Having managed to get through my initial To Do list with time to spare over the past week, I'm a little more confident in my time management skills. That's a big positive for me! Also, in this week's blog I intend to use more images as a means to highlighting certain areas - the text is getting quite long! I'm not sure how I'll reduce the 10 week study notes into a 1500 word essay, but I guess the documentation is good practise for things to come. EEK!
So, last week's Random Acts of Kindness? Well, I managed five that were quickly noted down:
- Apr 24th: My father frets about the smallest things. His allotment is his pride and joy and this year he's given me a small piece of land to grow some vegetables and keep a couple of chickens. I've had a great time ploughing and planting my potato beds and all but took over his greenhouse with my seed trays ...but now that the green peas are ready to go into the ground he's been fretting as to when it'll get done, what with my full time job and study. So, even though I wanted to sew them, to prove in some strange way that I'm fully capable of growing my own produce, I decided to ask him to help me out and plant them for me. He was very pleased to get the job done and I was glad that he felt he'd helped out and also that he'd stopped fretting!
- Apr 23rd: On my way home from the initial class I stopped at Salisbury's to pick up a few things. I noticed a disabled driver struggling to place his wheelchair back in his vehicle so I offered to help. He chose to do it himself, but asked me my name before introducing himself and thanking me for my concern. I believe we both felt good about the offer.
- Apr 25th: I noticed a fellow student in my Sociology class was suffering from an injured, plastered ankle. Sharing the lift on the way out of the building I held the doors for her and engaged in conversation where she explained to me her disability and ongoing medical treatment and we briefly discussed her daily shopping difficulties and the compassion not shown by some businesses. I believe the exchange left us both with a warm feeling.
- Apr 26th: As I was driving into work, through a busy shopping complex roundabout I saw an old lady pushing a wheelchair, stopped in the central crossing reservation. I stopped my car, halting the flow of the traffic and waved them across. She waved her thanks and I felt as if I'd performed a small, but albeit good deed.
- Apr 30th: My 17 year old son had decided to complete his A-levels and then get a job, despite our past hopes that he would continue study. I've been taking him to apprenticeship tests for the past few weeks. On Sunday evening he informed us that his lack of confidence was the only thing stopping him studying but that he'd overcome it, taken career advice and contacted a number on universities re an electrical engineering BSc degree courses. Also that he'd been provisionally accepted by two establishments. I was over the moon and congratulated him. He was happy that he'd done it all off his own back and then asked my to help him with his Student Profile statements and his financial paperwork. Having taken a step back and allowed him his own choice I feel I've been rewarded by his decision. His request for my help makes me feel appreciated. All in all, it's a current high point in my relationship with my moody teenage son!
An admin aside: this Blogger web editor isn't good at allowing bulleted indentations. Hmm ...but thankfully the spellchecker makes up for it, whilst copying text from Word does seem to introduce a few spacing issues.
Dr Sartori
Did I mention we're being lectured by one of the global specialists in NDE's (Near Death Experiences)? Well now I have. Dr Sartori has her own web site and blog. Click on the links to learn about some extremely interesting stories regarding NDE and the miracles that science struggles to explain.Before I get around to detailing the second lesson I feel it's worth noting some of the background reading I picked up on after the first lesson:
The Gaia Hypothesis
This was briefly mentioned in the first class, with reference to self healing so I thought I'd do a little reading up on it. Here's a great link to the Universe Today web site entry that details an article originally published by The Guardian. This short piece as well worth reading and provides the basic premise of James Lovelock's hypothesis in easy to understand text. It also contains a link to the Daisyworld simulation, but read the initial page first then follow the link to be blinded by the proof that backs up the theory. It's a whole new way of looking at the world around us. Wahoo.In summary, James Loveluck, during part of his Life on Mars research for NASA in the 1960's, devised the Gaia Hypothesis - that planet Earth can be considered a living organism with the ability to self heal. As a surfer and someone who loves the natural environment I've never seen reason to question this; it's almost common sense to me. Yes, I participate in beach cleans and recycle all my packaging goods, but global warming seems like a pulse in the curve of the planets ongoing evolution and as such doesn't much concern me. I believe the Earth will heal itself, whatever the consequences are for mankind.
