Experience description #1:   

I was pulling out of a side street into stopped traffic on a 4-lane. A driver indicated he would let me cross his lane, unaware that there was a cube van driving coming down the lane next to his. As soon as I was in the lane, I was broadsided by the van. The driver side window was down, so I did not hit my head in the impact. 

I looked up and saw the van barreling toward me. There was nowhere for the driver to go other than through me. I remember thinking I'd be hit and might die, but I wasn't afraid. I was upset because my children were at the beach and would be in need of a ride home. I was worried for them, not for me. 

When the vehicles collided, time stopped. I felt exceptionally alert, and was not in my body. I was and within the vehicle above and to the right of my body. It felt perfectly normal to be in this state, as real or perhaps more real than when I'd been in my body. 

Now time stopping in an accident proves to be a very interesting experience! The first thing I did was view what had happened from within the vehicle. Every shard of glass from the windows was suspended, not falling. I was caught up in the beauty of the moment, admiring how each shard of glass refracted the sunlight differently. They looked no different than other shards of glass from a wreck, but these were all alive with light and I could perceive every shard in it's entirety. My spirit moved about the shards in admiration for a few moments, and then turned to the 'task' at hand. This body (I felt NO emotional attachment) had been in an accident and I wasn't sure it was still inhabitable. I know that sounds odd, but that was the question in my consciousness... was this body still in tact and could I still 'use' it. My consciousness moved in front of the body and examined it, almost like a scan, from top to bottom. No damage. I was pleased, because I needed to pick my children up. I knew they would be confused if it was time to go and I wasn't there for them. I realized I would need time to arrange new transportation, so there was an instant 'blip' of urgency to return to the body, and then I was within. 

The part of this that amazes me is that everything I describe in the prior paragraph happened in the instant that I was hit. There was no passing of time; all of this understanding simply came at once. 

The driver of the cube van was certain he had killed me. He ran over and I greeted him, in a more or less jovial way, so that he would not be concerned. I told him I was not injured. Though my mind was still in shock and I hadn't fully checked for injuries, I knew there was no damage because I'd checked while within the accident. Police and medics arrived, and I assured them I was fine. For whatever reason, they did not attempt to check me for internal injuries, and I was able to retrieve my children from their swim.

At the time of your experience was there an associated life-threatening event?   Yes  I was t-boned by a cube van while driving a small car. The impact was on the driver's side and though the car was written off for damage, I was not physically injured.

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  No    

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?    I was more alert and alive while out of my body than I ever was in it. The event was short and the heightened senses remained for the full moment in which there was no time.

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal everyday consciousness and alertness?      More consciousness and alertness than normal   Every sense was amplified while time was stopped. During that full moment, I could perceive all things from all angles, such as the suspended glass shards. The freedom to move about let me see the effects of sunlight through multiple perspectives at once. We cannot do this in body, and as a result we experience only a small portion of the glory that is.

Please compare your vision during the experience to your everyday vision that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   I could see everything with perfect clarity, to the finest detail at an instant. Vision was 720 degrees. I could see the full 360 around me, and also all beneath and above as well. There was a 'focal point' with which I was engaged, but it did not impair my vision of other surroundings. 

It was not like when you look at something now, and see what you focus on clearly, while all else around it is a blur that you can bring into focus. All was in focus, and I chose what to direct my perception at.

Please compare your hearing during the experience to your everyday hearing that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   There was no sound, save the thoughts in my head.

Did you see or hear any earthly events that were occurring during a time that your consciousness / awareness was apart from your physical / earthly body?   Yes   There was no passage of time, so nothing happened on earth during this event. I was able to view my body, and was aware of the precise nature of the damage to my vehicle. Things that I could not have known before I was hit, were exceptionally clear right within that moment.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?   I was calm and collected, much as in life. Viewing the body was a matter of determining a course of action to take next. There was no worry, nor was there fear. I was concerned for the confusion my children would feel if they finished swimming and I wasn't there to pick them up. I felt compassion for my children, and love for them.  

Did you pass into or through a tunnel?   No  

Did you see an unearthly light?   No  

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice?   No

Did you encounter or become aware of any beings who previously lived on earth who are described by name in religions (for example: Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, etc.)?   No  

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

Did you become aware of past events in your life during your experience?   No  

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

Did time seem to speed up or slow down?   Everything seemed to be happening at once; or time stopped or lost all meaning
Time simply didn't pass. When I examined the body and made the determination I could continue to use it, time resumed as before.

