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Rev. Juliet Nightingale - a lifelong mystic and
Seer from England - has been through a number of
near-death experiences resulting from life-threatening
illnesses she has had since childhood. One of them
occurred in the mid-70s while battling colon cancer,
which caused her to lapse into a coma. These experiences
- along with many out-of-body and spiritually transformative
experiences (STEs), have had a profound and lasting
effect on her life. Initially, however, she rarely
spoke about them because of being grossly judged
and misunderstood when she did. Thanks to her joining
the International
Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) -
the premier organization of NDE research and support
- she's been able to share her experiences first
hand, and has generated great interest and deepening
awareness of the profundity of the near-death and
similar experiences in recent years. Today, Juliet
chairs the membership committee on the
IANDS
Board of Directors and belongs to the
Friends of IANDS Coastal Connecticut.
She is passionate about encouraging fellow experiencers
and others to join IANDS because of the tremendous
resources, support and amity the organization has
got to offer. Visit our
IANDS membership page
for information by Juliet concerning becoming a
member of IANDS.
Juliet's website
Toward
The Light contains lots of interesting information
and articles. She also hosts the
Toward The Light Internet Radio Show. You can reach her by email at this
address:
TowardTheLight@gmail.com.
The following is her NDE account reprinted here
by permission.
Introduction
The near-death experience [NDE] - of which I've
had a few - mainly occurred at a time when NDEs
were rarely documented, much less talked about.
It was something I could only share with certain
individuals, who were already spiritually aware,
open minded … or, at least, receptive. Yet, it still
happened that, on occasion, one would accuse me
of having had a hallucination, or being in need
of "psychiatric evaluation," because ignorance was
still so prevalent at that time. The good news is
that, in recent years, the NDE has not only been
talked about, it has also been documented and has
received widespread media interest - both in broadcast
and print media. A good example of this is my having
seen articles in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia
in recent past … including a column in which I appeared.
Scientists, physicians, psychologists, ministers,
mystics and others, have all congregated together
to obtain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon
of the NDE. It is something that many people - such
as myself - have been through; and many of us have
been called back to teach and to share our experiences
with others. By all rights, one might wonder why
so many of us have been brought back … while others
remain on the Other Side. This is mainly due to
the fact that we were needed to fulfill and complete
something significant in our own lives … as well
as to honor a special mission to help humanity finally
come to the realization that there is indeed no
death. We simply "move on" and continue to evolve
in our journey back toward the Light.
Since people are always inquiring,
"What happened?" and "What's it like?" I will try
to convey what happened to me that led to one of
my NDEs … as well as what I experienced from the
Other Side. Please excuse me if this doesn't fit
into a tidy chronological sequence, as there is
no such thing as linear time on the Other Side.
Everything is always experienced in the now - including
past and future.
Herein, I will attempt to explain
and recapture my experiences on the Other Side and
how it affected me. I will humbly attempt to grasp
the proper words for describing this most lofty
experience that had a profound impact on me … and
has changed my life forever.
The Experience
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In the mid-70's, I was dealing with a terminal disease,
colon cancer, where my life was ebbing away. I was
bedridden for the most part, but could sometimes
manage to sit up for short periods. Being the contemplative
that I was, I was always listening and observing
- taking things in and trying to understand the
deeper wisdom behind what was happening to me and
where all of this was leading. As a result, I became
more withdrawn and detached … as I observed everything
round me starting to change. Solid matter became
more translucent and fluid-like; colors became more
vivid and vibrant; sound was more clear and acute
… and so on. I could no longer comprehend anything
printed on a page, because it no longer meant anything
to me in my changed state of consciousness. It was
like trying to read and understand a foreign language!
I had already departed from the third-dimensional
realm for the most part … and my awareness enveloped
other things.
I was entering into what I later
came to refer to as the "twilight" stage. In this
state, everything was altered. I got to a point
where my consciousness was already making the transition
from one realm to the other - being more aware of
other realities on other dimensions. I was seeing
and perceiving things and other beings inter-dimensionally
- even though I was still somewhat conscious on
the physical plane. I've, since, realized that this
is what a lot of dying people go through … (such
as those in hospitals, nursing homes or others in
hospice care), while an observer might think that
they're hallucinating or seeing someone or something
that "isn't really there." In truth, this is a state
where one, such as myself, is experiencing other
dimensions simultaneously while still on the physical
plane, because, in reality, we are multidimensional
beings.
