NEW videos added since September!

• Experiences in the Light & Visions of the Future. David Bennett (2012).
• What Near-Death Experiencers tell us about how to live in an uncertain future. Scott Taylor, Ed.D. (2012).
• Untangling Hellish Visions. Nancy Evans Bush, M.A. (2012). 
• The Future of NDE and Consciousness Research. Robert and Suzanne Mays (2012).
• Examining the Aftereffects of NDEs, and the Relationship Between NDE Components and Aftereffects. Cate Flanagan, Ph.D. (2011).
  
• Lives changed; the world changed. Christophor Coppes (2011).
  
• Issues of Spiritually Transformative Experience: Integration - New results from ACISTE surveys. Yolaine Stout (2011).
• Veteran NDEs / Love: Our true identity, purpose and meaning for being human. Diane Corcoran, RN, PhD, Col. US Army (Ret.) and Robert Caplan, Navy veteran (2010).
  
• Parallels between Near-Death Experiences and Religion/Spirituality. Rene Jorgensen (2010).
  

2012 Conference, August 31 - September 2 in Scottsdale AZ

• Experiences in the Light & Visions of the Future. David Bennett (55 min).
  • Abstract: I had two near-death experiences (NDEs) that showed me my future and during the integration of those experiences I was able to see the potentials of what lies ahead for our world and humanity. I will briefly share the portions of my veridical experiences that dealt with the future and then relate the communication I received about potential struggles and possible solutions. I would like to challenge the audience to look at the bigger picture of the world we live in today, realizing that only a few environmental disasters could push our already stressed social, political and economic structures into a very serious condition. The governments of the world could not support their citizens and communities in the ways we have come to rely on. Yet, the spiritual community embodies the qualities to overcome these challenges. Also, through my connection in social media I have found there is hope in the message that spiritually transformative experiencers (STErs) around the world are conveying. I will share the ways given to me to circumvent these dire conditions and begin to deliver support that will reduce the stressors before a crisis occur.
  • Web site: http://dharmatalks.com/
    

• What Near-Death Experiencers tell us about how to live in an uncertain future. Scott Taylor, Ed.D. (61 min).
  • Abstract: When Near-Death Experiencers leave their physical body, something unique happens. They leave the world of duality and enter a world of Unity...full of ways of being that are quite unlike what we know from our physical world. Embedded in the experience of Unity are "rules" that can guide us on how to be more fully human and navigate consciously in our uncertain future. Join us as we explore what these rules are and how our choices can powerfully affect the future experience of an individual, society and the human race.
    

• Untangling Hellish Visions. Nancy Evans Bush, M.A. (61 min).
  • Abstract: The conventional understanding of hell is as a place of eternal torment after death. This view, which is generally believed to be historical and biblical, colors the public's interpretations of distressing NDEs, producing enormous fear or outright rejection of the entire concept of hellish experiences. A review of the roots of Western hell shows that the familiar concept is neither historically stable nor biblically accurate. How, then, can hellish visions be interpreted? I contrast the conventional literal/materialistic understanding (external, factual, time-space orientation) with a symbolic/spiritual interpretation (internal, imaginal, occurring in mythic timelessness). By de-literalizing and reframing the interpretation of common hellish symbols (e.g., fire, snakes, monsters), such an experience can be understood as precipitating a developmental thrust, rather than as a vision of punitive torment. This approach opens the most distressing NDEs to being understood as intensely personal events that nonetheless share in the great Mystery of the human unconscious. It can be read in both religious and secular terms.
  • Web site: http://www.dancingpastthedark.com/
  • Book web site: http://www.dancingpastthedark.com/book

• The Future of NDE and Consciousness Research: Using the transcendent content of NDEs to fathom the mysteries of reality. Robert and Suzanne Mays. (62 min).
  • Abstract: NDE research can make progress by examining the "transcendent" content of NDEs. Four key anchor points in NDEs convey veridical information: (1) perceptions of the earthly realm, (2) communications from apparently deceased persons, (3) presentations during the life review, and (4) precognitive visions that are later proven correct. The veridical character of the information and the nearly universal experience of the hyper-reality of the NDE support the notion that the NDE is a veridical experience throughout. Thus a systematic investigation of the transcendent content of NDEs should be a fruitful research direction. The "hard problem of consciousness" is to explain how neural brain activity can produce subjective phenomenal experience, such as the experience of the quality of red. Evidence from the NDE suggests that the "mind" is an autonomous, non-material energetic entity that is ordinarily united with the brain but separates from it in the NDE. Because the "mind" is the seat of consciousness and works with the brain, the "hard problem" can be solved. The biggest challenge for this research area is to explain how the non-material mind interacts with the brain. Progress is being made in this area. A related problem is more fundamental -- what is the ultimate nature of reality? Again the NDE and NDErs can provide a direction for the "harder problem of reality": Which is more fundamental, the physical or the transcendent? NDErs give a nearly unanimous response: the transcendent realm of the NDE is fundamental and more real than the physical realm. Three paranormal phenomena that occur as aftereffects in NDErs are worth studying to understand the nature of reality: psychokinesis, precognition and teleportation. The tentative model is: there are two realms of existence, with the physical supervenient (dependent) on the transcendent.
  • Web site: http://selfconsciousmind.com 
  • Slides with cited references are available at http://selfconsciousmind.com/papers.html#research-future-slides

