Today, Houston’s M.D. Anderson hospital becomes the first medical institution to host the International Association of Near-Death Studies’ annual conference. A hospital world renowned for its intellectual and medical cutting-edge research and an organization that leans toward other-worldly explanations for this phenomenon, joining together in such a respectful manner is hopeful of greater understanding for all. Knowledge about NDEs (near-death-experiences) came to the front when Raymond Moody, M.D., Ph.D., first published his findings in “Life After Life,” in 1975. At the time, Elisabeth Kubler Ross, M.D., was quoted as saying, "It is research like Dr. Moody presents in his book that will enlighten many and will confirm what we have been taught for two thousand years -- that there is life after death." Powerful statement from the medical community. We all enjoyed having Dr. Moody as our luncheon speaker today. Even though there are now thousands of documented cases from multiple countries/ethnic groups/races/ages, certainly some still shake their head but I must say how strangely wonderful it is to see physicians in their white coats walking in and out of the conference, some making presentations and sharing their patients’ NDEs or their own, as the case may be. Paradigms may be stretching.

Today, I’ve already increased my knowledge about distressing NDEs (dNDEs- a subject not often talked about), the amazing aftereffects of an NDE (positive and negative), about the number of NDEs that happen in non-life-threatening situations, and findings that show deeper NDEs are experienced by women and the youngest children. Valid scientific studies have been done using qualitative, retrospective and prospective approaches. These studies show very consistent characteristics and individualized particulars. NDEs occur without regard to geography, education, race, kind or degree of illness, or type of death or trauma. I’m also gaining new knowledge about Kundalini experiences thanks to one attendee, an attorney, taking the step to share his openly with us. An NPR reporter is seated to my right and a “big-cheese sort” from the EPA is sitting to my left. Don’t ask. Physicians, researchers, social workers, pastors and other attendees are here from Switzerland, Germany, England, Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, France, Hungary, Israel, Slovenija, South Africa and from 48 U.S. states.

There are panels of Combat NDEs, Suicide NDEs and Emergency/healthcare NDEs on schedule for Friday. I thought one woman’s description was especially moving. Her name was Abigail and here is her description of her NDE as reported by her physician:
“I asked if God was the light and was told that light happens when God breathes. I was standing in the breath of God.”
One presenter's views