Experience description:

It was the day before my 37th birthday.  Noelle was coming into the world.  I had had a bad experience with my son's birth eight years before, so this time, I decided to go completely natural.  It was a little frightening, because the doctor had not arrived.  The nurse and my husband had to deliver her.  I was lying on my left side and the pushing urge took over.  Suddenly I was behind myself, looking at the event taking place.  No more fear--no pain.  Just peace.  I didn't even seem surprised that I was there.  Then I saw an amazing pure white light coming from inside my lower back.  The light was so bright that it would have hurt my eyes, but it didn't.  It was really indescribable but felt like love on the highest level I have ever experienced.  I remember wondering what it was.  Immediately I could see it was shaped like a baby--my baby!  The entire experience lasted only a short time, and I was back in my body just as she was born.  I believe I was very privileged to witness my daughter's soul entering her body.

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 can describe it; but at the time, it was an experience that transcended language.  So, I didn't talk about it right away.

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?          Uncertain            Only so far a giving birth in late thirties could be considered risky.

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?           I was completely conscious and alert.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   No, but it was unlike any experience I have ever had.

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     Yes     There was just consciousness--my being.  I did not notice any form apart from seeing my body in front of me and separate from me.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            I don't remember any emotions--just peace.  Although, looking back, it did seem blissful.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           no

LOCATION DESCRIPTION:  Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or amazing creatures?    No           

Did you see a light?           Yes     See #4

Did you meet or see any other beings?           Yes     I saw my daughter's soul/being.  #4

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state? Yes    

I saw my daughter's soul enter her body.  She is now 20, and has always been an "old soul".  She is very even-keeled, wise, kind, a synethesiat, and a Mensa member.

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?          No      

Did you notice how your 5 senses were working, and if so, how were they different?          Uncertain            I have not thought about that before, but it seems that I did not use my senses.  When I said I "saw" things, I was actually more aware of the experience on a different level.  It was more like awareness or knowing, but it is hard to explain.  It was like seeing clearly, but I don't think it was with my eyes.

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   Uncertain      I described the event as short.  That is only because I knew the time span had to have been short, due to the circumstances (I only pushed two or three times before she was born.) However, during the time I was outside my body, there was no sense of time.

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    Yes     #4

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?             No      

Did you become aware of future events?       Uncertain      I realized my child was very special, which she has proven to be.

Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?       No       Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?   No      

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   Yes     I had previously believed the soul enters the body at conception.  I think now that the soul enters at birth.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       I am more aware of the deeper meaning of life and how beautiful our souls are.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         No      

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes     My mother-in-law, a very practical, but religious woman, shared an experience she had kept secret for over 20 years.  My mother, however, didn't believe it.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Great joy in the birth of Noelle.  Also, calmness, peace, and gratitude.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      Confirmation of our spirituality was the best part.  There was no down side.

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?        I have not experienced an increase in psychic ability since the incident. I have been somewhat psychic most of my life.  Now, however, as I meditate and study, it seems I have a greater capacity to be happy, grateful, and connected to the Source.

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         Uncertain      Meditation can sometimes lead me to a very peaceful, blissful state.  That is merely a small part of the experience I described in #4.

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.    no