Anita Moorjani
I noticed this story on Dr Sartori's blog and thought I'd take a look at this case. Anita, as stated on her web site, "crossed over and came back". Believe it or not, and that's your choice despite the evidence, this is an incredible story. Anita was given little hope of surviving her cancer and experienced an NDE (Near Death Experience) whilst in hospital. She describes how she died, passed over and was given the choice to return to her body. She saw the true meaning of here life and that "heaven is a state, not a place." She returned and fully recovered from her illness. I'm intrigued ...and to think that before last week's lesson I was totally unaware of such life experiences!
It's all on the web site and for those who would like to read more, there are a number of Youtube interview links as well has her own book, detailing events. Just click on the image to go to the Amazon site, then Look Inside!
Dan Rhema
In another link from Dr Sartori's web site I found the story of Dan Rhema. Dan's web site explains how he contracted Dengue Fever that escalated to Spinal Meningitis by the time he was admitted to hospital. He suffered an NDE and lived to tell his story, through art. He recovered and now creates works of art as representations of his experiences. He has his own book, to complement his Internet presence. Click on the picture link below to take a look. I find his work to be emotive and descriptive - a positive shine on a traumatic experience.
The three topics, aside from the course material have provided me with some great background information and examples of the natural healing process that science so plainly struggles to interpret. The latter examples are proof positive that NDE's cannot easily be explained in scientific terms and demand more investigation goes into this field of research
...and that leads nicely onto session 2, yesterdays second class.
30th April 2012 - Week 2
Classroom Notes
Following Dr. Sartori's flying visit to speak at the Final Passages: Near Death and the Experience of Dying conference in Wisconsin last week - oh to be so lucky - we were treated to a brief overview of the event. The events were recorded and will appear on the conference web site soon. Take a look. There's very many interesting aspects to consider.
We quickly moved on to discuss one of the main contributors, Dr. Stanislav Grof. Here's a link to his web site and profile.
Dr. Grof is a psychiatrist and pioneer of the research into the healing powers of transformative and "non-ordinary states of consciousness." His work dates back to the 1960's when he played a leading part in exposing the benefits of the controlled prescription of LSD. There's heaps to talk about and discuss around the subject, but we only referenced his work with regard to consciousness. Feel free to use the links to delve deeper. I know I'll be reading into this a lot more over the next few days.
Another attendee who was briefly discussed was Peter Russell. Here's a link to his web site and profile. In his own words, his latest book tells the story "...of Peter Russell's lifelong exploration into the nature of consciousness. Blending physics, psychology, and philosophy, he leads us to a new worldview in which consciousness is a fundamental quality of creation. He shows how all the ingredients for this worldview are in place; nothing new needs to be discovered. We have only to put the pieces together and explore the new picture of reality that emerges."
...and so to this week's presentation,
After Death, Then What? NDE's in a Hospital Context
Dr. Sartori was pleased to be able to present her own PowerPoint slide show and discuss the issues which she's been researching and studying with regard to NDE's - Near Death Experiences.What happens when we die?
When the brain shuts down and loses it's electrical impulses and the heart stops beating Science states we have died. NDE's can occur when the heart has stopped and also when it hasn't yet failed.
Dr. Raymond Moody coined the term 'NDE' in his 1975 book, "Life After Life". Check out this link to the Amazon book site to take a 'look inside' should you wish to know more on his work.
Components of an NDE
People who've undergone a Near Death Experience have commonly stated:
- Even though they are unable to communicate, some have been able to listen and hear news from the medical staff, informing relatives or colleagues that they they are close to death.
- Some have a full life review - key memories are played out before them; life 'flashes before their eyes'.
- OBE's - some people experience Out of Body Experiences and have been able to recall looking down on their bodies and the room around them. They believe that when this happens the 'real them' is the one looking down, not the body on the bed.
- Some people state they have a tunnel and light experience i.e. they are going down a tunnel towards a bright light. Some report being 'magnetically' drawn down the tunnel.
- Common feelings of peace and calm, the pain having gone away.
- Some people experience being in beautiful gardens when they move into the light.
- People have recalled meeting deceased friends and relatives, who commonly come to help them on their journey, or to send them back.
