Podcasts > This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von > E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

By Theo Von

Dive into the enigmatic realm of near-death experiences (NDEs) with this episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, featuring Dr. Jeffrey Long's compelling insights. Drawing from an extensive database of over 5,000 cases, Long uncovers a world where consistent patterns and common elements challenge the boundaries of our traditional understanding of consciousness and reality. Journey through the surprising revelations of NDEs—from otherworldly journeys and veridical perceptions to brushes with a realm pure in peace and love, defying every cultural and religious preconception.

This episodic conversation also explores the profound impact NDEs have on the human psyche, with empahsis on the inexplicable decisions faced by individuals at the brink of existence—whether to remain in the comforting embrace of the unearthly or return to their worldly lives. Long presents an NDE perspective where the essence of life is eternal, love is paramount, and every action reverberates throughout the continuum of a collective consciousness. Open your mind to Dr. Long's thought-provoking examples, each weaving a narrative that suggests a cosmic significance of our earthly sojourn.

E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

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E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

1-Page Summary

Near-death experiences are consistent and display common elements

Jeffrey Long's research into over 5,000 near-death experiences (NDEs) reveals a logical and consistent pattern, regardless of cultural or religious background. Typical elements include out-of-body experiences, tunnel travel, and encounters with a brilliant light, often occurring during unconsciousness or clinical death, states where consciousness and memory formation should theoretically not be possible. He reports instances of veridical perceptions where individuals observed events beyond the reach of their physical senses, providing strong evidence for the reality of NDEs. Long argues against skepticism, presenting cases of accurate out-of-body observations by very young children and a blind woman, indicative of genuine experiences that defy conventional understanding of human consciousness.

Near-death experiencers encounter unearthly realms of great beauty and intense feelings of peace, love and unity

Long's findings suggest those who undergo NDEs consistently describe encounters with realms characterized by intense peace, love, and a profound sense of unity. Joyful reunions with deceased loved ones, including pets, are common, where earthly conflicts seem inconsequential. Experiencers express feelings of overwhelming contentment and an omnipresent love that dissolves any past grievances, indicating a transcendence of earthly troubles in these unearthly realms.

There is overwhelming free will and choice for near-death experiencers about staying or returning

During an NDE, individuals face the pivotal decision to stay in the peaceful unearthly realm or return to earthly life. Most are tempted to stay, compelled by the profound peace and love they feel. A key factor in their decision is the reassurance about their loved ones' eventual well-being, liberating them from the worry of leaving family and friends behind. This reassurance supports the inclination to remain in a state of serenity, understanding that any separation is temporary.

Descriptions of God are beyond human conception

Encounters with a divine presence, often identified as God, during NDEs are consistently described as defying human language and conception. Experiencers report an all-encompassing love that feels like a return to a true home, provoking an intense sensation of oneness with everything. Far from traditional individualistic religious concepts, the experiences hint at an understanding of life anchored in unity and unconditional love. Long suggests these insights should inspire a life lived with compassion, emphasizing that unity and love are the highest lessons from NDEs, guiding us toward recognition of our eternal and infinite nature.

Earthly existence has great meaning and purpose

Long concludes that NDEs profoundly alter individuals' perspective on life, emphasizing the deep significance of our earthly lessons for our souls and for eternity. These experiences illuminate human existence within an eternal context, suggesting that our lives are momentary parts of a larger, infinite picture. Love and relationships are pivotal, with enduring consequences that go beyond present comprehension. He introduces the concept of a collective consciousness, proposing that our choices have lasting effects on our soul and the universal community. Long's work conveys the ethos that life is a fleeting segment of an everlasting journey, with our current actions echoing into infinity.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Veridical perceptions in near-death experiences are instances where individuals report accurate observations of events or details that occurred while they were unconscious or clinically dead, beyond what their physical senses could perceive. These experiences provide compelling evidence for the reality of near-death experiences, as they suggest a form of consciousness that exists independently of the physical body. Veridical perceptions challenge conventional scientific explanations and raise questions about the nature of consciousness and the mind's capabilities. These accounts often involve details that the individual could not have known through normal sensory channels, suggesting a potential link between consciousness and non-physical realms.
  • During near-death experiences (NDEs), individuals often report encountering deceased loved ones. These reunions are described as joyful and filled with intense feelings of peace, love, and unity. The presence of deceased loved ones during NDEs can provide comfort and reassurance to the experiencers, contributing to their overall positive experience during these profound events. These encounters with deceased loved ones are a common element in NDEs and are often described as transformative and deeply meaningful.
  • The concept of enduring consequences of love and relationships beyond present comprehension suggests that the impact of our connections with others may extend far beyond what we can currently understand. It implies that the effects of our relationships and the love we share may have profound and lasting implications that transcend our immediate understanding. This idea hints at a deeper significance to our interactions with others, indicating that the influence of love and relationships could have far-reaching effects that resonate throughout eternity. The notion underscores the belief that the connections we form and the love we give and receive play a crucial role in shaping our souls and the broader universal community.

