What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Consciousness
For centuries, people who came close to death have returned with stories that sound beyond belief . They describe floating above their bodies, moving through tunnels of light, encountering loved ones who have already passed, or experiencing a profound sense of peace. These near-death experiences (NDEs) challenge our understanding of consciousness and raise one of humanity’s oldest questions: what happens when we die? The Common Elements of NDEs Although every near-death experience is unique, researchers have found striking similarities across cultures and time periods. Common themes include: Out-of-body experiences (OBEs): A feeling of leaving one’s body, often described with extraordinary clarity. The tunnel and light: Many people report moving through a tunnel toward a radiant light. Encounters with beings: Some describe meeting deceased relatives, spiritual figures, or beings of pure energy. Life review: A panoramic replay of one’s life events, oft...