Encounters with deceased [loved ones](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-ndes-proof-of-loved-ones-communicating-after-death/), spiritual beings or religious figures, [pets](https://iands.org/iands-qa-are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/), or indescribable beings - A “life review”, during which a person sees a replay of life events and may even interpret how those events made others feel The [aftereffects of a near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) can result in major changes in world views, lifestyles, and more. It’s very common for an individual to lose their fear of death following an NDE. ## Are near-death experiences hallucinations? Research into near-death experiences has been ongoing since the 1970s, and NDEs have not yet been explained by modern medicine or science. It’s a common misconception that NDEs are little more than hallucinations. But hallucinations aren’t typically vivid, detailed, or realistic, nor do they typically last in a person’s mind years or decades later. The simple truth is that we don’t yet fully understand near-death experiences. So this question of *what is a near-death experience* is one we can’t yet fully answer. But researchers in the scientific community of near-death studies won’t stop until we understand what near-death experiences are, what causes them, and what they mean. IANDS is committed to researching NDEs and [related experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). And we strive to educated experiencers and the general public, make science accessible and transparent, and normalize conversations regarding NDEs, too. The more people who understand that NDEs are real, the more support our science community gets in helping find solutions to all of these pressing, fascinating questions. You can support the important research, education, and outreach efforts at IANDS in any of the following ways. Your support makes this work possible, and every contribution truly matters: - Making [a tax-deductible donation](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/) - [Joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) as a member - Visiting [the official IANDS merch shop](/shop/) - [Submitting an NDE story](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) to our registry of NDE accounts - Sharing our articles and social media posts with others --- ### [Research Funding and Collaboration](https://iands.org/nde-research/research-funding-and-collaboration/) **Published:** August 18, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Finding funding for research on any subject can be challenging. And this is equally true with regards to projects involving [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs) or [similar/related experiences](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/), their transformational effects, and other related topics. To help researchers find funding and collaboration opportunities, we’ve assembled this list of research grants, awards, and more. And we hope to update this list in the future, adding more opportunities as they arise. [2025 John Björkhem Memorial Foundation Research Grants](https://iands.org/new-research-grants-available-from-the-john-bjorkhem-foundation/) (Deadline: November 11th 2025) [IANDS Graduate Student Awards](https://iands.org/nde-research/graduate-student-awards/) (Deadline: Recurring November 1st of each year) [‘Coming Home’ Substack Essay Proposals](https://iands.org/nde-research/research-funding-and-collaboration/coming-home-call-for-essay-proposals/) (Deadline: *not applicable*) --- ### ['Coming Home' Call for Essay Proposals](https://iands.org/nde-research/research-funding-and-collaboration/coming-home-call-for-essay-proposals/) **Published:** August 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Coming Home](https://www.youtube.com/@cominghomechannel) is a documentary film series that shares the stories of people transformed by near-death experiences (NDEs). Founded by Jesse and Eliot Estrin, Coming Home has published 22 documentaries to a growing viewership of over 275,000 subscribers with 29 million total views. The [Coming Home Substack](https://cominghomechannel.substack.com/) marks the next phase of this journey, serving as a platform reaching over 20,000 email subscribers where near-death experiencers, scholars, and scientists can share their work on NDEs with one another and the public. We are interested in publishing content related to NDEs and consciousness studies, including: - Philosophical and metaphysical implications of NDEs - Scientific research on NDEs and consciousness - Autobiographical accounts of NDEs - Historical and cultural perspectives on NDEs - Spiritual and religious interpretations of NDEs - Transformative effects of NDEs on individuals and society - Interdisciplinary approaches to studying NDEs and consciousness - The relationship between NDEs and psychedelics By curating important scholarship and research, Coming Home aims to bring these phenomena to a broader audience and facilitate greater conversations around religion, spirituality, history, consciousness, anthropology, psychology, science, and medicine. ## ‘Coming Home’ Submission Process To submit your essay for consideration, please email your essay proposal as a Word document attachment to adam@cominghomefilms.org. Include a brief author bio (100–150 words) and a brief abstract (400–600 words). Completed essays should be in the range of 2,000–5,000 words. Our editorial team will review your submission and respond within 2–4 weeks. If your essay is selected for publication, you will work closely with our editors to refine your piece before it is published on the Coming Home Substack. And if your essay is selected, you will receive a $300 stipend. ***Note**: More research funding and collaboration opportunities with IANDS and other organizations can be found [here](https://iands.org/nde-research/research-funding-and-collaboration/). Please check that page periodically for more opportunities, and be sure to keep an eye on IANDS.org for news regarding funding as well.* --- ### [Find NDE Support Groups, Information, Research, and More](https://iands.org/support/) **Published:** January 14, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Find NDE Support Groups Near You](https://isgo.iands.org/local-groups/) [Skip to the NDE Support Library](https://iands.org/support#library) --- ***[Near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/), or NDEs, are mesmerizing events that change a person’s perspectives, their motivations, and their trajectories through life. They can also be surprisingly lonely experiences, too.*** ***But finding NDE support doesn’t need to be a challenge!*** As beautiful and life-changing as near-death experiences so often are, they can be rather challenging, too. They’re difficult to interpret and understand. You’re left feeling as though you can’t talk about your experience openly with others, who may not understand what you’ve gone through. They might not take you seriously, or worse—they may think you’ve gone off the deep end. And let’s be honest … that’s what *you’d* have thought had someone described any of this before to you prior to your own NDE, right? It seems only natural others might be judgmental, or hesitant, or downright dismissive. But here’s the thing. **Your NDE was real. No, you’re not losing your mind, and no, it wasn’t a hallucination or a dream** (and yes, there’s *real* science to back that up, too). And if you feel like this is too much to process all at once, don’t worry: you don’t need to take all of this on by yourself. ## You need and deserve support following an NDE There are undeniable stigmas surrounding near-death experiences that prevent many experiencers from seeking the help they need. **It can be challenging to talk about your NDE** with loved ones, with medical practitioners, or with mental health providers. And these challenges can be especially compounded for youths, veterans, and others. While NDEs may be misunderstood and even underappreciated by the general public, **you can and should seek out communities that can help you** navigate these profound experiences. IANDS organizes and advertises **[events and NDE support groups](https://isgo.iands.org/) all over the world**. If you feel up to it, we strongly encourage you to find an NDE support group in your area or online. ## The IANDS NDE Support Library You’ll find useful support content below that can guide you through conversations regarding your NDE and point you toward valuable resources. And we’re also sharing educational content, which can help you better understand your near-death experience and answer some of the questions you and your loved ones might have regarding NDEs in general. ### NDE Support Content IANDS is devoted not only to researching near-death experiences and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"), but to offering support, education, outreach, and more. We organize and advertise [events and NDE support groups](https://isgo.iands.org/) all over the world. We publish everything from scientific research in *[the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies")* to [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS q and A") and [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/category/iands-glossary/ "IANDS Glossary") entries intended to make that information accessible to everyone. - [Life After a Near-Death Experience: What You Need to Consider](/support/life-after-a-near-death-experience-what-you-need-to-consider/) - [Advice: Sharing Your Near-Death Experience with People You Trust](/support/advice-sharing-your-near-death-experience-with-people-you-trust/) - [How to Find a Mental Health Provider](https://iands.org/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/) - [Children and Near-Death Experiences: Advice You Need to Know](/support/children-and-near-death-experiences-advice-you-need-to-know/) - [Combat Veterans: Valuable Information You Need to Know](/support/combat-veterans-valuable-info-you-need-to-know/) - [IANDS Sharing Groups: Building Connection, Support, Understanding](https://iands.org/support/iands-sharing-groups-building-connection-support-understanding/) ### Educational Content We also provide free educational resources. Let’s start with our content aimed toward everyday people, including experiencers and their loved ones, and those who are simply interested in learning more about NDEs. - **[IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/):** A glossary of scientific, medical, and technical words and phrases, with expanded definitions and explanations. The IANDS Glossary is great for quickly referencing phrases you spot in other articles. - **[IANDS Q&A:](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/)** Frequently asked (and Internet-searched) questions regarding NDEs and related phenomena are answered in an approachable, digestible way. Some specific educational articles: - [What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/ "What Causes Near-Death Experiences, and Who Has Them?") - [Pleasurable and Distressing Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/) - [The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) - [The Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) And here are some additional educational resources: - **[Vital Signs Magazine](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")**: A quarterly magazine published by IANDS with articles discussing NDEs and more. It’s a great read, and it’s free! - **[The Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies")**: Published by IANDS for more than 40 years, the Journal of Near-Death Studies is a scholarly, peer-reviewed academic journal focused on near-death experiences and related phenomena. - **[IANDS Fact Sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/ "Fact Sheets")**: IANDS occasionally publishes academic fact sheets regarding terminology and concepts These are invaluable resources for those diving into the research side of NDEs. --- ### [Continuing Education Available for Counselors, Chaplains and Other Health Professionals at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/continuing-education-iands-conference-2025/) **Published:** July 29, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Durham, NC, July 29, 2025 – Several continuing education opportunities will be available for licensed counselors, chaplains and health professionals at the International Association for Near-Death Studies ([IANDS](https://iands.org/)) [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/), August 27-31 at the Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills. The Annual Conference brings together more than 800 near-death experience researchers, physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, clergy, those have had near-death experiences and those interested in the field to four days of education, workshops and sharing opportunities. During the conference, IANDS will offer two continuing education (CE) certificates to in-person attendees for up to 16.5 contact hours: - **One is available for licensed counselors** and other health professionals who can use National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) CE to fulfill their CE requirement. This option is available through IANDS’s affiliation with the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), and - **Another option is available for any other health professionals** who can use a General Certificate of Completion (GCC) to fulfill their CE requirements. This includes chaplains. Other health professionals should check with their CE evaluators to confirm that a GCC is acceptable. Approved CE sessions may be found [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LLffCoyer5OD2Ql5BeZNJIqvmD6NDFVm/view?usp=drive_link). **Before attending their first conference CE session,** CE seekers must register. **At the conference,** each CE seeker must sign in and out of each session for which they seek credit, using the sheet available just inside the main door to the session during the 10 minutes before session start and the 10 minutes after session end. Within one week of conference end, each CE registrant will receive, at the email address they provided with CE registration, an email with a link to an online evaluation form. They will have one week to complete and submit the form. Within three days after the submission deadline, the registrant will receive their CE certificate(s) as a pdf email attachment to save and/or print. **Register** for either or both certificates [here](https://forms.gle/mgMUjiGGNZBxSJTk6). **Not attending the conference in person?** Within three weeks of the conference, CE seekers may earn CE by watching available recordings of approved sessions and completing online questions and evaluation. Do not register now. When this CE option becomes available, it will be announced at the IANDS website ([www.iands.org](http://www.iands.org/)). As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. --- ### [Health Care Providers](https://iands.org/our-communities/healthcare-providers/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Nurses, doctors, hospice providers, mental health professionals and social workers are commonly faced with questions about life, death and what comes after. At times, their patients and clients may describe near-death experiences, yet the providers may be unfamiliar with near-death experience research and how to respond to their patients. ## IANDS aims to empower health providers with important resources ## **Medical Training Video** This groundbreaking video features six highly qualified medical professionals, including Dr. Eben Alexander, best-selling author of *Proof of Heaven*, and Dr. Bruce Greyson, pioneering and currently foremost NDE researcher. In addition, near-death experiencers describe their amazing journeys into the afterlife and back. Originally created to prepare medical health, mental health, and spiritual/religious health professionals to respond to NDE disclosure with ethical best practices, this video captivates general audiences, as well. ## **Health Care Training Video** In “Facilitating or Blocking the Passage: Healthcare Professionals’ Responses to Near-Death Experience Disclosure” Dr. Jan Holden from the University of North Texas interviews Leslie, a near-death experiencer (NDEer), about her distressing experience disclosing her NDE to medical professionals. Jan then presents results of a study indicating how frequently NDErs have felt harmed by disclosing their NDEs to medical health, mental health, and spiritual/religious health professionals, as well as family and friends. She concludes with recommendations for healthcare professionals and others to incorporate into their response to NDE disclosure—recommendations that enable the health professional to uphold their ethical mandate (and family and friends to uphold their personal moral code) to *do no harm* to near-death and related experiencers. ## Additional valuable resources for health care providers **Veridical Perception Video**—[In this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL1oDuvQR08), Dr. Lloyd Rudy reports a case of veridical perception—perception during an NDE that is later verified as accurate—in which Dr. Rudy was the attending physician. The evidential nature of the veridical perception is particularly strong in that what the patient “saw” during his NDE was idiosyncratic and could not have been deduced through hearing. [![Nib voices issue discussing healthcare after a near death experience](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/voices-healthcare-after-a-near-death-experience-jpg-240x300.jpg "Voices-healthcare-after-a-near-death-experience-jpg ‣ iands")](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NIB-10.1-VOICES-final-text-cover-1.pdf)**[*Narrative Inquiry In Bioethics* 2020 *VOICES* Issue](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NIB-10.1-VOICES-final-text-cover-1.pdf)**—*Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics: A Journal of Qualitative Research* (NIB; Vol. 10, No. 3) in 2020 published a special issue on “Healthcare After a Near-Death Experience,” containing a collection of personal stories from individuals who had a near-death experience, as well as articles by healthcare and other professionals. IANDS raised money to publish *VOICES: Personal Stories from the Pages of NIB*, produced for the Foundation for Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics by Johns Hopkins University Press. These accounts serve as an educational resource to help patients, families, and healthcare providers close the gap of care for experiencers. [See the PDF here](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NIB-10.1-VOICES-final-text-cover-1.pdf). **[Providing Care for Near-Death and Related Experiencers: IANDS 2021 Spring Symposium](https://isgo.iands.org/product/closing-the-gap-in-medical-care-for-nders-symposium-spring-21-session-1/)** — This one-day symposium offers both professionals and lay people the knowledge and confidence to fulfill their professional ethical and personal moral responsibility to do no harm to near-death and related experiencers. Contributors included healthcare providers (medical, mental, social, and spiritual) and a bioethicist​ who described evidence-based and ethical best practices in responding to NDE disclosure. **[NDE Radio Interview ‘Closing the Medical Gap of Care of NDE Patients’](https://www.talkzone.com/episodes/199/10813.html) –** Near-death experiencer Lilia Samoilo a minister and mental health and spiritual counselor for over 35 years, and Heidi Walsh, managing editor for *Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics: A Journal of Qualitative Research (NIB),* discuss how to close the gap of care for patients with NDEs. ## IANDS resources for health care providers - **Continuing Education Opportunities** – We offer a variety of [continuing education opportunities](/education/continuing-education/) at our IANDS [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) and in other education educational events. - **Listing of Mental Health Providers** – IANDS maintains a [listing of licensed mental health providers](/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/) with special preparation to work with clients who have had transpersonal experiences (TPs) including near-death experiences. Mental health professionals who wish to be included on this list may contact IANDS for more information at . - **Health Care Professionals Sharing Group –** IANDS sharing groups offer support and connection for those in the healthcare field through our [Health Care Professionals Sharing Group](https://isgo.iands.org/sharing-and-theme-groups/). --- ### [Personal NDE Accounts](https://iands.org/nde-accounts/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Read NDE Accounts](https://research.iands.org/ndes/nde-stories/iands-nde-accounts.html)[Submit Your NDE Story](https://research.iands.org/ndes/nde-stories/archives.html) To support research efforts, IANDS maintains a registry of personal near-death experience accounts that are submitted to our website and are published here anonymously. Minor edits have been made to protect the identity of the experiencer and others who may have been involved with the experience. These are personal accounts. **We have not interviewed those who shared their stories about their experiences or the circumstances surrounding them.** **Note to researchers and authors**: IANDS cannot grant permission to publish quotations from these NDE accounts because we have not received permission from the NDE authors to do so. However, we advise authors who wish to use quotations from these accounts to follow the [Fair Use Doctrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use) (see our [Copyright Policy](/all-rights-reserved/) for more information). We recommend adopting this practice for quotations from our web site before you have written your book or article. **To access the registry of personal accounts, [click here](https://research.iands.org/ndes/nde-stories/iands-nde-accounts.html).** **To submit your own account of a near-death experience, [click here.](https://research.iands.org/ndes/nde-stories/archives.html)** ## **Video/Audio Accounts** Some video and audio accounts are available, featuring individuals describing their experiences. Some of these NDE accounts were recorded at various IANDS sponsored events; others are from the news media, and several are from other sources. All links are to video or audio files that are in the public domain on the Internet. Most reside on YouTube.com, the largest repository of non-commercial video on the internet, and we link to them. (With each segment, youtube.com will post thumbnail links to other videos. The quality of those — and sometimes the content — will vary. We are unable to screen their links, as they frequently change.) To access these files, **[click here.](https://www.research.iands.org/research/nde-research/nde-archives31/videoaudio-accounts.html)** --- ### [Award-Winning Film About Shared Death Experiences Featured August 27 at Near-Death Experience Conference in Chicago](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/award-winning-film-about-shared-death-experiences-featured-august-27-at-near-death-experience-conference-in-chicago/) **Published:** July 8, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Content:** ## ***Chicago Author Chaz Ebert of RogerEbert.Com to Join Panel Discussion With Filmmaker William Peters and Leading Figure in Film Beth Orr*** [![A panel discussion about the award winning documentary'Suffering Into Gold' will take place at IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Suffering-into-Gold-1028-196x300.jpg "Suffering into gold 1028 ‣ iands")](https://illuminate2025.eventive.org/films/67d5c9afc5b6d43d2234e20b)Durham, NC, July 8, 2025 — A new, award-winning documentary film *Suffering into Gold,* which follows the journey of a terminally ill man with ALS Paul Gralen and his wife Beth Orr, will be shown August 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) [Annual Conference](http://conference.iands.org/) in Oak Brook, Illinois. Following the screening, [Chicago author](https://www.amazon.com/Its-Time-Give-FECK-Forgiveness/dp/1637632479) Chaz Ebert of RogerEbert.com, will moderate a discussion with Beth Orr and Shared Crossing Project Founder William Peters, MA, MEd, MFT, noted expert in the field of [shared death experiences](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-shared-death-experience-sde/ "Fact Sheet: Shared Death Experience (SDE)"). Both Orr and Ebert will describe the pain and meaning of losing beloved husbands and their shared belief that consciousness survives death. Peters will offer his perspective from his clinical and research experience, on the transformational impact of SDEs and other end-of-life experiences. When Gralen received an ALS diagnosis, he made the brave decision to use legally available methods to end his own life. At first, his wife was scared to lose him, but together they went on a guided psilocybin journey and ultimately lost their fear of death. Beth reached out to Peters, the world’s leading expert on shared death experiences (SDEs), to begin the process of SDE training in order to have a conscious and loving end-of-life experience. The journey they walked from diagnosis to his leave-taking, led to epiphanies that opened her heart, and erased from her mind, the myth of death. While at Paul’s bedside at the moment of his human death, Beth and Paul’s sister Ann expressed that they witnessed Paul free from his human body and experience feelings of joy and love in encountering deceased loved ones. Her greatest pain became not only her greatest teacher, but her greatest joy. Produced by Shared Crossing Media and CounterPoint Films, the film has received an Award of Excellence from the Best Shorts Competition, the Audience Award for Best Short Film from the Illuminate Film Competition and is an Official Selection of the Fear No Film Festival. Tickets for the event are $29 and may be [purchased online](https://iands.eventsair.com/iands-2025-conference-in-chicago-il/wednesday-pre-conference-tickets). The IANDS Annual Conference is expected to draw nearly 1,000 people August 27-31 at the Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. [Registration for the full event](https://conference.iands.org/) is also available online. Early Bird Registration Discounts end July 14, so plan your conference experience now. Held each Labor Day Weekend, the 2025 Conference is themed Life After Life: Celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Near-Death Studies. In 1975, Raymond Moody, MD, published his groundbreaking book, *Life After Life,* and opened the contemporary field of near-death studies. At this conference, IANDS is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that seminal work. Keynotes and presentations describe recent research, revelations and personal experiences related to near-death experiences (NDEs) and related phenomena, including shared-death experiences (SDEs), mystical experiences, after-death communications (ADCs), past-life memories (PLMs), and other expanded consciousness experiences. \### --- ### [Explore the Extraordinary with IANDS](https://iands.org/explore/) **Published:** July 2, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** At IANDS, we don’t just research the fascinating world of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/ "Near-Death Experiences") (NDEs) and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/ "What Are ‘Related Experiences’?"). We also aim to foster meaningful conversations, spread awareness, and support those who’ve had these fascinating experiences as well. We want you to ***explore the extraordinary* with us**. Our goal is to not only study the science of near-death experiences, but to explain it. To make it accessible to all people, regardless of their scientific knowledge or experience. Because without doing that, our mission statement—*to advance global understanding of near-death experiences and related phenomena through research, education, and supportive communities and resources*—simply cannot be realized. Whether you’re exploring NDEs for the first time or deepening your understanding of consciousness and end-of-life phenomena, you’ve come to the right place. From simplified glossaries to curated recommendations to peer-reviewed academic journals, IANDS invites you to dive into our content and explore the extraordinary with us. ## Here’s what you’ll find in our *Explore* section - **[Vital Signs Magazine](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/vital-signs/ "Check Out Vital Signs, Our Uplifting And Astonishing Quarterly")**, our free quarterly publication featuring articles, stories, research, news, and more. - **[The Journal of Near Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/ "Journal of Near-Death Studies")**, the world’s only peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the scientific field of near-death studies. - **[IANDS Q&A Articles](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/ "IANDS Q&A")**, providing straightforward, accessible answers to commonly asked questions about NDEs, consciousness, and more. - **[The IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/explore/the-iands-glossary-for-near-death-studies/ "The IANDS Glossary for Near-Death Studies")**, a series of short-form explainers that break down complex scientific terms and ideas from near-death studies, neuroscience, psychology, and other related fields. - **[Our Recommended Reading List](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/ "Recommended Reading List")**, a curated selection of educational and insightful books on NDEs and related phenomena. - [**Our Recommended Documentaries List**](https://iands.org/nde-documentaries-see-our-list-of-these-fascinating-films/ "NDE Documentaries: See Our List of These Fascinating Films"), a handpicked guide to documentaries and films that explore near-death experiences and beyond. - **Learn more about conferences, groups, and events** with links to our [**Conference**](https://conference.iands.org/) and [**IG&E**](https://isgo.iands.org/) sister sites ![Are you ready to explore the extraordinary with iands?](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/telescope-971431_1280-300x200.jpg "Telescope-971431_1280 ‣ iands")*Come explore the extraordinary with IANDS! Image by [Cameron Pickford](https://pixabay.com/users/cameonaton-194427/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=971431) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=971431)*## Are you ready to explore the extraordinary? We hope you’ll enjoy, learn from, and share these IANDS resources. And if you’d like to support our mission, please consider [donating](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS: How to Make a Lasting Contribution") to our educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit (it’s 100% tax deductible!) or [joining IANDS](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/ "Join IANDS") today! --- ### [Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) **Published:** March 31, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** For most near-death experiencers (NDErs), [the experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) is a sudden and unexpected immersion into a different reality than normal earthly life. NDEs can range from being brief with few features to being prolonged with many intense features. And the aftereffects of near-death experiences are often just as unique to the experiencer as the NDE itself. Generally speaking, the more features (and the more intense the features) in an NDE, the more numerous and intense are the aftereffects for the experiencer. And just as NDEs contain certain universal features, yet no two NDEs are exactly alike, NDE aftereffects also include certain common features, yet no two aftereffect journeys are exactly alike. ## Aftereffects of near-death experiences—’PSPS’ Just as a letter may be followed by a postscript—a PS—NDEs are followed by features that can be categorized as *PSPS*. These aftereffects are tendencies rather than characteristics in every case. Following are a few examples of the many possible aftereffects of an NDE: ### Psychological elements of aftereffects of near-death experiences **The first P stands for *psychological***. Most NDErs report that they completely lost their fear of death. In their NDE, they experienced their consciousness functioning apart from their body, often while their body was completely out of commission, so they know that their consciousness will survive even when their body dies. Another frequent psychological aftereffect is a fundamental shift in values: from competitive to compassionate, from self-oriented to service-oriented, and from materialistic to altruistic. They have a newfound sense of the meaning of earthly life, believing that each person’s purpose is to advance in their capacity to love. And they sometimes manifest skills and talents they did not have before their NDEs, such as musical ability or knowledge of quantum physics. ### Spiritual elements T**he first S stands for *spiritual***. NDErs become much more interested in spirituality—reading and talking with people about spiritual topics. Some NDErs develop what in some religious contexts are termed “spiritual gifts,” such as precognition—knowing the future, telepathy—knowing what another person is experiencing, healing—having the ability to relieve people of ailments; and mediumship—serving as a medium of communication between the living and the physically deceased. ### Physical elements **The second P stands for *physical***. NDErs sometimes report changes in their need for sleep and their appetites for certain foods. Many report that they are more sensitive to allergens, to medication, and to environmental factors such as sound and electrical fields. A fascinating physical aftereffect is electronic effects, in which electronic devices in the NDEr’s vicinity malfunction, especially when the NDEr is emotionally aroused: watch batteries die almost instantly, and computers crash and phone calls drop much more often than for non-NDErs. ### Social aspects **The second S stands for *social***. All of the previous changes inevitably reverberate in NDErs’ interpersonal worlds. They are transformed—both immediately and over time as they increasingly integrate their NDE—and their relationships and affiliations change accordingly. They change friends and organizational affiliations—finding those who share their new interests and values. If they are married at the time of their NDE, they are more likely to divorce, especially if their new-found values diverge from those of their spouse. They change careers, from those focused on fame and/or material gain to those focused on service to humanity. ### Helping someone through the aftereffects of near-death experiences Because these aftereffects can be very disruptive to an NDEr’s life, experiencers often seek help adjusting to them. When they do, it is important for anyone they confide in to respond not harmfully, but helpfully: - N-vite the NDEr to talk more about their experience. - Name the experience as a possible NDE. - Normalize the experience as something that happens to 10-20% of people who survive a close brush with death or who experience some other extreme life circumstance - Naturalize the experience as a real, or potentially real, experience - Normalize the experience as something unrelated to mental disorder - Numinize the experience as a spiritually neutral, beneficial, or potentially beneficial experience - N-quire about the meaning that the NDEr attributes to the experience - Navigate the NDEr to resources, such as the IANDS website at www.iands.org Some researchers have found that an NDEr may need, on average, seven years to feel completely at peace with their experience—having reoriented their lives to align with their aftereffects. For more complete information about NDE aftereffects, see [the Aftereffects section of IANDS’s reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/#aioseo-aftereffects-of-ndes). NDErs who believe they could benefit from discussing their experiences with others can find local or online sharing groups at [isgo.iands.org](https://isgo.iands.org/) and [mental health professionals](https://iands.org/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/) specially trained to work with NDEr clients here at IANDS.org. Whatever NDErs’ needs in the aftermath of their experience, IANDS is here to help. --- ### [How to Renew Your IANDS Membership: It's Easy!](https://iands.org/about/renew/) **Published:** June 25, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [Click Here to Renew!](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/iands/membershipRenew.jsp) --- **We sincerely thank you for supporting IANDS, and we’re eternally grateful** to see you renew your membership for another year. Your generous contributions support **important research and global support, education, and outreach**. And none of this would be possible without your help! **To renew your IANDS membership**, simply click the link above (or [click here](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/iands/membershipRenew.jsp)). You’ll need to login if you haven’t already. **Not yet an IANDS member?