I finally lapsed into a coma
on Boxing Day, 26 December, and, ironically, declared
"dead" on my birthday, 2 February! (Now I've got
two natal charts!) As others observed that I was
in a coma - which lasted over five weeks - I was
having a completely different experience! One would
look at my body and think that I was unconscious
… asleep … with no awareness of what was going on
… or anything. Yet, I was very conscious and profoundly
aware, because, in truth, we never really sleep;
only our bodies do. We are always aware … and active
… on one level of consciousness or another. Just
the fact that we dream while asleep is an indication
of our consciousness always being active. And, indeed,
our bodies need to rest, so that we can tap into
… and experience other aspects of our consciousness
and being!
The best way I can describe the
transition from being "alive" on the physical plane
and the passage to the Other Side is like passing
from one "room" to another. You do not cease to
be or lose consciousness; your consciousness simply
shifts from one vantage point to another. The experience
changes; your outlook changes; your feelings change.
And the feelings I experienced were profound; for
me, it most certainly became that peace that surpasses
all understanding…
My transition was gradual as
a result of having a terminal disease - as opposed
to a sudden one incurred from accidents, heart attacks,
etc. I became aware of a "Being of Light" enveloping
me. Everything was stunningly beautiful - so vibrant
and luminous … and so full of life - yes, life!
– in ways that one would never see or experience
on the physical plane. I was totally and completely
enveloped in divine Love. It was unconditional love
… in the truest sense of the word. I was in constant
communion with this Light and always aware of its
loving presence with me at all times. Consequently,
there was no sense of fear whatsoever … and I was
never alone. This was a special opportunity to experience
being at one with the ALL - never separate … and
never at a loss.
The colors were so beautiful - watching the Light
whirl all round me, pulsating and dancing … making
whooshing sounds … and being ever so playful at
times … then very serious at other times. Many things
would take on a luminous glow - a sort of soft peach
color. Everything was so vibrant - even when I saw
deep space! I was constantly in a state of awe …
There were always beautiful beings round me as well
- helping me … guiding me … reassuring me … and
also pouring love into me. I was never alone.
One of the first things I remember
experiencing was the life review - which included
everything that I'd experienced in my physical incarnation
up to that point. It was like being at the cinema
- watching a movie of my life and everything happening
simultaneously. I think most NDErs will agree that,
the life review is one of the most difficult aspects
of the NDE. Viewing your entire life before you
- with every thought, word, action, etc. - can be
most unsettling, indeed. Yet, what happened was
the fact that no one passed judgment on me! I only
felt the constant enveloping of divine love from
the Being of Light that was always with me. What
I came to realize, then, is that we judge ourselves!
There was no "he-god" sitting on some throne, passing
judgment on me, (not that I even expected to see
such a being in the first place). I never subscribed
to such religious myths anyway. I seemed to be the
only one who was uncomfortable and most critical
of myself. Yet, having stated that, I also realized
that I wasn't coming from a vantage point of the
"ego self" but, rather, from my soul self that was
much more detached and having no feelings of being
emotionally charged, etc. I was no longer identifying
with the personality of the physical self. Therefore,
what I felt was very different - coming from a completely
different perspective as the soul self … or my true
identity.
Even though I was no longer in
my physical body, I did have form - a body of sorts.
The best way I can describe this is that I felt
like a bubble - floating and moving about effortlessly
- sometimes very fast … or gently drifting about.
I felt hollow inside and so clear - even having
a sensation of a breeze blowing inside of me. There
was never any sense of hunger, thirst, weariness
or pain. Such things never entered my mind, in fact!
Alas, I was pure consciousness, embodied in a light
and ethereal form, traveling about … or being still
and observing intently … and always in a state of
awe. It was such a glorious sensation where I experienced
such calm and a profound sense of peace and constant
trust. I also experienced no blindness, (as I do
with my physical eyes being legally blind), and
what a sense of awe and wonder - to be able to see!