Counterarguments

  • The consistency of NDE elements could be attributed to common physiological responses to trauma and the dying process rather than an actual spiritual or otherworldly experience.
  • Cultural and media influences may shape the content of NDEs, leading to the reporting of similar experiences across different individuals.
  • Veridical perceptions reported during NDEs could sometimes be explained by heightened sensory awareness or unconscious perception of the environment, rather than proof of an out-of-body experience.
  • The feelings of peace and encounters with deceased loved ones could be a psychological comfort mechanism triggered by the brain in life-threatening situations.
  • The choice to return from an NDE could be influenced by the brain's survival instincts rather than a conscious decision-making process in an unearthly realm.
  • Descriptions of divine encounters may be ineffable due to the limitations of human language and cognition, rather than evidence of an actual encounter with a divine presence.
  • The profound changes in perspective following an NDE could result from the psychological impact of facing mortality, rather than insights gained from a transcendental experience.
  • The concept of a collective consciousness and the eternal significance of earthly actions could be philosophical or metaphysical interpretations rather than empirical facts derived from NDEs.

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E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

Near-death experiences are consistent and display common elements

Jeffrey Long's extensive research into near-death experiences (NDEs) suggests a remarkable consistency in the reports of these events, which challenges the understanding of consciousness and perception.

Out-of-body experiences are commonly reported, with accurate observations in an out-of-body state

Veridical perceptions during out-of-body experiences provide strong evidence that near-death experiences are real

Jeffrey Long, who has researched over 5,000 cases of near-death experiences, notes that there is a logical and consistent pattern to these experiences, which typically include elements like out-of-body experiences, traveling through a tunnel, and encountering an unearthly light. These experiences occur under conditions such as unconsciousness or clinical death, where lucid consciousness and memory formation should be impossible.

Jeffrey Long dismisses the skeptic's view that NDEs are simply reflections of pre-existing beliefs, emphasizing that even very young children, culturally uninformed about religion or afterlife, report NDEs with content that's statistically similar to those reported by adults. Confirming the universality of NDEs, Long’s research encompasses a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds, demonstrating similar experiences across cultures.

Jeffrey Long's investigations include compelling cases where individuals have reported accurate details during out-of-body experiences that they could not have possibly observed through normal sensory perception. For instance, a woman who was severely injured in a horse-riding accident described verifiable events that occurred more than a mile away from her physical body, and Vicki, a blind person, could see her ...

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Near-death experiences are consistent and display common elements

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Veridical perceptions in the context of near-death experiences (NDEs) refer to accurate and specific details observed by individuals during out-of-body experiences that they could not have perceived through normal sensory means. These perceptions, often reported with remarkable precision, provide compelling evidence for the authenticity of NDEs as genuine phenomena. They challenge conventional explanations as they occur when the brain is typically incapable of sensory input, such as during clinical death or under general anesthesia. The presence of veridical perceptions supports the argument that consciousness may operate independently of the physical body, sparking discussions about human consciousness and the potential for an afterlife.
  • Lucid consciousness in the context of near-death experiences (NDEs) refers to a state where individuals report clear awareness and perception despite being in a situation where conventional consciousness would be expected to be impaired or absent. Memory formation during NDEs involves the ability of individuals to recall detailed experiences and events that occurred during their near-death state, even though these experiences occurred when the brain was believed to be non-functional. This challenges conventional understanding as these memories are formed without the typical brain processes associated with memory consolidation.
  • The skeptic's view of near-death experiences (NDEs) often suggests that these experiences can be explained by physiological or psychological factors rather than supernatural or paranormal explanations. Skeptics may argue that NDEs are hallucinations or illusions triggered by the brain under extreme conditions, such as during trauma or near-death situations. They may also propose that cultural influences, personal beliefs, or expectations can shape the content of NDEs, leading to common themes across different individuals' experiences. Skeptics typically advocate for scientific scrutiny and empirical evidence to understand NDEs within the framework of known cognitive processes and brain functions.
  • General anesthesia is a medical technique that induces a state of unconsciousness in a patient, making them unresponsive to pain. It involves administering specific medications to achieve this effect, often used during surgeries or in c ...

