After Death Communications are NOT
Death Bed Visions, Near Death
Experiences, or
Precognitive Encounters,
Being a Responsible Researcher
By
Carla Wills-Brandon, Ph.D.

For the last twenty five years, I have been investigating a
phenomenon known as the death-bed vision. Along with this I
have also researched the psychological impact of reported
communications from the deceased. I have listened to close to
two thousand death-related communication accounts from
individuals from every walk of life, around the globe. In doing
this, I have been privileged to hear some amazing stories. Being a
clinical trauma specialist for close to thirty years, my work has
rotated around extreme trauma, death, dying, the psychology of
spirituality and the process of grieving. One would think after so
many years, I would have reached "burn-out," but my interest in
the psychology of these very human experiences continues.
Death-bed visions, as reported by not only the dying but those
who care for them, along with communications from the
deceased, as reported by survivors, cross all races, creeds,
religions, socio-economic groups, age ranges and genders.
These two specific types of reported encounters, along with
those of a similar nature, have a historical legacy in both
literature and science. Many of you who are currently reading
this article have made wonderful contributions to the study of
such phenomenon, while others are contemplating how they can
add to the credibility of the field. Everyone is needed to further
and expand on such legacies.
At the turn of the last century, researchers openly investigated
the constituents which made up such encounters. Within the
populations of the time, near death experiences (NDEs),
communications after death (now popularly termed ADC), pre-
death or death-bed visions (DBVs) and premonitions where part
of popular culture and spirituality.
With the advent of the measurable "cause and effect" method of
scientific investigation, experiences such as the above were no
longer of interest to modern researchers. Such encounters were
difficult to measure with the "cause and effect" mode of
scientific exploration.
Over the last decade, there has been an increase in interest in this
area of the human experience. More investigators are taking the
risk and returning to the exploration of age old questions like,
does consciousness survive physical death? And if so, what can
this tell us about the human living experience? Being an
investigator in this field, and the author of several books and
numerous articles discussing such topics, I’m often asked to
review manuscripts for publication, along with Doctoral or
Master’s projects. Over the years this has been interesting work
for me. I’ve enjoyed watching the field grow as the next
generation of authors and researchers begin to flourish.
Unfortunately, in recent years I’ve noticed a new trend.
Some authors are combining the many aspects of
communication from deceased individuals under the ADC
umbrella and I must say I have a great deal of concern about
this. On certain websites dedicated to the ADC experience,
deathbed visions and near death experiences are listed as "after
death communications." This minimizes the work of individuals
like Moody, Grey, and Ring, who were some of the first to
investigate NDEs. Such "lumping" also takes credit from death
bed vision investigators like Barrett, Osis and Haraldsson. The
need to place all death communication experiences into one
category steals from all of us the opportunity to appreciate the
specific nuances each form of contact has to offer.
A departing vision takes place before actual death occurs. It
cannot be seen as an after death communication, because "after
death" is what it implies. As author, researcher and founding
member of the International Association for Near Death Studies
John White recently put it,
"With the DBV, the distinction is very simple and
unquestionable:  the time of death of the percipient and the
perceived.  If the percipient had the experience while the
perceived was still alive, it is by definition a DBV.  If the
percipient had the experience after the perceived was deceased,
it is then by definition an ADC."
Precognition of death is a precognitive experience and it too
occurs before, not after, a death. ADCs are events which occur
after a death.
The authors and researchers who have put not only DBVs and