** You can [join IANDS today](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/) and enjoy all sorts of membership perks! While renewing, you’ll be able to keep or change your IANDS membership level. You can also optionally set up automatic renewals, if that’s more convenient for you. And if you have any questions about your renewal, please feel free to [contact us](/contact/) and let us know how we can help! **If you’re outside the United States**, please add $10 for mailing *[The Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)* three times per year. ## You can renew by mail or by phone, too! If you’d rather not renew online, that’s okay! Give us a call at (919) 383-7940 to renew by phone. If you’d rather renew by mail, please [download a membership form](https://www.iands.org/images/stories/forms/joinform.pdf), fill it out, and mail it along with your preferred payment method to: IANDS 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Building 500 Durham, NC 27705-8878 U.S.A. ## Is my IANDS membership tax deductible? Because IANDS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donations—and in some cases, your membership dues—may be tax-deductible in the United States. But it depends on the type of membership and the value of any materials or benefits you receive. The IRS generally says that only the portion of your membership payment that goes beyond the value of any benefits you receive is deductible. Donations to IANDS are separate from membership dues and they’re typically fully tax-deductible, since you’re not receiving any additional goods or services in return. We recommend checking with your tax advisor or reviewing IRS guidelines here. If you live outside the United States, you’ll want to check with a local tax professional to see what’s allowed. ***IANDS is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the United States Internal Revenue Service.*** ![The logo for the international association for near death studies (iands)](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/iands_logo_6-1-23-1.png "The international association for near-death studies ‣ iands") --- ### [What Are 'Related Experiences'?](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/) **Published:** June 2, 2025 **Author:** Jan Holden **Content:** IANDS’s articles of incorporation indicate that our organization’s focus is “near-death and similar experiences.” Throughout our website, we also refer to “near-death and related experiences.” Although IANDS’s primary focus has been and continues to be near-death experiences (NDEs), the questions arise: What are these similar and related experiences, under what circumstances do they occur, and how do they relate to the term “spiritually transformative experiences” (STEs)? We begin with a list of three categories of “related and similar” experiences that is inclusive, though not exhaustive. One category is experiences that can occur *during* NDEs and also outside the context of a close brush with death (Atwater, 2021; Holden et al., 2009). These include, but are not limited to: - Out-of-body experience (OBE) – in which a person experiences their consciousness located and functioning outside their physical body (Tart, 2009), - Telepathy – in which a person encounters and communicates “mind-to-mind” with another living or trans-material being (Tart, 2009; Watt & Tierney, 2014), - After-death communication (ADC) – in which a living person experiences the presence of a physically deceased person or animal (Holden, 2017), - Past-life memory – in which a person recalls a previous lifetime as a different person or other entity (Mills & Tucker, 2014), - Precognition – in which a person perceives a future event in the absence of any normal way of predicting it (Tart, 2009; Watt & Tierney, 2014), - Remote viewing – in which a person visualizes physical events outside the normal range of perception in the absence of any normal way of perceiving them (Tart, 2009), - Mystical experience – which “diverges in fundamental ways from ordinary conscious awareness and leaves a strong impression of having encountered a reality radically different from the sensory-based world of everyday experience . . . often stand\[ing\] out as joyous, defining moments in \[experiencers’\] lives” (Wulff, 2014, p. 370), and - Anomalous healing of self – in which a person is healed in ways that transcend normal healing processes (Tart, 2009). A second category is experiences that can occur *after* NDEs—as well as in other circumstances apart from NDEs (Atwater, 2021; Holden et al., 2009). These can include the above-listed experiences as well as: - Anomalous healing of others – in which a person perceives the ability to promote healing in others through other-than-normal means (Krippner & Achterberg, 2014; Tart, 2009), - Aura viewing – Perceiving white or colored light emanating from people and/or objects, - Encounter with non-material entities – in which a person perceives the presence of and communication with one or more entities not of the material world, perhaps originally encountered during an NDE, such as light beings and orbs, - Encounter with extraterrestrial beings – in which a person encounters beings from other worlds or dimensions (Appelle et al., 2014; Ring, 1993), - Environmental sensitivity – in which a person is unusually sensitive to aspects of the environment such as chemicals and/or electrical fields (Blalock et al., 2015), - Exceptional talent – in which a person becomes unusually interested and capable in a skill that previously was of little interest, such as playing and composing music, - Kundalini awakening – in which a person experiences rushes of energy up the spine along with increased physical heat and perceptions of light, associated with spiritual development (Edwards, 2013), - Lucid dreaming – in which one is conscious that one is dreaming while one is dreaming (LaBerge & Rheingold, 1991), - Mediumship – in which a person serves as a medium of communication between a physically deceased person and a living person (Holden et al., 2014; Windbridge Research Center, 2021), - Psychokinesis – in which a person moves an object or otherwise influences the environment, either intentionally or unintentionally, without the use of physical force (Tart, 2009); this category includes electromagnetic aftereffects whereby electronic devices in an NDEr’s vicinity malfunction (Blalock et al., 2015), - Shared-death experience – in which a living person shares in a dying person’s transition to the initial stages of an afterlife (Moody, 2010; Shared Crossing Research Initiative, 2021), and - Synesthesia – in which “an inducing stimulus produces, at the same time, two kinds of experience: a primary experience (sensory, perceptual, conceptual, affective) normally associate with that stimulus and an anomalous secondary experience in the same or another domain” (Marks, 2014, p. 81), such as having a particular sound also evoke an image of a particular color. A third category is phenomena that do not typically occur either during or after NDEs but that, similar to NDEs, have implications for an understanding of consciousness, the mind-brain relationship, and a possible afterlife. These include: - Nearing-death awareness – in which people with terminal illness have experiences such as impactful dreams and visions in the period just prior to their physical death (Callanan & Kelley, 1993; Kerr, 2020), - Personality changes following heart transplant – in which heart transplant recipients manifest personality characteristics of their unknown donors (Leister, 2020), - Soul assistance – sometimes called “rescue mediumship” – in which a living person helps the soul of a physically deceased person who is in some way “stuck” – having an “interrupted death experience” – progress in their death process (Castle, 2018, 2020, 2023), and - Terminal lucidity – In the hours or days before death, an episode of unexpected, spontaneous, meaningful, and relevant communication or connectedness in a person who has previously been in a dull, confused, demented, or non- responsive state (Nahm, 2009; see also Batthyány, 2023. It is noteworthy that the above experiences can occur under a variety of circumstances. They can occur *spontaneously* in various contexts, including a close brush with death due to illness or to accidental or self-inflicted injury, but also during other extreme circumstances such as intense emotional arousal or extreme physical exertion – or for no apparent reason. They occur in all states of health, from completely healthy to being on one’s deathbed. They occur during all states of consciousness, including awake, falling asleep, asleep, awakening from sleep, while daydreaming, in meditation, and while physically unconscious; when these experiences occur during sleep, they usually differ from typical dreams in several ways, such as feeling real both during and afterwards and being remembered vividly even years later. The above experiences also can be *facilitated* by practices such as meditation, by the ingestion of entheogens such as psilocybin or ayahuasca, and by clinical psychotherapeutic procedures such as hypnosis, past life therapy, or Induced After-Death Communication (Foster & Holden, 2017). How do these experiences relate to the term *spiritually transformative experience* (STE)? That term was coined by psychiatrist Yvonne Kason (1994; 2008; 2019). Although she did not offer a definition of the term, she specified that STEs include mystical experiences, NDEs, psychic experiences, spontaneous inspired creativity, and spiritual energy/kundalini episodes. Thus, as regards the above list of experiences similar and related to NDEs, the term STE is problematic in at least three ways. First, Kason’s list of STEs is incomplete, representing only some, but not all, experiences similar and related to NDEs. Second, even Kason (2019, p. 26) acknowledged correctly that STEs “may” cause a spiritual awakening; that is, some people who have such experiences do not then transform spiritually—thus contradicting the term “spiritually transformative experience.” In addition, some people do not consider their experiences of these types to be “spiritual,” per se—and may react negatively to that term being imposed on their experience in contradiction to their own subjective view. A more accurate, objective, and inclusive term might be helpful. One possibility is ***transpersonal*** experiences, because in NDEs and each of the related and similar experiences listed above, the experiencer in some way(s) ***trans***cends the usual ***personal*** limits of space, time, identity, and/or influence. For example, in precognition and past life memories, the person has transcended the usual personal limits of time—knowing future or past events not usually known to them. In out-of-body experiences and remote viewing, the person has transcended the usual personal limits of space—perceiving the world from perspectives and locations not usually available to them. In mystical experience, a person transcends their usual sense of identity by feeling one with humanity, nature, or the entire cosmos. And in psychokinesis, a person can affect a physical object or process with their mind alone, transcending their usual limits of physical influence. This term is backed by an established field of study known as transpersonal psychology (Friedman & Hartelius, 2013). Transpersonal experiencers are free to label their experiences “spiritual”—or not, as they wish. And such experiences may or may not result in transformation that might be considered spiritual, that is, movement in the direction of greater love, peace, and sense of connectedness to self, others, the world, and/or a domain and entities beyond the physical world. **References** Appelle, S., Lynn, S. J., Newman, L., & Malaktaris, A. (2014). Alien abduction experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. Krippner (Eds.), *Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence* (2nd ed., pp. 213–240). American Psychological Association. Atwater, P. M. H. (2021). *The big book of near-death experiences: The ultimate guide to the NDE and its aftereffects* (2nd rev. ed.). Rainbow Ridge.Batthyány, A. (2023). *Threshold: Terminal lucidity and the border of life and death.* St. Martin’s Essentials/Blalock, S., Holden, J. M., & Atwater, P. M. H. (2015). Electromagnetic and other environmental effects following near-death experiences: A primer. *Journal of Near-Death Studies, 33*(4), 181–211. https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2015-33-4-p181-211. Callanan, M., & Kelley, P. (1992). *Final gifts: Understanding the special awareness, needs, and communications of the dying.* Simon & Schuster. Castle, N. (2018). *Afterlife, interrupted: Helping stuck souls cross over—A Catholic priest explores the interrupted death experience.* Author. Castle, N. (2020). *Afterlife, interrupted book two: Helping souls cross over.* Author. Castle, N. (2023). *Afterlife, interrupted book three: Please let me explain: A Catholic priest explores the interrupted death experience.* Author. Edwards, L. (2013). *Awakening kundalini: The path to radical freedom.* Sounds True. Foster, R. D., & Holden, J. M. (Eds). (2017). *Connecting soul, spirit, mind, and body: A collection of spiritual and religious practices in counseling.* Association for Spiritual Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. Friedman, H. L., & Hartelius, G. (2013). *The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of transpersonal psychology.* John Wiley & Sons. Holden, J. M. (2017). After-death communication. In R. D. Foster & J. M. Holden (Eds.), *Connecting soul, spirit, mind, and body: A collection of spiritual and religious practices in counseling* (pp. 3–11)*.* Association for Spiritual Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. Holden, J. M., Foster, R. D., & Kinsey, L. (2014). Spontaneous mediumship experiences: A neglected aftereffect of near-death experiences. *Journal of Near-Death Studies, 33*(2), 69–85. https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2014-33-2-p67–85. Holden, J. M., Greyson, B., & James, D. (Eds.). (2009). *The handbook of near-death experiences: Thirty years of investigation.* Praeger/ABC-CLIO. Kason, Y. (1994). *A farther shore: How near-death and other extraordinary experiences can change ordinary lives.* HarperCollins. Kason, Y. (2008). *Farther shores: Exploring how near-death, kundalini, and mystical experiences can transform ordinary lives.* iUniverse. Kason, Y. (2019). *Touched by the light: Exploring spiritually transformative experiences.* Author. Kerr, C. (2020). *Death is but a dream: Finding hope and meaning at life’s end.* Avery. Krippner, S., & Achterberg, J. (2014). Anomalous healing experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. Krippner (Eds.), *Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence* (2nd ed., pp. 273–302). American Psychological Association. LaBerge, S., & Rheingold, H. (1991). Exploring the world of lucid dreaming. Ballantine Books. Leister, M. (2020). Personality changes following heart transplantation: The role of cellular memory. *Medical Hypotheses, 135,* 10946. Marks, L. E. (2014). Synesthesia: A teeming multiplicity. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. Krippner (Eds.), *Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence* (2nd ed., pp. 79–108). American Psychological Association. Mills, A., & Tucker, J. B. (2014). Past-life experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. Krippner (Eds.), *Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence* (2nd ed., pp. 303–332). American Psychological Association. Moody, R. A., with Perry, P. (2010). *Glimpses of eternity.* Guideposts. Nahm, M. (2009). Terminal lucidity in people with mental illness and other mental disability: An overview and implications for possible explanatory models. *Journal of Near-Death Studies, 28,* 87–106*.* https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2009-28-2-p87-106. Ring, K. (1993). *The Omega project: Near-death experiences, UFO encounters, and mind at large.* Quill. Shared Crossing Research Initiative. (2021). Shared death experiences: A little-known type of end-of-life phenomena reported by caregivers and loved ones. *American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.* https://doi.org/10.1177/1049909121100045 Tart, C. T. (2009). *The end of materialism: How evidence of the paranormal is bringing science and spirit together.* New Harbinger. Watt, C., & Tierney, I. Psi-related experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. Krippner (Eds.), *Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence* (2nd ed., pp. 241–272). American Psychological Association. Windbridge Research Center. (2021). Scientific research. https://www.windbridge.org/research/ Wulff, D. M. (2014). Mystical experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn, & S. Krippner (Eds.), *Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence* (2nd ed., pp. 369–408). American Psychological Association. - Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP with the IANDS Academic & Research Committee and IANDS Board of Directors --- ### [IANDS Merch: Official, Exclusive IANDS Products On Sale Now](https://iands.org/shop/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** [![The iands shop features a wide assortment of customizable iands merch.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/explore-the-extraordinary-100-cotton-unisex-tee-1024x1024.jpg "Explore-the-extraordinary-100-cotton-unisex-tee ‣ iands")](https://extraordinary-shop.printify.me/)Check Out IANDS Merch at the official IANDS Extraordinary Shop [![You can customize each piece of iands merch offered in our extraordinary store!](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/iands-explore-the-extraordinary-mug-1024x1024.jpg "Iands-explore-the-extraordinary-mug ‣ iands")](https://extraordinary-shop.printify.me/)All products in the IANDS Extraordinary Shop can be customized to your liking [![All proceeds from the iands merch shop help fund our global mission](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/explore-the-extraordinary-tote-bag-1024x1024.jpg "Explore-the-extraordinary-tote-bag ‣ iands")](https://extraordinary-shop.printify.me/)Proceeds help fund IANDS global mission! ## [Discover Our Exclusive IANDS Merch at the Extraordinary Shop](https://extraordinary-shop.printify.me/) **Looking for some extraordinary official IANDS merch?** You’ve come to the right place. The *IANDS Extraordinary Shop* features **shirts, mugs, totes, hats, and more**. You can share your connection to near-death experiences and related phenomena while also supporting our mission. Each purchase **helps IANDS advance global understanding of near-death experiences and related phenomena** through research, education, and supportive communities and resources. ## Customize Your Order Our IANDS merch is **fully customizable.** You can **pick your favorite colors, sizes, styles and fabrics**. So whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, you can customize each item to your heart’s content and make every item unique. ## Support IANDS with Every Purchase **Each order helps fund IANDS’s global work**. That includes near-death experience research, education, and public awareness efforts. Also, your support allows us to grow our resources and share more extraordinary stories from experiences around the world. ## Check out the fascinating books on Amazon, too! **Looking for a great summer read?** You may enjoy any of [the books published by IANDS](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/books-published-by-iands/). We also have a curated a [list of recommended books](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/) for you to explore. And when you buy books through our Amazon links, we earn a commission at no cost to you. ## More IANDS Merch Coming Soon! We plan to add new IANDS merch throughout the year. And if there’s a product you’d love to see in our Extraordinary Shop, please [drop us a line](/contact/) and let us know. We welcome your suggestions and ideas! **We hope you enjoy exploring our Extraordinary Shop**, and we hope you’ll consider tagging IANDS on Instagram or Facebook with your nifty IANDS merch, too! --- ### [Registration Opens for International Association for Near-Death Studies Annual Conference, August 27-31, 2025 in Oak Brook, Illinois](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-international-association-for-near-death-studies-annual-conference-august-27-31-2025-in-oak-brook-illinois/) **Published:** June 16, 2025 **Author:** Janet Riley **Content:** *Speaker Lineup Brings Leaders in Research, Medicine and Spirituality Together; Healing Rooms Featuring More than 30 Practitioners Offer Array of Services* For Immediate Release Contact: Durham, NC, June 16, 2025 – [Registration is now open](http://www.conference.iands.org) for the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) Annual Conference, August 27-31, at the [Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center](https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/illinois/oak-brook/hilton-hotels/?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1hi2psh3ggl4advbpp5dkt6multibr7_153669424_1003528&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADOglH3rs0Lgm-uyPzT5wPKmHcVrl&gclid=CjwKCAjwwqfABhBcEiwAZJjC3udRx3IIG71lAe4PhhF_3Q6zhw_sz3TQitI1stU1VO0zn5vbA_L3ohoCWVUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) in Oak Brook, Illinois. The 2025 Conference will celebrate the Golden Anniversary of publication of the landmark, 1975 book [*Life after Life*,](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/) which launched the field of near-death experience research. The [Annual Conference](http://www.conference.iands.org) draws more than 800 people annually to learn about new research into near-death experiences, to hear stories from people who have had near death experiences and to explore other related experiences such as terminal lucidity, after death communication and shared-death experiences. Keynote speakers include two IANDS founders: [psychiatrist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatrist), [physician](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician) and [*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/) author Raymond Moody, MD; and psychiatrist, near-death experience researcher and former head of the [University of Virginia Medical School’s Division of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/) Bruce Greyson, MD. Greyson is the author of the best-selling book [*After*](https://www.brucegreyson.com/). Many fans of [The Telepathy Tapes](https://thetelepathytapes.com/) podcast know Johns Hopkins University-trained psychiatrist Diane Hennacy Powell MD, who will speak about her research into human consciousness and her focus on nonverbal, autistic savants. Attorney and medium Mark Anthony, JD, also known as the “The Psychic Lawyer,” will address attendees about mediumship. *Anatomy of the Spirit* author and human consciousness teacher and researcher Caroline Myss, Mth., will speak about her work correlating specific emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual stress patterns with diseases. A special pre-conference address August 26 will feature Chaz Ebert, author of *It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness.* Ebert was married to local Chicago film critic Roger Ebert until his death and produced his film criticism show. ## **Educational Events and Workshops** More than 100 speakers representing medicine and healthcare, those who have had near-death experience, clergy, psychology, social work and other related fields will offer sessions on topics including neuro-psychiatry, spirituality, mediation, shared death experiences, terminal lucidity, induced after death communication for grief, the science and spirituality of death and dying, and personal near-death experience stories and panel discussions. Attendees may register to have lunch with speakers. ## **Healing Rooms** More than 30 healing practitioners will offer 20-minute, one-on-one sessions in special Healing Rooms. These sessions will be held Thursday, August 28 through Sunday, August 31. Healing services offered include Reiki, body energy scans, ancestral healing, biofield therapy with reiki, spiritual guidance, massage and many other services. Healing sessions occur Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 2:30-5:30 pm. On Sunday, healing sessions are offered from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Sign-ups for individual sessions are available in the Healing Welcome Center. ## **Registration Options and Pricing** Early Bird Registration for the full conference until July 14 is $356 for members and $404 for non-members. After July 14, registrations are $436 for members and $484 for non-members. Single day registrations until July 14 cost $99 for members and $134 for non-members. After July 14, single day registrations cost $119 for members and $164 for non-members. A live stream option is available. As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. -30- --- ### [Books Published by IANDS](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/books-published-by-iands/) **Published:** June 11, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** These books published by IANDS explore the extraordinary world of [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDEs) and [related phenomena](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/what-are-related-experiences/). Written by some of the top minds in the field of near-death studies, each of these works offer a strong foundation for those fascinated by NDEs and related transpersonal experiences. Each of these books published by IANDS offers a unique perspective on NDEs, from first-hand experiencer accounts to carefully documented research studies exploring some of the most compelling evidence in the field of near-death studies. These books published by IANDS are excellent starting points as you explore this wondrous field. Be sure to take a look at our [recommended reading list](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/ "Recommended Reading List") for more fascinating content. ## Impressions of Near-Death Experiences: Quotations From Over 100 Experiencers ![The cover of impressions of near-death experiences by robert coppes, one of several books published by iands](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/impressions-of-near-death-experiences-198x300.jpg "Impressions-of-near-death-experiences ‣ iands")Impressions of Near-Death Experiences by Robert CoppesDrawing on quotes from more than 100 near-death experiencers from around the world, *[Impressions of Near-Death Experiences](https://amzn.to/3EvrOcq)* by Robert Coppes compiles a diverse collection of first-hand accounts that reveal both the deeply personal and often remarkably consistent elements found in near-death experiences. Rather than focusing on theories or scientific interpretations, *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences* allows experiencers to describe what they saw, felt,a nd understood during these extraordinary events in their own words. *Impressions of Near-Death Experiences* highlights how NDEs can profoundly affect people across all manner of different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems. The end result isn’t a single narrative, but a mosaic of perspects that offer a deeper appreciation of what near-death experiencers report. ## The Self Does Not Die: Verified Paranormal Phenomena from Near-Death Experiences In *[The Self Does Not Die: Verified Paranormal Phenomena from Near-Death Experiences](https://amzn.to/4l2mAG3)*, authors Titus Rivas, Anny Dirven, and Rudolf Smit take a more investigative approach to near-death experiences with a depthful look into the verified veridical perceptions of nearly 130 NDE cases. ![The self does not die has won the 2024 smn book prize](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-self-does-not-die-full-209x300.jpg "The self does not die ‣ iands")‘The Self Does Not Die’ won the 2024 SMN Book PrizeThese are cases in which individuals report detailed observations or knowledge they could not have obtained through normal sensory perception—they were unconscious, clinically dead, or even while brain