Counterarguments

  • NDEs may show consistency because of common human brain physiology and psychology, not because they are evidence of an afterlife.
  • Out-of-body experiences could be hallucinations produced by the brain under extreme stress or lack of oxygen.
  • Veridical perceptions reported during NDEs may be due to information gathered subconsciously before the event or could be embellished or altered in memory after the fact.
  • The elements commonly reported in NDEs, such as traveling through a tunnel or encountering light, could be culturally influenced or based on widespread narratives about what an NDE is supposed to entail.
  • The fact that NDEs occur under conditions where consciousness and memory formation should be impossible does not necessarily validate them as supernatural; it may point to gaps in our understanding of brain function in extreme conditions.
  • Children's reports of NDEs could be influenced by their environment and the information they have been exposed to, even indirectly.
  • The universality of NDEs across cultures could be due to the universal nature of human neurology and the common ways humans process life-threatening events.
  • Accurate details reported during out-of-body experiences could sometimes be coincidences, or the result of leading questions during the recollection process.
  • Sh ...

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E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

Near-death experiencers encounter unearthly realms of great beauty and intense feelings of peace, love and unity

Long discusses the commonalities in the experiences of those who have survived near-death. Overwhelmingly, experiencers describe the unearthly realms as peaceful and loving, conveying a profound sense of unity and connection that transcends earthly troubles.

Deceased loved ones, including pets, are joyfully reunited with near-death experiencers

During these near-death encounters, individuals often report joyous reunions with those who have passed on, including beloved pets. Despite any earthly strains or resentments, Long emphasizes that these issues become non-existent in the afterlife setting of a near-death experience. Survivors describe overwhelming feelings of peace and love, suggesting all past gr ...

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Near-death experiencers encounter unearthly realms of great beauty and intense feelings of peace, love and unity

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound personal experiences reported by people who have come close to death. These experiences often involve feelings of peace, love, and unity, as well as encounters with deceased loved ones. Despite cultural and individual differences, NDEs frequently share common elements such as a sense of leaving the physical body, moving through a tunnel or towards a light, and experiencing a life review. Researchers study NDEs to understand consciousness, spirituality, and the nature of human existence beyond the physical realm.
  • Near-death experiencers often describe unearthly realms as peaceful, loving, and filled with a sense of unity and connection that surpasses earthly concerns. These realms are reported to be beautiful and serene, providing a profound sense of tranquility and harmony. Experiencers often feel a deep connection to a higher power or universal consciousness in these realms. The experiences in these realms are often described as transcendent and beyond the limitations of physical existence.
  • In near-death experiences, individuals often report reuniting with deceased loved ones, including pets. These reunions are described as joyous and filled with overwhelming feelings of peace and love. Despite any past conflicts or issues, near-death experiencers feel a profound sense of unity and connection with their departed loved ones. The intense emotions experienced during these reunions often lead to a sense of letting go of earthly grievances and embracing a deep sense of love and unity.
  • In the context of near-death experiences, the resolution of earthly issues and grievance ...

Counterarguments

  • The experiences described could be the result of physiological changes in the brain during life-threatening situations, such as the release of endorphins or other neurochemicals that induce feelings of peace and euphoria.
  • There is no empirical evidence to suggest that the realms described in near-death experiences (NDEs) are objectively real; they could be hallucinations or constructs of the mind.
  • Cultural and personal beliefs may shape the content of NDEs, suggesting that they are not uniform experiences of an afterlife but rather influenced by the experiencer's expectations and background.
  • The consistency of NDE reports could be due to the influence of popular culture and media, which often depict afterlife experiences in a similar way, leading to confirmation bias in the recounting of these experiences.
  • The feeling of unity and the presence of deceased loved ones could be a psychological coping mechanism triggered by the brain in response to extreme stress or the prospect of death.
  • Scientific studies have shown that similar experiences can be induced in healthy individuals through various means, such as psychedelic drugs ...

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E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

There is overwhelming free will and choice for near-death experiencers about staying or returning

Jeff Long discusses the profound decision that individuals encounter during near-death experiences (NDEs): whether to remain in the enchanting unearthly realm or to return to their earthly existence.