NDEs into the category of the after death communication, but
precognitive experiences, need direction from the more
experienced generation of investigators. Otherwise, such
combining of experiences will dilute not only the units of
measure which define the significance of the ADC, but will
minimize the uniqueness of the other types of pre death
experiences. Death phobia permeates Western culture and more
research is needed, but if investigators are not cautious with
regard to their specific definitions of the topics they are
exploring and discussing, the field as a whole will lose credibility.
Because these accounts are spontaneous and difficult to measure
quantitatively, caution must be taken in how they are reported.
Continuing to look for consistency from experiencer to
experiencer will be well worth while, but it will become difficult
if the different types of experience are blended into one common
death related paranormal encounter.
With reference to this new trend, exploration into the similarities
is essential, but I hope in the future the differences within the
specific categories will also be respected. Personally, I utilize the
idea of the "spiritually transformative experience" when
attempting to discuss all encounters at one time.
Another area of investigation which is in need of further
responsible exploration and inclusion by new authors and
researches involves a category for the disruptive psychological
consequences these encounters often produce for the
experiencer. In past research, this area of the experience was
almost always explored. Sadly, some of today’s new
investigators and authors are not trained as clinicians and in their
writings they neglect discussing this aspect of these encounters.
The tendency is to focus on flowery positives, with limited
regard for the emotional difficulties experiencers must often
confront. In a few writings, I have even seen grief negated or
extremely minimized, not by experiencers, but with assumptions
made by authors.
With regard to the death-bed vision, near death experience,
precognition, sense of universal connection and communications
from the deceased, in my last book, "A Glimpse of Heaven," I
focused in on the often neglected aspect of initial psychological
disruption for the experiencer. Many experiencers report they
physically feel different or suffer physical ailments after such
encounters. Reported psychological difficulty, such as
confusion, feeling alienated, or depressed, spiritually lost, intense
mood swings, along with a host of emotional issues, can occur
after an encounter. This consequence sadly often appears to be
neglected by new investigators and authors. The arena of
difficult psychological consequences and emotional
restructuring, both of which can create years of discomfort for
experiencers, must be more prominent in future books and
research papers.
The survivalist field of investigation is full of challenges and all
of us need to be working together to give credence to what we
have discovered within our own unique, but similar, explorations
and research. Being involved in this arena of the human
experience can be exciting and rewarding, but we must also be
responsible. Inaccurate data reporting, minimization of the
importance of each area of study and an over zealous ego,
demanding credit where credit is not due, can impact all of us.
When I began investigating the departing visions of the dying
and those who are connected to them, I quickly learned several
things. I immediately discovered that those investigators who
came before me had built a foundation upon which I could
stand. For this, I will forever be grateful. Without the ground
breaking contributions of these brave souls, I would not have
had a "beginning." I must respect the gifts I have so freely
received.
Secondly, I discovered this journey was a "we" experience, not a
"me" experience. With this knowledge I have tried to be a team
player, adding to the field, understanding I’m not "inventing the
wheel." All I’m doing is fine tuning one very small spoke of the
wheel.
Thirdly, I am responsible. If I see research which is inaccurate
or minimizing of the investigations of others, I can’t "hide out"
and ignore what is happening. If I do this, I’m no longer a part
of the solution. Instead, I’m only contributing to a possible
blossoming problem, which in the end could discredit us all.
Up-Date for our IANDS group-leaders and
Experiencers:

Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder to mark your calendar for the next NDEr retreat
May 17-20, 2008 at the Mercy Center in St. Louis, MO.  This
year we had the auditorium at the Mercy Center which has lots
of windows, light and plenty of  room to spread out.  It was
especially great for the breakout groups and the sharing time.

As the schedule and details are worked out, more emails will be
coming. If you have any ideas about the content of the next
retreat send them to me.

The first retreat was on the challenges faced by NDErs after
coming back from an NDE.  Last year we focused on possible
solutions to the problems.  One of the topics of the 2008 retreat
will be talking about the gifts we received after our NDE and
how they impact our lives and those around us.

I am looking for a volunteer to take over setting up the
conference calls each month.  We haven't had one in some time
and I think it is a good thing to stay in touch.  Give me a call or
email if this is something you would like to do.

Love and Light,
Linda

jacadv@centurytel.net
Subject:
50% sale on back issues of Journal of Near-Death Studies!

Dear Friends,

I have been asked by IANDS to forward this announcement to you.

Love and Light,
Denis

Since 1987 IANDS has been publishing the Journal of Near-Death Studies, the only peer-reviewed journal devoted to the study of NDEs, part of
our mission of providing forums for researchers, experiencers, religious thinkers, and other interested parties to exchange information and ideas.
These journals are an unmatched repository of years of research and contemplation about near-death experiences. The inquiries and thoughts in
these papers are as relevant today as when they were originally written, whether twenty –- or five –- years ago.
To make this unmatched repository of information as widely available as possible, we are making the first 10 years of publications available at half
price for the month of October only. That’s from fall, 1987 through summer, 1997, at a price of $8 per issue, 50% off the regular price of $16 per
issue. Two issues per order minimum. Not all issues are available, and some have very limited inventory, so this is on a first-come, first-served
basis.  
You can scan all the issues available at http://www.iands.org/pubs/jnds/. Simply select those you want to order and add them to the shopping cart.
This special offer applies to volume 6 through volume 15 only (through the summer of 1997). Use coupon code JNDS50 when placing your order
to receive the 50% discount.

In these pages are papers written by many of the world's leading NDE researchers – Bruce Greyson, Ken Ring, PMH Atwater, Janice Miner
Holden, Alan Kellehear, Cherie Sutherland – and some of the thinkers who have contemplated the meaning and interpretation of near-death
experiencers – John Gibbs, Craig R. Lundahl, Leon Rhodes, and Nancy Evans Bush. The subjects covered include cross-cultural NDEs,
distressing NDEs, veridical perception and out-of-body experiences, NDEs in children and the blind, and how we are to interpret and understand
all of this information for our world today. We hope you take advantage of this unique offer to build up your library of NDE-related materials.
Visit http://www.iands.org/pubs/jnds/ to see the full list – and remember, this 50% offer is good only for the month of October (2 issues per order
minimum) and applies only to volumes 6 through 15. Use coupon code JNDS50 when placing your order to receive the 50% discount.
If you are interested in subscribing to the Journal after viewing this material, please visit the IANDS membership pages at www.iands.org/join and
check off the Professional membership level or call the IANDS office (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Eastern USA time) at 860-882-1211.
Order these new DVDs direct from PMH Atwater.
Visit her Online Bookshop today!


WE LIVE FOREVER: THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT DEATH
 
DVD $19.95

Filmed at Transformation Conference 2007, Fayetteville, Arkansas, this two-hour
presentation by P. M. H. Atwater focuses on the greatest mysteries of all time - death,
heaven and hell, the existence of the soul, and the power of prayer

Using this and her research of near-death states as a springboard, she discusses
in-depth the existence of the soul, soul groups, soul cycles, leaving the body after death,
different energetic layers to the afterlife, borderlands and inbetween spaces, and spirit
beings on the Other Side.
She shares "What Death Is" and "What It Feels Like To Die" (summarizes from
comments of over 3,000 near-death experiencers during her research of the near-death
phenomenon). Reference her book: "We Live Forever," A.R.E. Press, Virginia Beach,
VA, 2004.
<<<VIDEOS
THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE:
A Major Shift in What We Know About the Phenomenon

There has been a major shift in the field of Near-Death Studies. A revolution is under way.

From the author of THE BIG BOOK OF NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE, researcher of
near-death states since 1978, explorer of spiritual transformations since 1966, author of over thirteen books, P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D. takes us from the days
where the myths of "the light at the end of the tunnel" and "the religion of the resuscitated" dominated the sensationalization of near-death experiences, to the
scientific studies of today. The near-death phenomenon is now the number one choice of scientists worldwide to study consciousness itself.


Join the members of Virginia 's Chrysalis in Waynesboro , VA , for this special presentation taped on October 17, 2007 that synergizes the entire subject, and brings
us up-to-date with the new material and new findings that are "rocking" the field.