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?   No

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?   No

Did you come to a border or point of no return?   No

Did scenes from the future come to you?  No 

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness suggesting that there either is (or is not) continued existence after earthly life (�life after death�)?   Yes   It was very apparent that I am not my body. The body is a mode of experience, not a source of existence.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that God or a supreme being either does (or does not) exist?   Uncertain   I realized that the spiritual nature of the world is ignored in our society. I realized there is infinitely more to existence than what the sciences suggest. I did not return knowing there was a 'God' but rather that our concept of God is incorrect. God is All That Is, and we are a part of All That Is. All thoughts we have of separation from God are illogical, because we are a part of God. 

I cannot explain the origin of this understanding, except that my views of God and spirituality changed when I returned to my body. What I understood when I left my body was not what I understood upon my return.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that you either did (or did not) exist prior to this lifetime?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that a mystical universal connection or unity/oneness either does (or does not) exist?   Yes   I returned with a new understanding. We are one. Perception of isolation is the myth. One cannot be isolated from God, when one is one with God.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s meaning or purpose?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s difficulties, challenges, or hardships?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding love?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any other specific information / awareness that you have not shared in other questions that is relevant to living our earthly lives?   No  

Did you have a sense of knowing special knowledge or purpose?   No  

What occurred during your experience included:   Content that was both consistent and not consistent with the beliefs you had at the time of your experience   I had been out of body once before, so that part of the experience was not new. My prior event was very different though, as time did not stop during that event. My life was changed by this experience, because it explained some of what I'd thought from my prior experience.

How accurately do you remember the experience in comparison to other life events that occurred around the time of the experience?   I remember the experience more accurately than other life events that occurred around the time of the experience   This memory does not fade.

Discuss any changes that might have occurred in your life after your experience:   I feel my life was on track before I experienced the event.

My experience directly resulted in:   Slight changes in my life

Did you have any changes in your values or beliefs after the experience that occurred as a result of the experience?   Yes   As explained above, I returned understanding that God is All That Is. My spiritual beliefs seem to have been cleansed, as I have shed the religious dogma that surrounded my beliefs.

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

Are there one or several parts of your experience that are especially meaningful or significant to you?     Time stopping was VERY significant to me. It showed me that time is not a precursor to thought, nor is it necessary to experience time in order to experience life. 

Being out of body was important because it showed me that I was not my body.  

The emotional detachment from the body was significant because it was such a stark shift from what we experience in life. I realized that the spirit is meaningful, to an infinitely greater extent than the body, which is also meaningful.

Have you ever shared this experience with others?   Yes  I do not recall how long it was after the accident that I shared this. I have shared it with few people. Most do not understand, so I keep it to only those I am most close to.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?   Yes   This was my second experience, so I knew what it was like to be out of my body. I did not read of others' near death experiences until recently. Both experiences were genuine, and I returned to this world with 'elation' over the fact there was more.

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened:   Experience was definitely real  

What do you believe about the reality of your experience at the current time:   Experience was definitely real   

Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?   No  

Have your religious beliefs/spiritual practices changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I have shed the religious dogma that surrounded my spirituality. I realized that religion is a tool used to educate those who do not have personal experience, and to offer guidance so that we can be more proud of our lives when we reflect back upon them. It has, unfortunately, ceased to be the great avenue for understanding that it was created to be, as people focus too much on the rituals and not enough on the spiritual lessons within.

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

Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experience?   The sensation upon returning to body is conflicting. There is a tremendous sensation of freedom and empowerment to being out of one's body. I returned elated by what I had experienced.

Did the questions asked and information that you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?   Yes  

The experience, which lasted for months, occurred when my wife of 10 years admitted she had been cheating and was pregnant. I had three young children and was not prepared for the life changes this meant. She expressed distress as she did not know how to proceed, but her actions up to and after that point showed that our relationship had ended.  

