2023 IANDS CONFERENCE Registration is Now Open!!
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Last Updated: Thursday, 01 June 2023 17:57
Inspired to Loving Action
The Transformative Power of Near-Death and Related Experiences
Near-death experiences (NDEs) and related experiences often inspire and nurture compassion, creativity, and curiosity, leading to closer relationships, deeper spiritual practices, and generosity toward others.
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Drs. van Lommel and Greyson: To the Rescue!
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Last Updated: Thursday, 01 June 2023 17:55
Once again, researchers have published an article about bursts of brain activity in the dying human brain, and people interested in the question of the origin of NDEs have contacted Journal of Near-Death Studies editor, Jan Holden, EdD, asking whether the results described in the article provide a materialist explanation of the source of NDEs.
A challenge for intelligent lay readers is that most of us do not have the expertise to understand technical references to medical procedures and assessment results, such as "EEG gamma bursts," described in such articles. So, Jan reached out to two IANDS members who do have such expertise: cardiologist Pim van Lommel, MD, and emeritus professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences Bruce Greyson, MD.
In the brief (4.5 double-spaced pages) Invited Commentary linked below, these experts explain—in terms most readers should be able to understand—why the findings of this most recent study and others like it "do not and cannot explain" either confirmed aspects of NDEs or the source of NDEs. Their Invited Commentary will be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal but, as a service to IANDS members and to the general public, is provided here as a pre-print publication.
Remembering Diane Corcoran, PhD, RN, US Army Col (Ret)
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Last Updated: Thursday, 01 June 2023 17:55
With sadness, but also with gratitude for her many years of devoted service and contributions, IANDS announces the passing of Diane Corcoran on Sunday, March 5, 2023. At the time of her transition, Diane was an active member of the Board of Directors, a multiple-time IANDS past-president, creator and leader of the Veterans Sharing Group, and near-death experiencer (NDEr).
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2023 IANDS Spring Symposium - April 22nd
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Last Updated: Thursday, 01 June 2023 17:55

FULL DETAILS OF THE SPRING SYMPOSIUM HERE: https://symposium.iands.org/
THE ROLE OF NEAR-DEATH AND RELATED EXPERIENCES IN GRIEF AND GRIEF COUNSELING
The 2023 IANDS Spring Symposium will address the topic of the role of near-death experiences and related experiences in grief and grief counseling. The event will be online on Saturday, April 22, from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern time.
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Kenneth Ring's new book: A Near-Death Researcher's Notebook
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 22 February 2023 14:29
IANDS co-founder and first president, Kenneth Ring has published his new book, A Near-Death Researcher's Notebook; What I Have Learned About Dying, Death, and the Afterlife. Nancy Clark, IANDS group leader of the Ohio, Columbus group shares her recommendation here:
I've read just about everything Ken Ring has written. He is one of the most renowned near-death experience researchers of our time. But lately, he has woven together in his current book not only what he has learned from his NDE research, but he gives you an appreciation for the fragility and complexity of life itself.
Ring beautifully interweaves scientific fact with captivating storytelling in a way that provides the reader with a perspective that allows one to cherish life for as long as we have it.
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Spiritual Awakenings: Scientists and Academics Describe Their Experiences
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 22 February 2023 11:01
Spiritual Awakenings: Scientists and Academics Describe Their Experiences
Edited by Marjorie Woollacott, PhD, and David Lorimer
The essays in this volume are a wonderful and varied collection of personal insights into individual spiritual awakenings and the resulting transformation in the lives of scientists and academics.
Scholars share the experience of their own spiritual awakening and journey, including encountering challenges to their credibility in academia, if they shared these experiences. Their comments about transformation in values, beliefs, and approaches toward life are very moving, expressing a deep inner wisdom and connection, not only with humanity but also with the earth and cosmos.
Click here to view or purchase on Amazon
Welcome to IANDS!
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 January 2023 14:50

Founded in 1981, IANDS is a membership-based, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes research, education, and support around near-death experiences and related experiences. Our mission is to advance a global understanding of these experiences. We envision a future in which all people embrace near-death and related experiences as sources of meaning and inspiration for a better world.
If you are not currently an IANDS member, we kindly invite you to join our organization.
Why Join IANDS?
- Make a difference in the world.
- Be part of an inclusive, accepting community.
- Change the public perception of death and dying.
- Help end discrimination against people who have NDEs and related experiences.
- Receive members-only discounts and opportunities.
- Get our quarterly Vital Signs magazine exclusively for members only.
- Enjoy our popular monthly near-death or near-death-like accounts.
- Support NDE research and the publication of the Journal of Near-Death Studies.
- Receive helpful information, resources, and educational offerings.
- Provide valuable information, resources, and educational offerings to the world.
- And much more.
You are here for a reason. We hope you will stay in touch!
JOIN IANDS SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL LIST
A New Scale to Assess Near-Death Experiences -- Commentary
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2022 10:28

