The Science of Spirituality: Near Death Experiences

Near-Death Experiences, known as NDEs, share a lot of similarities with Shared Death Experiences (SDEs). Research
has highlighted core phenomenology relating to NDEs and emphasised a need to review consciousness and its relation to the brain.

Since my last article discussing SDEs, I felt it necessary to focus on NDEs for this issue, given there are overlaps with the phenomenon. NDEs are vivid, realistic, and profoundly life-changing experiences that occur to people who have been physiologically close to death—such as cardiac arrest—or psychologically close to death (as in accidents where they feared they would die). NDEs have long fascinated people from all walks of life as they offer a glimpse into the afterlife and the intricacies of one’s spirit.

Studies have analysed numerous personal accounts of NDEs with some intriguing patterns emerging in terms of phenomenology. One common occurrence is known as an Out-of-Body Experience: the feeling of leaving one’s physical body. Many people report looking down on themselves or even floating away from their body.

Another is described as moving through a tunnel-like passage, as if they’re being drawn towards an unknown destination.

A third reported phenomenon is intensified senses, causing colours to become more vibrant and sounds crisper as if the world around them has come alive. Finally, a meta-analysis highlights supernatural encounters. These involve feeling connected and/or receiving a message from a spiritual being or having a sense of union with a higher power. The encounters can be deeply moving and even life-altering, to the point individuals feel compelled to make life-changing decisions and/or modify their beliefs, priorities and values.

Many NDE survivors think they will continue to exist in some form after they pass away. There are some repeating themes in afterlife descriptions, even though opinions regarding what might happen in the hereafter vary from person to person. For example, Kelly’s research in 2001 indicated that two-thirds of 229 experiencers who participated in an NDE study at the University of Virginia believed they’d meet deceased loved ones in the afterlife. 13 percent of 553 experiencers in another study reported they had in fact met a deceased loved one in their NDE.

Despite diverse backgrounds and beliefs, NDEs often share the above core elements. It’s as if there’s a universal experience beyond the veil of life. So, what does this mean? NDEs raise profound questions about what lies beyond life and death. They may challenge our understanding of consciousness and spirituality.

The mind-brain production model claims the brain produces the mind by forming a model of the entire environment, including the body, and the physical and social environments. However, people who have had NDEs frequently say that their mental processes were extraordinarily clear and lucid and that their sensory sensations were abnormally intense, outstripping those of their regular waking state. The occurrence of increased mental activity at periods when, according to the model, such activity should be declining is one notable aspect of NDEs that may contradict the mind-brain production
paradigm.

Researchers have been able to capture individuals’ experiences within a hospital setting after their heart flatlines and breathing stops, then are brought back to life. A groundbreaking study published in the medical journal Resuscitation in October 2023 suggests the phenomenon of an NDE is not a dream or delusion, but “another dimension of reality”. The kind of phenomenon that many people who are on the verge of death yet survive to return have reportedly experienced occurs in this “other dimension of reality”. The study is the first of its kind to provide conclusive proof that the brainwaves and activity patterns of cardiac arrest patients coincide with the accounts of lucid dreams, life flashbacks, and out-of-body experiences.

One participant described their experience as feeling separated from their body: “I was no longer in my body. I floated without weight or physicality. I was above my body and directly below the ceiling of the intensive therapy room. I observed the scene that was taking place below me … I, who no longer was the body that had belonged to me just a moment prior, found myself in a position that was . . . more elevated. It was a place that had nothing to do with any kind of . . . material experience.” According to Dr Parnia and colleagues, there was a time between life and death during which “new dimensions of reality” were felt. The subjects experienced heightened levels of consciousness for the first time, along with sharper and more distinct thoughts than ever.

To advance our understanding of consciousness and its relationship to the brain, models of the mind should be expanded to include experiences like NDEs. In the end, NDEs remind us that there’s more to life than meets the eye. They invite us to consider the mysteries of existence and offer a glimpse into a world beyond the one we know.

Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, the stories of NDEs are undeniably thought-provoking.

References:

EKelly, E. W. (2001). Near-death experiences with reports of meeting deceased people. Death Studies, 25, 229-249.
Parnia, S, et al. (2023). AWAreness during REsuscitation – II: A multicenter study of consciousness and awareness in cardiac arrest. Resuscitation, {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023. 109903}

Image credit by Ana D.N. from Pixabay

Melanie Oborne, Our Expert

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Melanie Oborne is a psychologist and researcher who has a passion for bringing together clinical practices, scientific research, and spiritual paradigms to enhance individual well-being. Since 2018, Melanie has assisted clients to integrate their transpersonal and/or paranormal experiences. Melanie currently conducts qualitative research with the Shared Crossing Project based in Santa Barbara, California.