Toward The Light

Imagine the awe and wonder of a child in anticipation of Christmas—knowing that miracles and magic are about to take place. This would best describe the emotions and excitement I felt in anticipation of the upcoming annual IANDS conference, “Creativity from the Light’. When I first realised that the theme of the conference was centred in the arts—painting and drawing, music, film and writing that have emerged from the lives of near-death experiencers—I knew that this was going to be something I could not miss. In light of the fact that my whole life has revolved around everything within that theme—my background being in music, art, writing and media—and the fact that I’d also recently become a committee chair for IANDS, I felt myself being called … and I was ready. Something so auspicious was unfolding and I was having the experience of a ‘red carpet’ welcome!

IANDS Board Meeting at Conference

When I became the Membership Committee chairperson in Fall of 2003, the conference was still several months away, yet it was something that I couldn't stop thinging about ... as the months passed, then weeks, then days and, finally, that sleepless night before flying to Chicago where the conference took place! Even eMails and telephone conversations with the IANDS board were full of anticipation and excitement about the conference. Now, the time of the conference had finally arrived ... and I was rough and ready to do my work and help make this an unforgettable event. I knew that my life was about to change forever...

Wednesday, 23 June, I arrived at the Best Western University Plaza Hotel in Evanston bright and early at 7:30A—having had only 3-4 hours sleep—as I joined the IANDS Board Members (or ‘Boardies’) for breakfast. Here I was, now joined up with people that I’d been sharing deeply with via telephone and eMail over a long period of time—people with whom I’ve participated in the special work of IANDS—people whom I regarded as family and I was now seeing their lovely faces—some for the very first time. There is something so special about sipping tea in the presence of people you love, and the joy of being in each other’s presence was apparent in everyone’s shining faces.

This was the day for the IANDS board, committee chairs and staff to come together—setting up everything for the conference that would follow for the next three days, having our board meetings and luncheons—a special time for camaraderie and communion. We had an opportunity to meet with past IANDS presidents: IANDS founder, John Audette, Diane Corcoran, and Bill Taylor—to brainstorm and share ideas together for building a stronger organisation. By eventide, the registration for attendees would be in progress, and a pre-conference lecture by author, David Kessler—an expert in hospice and end-of-life care—at the Music Institute of Chicago. This was followed by a reception, a book-signing and beautiful music with Marlene Redemske playing hammer dulcimer.

IANDS Founders John Audette, Bruce Greyson, Michael Sabom, Ken Ring

After our morning ‘breaky’ with the board, I was asked to take my post in the hotel lobby—to greet and welcome conference attendees and IANDS personnel who arrived. How auspicious it was, then, that the first person I greeted was one of the original ‘founding fathers’ of IANDS, sociologist John Audette! We sat in the lobby lounge and engaged in a remarkable conversation that had us both excited and uplifted. John handed me a photograph of the four founders of IANDS: himself, psychiatrist Bruce Greyson, MD, social psychologist Ken Ring, PhD, and cardiologist Michael Sabom, MD. I was so moved to see these warm, then-young, faces—the faces of individuals with a special vision—a vision that birthed the Association for the Scientific Study of Near-Death Phenomena in the summer of 1978 on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. This is what later became the International Association for Near-Death Studies in 1982.

Alas, while Raymond Moody, MD, came up with the term 'near-death experience', I explained to John that, as one who's had multiple NDEs myself, I much preferred to use the term 'eternal life experience', as that far more accurately describes the experience. In fact, for the experiencer, 'death' is an afterthought ... and sometimes a thought that never occurs at all! The very last thing I felt, experienced or even thought about was 'death'! John has since stated, "I will always remember your suggestion of 'eternal life experience' which I think is so much more appropriate as a term for the NDE". When I first brought this term up with PMH Atwater and others while on our way to a special conference in New York City a few years back, I was met with enthusiastic responses of applause and approval. If the name of our organisation can evolve into what it is today, so, too, can the term near-death experience (NDE) transform into eternal life experience (ELE)! This is indeed about life, consciousness and ones selfhood prevailing ... and not about death! Death is an illusion ... as we've all come to realise.

I also told John about how our Nashville Friends of IANDS, (FOI), had been featured on Nashville’s biggest news station, WSMV TV, Channel 4—featuring footage of our meeting and interviews with myself and another NDEr, Paula Forget. They used my term, ‘eternal life experience’ and described us as providing hope for people concerned about death and dying… When we resumed upstairs at the board meeting, John made references to the ELE and defining one of the main missions of IANDS as, indeed, providing hope… I was very moved to think that what I had shared could, indeed, make a difference for the future of IANDS.

