Reuel B's Experience
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Experience description:

While being anesthetized for an oral surgery, the last I recall in a physical sense is being totally calm. A brief moment later time seemed to accelerate greatly.  At this point I was not fully unconscious rather but  vaguely hovering over the procedures and conversation taking place below me. My perception was clear in seeing and hearing the events take place but in a state limited to observation only.  I did not have the will to explore, being that the entire experience felt to me only perhaps a few seconds.  In reality the surgery lasted approximately and hour, I felt I was partially out of my body in a state of observation but also still attached to myself. In overview, my utter confusion for a long time afterward (and my confession to the bewildered surgeon) was really a brief insight to the higher states of being which we are meant for.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?     Yes


A good heavy dose of nitrous oxide(general anesthesia)

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? No

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?           The short time that spanned my experience was not a time for much analysis.  I believe I was closer to death and thus  was compelled to take the very first step in that direction. Visually and mentally I was aware, but since I wasn't dead, instead ,being in heavy sedation my option were very limited. Nevertheless, a part of my being  was able to leave my body and accurately recount events even with my human eyes closed.  The fact that my eyes were closed but still I was seeing and hearing leads me to believe that beyond a doubt a portion of my soul was freed from its former confines.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   Not at all, I have had one other surgery in which I did actually dream very lucidly but was not seeing out of my body.  Two very distinctly different experiences.

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

My experience was of a separate bodiless state of seeing hearing alertness taking place just above the surgical procedure.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           Although I cannot recall the exact words exchanged between the surgical staff, I was passively aware of much conversation taking place.

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

            Describe:      I wasn't  to that stage.

Did you see a light?           No

Did you meet or see any other beings?           No, Not apart from the immediate persons around me.

Did you experience a review of past events in your life?    No

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

I demanded to speak to the surgeon and while trying to account to him the details that took place I realized I was unable to because of the state of shock and disbelief I was in. I wouldn't have been able to describe every detail anyway, my separation was merely a blurred  existence .

Did you see or visit any beautiful or otherwise distinctive locations, levels or dimensions?           No

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

It was like pressing fast forward on a vhs, only I was part and apart from the scene.

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

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure? No

Did you become aware of future events?       No

Not in a factual sense, but I have always been more in touch with my spirituality, and destiny of real death.

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

Yes, I faintly recall returning to my body.  I was never really asleep so when I "awoke" the scenery around me was melding together in vibrant sort of way.  I have never taken hallucinogenic substances(other than cannabis), but maybe It would be a similar experience.

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?   No

I still am Christian, and feel the importance of moral certainties.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       I have always been whimsical about career choices and many other of the  needed labeling of our social structure.  I do feel that as long as we are in this state that we do need to define ourselves and live within our moral beliefs but also to be there for other people regardless of what the world defines them to be.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         Yes

I believe every experience we have will change our life to a certain degree, which is why I am now being very careful as to what goes into and out of my head.

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes

I have tried to explain to my family , but not until recently, having read the experiences of others, have I understood what took place.  For months afterward I was extremely disturbed of mind, desperately trying to recall what happened. After awhile though the turmoil post experience began to fade and now I just reminisce.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Immediately afterward I was very angry for a couple weeks having not the abilities to explore into further detail the events that happened.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      Initially I was pretty upset but now I look at it as a positive learning experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?        I have been passively suicidal at points in my flawed life. Lately though now being off certain substances I can analyze my life experiences a little better to conclude that I really do need to finish this test of life to the best of my God given abilities.

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

Well, not in an out of body sense, but my sensitivity to cannabis recently brought me to a very low point in my life where I believe my entire body and soul were drastically weakened. For two months my whole nervous system was obliterated, three months and I was feeling somewhat normal.  The simplest sound would hurt my ears not to mention migraines.  I have never experienced more anxiety in my life than the withdrawal from that harmless substance.  Three and a half months later I can now think more clearly and have a better grip of  "reality".

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