Life after death has been a topic of fascination and debate for centuries. And I have been intrigued with it since I can remember. Most people fear death because, from a young age that's what they have been taught. If only this mindset could change, people would be taught not to fear death but to embrace life, take risks, and never fear what is inevitable. We are immortal beings living a short and unique human experience when you look at the big scheme of things.
Millions of people claim to have had some form of after-death communication, whether through
Near-death experiences (NDEs)
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs)
Receiving signs and after-death communication from those we love who have transitioned to the next life
These experiences often provide comfort, closure, and a sense of connection that transcends the physical realm. It is hard to believe unless it happened to you, but I have experienced all three mentioned above.
Understanding Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)
Near-death experiences are reported by individuals who have come close to death or were clinically dead and then revived. These experiences often involve a sensation of floating outside the body, moving through a tunnel, or communicating with deceased loved ones. Most people come back changed for the better.
NDEs are deeply personal and transformative events that profoundly affect an individual's perception of life and death. They often bring about significant changes in personality, values, beliefs, and attitudes towards life. Many people who have had NDEs report feeling overwhelming peace and love during their experience. With my experience, I felt connected to God and I knew everything there was to know about existence.
While sceptics attribute these experiences to physiological or psychological factors such as lack of oxygen to the brain or hallucinations brought on by medication or trauma, those who have had NDEs maintain that their experiences were real and not mere hallucinations.
Taking into account, when your body is unconscious - how can it recall or hallucinate?
My own NDE happened when I was under general anaesthetic; it was over 30 years ago, and I'm not sure why, but the experience has stayed with me ever since. I often think about it; you can read more about it on the NDERF website. I also think about my magnificent feeling when I met God; it was truly unique, and I knew we were more than our physical bodies.
I have also interviewed David Ditchfield, whose NDE is remarkable. His NDE and the talents that emerged after he recovered, including writing music and painting, something he never did before the accident.
Exploring Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs)
Out-of-body experiences are another form of after-death communication where individuals perceive themselves as separate from their physical bodies. OBEs can occur during sleep, meditation, under the influence of certain drugs, or during extreme stress or trauma. My OBEs usually happen in the early morning, and some have been profound, including sleep paralysis episodes that are terrifying. I have written more here about my OBEs.
During an OBE, individuals often report seeing their physical body externally. They may also experience travelling to different locations or dimensions. Like NDEs, OBEs can profoundly impact an individual's understanding of life, death, and the nature of reality.
After Death Communication
Many people report receiving signs and after death communication from their departed loved ones. These signs can take various forms, such as dreams, visions, or synchronicities. Some people may find feathers or coins in unexpected places, hear their loved one's favourite song at a significant moment, or unexpectedly see their loved one's favourite bird or flower.
When my brother Gary took his life in 1998, he came to me a few days later. I distinctly heard his voice: "Debbie, I'm OK". He then appeared in a vision in my third eye, hugged me, winked at me and told me that "everything you believe in life after death is true, and I'm very happy". That visitation saved me from despair; I remember it all these years as if it were happening now. I have had other signs from him and my family, which I have written in this article.
These signs often comfort and reassure the bereaved; they certainly helped me by providing a sense of connection to my deceased family members. They serve as gentle reminders that love transcends physical death and that our relationships with our loved ones continue even after they have passed on. It is true; love never dies.
Feeling a Presence
Another common form of after-death communication is feeling the presence of a departed loved one. Feeling a presence can manifest as a sudden change in temperature, a distinct smell associated with the person, or simply an overwhelming sense that the person is near.
Feeling a presence can be comforting and reassuring for those grieving the loss of a loved one. It provides tangible evidence that their loved ones are still watching over them. I had an experience after my mother died, she sat on my bed. I didn't see her but I physically felt the sensation of the bed moving, and I felt her sitting there watching me.
After-death communication, NDEs, OBEs, signs from your loved one, or feeling a presence offers solace and comfort to many people grieving the loss of a loved one. While sceptics may dismiss these experiences as mere hallucinations or wishful thinking, for those who have experienced them firsthand, they provide compelling evidence of life after death and offer hope and reassurance in times of grief.
Whether you believe in after-death communication or not is entirely personal. However, it's essential to respect others' experiences and beliefs. After all, we all navigate grief differently. And if these experiences provide comfort and help individuals cope with their loss more effectively, perhaps that's all that truly matters.