Kimberly Clark Sharp by abulance at IANDS 2004 Conference

Speaking of NDE/ELE, before we were to converge at the Music Institute of Chicago for Kessler’s speech, a few of us gathered for supper at the pub across the road from the hotel. We were sitting outside in the fresh late afternoon air when we suddenly heard approaching sirens screaming a deafening sound—causing me to hold my ears. A fire truck and ambulance pulled up right there at the pub and we were concerned. Something happened to someone inside the pub … and we later saw someone being lifted into the ambulance. At that very moment, we beheld a stunning double rainbow in the sky over the hotel and the sign that welcomed people to the conference of the International Association for Near-Death Studies. As it turned out, Kimberly Clark Sharp was inside the pub at the time and the only individual in the entire pub who knew how to give CPR. A woman had passed out and lost her pulse. Kim administered CPR and revived her long enough to get her to the ambulance, but then she lost her pulse once again. Kim was concerned that the lady might cross over, but she actually contacted Kim the following day, letting her know that she had, indeed, survived and was all right. The prevailing question amongst us was: did this lady have an NDE! (We never did find out, however.) Now I dare say how timely and auspicious that was!

Finally, we all made it to the pre-conference lecture by David Kessler, as he described his work with Elizabeth Kübler-Ross with whom he co-authored the book Life Lessons. As a number of people have wondered if Elizabeth is still alive, we did receive word that she did, in fact, cross over peacefully on Tuesday, 24 August, from her home at Scottsdale, Arizona. As Diane Willis, the Chicago IANDS coordinator, just stated, "Last month I spent a sad two hours with her, knowing that I wouldn't see her again, but also with happiness, knowing that she would soon be released. I'll bet she is celebrating big time on the Other Side today. Thanks to God for this very special soul." Still, her love and wisdom shine through and David is following in her footsteps.

John Fish accompanies Diane Willis on keys

Not only that, I couldn’t help but think that Diane, herself, had tapped into a deeper aspect of her own being and identity—even from past lives. Any awkward or timid aspects of Diane’s personality completely melted away as she merged with the music. She was free and she was flying! John’s sensitivity came through as he attentively played sweet passages of music that enveloped and added substance to Diane’s flute playing. Diane Willis and her wonderful team from the Chicago IANDS were the facilitators of this year’s conference—a work splendidly done!

There’s something special that I could say about virtually everyone who gave presentations and performances at the conference, but for this writing, I'm focusing on just a few—those who did music and with whom I share much common ground. Thus, I’m jumping ahead a bit now.

Christina Tourin Playing the Harp

Early Friday morning, 25 June, I entered the hotel and settled in the front of the same conference room where Diane and John had performed. This time, however, there was a very soft glow of Christmas lights on stage and the sweet ethereal sounds of the harp being played by Christina Tourin. She was speaking about her NDE in 1986 and the ensuing experiences—including a spiritually transformative experience (STE)—that later led her to develop the International Harp Therapy Programme in 1995 where she’d visit hospitals and hospices and play healing music with her harp—something she does to this day. As I listened to her speak as she described seeing a beautiful white rose unfold during her STE while she played ‘The Rose’ on the harp, tears flooded my eyes. I was so deeply moved by this and the sacredness of the message that she’d received from the Other Side. Prior to her NDE, Christina had always required a more structured means of playing music—reading sheet music, etc. … but she later was able to start playing by ear and playing spontaneously and now writing her own music.

Saturday, 26 June, the final day of the conference, I knew that this was going to be profoundly special. To start off each day of the conference, someone was asked to do an invocation and today was my turn to do the invocation. I recalled the glorious space that I was in whilst on the Other Side and I took everyone there—that space where you experience divine love enveloping you … a space where you know what unconditional love is and not just theorise about it … a space where you experience no worry or fear whatsoever … a space where you experience deep knowing … a space where you are surrounded by many beings who love you … a space where you always feel connected with the Being of Light and with others … a space where you know that you’ll never be alone … or lost … a space where only Love prevails.

After a while, people approached me—thanking me and telling me how moved and inspired they were by the invocation. Christina Tourin came up with a creative idea for us to do a CD together. Oh, the wonders never cease!