activity appeared absent. Drawing on a carefully researched collection of such cases, the authors examine incidents where external witnesses or medical records were able to confirm the accuracy of what experiencers reported. *The Self Does Not Die* carefully organizes and analyzes these cases, offering readers some of the most rigorously documented examples of NDE phenomena that challenge conventional scientific explanations. This is a thoughtful, data-driven exploration of whether consciousness might exist independently of the physical brain, addressing the arguments of skeptics along the way. *The Self Does Not Die* stands as one of the most acclaimed contributions to the field of near-death studies. *The Self Does Not Die* has been fully translated into [a Spanish Edition](https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Muere-Fen%C3%B3menos-Paranormales-Verificados-Experiencias/dp/099756086X) as well. ## Foundations of Near-Death Research: A Conceptual and Phenomenological Map ***[Foundations of Near-Death Research: A Conceptual and Phenomenological Map](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Foundations+of+Near-Death+Research%3A+A+Conceptual+and+Phenomenological+Map&i=stripbooks&crid=3D9ZXITB0OSAG&sprefix=foundations+of+near-death+research+a+conceptual+and+phenomenological+map+%2Cstripbooks%2C100&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=56a2b0336188c13c5a58cfcc46284928&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)*** is an anthology compiled by Alexander Batthyány, featuring some of the most influential articles and research papers published in IANDS’s *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)*. This work spans decades of scientific inquiry into the nature, characteristics, and implications of near-death experiences and related phenomena. [![Foundations of near-death research by alexander batthyány is one of the more educational books published by iands, examining articles from the journal of near-death studies](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/foundations-of-near-death-research-209x300.jpg "Foundations-of-near-death-research ‣ iands")](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Foundations+of+Near-Death+Research%3A+A+Conceptual+and+Phenomenological+Map&i=stripbooks&crid=3D9ZXITB0OSAG&sprefix=foundations+of+near-death+research+a+conceptual+and+phenomenological+map+%2Cstripbooks%2C100&linkCode=ll2&tag=ndedocu-20&linkId=56a2b0336188c13c5a58cfcc46284928&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)Alexander Batthyány’s *Foundations of Near-Death Research: A Conceptual and Phenomenological Map*Rather than focusing solely on personal accounts, *Foundations of Near-Death Research* emphasizes the systematic research, analysis, and evolving theoretical frameworks that have shaped the field of near-death studies since its inception. *Foundations of Near-Death Research* offers a broad, balanced look at the state of the science of near-death studies, featuring contributions from leading researchers who have examined NDEs through medical, psychological, cultural, and philosophical lenses. It’s a work that provides readers with both foundational studies and contemporary insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper, research-fueled understanding of NDEs and other phenomena. --- ### [Journal of Near-Death Studies: Guidelines for Media Reviews](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/journal-of-near-death-studies-guidelines-for-media-reviews/) **Published:** June 3, 2025 **Author:** Jan Holden **Content:** *[The Journal of Near Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)* accepts reviews of relevant media including books, DVDs (including educational and commercial), and motion pictures. There are no limitations on length for media reviews for the *Journal*. Although most of our reviews are between 5 and 10 typed pages in length, you may feel free to use as little or as much space as you feel is appropriate for your review. Following are some topics to consider including in your review: - Reviews should give accurate and adequate summaries of what the media piece is about. Sometimes that goal can be accomplished in a sentence, sometimes a lengthier summary of the table of contents – as in a book – or summary of the major topics and themes – as in a DVD or motion picture – might be needed. Ask yourself: “Would a reader of this review be clear about what is in the book, DVD, or motion picture?” - What background knowledge in what fields, if any, at what level, does the media piece presuppose? - In the case of a book, is the book easy or difficult to read (in terms of arrangement of material, style of expression, syntax, grammar, typos)? - Are sources cited so that readers can check the reliability of information offered? Is there a useful index? A bibliography? - What viewpoint does the author or producer/director push? Are there things the reader should know about the author or producer/director, such as other books written, or changes of viewpoint? Are there other viewpoints on these matters that ought to have been mentioned but aren’t? If so, can you guide readers to relevant reading? - What do other reviews of this media piece say? (This can be quite interesting. Books or other media on controversial topics often get two very distinct sets of reviews, one very favorable and the other very unfavorable.) If unwarranted or inaccurate reviews of the media piece have appeared, let readers know that. - For people interested in the topic of the media piece, is it essential, useful, OK but not necessary, or best avoided? (Actually, if you believe the media piece is best avoided, please tell me as soon as possible; unless it is important that readers be alerted, do not bother to review it, as we have decided not to devote space in the journal to media that are not worthwhile.) For people not specifically interested in this particular topic, is the media piece essential, useful, or of no particular importance? Would the media piece appeal to a wider audience than readers of this journal? - Of course, media are rarely uniform throughout in their interest or soundness. The most useful reviews are likely to single out specific bits of a book or movie, designating some as not controversial and others as far-fetched, some as well-documented and others as unfounded, and so on. When quotes are given or specific bits of books or movies are referred to, please give the page numbers in parentheses. - It is permissible for reviewers to express personal preference and taste so long as they make it clear what is personal preference in contrast to purportedly disinterested judgment. ## **Organization and Formatting of Media Reviews** **Submit your review in the following format:** **BOOK REVIEW** **Or MEDIA REVIEW** \[Your Name, Degree(s)\] *\[Institution or City\]* ***If book**:* **\[Title\]** by \[Author\], \[Publisher\], \[year\], \[number of pages\] + \[number of front matter pages\] pp., $00.00 \[hc or pb\] (ISBN xxxx….); Kindle ed. $00.00 e-book. ***If audiovisual media**:* **\[Title\]** \[Motion picture, DVD\] by \[Name\], Producer, and \[Name\], Director, \[Publisher\], \[year\], \[length in \_\_hours, \_\_ minutes\], $00.00. Following are some topics to address in the body of a book review; adapt as appropriate to audiovisual media review: ## **Introduction** - Who are you?: What is your background with regard to the subject of the book, and what is your motivation to review it? What is your relationship to the author? - Who is the author?: What is his/her background with regard to the subject of the book and his/her motivation/purpose in writing it? - The thesis of the book: What was the author trying to say/accomplish with this book? - Your thesis about the book: What is your argument/perspective on - how well the author achieved his/her goals in writing the book, and - the extent to which the book makes a contribution to the field State your thesis broadly here; you will address it in detail later in the review. ## **Summary of Content** - Summarize the content of each chapter or section of the book - Highlight any content you found particularly interesting, important, and/or controversial - Restate your thesis, and elaborate it in detail. Include what you consider strengths and weaknesses of the book. - Make your case with reference to specific book content, but do so primarily by paraphrasing the content; reserve quotation for content that is exceptional in some way: exceptionally well-worded, exceptionally controversial, etc. - Make your case also with reference to other sources, when appropriate. ## **Conclusion** - Provide a summary or restatement of your thesis. - Identify to whom you would recommend this book – and to whom you would not recommend it, if anyone. - Introduce new ideas at this point only if they are logical extensions of what you have already presented. ## **Author Note** **Your name**, \[your degree(s)\], is \[describe professional position and, if appropriate, institutional affiliation\]. Correspondence regarding this Review should be addressed to Mr./Ms./Dr. \[your last name\] at \[your postal address\]; email: \[your email address\]. \* Adapted from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center document, “Book Review.” Retrieved from ## Where to Submit Media reviews may be submitted in electronic format (preferred) or hard copy. Electronic media reviews may be submitted by email to the Editor, Janice Holden, at ; preferred format is Microsoft Word. Media reviews submitted as hard copy should be typed on only one side of the page and mailed to: Janice Holden, EdD 1004 Vista Court Lewisville, TX 75067 USA --- ### [Article Submission Guidelines for the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/article-submission-guidelines-for-the-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** June 3, 2025 **Author:** Jan Holden **Content:** The *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)* encourages submission of articles on the topics of the phenomenology, aftereffects, and implications of near-death experiences (NDEs) and related transpersonal (transcending the usual personal limits of space, time, and/or identity) experiences. Categories of submission include: research reports; theoretical or conceptual statements; papers expressing a particular scientific, philosophic, religious, or historical perspective on the study of near-death and related experiences; cross-cultural studies; individual case histories with instructive unusual features; and personal accounts with instructive unusual features. ## General Requirements Manuscripts should be formatted according to the current edition of the [*Publication Manual* of the American Psychological Association](https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition). Logical organization is essential. Although headings help to structure the content, titles and headings within the manuscript should be as short as possible. Do not use the general masculine pronoun or other sexist terminology. ## Manuscripts Manuscripts may be submitted in electronic format (preferred) or hard copy. Electronic manuscripts may be submitted by email to the Editor, Janice Holden, at ; preferred format is Microsoft Word. Manuscripts submitted as hard copy should be typed on only one side of the page and mailed to: Janice Holden, EdD 1004 Vista Court Lewisville, TX 75067 USA Manuscripts should be double spaced throughout, with a margin of at least one inch on all four sides, and all pages numbered in upper right corner. There are no absolute limits on length of articles, but authors should strive for conciseness. ## Title Page The title page should contain the names of the authors, as well as their academic degrees, institutional affiliation(s), title(s), phone number, and email address for the senior author. ## Abstract An abstract of 100-200 words is required with each manuscript. The abstract should include the major premises of the article, intent, hypotheses, research design, results, conclusions, and implications of results. For review or discussion articles, identify the main themes and conclusions and reflect them in a balanced fashion; if sources are important (for example, previous research), include these. For other types of articles, including replies to other authors’ articles or case histories, refer briefly to the main themes and conclusions, and cross-reference if necessary. Abstracts should be nonevaluative in tone and should include as much information as possible within the constraints of space. ## Key Words Each manuscript should include two to five key words, listed after the abstract, which will be printed in the *Journal* and used by abstracting services for indexing the article. Key words are unnecessary for book reviews and letters to the editor. ## Footnotes and Endnotes Footnotes and endnotes are strongly discouraged. ## References Should be listed in alphabetical order (and chronologically for each author) at the end of the manuscript, and referred to in the text by author(s) and year of publication. Only items cited in the text, and every item cited, should be listed in the References. Personal communications (for example, K. Ring, personal communication, June 6, 1997) and Internet websites (for example, www.iands.org) may be cited in the text but should not be included in the list of references. Include all authors in references with multiple authors. Do not abbreviate journal titles. Capitalize principal words in journal titles but only the first word in a book title or subtitle. Examples: **Book**: Ring, K. (1980). *Life at death: A scientific investigation of the near-death experience.* Coward, McCann and Geoghegan. **Article**: Furn, B. G. (1987). Adjustment and the near-death experience: A conceptual and therapeutic model. *Journal of Near-Death Studies, 6,* 4-19. https://doi10.17514/JNDS-1987-6-1-p4-19. **Chapter in edited book**: Ivey, A. (1981). Counseling and psychotherapy: Toward a new perspective. In A. J. Marsella & P. B. Petersen (Eds.), *Cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy* (pp. 198-223). Pergamon. ## Illustrations Illustrations should be self-explanatory and used very sparingly. Tables and figures must be in camera-ready condition and include captions. Artwork submitted electronically should be in TIFF, EPS, or PDF format (1200 dpi for line and 300 dpi for halftones and gray-scale art). Color art should be in the CMYK color space. Artwork should be in a separate file from the text. ## Numbers and Numerals When referring to statistics or a person’s age, use numerals (“55%”; “4 of 42 cases”; “9 years old”). In other circumstances, spell out single digit numbers, and use numerals for multiple digit numbers (“the three questionnaires each contained 24 questions”). ## Tense In reviewing the literature, use the past tense for occurrences at a definite time in the past (“Smith \[2012\] reported similar results”) or present perfect tense for occurrences beginning in the past and continuing (“Many researchers have used this instrument”). In describing results of your study, use the past tense (“the subjects performed as predicted”). In presenting conclusions from your data, use the present tense (“these data confirm our hypothesis”). ## Abbreviations Use “NDE,” “NDEs” (not “NDE’s”), “NDEr” (not “NDEer”); “OBE” (not “OOBE”), “OBEs” (not “OBE’s”), “OBEr” (not “OBEer”). Define each abbreviation or acronym the first time it is used. Example: “Near-death experiences (NDEs) are often profound psychological events.” ## Quotations Quotations of 40 or more words should be indented as a block of text. Please double space quotations, however, to leave room for editing. All direct quotes, regardless of length, must have proper reference to their original source, including page number for published sources or date for personal communications. ## Commas Separate the final two items in a series of three or more words or phrases with a comma (Ring, Moody, and Sabom; during the day, during dusk, and at night). Insert a comma before the conjunction of a compound sentence in which the second clause is independent (containing its own subject) but not dependent. Example: Ring recruited participants, and he then divided them into two groups; Ring recruited participants and divided them into two groups. ## Personal Names When referring to a person, regardless of the person’s degree, title, or gender, use full name in the first reference and only last name in subsequent references. Example: “In this book, Michael Sabom, a cardiologist, brought a medical perspective to the study of NDEs. Sabom himself was roused to question his scientific dogmas . . .” Honorifics (“Mr. Smith,” “Ms. Jones,” “Dr. Moody”) and academic degrees (“Kenneth Ring, PhD,” “Michael Sabom, MD”) are not used in the text of the article but are used in the author’s byline and in bibliographical and acknowledgment footnotes. ## First Person Use “I” to refer to a single author. Use “we” to refer to more than one author. Do not use “we” to refer to humans; instead, use a word such as “humans,” “people,” or “individuals.” Use “I” or “we” rather than the passive construction (“We asked subjects to…” rather than “Subjects were asked to…”). ## Other Terms Use “near-death experiencer,” not “near-death experient”; “out-of-body experience,” not “out-of-the-body experience.” Use “data” as a plural noun. For help with any other questions of style, see a recent issue of the *Journal of Near-Death Studies* or the current edition of the *Publication Manual* of the American Psychological Association. --- ### [IANDS Announces Keynote Speakers for 2025 Annual Conference, August 27-31, 2025 in Oak Brook, Illinois](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-keynote-speakers-for-2025-annual-conference-august-27-31-2025-in-oak-brook-illinois/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** *Keynote Lineup Brings Leaders in Research and Spirituality Together, Offering Unique Insights into Near-Death Experiences and Other Related Phenomena* Durham, NC, May 14, 2025 – The International Association for Near-Death Studies ([IANDS](https://iands.org/about/)) today announced Keynote Speakers for the 2025 Annual Conference, August 27-31, at the [Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center](https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/illinois/oak-brook/hilton-hotels/?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1hi2psh3ggl4advbpp5dkt6multibr7_153669424_1003528&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADOglH3rs0Lgm-uyPzT5wPKmHcVrl&gclid=CjwKCAjwwqfABhBcEiwAZJjC3udRx3IIG71lAe4PhhF_3Q6zhw_sz3TQitI1stU1VO0zn5vbA_L3ohoCWVUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) in Oak Brook, Illinois. The 2025 Conference will celebrate the Golden Anniversary of publication of the landmark 1975 book [*Life after Life*,](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/) which launched the field of near-death experience (NDE) research. Keynotes and other presentations will address NDEs and related transformative phenomena, including shared death experiences (SDEs), mystical experiences, after-death communications (ADCs), past-life memories (PLMs), and other expanded consciousness experiences. Keynote speakers include two IANDS founders: [psychiatrist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatrist), [physician](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician) and [*Life After Life*](https://www.lifeafterlife.com/) author Raymond Moody, MD, who will speak August 28; and psychiatrist, NDE researcher and former head of the [University of Virginia Medical School’s Division of Perceptual Studies](https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/) Bruce Greyson, MD, who will speak August 31 about his 50 years of NDE research. Greyson is also the author of the recent best-selling book [*After*](https://www.brucegreyson.com/). Many fans of [The Telepathy Tapes](https://thetelepathytapes.com/) podcast know Johns Hopkins University-trained psychiatrist Diane Hennacy Powell MD. The *ESP Enigma* author will speak August 28 about her research into autistic savants and the astral realm and offer compelling evidence that consciousness is not confined to the brain. On August 29, attorney and medium Mark Anthony, JD, also known as the “The Psychic Lawyer,” will take attendees on an exciting expedition through time, space and the realm of modern science leading to how his Electromagnetic Soul (EMS) Theory illuminates the ancient mystery we know as near-death experiences. He is the author of *The Afterlife Frequency*, *Never Letting Go*, and *Evidence of Eternity*. *Anatomy of the Spirit* author and human consciousness teacher and researcher Caroline Myss, MTh, will speak August 30 about mystical experiences and near-death experiences. A special pre-conference event August 26 will feature Chaz Ebert, author of *It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness.* Ebert was married to local Chicago film critic Roger Ebert until his death and produced his movie review program. Ebert will speak about her shared death experience with her husband and the after death communication she has received from him. The [Annual Conference](http://www.conference.iands.org) draws more than 800 people annually to learn about new research into near-death experiences, to hear stories from people who have had near-death experiences and to explore other related experiences such as terminal lucidity, after-death communication, and shared death experiences. The Conference will also feature a Healing Center offering a wide variety of treatments and services, as well as an on-site bookstore. On-line [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) registration opens in late May. As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. --- ### [Quantifying the Phenomenon: Greyson's Near-Death Experience Scale](https://iands.org/nde-research/quantifying-the-phenomenon-greyson-near-death-experience-scale/) **Published:** January 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Professor & Psychiatrist [Bruce Greyson](https://www.brucegreyson.com/) developed the [near-death experience](/near-death-experiences/) scale to measure the depth of an individual’s NDE. The following is a copy of the scale as presented in an article entitled “[Altered States](https://uvamagazine.org/articles/altered_states)” by Lee Graves in the Summer 2007 edition of the *University of Virginia Magazine.* ## **1. Did time seem to speed up or slow down?** 0 = No 1 = Time seemed to go faster or slower than usual 2 = Everything seemed to be happening at once; or time stopped or lost all meaning ## **2. Were your thoughts speeded up?** 0 = No 1 = Faster than usual 2 = Incredibly fast ## **3. Did scenes from your past come back to you?** 0 = No 1 = I remembered many past events 2 = My past flashed before me, out of my control ## **4. Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?** 0 = No 1 = Everything about myself or others 2 = Everything about the universe ## **5. Did you have a feeling of peace or pleasantness?** 0 = No 1 = Relief or calmness 2 = Incredible peace or pleasantness ## **6. Did you have a feeling of joy?** 0 = No 1 = Happiness 2 = Incredible joy ## **7. Did you feel a sense of harmony or unity with the universe?** 0 = No 1 = I felt no longer in conflict with nature 2 = I felt united or one with the world ## **8. Did you see, or feel surrounded by, a brilliant light?** 0 = No 1 = An unusually bright light 2 = A light clearly of mystical or other-worldly origin ## **9. Were your senses more vivid than usual?** 0 = No 1 = More vivid than usual 2 = Incredibly more vivid ## **10. Did you seem to be aware of things going on elsewhere, as if by extrasensory perception (ESP)?** 0 = No 1 = Yes, but the facts have not been checked out 2 = Yes, and the facts have been checked out ## **11. Did scenes from the future come to you?** 0 = No 1 = Scenes from my personal future 2 = Scenes from the world’s future ## **12. Did you feel separated from your body?** 0 = No 1 = I lost awareness of my body 2 = I clearly left my body and existed outside it ## **13. Did you seem to enter some other, unearthly world?** 0 = No 1 = Some unfamiliar and strange place 2 = A clearly mystical or unearthly realm ## **14. Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice?** 0 = No 1 = I heard a voice I could not identify 2 = I encountered a definite being, or a voice clearly of mystical or unearthly origin ## **15. Did you see deceased or religious spirits?** 0 = No 1 = I sensed their presence 2 = I actually saw them ## **16. Did you come to a border or point of no return?** 0 = No 1 = I came to a definite conscious decision to “return” to life 2 = I came to a barrier that I was not permitted to cross; or was “sent back” against my will. A score of 7 or higher is considered a NDE for research purposes. The mean score among a large sample of near-death experiences is 15. ## **The following appendage on scoring was not included in the above article – see references listed below.** **Scoring:** Sum of all 16 items = total near-death experience scale score Among a criterion group of NDErs, the mean score on this scale was 15 with a standard deviation of 7.84; we therefore use a score of 7 or greater (1 standard deviation below the mean) as the cut-off point for identifying an experience as an NDE. Sum of items 1-4 = cognitive component Sum of items 5-8 = affective component Sum of items 9-12 = paranormal component Sum of items 13-16 = transcendental component SCORING TYPE OF NDE: Cognitive type = cognitive component score 5 or higher Transcendental type = cognitive component score less than 5 and transcendental component score 5 or higher Affective type = cognitive and transcendental component scores each less than five, and affective component score 5 or higher Paranormal type = cognitive, transcendental, and affective component scores each less than 5, and paranormal component score 5 or greater Unclassifiable = no component score 5 or greater ## **References:** Greyson, B. (1983). The Near-Death Experience Scale: Construction, reliability, and validity. *Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease, 171,* 369-375. Greyson, B. (1985). A typology of near-death experiences. *American Journal of Psychiatry, 142,* 967-969. Greyson, B. (1990). Near-death encounters with and without near-death experiences: Comparative NDE Scale profiles. *Journal of Near-Death Studies, 8,* 151-161. Lange, R., Greyson, B., & Houran, J. (2004). A Rasch scaling validation of a ‘core’ near-death experience. *British Journal of Psychology, 95*, 161–177. --- ### [Fact Sheets](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/) **Published:** January 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** The fact sheets you’ll find on IANDS.org are written by NDE researchers. They’re informative research papers designed to educate others on the terminology and research practices commonly used in the ever-evolving field of near-death studies. ## Currently published fact sheets [Fact Sheet: Near-Death Experience (NDE)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-near-death-experience-nde/) [Fact Sheet: After-Death Communication (ADC)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/) [Fact Sheet: Past-Life Memory (PLM)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-past-life-memory-plm/) [Fact Sheet: Shared Death Experience (SDE)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-shared-death-experience-sde/) [Fact Sheet: Terminal Lucidity](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-terminal-lucidity/) [Fact Sheet: End-of-Life Experiences: Deathbed Visions (DBV)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-end-of-life-experiences-deathbed-visions-dbv/) --- ### [Our Ethical Commitment](https://iands.org/about/our-ethical-commitment/) **Published:** April 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** At IANDS, we are committed to cultivating a community that is characterized by respect, compassion and kindness. We strive to operate according to a set of Ethical Standards. If someone feels they have been treated in a way that violates these standards, our Ethical Advocacy and Resolution (EAR) Team has developed a supportive and confidential process that seeks to understand and resolve the situation promptly and sensitively. At IANDS, we are committed to cultivating a community that is characterized by respect, compassion and kindness. We strive to operate according to a set of Ethical Standards. If someone feels they have been treated in a way that violates these standards, our Ethical Advisory and Resolution (EAR) Team has developed a supportive and confidential process that seeks to understand and resolve the situation promptly and sensitively. If you need to report an issue, please reach out to the IANDS Executive Director at and she will provide assistance and facilitate a connection to an appropriate member of the EAR Team. We take your concerns seriously and we are committed to finding a resolution. ## **International Association for Near-Death Studies Ethical Standards** **HONESTY** – We are honest in all dealings. We do not attempt to mislead or deceive others by misrepresentations, overstatements, partial truths, selective omissions, or other means. **INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY** – We are principled, honorable, and trustworthy. We keep our word and follow through on our commitments. We acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for our behavior and decisions. If we have been mistaken, we are willing to humbly ask forgiveness, and seek to correct our behavior going forward. We adhere to all applicable laws, by-laws, and non-profit organization regulations. **CONCERN FOR OTHERS** – We treat everyone with loving kindness, including ourselves. We do everything we can to relieve suffering, inspire healing, create harmony and insure unity. **FAIRNESS AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS** – We treat all people with equal respect and dignity regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, spiritual/religious beliefs, ethnic/national origin, academic credentials, or any other demographic. We honor each individual, respecting their privacy, rights, and interests. We maintain a commitment to justice, tolerance, and acceptance of diversity. **LOYALTY** – As IANDS leaders and volunteer and paid staff members, we work to advance, and not to undermine, the mission, goals, decisions, and financial well-being of IANDS; we do not use our affiliation with IANDS for personal advantage or gain; we ensure that our commitments to other organizations and endeavors do not adversely affect our commitment to IANDS; and we publicly disclose any conflicts of interest. **COOPERATION** – We foster cooperation and collaboration in group activities. We value the ideas of others, seeking and sharing information and opinions when decisions are being made. **COMPETENCE** – In positions of leadership, we function without significant impairment in cognitive, psychological, or emotional areas. If we are asked to seek professional assessment, we will accept the best intentions of our fellow IANDS members and follow through in the spirit of well-being for ourselves and others. **REPUTATION AND MORALE** – We will protect and build upon IANDS’s positive reputation and the morale of its membership by not engaging in conduct that might undermine any of our Ethical Standards. IANDS leaders will not represent IANDS in derogatory ways in any public setting or forum including social and other media. **CONFIDENTIALITY** – We avoid spreading, to the public or inappropriate others, information that threatens the privacy of individuals or the organization, especially as it pertains to IANDS personnel, ethical issues in process, and proprietary information belonging to IANDS. --- ### [Registration Opens for 2025 International Association for Near-Death Studies Spring Symposium](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/registration-opens-for-2025-international-association-for-near-death-studies-spring-symposium/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** DURHAM, NC, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2025 /[EINPresswire.com](https://www.einpresswire.com/)/ — Registration opened today for the 2025 [International Association for Near-Death Studies](http://www.iands.org/) (IANDS) Spring Symposium, a virtual event designed for [healthcare professionals](https://iands.org/our-communities/healthcare-providers/), educators, and the general public interested in the intersection of near-death and related experiences with spiritual and religious aspects of care. The April 26 one-day event will address three key questions: How can healthcare providers and others optimize care for patients/clients reporting near-death experiences (NDEs) and related experiences? What are effective approaches to addressing the religious/spiritual aspects of NDEs and related experiences? And how can professionals promote evidence-based practices to address NDEs and related experiences in clinical and academic settings? > ***The 2025 IANDS Spring Symposium offers a unique opportunity to engage with researchers and practitioners at the forefront of near-death and related studies.”*** > > — Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP. The event will feature presentations by recognized experts in the field, panel discussions on healthcare, spirituality, consciousness, and integration, accounts from experiencers of near-death and related phenomena, and interactive breakout sessions for in-depth exploration. Speakers include Larry Burk, MD, a retired Duke University Associate Professor of Radiology and co-founder of Duke Integrative Medicine; Alinaghi Ghasemiannejad (Ali Ghasemian), PhD, a psychologist in Isfahan, Iran, with extensive expertise in near-death experiences (NDEs) and spirituality; David Maginley, MDiv, CSPC, a psychospiritual specialist at Optimal WellBeing in Halifax, Nova Scotia and author of the book Early Exits; Kathy Winings, EdD, MDiv, professor emerita of Religious Education and Restorative Justice at Unification Theological Seminary and a near-death experiencer; and other leading researchers and healthcare providers. “The 2025 [IANDS Spring Symposium](http://symposium.iands.org/) offers a unique opportunity to engage with researchers and practitioners at the forefront of near-death and related studies,” said Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP. “Those involved in the healthcare field who participate in this important event will help advance care for those who have had NDEs or related experiences.” Licensed counselors and some other healthcare professionals may earn five hours of continuing education credit for attendance. Registration fees are $95 for non-members; $60 for members; and $30 for students. There is an additional fee of $15 for attendees seeking a Continuing Education Certificate. For those unable to attend live, on-demand access will be available for one year post-symposium, with continuing education credits still accessible for some healthcare professionals. To register, visit the IANDS [Spring Symposium website](http://symposium.iands.org/). As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. Janet Riley International Association for Near-Death Studies +1 703-801-2238 [email us here](http://www.einpresswire.com/contact_author/798864609) Visit us on social media: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/16005693/admin/dashboard/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iands_nde/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@IANDSvideos) [Other](https://bsky.app/profile/iandshq.bsky.social) --- ### [Education](https://iands.org/education/) **Published:** January 15, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Education is an essential part of our mission at IANDS, and we offer a variety of educational opportunities about near-death experiences to help people learn and grow personally and professionally. - **Annual Conference –** Our [annual conference](https://conference.iands.org/) is a global meeting place for researchers, experiencers, clergy, caregivers, veterans and the general public. In 2024, more than 900 people gathered for our Phoenix conference. In 2025, we expect even more attendees at our Golden Anniversary Celebration, August 27-31, 2025, in Oak Brook, Illinois. - **On-Line Symposium –** We host an annual, research-focused on-line symposium each Spring. Videos from past symposia may be found [here](https://isgo.iands.org/product-category/videos/iands-symposia-videos/). - **Weekly Live Events –** IANDS offers a complete [program of events](https://isgo.iands.org/product-category/videos/iands-symposia-videos/) covering near-death experiences and other spiritually transformative experiences. - **Recommended Reading –** Looking for a great read on near-death experiences and related phenomena? Check our [list of recommended reading](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-reading-list/). When you click to purchase a book from Amazon directly from our website, you’ll also be donating to IANDS through the Amazon Partners Program. - **Recommended Viewing –** IANDS leaders have curated an excellent list of [recommended documentaries, dramatic films and series](/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/). --- ### [Member Access](https://iands.org/member-access/) **Published:** March 21, 2025 **Author:** Daniel Endy **Content:** IANDS memberships and donations are processed using a system called Neon. Use the links below to manage your membership, update your profile, view your donation history, or renew your membership. If you are already a member you can: - - **[Login](https://www.z2systems.com/np/oauth/auth?response_type=code&client_id=wGIpbF0AJ%2FaJmrU%2BmeSKiljT84hG%2B0L5ZaKnfuKlI5XtdPt8pvP8tXT7Xxw%2Fwgf%2F&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fiands.org%2Fwp-login.php)** to your IANDS Member Account. Or if you aren’t a member yet, you can learn more about the benefits and [**join IANDS here**](https://iands.org/about/join-iands/). --- ### [Member Access](https://iands.org/member-access-x/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDS memberships and donations are processed using a tool called Neon. Use the links below to manage your membership, update your profile, view your donation history, or renew your membership. [Login](https://www.z2systems.com/np/oauth/auth?response_type=code&client_id=wGIpbF0AJ%2FaJmrU%2BmeSKiljT84hG%2B0L5ZaKnfuKlI5XtdPt8pvP8tXT7Xxw%2Fwgf%2F&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fiands.org%2Fwp-login.php) [**IANDS Dashboard**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/constituent/dashboard) [**Make a donation to IANDS**](https://iands.org/donate-to-iands/ "Donate to IANDS") [**Logout**](https://iands.app.neoncrm.com/np/logout.do) --- ### [IANDS-Published Book ‘The Self Does Not Die’ Receives Book Prize](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/iands-published-book-the-self-does-not-die-receives-book-prize/) **Published:** March 19, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Durham, NC, March 19, 2025 – [The International Association for Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/) (IANDS)-published book [*The Self Does Not Die: Verified Paranormal Phenomena From Near-Death Experiences* (2nd ed.)](https://amzn.to/3XTqpDq) received a 2024 Network Book Prize from the UK-based [Scientific and Medical Network (SMN)](https://scientificandmedical.net/). ![The self does not die has won the 2024 smn book prize](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-self-does-not-die-full-209x300.jpg "The self does not die ‣ iands")‘The Self Does Not Die’ has won the 2024 SMN Book PrizePublished by IANDS in 2023, the book contains 128 cases of perceptions during near-death experiences that were later verified as accurate by a credible third party, usually an attending physician, or that involved miraculous cures. These cases support the view that consciousness is not produced by the brain. Authored by three Dutch researchers, Titus Rivas, MA, MSc; Anny Dirven (now deceased); and Rudolf Smit, the book qualified for prize consideration by virtue of Smit’s SMN membership. Recognition goes also to Robert Mays, BSc, Chair of IANDS’s Publications Committee, who served as project manager for production of the book. Previously, [a 2010 Network Book Prize](https://scientificandmedical.net/book-prize/) was awarded to IANDS contributor cardiologist Pim van Lommel for his book *Consciousness Beyond Life: The Science of Near-Death Experience,* which also supported the view that consciousness is not produced by the brain. “Network book prizes have been awarded since 1993 to important books written by members published or reviewed during the year,” the Scientific and Medical Network said. “As has been the case in the last few years, members have been producing very significant books that contribute to a transformation of worldview.” “We are so honored that an IANDS-published book has received this prestigious prize,” said IANDS President Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP. “We are deeply grateful for the contributions of these incredible researchers, and the support of our own Publications Committee, who made this honor possible.” As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. --- ### [IANDS Announces Opportunity for Nurses and Other Healthcare Providers to Earn 21 Continuing Education Contact Hours](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-announces-opportunity-for-nurses-and-other-healthcare-providers-to-earn-21-continuing-education-contact-hours/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Durham, North Carolina, March 6, 2025 — [The International Association for Near-Death Studies](http://www.iands.org/) (IANDS) announced that its [2024 Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/2024-conf-vod/) has been approved for **21 continuing contact hours** available for nurses and other healthcare providers through August 20, 2026. This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Topics covered in the conference sessions include near-death experiences, shared death experiences, terminal lucidity and many more. A complete list of sessions approved for continuing education credit [may be found here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ev4dJRtXiAX3jerhPbo1SJGuGMI68Ika/edit?tab=t.0). Nurses play an essential role in providing care and support to patients and their significant others when people begin the dying process. Although every person alive today faces eventual bodily death, as a society, we simply don’t talk about death and dying enough, and nurses are called upon to provide information and support, often with little formal training, and IANDS hopes to contribute to closing the knowledge gap. Content and information about obtaining a certificate [may be accessed here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ4UwiE-_bT9LweDWH-YXpDoDKRAGjO7tNSXAutznHOF2UEQ/viewform). Registration fees for the educational materials cost $79 for IANDS members and $99 for non-members. *As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources on providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar related experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose.* \### --- ### [International Association for Near-Death Studies Releases Virtual Reality Video to Simulate Reported Experiences](https://iands.org/media-center/iands-press-releases/international-association-for-near-death-studies-releases-virtual-reality-video-to-simulate-reported-experiences/) **Published:** March 11, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## *‘Virtual NDE’ Synthesizes Common Elements Reported By Near-Death Experiencers, Offering Glimpse of What May Occur During Death Transition* ![Iands—the international association for near-death studies](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1-USE-THIS-ONE-IANDS-Logo-Overlapped-High-Res-Transparent-Background-300x232.png "Iands—the international association for near-death studies ‣ iands")/[EINPresswire.com](https://www.einpresswire.com/)/ — The [International Association for Near-Death Studies](https://www.iands.org/) (IANDS) today unveiled [“The Virtual NDE” video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwYF8fE9OuI) that uses virtual reality technology to synthesize common elements in [near-death experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/) (NDE) reports, offering the world a highly visual look at what may occur during the transition from life to bodily death. Artist and digital technologist Virgil Wong, MFA, and artist and hypnotherapist Daniel Ryan, BFA, MS, collaborated with IANDS leaders in creating the video based on IANDS’s extensive collection of reported NDEs. “The Virtual NDE” may be viewed through virtual reality or 360 headsets, which offer the fullest experience, or by watching on a PC and moving the mouse to change the point of view. When watching on mobile devices, viewers may move the device from side to side or 360 degrees to see fuller effects. > **Watching our near-death experience virtual reality video is a transformative experience that we hope will increase NDE awareness, give people hope and comfort, and drive important conversations…”** > > — Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHPDURHAM, NC, UNITED STATES, March 11, 2025 Near-death experiences have been reported by 4 to 15 percent of the general population and by an estimated 18 percent of cardiac arrest survivors. These reports have occurred over time and across cultures, and among people with and without religious beliefs. The term “near-death experience” was first used in 1975 in the landmark book Life After Life by Raymond Moody, Jr., MD. Since that time, researchers at leading universities in the U.S. and around the world have studied and documented NDEs. For the last 50 years, NDEs have been described widely in the scientific literature and more recently in the popular media by an array of well-known figures who experienced them, including Madonna, Jeremy Renner, Gary Busey, and journalist Sebastian Junger, author of the recent book In My Time of Dying. More than 15 common characteristics have been reported by near-death experiencers. An NDE may include only one or two of these elements, and, in a few cases, all of them. These features include: a sense of being outside one’s physical body, sometimes perceiving it from an outside position; a sense of movement through darkness or a tunnel; intense emotions; heightened perceptions; experiencing a great light or darkness; perceiving a spiritual realm, which may include vividly memorable landscapes; encounters with deceased loved ones, spiritual beings and/or religious figures; knowledge of the nature of the universe; a life review; a sense of oneness and interconnectedness; a border of no return; a sense of having knowledge of the future and messages regarding life’s purpose. Board President and NDE Researcher Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP, professor emerita at the University of North Texas, said the video release is a landmark moment for the field. “Although NDEs were initially viewed with skepticism in the 1970s, researchers at institutions including the University of Virginia Medical School, New York University Langone Medical Center, University of Connecticut, Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and Massey University in New Zealand have lent credibility to these experiences and have prompted important questions about the nature of consciousness and the possibility that it continues after bodily death,” Holden said. According to Holden, people who report NDEs are typically transformed by the experience, losing their fear of death and shifting their personal priorities. “Watching our near-death experience virtual reality video is a transformative experience that we hope will increase NDE awareness, give people hope and comfort, and drive important conversations about science, spirituality, and human consciousness,” Holden said. “We encourage people to watch it in a quiet, reflective setting where they can process the emotion it can generate. We also welcome feedback about the video and its impact on viewers.” As a Durham, North Carolina-based educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, IANDS focuses its resources into providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects. IANDS’s purpose is to promote responsible, multi-disciplinary exploration of near-death and similar experiences, their effects on people’s lives, and their implications for beliefs about life, death, and human purpose. It is the only membership group of its kind with local groups all over the world. Janet Riley International Association for Near-Death Studies +1 703-801-2238 [email us here](http://www.einpresswire.com/contact_author/791431050) A Virtual Near-Death Experience (NDE) – Virtual Reality 360° Video --- ### [About the Journal of Near-Death Studies](https://iands.org/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/about-the-journal-of-near-death-studies/) **Published:** March 5, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ***JOURNAL OF NEAR-DEATH STUDIES*** (JNDS; ISSN: 0891-4494; formerly *Anabiosis: The Journal for Near-Death Studies*) is sponsored by *the International Association for Near-Death Studies* (IANDS). *The Journal of Near-Death Studies* publishes articles on near-death experiences (NDEs), on the empirical aftereffects and theoretical implications of such events, and on related transpersonal (transcending the usual personal limits of space, time, identity, and/or influence) and spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). These phenomena include out-of-body experiences, deathbed visions, the experiences of dying persons, comparable experiences occurring under other circumstances, deathwatch or shared-death experiences, after-death communication, spiritual energy/kundalini awakening, mystical experiences, and past-life memories. A further focus of *the Journal of Near-Death Studies* is the implications of such phenomena for an understanding of human development and transformation and of human consciousness and its relation to life and death processes. The *Journal of Near-Death Studies* Editor(s) and Consulting Editors are committed to an unbiased exploration of these issues and specifically welcome a variety of theoretical perspectives and interpretations that are grounded in empirical observation or research. ## **Publication** From the inception of *Anabiosis* in 1981 through 1986, 10 issues were published. In 1987 the journal became *the Journal of Near-Death Studies*, and through 2018 it was published quarterly, with each volume containing a Fall and Winter issue in one calendar year and a Spring and Summer issue in the following calendar year. In 2019, IANDS began publishing *the Journal of Near-Death Studies* three times per year: Each volume number corresponds to a calendar year and contains a Spring, Summer, and Fall issue. *the Journal of Near-Death Studies* is published by IANDS, 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Building 500, Durham, NC 27705-8878 and is printed at Ann Arbor, MI, Cushing-Malloy Books, 1350 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. ## **Subscription** The subscription rate is $62.00 (USD) per year for individuals who are not members of IANDS and $398.00 for institutions and libraries. Periodical postage paid at Ann Arbor, MI, and additional mailing offices. Subscription inquiries, subscription orders, and advertising inquiries should be addressed to IANDS, 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Building 500, Durham, NC 27705-8878, USA; telephone and fax: (919) 383-7940; email: . ## More Details **Circulation (2022)**: approximately 515 **Peer Review**: Each article manuscript undergoes masked review by at least two scholarly reviewers from among the Consulting Editors or others with scholarly expertise regarding the topic of the manuscript. **Manuscript Acceptance Rate (2021)**: 71% (This percentage includes article manuscripts only; it does not include media reviews and letters to the editor which are accepted at a higher rate.) **INDEXED** in Cabells Journalytics, EBSCO, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Health Instrument File, International Bibliography of Periodical Literature, Parapsychology Abstracts International, Psychological Abstracts, PsycINFO Database, Sage Family Abstracts, Social Work Research and Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts. ### **DOIs** Each *Journal of Near-Death Studies* publication–article, editorial, media review, and letter to the editor–is issued a digital object identifier (DOI). During a 1-year embargo from date of issue, the publication may be purchased from the IANDS office. After the embargo, the full text of the publication becomes available at no cost on the Internet. During the embargo, an author may upload an IANDS-issued pdf of the full text to an academic website such as [ResearchGate.net](https://www.researchgate.net/) or [academia.edu](https://www.academia.edu/). Authors wishing to upload to other Internet sites may submit a request to the JNDS editor who will consider requests on a case-by-case basis. *Please note that for issues published prior to 2022, JNDS DOIs ended in a period, for example: doi:10.17514/JNDS-1997-15-4-p259-278**.** Beginning with 2022 publications, they no longer end in a period, for example: https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2022-40-1-p1-3* **Learn more** about our **[peer-reviewed research](/nde-research/peer-reviewed-research/)** --- ### [Students](https://iands.org/our-communities/students/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDS was founded as a scholarly research group, so we’re glad to hear that you’re interested in writing a paper, delivering a presentation or learning more about near-death experiences! A great place to begin your research is by visiting our [Media ](https://iands.org/media-center/)[C](/media-center/)[enter](https://iands.org/media-center/). There you will find fact sheets, press releases and links to important papers that have been published in the peer-reviewed literature. Continue exploring our site and our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@IANDSvideos), where you can view our special Virtual Reality Near-Death Experience video. If you have more questions, feel free [to email us](/contact/ "to email us") and we will do our best to support you! --- ### [Fact Sheet: After-Death Communication (ADC)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **After-death communication (ADC) is a spontaneous phenomenon in which a living person has a feeling or sense of direct contact with a physically deceased person or animal.** ([Download a PDF version](https://www.iands.org/images/Factsheets/ADC_Fact_Sheet.pdf)) ## What forms do ADCs take? **ADC may occur as any of several types—alone or in combination.** In the following types, the ADCr’s perception may be either in the external physical environment or as internal mental imagery: - Sense of presence – a distinct sense of the deceased’s presence with no specific sensory content but a clear sense of the deceased’s arrival and departure - Sensory: - Visual – seeing the deceased either solid or translucent - Auditory – hearing vocalization from the deceased or perceiving a message telepathically - Tactile – feeling the touch of the deceased; more rarely, being able to touch the deceased and feel substance/matter - Olfactory – smelling a distinctive odor associated with the deceased - Symbolic – a synchronistic event that symbolizes the presence of the deceased. Examples: a song on the radio; animals such as butterflies, dragonflies, and birds; plants such as flowers blooming out-of-season; appearance of coins - Electronic – involving devices such as clocks, lights, computers, or telephones ## Who has ADCs? **At least one-half (1/2) of people report having experienced ADC sometime in their lives.** - Both bereaved and non-bereaved, but more bereaved: at least one-half (1/2) of people within one year of the death of a loved one. All sexes, with women reporting more ADC than men. - All ages, with older people perhaps slightly more likely—probably because older people have usually lost more loved ones to death. - All nationalities, with those from ADC-affirming cultures reporting more. - All ethnicities, with some perhaps slightly more than others. - All education levels. - All income levels. - All religious affiliations and practices. - All physical health conditions—from perfectly healthy to deathbed. - All states of consciousness, including awake-and-alert, in reverie, in meditation, and while falling asleep, sleeping, or awakening from sleep. So-called “dream ADC” may be most common—perhaps better termed “sleep” ADC because the “dream” was usually as or more real than typical dreams. - All belief systems. - All mental health conditions. There is no evidence that ADC alone indicates psychological disorder or mental illness. - ADC is usually a private experience, but it is sometimes shared with one or more other people. ## Are ADCs hallucinations? **Most factors indicate that ADCs are not hallucinations.** - Hallucinations tend to be distressing. Afterwards, experiencers consider them unreal, meaningless, and easily forgotten, and they have no wish to reflect on them and show no particular aftereffects from them. Hallucinations are almost never veridical; that is, their contents almost never correspond to objective reality. - ADCs tend to be profoundly pleasurable. Afterwards, ADCers usually consider them to have been real and meaningful, and the memory of them tends to remain vivid and cherished for decades. ADCrs usually have a strong desire to recall and reflect on their ADCs, and they typically show particular aftereffects from them. Many ADCs have been veridical (https://near-death.com/study-of-evidential-after-death-communications/) ## What are the effects on ADCrs? **People usually find ADC to be beneficial.** - ADCrs usually describe their ADCs with words such as: pleasant, positive, serene, mystical, relating, helpful, comforting, healing, spiritual, a good experience. - Following ADC, most people feel reassured and comforted that - the deceased continues to exist—in a state of wellbeing and happiness, and - the relational bond of love between the ADCer and the deceased continues—albeit in a different form. - Previous believers in life after death typically feel affirmed in their beliefs; non-believers typically change to believers. People sometimes experience distress related to ADC, almost always fear and confusion from lack of information or misinformation about ADC rather than from the ADC itself. ## Suggestions and Resources: - Reading about ADCs can be helpful. We recommend: - Guggenheim, B., & Guggenheim, J. (1995). *Hello from heaven*. Bantam Books. - Elsaesser, E. (2023). *Spontaneous contacts with the deceased: A large-scale international survey reveals the circumstances, lived experience, and beneficial impact of after-death communications (ADCs).* IFF Books. (Awarded the 2023 Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize) - After-Death Communication Research Foundation website: - ADCs typically reduce in frequency over time following a death. Although they are usually remembered vividly, journaling them may, nevertheless, be beneficial—and consider adding yours to the www.adcrf.org collection. - ADCs are spontaneous experiences, but they can be facilitated through processes such as psychomanteum—a particular kind of mirror-gazing in darkened surroundings—and Induced After-Death Communication (IADC). - Botkin, A. L., & Hogan, R. C. (2005). *Induced after-death communication: A new therapy for healing grief and traumatic loss.* Hampton Roads. - This website: - Whether or not someone has experienced an ADC, they may be interested in communicating with the deceased through a medium. Research indicates that skilled mediums appear to be accessing information from the deceased. Such research is ongoing, for example at the Windbridge Institute: The information in this Fact Sheet is based primarily on a systematic review of 35 research studies between 1894 and 2006 involving over 50,000 people from around the world (https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2022- 40-3-p141-176) and a more recent ongoing large-scale multilingual study in Europe with over 1,200 participants (). --- ### [Fact Sheet: Terminal Lucidity](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-terminal-lucidity/) **Published:** February 10, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **Terminal lucidity (TL) is a type of end-of-life experience (ELE) characterized by the “sudden return of mental clarity shortly before death” (Nahm, 2009)**. This fact sheet on terminal lucidity is also available in PDF form, which you can [download here](https://research.iands.org/resources-2/education/19-education-materials/1882-terminal-lucidity-tl-factsheet.html). ## **What forms does TL take?** TL can take various forms. TL implies that the person experiencing it (TL experiencer \[TLEr\]) was, prior to the experience, either non-lucid or had limited ability to communicate, move, or otherwise indicate their lucidity. Such limitation in communication or movement could have resulted from a long-term, if not life-long, condition or might have developed as part of a more recent illness leading toward death. TL often occurs close to the time of physical death. Even though the exact timeframe is under debate, TLErs often die within hours to a few weeks of the TL—which is why this phenomenon is termed “terminal.” TLErs sometimes display abilities that they never had previously or that they had lost for a long time. A TLEr who did not have one or more of the following functions before the TL event might gain or regain them during the event: - Communicate meaningfully, including the ability to speak or speak more clearly and/or to write, draw, or use sign language - Recognize people, and indicate that recognition or connection verbally and/or non-verbally express an understanding of their circumstances—in many cases, including awareness of their impending death - Perform physical tasks such as holding hands, sitting or getting up, and even walking - Sing or play a musical instrument ## Who has TLs? TL has been reported in many cultures throughout history and across age groups. People with organically-based disabilities or loss of strength close to death, in which case lucid communication should not be possible, have “emerged” temporarily from a variety of conditions, including lifelong physical or developmental disability, long-term severe mental illness, advanced dementia, and coma. In modern times, cases of apparent TL have been reported as early as 1808. TLErs have ranged in age from young children to the advanced elderly. TL has been reported in diverse cultures, including Western Europe, India, and China. It is very likely that TL is greatly underreported—because TL events can occur without being noticed, if nobody is around to witness them, or because those witnessing them do not realize what is happening. Estimates of TL incidence have ranged from 2–6% of terminally ill persons to statements such as “relatively frequent.” ## Are TLs hallucinations? The lucid nature of TLs indicates that they are not hallucinations. In their communication, TLErs are typically clear and rational, often referring to very specific memories and current circumstances. This clarity is a key element of TL. TL can occur along with other transpersonal, often spiritual, ELEs, such as after-death communication and nearing-death awareness (see IANDS Fact Sheets on these phenomena). If the TLEr communicates their perceptions, witnesses who do not understand the phenomenon or whose belief system does not allow for the possibility of transpersonal experiences might misclassify the TLEr’s communications. TL itself does not refer to the content of communication or to any connected experiences. It merely describes the spontaneous temporary recovery of function (STRF) that occurs before permanent physical death. ## What are the effects of TLs? The greatest effects seem to be on the TL witnesses even more than the TLErs. Unlike other transpersonal experiencers, TLErs might not be consciously aware of having an unusual experience. For the TLEr, the experience of TL may feel completely natural, and the subsequent return to the condition of disability and then death leaves little or no opportunity for observable aftereffects. Generally, the effects of TL are most significant for those close to the person who witnessed or participated in the TL episode. Witnesses unfamiliar with TL can be confused about the medical status of the person experiencing it. They might mistake TL for an unexplained permanent recovery of function and, consequently, might experience unsubstantiated hope and/or initiate unwarranted medical treatment. TL witnesses knowledgeable about this phenomenon, or simply recognizing the spontaneous recovery of function as temporary, may have an experience that is meaningful both for them and for the TLEr. If the TLEr is communicative, they and the witnesses might share interactions that provide opportunities for final goodbyes and give them a feeling of closure. Witnesses might feel reassured of the enduring personhood of the TLEr, even if the TLEr had been unresponsive for a long time. Witnesses might have a sense that the dying person accepts and feels peaceful about, or even positively anticipatory of, their impending physical death. Witnesses, observing a TLEr’s behavior that should be impossible based on current medical understanding of brain function, sometimes conclude that there is more to life than physical human existence and see TL as a confirmation of an eternal soul; as a result, they often lose their fear of death. Medical caregivers who are able to distinguish TL from symptoms indicating a change in the progression of illness can make more accurate assessments and better treatment decisions. For example, when TL co-occurs with other ELEs, medical personnel might refrain from unnecessarily medicating the patients, thus helping them retain their ability to communicate. Medical caregivers who recognize the onset of a TL episode may contact those emotionally or relationally close to the dying person to make them aware of the observed TL as a window of opportunity for a possibly last meaningful communication. Caregivers who spend significant time with patients are more likely to encounter and recognize TL than those who see the patients for only brief periods. Regardless of the conceptualization of TLs, they are emotionally significant events for those connected to a person who comes close to their end of life, and knowledge about them provides opportunities to improve caregiving. ## Suggestions and Resources: Reading about TLs can be helpful. We recommend the following article and books: - Nahm, M. (2009). Terminal lucidity in people with mental illness and other mental disability: An overview and implications for possible explanatory models. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 28(2), 87–106. https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2009-28-2-p87-106. - Batthyány, A. (2023). Threshold: Terminal lucidity and the border of life and death. St. Martin’s. - Nahm, M. (2012). Wenn die Dunkelheit ein Ende findet: Terminale Geistesklarheit und andere ungewöhnliche Phänomene in Todesnähe \[When darkness comes to an end: Terminal lucidity and other unusual phenomena near death\]. Crotona. \[German\] Also potentially helpful are resources provided by the Shared Crossing Project, which recognizes TL among their [Spectrum of End-of-Life Experiences](https://www.sharedcrossing.com/about-shared%20crossings) (https://www.sharedcrossing.com/about-shared%20crossings) Caregivers of patients/loved ones with organically-based disabilities or weakness can watch for possible occurrences of TL and, thus, be prepared to take advantage of the temporary opportunity for meaningful communication prior to the end of the TLEr’s physical life. The information in this Fact Sheet is based on a systematic review of literature on TL and similar phenomena published since 1998. Written by: Norman Klaunig, MA, MBA, PhD Student, University of the Cumberlands --- ### [The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) **Published:** January 14, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** A [near-death experience](/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) (or “NDE”) can be life-changing, affecting a person’s outlook on life and deeply, oftentimes permanently impacting their decision making process. But what exactly are the characteristics of a near-death experience? What factors define them? Research has revealed rather conclusively that near-death experiences tend to share common characteristics. They happen in stages, the order and details of which may vary. But as a rule, both [pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/) have common features and attributes that typically define them. Let’s explore the defining characteristics of a near-death experience and examine how an NDE can fundamentally change the person having it. ## Shared characteristics of near-death experiences While each near-death experience is unique, NDEs generally share the same features, with different emotional tones for pleasurable and distressing NDEs. These include: - **Intense emotions**: commonly of profound peace, well-being, or love for pleasurable NDEs. Fear, horror, and/ or loss often accompany distressing NDEs - A perception of **seeing one’s body from above** (referred to as an “out-of-body experience” or “OBE”). Some experiencers report watching medical resuscitation efforts or moving instantaneously to other places - **Rapid movement through darkness**, often toward **an indescribable light** - A sense of being “**somewhere else**,” in a landscape that may seem like a spiritual realm or world - Incredibly rapid, sharp **thinking and observations** - **Encounters** with one or more deceased loved ones, sacred religious figures, or unrecognized beings, with whom communication is **mind-to-mind**—these figures may seem consoling, loving, or terrifying - A **life review**, reliving actions and feeling their emotional impact on others - In some cases, a **flood of knowledge** about life and the nature of the universe - Sometimes **a decision to return** to the body ## Example of a pleasurable near-death experience In the book [*Coming Back to Life*](https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Back-Life-After-Effects-Near-Death/dp/0345360168), NDE researcher and prolific author P.M.H. Atwater describes the characteristics of a near-death experience, specifically those of a pleasurable NDE, as follows: - A sensation of floating out of one’s body. All that goes on around the “vacated” body is both seen and heard accurately. - Passing through a dark tunnel or some other kind of darkness. This is often accompanied by a feeling or sensation of movement or acceleration. “Wind” may be heard or felt. - Ascending toward a light at the end of the darkness. A light of incredible brilliance, with the possibility of seeing people, animals, plants, lush outdoors, and even cities within the light. - Greeted by friendly voices, people or beings who may be strangers, loved ones, or religious figures. Conversation can ensue, information or a message may be given. - Seeing a panoramic review of the life just lived, from birth to death or in reverse order, sometimes becoming a reliving of the life rather than a dispassionate viewing. The person’s life can be reviewed in its entirety or in segments. This is usually accompanied by a feeling or need to assess loss or gains \[…\] to determine what was learned or not learned. - A reluctance to return to the earthplane, but invariably realizing either their job on earth is not finished or a mission must yet be accomplished before they can return to stay. - Warped sense of time and space. Discovering time and space do not exist, losing the need to recognize measurements of life either as valid or necessary. - Disappointment at being revived. \[…\] There can be unpleasantness, even anger or tears at the realization they are now back in their bodies and no longer on “The Other Side.” ## ‘More Real than Real’—The aftermath of near-death experiences Those who’ve gone through a near-death experience often define them as the most powerful event in their lives. And that seems to be true whether the NDE is pleasurable or distressing. A common theme amongst [NDE accounts](/nde-accounts/) is that these experiences are nothing like dreams—they’re “more real than real”. The characteristics of a near-death experience are more tangible and lifelike than everyday life. And it can be difficult for them to describe their experience, particularly given social stigmas that often prevent people from speaking out or seeking support. People often walk away from NDEs reporting having a stronger understanding of reality. Their attitudes toward life, work, and relationships change fundamentally. They insist they know something new about reality itself—there’s more than what’s here, in the physical world. Those experiencing pleasurable NDEs typically report losing their fear of death. They often believe that the essential purpose of our mortal lives is to further develop our capacity for love. Meanwhile, those who experience disturbing NDEs will usually seek out explanations for their experience, having interpreted it as a warning or even a threat. They may attempt to change their habits or behaviors and/ or seek out religion. ## Finding information and support A near-death experience can leave someone feeling an overwhelming need for information and support. They have a difficult time communicating the details of their experience and trusting others with their stories. Better understanding the characteristics of a near-death experience can help. And so too can the work of *The International Association for Near Death Studies*. At IANDS, we treat each and every near-death experience account with care, respecting the privacy and anonymity of experiencers while ensuring researchers can easily access useful tools to help advance the scientific study of this remarkable phenomenon. Our website features [NDE support information](/support/), educational resources, and useful tools for [NDE research](/nde-research/), including a comprehensive database of [NDE reports and accounts](/nde-research/). And we encourage you to explore our site, find support, and dive into the informational resources we provide here. If you’ve had a near-death experience, **you are not alone**. Millions of people have had NDEs. And if you’re up for it, you can help researchers uncover the mysteries of NDEs by submitting your own account to our database. Together, we might one day better understand near-death experiences and uncover what causes them and what they mean. --- ### [Continuing Education](https://iands.org/education/continuing-education/) **Published:** January 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Supporting professional continuing education is an important part of IANDS’ mission. Our educational programs are eligible for continuing education credits in several fields including mental health, nursing, social work and spiritual care. ## **Nursing** Nurses and any health professionals who may use CNE for their continuing education may earn CNE by watching [IANDS 2024 Annual Conference Video on Demand](https://conference.iands.org/2024-conf-vod/) recordings. For more information about requesting credit, [click here.](https://forms.gle/2nLBneAVenGwkn178) ## **Spiritual Care** According to[ Manuals of Spiritual Care](https://chaplaincyandspiritualcare.com/continuing-education-for-chaplains/), certified chaplains must document 50 hours of Professional Development (PD) per year (20 hours of Spiritual Growth, 20 hours of Continuing Education & Supervision, 10 hours of Research). Each professional body has a form to record these hours. Many churches also require continuing education to further develop present skills and knowledge, which can include near-death experience education. IANDS provides programming that may qualify at our [Annual Conference](http://conference.iands.org), our Spring Symposium and on-line. ## **Mental Health** *Coming soon!* ## **Social Work** *Coming soon!* --- ### [Life After a Near-Death Experience: What You Need to Consider](https://iands.org/support/life-after-a-near-death-experience-what-you-need-to-consider/) **Published:** January 17, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** For a great many people, life after a [near-death experience (or “NDE”)](/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) can be challenging to navigate. It can be difficult to explain what you’ve witnessed—how do you put that imagery into words? How do you bring up the finer details of the experience without exposing yourself to social stigmas or awkwardness? And [who can you trust to share your story with](/support/advice-sharing-your-near-death-experience-with-people-you-trust/)? The most important thing for you to realize is that **you’re not alone**. And no, **you haven’t lost your mind**, either. Countless **millions of people** have had experiences like yours, dating all the way back to ancient times. It’s an extraordinary experience that happens to everyday people, and they happen frequently, too. Navigating life after a near-death experience can be challenging without guidance. And that’s where IANDS—*The International Association for Near-Death Studies*—can help. Our nonprofit organization is determined to help you take on the challenges of life after a near-death experience with information, [education](/education/), and [support](/support/). And if you’d like to share your experience with researchers advancing the scientific study of NDEs, we’d love for you to [tell us about your experience](/nde-accounts/) first-hand. ## Life after a near-death experience and helpful things to consider Here is some useful advice for living your life to the fullest after a near-death experience: - We mentioned this earlier, and we’ll mention it again: **you are not alone**. There’s a sizable community of people just like you who’ve had near-death experiences. And they’re more similar to your own experience than you might realize! - When you’re up for it, take some time to [learn more about near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/) if you haven’t already - Sharing your near-death experience with someone you trust can go a long way toward helping you process and understand it. We highly recommend talking about your NDE with someone you can trust and confide in - If your child has had a pediatric near-death experience, please read our article on children and near-death experiences - Be sure to read through our NDE Support pages to find more information about groups, resources available to you, advice for finding therapists, and more - You may want to download and print our letter from medical professionals, which you can present to healthcare providers. You might also want to consider printing the Lancet article for the same purpose - Consider joining IANDS. Our publications can keep you informed and in touch with the NDE community, and we have an informative conference where you can network with others who’ve had NDEs. - Consider sharing your experience with us. Your confidentially-shared NDE can help researchers better understand near-death experiences --- ### [Combat Veterans: Valuable Info You Need To Know](https://iands.org/support/combat-veterans-valuable-info-you-need-to-know/) **Published:** January 30, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Going through a near-death experience, or “NDE”, can be harrowing for anyone, and combat veterans are no exception. The event itself can change a person and their whole perspective on life and the world. They can be beautiful. They can be terrifying. And after the fact, it can be difficult to communicate with others about your near-death experience, too. Combat veterans often struggle finding people to talk with who understand what they’ve gone through. And that issue can feel compounded after an NDE. They’re difficult to describe or talk about, and adding combat experiences into the mix makes it an even greater challenge. How do you talk about your NDE with others? How do you put that experience into words? What will people think after hearing you describe what you saw? After all, it may not seem real to them. But it was absolutely real to you. We have [a useful brochure](https://www.research.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/combatveterans.pdf) that discusses combat veterans having near-death experiences. You should take a few moments to read that, when you can. In the meantime, let’s go over a few of the basics here and give you a quick crash course on what your near-death experience was, and how you can find support. ## What is a near-death experience? A [near-death experience (“NDE”)](/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) is a profound psychological event resulting from either a close brush with death, or having been clinically dead for some period of time. They’re vivid and incredibly detailed—so detailed that many describe their near-death experiences as having been “more real than real.” It’s common for an NDE to include: - An out-of-body experience - A sensation of passing through a tunnel or a void toward a light - Communicating with deceased loved ones or unknown beings - A “life review” reliving moments from your life and their emotional impacts on others If this sounds familiar, it may surprise you to learn that **you’re not alone**. There are countless documented cases of near-death experiences dating all the way back to ancient times. And while no two NDEs are exactly the same, they do all share a lot of remarkable similarities. To put all of that another way? **Other people have had NDEs just like yours**. Some of the details will be different, and key events may have happened in a different sequence. But **you’re not losing your mind** and **you’re definitely not alone**. ## Do combat veterans have different NDEs than civilians? [The characteristics of a near-death experience](/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/ "The Characteristics of a Near-Death Experience") will generally be the same for a combat veteran and a civilian. They tend to share the same features. But dealing with the aftermath of having an NDE? That’s typically different. And it can even be more difficult for combat veterans to face than civilians. Both combat veterans and civilians will feel disoriented by their NDE—their reality will feel different or shifted. They can feel special or “chosen”. And they might find themselves withdrawing from those around them as they ponder their experiences and what to do next. But many often fear that their NDE signifies a mental health issue. They worry about how others will perceive their descriptions of their NDE. And will others take what they’re saying seriously? Will they think they’ve lost their mind? How do you even put all of this into words? For combat veterans, those stigmas are compounded by military culture and the fear of being persecuted, getting ridiculed, or jeopardizing your career. They might approach your NDE as a mental disorder and attempt to medicate a problem that doesn’t exist. And these are very real concerns for combat veterans, too. There have been cases of these things happening. ## How do combat veterans find support? ![Combat veterans face additional stigmas when discussing near-death experiences that civilians often don't have to deal with.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/veterans-day-4653833_640.jpg "Veterans-day-4653833_640 ‣ iands")*Image by [Daniel Hadman](https://pixabay.com/users/danielhadmanphotography-14394864/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4653833) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=4653833)*Most people—civilians and combat veterans alike—find it difficult to talk about their near-death experiences with others. But the added barriers faced by combat veterans can compound the issue. So how do combat veterans find support? And what does that support look like? You’re already well on your way toward the first step—learning about near-death experiences. IANDS.org offers information on NDEs, valuable support resources, and more. We can help you connect with groups where you can share your experiences without judgment and without fear of persecution. To put it another way: **you’ve come to the right place**. The next step involves talking about your NDE with someone. And for combat veterans, that’s the tricky part. But we have a useful guide explaining how to share your near-death experience with someone you trust. And there are support groups in your area and online with whom you can share your NDE, too. Including groups for the military. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also anonymously share your near-death experience. Doing so can help researchers understand NDEs, and others can find solace in knowing they’re not alone. **Learning about, discussing, and accepting your NDE** are huge steps forward for both civilians and combat veterans alike. And over time, **talking about your NDE with someone you trust does help**. It can put your experience into perspective. It lets you get all of this off of your chest. And most importantly, **it helps you heal**. --- ### [Children and Near-Death Experiences: Advice You Need to Know](https://iands.org/support/children-and-near-death-experiences-advice-you-need-to-know/) **Published:** January 17, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Adults aren’t alone in having [near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) (or “NDEs”). Pediatric near-death experiences are surprisingly common and share a number of [characteristics](/near-death-experiences/the-characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) with adult NDEs. And the topic of children and near-death experiences can be quite challenging for parents and caregivers to approach. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that **your child is not alone**. There are countless reports of pediatric near-death experiences, and they’re oftentimes more similar than you might think. Also, keep in mind that **children process information differently than adults**. They have **a harder time articulating complex ideas**—ideas adults themselves often struggle to explain when they’ve had an NDE of their own. So as you navigate this topic, always try to remember that the child is likely struggling to put their experience into words, and that can feel frustrating for them. Let’s examine the subject of children and near-death experiences. We’ll discuss how near-death experiences in children can affect them, and explore some of the ways parents, guardians, and other caregivers can help talk about childhood NDEs with the children who’ve gone through them. ## Children and near-death experiences: Causes of NDEs As we discuss at greater length in our article on [the causes of near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/what-causes-near-death-experiences-and-who-has-them/), there are many known situations that may result in an NDE. They’re most frequent in cases of serious illness or injury, life-threatening situations, or being clinically dead for any period of time. Research shows that cardiac arrest victims are more prone to near-death experiences than others. Some research indicates that 40 percent of adults who survive cardiac arrests also have NDEs. So it stands to reason that children who experience cardiac arrest are more prone to having NDEs as well. **A child of any age can have or report a near-death experience**. There does not appear to be specific age group that is more or less susceptible to NDEs than any other. There are even documented cases of children having NDEs at extremely early ages—barely old enough to speak. ## What types of childhood NDEs have been reported? Researchers have found that both [pleasurable and distressing near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/) have been reported with childhood NDEs. Pediatric near-death experiences are oftentimes accompanied by **a comforting initial experience** as well. Noted NDE researcher and prolific author P.M.H. Atwater studied over 270 childhood NDEs. She found that: - 76% reported a comforting “initial” experience. Such experiences involved up to three elements—a loving nothingness, a friendly voice, a visitation by a loving being, an out-of-body experience, and/ or the peacefulness of a safe light or a safe dark place - 19% reported a pleasurable experience - 3% reported a distressing experience - 2% had a “transcendent” experience in which they felt they acquired special knowledge ## How do childhood NDEs compare with adult NDEs? Many of the same features—details and structural elements of each NDE—are reported in cases of both pediatric near-death experiences and adult NDEs. But there are key differences not only in the reporting of children and near-death experiences, but in the features of the NDEs themselves. Childhood NDEs tend to: - Include fewer features - Be more concrete and less complex. However, some childhood NDEs do include more complex features, including otherworldly scenery and / or a “life review”, where they see pivotal replays of their life events to date—what we often refer to as someone’s “life flashing before their eyes” - More frequently include visitations from deceased pets or other animals, relatives the child never met or even knew about, and sometimes from other living people ## How are children changed by childhood NDEs? Having a near-death experience can result in profound changes both for adults and children. But where children and near-death experiences are concerned specifically, common changes include: - **Increased sensitivity** to medications, bright light, and/ or loud noises - **Altered biological patterns**, such as sleep patterns, levels of attentiveness, etc. - Increased interest in “universal love” rather than love of specific people - An apparent **lessening of bonding between parents and children**. The child may demonstrate their feelings toward their family differently or less than they did previously. - **Heightened distress from news media and popular media**, including news reports and from violence in TV shows, movies, and video games - Increased interest in **being of service to others**, and / or a strong desire to volunteer for charitable causes. Often includes increased sensitivity to others’ feelings - Increased **interest in spirituality or religion** - A heightened **hunger for knowledge**, particularly with regards to **philosophy**, which can lead to **unusual reading material choices** for people their age - Appearance of being **more mature** and **difficulty relating to other children** their own age Childhood NDEs often result in: - Increased intelligence - Alternate methods of perception, including heightened synesthesia (“smelling” color, “seeing” sound, etc.) - [Atypical learning](https://positivepsychology.com/piaget-stages-theory/)—some children who have an NDE might begin learning things “out of order” or in an atypical way, according to [Piaget’s four stages of cognitive development](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537095/) ## Children and near-death experiences: adjustment phases With any near-death experience, there’s an understandable adjustment period where the experiencer needs to acclimate to life after an NDE. And this is perhaps more true in cases of pediatric near-death experiences. Children will often have a harder time processing the experience and adapting to it. P.M.H. Atwater suggests that children go through five stages of adjustment after a childhood NDE. These include: - **Withdrawal and internal adjustment**. The child is recovering not only from their pediatric near-death experience, but from the physical illness or trauma that led to their childhood NDE - **Social and behavioral adjustment.** The child may realign with family and friends or seek out ways to be of service to others. According to Atwater, as many as one-third may turn to alcohol or drug use due to the discrepancy between their NDE and the reality of the world around them. - **A period of gain**, where the child will develop greater self-confidence, affirm a sense of moral or spiritual values, and begin a career of service to others - **A period of discouragement**. Sensing the disparity between their values and those of the prevailing culture, those who’ve survived a childhood NDE may face depression, and some may even be prone to suicidal thoughts or tendencies. - **Deep integration of the childhood NDE**. During this phase, the child finds the confidence to live in the world from their own unique perspective, which is congruent with the values they’ve gained from their NDE. ## How can caregivers help regarding children and near-death experiences? Here are some crucially important things to remember with regards to children and near-death experiences, particularly when it comes to chatting with them: - **Ask open-ended questions** and **be gentle** when you do. - **Be patient** with your child and **listen carefully** to what they’re saying. Avoid interruptions, filling in the blanks on your own, or snapping to judgments. - **This is hard for them**. Let them **put their thoughts together** and **think out loud**. - The child is **probably still dealing and coping** with their injuries, illnesses, and/or traumas, apart from their near-death experience. Everything you do **should involve healing**. - **Even a pleasurable near-death experience can be traumatic and even terrifying**, especially for a child. An NDE challenges a person’s perspectives, and it can be a lot to process for someone at any age, particularly children. - Remember: this experience was **extremely real for them**, even if you personally don’t understand it or think it wasn’t. - **Respect the child’s confidentiality**. Don’t share their experience with family or friends. Allow the child to do this on their own schedule and their own terms. - Help the child figure out **when it’s safe to talk** about their NDE, and **with whom it’s safe** to do so. - **Prepare yourself for changes** in how your child might learn and how they might adapt and adjust. - **Learn about NDEs and NDE support** so you can help your child move forward. - Some children may become spiritual or even religious. **Be supportive of their beliefs**, even if they’re not necessarily *your* beliefs. ## The most important advice regarding children and near-death experiences? *Pay attention!* We’ll close with **one final piece of advice**, and this is arguably **the most important of them all** with regards to children and near-death experiences. Your child has just been through *a lot*. Not just the circumstances leading up to their childhood NDE, but the NDE itself. And this is all happening at a time when your child is absorbing information like a sponge. They’re developing logic, reasoning, mechanical, and social skills. They’re *learning stuff*. And having an NDE in the midst of all this can be a lot for any child to deal with. **Keep an eye out for signs** your child is **struggling to adjust** after their childhood NDE. **Be wary of withdrawal, depression, drug or alcohol abuse, or even suicidal tendencies**. And you should immediately seek professional help from a licensed mental health professional if you’re concerned for your child’s wellbeing or mental health. For many kids, a childhood NDE can be a beautiful thing. It can change the entire trajectory of their lives in remarkable ways. But it’s also an incredible challenge for them, too. So be sure to heed our advice regarding children and near-death experiences. Find support, and most importantly, be supportive. Your child might seem withdrawn. But that just means they need you more than ever. --- ### [Advice: Sharing Your Near-Death Experience with People You Trust](https://iands.org/support/advice-sharing-your-near-death-experience-with-people-you-trust/) **Published:** January 16, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Sharing your [near-death experience (or “NDE”)](/near-death-experiences/what-is-a-near-death-experience/) with others is an important step toward better understanding this profound experience you’ve had. You’re likely navigating a sea of powerful feelings, thoughts, and insights. And opening up about your NDE can help you process all of that. But the idea of talking about your near-death experience can also feel challenging—maybe even *daunting*. Many people find it difficult to put their experience into words. The vividness, the realness, the complexity of the ideas … It’s a lot to try and explain to others. So let’s take a few moments to talk about sharing your near-death experience with others. We’ll look at your NDE objectively and view this process from a bird’s eye perspective. And in doing so, you’ll be better equipped to talk about your near-death experience—and identify the right people to share it with, too. ## Near-death experience and social stigmas There’s an 800-pound gorilla in the room that we need to talk about here—*stigma*. It can make the idea of sharing your near-death experience feel overwhelming. And it’s quite common for experiencers to feel the weight of that stigma, too. Because the experience itself was sort of crazy, right? It’s important to remember that **you’re not alone** and that **no, you’re not losing your mind**. There are countless examples of first-hand NDE accounts reporting the same sorts of [pleasurable or distressing NDEs](/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/) that you yourself had. And chances are, they’re more similar to your own experience than you might realize. ![Sharing your near-death experience may be coupled with combating social stigmas. But you're not alone, and you're not losing your mind. NDEs are real, verifiable occurences.](https://iands.