Experience description:
I
don't know if my dream counts as an "out-of-body experience," but it was the
most vivid dream I've ever had. I strongly believe it was more than just my
subconscious. It was the most 'real' dream I've ever experienced, and I remember
it with crystal clarity.
My
grandpa, whom I adored more than anything, died when I was eight years old. He
lived with my grandma, her mother and aunt, and two dogs, Ninja and Shannon.
Ninja, a beautiful collie, was Grandpa's pride and joy. I loved that dog almost
as much as I loved my grandpa. Shannon was an older terrier who preferred to lie
on the couch than play.
In
the early 1980s, my family suffered tremendous losses. Gram died in 1982, Auntie
May in 1983, Grandpa in 1984, and Ninja in 1985. My grandma lost the most
important people in her life within three years. My biggest loss was my grandpa,
who I adored.
Shortly after he died, I had the most incredible and realistic dream. It started
out dark. I was at the bottom of a mountain, standing by a river under the light
of a full moon. There was a line of people, all silent, waiting to enter a tent
near the river. As I moved closer, I saw souls emerging from the top of the
tent, rising toward the sky. I realized that people were being killed or dying
somehow inside the tent, and I was in line to die.
Thankfully, I don't remember entering the tent. Instead, my next memory is of
walking through a beautiful, colorful, comforting 'town' of sorts. There were
empty shops, and I was alone, walking on a massive cloud. I wasn't scared, just
intrigued by this place. As I walked, I saw a colorful, inviting ice cream shop.
Inside, there were several empty booths and a long center aisle. I walked down
the aisle toward the counter and saw people sitting in the distance to my right.
As I got closer, I recognized them: my grandpa, great-grandma, great-aunt, and
Ninja. They were all at a corner booth, looking beautiful, healthy, smiling, and
radiating love that I could intensely feel.
I
was beyond elated to see them. Although I don't remember the conversation
clearly, I do recall my grandpa telling me it wasn't my time to join them yet. I
wanted to stay, but they reassured me they would wait for me. I felt a deep
sense of despair and longing to stay, but then I woke up.
I
cried hard as I relayed the dream to my mom, who held me while I sobbed. I told
her I wanted to die so I could be with them, especially my grandpa. For weeks, I
prayed for God to end my life so I could return to them.
Even
now, I remember that dream as if it happened yesterday. I don't know what the
afterlife is like, and I question it just like everyone else. Maybe we go into a
dream forever. Maybe we meet God and learn the purpose of our lives. Maybe we
become a star in the universe. My experience wasn't an out-of-body or near-death
one; perhaps it was just the dream of a heartbroken child. But it's the most
precious dream and memory I have, something I've never forgotten. I'd like to
believe it was more than a dream or my subconscious at work. It was real to me.
When I question the afterlife, I think back to that dream, the love I felt, the
joy of being with them, and how peaceful and beautiful it was. Was it a glimpse
of heaven or what lies beyond this life, or simply a dream? I don't know, but I
believe I will be with all of my family when I leave this earth.
Any associated medications or
substances with the potential to affect the experience?
No
Was the kind of experience
difficult to express in words?
No
At the time of this experience, was
there an associated life threatening event?
No
What was your level of
consciousness and alertness during the experience?
I was asleep
Was the experience dream like in any way?
It was a realistic dream
Did you experience a separation of
your consciousness from your body?
Yes I felt myself leave the tent and
'soar' above, seeing everyone below me as I did. I knew I wasn't in my body.
What emotions did you feel during
the experience?
Calm, peaceful,
loved, excited, comforted, happy
Did you hear any unusual sounds or
noises?
not that I cab
remember.
LOCATION DESCRIPTION:
Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar
religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or
amazing creatures?
Yes The 'town' was centered on clouds.
I walked on a sea of clouds.
Did you see a light?
Yes
The light from the bright moon is all I
saw.
Did you meet or see any other
beings?
Yes
It's in written experience
Did you experiment while out of the
body or in another, altered state?
Yes
I didn't
attempt to see family members but they were there waiting for me
Did you observe or hear anything
regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?
No
Did you notice how your 5 senses
were working, and if so, how were they different?
No
Did you have any sense of altered
space or time?
Yes There wasn't time. 'Time' didn't
exist. Hard to explain but I felt there was no 'time'.
Did you have a sense of knowing,
special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
No
Did you reach a boundary or
limiting physical structure?
No
Did you become aware of future
events?
No
Were you involved in or aware of a
decision regarding your return to the body?
No
Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts
following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?
Yes
After that dream, I did experience random people in my dreams that were
deceased; an elderly neighbor who lived alone next door, another neighbor down
the street, a friend's mom. I also had dreams of things that actually happened
afterwards; a bridge collapse, an earthquake, a drowning and others with both
people and things I can't remember now.
Did you have any changes of
attitudes or beliefs following the experience?
Yes My faith was stronger in God,
Heaven, and the afterlife.
How has the experience affected
your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?
I'm 40 years older than when I
had that dream. My faith isn't as strong as it used to be and I question things
much more now that I'm older.
Has your life changed specifically
as a result of your experience?
Yes Not so much now, but it did back
then. Again, I was only eight years old, but I did feel I was here on this earth
for a purpose.
Have you shared this experience
with others?
Yes I've only shared this dream
with a few people, because people dismiss it as merely a dream and a
manifestation of my grieving process.
What emotions did you experience
following your experience?
Sadness,
confusion, loss
What was the best and worst part of
your experience?
Being with all
of them. The love and joy I felt. The worst part was realizing it wasn't real
when I woke up and desperately wanting to go 'back'.
Is there anything else you would
like to add concerning the experience?
I think dreams
can relate to out-of-body experiences because they both provide a sense of
detachment from the physical world and allow us to explore profound emotions and
connections that feel deeply real and meaningful.
Following the experience, have you
had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced
any part of the experience?
No
Did the questions asked and
information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your
experience?
Yes To the best of my ability, yes.
Please offer any suggestions you
may have to improve this questionnaire.
Not that I can
think of. Thanks for letting me share!
jtzti45_obe