Experience description:

During my early teens, I remember feeling a strong desire to earn my salvation by going to church and reading the Bible diligently. Despite being told numerous times that God's grace is given freely, I struggled to believe that no actions or qualities of faith were necessary. I carried a heavy sense of guilt for my sins in the eyes of God.  I now believe that this behavior was a result of obsessive-compulsive disorder. During an extended period of sleep that extended into the day, I remember having a brief spiritual out-of-body experience. I found myself transported to another realm, with no recollection of how I got there. Despite the time that has passed since the experience, I can clearly recall the details of this realm. I remember flying above a crowd while holding the hand of a being I never got a clear look at. This person seemed to be a guide or some form of emotional support. The people below were cheering for me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and love that was difficult to put into words. It was unlike anything in this world. I would describe the experience as one where feelings of joy and love infused everything with an unearthly golden light that enveloped the spiritual bodies of the crowd, as well as my own and that of my guide.  This guide seemed to lead me to a threshold that opened up to a beautiful shoreline. After crossing this threshold, I remember seeing my body lying in bed. Without understanding how I entered my body and woke up. I was crying tears of sadness for returning, mixed with joy from the experience. My arm was extended over the edge of the bed as if I were holding onto the hand of the guide. Looking back, these feelings were complicated and new for me at the time.

I had a second experience later in life. During a challenging period financially and socially, my wife and I were launching new careers. My wife secured a good job with the government, but it required over an hour's drive one way. Unfortunately, we weren't in a position to move yet. She worked nights helping people navigate trauma, which added significant stress to our home as we were learning to handle life's most difficult challenges. Under significant stress, I experienced many prophetic and symbolic dreams. In one dream, I found myself inside a large furnace that seemed to turn on. I was holding onto a cage, and although the flames surrounded me, they did not cause any physical pain; instead, I felt a strong emotional reaction of loss. This dream transformed into a vivid experience when a voice, which seemed to come from a waking state, spoke clearly and loudly in a powerful tone as if amplified by a microphone. The voice declared, 'To whom everything is taken, everything is given!' I remember thinking, 'That sounded like a real voice, not just a dream!'

These visions were so meaningful that I have spent decades interpreting them. For much of that time, I believed the dreams were meant to describe the heavenly realm and that I would have to endure suffering and loss before recognizing the Christ-like impact I was having on the individuals I encountered throughout my life. I thought the guide was Jesus and that the crowd represented the saints I was assisting on their journeys of redemption. I believed the voice was telling me that I would experience something very specific in this world and 'lose everything.'

However, as my spiritual journey has evolved, I have taken a less dogmatic approach to my faith. Recently, it occurred to me that there was a much clearer message in my spiritual experiences. Both experiences occurred during stressful times in my life. I now believe that these dreams, visions, and spiritual experiences originated from a place where I existed before this life. I believe that I was sent here with the support of the guide and that the crowd represented my people. I was sent here to spread the love and joy that existed in the other realm, but I would have to temporarily lose everything from that realm. As I suffered as a young adult, I was reminded that although I had lost everything from my prior existence, it would return to me after I completed my mission and journey.  This interpretation aligns with the Scriptures and only becomes problematic when religious dogma attempts to compel me to accept their so-called infallibility or exegesis. My experiences have inspired me to engage in meaningful actions and embrace life with a profound sense of purpose. They have empowered me to love myself and others, giving me the courage to stand against cruelty in all its forms.

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

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  Yes     The love radiating from the guide and the crowd was truly unconditional, fostering a profound sense of unity that made everyone feel deeply connected. In that moment, it became clear that we are all part of something greater, inspiring each being to embrace their shared existence and uplifting our spirits together.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?      When I was in the other realm.

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   A breathtaking, otherworldly light dazzled my being, bursting forth with a vibrant energy that could be both seen and felt, enveloping everything in an exhilarating wave of pure, unspeakable joy and love.

Please compare your vision during the experience to your everyday vision that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   My vision was very clear; it was extremely bright, and I could see without straining my eyes.

Please compare your hearing during the experience to your everyday hearing that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   There was no speaking.  I remember only hearing the extended roar of the crowd

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?   Yes   I saw my body before re-entering it.  My emotions overlapped from the other realm,I saw my body before re-entering it. My emotions overlapped from the other realm, and my arm was outstretched as if I were still holding the hand of the spiritual being. and my arm was outstretched as if still holding the hand of the spiritual being.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?   I experienced overwhelming love, joy, and acceptance!  

Did you pass into or through a tunnel?   No  

Did you see an unearthly light?   Yes   The light was golden, shimmering, and sparkling, and it seemed to be one with the emotions I experienced.

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
During my first experience, I held the hand of a guide and flew over a crowd. Cheering was the only form of communication. In my second experience, I heard a booming voice that seemed to occur after I had awakened. Some people may have experienced knocking or explosion sounds in dreams that felt like they happened while awake; I had a similar experience, but it was a voice.

