Returning from Death to Live on Purpose
On a late August Sunday afternoon in 2008, my husband rushed me to the ER due to rapidly worsening symptoms over ten hours. The source was unknown, but I had contracted an infection and quickly became septic. After arriving at the ER, I blacked out during triage and later regained consciousness in a Trauma Room. In a fleeting moment of lucidity, I saw my blood pressure was 49 over 28, and I understood the gravity of my situation alone. The infection had invaded my bloodstream, my organs were shutting down, blood gases indicated a heart attack, my lungs were filling with fluid, and I had pneumonia.
A moment etched in my memory: The ER physician came to check on me. As he examined my pupils, I told him I felt very unwell. He responded softly, acknowledging my discomfort, and asked if I had any family in the waiting room. At that moment, I was alone; my husband had to deal with an emergency at home. Sensing my isolation, the doctor's manner shifted; he held my hand, providing comfort as I slipped into unconsciousness. I embarked on an extraordinary journey beyond life, and against all odds, I was given a second chance at life. However, not before experiencing a second near-death experience (NDE) in the ICU, where I was graced with a visit from my late mother before returning to my body—a reunion for which words cannot express my profound gratitude.
The two NDEs I experienced were remarkably alike, except for my mother’s presence in the second. As my life slipped away, it felt as though I was drifting into a gentle sleep. A circular, cloud-like shape formed in my mind, and an immense silence surrounded me as I floated through a dark, peaceful void. I was in awe, wrapped in a blissful, loving energy, reflecting on the most important lessons of my life. The thought of dying so young was a shock, yet the deep sense of belonging filled me with acceptance and gratitude.
I heard a voice call my name, neither male nor female, instantly capturing my attention. It brought a flood of knowledge and a message urging me back to my body, as there was still more for me to do. I longed to stay in that bliss, but it wasn’t my choice—a higher power had made the decision. I focused on my breathing and woke in the ICU to find a medical team working hard to bring me back.
Later that day, I reunited with my family, who had traveled far, perhaps to say their goodbyes, but fate had other plans. After spending 11 days in the ICU and two weeks in the hospital’s general ward, I had healed enough to finally go home.
Over the next two years, my life slowly began to transform as I realized I’d been living disconnected from my true talents and passions. In 2010, I started Mindful Intentions, fueled by a desire to help others rediscover the beauty of soulful living.
A moment etched in my memory: The ER physician came to check on me. As he examined my pupils, I told him I felt very unwell. He responded softly, acknowledging my discomfort, and asked if I had any family in the waiting room. At that moment, I was alone; my husband had to deal with an emergency at home. Sensing my isolation, the doctor's manner shifted; he held my hand, providing comfort as I slipped into unconsciousness. I embarked on an extraordinary journey beyond life, and against all odds, I was given a second chance at life. However, not before experiencing a second near-death experience (NDE) in the ICU, where I was graced with a visit from my late mother before returning to my body—a reunion for which words cannot express my profound gratitude.
The two NDEs I experienced were remarkably alike, except for my mother’s presence in the second. As my life slipped away, it felt as though I was drifting into a gentle sleep. A circular, cloud-like shape formed in my mind, and an immense silence surrounded me as I floated through a dark, peaceful void. I was in awe, wrapped in a blissful, loving energy, reflecting on the most important lessons of my life. The thought of dying so young was a shock, yet the deep sense of belonging filled me with acceptance and gratitude.
I heard a voice call my name, neither male nor female, instantly capturing my attention. It brought a flood of knowledge and a message urging me back to my body, as there was still more for me to do. I longed to stay in that bliss, but it wasn’t my choice—a higher power had made the decision. I focused on my breathing and woke in the ICU to find a medical team working hard to bring me back.
Later that day, I reunited with my family, who had traveled far, perhaps to say their goodbyes, but fate had other plans. After spending 11 days in the ICU and two weeks in the hospital’s general ward, I had healed enough to finally go home.
Over the next two years, my life slowly began to transform as I realized I’d been living disconnected from my true talents and passions. In 2010, I started Mindful Intentions, fueled by a desire to help others rediscover the beauty of soulful living.
| aftereffectsofnds.pdf |
If you’d like to know more, here’s more about my journey.
Published Research & Information on Near Death Experiences
Reference: www.iands.org
PATTERN OF AFTEREFFECTS
Approximately eighty percent of individuals who have undergone near-death experiences report that their lives have been irrevocably altered by the event. Further scrutiny reveals a pattern of profound changes. These individuals returned not only with a new zest for life and a more spiritual perspective but also with specific psychological and physiological alterations previously unencountered. This holds true for children, teenagers, and adults alike.
Various researchers have endeavored to characterize these changes throughout the years. Despite the lack of funding for clinical studies, many believe that sufficient research has been conducted to warrant recognition of the aftereffects pattern and the dissemination of this information. Understanding what is typical for experiencers could mitigate any concern or confusion not just for the individuals affected but also for their families, friends, healthcare professionals, and the wider community.
The pattern of aftereffects from near-death experiences is best comprehended when categorized into major characteristics of psychological and physiological changes. Further details and explanations are as follows:
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES
A diminished fear of death, increased spirituality and decreased religiosity, an enhanced capacity for abstract thought, more philosophical, potential episodes of depression, increased generosity and charity, broader concepts of love coupled with challenges in forming and sustaining fulfilling relationships, surfacing of "inner child" or unresolved childhood issues, decreased competitiveness, a firm belief in a life purpose, rejection of former life constraints and conventional role-playing, intensified sensory experiences of taste, touch, texture, and smell, heightened intuitive/psychic abilities and the capacity to foresee or "re-live" the future, charismatic presence, and a child-like sense of wonder and joy.
