Major Changes in the Field of Near-Death Studies

There has been a major shift in the field of near-death studies. Because of large clinical prospective studies done in a number of countries, an abundance of papers published in peer-reviewed journals, the phenomenon is now the number one choice of scientists worldwide to study consciousness itself. This work is ongoing, with the current AWARE Project (Awareness During Resuscitation) covering 25 medical centers and over 1,500 patients over a three-year period. Over 100 medical colleges teach classes about the phenomenon. Truly worldwide, today’s discoveries are challenging what we think we know about brain development, our faculties, out-of-body experiences, the afterlife, and the importance of spirituality and prayer. This talk focuses on that shift and what we are learning about life, about death, about who we are as human beings.

These are massive changes, taking 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 and the "Moody Miracle." Today we know near-death states are valid states of consciousness that engender significant changes in experiencers, whether child or adult. The one book that synergizes the entire subject and brings us uptodate with new material and new findings that are "rocking" the field, is P. M. H. Atwater's latest, "The Big Book of Near-Death Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to What Happens When We Die." Featured by "Newsweek Magazine" online, the book covers the phenomenon like nothing else. And so does its author, P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D.

The Discoveries I've Made in 30 Years of Near-Death Research

Not knowing anything about Raymond Moody, M.D. or his best selling book, began her independent study of the phenomenon in 1978 after having met Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D. at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago. It was Kubler- Ross who named her a "near-death survivor" after hearing of her three death and near-death episodes that had occurred the previous year.

Using police investigative techniques as her protocol, Atwater has specialized in original fieldwork - strictly adhering to non-leading questions, observation of non-verbal cues (gestures and behaviors), and followup sessions whenever possible with family members, health-care providers, and other significant people to the experiencer. Her goal has been to study the phenomenon from "360-degrees." To date, her research base numbers nearly 4,000 adult and child experiencers.

Her seven books about her findings are: Coming Back to Life, Beyond the Light, Children of the New Millennium, Future Memory, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Near-Death Experiences, The New Children and Near-Death Experiences, and We Live Forever: The Real Truth About Death. She has also created "As You Die," the world's first audio presentation that talks a dying person through death as it physically occurs and the soul's separation. Focus Worldwide (non-profit) handles the CD: link on Atwater's website, http://www.pmhatwater.com. Her monthly Q&A column is at http://pmhatwater.blogspot.com. Several of her findings have now been clinically verified, including in the Dutch Study, Lancet, 12-15-01 (integration phase), and the Bonenfant Outcome Study, Journal of Near-Death Studies, Spring 2004 (synesthesia as an aftereffect).

"It is not an exaggeration to say that I have traveled millions of miles since 1978 giving talks about the near-death experience and seeking both adults and children who might have undergone such an episode.

"My journeys have taken me from the coal fields of West Virginia to packed auditoriums in Korea, Turkey, Holland, Canada, and Norway."My talk is about all those audiences: about the people I met along the way, what they are curious about, how they respond. I have good news to share, and cautionary advice for researchers and for all of us in how we regard the near-death experience today and what it implies.

" As far as I am concerned, we have just begun to study what I feel is one of the most important conditions that exists in the field of medicine and in the exploration of consciousness. Already findings strike at the very heart of what defines a human being, the range of brain function, mind, faculties, and the nervous system. The aftereffects, both physiological and psychological, validate the near-death phenomenon. . . as a condition of fact that, like it or not, has profound spiritual implications that strongly suggest the presence of a soul, an afterlife, and Deity."

"Beyond the Indigo Children:
The New Children and the Coming of The Fifth World."

This rousing hour and a half talk centers around the New Children, Root Races (the genetic stock of humankind), and the march of generations. Through the traditions of prophesy and mystical revelation, social sciences, as well as the in-depth research Dr. Atwater is noted for, we are able to recognize that what is emerging in our changing times challenges the glitsy promotions of Doomsday Raptures and the so-called Indigo/Crystal/Sky/Star children labels. The picture that comes into focus is of Ascension, what it means and how it affects our kids. The New Children are powerful, and they are powerfully motivated to change things - if - we can help them defuse and redirect their anger. . . a peculiar impatience with anything false, overly exaggerated, or inauthentic. The New Children are not like any other generation of record. How they differ is nothing short of amazing!