- Meeting a being of light. This is usually associated with different cultures and religions.
- Telepathic communication - non verbal conversation - occurs with this figure.
- There has been a barrier, or recognised point of no return. Patients have recounted having their own choice as to whether or not to cross over. Also, some people have reached this point only to be informed by a figure, friend or relative that it is not yet their time and they have been sent back with no choice in the matter.
- Upon coming back into their body, people have described the process as floating gently down, or as just waking up from a sleep, or having re-entered very fast, through the top of the head.
- Transformation - all people who have survived an NDE have been transformed in the way they live their lives, as described below. The experience has been so powerful that they are unable to resume their lives with their previous outlooks and lifestyles.
Harrowing NDE's
Studies (by Bush and Grayson: web link) have shown that approx. 14% of NDE's are described as frightening, in one of the following ways
- Frightening, out of control feelings.
- Being in a void - total blackness with anxious feelings of being alone and of being trapped.
- Hellish experiences e.g. desolate landscapes, demonic beings, frightening animals.
The Transformation - Positive After Affects of an NDE
As mentioned above, people who recover from NDE's most always are transformed by the experience. Commonly,
- No fear of death. they don't feel superhuman, just that they are accepting of their future demise.
- They are more tolerant towards other people, whereas in the past they wouldn't have been.
- Similarly they are more compassionate and loving towards others.
- No longer materialistic. New cars, the latest gadgets and luxury houses do not concern them.
- Status is no longer important - top jobs and high profile roles seem irrelevant.
- Some people experience sensitivity to electrical equipment e.g. phones, laptops and light bulbs go faulty when they come into regular contact with them.
- Some people describe they have the ability to heal others by touch.
- More psychic - the ability to read peoples thoughts and predict their actions.
- All receive a huge psychological boost that results in them wanting to live much more purposeful lives, seeking out new goals and experiences.
- Become more, or less spiritual or religious in their beliefs.
Hence, whilst I'm intrigued and keen to learn more, I'm already a firm believer in the above properties. Aside, the following questions can still be asked:
Are NDE's the Affect of a Dying Brain?
Dr. Sartori conducted prolonged research in this area, questioning the frequency of incidents. Also, questioning whether an NDE is the same as an hallucination? I hope we go further into this in the future. Until then...
Can an OBE be verified? An experiment
During her time in the hospital Dr Sartori interviewed and studied many cases of NDE's. She heard detailed descriptions of Out of Body Experiences that recounted exact circumstances - this fact alone, suggests Science cannot presently explain such events. In one experiment she placed a number of dayglo message notes on top of high apparatus, so that they could not been seen from the ground or bed, in the hope that an NDE'ers who may experience an OBE would possibly discover them. Unfortunately in this was never successful during the test period, but for me, the facts remain!
Summary of Studies
- It's clear that Science cannot presently explain an NDE.
- Frequency, incidents and facts dictate that NDE's can no longer be ignored or 'explained away' by the medical fraternity.
- Science must be revised for NDE's to be explained.
- As such, professional recognition and further research into NDE's is critical.
"Research on Near Death Experiences (NDE): The Findings and a Case from an Intensive Care Prospective Study" - Penny Sartori, Ph.D.
The video presentation shows Dr. Sartori putting a great deal more information around the above notes, as well as bravely taking on audience questions.
This Week's To Do List:
- Note down my personal thoughts and update my blog - done; your reading it!
- Read around the subject, at Dr. Sartori's blog.
- Order Peter Russell's book and peruse at leisure.
- email Dr. Sartori for suggested Reading List.
- email DACE administrators with positive feedback on two lessons to-date.
- File notes.
- Continue to commit random acts of kindness.
OOF, so many lists! I seem to have a short work list most days now! So this is what I failed to recall, or maybe was never organised enough to do in my past studies. It certainly helps focus my mind and contributes hugely to effective time management - a critical skill given I'm working full time and helping run the home, whilst still helping run the local Scouts troop and eek out a little free 'me time' for reading and mountain biking ...and talking to my chickens!
It's all good :-)
Wow Mark, you've really been working hard!! I'm impressed by your blog. I loved reading your random acts of kindness too - keep it up!
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