While we were talking about her being pregnant, I found my consciousness floating above my body, to the right and slightly above my shoulder. My conscious self was coaching my physical self on how to get through things. I observed my self crying, and instructed my self to drop my chin lower 'so the anguish would be more apparent.' I could see that my physical self was suffering immensely, but my conscious self was experiencing no pain. In fact, I felt very empowered and elated, as my consciousness filled the room and I could observe all that was within from all angles. I knew my task was to coach my physical self through this experience. 

The feeling while I was floating was not a sensation. There was no 'feeling' of floating, only the fact that I was. I felt empathy and overwhelming compassion for my physical self, but the pain evident within that body was not felt. I 'was' within the room. There was no confinement of body; it was as though I was everywhere and anywhere within the room all at once. For a few moments, I oriented myself with this new freedom, moving about the room and observing the environment from various angles. That was only short lived though, because my attention was needed. 

My physical self was operating like a puppet. Everything I told that self to do, it did. When the conversation had ended, I told my physical self it was time to leave and reflected on whether 'it' could drive. I watched until I was certain it could manage the trip, and so it drove the 20 minutes to town. My conscious self was rarely in the vehicle during the trip. Instead it floated above, observing the turns and feeling comfortable that my physical self would make it to the city. I recall thinking the words 'you will be fine' as I floated above. My thoughts still guided my physical self, but I was aware it could cease to function. I would best describe the body as the habitual self and the spirit as the conscious self. It was as though the habitual self could operate from memory, while unquestioningly accepting thought based instruction. The spiritual conscious self was fully in charge. 

Floating above my moving vehicle was an empowering sensation. Moving was effortless; I simply thought myself to be where I wished to be and there I was. I felt no motion or touch sensations of any kind. As I followed the vehicle, I could see objects on both sides of the road, as though I was in a low flying plane. My van appeared to be about the size of a quarter, so you can imagine what my peripheral vision was like. The odd thing was that I saw objects that I had never seen set deep back on the side roads. The view was complete, to the most minute detail, and accurate even though I never traveled the side roads until I confirmed them after the experience.  

When I got to town, I went to my workplace (not recommended, but I had support there and nowhere else nearby). I don't remember much of the events there, save one girl who provided counselling. It was not her role at the workplace, but she did it for me and helped a lot. I recall while she spoke with me, that I was flitting into and out of my physical self. I could feel the emotional distress within my body, and did not return at that time. 

I remember being out of body as the most empowering, and most devastating experience of my life... all at once. I remember the awe I felt in realizing that my physical self was only a husk through which I experienced... that it wasn't 'me.' At the same time, I could feel neither the pain in that body, nor the joy. I would hug my children but not feel the love which I so desperately wanted to feel. This went on for months, where my conscious self was only marginally attached to my physical body. I recall reflecting on the anger and frustration I felt because I could not become 'whole' within my body again. I would estimate that it was more than 9 months before I could experience a genuine emotion as a whole self. It was years before I returned to my body to experience life as one. Until that time, I spent much of my worldly existence as a marginally attached spirit. I want to be clear however, that this spirit was fully me and fully whole.  

It was difficult, being outside of the body for an extended period. Initially, I felt bliss, awe, and amazement for the revelations that one has while out of body. Great understanding came over me, for I knew that the self existed apart from the physical. However, I neither moved on to the afterlife nor back to the physical life. Instead, I found myself remaining in stasis as an observer guiding a puppet. I did not see God, nor any spiritual beings, perhaps because I really wasn't seeking purpose. 

I felt as though I had a duty to see the body through this traumatic experience. At many times the pain was too much for the body, and it would break down in a convulsive display of tears and agony. My spiritual self would feel compassion for that other self, comforting and care for the emotional needs of the body, providing the understanding and reassurance. When the body was not tormented, my spiritual self would busy itself on logic puzzles, and sometimes it would travel from room to room exploring the environment in more depth than was possible while working. That too, was very liberating, and I learned a lot about my workplace that surprised me. 

At a few points, my spiritual self attempted to rejoin the physical. The pain of this world was tremendous, and on more than one occasion the attempt at rejoining the body resulted in suicidal contemplation. I envisioned my death many times, picked the method and place, and then fear brought be bawling to a doctor, who in turn found me help. Note here... the spiritual self isn't accustomed to experiencing the pain we can in life. It feels much more compassion and love. It cannot process the pain humans can experience or inflict upon others.