50-Minute Talk- "Our Tiniest Near-Death Experiencers: Startling Evidence Suggestive of a Brain Shift."

Not enough attention has been paid to the youngest near-death experiencers: those still in the womb, newborns, infants, toddlers, and those under the age of six. We are fascinated with out-of-the-mouth-of-babes stories, yet we fail to examine the aftereffects they contend with and why professional therapists are unable to understand or relate to them. In this talk Atwater focuses on the unusual enhancements in intelligent often found with these children and how they return from death or near death abstracting, appearing to be more mature, wiser, creative problem solvers, who seem to have undergone a learning reversal. Attention is given to those who remember their birth and have pre-birth memories, those who appear to have experienced what Dr. Atwater calls "a brain shift" - what may well be a structural, chemical, and functionary change in the brain. The three distinct lights encountered in near-death states will also be discussed, especially the Black or Dark Light, which seems to have an important role with healings and wisdom. Many child experiencers call this Light, "The Darkness That Knows."

"An In-Depth Look at Child Experiencers of Near-Death States and Their Similarity to the New Children Born Since Around 1982."

Four to Five Hour Workshop

P.M.H.Atwater explores the commonalties between child experiencers of near-death states, the Millennial Generation (those born between 1982 and 2003), and what is believed to be the Fifth Root Race HERE NOW! Devolution and evolution will be discussed along with the emergence of "Cultural Creatives," a new segment of society that is growing in numbers faster than any other grouping - and how closely they dovetail the demands of our new children for authenticity and respect for the sacred. (Overhead projector and screen, an operator for same, and black board are needed)

Experiential Workshop: 3 hours, "Healing Helpers Soul to Soul Through Prayer and Deathbed Journeys."

An indepth experience of healing prayer, plus instructions on how to form teams of Healing Helpers in churches and in other gatherings to assist those in need. What happened in a Unity Church when this was instituted will be used as a model for how such teams can operate. A sharing and dialogue with the participants about the soul, higher levels of the soul, the inner planes of the spirit world, soul cycles and soul clusters, and what can be known about the existence of A Greater Plan on the earthplane. "Death" will also be faced as both a shift and an ending, with instructions given on how to escort the one who is dying into the Realms of Light "an empathic death experience." The audio tape/CD "As You Die" will be introduced, as it is geared to assist a person step-by-step through the moment of dying and the soul's separation.

No special needs for either the talk or the workshop, except for a table upfront whereon papers and materials can be spread for the convenience of the speaker. A micro- phone would be nice. If at all possible, please have Atwater's books available for purchase - through your own bookstore or by bookstore consignment.

"SACRED ENCOUNTER/VISIONARY EPISODE"

P.M.H.Atwater’s third near-death experience, that originally occurred in March of 1977, remanifested on May 22, 2000 in Montreal, Quebec, while she was standing in a state of prayer in the Basilica of St. Joseph’s Oratory. The episode changed her life.

Dr. Atwater has distinguished herself as one of leading researchers in the field of near-death studies. She began her work in 1978, and has written five books on her findings: Coming Back to Life, Beyond the Light, Future Memory, Children of the New Millennium, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Near-Death Experiences. Most people forget, though, that she too is a near-death experiencer. It’s because of revelations given to her during her third near-death experience, specific and detailed, that she ever became a researcher. On May 22nd, 22 years after tackling “the work,” the power of that third episode returned. Afterward she was able to finish her 13th book, The Real Truth About Death, Myriam’s Gift, and update the audio presentation of “As You Die” (which talks a person through death as they are physically dying, along with the soul’s separation). Even though she is still writing, her focus now is on the deeper aspects of prayer, the soul, and what may well be the Centerpoint of Creation and Consciousness.

Using her original experience plus its remanifestation as a guide, she talks us through what she experienced, the revelations she was given, and what this implies about creation itself and the “torus,” nature’s only self-organizing wave-form. She also speaks of the mystical power of the “13” and how that relates to visionary experiences, as well as the ability sacred sites have to trigger encounters with The Divine.