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.)?   Uncertain   I thought the guide was Jesus at that time, and I believe I projected that image onto the guide due to my religious beliefs.

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?   A clearly mystical or unearthly realm
I believe it was an unearthly realm where I existed before this lifetime.

Did time seem to speed up or slow down?   Everything seemed to be happening at once; or time stopped or lost all meaning
The message was what mattered, not the time.

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?   Everything about myself or others
It was clear that love and joy were the only things that mattered in the end.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?   Yes
The shoreline acted as a boundary, separating one realm from another.

Did you come to a border or point of no return?   I came to a definite conscious decision to return to life
It wasn't so much a decision as it was a realization of a mission.

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”)?   Yes   I returned to the place where I existed before this life. It reminded me of where I came from and gave me the strength and encouragement to confidently share my true self with others. It reminded me that love and joy are the most important goals in all realms.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that God or a supreme being either does (or does not) exist?   Yes   'God,' or the 'Supreme' being, exists not only as a profound separate spiritual entity but also resides within us, intricately woven into the fabric of our being. It’s a remarkable truth that reminds us that the divine isn't just out there; it's also a part of who we are deep down.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that you either did (or did not) exist prior to this lifetime?   Yes   After researching near-death experiences and spirituality, I have come to believe that everyone has a unique journey that reflects their individual consciousness. Some individuals may appear as inanimate objects, some as energy, while others, like myself, recognize a prior existence. Some possess profound knowledge, while others are more focused on family. I believe this diversity represents different realms and how they interact with our consciousness, all part of an evolutionary journey toward love and joy—though there are rare cases where this journey may lead away from those ideals.

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   We are connected as one with all living creation, and perhaps even inanimate objects may be endowed with a level of limited consciousness.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life’s meaning or purpose?   Yes   Yes, this Earth is a place of suffering that can be minimized only if we recognize the unity of all creation and actively combat cruelty. Those who strive to infuse the world with love and joy are more evolved. In contrast, those who do not fight for love become increasingly like inanimate objects and lose levels of consciousness.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life’s difficulties, challenges, or hardships?   Yes   This world is a battle ground that is getting help from other realms to survive and hopefully evolve.This world is a battleground that is receiving assistance from other realms to survive and hopefully evolve.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding love?   Yes   Universal love and joy are the ultimate aspirations of all that exists. While we may only experience these feelings in small glimpses within this physical universe, embracing them allows us to evolve and expand our consciousness. Let’s open ourselves to the possibility of deeper connections and heightened awareness, for in doing so, we can truly transform our lives and the world around us.

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 believe we all have a purpose to spread love in the universe and other realms. In my case, I seem to have come from another realm to enhance this one.

What occurred during your experience included:   Content that was entirely not consistent with the beliefs you had at the time of your experience   It was consistent with my beliefs at the time, but only became more consistent with my beliefs as I reflected on and experienced intellectual and spiritual growth over the years.

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   I reflect on the feelings linked to the experience and their impact. They clearly hold more significance for me than most events in my life.

Discuss any changes that might have occurred in your life after your experience:   Before this experience, I was religious and judgmental. I found it difficult to love myself and others. However, after this experience, I no longer focus on religion. I have come to recognize that consciousness is akin to God, and we all share it. The extent to which we understand and love all of creation will determine the outcome of our world and possibly others. Those who lack this understanding may become increasingly disconnected from life, experiencing limited consciousness that can lead to self-destruction.

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 became more forgiving, open-minded, and loving.

Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience?   Yes   I often have symbolic dreams that help me navigate a sometimes cruel world. Some of these dreams have proven to be prophetic.

Are there one or several parts of your experience that are especially meaningful or significant to you?     There are good people in the world and beings in other realms who are working toward the best outcome for all.

Have you ever shared this experience with others?   Yes  I've only shared this with my wife and kids. They appear curious and reflective when I talk about it. It resonates as true for them.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?   No  

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened:   Experience was definitely real   It was still hard to comprehend what happened.

What do you believe about the reality of your experience at the current time:   Experience was definitely real   I was clearly in another realm.  I saw my body laying in bed as I returned.

Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I became more forgiving and loving toward myself and others.

Have your religious beliefs/spiritual practices changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I have become more open-minded, use critical thinking, and eschew dogma.

At any time in your life, has anything ever reproduced any part of the experience?   Yes   I believe that the emotions we experience during near-death experiences (NDE) or out-of-body experiences (OBE) should guide us toward our goals of joy and love. These experiences provide us with a significant emotional reservoir to draw from. While we may not reach the same level of emotion as those experienced in other realms, they at least familiarize us with those feelings. This helps us recognize that we are on the right path.

Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experience?   I want to share that I’ve always been completely honest about my out-of-body experiences and my interpretations of them. While I understand there may be storytellers with different intentions, I encourage everyone to share their genuine experiences. Our unique stories matter and can inspire each other. Let’s continue to be true to ourselves and celebrate the authenticity of our journeys!

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