It is now known that out-of-body experiences, the dead coming back, visitors from other realms, otherworldly journeys, are normal and typical to the experience,
and are no longer regarded as signs of oxygen deprivation, the dying brain, or hallucinatory episodes. Over 100 medical schools offer classes that cover the
phenomenon; medical teams the world over are increasingly alert to the importance of such occurrences. They have the power to change lives and even alter one's
physiology, sometimes to remarkable degrees. The near-death experience continues to amaze and surprise everyone!
Order your copy today from PMH's Online Bookshop!
http://cinemind.com/store/page5.html
The Website of P.M.H. Atwater
http://www.pmhatwater.com

Q&A: http://pmhatwater.blogspot.com
News: http://atwaterndenews.blogspot.com
Video: VIDEO
Available for talks and workshops,
personal sessions, readings, and prayer service.
Check out my Appearance Schedule for an engagement near you.
Also explore 'the Marketplace,' for some wonderful surprises.
Nadia &
Film
Maker
Mark
Manning
in Petra
Memories...
Hi Local Group Leaders and Representatives,

IANDS Office Move to Durham, NC Completed
New address:  
IANDS, 2741 Campus Walk Ave - Bldg 500, Durham, NC 27705-8878
New phone / fax number:  919-383-7940
Office manager:  say "Hi" to Rhonda Bailey.

Note:  Patience please while some office procedures are still in transition.
IANDS Board Votes to Add Director to Represent Groups

At the in-person board meeting just completed in Durham, NC March 28 - 30,
the IANDS board of directors voted unanimously to add a director at large
position to be selected by IANDS groups in a process to be developed by the
joint board / group leader task force.  The joint task force was created as
a result of the communiqué and recommendations from last year's IANDS
Leaders Seminar.   The joint task force will begin developing the process
for selecting the at large director position at its next meeting scheduled
for Wednesday, April 9.  The next IANDS Leaders Council conference call (see
below)  will also be devoted to this topic.

The joint task force is chaired by Steve Anderson, leader of the Twin Cities
IANDS group.  Steve holds dual citizenship as he is also a member of the
IANDS board of directors, holding the position of Treasurer.  Group
representatives on the task force include:  Dave Bennett (Upstate NY IANDS),
Beverly Brodsky (San Diego IANDS), Diane Willis (Chicago IANDS), and Kim
Clark Sharp (Seattle IANDS).  Other IANDS board members on the task force
are Diane Corcoran, Allen Katzoff and Chuck Swedrock.

Please reply to me (chucks@iands.org) or contact another task force member
if you would like to comment or make suggestions for the process of
selecting an at large IANDS board member to represent groups.
Comments on the "Second Pam Reynolds Case"

The following report is from IANDS group leader, Ron Parks (Salem, OR
IANDS).  "I am just finishing reading a brand new book by Allan Hamilton, MD
(Neurosurgeon) entitled 'The Scalpel and the Soul'.  One of the stories he
tells, in a chapter entitled 'Soul Survivor', sounds a lot like the Pam
Reynolds case.  The patient is given the name 'Sarah Gideon', was about 34,
and she has a similar aneurysm operation in Phoenix at the Barrow
Neurological Institute by a Dr. Thomas Reed.  They cool down her body, stop
her heart, and the brain shuts down.  He does not talk about clickers in the
ears, or an ability to identify the bone saw.  She is able to 'remember'
some dialog (nothing about small veins in the legs, like Pam) and is able to
describe some of the people and a conversation about one of the surgical
nurses getting engaged and a custom square-cut ring.  He says that maybe 6
months later, she was included a documentary movie (which I can't find)
called "Back from the Dead".  A year after the operation, she was killed in
a car accident, when her car was hit by a dump truck.  It sounded enough
like the Pam Reynolds case that I was beginning to wonder. Have you heard
about this case?"

The following analogous report was received from Dr. Bruce Greyson (plus
take a moment to read the referenced article on the web):  "Many of you have
heard about the second case of an NDE during hypothermic circulatory arrest,
recently published in The Scalpel and the Soul by neurosurgeon Allan
Hamilton.  In this case, which also originated at the Barrow Neurological
Institute (as did the Pam Reynolds case), the patient reportedly repeated
details of a conversation that definitively occurred during her period of
flat EEG, such as the name of the jeweler where one of the nurses' fiancé
has purchased her engagement ring.  Titus Rivas has just alerted me to a
report by Michael Tymm (
http://metgat.gaia.com/blog/2008/3/back_from_the_dead) that contains an
addendum to the story in which Hamilton acknowledged that this account was
actually an amalgam blending the features of more than one case, rather than
a single case report.  Titus's e-mail includes an e-mailed admission from
Hamilton: 'The addendum is accurate as reported.  The case is, at best,
illustrative.  Nothing more.'  One can only hope that this won't end up as
more fodder for the debunkers' claims that all our stories are exaggerations
of outright fantasies."