Will need an overhead projector, screen, lapel microphone, and whiteboard.

NOTE: Have the book Future Memory available for sale. Atwater will discuss how it was written mathematically calculated, each sentence, paragraph, and page - on the format of a labyrinth. The purpose of this format is to help the reader feel what is being said, as his or her consciousness is up- lifted. Many of the revelations given to Dr. Atwater during her third near- death experience are recorded in the book, as well as what she believes to be the Centerpoint of Creation and Consciousness.

WE LIVE FOREVER: THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT DEATH

A one-day, five-hour workshop based on her book: "We Live Forever."

This 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. Dr. Atwater shares how deeply the attack on Pearl Harbor affected her as a first grader in school, and how the specter of death has been a part of her life ever since. 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).

Goddess Runes Playshop

I love to do Rune Casting Playshops, where you learn how to make your own rune sets and cast with them. They are so much fun! Sponsors are necessary to arrange and produce these Playshops, and to cover my expenses and fees (will negotiate). A large carpeted room is preferred, hopefully with several black or white boards, and an easel or two. An Instruction Booklet is given out for free (a $5.95 value). Players must provide their own stones for the creation of a temporary set, way to mark them, bag of some kind, and casting cloth. Most groups prefer to bring me in the day before the Playshop, so that I can introduce Goddess Runes and give a few demonstrations (see above) at an evening event.

Yes, I do give private sessions by appointment: in person or via telephone. To contact me for more information or to set up a Playshop, write to me via e-mail at atwater@cinemind.com or P.M.H.Atwater, P. O. Box 7691, Charlottesville, VA 22906-7691. Do send a stampled, self-addressed envelope for a reply. Thank you!

New TALK ¨ WORKSHOP, (6-hr. intensive)

TIMES OF CHANGE

HOW CONSCIOUSNESS IS
SHIFTING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

PART I

The Great Shifting of the Ages

Using the Mayan calendar as a basic primer, Dr. Atwater shows how it is not a calendar at all - rather a device for tracking the development of consciousness in the earthplane. The Yugas from the Vedic tradition and other traditional and native "calendars" are the same way, depicting in an incredible manner what appears to be a plan, God's Plan, for the development and growth of humankind and of consciousness itself. From these lineages comes the awareness and reality of the Fifth World, that great turning of worlds or phases or cycles, where all that we have known before is rapidly altering, literally morphing into something else. Significant astrological and event "agendas" are offered as Dr. Atwater interprets what we can know about the Fifth World and what it might mean to us. The years between 1982 and 2133 are covered in a brief review of the major forces at work. This is not done to predict "things" but to offer perspective as a way to understand what is happening in our world and will continue to for decades to come. The Great Shifting only occurs once in every 25,920 years. Thus, we cannot go back in history in any meaningful way to discover information that might be helpful to us. We can, however, look to the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien and his stories of "The Lord of the Rings" for advice, as his mythological stories all occurred on the cusp of third world becoming the fourth. We are now on the cusp of the fourth world becoming the fifth. His advice for then is applicable now. Other suggestions are offered to help us move through the portals of time into a new world aborning. Dr. Atwater combines over 50 years of research and experience to offer this insight.

PART II

The Great Shifting in the Human Family

A few of astrologer John Hogue and Edgar Cayce's predictions about the direction consciousness is taking are given, to set the stage for the "Visionary Realist" – where Mark Satin of "Radical Middle Newsletter" feels society must go. Population switchs are noted, along with DNA/blood group research that has turned upside down what we thought we knew about lineages. DNA adapts to fit changing needs,like 40,000 years ago when a single gene mutation saved the human race – a gene that has since peaked only when needed – and it's back again. Brain-building gene mutations are discussed: children and intelligence. Evolution's quantum leap is happening now – the New Kids are here: their assets, their liabilities. Root Races are discussed, as well as the mystical understanding of how they spread, what they accomplish. The stunning spread of "fives" are revealed and what that might mean as the Fifth World accelerates and goes into ascension. A chart of the Yugas illustrates how ancient calendars enfolded. Helpful tips are offered from "The Lord of the Rings" that directly apply to the change of Worlds/Great Ages now occurring.