Dr. Peter Fenwick Lecturing at IANDS Conference

Soon, thereafter, it was time for our keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Fenwick, (the ‘w’ is silent), to give his presentation. Of course, I was so excited to see my fellow countryman and I can honestly say that what he had to share left me feeling inspired, uplifted and empowered … and I know I wasn’t alone in this. PMH Atwater and I sat together for Dr. Fenwick’s talk and if you could just visualise for a moment: two lassies with white shoulder-length hair animated and cheering like a couple of gleeful schoolgirls! During the course of his talk, Dr. Fenwick so rightly pointed out that science—with its limited structure, processes and thinking ‘inside the box’—can no longer explain truths and realities that have come to light in near-death and similar experiences—that which has done and continues to defy the scientific community. For example, you’ve probably heard that, when the brain is deprived of oxygen for a certain amount of time, one usually become brain-dead or, at least, permanently damaged mentally. Then, how is it that people, like myself, who’ve been in deep comatose states for long periods of time … then flatline, (losing one’s vital signs), can come back to a state that, instead of being brain dead and with permanent mental damage, etc., one is more brilliant and vibrant than before! PMH has even mentioned numerous times about child NDErs who end up with I Qs that exceed 180! As science has tried to explain away the NDE as being chemically induced by drugs or the brain, etc., Peter pointed out that the bulk of the NDE occurs during a time when there is no brain activity at all, i.e., when one flatlines or loses their vital signs! This, plus so many other things he said, had us feeling such validation and a great sense of hope for the future and what this means for the entire NDE community. It is something that I will truly never forget.

Juliet, PMH Atwater, & Peter Tufts at the IANDS 2004 Conference in Chicago

Later that day, it was time for me to introduce someone who’s been very special to me for years—someone whom I regard as my soul sister: PMH Atwater. This lady is a brilliant writer and speaker—one with a heart as big as the sun. She has become a tremendous role model for me … as I am now starting to follow in her footsteps in my own vocation centred in near-death and related experiences. She has done tremendous work for IANDS and the entire community of NDErs and researchers alike. This day, as always, she gave a tremendously informative and compelling talk … and her talks are always vibrant, animated and with her ready laughter. But today she was more serious. Today was special, as PMH had something very significant to share with all of us. “I’ve got a surprise to share with you now,” she said gently and then she paused … with tears starting to flow. I knew that this was an emotionally intense moment for her—something that would mark a turning point in her life. As she gained her composure, she spoke gently thus: “After twenty-six years of NDE research and 3,000+ adult NDErs later … I’m retiring from my work as an NDE researcher! I’ll still continue writing and speaking … but no longer doing research…”

People rose to applaud her, then IANDS vice president, Linda Jacquin, and I both rose to embrace PMH for this profoundly moving moment in the life of someone who has worked with such dedication and devotion, year after year, and now she’s reached a plateau and is ready to move onward and upward! And as an NDEr and lifelong mystic myself—one who’s always struggled to make a statement about the truth of Reality, Life, Selfhood, and consciousness existing outside and beyond the limits and confines of the physical plane—the work of people like PMH is monumental … and not to be disregarded or taken lightly. As NDErs, we are naturally curious. What happened to me? Where did I go? What makes us who we are? And on and on the questions rise—demanding answers. Now so many people who’ve had near-death and similar experiences are coming forth and declaring, “Thank God, I’m not crazy!” It is the work of people like PMH who’ve given us the ability to stand tall, own and honour our NDEs and realise that we do, indeed, live forever. This has been a tremendous feat to accomplish … and now we can take it to the next level—to integrate this deep knowing into our daily lives and to feel a great sense of peace and renewal. Our work has just begun…

Donna McCue Giving A Presentation

There were a number of presenters who had had traumatic experiences—some of which that led to an NDE—but they were later able to transmute these experiences into opportunities to be eminently creative and resourceful. Donna McCue is one such individual. A fellow psychic, Donna has taken something very painful—the abuse she experienced as a child—and created humour out of it—being a comedienne, author, speaker and consultant. I was also inspired by Kimberly Clark Sharp’s humour as well in her wonderful presentation. Both of these ladies are very special to me and I’ve learned so much from them.

Eternal life experiencers are definitely full of life! And this was clearly evidenced by those who attended this year’s IANDS conference. I can honestly say that I feel so much the richer as a result of having been there—mingling with people I’ve come to love deeply and regard as family. Throughout the conference, people were embracing one another, openly laughing and crying and feeling completely safe and loved. This was a time for great triumph for so many of us … and even for those who were not physically present at the conference. The magic and power of the ripples of love emanating from the conference will touch the far reaches of the globe and we have set in motion such healing power that will enable people everywhere to embrace and understand life in a whole new way … and be given the power to co-create with the Divine … and to finally realise that we are one with All that Is and that life is eternal.

_{© 2004 ~ Juliet Nightingale}