Since this case raises a potential controversy that may find its way to your
group, please be informed in order to answer queries in this regard.

IANDS 2008 Strategic Plan  Feedback Sought (PLEASE RESPOND BY
APRIL 23)

The IANDS board completed the 2008 version of the IANDS Strategic Plan
(being sent as an attachment in a separate email with the subject "2008
IANDS Strategic Plan"). The new plan is streamlined and has an improved
section on mission, vision and values that are the backbone of what IANDS
stands for and it is significant for all IANDS groups to understand and
support.  Please read and send any comments or suggestions to IANDS board
member and publications committee chairperson, Nancy Bush at
<mailto:nancyb@iands.org> nancyb@iands.org   If you do not receive the
separate email or your email has problems receiving attachments (MS Word
document), reply to this email indicating that you need the "text version".

Next IANDS Leaders Council Conference Call is Tuesday, April
15 - 9pm EDT / 6pm PDT

Please join the next conference call at the above date and time to
participate in developing the process for electing an IANDS Board Member at
Large (BMAL) to represent IANDS groups.  Please reply to this email
indicating that you would like to be added to the email list for the Leaders
Council If you are not currently receiving the monthly council agenda email
with telephone number and passcode for participating in these calls.


Still Time for 2008 Leader Seminar Registration
Did you receive the "2008 IANDS Leader Seminar" bulletin email sent a few
days ago?  It contained the details of this year's seminar including this
year's feature session with new IANDS board member, Julie Lapham, PhD,
entitled "The Great Law of Peace from the Iroquois Nation" plus special
attractions that include a demo of the new IANDS Speakers Bureau or come
enjoy a fun new game using IANDS vernacular and don't miss sharing some rare
videos featuring initial interviews and documentaries by key individuals
from the early days of NDE media efforts.   Of course, what really counts is
the opportunity to network and develop a sense of community with other IANDS
group leaders - for groups of all sizes and styles.  Please reply to
"chucks@iands.org" and ask for the text version of the seminar agenda and
registration details if you had problems with or can't find the bulletin
sent earlier this week...!

Dr. Raymond Moody, Jr., M.D. To Be On Radio Talk Show
Thursday, April 10 at 6pm

Raymond Moody will be a guest on the radio talk show Your Mental Health
www.blogtalkradio.com/yourmentalhealth on Thursday , April 10, 2008 at 6 PM
EST. The show is aired live and callers are invited to call in to ask Dr.
Moody questions pertaining to his work on near-death experiences (NDE's),
grief and loss. The listener call in number for the show is (347) 838-9159.
Find more details in the following web article
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/04/prweb832034.htm


Brain Scientist Tells of Watching Her Brain During a Stroke

If you haven't had the opportunity, it is highly recommended that you make
the time to watch this 18 minute web video of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor in a
captivating presentation of realizing she was having a stroke and making
mental notes of the event.  She then relates the extended awareness and
changes that were a result of the experience.  Many thanks to Lynn Robinson,
leader of the IANDS group in Mobile, AL for sharing this... go to
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229 to watch the video and you can also
click on "read transcript" to have the option of seeing and listening or
reading, or both.  ENJOY!


Many thanks for your continued support and time devoted to enriching the
world with spirit of the IANDS mission.   Kindest regards, +/Chuck


"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have
to havea college degree to serve.
You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated bylove."  

~Martin Luther King, Jr
Our News
Check out this interesting website from my friend Mel Van DUSEN.
Mel has done some excellent interviews with NDE'r researchers,
authors, spiritual Healers and Leaders...
CHECK OUT OUR AUDIO AND VIDEO LINKS...