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/head-3001159_640.jpg "Sharing your near-death experience ‣ iands")*Image by [Gerd Altmann](https://pixabay.com/users/geralt-9301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3001159) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3001159)*Still, those stigmas are very much real, and they present significant challenges when sharing your near-death experience with others. They’ll affect the list of people you can trust. They’ll weigh on how you want to approach these topics and which elements of your NDE you’re willing to share. Having said all of that, you don’t want these stigmas to stand in your way when sharing your near-death experience story with others. And that’s something we should try to keep in mind as we move forward with this process of talking about your NDE with family and friends. ## Goals when sharing your near-death experience As we discuss sharing your near death experience, it’s important to set a few mission-critical goals here. And we should also take a moment to understand that sharing your near-death experience isn’t about convincing others to believe you, inspiring them to make changes in their own lives, or converting others to your way of thinking. Your primary goal should be **getting this experience off your chest**. This is about sharing your near-death experience in a safe environment with someone you can genuinely trust. And the goal of this other person isn’t to believe you. It’s to ***understand you***. To ***listen to you***. To ***appreciate your feelings*** and provide you with ***emotional support***. You’re sharing your near-death experience so you can process it, understand it, and potentially integrate it into your life. So as we move into the next step—figuring out who to talk to about all of this—you should keep these goals in mind as well. ## Who can you trust when sharing your near-death experience? Let’s start this process of sharing your near-death experience by creating a list of people you personally believe you can trust. People with whom you can open up about your NDE and discuss this subject with at length. What sorts of people make good candidates for this important job of hearing about your experience? - **A trustworthy, honest person** who can **respect your privacy needs**. This person should listen to your story in confidence. You should be able to trust them to not tell others about your experience—this is your story to share, not theirs. - **A non-judgmental person**. It’s important you discuss this with someone who won’t judge you, criticize you, or attempt to dismiss your account out of hand. - Someone who is **patient and a great listener**. Articulating a near-death experience—describing what it was like and detailing what you experienced—is never easy. This person needs to be patient, and it’s important they give you time to think things through and put them into words. - Someone **invested in your wellbeing**. This person should be interested in your story, protective of you and your experience, and focused on helping you through it. **Tip:** If you’re unsure whether someone is the right person to talk with, consider putting out “feelers”—bring up near-death experiences and see if they’re dismissive, argumentative, or highly opinionated one way or another. Is this someone you’ll be comfortable sharing your near-death experience with? ### Need someone else to talk to about your NDE? For many of us, finding someone who matches all of that criteria can be a tall order. If that’s the case, you may want to consider seeking outside guidance—someone with professional experience who can listen and let you talk through your experience without biases or judgment. Therapists, clergy, and trusted healthcare providers are usually willing to listen. And their services can be invaluable when you need someone to talk to about anything, including sharing your near-death experience. Having said that, it’s important to remember that these individuals, as well-intentioned as they might be, will have their own professional, ethical, and moral considerations when hearing about your near-death experience. And that means they’ll define helping you in different ways. Their help may feel dismissive, critical, or even judgmental. But you have to remember that most people know very little about NDEs before encountering or experiencing them. And it harkens back to those stigmas we talked about earlier. So always remember to remain focused on those goals we talked about earlier. **This conversation is about you, not them**. Their biases, accidental or otherwise, are less important than the simple act of you expressing yourself and talking about your experience in a way that’s therapeutic to you. ## Advice for sharing your near-death experience Once you’ve figured out who you can talk to about your NDE, the next step probably seems exciting—or maybe terrifying. In either case, here’s some useful advice for sharing your near-death experience with someone: - **Stay focused on your own goals**. And by that, we mean the goals we established earlier in this guide—expressing yourself about your NDE itself and discussing that. - **Don’t attempt to convert people**, however compelled you may feel to do so. Again, that’s not a part of your goals here. You don’t need to transform this person into a believer, a researcher, or an apostle. - **NDEs are complicated** **and difficult to understand**. It’s okay for people to have a healthy skepticism. You need to be understanding of the fact that most people won’t understand what an NDE is or what you experienced, so constructive skepticism and feedback should be reasonably expected. But having said that … - **End conversations if they turn hostile or don’t feel beneficial**. If the discussion starts getting ugly, there’s little to gain from it and it can’t be therapeutic. - **You may not want direction or guidance, and that’s okay**. People who love you often want to help you with advice. Don’t be dismissive of their advice, but it’s okay to gently remind them that your goal is just to talk about it. - **Point them toward informative and educational resources**. It helps for them to understand that you’re not alone and that there’s information out there. We have information here at IANDS.org that they may want to read. - **Don’t let the experience sour a relationship**. If someone isn’t particularly helpful while sharing your near-death experience with them, try to remember their own difficulty with understanding this complex subject matter. It’s okay if they don’t understand it. ## Sharing your near-death experience is an invaluable early step Many of the people who’ve had an NDE will be quick to tell you that this was the most profound experience of their lifetimes. You might agree or disagree with that sentiment. But one thing we know for certain is that learning about near-death experiences and sharing your near-death experience with someone you trust are important early steps toward better understanding them. **At IANDS**—*The International Association for Near-Death Studies*—**our goal is to provide you with information, education, support, and other resources** so you can **navigate the complexities of your NDE**. We also **help researchers** find invaluable information, data, and the reports and accounts of those who’ve gone through an NDE. Our website has information you’ll find valuable. But we also have resources for those people you share your story with. We encourage you to share these resources and articles with them, too. It helps if they understand that you’re not alone in having these experiences. When you’re feeling up to it, you can also share your NDE account with us. Researchers find these first-hand accounts invaluable as they study the science and health behind near-death experiences. Your contribution can help tremendously! --- ### [Veterans](https://iands.org/our-communities/veterans/) **Published:** January 31, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** IANDs appreciates the service of our military. And we recognize that [combat veterans](/support/combat-veterans-valuable-info-you-need-to-know/) who experience near-death experiences face a different set of challenges with their NDEs than most civilians. It can be even harder for veterans to find the support they need. they face more scrutiny and more risks than most. And it can be quite challenging to overcome on your own. But **you’re not alone**. Other people know what you’re going through, and that includes IANDS. our nonprofit offers information, education, and support as you explore the extraordinary and fascinating world of near-death experiences. ## Finding information and support for veterans Those who have had a near death experience while serving in the military face unique challenges. Other members of our military may not have had an NDE, but may have seen death in combat and need a place to explore what happens when we die. At IANDS, we are proud to offer information and support. - **Supportive sharing groups –** [IANDS Groups ](https://isgo.iands.org/local-groups/)meet on-line and in-person and offer a supportive space to share and connect. - **Military Brochure –** Our brochure [*Impact of the Near-Death Experience on Combat Veterans* ](https://www.iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/combatveterans.pdf)offers tips and guidance for active duty military and veterans who have had a near-death experience. - **Veterans NDE Training Video –** Our training video offers information for Veterans and those who support them. Preview [Veterans’ NDE Training Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBLa7ILiqM) and order from IANDS ($24.95 IANDS members, $29.95 non-members). - **Annual Conference** – IANDS [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) offers those who have had a near death experience or who are searching for answers to questions about what happens when we die. Veterans who need financial support may apply for a scholarship. --- ### [Experiencers](https://iands.org/our-communities/experiencers/) **Published:** January 31, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Near-death experiences (or “NDEs”) are often life-changing moments for their experiencers. They’re profound, extraordinary occurrences that can shift entire world views in an instant. And chances are, you have a great many questions regarding what comes next. IANDS offers information, education, and support to help experiencers navigate life after a near-death experience. From articles to guides, fact sheets to groups, IANDS will help you explore the realm of NDEs and put you in touch with other experiencers. The IANDS site is jam-packed with [articles about near-death experiences](/near-death-experiences/), [support content](/support/ "support content"), [educational resources](/education/), and more. And below, we’ll take a look at even more useful links, introducing you to supportive groups, informative events and conferences, and more. So let’s dive in and take a look at all the ways experiencers can communicate with others and share their stories. ## IANDS: Resources for experiencers We encourage you to explore this website fully and learn about near-death experiences at your own comfortable pace. And you may want to check out all of these important resources, too. As an experiencer, **you’re not alone**. And we can help you find other experiencers with whom you can share your story safely. - **Supportive sharing groups –** [IANDS Groups ](https://isgo.iands.org/local-groups/)meet online and in-person, offering a supportive space to share and connect. - **Annual Conference** – IANDS [Annual Conference](https://conference.iands.org/) offers experiencers the chance to learn, connect, and feel understood. We even offer a dedicated experiencer sharing room! - **Live Events and Workshops –** We offer ongoing programs all year long designed to inform, inspire and support you. Check out our [**many offerings**](https://isgo.iands.org/events-and-workshops/)**!** - **Mental Health Providers –** IANDS offers a [list of mental health professionals](/support/how-to-find-a-professional-mental-health-provider/) with experience counseling those who have had a near-death or related experience. - **Quarterly Magazine **–**** *Vital Signs*, IANDS’ quarterly magazine, contains NDE accounts, commentary, and perspectives on near-death experiences, as well as news and articles of general interest. **Recommended Viewing –** IANDS recommends a selection of series, documentaries and films that offer information and inspiration. Check out our [recommended NDE films and series](/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/) to learn more! --- ### [Recommended Near-Death Experience Films and Series](https://iands.org/near-death-experiences/recommended-near-death-experience-films-and-series/) **Published:** January 22, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:** Explore the extraordinary with our list of near-death experience films, TV programs, Youtube videos, and other media you may find fascinating. **Content:** ## **Documentaries** ### ***Beyond the Grave* (2023)** This 2023 documentary features interviews with people who have had near-death experiences, including *Proof of Heaven* author Eben Alexander, MD. [Watch it here](https://tubitv.com/movies/100009846/beyond-the-grave). ### ***Surviving Death* (2021)** Based on the book by journalist Leslie Kean, this six episode documentary series interviews an array of near-death researchers and experiencers, including leading experts from the University of Virginia Medical School Division of Perceptual Studies. *Surviving Death* also explores related phenomena like after death communication and reincarnation. [Watch it here](https://www.netflix.com/title/80998853). ### ***Afterlife* (2011)** This 2011 documentary features Raymond Moody, MD, author of the landmark, 1975 book *Life After Life,* along with other experts and people who had near-death experiences. ### ***Something Unknown Is Doing We Don’t Know What (2009)*** Can people look into the future or read your mind? Can they view actions remotely? Can they heal themselves when they are close to death. This fascinating and quirky documentary explores a variety of psychic phenomena. [*Watch Something Unknown Is Doing We Don’t Know What* on Amazon Prime Video](https://www.amazon.com/Something-Doing-Dont-Know-What/dp/B0CWS3MQKK) ### ***The Day I Died* *(2006)*** The 2006 BBC documentary [*The Day I Died*](http://www.documentarytube.com/videos/the-day-i-died), available at no cost online, is still relevant today, featuring leading researchers in the field of near-death studies addressing the ways in which NDEs challenge the materialist worldview that currently dominates Western scientific inquiry. Teachers can use the [viewing/teaching guide](https://iands.org/images/stories/pdf_downloads/TheDayIDied-Teacher-ViewingGuide.pdf). A 2006 media review of the video can be found [here](https://doi.org/10.17514/JNDS-2006-25-2-p121-128.). A study showing the effectiveness of using *The Day I Died* as an educational tool can be found [here](https://doi.org/10.2190/OM.63.4.e). ### ***Life With Ghosts (1996)*** [Life with Ghosts](https://www.lifewithghosts.com/) is an award-winning documentary about a research study that seeks to connect bereaved survivors with loved ones through a process known as Induced [After-Death Communication](/education/fact-sheet-after-death-communication-adc/) (IADC). The film explores the positive effects of IADC on grieving people. ### ***The Redemption of Howard Storm*** Howard Storm was an atheist who had a profound and distressing NDE in1985 when he *died* in a hospital in Paris. Howard made a plea to Jesus, which led to a profound experience. Howard’s story helped to define [distressing NDEs](/near-death-experiences/pleasurable-and-distressing-near-death-experiences/). You can watch the entire documentary online. Click the links below: - [**Parts 1 & 2**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsyWGPoMiMI&feature=player_embedded) **: The Chains We Forge in Life/Rescued** - [**Part 3**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frtdd9JzzKg&feature=player_embedded) **: A Million Questions** - [**Part 4**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCgHoir21wU&feature=player_embedded) **: Reflections of a Life in Christ** ## **Dramatic Films** ### ***Heaven is for Real (2014)*** ***Heaven Is for Real*** is a 2014 American drama film, Greg Kinnear plays Todd Burpo, and Kelly Reilly plays Sonja Burpo, a real couple whose son Colton claims to have visited paradise during his clinical death. Colton details his experiences and speaks about things that happened before his birth. [Available on Amazon Prime](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.aea9f749-1aee-8d4b-266f-176d0e743783?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb) ### ***Hereafter* (2010)** Featuring Matt Damon, ***Hereafter*** explores the subject of life beyond death as viewed from the perspective of a near-death experience and after death communications. This movie can be an opportunity to get together with others after watching the film to discuss the details and explore viewpoints. [Available on Amazon Prime](https://www.amazon.com/Hereafter-Matt-Damon/dp/B004M5AOGY). --- ### [Fact Sheet: Near-Death Experience (NDE)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-near-death-experience-nde/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **In an NDE, usually during a close brush with death, a person has a vivid, emotionally intense experience of lucidly perceiving the material world from a position outside the physical body and/or perceiving and interacting with beings and environments not of the material world. Afterwards, experiencers are usually profoundly changed.** [(Download a PDF version – updated Oct. 2024)](https://www.iands.org/images/Factsheets/NDE_Fact_Sheet_v2_FINAL.pdf) ## **What forms do NDEs take?** **NDEs typically include several features.** No two NDEs are identical, and the presence and intensity of each of the following features varies from one experiencer (NDEr) to another (adapted from ): - feeling very comfortable and free of pain - a sensation of leaving the physical body - seeing the body and its surroundings from a position outside of the body—usually above it - the mind functioning more clearly and more rapidly than usual - rapid or instantaneous movement to other locations in the material world - a sensation of being drawn into a tunnel or darkness - a brilliant light, sometimes at the end of the tunnel - a sense of overwhelming peace, well-being, or absolute, unconditional love - a sense of having access to unlimited knowledge - a “life review,” or recall of important events in the past—including actually being each person with whom the NDEr interacted in physical life, experiencing first-hand the effect their actions had on that person - a preview of future events yet to come - encounters with deceased loved ones, or with other beings that may be identified as spiritual or religious figures - choosing to “return” to physical life or being told one must return - a sensation of returning to the body Although the majority of NDEs are dominated by pleasurable feelings such as peace, joy, and love, a minority are dominated by distressing feelings such as terror, horror, or guilt, and some NDEs include both pleasurable and distressing feelings. ## **Who has NDEs?** **10-20% of people who survive a close brush with death report an NDE.** - An estimated 5% of the world population has had an NDE. - NDEs are “equal opportunity experiences.” People of every demographic—age, sex, nationality, belief system, religious affiliation, etc.—have reported NDEs. - NDE features do not vary based on the circumstances of the extreme situation or the demographics of the experiencer. - Even NDEs associated with suicide attempts contain similar features as those associated with natural illness or accidental injury—but because of certain aftereffects (see below), suicide survivors who had NDEs almost never attempt suicide again. ## **Are NDEs hallucinations?** **Most factors indicate that NDEs are not hallucinations.** - Hallucinations tend to be distressing. Afterward, experiencers consider them unreal, meaningless, and easily forgotten, and they have no wish to reflect on them and show no particular aftereffects from them. - Hallucinations are almost never veridical; that is, their contents almost never correspond to objective reality. - NDEs tend to be profoundly pleasurable. Afterward, NDErs usually consider their NDEs to have been real and meaningful, and the memory of them tends to remain vivid and cherished for decades. NDErs usually have a strong desire to recall and reflect on their NDEs, and they typically show particular aftereffects from them. Many NDEs have been veridical (Rivas et al., 2023). ## **What are the effects on NDErs?** **NDErs show certain characteristic aftereffects.** - In general, the deeper the NDE—the more features and more intense those features—the greater the aftereffects. - In the short term, many NDErs feel instantly transformed by the experience and may feel challenged to integrate that transformation into their subsequent lives. - In the long term, NDErs typically feel transformed in several ways, including but not limited to: - **Psychological**—loss of the fear of death and belief (“knowing”) in the survival of consciousness after physical death; increased appreciation for Earthly life and belief that it has purpose; reduced interest in material possessions, fame, and power; increased sense of connectedness to and concern for others; increased desire to be of service to others - **Spiritual**—increased interest in spirituality, tendency to leave organized religion—becoming more “spiritual but not religious”; having what, in some religious contexts, are termed “spiritual gifts,” such as precognition—knowing the future—and clairvoyance—seeing distant locations in “the mind’s eye” - **Physical**—changes in sleep and appetite, increased sensitivity to medication and to environmental factors such as pollution and electrical fields, electromagnetic effects whereby electronic devices in the NDEr’s vicinity malfunction - **Social**—changes in relationships, organizational affiliations, and vocation—often shifting to more service-oriented work. NDErs married at the time of their NDEs may be more likely than average to divorce. Long-term transformation may, in some cases, take years. (Stout et al., 2006) ## **Suggestions:** Recommended resources include these books: - Greyson, B. (2021). *After: A doctor explores what near-death experiences reveal about life and beyond.* St. Martin’s Essentials. - Ring, K., & Valarino, E. E. (1998). *Lessons from the light: What we can learn from the near-death experience*. Insight Books. - Holden, J. M., Greyson, B., & James, D. (Eds.). (2009). *The handbook of near-death experiences: Thirty years of investigation*. Praeger/ABC-CLIO. - Coppes, R. C. (2023). *Impressions of near-death experiences: Quotations from over 100 experiencers.* IANDS. - Bush, N. E. (2021). *Reckoning: Discoveries after a traumatic near-death experience*. Author. - Rivas, T., Dirven, A., & Smit, R. H. (2023). *The self does not die: Verified paranormal phenomena from near-death experiences* (2nd ed.). IANDS. And these websites: - - Watching NDErs describe their experiences and aftereffects can be especially impactful. Numerous accounts can be located online by entering the term “near-death experience” in your search engine. Another helpful resource: - Although NDEs are usually remembered vividly, journaling them can be beneficial. Consider adding yours to the collections at www.iands.org and www.nderf.org. The information in this Fact Sheet is based primarily on the suggested readings listed above and numerous studies published in professional journals including the *[Journal of Near-Death Studies](/nde-research/journal-of-near-death-studies/)* where articles about NDEs and related experiences from the past more than 40 years are available for free online. Written by: Janice Miner Holden, EdD; and Bruce Greyson, MD Copyright © 2024 International Association for Near-Death Studies with permission to reproduce for educational and/or healthcare purposes. --- ### [Disclaimer](https://iands.org/disclaimer/) **Published:** February 14, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** The information contained in this web site is provided as a service to the Internet community, and does not constitute legal, medical, or therapeutic advice. **Disclaimer of Endorsement:** Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by *the International Association for Near-Death Studies*. The views and opinions of named authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of *the International Association for Near-Death Studies*, and shall not be used for advertising or endorsement purposes. **Amazon Affiliates Disclaimer:** Some of the links you’ll find on IANDS.org lead to product pages and listings of products on Amazon. If you follow these links and make a purchase, *the International Association for Near-Death Studies* earns a commission on that purchase. This commission doesn’t impact the cost of the product in any way—the money comes to us directly from Amazon for having played a small role in influencing the purchase. --- ### [News](https://iands.org/media-center/news/) **Published:** February 3, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Find news regarding near-death experiences (NDEs) and *The International Association for Near-Death Studies* (IANDS) here, including: - NDE research news - IANDS news - Opinion articles - IANDS press releases --- ### [Our Communities](https://iands.org/our-communities/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Looking for information catering specifically to particular communities? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below (and in our navigation up top), you’ll find information directed toward our most prominent communities and stakeholders. --- ### [Fact Sheet: Shared Death Experience (SDE)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-shared-death-experience-sde/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **A shared death experience (SDE) occurs when someone dies and a living loved one, caregiver, or bystander reports that they sensed, observed, accompanied, or assisted the dying in their transition into a postmortem existence.** ## **What forms do SDEs take?** **Although every SDE is unique, some elements commonly recur across SDEs.** The dominant motif of an SDE is a journey or movement, often ascending and toward a luminous light. Common themes expressed by experiencers (SDErs) are love, understanding, and belonging, as well as strong bonds or connections between SDErs and the dying. SDEs have features similar to near-death experiences (NDEs), suggesting that both experiences share a common landscape. ### **The most common SDE features include:** - A vision of the dying person alive and well - Heightened awareness/expanded knowledge - Encounters with spirit beings - Transcendent light - Alterations in perception of time and space - Seeing the spirit/soul leave the body of the dying - Appearance of heavenly realms - Perceiving a boundary the SDEr cannot cross - Strong physical and emotional sensations - Sensing unusual energy - Feelings of peace and connectivity/unity - Observing a life review - Tunnels and gateways - Ineffability—difficulty describing the experience in human language SDEs can be separated into two distinct types: bedside and remote. - Bedside SDEs occur when the SDEr is in the same room with the dying; - Remote SDEs occur when the SDEr is not in the same room with the dying, which can range from being in a different room near the dying to being far away on another continent. - The physical distance between the SDEr and the dying does not appear to influence the quality of the SDE. Bedside and remote SDEs each have two possible subtypes: time variation and multi-person. - Time variation: Most SDEs occur at the same time as the physical death. However, roughly one-fourth of SDEs occur a few minutes, hours, or in rare cases a few days or even weeks, before or after the actual time of death. Although most SDEs last a few minutes, some occur more gradually with varying degrees of intensity over a few days or weeks. - Multi-person: Most SDE reports have only one living experiencer per death, but sometimes multiple SDErs are involved. In these instances, the SDErs may report some common SDE features, but in most cases they report either different features or an experience suggesting a different vantage point. ## **Who has SDEs?** **Why some people have SDEs and others do not is a great mystery and currently under investigation by the Shared Crossing Research Initiative.** Possible facilitating factors that characterize most SDErs include persons who: - Have a strong relationship bond with the dying person, - Identify as spiritual but not religious, - Values mindfulness and open-mindedness - Accept death as a natural part of life, and - Do not experience overwhelming emotions at the time of death, as those may interfere with a person’s ability to perceive an SDE. Are SDEs hallucinations? **As with NDEs, SDEs are fundamentally dissimilar to hallucinations.** - For example, whereas hallucinations are characterized by incoherent or fragmented imagery, SDErs report phenomena that are clear, coherent, and often experienced as “more real than real.” - In addition, although some authors have attributed NDEs to an artifact of the dying brain, SDEs occur to unsuspecting caregivers, loved ones, and bystanders who are completely healthy in both body and mind. ## **What are the effects on SDErs?** **SDErs report a variety of beneficial aftereffects.** Benefits include: - Belief that the deceased person in their SDE is alive and well in a benevolent afterlife - Belief that, upon their own death, they will reunite with their now-physically-deceased loved one - Alleviation of fear and anxiety about death - Awakening to a new appreciation for the purpose of a human life generally and for the dying person’s and/ or SDEr’s life in particular - A grief reconciliation process, whereby grief is contextualized and imbued with an understanding that human death is a transition rather than an end ## **Suggestions:** Recommended resources include these books: - Peters, W., & Kinsella, M. (2022). *At heaven’s door: What shared journeys to the afterlife teach about dying well and living better*. Simon & Schuster. - Moody, R., with Perry, P. (2010). *Glimpses of eternity: Sharing a loved one’s passage from this life to the next*. Guideposts. - Fenwick, P., & Fenwick, E. (2008). *The art of dying*. Continuum. …and this website: - Sharedcrossing.com, where information about the following activities can be found: - Research and resources about SDEs and other shared crossings, including the Shared Crossing Video Story Library of personal SDE accounts - Shared Crossing Project educational programs, including online self-study programs and two monthly online SDE Sharing Groups at which an SDEr tells their story and group participants may then ask questions. Often a researcher from the Shared Crossing Research Initiative will draw on SDE research to contextualize the SDE as a way of providing helpful - information, both general and specific. - Individual, family, and organizational training for methods to enable an SDE and other shared crossing experiences - Experiencer feedback. If you have had an SDE or wonder if you have had one, you can submit your experience to the Shared Crossing Research Initiative, and they will review your story and reply to you. The information in this Fact Sheet is based primarily on research cited in the recommended readings listed above. Written by: William Peters, MA, MEd, LMFT --- ### [Fact Sheet: Past-Life Memory (PLM)](https://iands.org/education/fact-sheet-past-life-memory-plm/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** **In a past-life memory (PLM), a person recalls having lived a previous lifetime. Although such memories are sometimes elicited under hypnosis or in guided imagery, this fact sheet addresses spontaneously occurring, involuntary PLMs.** [(Download a PDF version – updated Oct. 2024)](https://www.iands.org/images/Factsheets/IANDS_Fact_Sheet_PLM_FINAL.pdf) ## **What forms do PLMs take?** **PLMs, which look and feel like autobiographical memories of another time and place, may take various forms that may or may not appear together:** - simple autobiographical memory flashbacks - longer episodic memories - recognition memories - emotional memories - behavioral memories PLMs may involve physical traits carried over from, or influenced by events in, the previous life. These traits are thought to be psychogenic—produced by the reincarnating mind acting on its new body, with the help of psychokinesis, the influence of mind on matter. They may include: - facial structure and physical stature - birthmarks - birth defects - internal diseases PLMs may appear in various states of consciousness: - in the waking state - while falling asleep, in dreams during sleep, and while awakening from sleep - in meditation - in other altered states, including near-death experiences (NDEs) PLMs often are triggered by places or people, by seeing, hearing, or doing things reminiscent of the previous life. PLMs may have an influence unconsciously even when there are no conscious memories. ## **Who has PLMs?