As a society we steer clear of the subject of death as much as the victorians did sex. But during our (near) decade together on Sunday afternoons we all used to explore such subjects and we were lucky enough to have one of the world’s leading experts on Near Death Experience or NDE, Dr Sam Parnia, on our doorstep at Southampton University. I’m currently reading a fascinating book by another doctor – Penny Sartori – on the subject called “The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences”. Over decades of medical care she’s seen amazing things and now discusses what happened and how we should have nothing to fear of death itself. In one section she looks at friends and relatives who also go through life changing adventures when their loved ones are moving on to the next stage of their eternal adventure.
In 2011 Dr Sartori spoke at the British Psychological Transpersonal Section Annual Conference. Over breakfast she discussed her research with a colleague, psychologist Tara Willow who mentioned an experience she had had at 0645, the exact Tim her Mum had died hundreds of miles away….
“I suddenly just knew that there was not ever anything to worry about. I was surrounded by – and filled with – the most profound, pure, ecstatic, unconditional love; love like I have never felt before. It was total, it infused every bit of me, filled me with joy. I knew that I was, always had been and always would be totally safe; that everything was just as it should be; there was never any reason to feel fear; that everything was PERFECT and could never be anything but perfect. That the universe was unfolding exactly as it should. It felt as if I was seeing life, the universe and everything from a distant, clear perspective, from outside myself and that this perspective was the TRUTH and it was familiar to me.”
Whatever you think of what you’ve just read, be aware that this book – and many others – are full of similar tales. Not just from those who have passed and come back, but also from those directly involved with another person’s passing to a better life.
Delusional or inspirational? If the former, why would so many people have experienced such overwhelming, life changing and affirming scenarios?
Such words then might fill us with inspiration, hope and promise as we start a brand new week. Some people know in their hearts that we don’t end our existence at death. If we too entertain that thought, we might also – like Tara – know that we are safe, there is nothing to fear… and that everything is unfolding in our lives EXACTLY as it should…..
A lovely MMM. Thank you Mike.