Please note: This is a six-hour intensive, an overhead projector and screen must be provided, along with a table up front so I can spread out my papers, and three easels for large placards.

The Aftereffects of Near-Death and Other Transformative States

A deeper probe into the many aspects of the near-death experience and other transformative episodes. Positive and negative reactions explored along with psychosis versus a newly emerging consciousness, drugs and lithium, electrical sensitivity, changes in brain structure. The topic of brain shift is broached, as well as that of soul. Lecture, questions/answers.

"At Death's Door: The Journey Into Oneness." This is a 6 to 8 hour workshop intensive. It could be presented in two days (4 to 5 hrs. each day), which would be easier for the participants and enable a greater deepening to occur. Depends on the needs of the group as to how many hours will be covered. Material is based on Dr. Atwater's book, "We Live Forever: The Real Truth About Death," and on her 26 years of research into near-death states with both adult and child experiencers. Aspects covered:

** What it was like when I died.
** What I noticed with nearly 4,000 other experiencers of near-death states, both with adults and child experiencers.
** Heaven and Hell, the "layer-cake" appearance of these domains.
** Border or shadow lands, and those souls who "hang around" after death.
** Greeters on The Other Side - the full range, positive/negative.
** Spirit Beings.
** Otherworldly Realities.
** At Death's Door.
** "As You Die" CD/DVD and how it can help at the deathbed.
** Visitors who come before death.
** The Soul, its weight, the opportunity to merge with it.
** Preparing: music, funeral service, decisions.
** Empathic Experiences - how to participate in them as an aid the dying.
** Your Death.
** The Will of the Soul.
** The AH Breath - co-meditation.
** Moving into Oneness
** The Breath of God Breathing.

Note: will need 2 or 3 easels to hang charts, black or white board and implements, carpeted room, pillows or mats (participants urged to bring their own), CD/DVD player and large monitor. Sponsor might consider selling bag lunches or having a salad buffet, not only as a convenience, but also as money-raising benefit for the group.

"Deepening into Spirit" is a six-hour opportunity to encounter and share in the wonder and the passion of Truth, soul-to-soul, heart-to-heart, with the goal of remembering what we already know - but have forgotten - that we truly are Divine Beings, One with The One.
Soul to Soul - Morning Session is part lecture, part questions/comments. Covers material gained from Atwater's three near-death experiences, and from over 25 years of researching the near-death phenomenon with thousands of experiencers. Focus on what the soul appears to be, what it looks like, the learning cycles of the soul, soul interventions in one's life, heaven and hell, the work of George Meek in identifying various spirit planes, astral/spirit beings, awakenings to spirit, God.
Remembering - Afternoon Session utilizes prayer states, altered states, visioning, questions, comments, sharing, reconnecting with spirit. Participatory. Alternating between prayer states and other states of consciousness, as inner clarity and spiritual awareness deepens and expands. Memory is heightened with both visioning and visualizations, enabling individuals to feel, sense, touch-in, and remember The Breath of God Breathing. An encounter with death, the "shape-shifter" of our comings and goings as we mature in spirit.

Brain Shift - A Theoretical Model

Using the near-death phenomenon as a neutral model, the entire genre of transformational events is examined in an entirely new way. Linkages between eastern and western versions of enlightenment are shown as well as the mechanism for transmutation of the species. A research report. Need overhead projector/screen. Discussion.

Thriving Skills for Dynamic Times

Everyone is becoming increasingly more sensitive, as we adjust to the almost-continuous changes now occurring in our lives and on our planet. This workshop is devoted to showing you how to not only survive the stress of sudden change, but thrive on it. Lecture, participation. Need blackboard. People bring white paper/crayons.

More information...

Awake or Asleep, The Power of the Dream

Our brain responds to symbols. At night we call them dreams. During our waking states, they are whatever catches our attention. Symbols reveal our deepest self; they show us what is really going on in our lives. Part exploration, part lecture, part participation. Need blackboard, extra chairs. People bring white paper/crayons.