** **Children are more likely to report PLMs than adults, but adults may have them, too.** - PLMs in childhood: - Children as young as 12-18 months may say things that turn out to relate to previous lives they remember. - The most common age at which to speak of previous lives is 2-3 years, although older children may recall things, as well. - Many children make only one or two comments about the previous life, whereas others say a great deal. - Even when childhood memories are extensive, they may fade by late childhood or early teen years. - PLMs in adulthood: - There are often childhood precursors to adult PLMs. - Compared to childhood PLMs, those in adulthood are more likely to come in dreams or altered states. - Adult PLMs are rarely well-developed and often lack behavioral features. - Adult PLMs often appear to reflect unresolved psychological conflicts or other “unfinished business.” - With both children and adults, there may be emotional or behavioral memories, but no imaged, autobiographical memories. - PLMs may be enhanced following NDEs; they can sometimes be an NDE aftereffect. - A substantially larger number of males than females report PLMs, although the proportions vary somewhat by culture. - PLMs are associated with violent deaths more often than such deaths actually occur in a given population, perhaps because they are more memorable than natural deaths. ## **Are PLMs hallucinations?** **PLMs do not appear to be psi-mediated hallucinations or social constructions.** - In over 1,700 cases, researchers have identified a deceased person related to the PLM; these are called “solved” cases. - In about three dozen solved cases, records exist from *before* the previous person was identified, ensuring that the memories were not fabricated. - PLM cases include a range of personality and behavioral traits, and often physical traits, that cannot be explained by psychic processes. - “Before” and “after” cases, and “solved” and “unsolved” cases, have very similar features, indicating the likelihood that all have the same source. ## **What are the effects on PLMers?** **PLMs may have a variety of effects on those who experience them whether or not the memories are conscious.** - When the previous life ended violently, the child or adult PLMer may experience phobias or PTSD symptoms that would be expected had the previous person survived. - Children may continue to feel emotional attachments to people from the life they remember, even after their conscious memories have faded. These continuing attachments may interfere with their development and adjustment to their present lives. - Not all effects are negative. Psychological studies have shown that, compared to children without PLMs, peers with PLMs are often precocious in various ways, are better adjusted socially, and do better in school and in their adult lives. - Adults who retain PLMs from childhood rarely remember everything, and their remaining memories may be less clear. The stronger their memories were in childhood, the more likely they are to retain memories into adulthood. - Follow-up cross-cultural studies of adults who recalled past lives as children are consistent in suggesting an overall positive impact of the childhood memories. When the memories come first in adulthood, they may be more difficult to deal with, however. ## **Suggestions and Resources:** **• Reading about PLMs can be helpful. Some recommended books are:** - Haraldsson, E., & Matlock, J. G. (2016). *I saw a light and came here: Children’s experiences of reincarnation*. White Crow Books. - Matlock, J. G. (2019). *Signs of reincarnation: Exploring beliefs, cases, and theory*. Rowman & Littlefield. - Ohkado, M. (2024). *Katsugoro and other reincarnation cases in Japan*. Afterworlds Press. - Stevenson, I. (2001). *Children who remember previous lives: A question of reincarnation*. McFarland. - Tucker, J. B. (2021). *Before: Children’s memories of previous lives*. St. Martin’s. **• Online resources include:** - Matlock, J. G. (2017). Patterns in reincarnation cases. *Psi encyclopedia*. - Matlock, J. G., & Haraldsson, E. (2017). Psychological studies of children with past-life memories. *Psi encyclopedia*. [https://psi-encyclopedia.spr.ac.uk](https://psi-encyclopedia.spr.ac.uk/)/articles/psychological-studies-children-claiming-past-life-memories The information in this Fact Sheet is based on the suggested resources listed above and on numerous studies published in professional peer-reviewed journals. Written by: James G. Matlock, PhD Copyright © 2024 International Association for Near-Death Studies with permission to reproduce for educational and/or healthcare purposes. --- ### [Privacy Policy](https://iands.org/privacy-policy/) **Published:** January 6, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** ## Who we are The International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) is an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on the scientific study of near-death experiences or “NDEs”. Our goal is to education the public, provide valuable resources for researchers, and provide support and resources for those who have had a near-death experience. ## Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. ## Media If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website. ## Cookies If you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year. If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser. When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select “Remember Me”, your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed. If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day. ## Caching This site utilizes caching in order to facilitate a faster response time and better user experience. Caching potentially stores a duplicate copy of every web page that is on display on this site. All cache files are temporary, and are never accessed by any third party, except as necessary to obtain technical support from the cache plugin vendor. Cache files expire on a schedule set by the site administrator, but may easily be purged by the admin before their natural expiration, if necessary. We may use QUIC.cloud services to process & cache your data temporarily.Please see for more details. ## Embedded content from other websites Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website. ## Who we share your data with If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email. ## How long we retain your data If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue. For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information. ## What rights you have over your data If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes. ## Where your data is sent Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. --- ### [Welcome to our site!](https://iands.org/welcome-to-our-site/) **Published:** January 8, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Excerpt:**

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Go shopping

**Content:** ## H2 headings are outdented This is your homepage, which is what most visitors will see when they come to your site for the first time. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum in mauris eleifend, egestas lectus et, vulputate orci. Integer in leo eget justo hendrerit consequat. Donec varius est eu neque ultrices consectetur. ## Page layout in 2 columns By default the theme displays page content in 2 columns. You can change this to more traditional layout in theme options. --- ### [Resources](https://iands.org/resources/) **Published:** January 9, 2025 **Author:** Matt Terzi **Content:** Coming soon! --- ## Categories ### [Uncategorized](https://iands.org/category/uncategorized/) --- ### [News](https://iands.org/category/news/) **Description:** News regarding near-death experiences, NDE science and research, and IANDS specifically. --- ### [IANDS News](https://iands.org/category/news/news-iands/) **Description:** News regarding the International Association for Near-Death Studies --- ### [NDE Research News](https://iands.org/category/news/news-nde-research/) **Description:** News stories regarding NDE research and science, including new reports, studies, findings, white papers, and NDE research making headlines. --- ### [Opinion](https://iands.org/category/opinion/) **Description:** Editorial and opinion articles written by IANDS staff and others regarding near-death experiences, NDE research, news stories, and more. --- ### [NDE News](https://iands.org/category/news/nde-news/) --- ### [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/category/iands-qa/) **Description:** IANDS Q&A is a special segment devoted to answering frequently asked questions about near-death and related experiences. Come learn more about NDEs here! --- ### [IANDS Glossary](https://iands.org/category/iands-glossary/) **Description:** Scientific terminology isn’t always intuitive. So let’s break down these complicated phrases and subjects in our IANDS Glossary, where we’ll explain the science behind near-death studies in a way everyone can understand and appreciate! --- ## Tags ### [Al Pacino](https://iands.org/tag/al-pacino/) --- ### [IANDS](https://iands.org/tag/iands/) --- ### [Jan Holden](https://iands.org/tag/jan-holden/) --- ### [Sonny Boy](https://iands.org/tag/sonny-boy/) --- ### [NDE](https://iands.org/tag/nde/) --- ### [near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience/) --- ### [nothing there](https://iands.org/tag/nothing-there/) --- ### [advisory board](https://iands.org/tag/advisory-board/) --- ### [organ transplant](https://iands.org/tag/organ-transplant/) --- ### [ESPN](https://iands.org/tag/espn/) --- ### [iands.org](https://iands.org/tag/iands-org/) --- ### [the international association for near-death studies](https://iands.org/tag/the-international-association-for-near-death-studies/) --- ### 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nde](https://iands.org/tag/what-happens-during-an-nde/) --- ### [pleasurable nde](https://iands.org/tag/pleasurable-nde/) --- ### [distressing nde](https://iands.org/tag/distressing-nde/) --- ### [going toward the light](https://iands.org/tag/going-toward-the-light/) --- ### [moving toward the light](https://iands.org/tag/moving-toward-the-light/) --- ### [life review](https://iands.org/tag/life-review/) --- ### [out of body experience](https://iands.org/tag/out-of-body-experience/) --- ### [dying to work](https://iands.org/tag/dying-to-work/) --- ### [near-death experience research](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-research/) --- ### [NDE study 2025](https://iands.org/tag/nde-study-2025/) --- ### [how near-death experiences change people](https://iands.org/tag/how-near-death-experiences-change-people/) --- ### [near-death experiences and work](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences-and-work/) --- ### [university of guelph](https://iands.org/tag/university-of-guelph/) --- ### [university of guelph NDE study](https://iands.org/tag/university-of-guelph-nde-study/) --- ### [NDEs and workplace behavior](https://iands.org/tag/ndes-and-workplace-behavior/) --- ### [Robert Coppes](https://iands.org/tag/robert-coppes/) --- ### [Robert Christopher Coppes](https://iands.org/tag/robert-christopher-coppes/) --- ### [Impressions of Near-Death Experiences](https://iands.org/tag/impressions-of-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [NDE book](https://iands.org/tag/nde-book/) --- ### [book](https://iands.org/tag/book/) --- ### [near-death experience book](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-book/) --- ### [quotations from over 100 experiences](https://iands.org/tag/quotations-from-over-100-experiences/) --- ### [elements of NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/elements-of-ndes/) --- ### [what are the most common elements of a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-are-the-most-common-elements-of-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [what are the most common elements of an NDE](https://iands.org/tag/what-are-the-most-common-elements-of-an-nde/) --- ### [common NDE elements](https://iands.org/tag/common-nde-elements/) --- ### [common near-death experience elements](https://iands.org/tag/common-near-death-experience-elements/) --- ### [common features near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/common-features-near-death-experience/) --- ### [common features NDE](https://iands.org/tag/common-features-nde/) --- ### [Oprah](https://iands.org/tag/oprah/) --- ### [Oprah Winfrey](https://iands.org/tag/oprah-winfrey/) --- ### [Bruce Greyson](https://iands.org/tag/bruce-greyson/) --- ### [Mary Neal](https://iands.org/tag/mary-neal/) --- ### [Jeremy Renner](https://iands.org/tag/jeremy-renner/) --- ### [Dr. Bruce Greyson](https://iands.org/tag/dr-bruce-greyson/) --- ### [Dr. Mary Neal](https://iands.org/tag/dr-mary-neal/) --- ### [Oprah Podcast](https://iands.org/tag/oprah-podcast/) --- ### [OWN Podcast](https://iands.org/tag/own-podcast/) --- ### [Jeremy Renner NDE](https://iands.org/tag/jeremy-renner-nde/) --- ### [Jeremy Renner near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/jeremy-renner-near-death-experience/) --- ### [IANDS conference](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference/) --- ### [2025 IANDS Conference](https://iands.org/tag/2025-iands-conference/) --- ### [IANDS Conference 2025](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-2025/) --- ### [Raymond Moody](https://iands.org/tag/raymond-moody/) --- ### [Dr. Raymond Moody](https://iands.org/tag/dr-raymond-moody/) --- ### [Diane Hennacy Powell](https://iands.org/tag/diane-hennacy-powell/) --- ### [Mark Anthony](https://iands.org/tag/mark-anthony/) --- ### [The Psychic Lawyer](https://iands.org/tag/the-psychic-lawyer/) --- ### [Caroline Myss](https://iands.org/tag/caroline-myss/) --- ### [Chaz Ebert](https://iands.org/tag/chaz-ebert/) --- ### [It's Time to Give a Feck](https://iands.org/tag/its-time-to-give-a-feck/) --- ### [Oak Brooks Hills Resort](https://iands.org/tag/oak-brooks-hills-resort/) --- ### [Oak Brook Il](https://iands.org/tag/oak-brook-il/) --- ### [Oak Brook Illinois](https://iands.org/tag/oak-brook-illinois/) --- ### [Oak Brook](https://iands.org/tag/oak-brook/) --- ### [Life After Life](https://iands.org/tag/life-after-life/) --- ### [Candid](https://iands.org/tag/candid/) --- ### [Guidestar](https://iands.org/tag/guidestar/) --- ### [Guidestar Transparency](https://iands.org/tag/guidestar-transparency/) --- ### [Guidestar Platinum Transparency](https://iands.org/tag/guidestar-platinum-transparency/) --- ### [Guidestar Platinum Transparency Seal](https://iands.org/tag/guidestar-platinum-transparency-seal/) --- ### [IANDS Q&A](https://iands.org/tag/iands-qa/) --- ### [IANDS QA](https://iands.org/tag/iands-qa-2/) --- ### [can near-death experiences be scientifically explained](https://iands.org/tag/can-near-death-experiences-be-scientifically-explained/) --- ### [can NDEs be scientifically explained](https://iands.org/tag/can-ndes-be-scientifically-explained/) --- ### [scientific explanation of NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/scientific-explanation-of-ndes/) --- ### [oxygen deprivation and near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/oxygen-deprivation-and-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [hormones and near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/hormones-and-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [hallucination theories of NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/hallucination-theories-of-ndes/) --- ### [science and NDE research](https://iands.org/tag/science-and-nde-research/) --- ### [NDE research](https://iands.org/tag/nde-research/) --- ### [near-death studies](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-studies/) --- ### [consciousness research](https://iands.org/tag/consciousness-research/) --- ### [verdicial perception](https://iands.org/tag/verdicial-perception/) --- ### [aftereffects of near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/aftereffects-of-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [DMT and consciousness](https://iands.org/tag/dmt-and-consciousness/) --- ### [neuroscience of near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/neuroscience-of-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [spiritual experiences in clinical settings](https://iands.org/tag/spiritual-experiences-in-clinical-settings/) --- ### [afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/afterlife/) --- ### [heaven](https://iands.org/tag/heaven/) --- ### [hell](https://iands.org/tag/hell/) --- ### [proof of the afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/proof-of-the-afterlife/) --- ### [proof of an afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/proof-of-an-afterlife/) --- ### [near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences/) --- ### [NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/ndes/) --- ### [scientific proof of an afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/scientific-proof-of-an-afterlife/) --- ### [scientific proof of the afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/scientific-proof-of-the-afterlife/) --- ### [scientific proof of heaven](https://iands.org/tag/scientific-proof-of-heaven/) --- ### [scientific proof death is not the end](https://iands.org/tag/scientific-proof-death-is-not-the-end/) --- ### [death is not the end](https://iands.org/tag/death-is-not-the-end/) --- ### [near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [Breakdown Podcast](https://iands.org/tag/breakdown-podcast/) --- ### [Breakdown](https://iands.org/tag/breakdown/) --- ### [Breakdown with Mayim Bialik](https://iands.org/tag/breakdown-with-mayim-bialik/) --- ### [Mayim Bialik](https://iands.org/tag/mayim-bialik/) --- ### [Chicago](https://iands.org/tag/chicago/) --- ### [clinical death](https://iands.org/tag/clinical-death/) --- ### [clinically dead](https://iands.org/tag/clinically-dead/) --- ### [is an NDE the same as dying](https://iands.org/tag/is-an-nde-the-same-as-dying/) --- ### [is a near-death experience the same as dying](https://iands.org/tag/is-a-near-death-experience-the-same-as-dying/) --- ### [is a near death experience the same as dying](https://iands.org/tag/is-a-near-death-experience-the-same-as-dying-2/) --- ### [NDE q and A](https://iands.org/tag/nde-q-and-a/) --- ### [nde Q&A](https://iands.org/tag/nde-qa/) --- ### [Raymond Moody Documentary](https://iands.org/tag/raymond-moody-documentary/) --- ### [Paul Perry](https://iands.org/tag/paul-perry/) --- ### [Raymond Moody Afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/raymond-moody-afterlife/) --- ### [Raymond Moodys Afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/raymond-moodys-afterlife/) --- ### [afterlife documentary](https://iands.org/tag/afterlife-documentary/) --- ### [evidence of the afterlife](https://iands.org/tag/evidence-of-the-afterlife/) --- ### [jeffrey long](https://iands.org/tag/jeffrey-long/) --- ### [international association for near death studies](https://iands.org/tag/international-association-for-near-death-studies/) --- ### [Chrysalis Campaign](https://iands.org/tag/chrysalis-campaign/) --- ### [Chrysalis](https://iands.org/tag/chrysalis/) --- ### [NDE website](https://iands.org/tag/nde-website/) --- ### [NDE organization](https://iands.org/tag/nde-organization/) --- ### [NDE nonprofit](https://iands.org/tag/nde-nonprofit/) --- ### [IANDS member](https://iands.org/tag/iands-member/) --- ### [IANDS donation](https://iands.org/tag/iands-donation/) --- ### [are pets seen in near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [are pets seen in near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/are-pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [near-death experiences and pets](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences-and-pets/) --- ### [near death experiences and pets](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences-and-pets-2/) --- ### [near-death experience visit with pets](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-visit-with-pets/) --- ### [near death experience visit with pets](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-visit-with-pets-2/) --- ### [near death experience seeing pets](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-seeing-pets/) --- ### [seeing pets in near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/seeing-pets-in-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [anyone with near death experience see their pets](https://iands.org/tag/anyone-with-near-death-experience-see-their-pets/) --- ### [pets in heaven near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/pets-in-heaven-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [pets seen in near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/pets-seen-in-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [near death experience pets](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-pets/) --- ### [pets](https://iands.org/tag/pets/) --- ### [dogs](https://iands.org/tag/dogs/) --- ### [cats](https://iands.org/tag/cats/) --- ### [is telepathy real](https://iands.org/tag/is-telepathy-real/) --- ### [telepathy](https://iands.org/tag/telepathy/) --- ### [the telepathy tapes](https://iands.org/tag/the-telepathy-tapes/) --- ### [telepathy tapes](https://iands.org/tag/telepathy-tapes/) --- ### [marina weiler](https://iands.org/tag/marina-weiler/) --- ### [marjorie woollacott](https://iands.org/tag/marjorie-woollacott/) --- ### [vital signs](https://iands.org/tag/vital-signs/) --- ### [vital signs magazine](https://iands.org/tag/vital-signs-magazine/) --- ### [IANDS vital signs](https://iands.org/tag/iands-vital-signs/) --- ### [vital signs IANDS](https://iands.org/tag/vital-signs-iands/) --- ### [terminal lucidity](https://iands.org/tag/terminal-lucidity/) --- ### [end of life rally](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-rally/) --- ### [end-of-life rally](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-rally-2/) --- ### [terminal rally](https://iands.org/tag/terminal-rally/) --- ### [end-of-life surge](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-surge/) --- ### [end of life surge](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-surge-2/) --- ### [the surge](https://iands.org/tag/the-surge/) --- ### [surge](https://iands.org/tag/surge/) --- ### [paradoxical lucidity](https://iands.org/tag/paradoxical-lucidity/) --- ### [what causes terminal lucidity](https://iands.org/tag/what-causes-terminal-lucidity/) --- ### [what is terminal lucidity](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-terminal-lucidity/) --- ### [can terminal lucidity last days](https://iands.org/tag/can-terminal-lucidity-last-days/) --- ### [how long does terminal lucidity last](https://iands.org/tag/how-long-does-terminal-lucidity-last/) --- ### [how long does terminal lucidity typically last](https://iands.org/tag/how-long-does-terminal-lucidity-typically-last/) --- ### [how long does terminal lucidity usually last](https://iands.org/tag/how-long-does-terminal-lucidity-usually-last/) --- ### [is terminal lucidity real](https://iands.org/tag/is-terminal-lucidity-real/) --- ### [George Washington](https://iands.org/tag/george-washington/) --- ### [vision at valley forge](https://iands.org/tag/vision-at-valley-forge/) --- ### [valley forge](https://iands.org/tag/valley-forge/) --- ### [Washington](https://iands.org/tag/washington/) --- ### [july 4th](https://iands.org/tag/july-4th/) --- ### [independence day](https://iands.org/tag/independence-day/) --- ### [continental army](https://iands.org/tag/continental-army/) --- ### [did George Washington have a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/did-george-washington-have-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [was the vision at valley forge an NDE](https://iands.org/tag/was-the-vision-at-valley-forge-an-nde/) --- ### [was the vision at valley forge a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/was-the-vision-at-valley-forge-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [was the vision at valley forge a near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/was-the-vision-at-valley-forge-a-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [out-of-body experience](https://iands.org/tag/out-of-body-experience-2/) --- ### [OBE](https://iands.org/tag/obe/) --- ### [OOBE](https://iands.org/tag/oobe/) --- ### [near-death experience characteristics](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-characteristics/) --- ### [characteristics of a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/characteristics-of-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [characteristics of an NDE](https://iands.org/tag/characteristics-of-an-nde/) --- ### [the book of the dead](https://iands.org/tag/the-book-of-the-dead/) --- ### [ancient egypt](https://iands.org/tag/ancient-egypt/) --- ### [ba](https://iands.org/tag/ba/) --- ### [siddhi](https://iands.org/tag/siddhi/) --- ### [siddhis](https://iands.org/tag/siddhis/) --- ### [freedom from the body](https://iands.org/tag/freedom-from-the-body/) --- ### [what is an out-of-body experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-an-out-of-body-experience/) --- ### [what is an out of body experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-an-out-of-body-experience-2/) --- ### [what causes out of body experiences](https://iands.org/tag/what-causes-out-of-body-experiences/) --- ### [what causes out-of-body experiences](https://iands.org/tag/what-causes-out-of-body-experiences-2/) --- ### [what is an OBE](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-an-obe/) --- ### [what causes OBEs](https://iands.org/tag/what-causes-obes/) --- ### [Suffering Into Gold](https://iands.org/tag/suffering-into-gold/) --- ### [Paul Gralen](https://iands.org/tag/paul-gralen/) --- ### [Beth Orr](https://iands.org/tag/beth-orr/) --- ### [William Peters](https://iands.org/tag/william-peters/) --- ### [shared death experience](https://iands.org/tag/shared-death-experience/) --- ### [shared death experience documentary](https://iands.org/tag/shared-death-experience-documentary/) --- ### [SDE](https://iands.org/tag/sde/) --- ### [SDE documentary](https://iands.org/tag/sde-documentary/) --- ### [suffering into gold documentary](https://iands.org/tag/suffering-into-gold-documentary/) --- ### [loved ones communicating after death](https://iands.org/tag/loved-ones-communicating-after-death/) --- ### [after death communication](https://iands.org/tag/after-death-communication/) --- ### [after-death communication](https://iands.org/tag/after-death-communication-2/) --- ### [ADC](https://iands.org/tag/adc/) --- ### [IANDS q and A](https://iands.org/tag/iands-q-and-a/) --- ### [loved ones communicating after death NDE](https://iands.org/tag/loved-ones-communicating-after-death-nde/) --- ### [loved ones communicating after dead in near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/loved-ones-communicating-after-dead-in-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [loved ones communicating after death in near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/loved-ones-communicating-after-death-in-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [after-death communication research foundation](https://iands.org/tag/after-death-communication-research-foundation/) --- ### [ADCRF](https://iands.org/tag/adcrf/) --- ### [past-life memory](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memory/) --- ### [past-life memories](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memories/) --- ### [past life memory](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memory-2/) --- ### [past life memories](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memories-2/) --- ### [PLM](https://iands.org/tag/plm/) --- ### [past-life memory stories](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memory-stories/) --- ### [past-life research](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-research/) --- ### [past-life memories real stories](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memories-real-stories/) --- ### [past-life memories trute stories](https://iands.org/tag/past-life-memories-trute-stories/) --- ### [James Leininger](https://iands.org/tag/james-leininger/) --- ### [James Huston](https://iands.org/tag/james-huston/) --- ### [James Huston Jr](https://iands.org/tag/james-huston-jr/) --- ### [James McCready Huston](https://iands.org/tag/james-mccready-huston/) --- ### [James McCready Huston Jr](https://iands.org/tag/james-mccready-huston-jr/) --- ### [University of Virginia](https://iands.org/tag/university-of-virginia/) --- ### [UVA](https://iands.org/tag/uva/) --- ### [World War II](https://iands.org/tag/world-war-ii/) --- ### [USS Natoma Bay](https://iands.org/tag/uss-natoma-bay/) --- ### [USS Natoma](https://iands.org/tag/uss-natoma/) --- ### [Iwo Jima](https://iands.org/tag/iwo-jima/) --- ### [Corsair](https://iands.org/tag/corsair/) --- ### [IANDS glossary](https://iands.org/tag/iands-glossary/) --- ### [veridical perceptions](https://iands.org/tag/veridical-perceptions/) --- ### [veridical perception](https://iands.org/tag/veridical-perception/) --- ### [veridical](https://iands.org/tag/veridical/) --- ### [veridical perception definition](https://iands.org/tag/veridical-perception-definition/) --- ### [veridical perceptions explained](https://iands.org/tag/veridical-perceptions-explained/) --- ### [veridical perception explained](https://iands.org/tag/veridical-perception-explained/) --- ### [best places to eat in Oak Brook](https://iands.org/tag/best-places-to-eat-in-oak-brook/) --- ### [best places to eat in oak brook il](https://iands.org/tag/best-places-to-eat-in-oak-brook-il/) --- ### [affordable places to eat in oak brook](https://iands.org/tag/affordable-places-to-eat-in-oak-brook/) --- ### [affordable places to eat in oak brook il](https://iands.org/tag/affordable-places-to-eat-in-oak-brook-il/) --- ### [places to eat oak brook](https://iands.org/tag/places-to-eat-oak-brook/) --- ### [places to eat oak brook il](https://iands.org/tag/places-to-eat-oak-brook-il/) --- ### [places to eat in oak brook](https://iands.org/tag/places-to-eat-in-oak-brook/) --- ### [places to eat in oak brook il](https://iands.org/tag/places-to-eat-in-oak-brook-il/) --- ### [places to eat in oak brook illinois](https://iands.org/tag/places-to-eat-in-oak-brook-illinois/) --- ### [antico posto](https://iands.org/tag/antico-posto/) --- ### [beatrix](https://iands.org/tag/beatrix/) --- ### [wildfire](https://iands.org/tag/wildfire/) --- ### [roka akor](https://iands.org/tag/roka-akor/) --- ### [lou malnatis](https://iands.org/tag/lou-malnatis/) --- ### [blanco cocina](https://iands.org/tag/blanco-cocina/) --- ### [blanco concina cantina](https://iands.org/tag/blanco-concina-cantina/) --- ### [alter brewing](https://iands.org/tag/alter-brewing/) --- ### [billy goat tavern](https://iands.org/tag/billy-goat-tavern/) --- ### [billy goat tavern and grill](https://iands.org/tag/billy-goat-tavern-and-grill/) --- ### [cheezborger](https://iands.org/tag/cheezborger/) --- ### [portillo's](https://iands.org/tag/portillos/) --- ### [portillo's downers grove](https://iands.org/tag/portillos-downers-grove/) --- ### [Témoins](https://iands.org/tag/temoins/) --- ### [new NDE documentary](https://iands.org/tag/new-nde-documentary/) --- ### [documentary about NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/documentary-about-ndes/) --- ### [documentary about near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/documentary-about-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [documentary about near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/documentary-about-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [Sonia Barkallah](https://iands.org/tag/sonia-barkallah/) --- ### [are NDEs hallucinations](https://iands.org/tag/are-ndes-hallucinations/) --- ### [are ndes real](https://iands.org/tag/are-ndes-real/) --- ### [evidence for near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/evidence-for-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [evidence for near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/evidence-for-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [evidence for nde](https://iands.org/tag/evidence-for-nde/) --- ### [evidence for ndes](https://iands.org/tag/evidence-for-ndes/) --- ### [near death experience research](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-research-2/) --- ### [are near-death experiences real](https://iands.org/tag/are-near-death-experiences-real/) --- ### [are near death experiences real](https://iands.org/tag/are-near-death-experiences-real-2/) --- ### [are