Human beings generally live with their minds externalized. That is, they are taken over by the usual movements of thought concerning one’s image in society, wanting more money, security in relationship, the safety of one’s relatives, being in the good books of God, and so on. It causes people to mentally wear out and lead a life of mediocrity. Awareness of one’s slavery to conditioning can release us from that situation. When we are neither believers nor non-believers, there is the possibility of our intuition coming into action. We are alert to the adage, “One believes what one wants to believe.” There would be freedom from the ‘preferred conclusion syndrome’.
One of the areas where abundant help is available for moving into a dynamic disposition in life is that of the paranormal phenomena. They take us away from being wound up with the conventional neurology and move us on to the Beyond. Now we look into some paranormal experiences that can expand our awareness. Such expansiveness takes us into higher dimensions of living.
The Out-of-Body Experience (OBE): Here the consciousness leaves the body (even when the body is normal and healthy) and moves into the cosmic space. The brain, with its conditioned response, no longer interferes with the perception which is reported to be ‘pure’ and non-verbal.
NDE: This experience is similar to OBE, except that this takes place under conditions of severe pain or brief mortality. The awareness expands limitlessly and one finds oneself to be part of a harmonious whole. Quite often, the experiencer sees the long journey of life across many incarnate and discarnate periods. This takes away from them the claustrophobia in time and the fear of mortality. Zest for living increases and the person becomes deeply interested in understanding the vibrancy of life. Imbued with unconditional compassion, they apply themselves to helping others on their journey.
Hypnotic Regression: By going back in time through hypnosis, one is able to access memories that are not limited to the brief span of time of the current life. These expansive spiritual-self memories include remembrance of past lives and the experiences and lessons accrued in the "Between-Life" consciousness. Through hypnosis it is possible to realize consciously that we are spiritual beings in human form, not human beings struggling to become spiritual. Memories of past lives help one free oneself from problems in this life consequent to understanding the genesis of such problems in the past lives.
When we apply our intuition to the above messages, we get to know, not just believe, something about our essence: (1) We understand that the idea of considering ourselves as separate individuals is an illusion; we see ourselves as an integral part of a universal force or energy. (2) Our essence is immortal and has no beginning and no end. (3) Fear of mortality arises due to the assumed individuality. (4) A quote from Patricia Bassett on her NDE: “There will be freedom from this physical temple we are temporarily bound by, and a final merging with the Light in all its beauty, silence and wisdom” (IANDS newsletter, Vol. 31, No. 1). From this it is clear that no one is condemned; the associated understanding makes us look at all beings with empathy and compassion.
Related matters are dealt with in the book “In Quest of the Deeper Self” details of which can be found in the website http://spirituality.yolasite.com