NDEs are the deepest events marking the lives of those who experience them. These have usually been described as moments of crystalline clarity about life, death, and the nature of existence, which is very seldom attainable through available means. Many individuals who come close to death return with a newfound sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what gives life meaning. Such experiences change perspectives, values, and priorities in profound ways.
Many of the people who have had NDEs described bright lights, feelings of peace, and sometimes even the presence of loved ones who have died. Sometimes such experiences transcend the physical world and give those who survive a glimpse of something greater than everyday life. While each NDE may be somewhat different from another, certain common themes emerge from them, there being much to learn for the rest of us who live a life day in and day out.
Following are seven powerful lessons that people commonly learn from an NDE and can change forever the way one looks at life:
1. Life is Precious and Fragile
Perhaps one of the deepest insights brought about by the experience of NDEs is learning how fragile and precious life truly is. Many NDE survivors have said that since their new lease on life, they have gained an appreciation for how transient life is, and how it can be taken in an instant. This cognizance modifies their perception of the day-to-day hassles, stressors, and inconveniences that detract from the gift of life itself.
Why This Matters:
Many people realize, when having to confront the thought of their own death, how much time they have spent worrying about things that do not matter at all. Whether those are career concerns, material possessions, or other daily stresses, suddenly they pale into insignificance compared with the simple miracle of being alive. Often, this dramatically changes their perspective toward life, into one of being more present and mindful of every single moment.
Takeaway:
Start valuing the beauty and preciousness of today. Life is fragile; appreciate those people who mean so much to you and experiences which give you joy. Whatever you have been putting off, dreams or goals, take action on them now. Life is too short to wait for that “perfect” moment.
Bonus Tip: Let gratitude be practiced daily. As you regularly embrace this gift of life, you begin to focus on what is really important.
2. Liebe ist das Wichtigste unten
A common thread in the near-death experiences of many survivors is that they report having felt enveloped in an unconditional love while dying. This overwhelming love will then lead them to reassess their priorities upon resuscitation, realizing that the love we give and receive is by far the most important thing in life. It’s not about career achievements, material success, or social status but, rather, the depth and quality of our relationships.
Why Love Matters:
After all, it is love that makes life worth living. Be it the love of family, friends, or the love one has for oneself, love is, at the core, the human experience. The NDEs often serve as a stark reminder that material wealth and accolades are fleeting, but love endures.
Action Step:
Put love first in life. That may mean nurturing your current relationships, perhaps having more compassion for others, or loving yourself. Allow love to be a guide in the decisions you make, interactions, and priorities. Love deeply, forgive often, and take care of the connection you have with others.
Bonus Tip: Get into the habit of letting people in your life know that they’re loved. Life’s unpredictable, and telling loved ones how much they mean often cements relationships and invites more positivity into your life.
3. Stuff Means Nothing
A common understanding reported through near-death experiences is the realization that material possessions amount to nothing in the grand scheme of things. People that have come close to dying often speak about how inconsequential their wealth, possessions, and status in society felt when they were lying on their deathbed. Instead, they speak to memories they’ve made, the love they’ve given, and people they have touched.
Why This Lesson is Important:
In today’s society, with so much emphasis on material success, NDEs put things into perspective by reminding one that these things don’t really matter in the end. What will matter will be the legacy you leave behind: the love, kindness, and memories you have shared with others.
Lesson:
Change your focus from collecting ‘stuff’ to creating memories and relationships. Time is to be invested in personal growth, nurturing relationships, and helping others. It’s not the stuff that will ultimately make you happy; it’s the memories and relationships that you create.
Bonus Tip: Try cleaning up your life-both physically and mentally. Get rid of things you don’t need and focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment.
4. You Can Never Recover Lost Time
Few things are more valuable than time, yet it’s something many of us waste without any regard for how meaningful it really is. People often have a new realization at the gravity of just how short their time on Earth could actually be after near-death experiences. Whether it’s a meaningful pursuit of goals, time spent with loved ones, or just living for the moment, virtually every NDE survivor speaks to the newfound appreciation for time and how fast it can slip through one’s grasp.
Why Time Matters:
You can never get back wasted time. The near-death experience really brings home the lesson about using your time judiciously to attend to what is truly important and letting go of less than trivial concerns.
Advice:
Be observant of how you spend your time. Spend it doing things that make you happy, help you learn, or improve your relationships. Do not waste a single second on grudges, negative thoughts, or useless material possessions that serve no useful purpose in life.