nde real](https://iands.org/tag/are-nde-real/) --- ### [things to do in chicago](https://iands.org/tag/things-to-do-in-chicago/) --- ### [things to do in chicago this weekend](https://iands.org/tag/things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend/) --- ### [fun things to do in chicago](https://iands.org/tag/fun-things-to-do-in-chicago/) --- ### [chicago things to do](https://iands.org/tag/chicago-things-to-do/) --- ### [things to do chicago](https://iands.org/tag/things-to-do-chicago/) --- ### [best things to do in chicago](https://iands.org/tag/best-things-to-do-in-chicago/) --- ### [top things to do in chicago](https://iands.org/tag/top-things-to-do-in-chicago/) --- ### [loyola university](https://iands.org/tag/loyola-university/) --- ### [loyola university museum of art](https://iands.org/tag/loyola-university-museum-of-art/) --- ### [LUMA](https://iands.org/tag/luma/) --- ### [LUMA Chicago](https://iands.org/tag/luma-chicago/) --- ### [Soul House](https://iands.org/tag/soul-house/) --- ### [Soul House Spiritual Wellness Center](https://iands.org/tag/soul-house-spiritual-wellness-center/) --- ### [Silver Lake Retreat](https://iands.org/tag/silver-lake-retreat/) --- ### [Silver Lake](https://iands.org/tag/silver-lake/) --- ### [Hairpin Arts Center](https://iands.org/tag/hairpin-arts-center/) --- ### [International Museum of Surgical Science](https://iands.org/tag/international-museum-of-surgical-science/) --- ### [Busy Beaver Button Museum](https://iands.org/tag/busy-beaver-button-museum/) --- ### [Chicago Ghost tours](https://iands.org/tag/chicago-ghost-tours/) --- ### [Chicago ghost bus](https://iands.org/tag/chicago-ghost-bus/) --- ### [chicago creepy cruise](https://iands.org/tag/chicago-creepy-cruise/) --- ### [creepy cruise](https://iands.org/tag/creepy-cruise/) --- ### [graceland cemetery](https://iands.org/tag/graceland-cemetery/) --- ### [chicago graceland cemetery](https://iands.org/tag/chicago-graceland-cemetery/) --- ### [congress plaza hotel](https://iands.org/tag/congress-plaza-hotel/) --- ### [congress plaza hotel haunted](https://iands.org/tag/congress-plaza-hotel-haunted/) --- ### [congress plaza hotel ghost sightings](https://iands.org/tag/congress-plaza-hotel-ghost-sightings/) --- ### [nursing continuing education](https://iands.org/tag/nursing-continuing-education/) --- ### [continuing educationc ourses](https://iands.org/tag/continuing-educationc-ourses/) --- ### [continuing education credits](https://iands.org/tag/continuing-education-credits/) --- ### [continuing education units](https://iands.org/tag/continuing-education-units/) --- ### [continuing education for nurses](https://iands.org/tag/continuing-education-for-nurses/) --- ### [atheist](https://iands.org/tag/atheist/) --- ### [atheist near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/atheist-near-death-experience/) --- ### [atheist near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/atheist-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [atheist near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/atheist-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [atheist scientist near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/atheist-scientist-near-death-experience/) --- ### [atheists scientists near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/atheists-scientists-near-death-experience/) --- ### [near death experiences of atheists](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences-of-atheists/) --- ### [atheist near death experiences stories](https://iands.org/tag/atheist-near-death-experiences-stories/) --- ### [has an atheist ever had a near death experience?](https://iands.org/tag/has-an-atheist-ever-had-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [atheist scientists near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/atheist-scientists-near-death-experience/) --- ### [what happens when atheist have a near death experience?](https://iands.org/tag/what-happens-when-atheist-have-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [do atheists have near death experiences?](https://iands.org/tag/do-atheists-have-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [what atheists see in near death experiences?what is heaven like per atheist via near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/what-atheists-see-in-near-death-experienceswhat-is-heaven-like-per-atheist-via-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [do all atheists have negative near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/do-all-atheists-have-negative-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [what atheist has a near death experience and changed mind](https://iands.org/tag/what-atheist-has-a-near-death-experience-and-changed-mind/) --- ### [sir alfred jules ayer](https://iands.org/tag/sir-alfred-jules-ayer/) --- ### [sir alfred j. ayer](https://iands.org/tag/sir-alfred-j-ayer/) --- ### [sir alfred j ayer](https://iands.org/tag/sir-alfred-j-ayer-2/) --- ### [alfred ayer](https://iands.org/tag/alfred-ayer/) --- ### [alfred j. ayer](https://iands.org/tag/alfred-j-ayer/) --- ### [alfred jules ayer](https://iands.org/tag/alfred-jules-ayer/) --- ### [what I saw when I was dead](https://iands.org/tag/what-i-saw-when-i-was-dead/) --- ### [death does not put an end to consciousness](https://iands.org/tag/death-does-not-put-an-end-to-consciousness/) --- ### [john wren lewis](https://iands.org/tag/john-wren-lewis/) --- ### [john wren-lewis](https://iands.org/tag/john-wren-lewis-2/) --- ### [howard storm](https://iands.org/tag/howard-storm/) --- ### [dr. george ritchie](https://iands.org/tag/dr-george-ritchie/) --- ### [george ritchie](https://iands.org/tag/george-ritchie/) --- ### [dissociation](https://iands.org/tag/dissociation/) --- ### [what is dissociation](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-dissociation/) --- ### [dissociation NDE](https://iands.org/tag/dissociation-nde/) --- ### [dissociation near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/dissociation-near-death-experience/) --- ### [dissociation near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/dissociation-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [near death experience dissociation](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-dissociation/) --- ### [daydreaming](https://iands.org/tag/daydreaming/) --- ### [dissociation during prayer](https://iands.org/tag/dissociation-during-prayer/) --- ### [dissociation during meditation](https://iands.org/tag/dissociation-during-meditation/) --- ### [highway hypnosis](https://iands.org/tag/highway-hypnosis/) --- ### [dissociative dissorders](https://iands.org/tag/dissociative-dissorders/) --- ### [what are the four types of dissociative disorders](https://iands.org/tag/what-are-the-four-types-of-dissociative-disorders/) --- ### [DSM 5](https://iands.org/tag/dsm-5/) --- ### [DSM5](https://iands.org/tag/dsm5/) --- ### [DSM-5](https://iands.org/tag/dsm-5-2/) --- ### [dissociative identity disorder](https://iands.org/tag/dissociative-identity-disorder/) --- ### [DID](https://iands.org/tag/did/) --- ### [dissociative amnesia](https://iands.org/tag/dissociative-amnesia/) --- ### [depersonalization](https://iands.org/tag/depersonalization/) --- ### [derealization](https://iands.org/tag/derealization/) --- ### [depersonalization disorder](https://iands.org/tag/depersonalization-disorder/) --- ### [derealization disorder](https://iands.org/tag/derealization-disorder/) --- ### [deperonalizaiton/derealization](https://iands.org/tag/deperonalizaiton-derealization/) --- ### [depersonalization/derealization disorder](https://iands.org/tag/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/) --- ### [other specified dissociative disorder](https://iands.org/tag/other-specified-dissociative-disorder/) --- ### [OSDD](https://iands.org/tag/osdd/) --- ### [near-death experience scientific research](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-scientific-research/) --- ### [NDE research studies](https://iands.org/tag/nde-research-studies/) --- ### [near-death experience studies](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-studies/) --- ### [near-death experience scientific studies](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-scientific-studies/) --- ### [do children have near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/do-children-have-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [do children have near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/do-children-have-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [children who have had near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/children-who-have-had-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [childhood NDE](https://iands.org/tag/childhood-nde/) --- ### [childhood NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/childhood-ndes/) --- ### [children near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/children-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [near death experiences in children](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experiences-in-children/) --- ### [do kids have near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/do-kids-have-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [do kids have near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/do-kids-have-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [pediatric NDE](https://iands.org/tag/pediatric-nde/) --- ### [pediatric near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/pediatric-near-death-experience/) --- ### [pediatric near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/pediatric-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [child NDE](https://iands.org/tag/child-nde/) --- ### [child near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/child-near-death-experience/) --- ### [child near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/child-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [The John Björkhem Memorial Foundation](https://iands.org/tag/the-john-bjorkhem-memorial-foundation/) --- ### [the john bjorkhem memorial foundation](https://iands.org/tag/the-john-bjorkhem-memorial-foundation-2/) --- ### [john bjorkhem](https://iands.org/tag/john-bjorkhem/) --- ### [John Björkhem](https://iands.org/tag/john-bjorkhem-2/) --- ### [research grants](https://iands.org/tag/research-grants/) --- ### [research grant](https://iands.org/tag/research-grant/) --- ### [parapsychology](https://iands.org/tag/parapsychology/) --- ### [parapsychology grants](https://iands.org/tag/parapsychology-grants/) --- ### [parapsychology research grant](https://iands.org/tag/parapsychology-research-grant/) --- ### [deathbed vision](https://iands.org/tag/deathbed-vision/) --- ### [deathbed visions](https://iands.org/tag/deathbed-visions/) --- ### [deathbed vision research](https://iands.org/tag/deathbed-vision-research/) --- ### [deathbed visions research](https://iands.org/tag/deathbed-visions-research/) --- ### [DBV](https://iands.org/tag/dbv/) --- ### [end of life experience](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-experience/) --- ### [end-of-life-experience](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-experience-2/) --- ### [end-of-life experience](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-experience-3/) --- ### [end-of-life experiences](https://iands.org/tag/end-of-life-experiences/) --- ### [ELE](https://iands.org/tag/ele/) --- ### [ELEs](https://iands.org/tag/eles/) --- ### [pre death visions](https://iands.org/tag/pre-death-visions/) --- ### [pre-death visions](https://iands.org/tag/pre-death-visions-2/) --- ### [coming home](https://iands.org/tag/coming-home/) --- ### [coming home documentary](https://iands.org/tag/coming-home-documentary/) --- ### [coming home substack](https://iands.org/tag/coming-home-substack/) --- ### [substack](https://iands.org/tag/substack/) --- ### [coming home channel](https://iands.org/tag/coming-home-channel/) --- ### [essay writing](https://iands.org/tag/essay-writing/) --- ### [NDE essays](https://iands.org/tag/nde-essays/) --- ### [essays on NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/essays-on-ndes/) --- ### [how to write an essay on NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/how-to-write-an-essay-on-ndes/) --- ### [where to write an essay on NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/where-to-write-an-essay-on-ndes/) --- ### [where to write essays on NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/where-to-write-essays-on-ndes/) --- ### [what is a near-death experience like](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-a-near-death-experience-like/) --- ### [what is a near death experience like](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-a-near-death-experience-like-2/) --- ### [what is an nde like](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-an-nde-like/) --- ### [life reviews](https://iands.org/tag/life-reviews/) --- ### [life flashing before my eyes](https://iands.org/tag/life-flashing-before-my-eyes/) --- ### [life flashed before my eyes](https://iands.org/tag/life-flashed-before-my-eyes/) --- ### [life flashing](https://iands.org/tag/life-flashing/) --- ### [are life reviews common](https://iands.org/tag/are-life-reviews-common/) --- ### [how common are life reviews](https://iands.org/tag/how-common-are-life-reviews/) --- ### [are life reviews judgmental](https://iands.org/tag/are-life-reviews-judgmental/) --- ### [is a life review judgmental](https://iands.org/tag/is-a-life-review-judgmental/) --- ### [are people judged during a life review](https://iands.org/tag/are-people-judged-during-a-life-review/) --- ### [are people judged during their life review](https://iands.org/tag/are-people-judged-during-their-life-review/) --- ### [reliving personal experiences](https://iands.org/tag/reliving-personal-experiences/) --- ### [autobiographical memory](https://iands.org/tag/autobiographical-memory/) --- ### [life review NDE](https://iands.org/tag/life-review-nde/) --- ### [life reviews NDE](https://iands.org/tag/life-reviews-nde/) --- ### [life reviews in NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/life-reviews-in-ndes/) --- ### [life review in NDE](https://iands.org/tag/life-review-in-nde/) --- ### [who coined the phrase near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/who-coined-the-phrase-near-death-experience/) --- ### [who coined the phrase near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/who-coined-the-phrase-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [who coined the phrase NDE](https://iands.org/tag/who-coined-the-phrase-nde/) --- ### [plato](https://iands.org/tag/plato/) --- ### [the republic](https://iands.org/tag/the-republic/) --- ### [the myth of er](https://iands.org/tag/the-myth-of-er/) --- ### [russell noyes](https://iands.org/tag/russell-noyes/) --- ### [celia green](https://iands.org/tag/celia-green/) --- ### [out-of-body-experiences](https://iands.org/tag/out-of-body-experiences/) --- ### [anomalous perceptions](https://iands.org/tag/anomalous-perceptions/) --- ### [what percentage of the population has had an NDE](https://iands.org/tag/what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-an-nde/) --- ### [what percentage of the population has had a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [what percentage of the population has had a near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-percentage-of-the-population-has-had-a-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [how many people have had near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/how-many-people-have-had-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [how many people have had near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/how-many-people-have-had-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [how many people have had ndes](https://iands.org/tag/how-many-people-have-had-ndes/) --- ### [absorption](https://iands.org/tag/absorption/) --- ### [absorption in psychology](https://iands.org/tag/absorption-in-psychology/) --- ### [psychological absorption](https://iands.org/tag/psychological-absorption/) --- ### [what is absorption](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-absorption/) --- ### [what is absorption in psychology](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-absorption-in-psychology/) --- ### [absorption in near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/absorption-in-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [absorption in near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/absorption-in-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [absorption in nde](https://iands.org/tag/absorption-in-nde/) --- ### [absorption in ndes](https://iands.org/tag/absorption-in-ndes/) --- ### [did I have a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/did-i-have-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [did I have a near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/did-i-have-a-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [did I have an nde](https://iands.org/tag/did-i-have-an-nde/) --- ### [greyson NDE scale](https://iands.org/tag/greyson-nde-scale/) --- ### [greyson near-death experience scale](https://iands.org/tag/greyson-near-death-experience-scale/) --- ### [can anyone have an nde](https://iands.org/tag/can-anyone-have-an-nde/) --- ### [can anyone have a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/can-anyone-have-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [can anyone have a near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/can-anyone-have-a-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [who can have an nde](https://iands.org/tag/who-can-have-an-nde/) --- ### [who can have a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/who-can-have-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [who can have a near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/who-can-have-a-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [are near-death experiences just hallucinations](https://iands.org/tag/are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations/) --- ### [are near death experiences just hallucinations](https://iands.org/tag/are-near-death-experiences-just-hallucinations-2/) --- ### [hallucination NDE](https://iands.org/tag/hallucination-nde/) --- ### [NDE hallucinations](https://iands.org/tag/nde-hallucinations/) --- ### [are NDES just hallucinations](https://iands.org/tag/are-ndes-just-hallucinations/) --- ### [hallucination NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/hallucination-ndes/) --- ### [do people hallucinate during NDEs](https://iands.org/tag/do-people-hallucinate-during-ndes/) --- ### [are near-death experiences hallucinated](https://iands.org/tag/are-near-death-experiences-hallucinated/) --- ### [IANDS office](https://iands.org/tag/iands-office/) --- ### [IANDS address](https://iands.org/tag/iands-address/) --- ### [IANDS mailing address](https://iands.org/tag/iands-mailing-address/) --- ### [near-death experience website](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-website/) --- ### [IANDS website](https://iands.org/tag/iands-website/) --- ### [winter 2025](https://iands.org/tag/winter-2025/) --- ### [double the donation](https://iands.org/tag/double-the-donation/) --- ### [donation match](https://iands.org/tag/donation-match/) --- ### [matching donations](https://iands.org/tag/matching-donations/) --- ### [matching donation](https://iands.org/tag/matching-donation/) --- ### [double your donation](https://iands.org/tag/double-your-donation/) --- ### [IANDS donations](https://iands.org/tag/iands-donations/) --- ### [donate to IANDS](https://iands.org/tag/donate-to-iands/) --- ### [IANDS donate](https://iands.org/tag/iands-donate/) --- ### [donate IANDS](https://iands.org/tag/donate-iands/) --- ### [iands 2025](https://iands.org/tag/iands-2025/) --- ### [year in review](https://iands.org/tag/year-in-review/) --- ### [iands year in review](https://iands.org/tag/iands-year-in-review/) --- ### [iands year in review 2025](https://iands.org/tag/iands-year-in-review-2025/) --- ### [happy holidays](https://iands.org/tag/happy-holidays/) --- ### [IANDS Conference 2026](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-2026/) --- ### [IANDS Conference call for proposals](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-call-for-proposals/) --- ### [NDE conference](https://iands.org/tag/nde-conference/) --- ### [NDE conference 2026](https://iands.org/tag/nde-conference-2026/) --- ### [NDE conference call for proposals](https://iands.org/tag/nde-conference-call-for-proposals/) --- ### [IANDS conference 2026 presenters](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-2026-presenters/) --- ### [how to present at IANDS conference](https://iands.org/tag/how-to-present-at-iands-conference/) --- ### [how to join IANDS conference](https://iands.org/tag/how-to-join-iands-conference/) --- ### [how to make a presentation at IANDS conference](https://iands.org/tag/how-to-make-a-presentation-at-iands-conference/) --- ### [how to show a movie at IANDS conference](https://iands.org/tag/how-to-show-a-movie-at-iands-conference/) --- ### [2026 IANDS Conference](https://iands.org/tag/2026-iands-conference/) --- ### [new york times](https://iands.org/tag/new-york-times/) --- ### [jessica grose](https://iands.org/tag/jessica-grose/) --- ### [New York Times Opinion](https://iands.org/tag/new-york-times-opinion/) --- ### [IANDS New York Times](https://iands.org/tag/iands-new-york-times/) --- ### [can a near-death experience change your life](https://iands.org/tag/can-a-near-death-experience-change-your-life/) --- ### [can an NDE change your life](https://iands.org/tag/can-an-nde-change-your-life/) --- ### [can an NDE change someone](https://iands.org/tag/can-an-nde-change-someone/) --- ### [does an NDE change someone](https://iands.org/tag/does-an-nde-change-someone/) --- ### [does an NDE change a person](https://iands.org/tag/does-an-nde-change-a-person/) --- ### [life after a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/life-after-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [long term effects of a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/long-term-effects-of-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [personality changes after a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/personality-changes-after-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [personality changes after an NDE](https://iands.org/tag/personality-changes-after-an-nde/) --- ### [Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/tag/spring-symposium-2026/) --- ### [IANDS Spring Symposium 2026](https://iands.org/tag/iands-spring-symposium-2026/) --- ### [IANDS Spring Symposium](https://iands.org/tag/iands-spring-symposium/) --- ### [Symposium registration](https://iands.org/tag/symposium-registration/) --- ### [register for Symposium](https://iands.org/tag/register-for-symposium/) --- ### [Registration for Symposium](https://iands.org/tag/registration-for-symposium/) --- ### [attend IANDS Spring Symposium](https://iands.org/tag/attend-iands-spring-symposium/) --- ### [attend spring symposium](https://iands.org/tag/attend-spring-symposium/) --- ### [attend symposium](https://iands.org/tag/attend-symposium/) --- ### [vital signs spring 2026](https://iands.org/tag/vital-signs-spring-2026/) --- ### [spring 2026](https://iands.org/tag/spring-2026/) --- ### [matching gift](https://iands.org/tag/matching-gift/) --- ### [matching gifts](https://iands.org/tag/matching-gifts/) --- ### [donation](https://iands.org/tag/donation/) --- ### [Peak in darien experience](https://iands.org/tag/peak-in-darien-experience/) --- ### [peak in darien experiences](https://iands.org/tag/peak-in-darien-experiences/) --- ### [peak in darien](https://iands.org/tag/peak-in-darien/) --- ### [john keats](https://iands.org/tag/john-keats/) --- ### [frances power cobbe](https://iands.org/tag/frances-power-cobbe/) --- ### [masayuki ohkado](https://iands.org/tag/masayuki-ohkado/) --- ### [conference registration](https://iands.org/tag/conference-registration/) --- ### [IANDS conference registration](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-registration/) --- ### [register for IANDS conference](https://iands.org/tag/register-for-iands-conference/) --- ### [near-death experience conference](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-conference/) --- ### [near-death experience gathering](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-gathering/) --- ### [near-death experience week](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-week/) --- ### [near-death experience week 2026](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-week-2026/) --- ### [nde week](https://iands.org/tag/nde-week/) --- ### [nde week 2026](https://iands.org/tag/nde-week-2026/) --- ### [near-death experience poll](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-poll/) --- ### [near death experience poll](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-poll-2/) --- ### [near-death experience polling](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-polling/) --- ### [near death experience polling](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-polling-2/) --- ### [NDE poll](https://iands.org/tag/nde-poll/) --- ### [NDE polling](https://iands.org/tag/nde-polling/) --- ### [IANDS poll](https://iands.org/tag/iands-poll/) --- ### [IANDS survey](https://iands.org/tag/iands-survey/) --- ### [near-death experience survey](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-survey/) --- ### [near death experience survey](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-survey-2/) --- ### [NDE survey](https://iands.org/tag/nde-survey/) --- ### [Valerie Foushee](https://iands.org/tag/valerie-foushee/) --- ### [Valerie P. Foushee](https://iands.org/tag/valerie-p-foushee/) --- ### [Congresswoman Foushee](https://iands.org/tag/congresswoman-foushee/) --- ### [Congresswoman Valerie P. Foushee](https://iands.org/tag/congresswoman-valerie-p-foushee/) --- ### [Congresswoman Valerie Foushee](https://iands.org/tag/congresswoman-valerie-foushee/) --- ### [near death experience week](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-week-2/) --- ### [what do do after a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-do-do-after-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [what to do after a near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-to-do-after-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [what to do after an nde](https://iands.org/tag/what-to-do-after-an-nde/) --- ### [what do I do after an nde](https://iands.org/tag/what-do-i-do-after-an-nde/) --- ### [what do I do after having a near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-do-i-do-after-having-a-near-death-experience/) --- ### [what do I do after having an NDE](https://iands.org/tag/what-do-i-do-after-having-an-nde/) --- ### [spiritually transformative experience](https://iands.org/tag/spiritually-transformative-experience/) --- ### [spiritually transformative experiences](https://iands.org/tag/spiritually-transformative-experiences/) --- ### [ste](https://iands.org/tag/ste/) --- ### [what is a spiritually transformative experience?](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience/) --- ### [what is a spiritually transformative experience](https://iands.org/tag/what-is-a-spiritually-transformative-experience-2/) --- ### [near-death experience and spiritually transformative experience](https://iands.org/tag/near-death-experience-and-spiritually-transformative-experience/) --- ### [STE vs NDE](https://iands.org/tag/ste-vs-nde/) --- ### [NDE vs STE](https://iands.org/tag/nde-vs-ste/) --- ### [distressing near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/distressing-near-death-experience/) --- ### [distressing near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/distressing-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [distressing near-death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/distressing-near-death-experiences/) --- ### [distressing near death experiences](https://iands.org/tag/distressing-near-death-experiences-2/) --- ### [distressed NDE](https://iands.org/tag/distressed-nde/) --- ### [negative NDE](https://iands.org/tag/negative-nde/) --- ### [negative near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/negative-near-death-experience/) --- ### [negative near death experience](https://iands.org/tag/negative-near-death-experience-2/) --- ### [pleasurable near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/pleasurable-near-death-experience/) --- ### [peace](https://iands.org/tag/peace/) --- ### [peace and love](https://iands.org/tag/peace-and-love/) --- ### [light at the end of the tunnel](https://iands.org/tag/light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/) --- ### [tunnel of light](https://iands.org/tag/tunnel-of-light/) --- ### [life replay](https://iands.org/tag/life-replay/) --- ### [aftereffects](https://iands.org/tag/aftereffects/) --- ### [IANDS magazine](https://iands.org/tag/iands-magazine/) --- ### [vital signs summer 2026](https://iands.org/tag/vital-signs-summer-2026/) --- ### [vital signs 2026](https://iands.org/tag/vital-signs-2026/) --- ### [Angela harris](https://iands.org/tag/angela-harris/) --- ### [Brian Smith](https://iands.org/tag/brian-smith/) --- ### [Amber Kasic](https://iands.org/tag/amber-kasic/) --- ### [Kathleen Teuber Younker](https://iands.org/tag/kathleen-teuber-younker/) --- ### [IANDS Greensboro](https://iands.org/tag/iands-greensboro/) --- ### [iands conference pricing](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-pricing/) --- ### [conference pricing](https://iands.org/tag/conference-pricing/) --- ### [iands conference cost](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-cost/) --- ### [iands conference early bird pricing](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-early-bird-pricing/) --- ### [iands conference early bird price](https://iands.org/tag/iands-conference-early-bird-price/) --- ### [belleveue](https://iands.org/tag/belleveue/) --- ### [bellevue wa](https://iands.org/tag/bellevue-wa/) --- ### [bellevue washington](https://iands.org/tag/bellevue-washington/) --- ### [great places to eat in bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/great-places-to-eat-in-bellevue/) --- ### [great places for dinner in bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/great-places-for-dinner-in-bellevue/) --- ### [restaurants in belleveue](https://iands.org/tag/restaurants-in-belleveue/) --- ### [restaurant recommendations bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/restaurant-recommendations-bellevue/) --- ### [restaurant recommendations in bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/restaurant-recommendations-in-bellevue/) --- ### [places to eat in bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/places-to-eat-in-bellevue/) --- ### [crawfish chef](https://iands.org/tag/crawfish-chef/) --- ### [broiler bay burgers](https://iands.org/tag/broiler-bay-burgers/) --- ### [desi tadka indian grill](https://iands.org/tag/desi-tadka-indian-grill/) --- ### [araya's place](https://iands.org/tag/arayas-place/) --- ### [instanbul cuisine](https://iands.org/tag/instanbul-cuisine/) --- ### [burgermaster](https://iands.org/tag/burgermaster/) --- ### [monsoon bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/monsoon-bellevue/) --- ### [takai by kashiba](https://iands.org/tag/takai-by-kashiba/) --- ### [carmine's bellevue](https://iands.org/tag/carmines-bellevue/) --- ### [auction](https://iands.org/tag/auction/) --- ### [conference auction](https://iands.org/tag/conference-auction/) --- ### [iands auction](https://iands.org/tag/iands-auction/) --- ### [iands fundraising auction](https://iands.org/tag/iands-fundraising-auction/) --- ### [trip to cortona](https://iands.org/tag/trip-to-cortona/) --- ### [cortona](https://iands.org/tag/cortona/) --- ### [tuscany](https://iands.org/tag/tuscany/) --- ### [valle arizona](https://iands.org/tag/valle-arizona/) --- ### [valle az](https://iands.org/tag/valle-az/) --- ### [valle](https://iands.org/tag/valle/) --- ### [sky dome](https://iands.org/tag/sky-dome/) --- ### [clear sky resort grand canyon](https://iands.org/tag/clear-sky-resort-grand-canyon/) --- ### [foushee](https://iands.org/tag/foushee/) --- ### [university of virginia division of perceptual studies](https://iands.org/tag/university-of-virginia-division-of-perceptual-studies/) --- ### [UVA DOPS](https://iands.org/tag/uva-dops/) --- ### [DOPS](https://iands.org/tag/dops/) --- ### [mixed near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/mixed-near-death-experience/) --- ### [mixed NDE](https://iands.org/tag/mixed-nde/) --- ### [hybrid near-death experience](https://iands.org/tag/hybrid-near-death-experience/) --- ### [hybrid NDE](https://iands.org/tag/hybrid-nde/) ---