My consciousness positioned itself in front of 'my' body to examine it" Walters Near Death Experience

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 damages, 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 my senses remained heightened for that 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 everything, such as the suspended glass shards, from all angles. This freedom to move about let me see the effects of the bright 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.   In that one instant, I could see everything with perfect clarity to the finest detail. My vision was “720 degrees,” meaning I could see the full 360 degrees around me, and also everything beneath and above me—all at the same time. There was always a “focal point” towards which my attention was directed, but the other surroundings looked perfectly clear as well. It was not like when you look at something with your earthly vision, and you can see what you focus on clearly, while all else around it is a blur. Everything was in focus, and I would choose what to direct my attention to.

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 within that exact moment.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?   I was calm and collected, much as I am in life. Viewing the body was for the purpose of determining the course of action I would need to take next. There was no worry, nor was there fear. I was concerned about 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.

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 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. That we are all isolated from one another is a myth. We cannot be isolated from God, when we are 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 I had at the time of my experience. I had been out-of-body another time in my life, 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 corrected some of conclusions I had drawn 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 with the understanding that God is “All That Is.” My spiritual beliefs seem to have been cleansed, in the sense that I have shed the religious dogma that used to surround my beliefs.

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 about others’ near death experiences until recently. Both my experiences were genuine, and I returned to this world with elation over the fact there is more to existence than I had thought.

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 have not had 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 experience of returning to my body was two-fold. Out-of-body I had a tremendous sensation of freedom and empowerment that I wished I would not have to lose by returning to my body. However, once I had returned, I continued to feel buoyant—elated by what I had experienced and learned.

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 traveling 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 I had perceived them to be.

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 meets your eyes 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 near 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 the breakup was glorious. I felt great compassion for my physical self in such pain, but my surroundings left me in awe.   

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 usually experience, because my consciousness was separate from my body. I could travel through walls to visit other parts of my workplace. I could think of a place and instantly be there, triggered by even the most minuscule of desires to be there. While I was out of my body, I explored houses within the community, traveling 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 had never daydreamed in my life, as I cannot visualize things with my eyes closed. These events could not have been dreams, unless I had been able to dream differently in the out-of-body state than I do while in it. I’ll add that I reviewed many of the more unexpected discoveries again afterwards, and what I viewed with my consciousness 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. During my life, I have felt 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; for example, there was a very interesting house that I explored in great detail, and I made note of the siding, the orientation of the windows, and an oak in the front yard, growing in a part of the world where oaks are not found. All of this was later confirmed when when I drove to the places I had been to in spirit and observed them with my physical eyes.

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 that understanding, only that I did. I had no such notions 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 of trials and tribulations had been appropriate, and that I had been living true to my values.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life’s difficulties, challenges, or hardships?   Yes.  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding love?   Yes.   Life without love is torment. Countless times I hugged my children, 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 my life afterwards. It showed me that our lives in this world are not as we perceive them.  It also showed me that the self and the 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 information I received during my experience, if that makes sense.

What occurred during your experience included:   Content that was entirely not consistent with the beliefs I had at the time of my experience. I had been living 100% in the physical, and had rejected spiritual notions with fervor. I remember hearing about people who had been out-of-body and thinking they must be 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 in my mind—which is odd, because my mind has never included images in thought or memory.

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. In my mind, 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” as well as of 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 that need healing, or who seek understanding that I can help bring to them.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?   No.   I had only heard a few sparsely detailed stories which didn’t interest me, as, in my opinion, 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 state. 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 (but 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 one hundred 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 want to be treated. I have always cared, 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 believing that there is nothing at the end of life. 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!