Abstract: An expanded scale, the Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale, has been developed by Charlotte Martial and colleagues (2020) to assess near-death experiences (NDEs). The scale was modeled after the existing NDE Scale (Greyson, 1983), using reworded scale items, and added five additional items, notably items about a gateway or tunnel and a feeling of non-existence or fear. NDE-C uses a rating scale of 0–4 for each item and thus ranges from 0 to 80. In this article, we raise concerns that several of the reworded items appear to have changed the meaning of NDE Scale item and appear to be significantly more prevalent or less prevalent than the original item, as demonstrated in a Rasch statistical analysis of the NDE-C results. We suggest wording changes for these items so that they return to their original context and meaning. [This page is an abbreviated version of the full article PDF, which can be downloaded here.]
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Reckoning: Discoveries after a Traumatic NDE by Nancy Evans Bush
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2022 10:28

Reckoning: Discoveries after a Traumatic Near-Death Experience
A devastating near-death experience--a disempowering NDE of the Void--overturned the certainties and worldview of Nancy Evans Bush, a young teacher and new mother. Decades later, recognized as a trusted pioneer in research of distressing near-death experiences, she writes for the first time about her long struggle to come to terms with the experience. In this third book, she looks at reconciling foundational beliefs with the powerful messages of a strange and otherworldly NDE. The unexpected, sometimes humorous, often synchronistic discoveries point beyond herself to challenges and reassurance for everyone.
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Closing the Gap in Medical Care for NDErs
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 07 September 2022 17:19
NDE DISCLOSURE DISCRIMINATION
Those who have a near-death experience (NDE) struggle with sharing this information with their healthcare providers, family members, and others. Some struggle to make sense of the experience, mainly if they are unaware that others have reported similar accounts. Though it’s challenging to explain NDEs scientifically, they happen to millions of people and often leave individuals profoundly changed for the remainder of their lives. Studies have found that 10 – 20% of people who are resuscitated after nearly dying have an NDE: an out-of-body experience accompanied by various perceptions such as traveling through a tunnel of light, feeling loved, and/or being received by deceased loved ones. Most NDEs are highly pleasurable experiences, but a percentage describe a distressing experience, which can be traumatizing to patients.
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Join Our Team
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2022 10:28

We are now accepting applicants for the following position.
Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer Position)
Manage all aspects of volunteer coordination for IANDS. This position does not involve direct supervision of volunteers, which is provided by the leader of the area in which the volunteer is working. Hours: Initially 10 hours per week, and later 10 hours per month.
Download PDF Job Description
Thank you!
Dr. Kenneth Ring, IANDS Co-Founder Launches New Book
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2022 10:28

IANDS Co-Founder, Kenneth Ring, PhD, released new book: REFLECTIONS IN A GLASS EYE: Essays in the Time of COVID
In these lively and often witty essays, Dr. Kenneth Ring, best known for his pioneering work on near-death experiences, reveals his talents as a Kenny-come-lately humorist and would-be man of letters. Now in his mid-80s, this book shows he has lost none of his verve for writing on a range of subjects as diverse as they are entertaining. Kenneth Ring, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Connecticut, author of five books on NDEs, including his bestselling Lessons from the Light, cofounder and first president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS).
Review by Nancy Clark of Ohio on Amazon: After reading Reflections In a Glass Eye by one of the most influential near-death experience researchers of all time, Kenneth Ring, PhD, I figured I should tell you how great it is. Unlike many of his near-death research books, Dr. Ring has now written a book that masterfully draws the curtain on the true nature of his character, his intellect, and his private and public personas. Humorous anecdotes, poignant encounters, and touching narratives breathe life into this no-holds barred collection of essays that is a joy to read. Kenneth Ring has an amazing gift of writing that touches the reader's heart and delights the soul. I love this book and so will you!
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SOMETHING'S KILLING ME: Near-Death Experiencers on HLN (CNN)
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2022 10:28

11/24 When You Die Episode
Dr. Mary Neal is a spinal surgeon with an adventurous side. She used to think that near-death experiences could be written off by science – caused by lack of oxygen or certain drugs. But on a kayaking trip down the rapids she becomes trapped under water for 27 minutes – and changes her mind. T. Scott Marr was on life support. His family is told that he had a massive stroke, and brain death is inevitable. They pull the plug. Then, he wakes up – and has an amazing story to tell. Everyone has a perception of death – but what really happens when we die? For thousands of years, the dreams and visions of the dying have captivated cultures. But what are they, what causes them? And are they real? This episode also includes IANDS co-founder, former IANDS President and Near-Death Experience Researcher, Dr. Bruce Greyson, current IANDS President, Dr. Diane Corcoran, Dr. Sam Parnia and Maggie Callanan, RN. For a Trailer Click Here Or For More Info Click Here

Veterans' NDE Video is now on sale!
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Last Updated: Thursday, 14 April 2022 10:47
The new video DVD, Understanding Veterans' Near-Death Experiences, is NOW ON SALE ($24.95 IANDS members, $29.95 non-members). Service members who have had an NDE should be assisted by medical personnel or chaplains trained to deal with those who have experienced NDEs. However, because of lack of training, that care is often not available, and the impact of this crucial gap of care can be great. It is traumatizing, exacerbating the effects of already devastating injuries, as well as PTSD, and magnifying feelings of confusion, fear, isolation and hopeless despair. Veterans may carry these feelings for a lifetime. This new IANDS-sponsored Veterans' NDE Training Video provides answers.
IANDS and many generous donors contributed $25,000 to produce the video. We are still seeking donations of an additional $15,000 to promote the video to veterans and veteran care givers. See the video trailer on YouTube. Order a copy today!

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