At the time of your experience was there an associated life-threatening event?   Yes  My experience lasted nine or more months, involving both extreme emotional trauma and a high probability of suicide.

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  Yes     The mechanics are easy to explain, but words do not do justice to the emotions and the tremendous freedoms felt during the experience.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?    While travelling above the van. I knew the body within the van could get to town without issue, so I explored the surroundings from above. I viewed the hills, path of the river, side streets, and some of the buildings set back from the highway. It was most astounding, because I was able to visit these new places later, and indeed they were exactly as perceived.

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal everyday consciousness and alertness?      More consciousness and alertness than normal   Everything was crisp and clear. There was no physical or emotional fog to impair thoughts and perception. My physical self needs glasses, but my spiritual self does not.

Please compare your vision during the experience to your everyday vision that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   I had full 720 degree vision. I could see all above, below, and around me at once. Everything was clear, unlike in life where little of what you see is actually 'in focus.'

Please compare your hearing during the experience to your everyday hearing that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   Hearing was not different when I was in the vicinity of my body. When I moved about outside of the body, there was no sound but I was aware of no apparent absence of sound either.

Did you see or hear any earthly events that were occurring during a time that your consciousness / awareness was apart from your physical / earthly body?   Yes   I stayed with my body through most of the event. I coached it from above, and experienced life through 'two' mediums at once.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?   The feeling while coaching my physical self through breakup was glorious. I felt great compassion for the physical self in such pain, but my surroundings left me in awe. I was  

Did you pass into or through a tunnel?   No  

Did you see an unearthly light?   No  

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice?   No

Did you encounter or become aware of any beings who previously lived on earth who are described by name in religions (for example: Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, etc.)?   No  

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

Did you become aware of past events in your life during your experience?   No  

Did you seem to enter some other, unearthly world?   A clearly mystical or unearthly realm
I remained within this world, but it was nothing like what we experience now because my consciousness was separate. I could travel through walls to visit other parts of my workplace. I could think of a place and instantly be there, taken by the most minuscule of desires to be there. I explored houses within the community while out of body, travelling down streets I'd never been on, to admire the craftsmanship and artistry of the homes, other structures, and creations there. I explored nature, consciously strolling through parkways, and I often visited the wilder parts of the mountainsides. I have never daydreamed in my life, as I cannot visualize things with my eyes closed. These events could not be dreams unless I was able to dream differently out of body than I do while in it. I'll add that I reviewed many of the more unexpected discoveries again afterwards, and the view from my conscious existence was repeatedly confirmed.

Did time seem to speed up or slow down?   No

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?   Everything about the universe
I became an explorer during the event. For life, I have been compelled to understand most things. Freed of my body, my nature changed significantly. I no longer wondered why, but instead experienced and explored. The desire to understand was very weak while within that new freedom. There just wasn't a need. I understood.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?   No
With respect to the ESP question: There was no ESP. I was consciously in rooms that I did not physically enter. I saw people, desks, work environments, lighting, moods, and later spoke with people regarding these observations, some of which bothered me. I didn't like the depression I felt in the programmer's room (which staff was forbidden to enter). There were other things too, like a house I observed that was most interesting... I explored in great detail, remembering the siding, orientation of windows, and an oak in the front yard within a part of the world that oaks don't grow. All of this was later confirmed through physical presence. I drove to the places I had been to in spirit.

Did you come to a border or point of no return?   No

Did scenes from the future come to you?  No 

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness suggesting that there either is (or is not) continued existence after earthly life (�life after death�)?   Yes   Specific awareness that life exists apart from the body. We identify with and experience through our material selves, but we are not our material selves. We do not cease to be when the body dies.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that God or a supreme being either does (or does not) exist?   Yes   I became very aware that the belief we have of individuality is wrong. We perceive as individuals, so that we can express free will. But we are a part of All That Is. What was once faith is now fact. I went into the event without the question, returning with new beliefs and understanding. I do not know where the understanding originated, as my experience was many months long. I do not recall any specific discussions with God or spiritual entities, and yet my entire experience was spiritual.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that you either did (or did not) exist prior to this lifetime?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that a mystical universal connection or unity/oneness either does (or does not) exist?   Yes   I returned knowing we are all one. I do not know how I came to understand, only that I do. I had no notions of such prior to being out of body.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s meaning or purpose?   No   There was personal validation from my spirit that my decisions in times during trial and tribulation had been appropriate, and that I was living true to my values.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s difficulties, challenges, or hardships?   Yes   There was personal validation from my spirit that my decisions in times during trial and tribulation had been appropriate, and that I was living true to my values.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding love?   Yes   Life without love is tormenting. Countless times I hugged my children and felt desperate to feel the love between us, but I could not do so until my selves reunited.

