Happenings Newsletter
September 2024
24Q3V2
Dr. Jeffrey Long
A new publication by Jeffrey Long, MD and Marjorie Woollacott, is the largest study on the aftereffects of near-death experiences ever published. It appears in the September-October edition of the peer-reviewed journal Explore:
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S155083072400137X)
The study is now archived in the National Library of Medicine:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38996518/
An author of the study, "Long-term Transformational Effects of Near-Death Experiences," I am deeply committed to exploring the profound and lasting changes that individuals experience following near-death experiences (NDEs). This research, involving 834 participants who have undergone NDEs and 42 individuals who faced life-threatening events (LTEs) without NDEs, sheds light on the unique transformative power of these experiences.
One of the most significant findings in my study is the profound shift in values and spiritual beliefs that often accompanies an NDE. Individuals who experienced
NDEs reported a remarkable increase in their belief in God and the afterlife. In fact, belief in God almost doubled, from 37% to 72%, and belief in the afterlife surged from 25% to 84%. These shifts in worldview underscore the depth of the spiritual awakening that NDEs can trigger. By contrast, those who faced life-threatening events without experiencing an NDE showed only modest changes in their beliefs.
Another critical finding is the substantial reduction in the fear of death among those who experienced an NDE. Many participants reported a newfound understanding of death, viewing it not as an end but as a transition. The percentage of NDE survivors who no longer feared death rose dramatically from 13% to 77%. In comparison, individuals who survived life-threatening events without an NDE saw only a smaller reduction in fear, from 36% to 55%. This striking difference highlights the deep, comforting insight that NDEs provide into the nature of death.
Beyond spiritual beliefs and fear of death, NDEs also foster significant changes in how individuals approach life and their relationships with others. Many participants described a newfound sense of interconnectedness with others, a deeper empathy, and a heightened compassion for those around them. Compassionate behavior increased substantially, with 78% of NDE survivors reporting enhanced compassion compared to just 25% before their experience. This shift toward a more altruistic and loving approach to life is one of the most inspiring outcomes of NDEs.
In addition to these psychological and spiritual transformations, NDEs often lead individuals to reevaluate their life priorities. Many participants expressed a shift away from materialism and superficial concerns, focusing instead on the meaningful aspects of life, such as relationships, love, and spirituality. This reorientation of values often results in a simpler, more fulfilling way of living, where inner peace and connection with others take precedence over the pursuit of material wealth.
What makes these findings especially powerful is the clear contrast between those who experienced NDEs and those who did not. While both groups faced life-threatening situations, only those who experienced an NDE reported such significant, long-lasting changes in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. This suggests that the near-death experience itself, not merely the proximity to death, plays a crucial role in catalyzing these profound transformations.
In conclusion, the research demonstrates that NDEs are not just fleeting moments of spiritual insight. They are life-altering experiences that fundamentally reshape how individuals perceive the world, their purpose, and their relationships with others. These transformations are long-lasting, providing individuals with a renewed sense of purpose, love, and peace. Through this study, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the powerful, positive impact NDEs can have on those who experience them.
Jody Long
WE NEED A HERO
While that may sound a bit tired from theatrical overuse, sometimes we need to be reminded of who the real hero might be. I'd say that right now with the increasing polarity that our hero is you and your soul.
In all the times of great tribulation, the devils get bigger and the angels much larger. But duality is part of what we came to earth to experience. It helps us clarify who we are and what we need to do for one of the greatest tests of our lifetime.
History tells us a lot about why people fight. Surviving World War I, World War II, and the Depression gave the name to those survivors as the "Greatest Generation." But I think one of the most telling of these devastations is the heroes on both sides.
What did those people have to do to reach inside of themselves and become the very best they could possibly be under the worst circumstances they found themselves in.
What was their soul purpose?
What if I throw out the name of Erwin Rommel? Many people won't recognize his name, but many people will remember him as one of Hitler's top generals who was in charge of the North African campaign and that he went by the name of the "Desert Fox." Just as General Robert E. Lee was lauded for his tactical brilliance in the face of enormous odds, little food or supplies, and responsibility for many lives; the same was true for Rommel. Even though Rommel was part of the Nazi regime, and initially "drank the reason-blinding cool-aid" so to speak, he held to strong moral principles and even died for helping in a foiled assassination attempt when he realized what a crazy-man Hitler had become.
A hero is confronted with many choices; and many times, must choose between a bad outcome or an even worse one. Sometimes, it means that there are no winners. But, the soul isn't judged on what the winners think or how history is spun. It actually depends on how loving is the heart-choice and the lessons learned from the decision.
As we wade through this time where people are between a rock and a hard spot, look into your own heart. Think of ways to be more loving and compassionate to as many people as possible. Go back to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. Before they can think of more abstract concepts, their base needs have to be taken care of. Food and shelter are the most important. Being unkind to a starving person, or ignoring people with dirty water to drink, or those who are addicts, makes no sense. They are tests of the soul. What are we going to do when we are confronted with such realities?
Consider a plan. Consider that it is rare to be able to help someone unless you help yourself first. Look at your strengths and your weaknesses. Do you have a way to minimize triggers while maximizing your gifts you have?
Many people can benefit from meditation. Meditation can lead to strength and positive feelings. It also can help you discover your soul purpose. What is it you have come here to learn? Can you stay loving and firmly resolved to do the right thing in the face of adversity? When we are able to understand some soul-truths, then it makes sense to have a plan or put yourself in a position to help others.
Whatever you do, try to look at this part of your life without fear. Excessive fear will keep you bound to the negative part of earth because the higher rational mind cannot make good choices. Turn off the news. Surround yourselves with good friends. Focus on parts of life that reduce the drama in your surroundings. Walks outside in safe areas help relieve stress. Find that knowledge within yourself and become the hero through preparation, proper choices, and plenty of loving kindness.
Can we become the next Greatest Generation? We certainly have the chessboard set up to become
the best we can be.
Namaste, much love and peace,
Jody Long