Most choose to stay due to the intense peace and love

In the depth of an NDE, the overwhelming majority of people are inclined to remain due to the powerful feelings of peace and love they encounter. The intoxicating allure of the unearthly realm's tranquility often makes the choice to stay there irresistible.

They are told their loved ones left behind will be alright

One significant factor contributing to the pull of staying is the reassurance experiencers receive about the well-being of their loved ones they would leave behind ...

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There is overwhelming free will and choice for near-death experiencers about staying or returning

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • During near-death experiences (NDEs), individuals report profound and transformative experiences when they are close to death. These experiences often involve feelings of peace, love, and a sense of being in an unearthly realm. Decision-making during NDEs can involve a choice between staying in this peaceful realm or returning to earthly life. Experiencers may receive reassurance about the well-being of their loved ones left behind, which can influence their decision to stay in the unearthly realm.
  • In the context of near-death experiences (NDEs), the "enchanting unearthly realm" typically describes the otherworldly or spiritual dimension that individuals report encountering during their NDEs. This realm is often described as a place of profound peace, love, and tranquility, distinct from the physical world. Experiencers may encounter beautiful landscapes, encounter deceased loved ones, or feel a sense of connection to a higher power in this realm. It is a subjective experience that varies among individuals but is commonly associated with feelings of serenity and a sense of being in a different reality.
  • The idea that the burden of deciding to stay in a serene afterlife is alleviated by the knowledge of temporary separation from loved ones suggests that the comfort of knowing their loved ones will eventually join them ...

Counterarguments

  • The experiences and choices during NDEs are subjective and may not be representative of all individuals who go through such events.
  • The feeling of wanting to stay could be influenced by the brain's chemical responses to trauma or the dying process, rather than an actual choice presented in an afterlife scenario.
  • The reassurance about loved ones being alright could be a psychological coping mechanism to deal with the stress of a near-death situation, rather than a genuine communication from an unearthly realm.
  • The interpretation of NDEs is heavily influenced by cultural and personal beliefs, which can shape the experience and the perceived choices available to the individual.
  • Scientific evidence for the existence of fr ...

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E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

Descriptions of God are beyond human conception

Jeffrey Long engages in a profound discussion about near-death experiences (NDEs), emphasizing that people who have them often encounter an entity or presence that is beyond human language and conception, often referred to as "God."

A message of unconditional love emanates from near-death experiences

During these NDEs, individuals report feeling enveloped in an overwhelming love, which is likened to the intensity of feeling welcomed back to a place they can regard as home—a place indicative of an unconditional love reminiscent of the unity felt in a meaningful hug.

There is an intense feeling of oneness with all

The most consistent theme in near-death experiences, according to Long, is this sensation of unity and oneness, which he describes as "ultra love". Experiencers often report a 360-degree or spherical vision that suggests an intense feeling of oneness with all, though this was not directly linked to God or unconditional love. This sense of unity and oneness, described by those who have faced NDEs, deviates from traditional Western concepts of an individualistic religious experience.

Jeffrey Long emphasizes that these experiences should influence how life is lived—highlighting the importance of living with consid ...

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Descriptions of God are beyond human conception

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A near-death experience (NDE) is a profound personal experience often associated with death or near-death situations. These experiences can involve sensations like detachment from the body, feelings of peace, joy, and encounters with light or deceased loved ones. NDEs are subjective events that occur during a period of reversible clinical death, and they have been reported by a significant number of individuals worldwide. Researchers study NDEs from various perspectives, including scientific and religious viewpoints, to understand the nature of these extraordinary encounters.
  • Jeffrey Long is an American physician and author known for his research on near-death experiences (NDEs). He founded the Near Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF) in 1998 to doc ...

Counterarguments

  • The interpretations of near-death experiences are subjective and may be influenced by cultural and personal beliefs.
  • The consistency of NDE reports could be due to common human brain responses to trauma or near-death rather than an actual spiritual or divine encounter.
  • The feelings of love and unity experienced during NDEs could be explained by neurochemical changes in the brain during life-threatening situations.
  • The concept of God being beyond human conception could be a way to rationalize the inability to provide empirical evidence for such an entity's existence.
  • The emphasis on unity and love as lessons from NDEs may not resonate with all cultural or religious perspectives, which may have different interpretations of the afterlife and moral values.
  • The use of NDEs to draw conclusions about life and existence assumes that these experiences are representative of an afterlife or a spiritual truth, which is not a universally accepted premise.
  • The idea that life should be about unity and unconditional love, while positive, may oversimplify complex social, ethical, an ...