"An In-Depth Look at Child Experiencers of Near-Death States and Their Similarity to the New Children Born Since Around 1982."

Four to Five Hour Workshop

P.M.H.Atwater explores the commonalties between child experiencers of near-death states, the Millennial Generation (those born between 1982 and 2003), and what is believed to be the Fifth Root Race HERE NOW! Devolution and evolution will be discussed along with the emergence of "Cultural Creatives," a new segment of society that is growing in numbers faster than any other grouping - and how closely they dovetail the demands of our new children for authenticity and respect for the sacred. (Overhead projector and screen, an operator for same, and black board are needed)

Goddess Runes and The Way of A Cast

People bring 14 small, somewhat flat stones, plus a stone to represent male energy and one for female. Learn how to create a set of Goddess Runes, use and interpret them - while honoring The Way of a Cast. Special visualization to conncct you to your inner truth sense, that wellspring of wisdom within each of us. Lecture, storytelling, participation. Need 3 easels, blackboard, carpeted room.

THE LIFE CONTINUUM. AN EXPLORATION OF LIFE/DEATH. BIRTH/REBIRTH, RESURRECTION

For over 20 years, P.M.H.Atwater, L.H.D., Ph.D. (Hon.) has investigated near-death states and is now considered one of the field's best researchers, her books, classics. What few people realize is that she, too, is a near-death survivor, having had three such experiences in 1977. This workshop combines material from throughout her personal and professional life to explore many different aspects of what is said to be THE LIFE CONTINUUM, life after death, and the ongoing progression of the soul.

Atwater shares some of the stories from her early years - like when as a youth her family took part in the birth and death of their animals, how a special elk "volunteered" to be the meat her own family needed, on what it was like to grow up in a police station as a police officer's daughter, and the bizarre behavior of one of her own children who was obsessed with death. As a young woman, she noticed that people who died suddenly in car crashes and airplane accidents seemed to "know" they were going to die before they did. After many interviews with the "victim's" survivors, she discovered that they had all exhibited the same Subconscious Behavior Pattern in advance of their deaths - a pattern suggestive of fore knowledge. Her years as a professional hypnotist specializing in past-life regressions will also be discussed, along with several unusual cases that forced her to abandon what she thought she knew about the progression of the soul. New research categories for life/death issues are introduced: NDA (nearing death awareness), NDE (near-death experience), ADC (after death communication), and PBE (pre-birth experience). Cases from her own files are explored, as well as the idea of Mission, Symbolic Death/Rebirth, Soul Groups, Soul Cycles, Transformations of Consciousness, and Resurrection. ..........Need comfortable space for attendees. Each person must bring a lap board, plain white paper for drawing (full sized sheets), and a small box of crayons. (4 to 6 hours)

FIFTEEN-HOUR SESSIONS

Refinements of Spiritual/Aura Healing

A variety of sensory experiments to help you "tune-in" to what works best for you when channeling healing energy. Astral body and auric field manipulations are presented as well as "psychic surgery" technique. "Physician, heal thyself" is central to this workshop. Lecture, storytelling, participation. Need blackboard, quiet carpeted room, easy access to water, extra chairs, way to hang 12 long strings from the ceiling.

Numerology That Works - Part I

Beginners Class: Atwater has developed a hybrid form of numerology that is both dynamic and practical. Lecture. Need plenty of blackboard space. People bring lots of paper, notebook with dividers, pens.

Numerology That Works - Part 11

Intermediate Class: A continuation of the Beginners Class, broadening the topic of study as secrets in a name are explored. Same style, same requirements.

Astrology, Its Signs and Sojourns

The validity of astrology lies in its many patterns and symbols. Using large posters, the twelve signs of the zodiac are shown to be six pairs of complements, highlighting the positives and negatives of our natures. The cycles of Saturn are explored as a model for understanding the life passages we all grow through. Lecture, demonstarion. Need 6 easels, blackboard.