2011 Conference, September 2-4 in Durham NC

• Raymond Moody on Shared Death Experiences: Excerpt from his lecture that describes the shared death experience (15 min)
  • Abstract: This lecture presents a phenomenology of shared death experiences demonstrating an uninterrupted continuum with near-death experiences. The identity in content between these two modes of experience poses a major difficulty for popular neurophysiological explanations. An entirely new means of rational investigation is briefly described that accesses the transcendent aspect of experiences related to death and dying.
    
  • Web site: http://lifeafterlife.com
    

• Physical interaction in NDE explains NDE aftereffects: solving the "hard problem" of consciousness. Robert and Suzanne Mays. (4 parts, 58 min total)
  • Abstract: We present a theory of consciousness that the human being consists of a non-material mind united with the brain. This theory is based on evidence of physical interactions in NDE, which shows (1) how the non-material mind can interact with neural structures in the cortex, (2) how the non-material mind can interact with physical processes during an NDE and (3) how specific NDE aftereffects can be explained, such as anomalous electromagnetic interactions, physiological sensitivities and paranormal abilities. We also address how the non-material mind, as the seat of consciousness of a person, resolves the "hard problem" of consciousness and how the mind is fundamentally "localized", but also possesses "non-local" properties.
    
  • Web site: http://selfconsciousmind.com
  • Slides with cited references are available at http://selfconsciousmind.com/papers.html#aftereffects-slides

• Lives changed; the world changed. Christophor Coppes. (60 min)
  • Abstract: NDEs don't only change the lives of those who have the NDE, but they also have, in principle, the potential to change the world at large. This is because they hold messages for everyone. From NDEs we understand that we are part of a Unity Universe, which surpasses our material four-dimensional world. In it we are thoroughly interconnected. Whatever we do, it has an effect on the rest of unity universe. All our actions, even the seemingly insignificant ones, ripple through universe. Through this we have a creative but also a potentially destructive power within us. For instance, the Great Recession, which still affects especially the US, Europe and Japan, can be seen as the consequence of the many negative ripples that we caused by focusing on our short-term self-interest. Therefore, it is best for us to change our focus towards a longer-term "our-interest". This is the most important message that can be derived from NDEs. The change of focus would really change the world. This would mean a next step in our human development. The way to do it is by becoming more aligned with The Light. These are extraordinary times and many NDErs are convinced that we will eventually succeed in realizing that change and that we are destined for a more wonderful world, materially as well as spiritually.
  • Web site: http://www.christophorcoppes.com/p_8.php

• Issues of Spiritually Transformative Experience: Integration - New results from ACISTE surveys. Yolaine Stout (54 min) 
  • Abstract: The Spiritually Transformation Experience (STE) often creates dramatic shifts in perspective that impact all areas of the individual's life as well as the lives of those intimately involved with the experiencer. The process of integrating these new perspectives can drastically challenge the status quo, both internally and externally, requiring new coping strategies for everyone involved. ACISTE (American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences) was formed in an effort to support experiencers in all areas of life after the STE. ACISTE has accumulated preliminary research to identify, clarify, and problem-solve services designed specifically for the challenges that experiencers face when integrating their expanded awareness into daily life. Professionals and experiencers associated with ACISTE are using this research to facilitate work groups, build community and design programs to sensitively train professionals to meet the needs of experiencers, as well as develop mentor style assistance for those struggling with integration issues after their STE. 
  • Web site: http://aciste.org/
   

• Examining the Aftereffects of NDEs, and the Relationship Between NDE Components and Aftereffects. Cate Flanagan, Ph.D. (54 min).
  • Abstract: This presentation will detail the aftereffects of near-death experiences as reported by 14 adult near-death experiencers. Additionally, an initial examination of the relationships between experience components and aftereffects as well as the relationships between and among aftereffects will be presented. In an effort to preserve the sanctity of the individual experience at the time of death and the resulting growth from such an experience a qualitative approach was used to collect and analyze data. Seventeen change categories will be presented as well as the beginning of a relational model between and among components and aftereffects will be offered.