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E479 Near-Death Experience Expert Dr. Jeffrey Long

Earthly existence has great meaning and purpose

Jeffrey Long's research reveals dramatic transformations in those who have experienced near-death experiences (NDEs), deeply impacting their view of life's significance.

Life lessons here profoundly impact our souls and those of others for eternity

NDEs can reshape one's understanding of existence and the importance of life's lessons, effectively influencing how experiencers and others view the meaning of life.

Near-death experiences reveal that life is the tiniest slice of our eternal existence

Jeffrey Long explores the concept of human existence within an eternal framework, illuminated by insights from near-death experiences.

From Long's account of a woman with Hodgkin Lymphoma who, during her NDE, understood the significance of her choice to return to life or to pass on, it is evident that NDEs can have a tremendous impact on one's earthly journey. Such an account highlights the deep interconnection between our earthly actions and our eternal soul's trajectory.

Long's NDE research indicates that the lessons learned about love and relationships on Earth have an importance that extends far beyond our current understanding. He suggests that the perspectives and understandings gained in the afterlife may alter our view of existential concerns, within a realm where love and unity dominate.

Drawing a parallel, Theo Von describes his psychedelic experiences—though distinct from NDEs—as moments where mundane matters feel trivial, yet simultaneously suggesting that living life has enduring consequences.

Jeffrey Long further discusses the notion of old and young souls, alluding to the idea that earthly existence is but a fragment of an ongoing journey and that experiences here contribute to a larger voyage of the soul.

He also stresses that the relationships and experiences of humanity contribute to shared, collective consciousness. He posits that love and actions in the physical world carry weight that echoes through eternity, influencing both the individual and collective soul.

Long delves into the notion of a shared consciousness, proposing our earthly expressions of love and the choices made ripple through eternity with substa ...

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Earthly existence has great meaning and purpose

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound events where individuals come close to death and often report a range of extraordinary sensations and insights. These experiences can lead to a fundamental shift in how individuals perceive life, death, and the purpose of existence. NDEs can challenge conventional beliefs about reality and the nature of consciousness, prompting individuals to reevaluate their priorities and values. Through NDEs, people may gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the enduring significance of the lessons learned during their earthly existence.
  • Earthly experiences are believed to shape the soul's growth and development over multiple lifetimes, according to spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Each experience, lesson, and interaction in this life is thought to contribute to the evolution and enlightenment of the soul on a broader spiritual journey. This concept suggests that the challenges and joys we face in our current existence have significance beyond the immediate, influencing the soul's progression towards higher states of consciousness. The idea is rooted in the belief that the soul's journey extends far beyond a single lifetime, with each earthly experience playing a role in its ultimate evolution.
  • Relationships and experiences in humanity contribute to a shared, collective consciousness by suggesting that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected and have a ripple effect on the broader consciousness of society. This concept implies that the energy and intentions we put out into the world can influence not only our individual experiences but also the overall consciousness of humanity. It proposes that there is a shared pool of knowledge, emotions, and experiences that individuals tap into, shaping and influencing the collective mindset. This idea underscores the interconnected nature of human existence and how our interactions and relationships can impact the greater whole of society's consciousness.
  • Consciousness persisting after the physical body ceases to function is a concept often discussed in the context of near-death experiences (NDEs). Some individuals who have had NDEs report experiences where they feel conscious even when their body is clinically dead. This phenomenon challenges traditional views of consciousness being solely dependent on brain activity and r ...

Counterarguments

  • The transformative effects of NDEs on individuals' perceptions of life's meaning are subjective and may not be universally applicable.
  • The interpretation of NDEs is heavily influenced by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs, which can lead to varying conclusions about their significance.
  • The idea that life is a small part of our eternal existence is a belief that cannot be empirically proven and is not accepted by all philosophical or scientific viewpoints.
  • The impact of NDEs on one's earthly journey and soul is based on anecdotal evidence and lacks rigorous scientific validation.
  • The assertion that lessons about love and relationships have lasting importance beyond our earthly existence presupposes the existence of an afterlife, which is a matter of faith rather than fact.
  • The concept of earthly experiences contributing to a larger journey of the soul is a spiritual perspective that may not resonate with those who hold a materialistic or non-spiritual worldview.
  • The idea of a shared, collective consciousness is a philosophical and metaphysical concept that is not universally accepted and remains a topic of debate.
  • The belief that love and actions have eternal consequences assumes a moral framework that extends beyond physical life, which is not a ...

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