|
 P.
M. H. Atwater, L.H.D., Ph.D. (Hon.), is one of the original
researchers in the field of near-death studies, having begun her work in
1978. She is one of the very few top NDE researchers who have actually
had a NDE.
Her website is filled with very interesting NDE research information
and articles of hers. Her contribution to near-death studies is
considered to be one of the most important as her first two books,
Beyond the Light
and
Coming Back to Life,
are deemed the Bibles of the near-death experience by researchers
and a multitude of experiencers and enthusiasts.
Using her firm understanding of police investigative
techniques as a protocol, she has specialized in original fieldwork and
research that also included sessions with significant others. Her
findings are contained in six books (see right). Some of her
findings have now been clinically verified. Her research is referenced
in the distinguished Lancet medical journal, December 15, 2001
(the
landmark Dutch study by Pim van Lommel, M.D.). For more
information about P.M.H. Atwater's contribution to near-death research,
download her press kit here. On this page, P.M.H. Atwater answers
questions submitted to her.
 QUESTION:
I
sincerely believe that I am receiving advice from my higher self. I ask
questions and receive answers, analogies, things that I could never come
up with; if I could I wouldn't ask. I was, at a point, a totally
atheistic material-oriented skeptic. After several after-death events
when my parents died, I did thousands of hours of research into science,
and found to my amazement that survival was supported by two Nobel prize
winning physicists; and research done by Pribram, Aspect, Tiller, etc.
confirmed much of this. I have a problem with an addiction to two
substances. It's not important which ones. My higher self informs me
repeatedly that until I conquer this, I am virtually "stuck." I cannot
proceed to whatever other aspects of my life's lessons I am supposed to
be learning.
My questions are twofold. Do you believe that our higher selves offer
guidance in this form, and do you believe that what I am being told is
accurate?
Every other bit of information on questions I have asked has been
extremely logical, not always what I wanted to hear, but exactly correct
nonetheless. There appears to be a strong sense of urgency to my facing
this problem, as if time were running "short." Any input you can offer
would be greatly appreciated. --
David
 PMH
Atwater's:
Information from such sources as Divine Guidance, Holy Spirit, our
Higher Self, freely flows to one and all. I can't imagine anyone cut off
from this flow, unless, because of his or her own foolishness or
carelessness or belief in separation from God, the connection was
severed. We are one with The One - always have been and always will be.
Most near-death experiencers return from their "journey" convinced of
this, even if their episode was brief and consisted only of a bright
light or the living dark or an out-of-body experience or some other
element of simple import. Near-death experiencers are not always
lectured, or informed, or given great insight into revelation. For many,
they simply return "knowing" and are satisfied in that knowing. It is
enough.
With the incredible popularity of the Neale Donald Walsh books
(CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD), countless people worldwide are now conversing
with what they believe to be God. I'm not at all certain this is true
(yet who's to know, really?). What I suspect is happening here is that
the masses have finally discovered their Higher Self, or what some call
their "Soul."
It used to be that one had to go through elaborate rituals, rigid
denials and self-punishment, a lifetime of surrender and the seeking of
forgiveness, before one was deemed worthy of receiving communication
from some form of Divinity. Be it in trance, a "burning bush" incident,
through prayer and meditation, in a dream, because of certain drugs
taken in a certain manner, or a communication that is audibly heard and
physically seen, all the traditions of all the world's cultures are
filled with "otherworldly" contacts, events, accomplishments from a
Higher Source for those who are "ready." This rich spiritual history is
often lumped today with incidents of psychic phenomena, possession, or
mental incompetence. We're talking of thousands of years of do's and
don'ts that enabled one to obtain positive and uplifting clarity,
insight, and guidance to improve life's living and open the "doors" of
perception. To toss this history or name is "pseudo" is to deny the very
breath that empowers us. We would be wise, instead, to study this
history and learn how to apply what is appropriate or helpful in our
lives.
Can you contact your Higher Self, receive guidance, converse, dialogue,
engage in projects of learning and growth? Of course you can. Anyone
can. Millions do. Is the information received from this source accurate?
Maybe yes and maybe no. And therein lies the rub.
 There
are levels and dimensions and degrees to this flow of information.
Anyone can contact the lower levels, and just about whenever wanted.
Sometimes the information received will be accurate enough to pull us
in, tempt us, interest us, intrigue us, hold us - and - eventually
control us. There's nothing quite like the "quick and easy" to convince
us we have found a "shortcut" to life's secrets. And ... to pump up our
ego. That's what fuels the lower levels of otherworldly information -
ego! It's a trap in the sense that attaining this level makes us feel
important and special, like we got something for nothing; we're privy.
The more we get the more we want the more we receive the more we return
for even more. All too soon we become shells of our former self, having
lost our innate creativity, spirit, and individuality - becoming a
"slave" to forces we do not fully understand or recognize. It's like
taking that first snuff of cocaine and enjoying the heightened senses
and abilities it brings, convincing ourselves that we're the master and
we can quit using it anytime we want to. Wrong. Ego ploys are always
traps. They hook us and then lead us around and around in circles. What
began innocent enough leads eventually to a prison of disappointment,
illusion, and pain.
If you want the real stuff, that which enhances and enriches and
uplifts, and continues on and on, getting better with the passing of
time, bringing with it great peace and joy, you have to "clean house."
That "house" is yourself. Clean up your lifestyle, your language, your
diet, your relationships, your laziness, your addictions. Yes, some
people continue to receive what appears to be Divine Guidance while
still smoking like a smokestack, boozing, popping pills, lying to self
and others, stealing, and eating a diet of little more than "grease and
doughnuts." Watch, though, what happens to these people over time. They
age quickly, suffer from one disease after another, are often depressed
or irritated, and in general experience a life that is far less than
their former potential. There's nothing wrong with a good, healthy ego.
We need our ego. But only in balance with our Higher Self, our Soul, our
Spiritual Potential.
If you want the best, you need to be the best - the best self you can
possibly be - in balance with the fullness of your nature.
 It
is obvious to me, David, that you do not want to give up your
addictions, whatever they are. Yet that wellspring of wisdom within you
(and within all of us) is telling you to do just that and soon. That
sense of urgency could mean health problems are on the horizon, or some
other interference, like a job loss or a crisis of some kind that is
headed your way. Whatever the reason behind that sense of urgency, it is
apparent to me that if you want to continue contacting this Source or
proceeding any further along the spiritual path, you need to learn a
little more about the "territory." There are wonderful books available
now about the spiritual journey, how to take it, what to look out for,
and remarkable teachers and classes. In the back of most of my books, I
have lengthy Resource Sections for just that - names, addresses, phone
numbers, suggestions, and ideas for taking that next step - beyond ego
and into the real world of spirit. Near-death experiencers receive a
glimpse of this Greater Reality and Higher Source, and they come back
almost driven to learn more, express more, and serve more - changed by
the power of truth, the truth of their beingness.
I hope this brief exploration of your questions is helpful. You've begun what is
referred to as "the inner journey." Learn more about it. You'll find this
journey is well worth taking.
Many blessings,
P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D., Ph.D.
www.cinemind.com/atwater
& www.pmhatwater.com |