2010 Conference, September 2-4 in Denver, CO

• Parallels between Near-Death Experiences and Religion/Spirituality. Rene Jorgensen. (25 min)
  • Abstract: I will present the results of my study of 16 NDEs investigating the parallels to religion/spirituality. Through a high average score of 21 (Greyson Scale) and a 15-page long questionnaire, the depth of the study suggests a universal core element that can help the NDEr understand and integrate the experience.
  • Web site: http://www.renejorgensen.com/
    

• Veteran NDEs / Love: Our true identity, purpose and meaning for being human. Diane Corcoran, RN, PhD, Col. US Army (Ret.) and Robert Caplan, Navy veteran. (55 min)
  
  • Abstract: Diane Corcoran talks about her experience with NDEs as a US Army nurse in Vietnam and serving in the military over a 24-year career, including as Chief Nurse and Commander of a Combat Support Hospital. Dr. Corcoran emphasizes the special needs for veteran NDErs getting treatment and benefits in the military. Robert Caplan is a Navy veteran near-death experiencer: This presentation will address my knowing of my/our true identity. Neither science, medicine, philosophy or religion pragmatically personalizes being in this life. My NDE continues to reveal purpose, meaning and presence 53 years later. I will present four aspects of LOVE relevant to daily existence.
  • Web site (Robert Caplan): http://www.robertcaplanhfc.com/
  • Web site (Diane Corcoran): http://corcoranconsulting.biz
    

• Mystery and Ancient Voices: What Biblical visions and NDEs have in common. Nancy Evans Bush, M.A. (4 parts, 54 min total)
  • Abstract: Some of the visions described in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament share a lot with today's near-death experiences. Those similarities and their influence on three thousand years of Western culture may surprise you.
    
  • Web site: http://dancingpastthedark.com

• Seven Mysteries of Profound Love. Ann Ellis, M.Div., Ph.D. (2 parts, 21 min total)
  
  • Abstract: Based on a study of 132 near-death experiences of love on the other side, it is shown that that love is substantially different from any love known on earth. There are many aspects of the profound love that can be identified: its qualities, nature, source, certainty of no death, difficulty of describing, conclusions associated with it. It is also shown that the mystical branches of the world's religions reflect the same conclusions.
  • Web site: http://revelationsofprofoundlove.com/
    

• Near-Death Experiencer Panel. Bonni Burrows, Ellyn Dye, Kelly Wiggin, Debbie James (moderator). (4 parts, 48 min total)
  • Abstract: Near-death experience accounts and questions.
  • Web sites: Bonni Burrows -- http://journey2life.com. Ellyn Dye -- http://ellyndye.com.

• The Messy Antic Complex: Mayhem to Practical Mystic. Zen Benefiel, MA, MBA, CHt, TLC, DD. (2 parts, 25 min total) 
  • Abstract: The Shift -- Challenge to Change. Okay, so there are no veils. I don't need to be 'The One.' So what's next? Our minds want to categorize and label instead of just listening and observing. How do we integrate the NDE into our daily living and working environments?
  • Web site: http://bethedream.com/

• Archetypal Motifs in Near-Death Experiences. Lynn Storey, Ph.D. (2 parts, 24 min total)
  • Abstract: Archetypes reside within the deepest level of our unconscious. NDErs characteristically experience anywhere from two to five or more of these archaic psychic expressions. Archetypical motifs are universal and represent recurring themes that can be found in the most ancient of human myths and religious stories.
  • Web reference: http://books.google.com/books/about/?id=BUChNwAACAAJ

• Grief and Near-Death Experiences. Guy Vander Linden. (2 parts, 17 min total)
  • Abstract: Besides the help and assistance to NDErs, our organization has focused on how NDEs can assist the bereaved after suicide, deaths of children and others .... Life after death and the Light are great help to us in this work.
  • Notes: Guy Vander Linden is President and Founder of Limen (IANDS Flanders, Belgium), which was founded in 1997 and is located in Brussels, Belgium. "Limen" is Latin for threshold.
  • Web site: http://iands.be (in Flemish). http://translate.google.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://iands.be/ (English)