NDE Aftereffects

It is not unreasonable to say, that if it weren't for the aftereffects of the Near Death Experience, it would merely be a mildly interesting diversion, rather than something that has the power to literally change the world.

If the NDE is one thing it is ineffable and indescribable. Words simply don't exist in any language to get across what it the experience is like. Because of this it can be hard for others to understand the awesomely transformative power of the NDE. Indeed, such is the power of the NDE, that a comparatively limited one, such as that of Douglas Bader.

This transformative power, however, becomes clear once one compares the "before" and "after" effects of the NDE, as reported not only by experiments, but by those closely involved in their lives.

While all their lists might differ slightly, the major researchers agree that the following aftereffects are common.

Loss of the Fear of Death

Perhaps unsurprisingly, an overwhelming number of NDE experiants report that they no longer fear death. While they may fear the cause of death, because of the potential for pain, they say that death itself holds no concern. Having experienced death first hand, they don't fear returning.

Increase in Spirituality, Decrease in Religiosity

Once again, it is perhaps unsurprising that having experienced what is for most a profound spiritual experience that experiants become more spiritual. Having said this, however, it should be noted that as a rule they tend to adhere less to the rigid dogma of religious belief, embracing instead a more holistic, tolerant faith than that of established religious organizations. This is generally true, even if the experiant claimed to have met a religious figure, such as Jesus, during their NDE.

More open and loving, less materialistic.

Many experiants return with suffused with the unconditional love that they encountered from the spirit people they met, or their encounter with the Light. Accordingly, they themselves become more loving of those they meet. This often takes the form of unconditional love toward others(P.M.H Atwater uses the Greek word "Agape"), rather than the personal love that many have experienced until that point.

In conjunction with this more loving attitude is an overall decrease in materialism. Generally, experiants indicate that they are now more aware of what is really important (ie love and people), so material possessions are no longer a key focus. "You can't take it with you", seems to be a guiding philosophy.

Loss of Boundaries and Increased Intuitive Thinking

Upon return, many experiants find that they are now unable to connect with the mundane rules, limits and codes of conduct that have ruled their lives until then. This is complemented by an increase in intuitional thinking, where rules and the normal logic no longer apply.

Increase Psychic Experiences

Controversially (for non-experiants and skeptics anyway), many people who have had an NDE report an increase in psychic phenomenon. This can include the full range of psychic phenomena including a sense living the future before it occurs(as distinct from Deja Vu), to being aware of events that are taking place elsewhere, as they actually occur.