Australian Mythology

Because near-death experiences cannot be directly verified, they are usually placed within the realm of philosophy. However, when we collect accounts from different people, cultures and parts of the world, a recurring pattern begins to emerge. A pattern is not yet proof of its interpretation, but it can be examined statistically. At that point, the subject no longer belongs only to philosophy. It also enters the field of empirical research.

1. A CHANGED SENSE OF TIME.
2. THINKING BECOMES FASTER AND EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAR.
3. A SENSE OF LEAVING THE PHYSICAL BODY.
4. OBSERVING THE BODY AND THE SURROUNDINGS FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE.
5. MOVING THROUGH DARKNESS OR A TUNNEL.
6. ENCOUNTERING AN INTENSE LIGHT.
7. A SENSE OF PEACE, SAFETY, OR JOY.
8. AN EXPERIENCE OF LOVE DESCRIBED AS UNCONDITIONAL.
9. A SENSE OF UNITY WITH OTHERS OR WITH ALL EXISTENCE.
10. A SENSE OF SUDDEN UNDERSTANDING OR ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE.
11. COMMUNICATION WITHOUT SPOKEN LANGUAGE. IMAGES, EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, AND INTENTIONS MAY BE RECEIVED TOGETHER AND UNDERSTOOD COMPLETELY AND IMMEDIATELY.
12. A REVIEW OF ONE’S LIFE.
13. EXPERIENCING PAST EVENTS AGAIN, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S ACTIONS AND WHAT THOSE ACTIONS CREATED IN OTHER PEOPLE.
14. A DIRECT UNDERSTANDING OF ANOTHER PERSON’S HISTORY, INCLUDING THE EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, AND EVENTS THAT SHAPED THAT PERSON AND INFLUENCED THEIR CHOICES.
15. ENCOUNTERS WITH DECEASED RELATIVES, OTHER PEOPLE, OR OTHER BEINGS.
16. A SENSE OF A BOUNDARY OR A POINT THAT CANNOT BE CROSSED BEFORE RETURNING.
17. A DECISION, INSTRUCTION, OR NECESSITY TO RETURN TO THE BODY.
18. NOT ALL EXPERIENCES ARE PEACEFUL. SOME ARE FRIGHTENING OR DISTRESSING.

REPEATED CHANGES REPORTED AFTER NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES

1. A REDUCED FEAR OF DEATH.
2. A GREATER SENSE OF PURPOSE AND MEANING IN LIFE.
3. A GREATER APPRECIATION OF LIFE.
4. GREATER COMPASSION AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS.
5. A GREATER NEED TO HELP OTHERS.
6. LESS INTEREST IN MONEY, STATUS, AND RECOGNITION.
7. GREATER ATTENTION TO THE PRESENT MOMENT.
8. GREATER INTEREST IN KNOWLEDGE AND INNER DEVELOPMENT.
9. A GREATER SENSE OF CONNECTION WITH NATURE.
10. CHANGES IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILY, WORK, OR THE PREVIOUS SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.
11. DIFFICULTY DESCRIBING THE EXPERIENCE IN ORDINARY WORDS.
12. DIFFICULTY RETURNING TO THE PREVIOUS WAY OF LIFE.
13. THE CHANGES MAY CONTINUE FOR MANY YEARS.