At one point, I perceived myself
as being on a guided tour, as it were - visiting
and observing different places, beings and situations
- some very pleasant and some very painful. The
best way I can describe this "tour" was like being
in a circular enclosure of windows - each pane revealing
something different … but when I'd focus on one
particular pane, I'd suddenly see the pane become
full size (much like a "window" on your computer
monitor becoming full screen) and I stood still
- just watching…
One pane revealed a scene that one might interpret
as a ‘hell' or "purgatory" where faceless, gray
colored entities moved about aimlessly and moaned.
They were clearly suffering and in great agony and
anguish. I saw these souls as damaged souls - ones
who had committed unspeakable atrocities during
their previous incarnations. I have used the analogy
of a soul being "retrograde" - much in the way a
planet will have the appearance of going backwards.
The prevailing feeling that I had whilst observing
these souls was one of deep compassion and a yearning
to comfort them. I wanted so much to see them relieved
of their horrible suffering. But, alas, as painful
as this scene was, I was reassured that these souls
were here only temporarily and that they, too, would
heal and move back in a forward direction and ultimately
return to the Light. All souls, without exception,
eventually return to the Light … according to what
was revealed to me.
The above scene led to another
scene where I saw images of people I knew in my
present life - obviously those still incarnate on
the physical plane, but my viewing them from the
Other Side in a scene that would take place in future.
(Again, everything experienced on the Other Side
is always in the "Now" - even "past" and "future".)
These were individuals who'd also committed atrocities
in one form or another - individuals who had severely
violated me, or people I love. But the scene I beheld
was one where they were being made to suffer … as
a result of what they'd done - that, most likely
being the karmic result of their decisions and actions,
etc. Again, I felt a deep sense of compassion for
them … and feeling sad that they had to endure such
suffering, yet realizing that it was also unavoidable.
Never once did I feel any sense of anger or hostility
towards these individuals … but only wanting to
see them healed … so that they, too, would come
to know love.
Another scene I remember was
that of finding myself observing a realm that constituted
water. I beheld all its beauty and splendor and
it was teaming with life. Then, before I knew it,
I found myself under water and not having to worry
about breathing! I was moving about effortlessly
and mingling with everything that I'd first observed
from without. The same thing happened to me when
I moved through space … and danced and flowed with
all the heavenly bodies and lights. There were lots
of times for play and buzzing about with all the
light beings - moving all round me like comets.
This was an opportunity to experience great joy
and feeling so light and completely void of worry
or fear. I could move effortlessly … and adapt to
any environment I happened to be in at any given
moment. I would simply think about something and
it would instantly manifest … or I'd think about
a place and there I'd be! Oh, what a sensation to
experience such power - to be anywhere I wanted
to be and to create anything I wanted to … and to
feel so totally free!
After experiencing the "tour",
adventures and times of play and creation, etc.,
things became more serious … and I was again in
direct communion with the Being of Light. I was
now being asked to "help" or "assist" in some way
… in creating and determining the outcome of certain
events, situations or even things affecting others!
Me? Just little me? Oh my, I thought. That's a grave
and serious responsibility. I felt so honored …
and so humble … being asked to participate in such
a feat … but what if I failed to do my part as needed,
I wondered. Then, I was assured that everything
would work out exactly as it should - even if I
couldn't complete things as desired. It seemed that
the point in all this was the fact that we co-create
with the Light … and we are also part of the Light.
Furthermore, no matter what happens … the Light
Source will always be in control … and be there
to see things through … despite any shortcomings
on our part as souls. How auspicious it is, then,
to realize that as souls, we are a part of all creation
and take part in the actual creative process thereof!
This very thought of being asked
to help - to co-create with the Light - made me
feel profoundly special and important in the greater
scheme of things, but by no means from an egotistical
point of view. As stated above, I felt so deeply
humble and a serious sense of responsibility for
every thought and action I made. My only thought
was that I wanted to do what was right. How important
it was that I be very loving and creative … and
never damaging in any way … and that's the gift.
I realized at that point, how totally connected
with all life … through all the universes … I am.
