We all had to meet at the funeral home to choose a casket for my Dad and go over what would be put in the newspaper, etc.  The funeral home had brought out a bunch of caskets for us to look at.  I was standing there with my family and suddenly realized that I could see myself and everyone else below me.  It was brief but real and it happened.  I have never forgotten about my experience.  When it was over I didn't say anything to anyone I just continued on with what we were doing.  I'm not sure what you call it because it doesn't fit a lot of the descriptions that I've read in other people's stories.  I've been told a few things....one is that I was helping my Dad cross over and the second is that I was so traumatized that my mind separated from my physical body to protect it.  Either way, it was a life altering experience for me that I haven't shared with many people.  In fact no one in my family but my 12 year old son knows that this happened.  My family is not the kind to be open to any of this.  It's a shame because it was very powerful and moving for me. 

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?     No      

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? Uncertain      I've only told a few people about my experience over the years.  Only because some people would think I was crazy.

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?          No      

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?           Standing in a room at the funeral home with my family members.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   No.

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     Yes    

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            None.

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?          Yes     Yes, I could see myself and my family members standing in the funeral home choosing a casket for my Dad.

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?   Yes     I am very empathic now and highly intuitive. I pick up strong energies, both good and dark.

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   No      

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       It has strengthened my belief in the spiritual world and my spirituality as well.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         Yes     It has made me realize that there is not a great deal of distance between our world and the other side.....and that's a good thing :)

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes     Only a few........those that I knew would understand and believe me.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Nothing other than the grief I was feeling prior to the experience.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      The best part was that I've been told by a psychic that my experience was me helping my Dad cross over.  If that's the case, then that is very powerful for me.  There is no worst part.

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         No      

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

Please offer any suggestions you may have to improve this questionnaire.    None.