I felt a sensation of 'separating' beginning with my right shoulder. It was like a complete dropping away of all worries, concerns, physical weight, all 'earthly' ties.  What was moving upward was a separation of my spirit/soul/innermost being into a TOTAL peace that cannot be described.

From somewhere very deep within I screamed an inaudible scream "NO! I'm not ready yet!"  At once I was back, having hardly lost my stride. I continued into my room until I reached the sink, then held onto it and asked myself "What was THAT?"

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

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  Yes

      What was it about the experience that makes it hard to communicate?  The 'sensation' of freedom from all things earthly --utter peace!

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

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?  I can't really describe it.

Was the experience dream like in any way?  Not at all like any dream I've ever had!

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

What emotions did you feel during the experience?  Complete, TOTAL PEACE!

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?  I believe it was silent

Did you pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?  No

      Describe:  I don't doubt I would have, but it was too quick.

Did you see a light?  Uncertain

      Describe:  I saw "White"

Did you meet or see any other beings?  No

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?  Uncertain

      Describe:  Although it wasn't long enough for me break stride completely (I caught myself as I was going down) it did seem to take a little longer than it did.

Were you involved in or aware of a decision to return to the body?  Yes

      Describe:  Described in #4

Has the experience affected your relationships?  Daily life?  Religious practices etc.?  Career choices?  I'm making more of an effort to be a kinder person.

Have you shared this experience with others?  Yes

      Describe:  My brother, a physician, stated that only about 5 or 6 of his patients have described experiences such as I had, but they were ALL either in surgery or very, very ill.  He was very surprised.  My parish priest said he'd never had anybody tell him of this type of happening, but that he doesn't doubt for a minute that they occur.  Others just listen, although one person said she has a friend who had a twenty-minute OBE.  She is supposed to contact me...I hope she does.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Disbelief!  In a way I feel very privileged to have been chosen for this experience.  I wonder why I'm special!

What was the best and worst part of your experience?  The absolute best was the PEACE I felt.  The worst is in trying to describe it!

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?  If I could do it again I wouldn't be in such a hurry to end it...

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

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 have to improve the www.nderf.org questionnaire?  I think that's it!

Addendum from Pat - RE your question about "the light" - I believe everything 'went white' first.  The 'separation' was only beginning when I somehow called it off.  (Sort of wish I hadn't). . . There are simply no words to express the feeling of peace!  Peace to you!        Pat