I felt one with the All - never separate, never
apart. Still, there was no fear. Still, there was
only love. Forever and for always I could never
be alone … because I would never be alone. It's
impossible to be alone, because life is everywhere;
love is everywhere … and this is what carried me
and has stayed with me.
I so cherished this communion with the Light. Everything
was communicated telepathically - whether with the
Light or other beings, friends or loved ones. It
didn't matter. It was always honest, open and real
… and it was always done with love. There's no such
thing as "putting on airs" and no need to hide on
the Other Side. No one is there to hurt you in any
way - not in the least - because there is no sense
of lack … or the need to "steal" someone else's
power or energy. You are operating as a soul, not
centered in ego or personality. It's nice to realize
that you will have whatever you need, because you've
got the capacity and power to create it instantly!
As the mood seemed to shift …
I felt as if there was something serious that was
just about to befall me. I was now being told that
I was going to have to return to the alien (physical)
world I'd left behind - that I was needed there
for something very special and significant. I needed
to go back to share what had just happened to me
… and to let others know that life is, indeed, eternal
and that death is an illusion. On a personal level,
I was told that I needed to experience great love
and joy in that world … and finally I would be able
to return Home. I was, then, assured that I was
real … and that I could believe in what I'd come
to know in this glorious realm--not only about myself
… but also about all life. I was also told, however,
that the world I was returning to was an illusion
and that I wasn't to identify with it or be involved
- to be in it but not of it - and that I was only
passing through...
To say that my heart sank would
be an understatement. This was the first time that
I had the true experience of a broken heart while
on the Other Side. The very thought of leaving this
sacred realm where I was in constant communion with
the Light and other beings … crushed me in ways
I could never describe. I knew how dark and foreboding
that strange, illusory world that I was being asked
to return to was … and it is, indeed, a world I've
never identified with! However, I was, once again,
reassured that the Light and other loving beings
would be with me at all times … and to remember
that I'd never be alone. Gratefully, there was still
no sense of fear - only sorrow now, but realizing
that I had to honor the divine will, making this
request of me.
As I reluctantly accepted this
mission, I suddenly beheld before me, a most beautiful
being who appeared in front of me - pouring tremendous
love into me and filling me to overflowing. It was
as if this was my gift … for accepting the painful
request to leave my home on the Other Side and return
to a world so alien to me. This being loved me very
deeply and stayed with me, continuing to radiate
love and sound … and it was made clear that he'd
be with me always.
I started moving back into this
world in much the same way that I had left it. It
was a very gradual transition. I was, now, more
aware of my body laying in hospital intensive care,
hooked up to a life-support system, but it was still
so separate from me and the vantage point I was
experiencing, from the Other Side. It was like being
a newborn baby when I finally regained consciousness
on this plane. Everything was so strange and new!
I had just come from another world - literally -
and this world appeared so much darker and void
of color by comparison. Everything was drab and
appeared flat to me. I didn't feel the life-force
I experienced on the Other Side … but I was resolved
to honor the will of the Light I'd been sent back
to fulfill. I had a mission … and there was a special
promise that was made to me in return.
Even in hospital, I was aware of the Being of Light
still with me … and communicating with me. I was
also still aware of other beings with me - beings
that I came to realize, later, only I could see
and hear. Finally, one day, the Being of Light disappeared
from view of my mortal awareness … and I knew, now,
that I was fully back in this world. Again, I was
broken-hearted, but still free of all fear … and
believing and trusting in the promise that I'd never
be alone … and so it was…
This near-death experience (or
what I prefer to call an Eternal Life Experience)
left me feeling such a profound sense of triumph
and awe. Something else I learned, too, is that
fear is an acquired state, not a natural one. It
is something that you learn … but having no connection
with the soul self. Love is the prevailing force
at all times … no matter how things may appear in
this world of duality and illusion. It's merely
a hologram - created by the collective consciousness
- for the sake of growth and evolution. Therefore,
what occurred on the Other Side, for me, was a special
opportunity to experience … and know - with total
certainty - that everything was evolving exactly
the way it should … and that the ultimate destiny
for every living being is to return to the Source,
The Light … Pure Love.
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| © Juliet
Nightingale ~ Toward The Light |
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