The Near-Death Experience: Beyond the Myth

FIVE SESSIONS - each 1 -hour in length with breaks in-between, designed for a two-day weekend, or to begin on a Friday night and end with the final session on Sunday.

1. RECONSIDERING THE PHENOMENON: (Lecture, Overheads) Fact and fantasy setting the record straight. A new model, Saigon- features of genuine experiences. Four types sample cases. Pleasant and unpleasant episodes surprising examples. The typical pattern of physiological and psychological aftereffects, and how people generally respond. The near-death-like experience/transformations.

2. TELLING THE STORY: People in the audience are invited to tell their own story, or relay a story they know about another. Relatives and friends of experiencers are also urged to share what happened to them and what they witnessed as they dealt with the individual.

3. WHAT HAPPENS WITH CHILDREN: (Lecture, Overheads) Looking at childrens episodes through their eyes. The youngest hellish case yet found; childrens drawings, past/future siblings. Greeters and the three distinctive types of light. Aftereffects more impactual with kids: creative intuitives, genius, learning reversals, alcoholism, suicide, distancing from family/school. Historical figures implication.

4. A CHALLENGE TO THE AUDIENCE: (Q&A, Dialogue, Debate, Sharings) Open microphone to ask questions, talk about the downside. If time, will broach such topics as: depressions and confusion afterwards, the Need Factor and what that implies, the horror in China, the difference between psychotic breakdowns and spiritual breakthroughs, etc.

5. EMPATHIC EXPERIENCES/SHARINGS: (Guided Visualization, Stories) Using the pattern of near-death scenarios as a guided visualization to confront ones own issues about death, and as an empathic way to assist in the dying process. Step-by-step directions and suggestions. Stories from the edge.

Participants are invited to share photos, drawings, poetry, art work, that depict aspects of their experience.

PARTICIPANTS Minimum 30, Maximum none
ROOM LAYOUT Chairs in Semi-circle, Carpet, Table Upfront, Black or White Board
AUDIO/VISUALS Overhead Projector, Screen, Lapel Microphone

Part I -

I will give an overview of my research of the near-death experience, a research project begun in 1978, and covering interviews with over 3,000 near-death survivors (700 of them in-depth). As part of this overview, the four major types of episodes people have will be covered along with a brief psychological profile of who tends to have which type. Near-death-like experiences and anomalies will also be mentioned. The pattern of psychological and physiological aftereffects will be explored, and how these aftereffects differ from psychosis. Children's experiences and the clustering of ages when this seems the most apt to occur will be discussed, along with what this implies. The four phases of integration will be discussed, as well as the four levels of near-death and otherworldly imagery and what that might mean.

Part II -

I will detail one of the common aftereffects, and that is the ability to pre-live segments of one's future and remember having done so. This "future memory phenomenon" will be explored from several different points of view, and the universal pattern of occurrence given. Some striking parallels with research done of childhood brain development between the ages of three to five and how that might relate to what happens to those who report future memory episodes, will be discussed. Implication given.

Part III -

I will present the BRAIN SHIFT MODEL, a series of charts plus text that summarizes my research not only of near-death states but of spiritual transformations (a work I began in sixties). This summary shows how a transformation of consciousness, no matter how caused, is but a brain shift - a specific pattern of responses which, when triggered, result in a cascade effect on the individual that matches the aftereffects of both near-death and spiritual transformations. Even though most such episodes lead to only partial shifts, that alone can result in dramatic changes in a person's life. How this compares with the broad sweep of transformational experiences, whether turbulent or tranquil in cause, will be covered, as well as the implication that brain shifts may indeed be the engine of evolution.

The goal of this workshop is to help participants recognize and better understand brain shifts, and to aid them in realizing that anyone who begins their "journey inward" to a more spiritual lifestyle automatically triggers such a shift. Knowing the major characteristics of a brain shift can be immensely helpful in coming to terms with what is normal and typical to the experience. As more and more people undergo transformations of consciousness, information about the brain shift model will become increasingly important. Workshop Facilitator: P.M.H.Atwater, L.H.D., Ph.D. (Hon.)

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