During your experience, did you encounter any other specific information / awareness that you have not shared in other questions that is relevant to living our earthly lives?   Yes   I experienced what might be described as nine months of lucid dreaming in chains, containing countless events that were confirmed in life afterwards. It showed me that our lives on this world are not as we perceive them in body, and it also showed me that the self and body are separable. I now realize that the body is a part of me, rather than me being a part of the body. The spiritual self is the true entity and the body is a manifestation of that greater self.

Did you have a sense of knowing special knowledge or purpose?   No   My new understanding entirely changed my life, but this occurred through reflection on the experience; it was not content within the experience, if that makes sense.

What occurred during your experience included:   Content that was entirely not consistent with the beliefs you had at the time of your experience   I lived 100% in the physical, and rejected spiritual notions with fervor. I remember hearing about people who had been out of body and thinking they were quite delusional... playing with a partial deck. Imagine my shock when I realized they were right, and that I was the one that was delusional! To a scientific mind, spiritual adventures seem impossible, but to one who has experienced them there can be no other truth.

How accurately do you remember the experience in comparison to other life events that occurred around the time of the experience?   I remember the experience more accurately than other life events that occurred around the time of the experience   My recollection is crystal clear, like pictures etched into my mind. Which is odd, because I don't remember anything else in picture form.

Discuss any changes that might have occurred in your life after your experience:   I changed careers, finding a leadership role where I can help leaders help others

I have lost my desire for material wealth

I have lost my ability to work with money as a motivator

I love people more, and have learned to suspend judgment as those who perform the actions will provide all the judgment necessary

I have realized there is no evil to oppose good; there is good and there is a lack of understanding (or need for growth and goodness)

My experience directly resulted in:   Large changes in my life

Did you have any changes in your values or beliefs after the experience that occurred as a result of the experience?   Yes   My spiritual beliefs remain, but the religious dogma surrounding them is gone

God has been redefined as All That Is, and there is nothing else. This is truth, and it is the core of spiritual understanding.

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

Are there one or several parts of your experience that are especially meaningful or significant to you?     My understanding of All That Is, life, purpose, and truth are invaluable. I would not have them if not for this experience.

Have you ever shared this experience with others?   Yes  I have shared it with a few who are close to me. Most people aren't prepared to understand, so I don't bring it up often. I mention it when I see others need healing, or seek understanding I can bring to them.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?   No   I had only heard a few barely detailed stories, which didn't interest me as the people telling them had clearly 'lost it.'

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened:   Experience was definitely real   My experience was a gift. It showed me that there is so much more to life than we take for granted in our material bodies. It was joyful, and quite wonderful to explore the world free of my body!

What do you believe about the reality of your experience at the current time:   Experience was definitely real   I am grateful for the understanding this has brought me. In a way, I feel as if I have cheated. While others live their lives without knowing the truth, I am fully aware. This creates a great and constant tribulation, for I now know the importance of living true to ones values (the good side) and I also understand that living true to values is essential (I miss the 'get out of guilt free cards').

Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I used to be comfortable around people who were scientifically grounded, and I didn't believe in spirit. I now believe fully in spirit, and have trouble relating to those who do not. I could never be close to anyone that is heavily focused on material life.

Have your religious beliefs/spiritual practices changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I used to appreciate God, but not understand. Now I understand, and the appreciation has grown 100 fold. I thank All That Is because I appreciate - using prayers of my own words. I do my best to treat every living being as I would be treated. I used to care, but now my love shines. It is more wonderful than words can say.

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

Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experience?   Only that for all the pain, I am happy to have experienced this part of life. I believe it would be more difficult to live in a world where the pain is real, and there is nothing but an end. Knowing there is more has made all the difference. I'll also add that being out of body is a fantastic experience! If death is anything like what I experienced while out of body, it will be a most adventurous ride!

Did the questions asked and information that you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?   Yes