Experience description:

I had just been divorced and was caring for 2 young children. I moved to a small remote cabin built in 1921 owned by my parents. The house was tiny and in disrepair. I was under extreme stress having to care for my children and provide for them without support. I prayed every night for answers to my problems. One night while I was "sleeping" a being of light came to me. I saw the entire room light up and I knew something was different. A light being approached me and picked me up off the bed and hugged me. The feeling was indescribable; unconditional love and information was exchanged without speaking. The being told me to "take care of my family and everything will be alright". After what seemed like a long period of time, the being moved back across the room. I could still see the light, and I asked if "it" was still here. The being replied," I will always be with you, just take care of your family". After the experience I realized that most people didn't understand the significance of the encounter so I stopped talking about it. I have also experienced an episode of total bliss; this occurred around the same time and was also 'otherworldly'. I was asking for guidance late one night and it was almost like a beam of energy surrounded my body; I was overcome with the sensation of pure bliss. I was laughing and crying at the same time, and I knew that everything was connected and wondrous!

At the time of your experience was there an associated life-threatening event?   No 

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  Yes     It was an experience not something that is easily verbalized.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?    During the entire event.

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   I have never had a dream or experience before or since that can compare to the interactive experience of those episodes.

Please compare your vision during the experience to your everyday vision that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   Usually while I sleep, I have ordinary dreams about my family, friends or activities. This was visually and emotionally stunning to say the least. I have never experienced anything like this before or since.

Please compare your hearing during the experience to your everyday hearing that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   All communication was done without ears or eyes. I felt the light beings presence, I could see the room as if I was looking with my eyes but I was supposedly asleep.

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?   No   I was aware of the room setting, I knew I was at home but my children were asleep in bunk beds and I don't remember them stirring.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?   Total and complete love and compassion!  

Did you pass into or through a tunnel?   No  

Did you see an unearthly light?   Yes   The light was yellow-white and was not difficult to look at.

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice?   I encountered a definite being, or a voice clearly of mystical or unearthly origin
I could not make out a face other than it was a being. The light was very bright but was not harmful to look at. The shape was 'human like' but with little discernible features.

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?   No

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?   Everything about the universe
I don't know about everything, but I did understand that we are very loved and watched over by spirit guides.

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�)?   Uncertain   The 2 experiences I had led me to understand that everything is alright and we are not to worry about anything- taking care of family and unconditional love were the main points conveyed.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that God or a supreme being either does (or does not) exist?   No   Only that my experiences led me to personal conclusions- and I do believe now!

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   Unconditional love was the message that I received which has me believe that universal connection and unity does exist.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s meaning or purpose?   Yes   I think the light being appeared because I was having difficulty and conveyed that everything was alright.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s difficulties, challenges, or hardships?   Yes   I think the light being appeared because I was having difficulty and conveyed that everything was alright.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding love?   Yes   Love unconditionally! Conveyed through thought not verbally.

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?   Yes   I was told to "take care of my family" and that was my special purpose.

What occurred during your experience included:   Content that was both consistent and not consistent with the beliefs you had at the time of your 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   My experiences were so vivid that it brings tears to my eyes when I think about them. I usually can't remember what I've done from day to day. I do remember my 2 events like I just experienced them.

Discuss any changes that might have occurred in your life after your experience:   On some of the questions my views only slightly changed. I still have some fear about death as I don't want my family to care for me in a long-term disabled state or have extensive debt. I also hope that I am able to navigate this earthly life without making too many bad decisions however I do feel that all decisions are ok, even if they are not the best!

My experience directly resulted in:   Large 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   I try not to be too judgmental however my mind is limited !

Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience?   Yes   I feel more connected to things around me, and when I meditate or become more aware of my surroundings I go into another state of mind...very relaxing and blissful!
    

Have you ever shared this experience with others?   Yes  I immediately shared it with my mother however it was difficult to fully explain the event and she didn't really understand it. Other people seem to become uncomfortable with the discussion.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?   No   However, I did have an experience at a church I attended with my brother. I went to the altar and began crying..I cryed uncontrollably for almost an hour! I needed help out to the car after the episode. I was not a regular church attendee.

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened:   Experience was definitely real   It was the experience of it, it was not something that could be explained. Both my experiences left me with a sense of reality, more so than 'real-life'

What do you believe about the reality of your experience at the current time:   Experience was definitely real   Still more real than life is currently.

Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I try to love more and notice more around me.

Have your religious beliefs/spiritual practices changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I spend much more time in prayer and meditation.

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?   I have done hospice work and I'm really honored to visit people who are dying. I plan to make a career change to hospice work in the future.

Did the questions asked and information that you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?   Yes   Very through