Major physiological changes include altered thought processing, shifting from sequential and selective thinking to a clustered pattern where thoughts gather and ideas emerge spontaneously. Individuals become comfortable with uncertainty, exhibit increased intelligence, and demonstrate greater creativity and inventiveness. There is an unusual sensitivity to light and sound, significant fluctuations in energy levels, including surges throughout the body, and a reversal of the circadian rhythm. Blood pressure may lower, metabolic rates and substance absorption accelerate, leading to a decreased tolerance for pharmaceuticals and chemically treated products. Many turn to alternative healthcare treatments. Electrical sensitivity, synesthesia, and heightened allergies or sensitivities are also common. Some individuals may possess healing abilities and show a preference for a diet rich in vegetables and grains over meat. Physically, they may appear younger than before.
Sensitivity to light and sound can necessitate lifestyle adjustments. While some limit their exposure to sunlight, others seek it out. However, most share a challenge with loud or discordant noises, often finding "hard" rock music intolerable. A preference for classical, melodic, or natural sounds is common, with many using music therapeutically.
Energy surges moving up and down the body, sometimes accompanied by visible "lights," are frequently reported. Researchers often associate this phenomenon with the release of "kundalini," a term from Sanskrit that refers to a coiled energy at the spine's base. It is posited that kundalini and spiritual energy are identical, although this theory is not scientifically proven.
Approximately eighty percent of individuals who have undergone near-death experiences report that their lives have been irrevocably altered by the event. Further scrutiny reveals a pattern of profound changes. These individuals returned not only with a new zest for life and a more spiritual perspective but also with specific psychological and physiological alterations previously unencountered. This holds true for children, teenagers, and adults alike.
Various researchers have endeavored to characterize these changes throughout the years. Despite the lack of funding for clinical studies, many believe that sufficient research has been conducted to warrant recognition of the aftereffects pattern and the dissemination of this information. Understanding what is typical for experiencers could mitigate any concern or confusion not just for the individuals affected but also for their families, friends, healthcare professionals, and the wider community.
The pattern of aftereffects from near-death experiences is best comprehended when categorized into major characteristics of psychological and physiological changes. Further details and explanations are as follows:
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES
A diminished fear of death, increased spirituality and decreased religiosity, an enhanced capacity for abstract thought, more philosophical, potential episodes of depression, increased generosity and charity, broader concepts of love coupled with challenges in forming and sustaining fulfilling relationships, surfacing of "inner child" or unresolved childhood issues, decreased competitiveness, a firm belief in a life purpose, rejection of former life constraints and conventional role-playing, intensified sensory experiences of taste, touch, texture, and smell, heightened intuitive/psychic abilities and the capacity to foresee or "re-live" the future, charismatic presence, and a child-like sense of wonder and joy.
Major physiological changes include altered thought processing, shifting from sequential and selective thinking to a clustered pattern where thoughts gather and ideas emerge spontaneously. Individuals become comfortable with uncertainty, exhibit increased intelligence, and demonstrate greater creativity and inventiveness. There is an unusual sensitivity to light and sound, significant fluctuations in energy levels, including surges throughout the body, and a reversal of the circadian rhythm. Blood pressure may lower, metabolic rates and substance absorption accelerate, leading to a decreased tolerance for pharmaceuticals and chemically treated products. Many turn to alternative healthcare treatments. Electrical sensitivity, synesthesia, and heightened allergies or sensitivities are also common. Some individuals may possess healing abilities and show a preference for a diet rich in vegetables and grains over meat. Physically, they may appear younger than before.
Sensitivity to light and sound can necessitate lifestyle adjustments. While some limit their exposure to sunlight, others seek it out. However, most share a challenge with loud or discordant noises, often finding "hard" rock music intolerable. A preference for classical, melodic, or natural sounds is common, with many using music therapeutically.
Energy surges moving up and down the body, sometimes accompanied by visible "lights," are frequently reported. Researchers often associate this phenomenon with the release of "kundalini," a term from Sanskrit that refers to a coiled energy at the spine's base. It is posited that kundalini and spiritual energy are identical, although this theory is not scientifically proven.
- Electrical sensitivity describes a condition where an individual's energy field or forcefield impacts nearby electrical equipment and technological devices. The effects are often sporadic, with some individuals noticing stopped watches, squealing microphones, failing tape recorders, uncontrolled television channel changes, bursting light bulbs, dropped telephone connections, and computers losing memory, among other phenomena. Those who become comfortable with their new traits tend to report fewer incidents compared to those still adjusting.
- Physical and attitudinal changes lead individuals to modify their approach to health, employment, finances, lifestyle, and relationships. It is as though they must relearn the use of their body and mind. After adjustments, most lead healthier, more productive, and spiritually fulfilling lives. Ignoring or suppressing these aftereffects can result in a sense of incompleteness and later, unexpected breakthroughs.
- The aftereffects are genuine and cannot be concealed. While their onset may be delayed or their impact reduced, their complex and transformative potential cannot be denied.
- Regardless of the drama associated with near-death experiences, the true value and meaning lie in what follows.
It also shaped the way I offer intuitive healing sessions today.
Mindful Intentions® Intuitive Healing • Emotional Clarity • Spiritual Guidance
Serving Mississauga and surrounding communities since 2010
© 2026 Mindful Intentions® — All Rights Reserved
Serving Mississauga and surrounding communities since 2010
© 2026 Mindful Intentions® — All Rights Reserved