Bonus Tip: Practice mindfulness so that you are present and fully engaged in whatever is going on at the time. In this way, you will make full use of every minute that you have.
5. Death is Not the End
Among the most comforting messages many people derive from the Near-Death Experience is that maybe death isn’t the end. Many NDE survivors describe feelings of peace, comfort, and even joy as they neared death. Some even report seeing a bright light, reunification with loved ones, or feeling like they were returning “home.” These experiences often lead to an intense feeling of acceptance about death due to reducing fear about what happens afterwards.
Why This Lesson is Powerful:
The fear of death probably is the most usual of human fears. NDE survivors often show a new acceptance of the fact of one’s own death, thinking of it as a transition, not something fearing. Reflectively,
NDEs give us hope and remind us that, though we cannot know precisely what does or could happen after death, we have nothing to fear from it. Instead, let the fragile nature of life be the impetus to meet each day with meaning, purpose, and authenticity: being true to oneself, pursuing one’s passions, and living without regret.
Bonus Tip: Consider your legacy. How will you want to be remembered? Allow this to serve as a motivator in life, enabling one to live in accord with personal values and purpose.
6. Forgiveness is the Pathway to Inner Peace
Near-death experiences are often times of great clarity about the need for forgiveness. Many people report similar tales after experiencing an NDE: the realization of carrying a great deal of emotional baggage through anger, bitterness, or even guilt. Letting go of these negative emotions and embracing forgiveness—both to others and oneself—brings immense relief and peace.
Why Forgiveness is Crucial:
Holding on to grudges only lets you get hurt. It does something to your soul that holds you down from experiencing peace inside your soul. Forgiveness is by no means excusing bad behavior, but rather freeing you from the bondage of negative emotions.
Hint:
If you are holding on to grudges, take the time now and reflect on how this has been impacting your life. At the time for healing, letting go of the past in an act of forgiveness toward someone else or even to oneself will light up your heart.
Bonus Tip: Practice self-forgiveness, too. We can be such tough critics of ourselves, but holding onto guilt or shame prevents growth. Release those mistakes and use them as stepping stones toward a better future.
7. Life Has a Purpose
The deeper lesson, therefore, which flows from a near-death experience is the realization of life’s purpose. Even in suffering or confusion or chaos, there is a meaning in life beyond this earthly existence. Many NDE survivors return home with a revived sense of purpose, feeling as if given a second chance to fulfill their mission upon the Earth.
Why Purpose Matters:
A sense of direction and significance is derived from a sense of purpose. Be it spreading kindness, personal growth, helping others, or whatnot, it is a sign of fulfillment and motivation just knowing that there is a reason to one’s life.
Actionable Insight:
Reflect on what gives you satisfaction and makes you alive. What gives meaning to your life? Be it developing a passion, helping others, or giving something back to a cause, take your initial steps in life that are attuned to your purpose.
Bonus Tip: If you don’t know your purpose yet, start by finding out what makes you happy. Pay attention to those activities or experiences that leave you filled with energy and fulfillment, and let them serve as clues in finding your life’s purpose.
Conclusion: Live with Intention and Purpose`
The near-death experience has something potent to say about what really matters in this life: love, connection, time, and purpose. These lessons remind one to live more deliberately, letting go of the petty, and appreciating each day as a gift. Whether one has personally experienced a near-death experience or simply wants to live more authentically, these lessons can help one align life according to what truly is important.
In putting love first, releasing worldly worries, forgiving self and others, and having a life with purposes, you prepare a life that is rewarding but also attuned with your deeper values. Near-death experiences remind us that life is a delicate, tender gift, and each minute is another chance to live with intention, purpose, and love.
Take these lessons to heart and live them. Live each moment as if it counts, for indeed it does. Dwell on love, connection, time, and purpose, and life will gradually start getting richer and fuller of that kind of peace derived from knowing you truly live authentically.
Key Takeaways:
Appreciate Life: Life is fragile; it’s beautiful every day. Cease waiting for the perfect moments to do what is really important.
Nourish Love: Invest in love in all your relationships and interactions.
Release Materialism: Refocus away from possessions toward life experiences and relationships.
Appreciate Time: Be mindful of how you’re spending the most precious resource of your life-invest it in that which is truly important.
Embrace Death: Learn to live from dying, using awareness of death to fuel passion in life.
Forgive: Let go of past hurts and resentments; forgive others and find peace within.
Live with Purpose: Search for what gives meaning to your life and make it a mission.
Living these lessons will not only build you a meaningful and fulfilling life, but this will also inspire others to do the same.