Gratitude and Optimism
Fifteen years ago today, I awoke from a weeklong coma due to severe bacterial meningitis from which I was not expected to survive. The medical details of the case, objectively reported by three physicians not involved in my care but fascinated by my recovery, showed my brain was in no shape to produce any dream or hallucination, yet I witnessed the most profound, detailed and transformative experience of my life. Those memories are as sharp today as if the whole thing had happened this morning. The other mystery the case report addressed was the fact of my not only surviving, but thriving, after this severe life-threatening illness when most prior such cases went on to die. I remain most grateful to my family & friends, doctors and nurses, and especially to God for gifting me with such a life-affirming experience, and my ability to return to this world and share it.
In sharing my story, the world has gifted me with thousands who have reached out over the last 15 years to share their personal stories. This deluge of interrelated reports of spiritual encounters has greatly strengthened and affirmed my own knowing of these richer and deeper truths of our shared existence. One such encounter occurred just this morning, when a friend invited me to meet her father, a 93 year old who lost his beloved wife of 43 years in February, 2023. After such a long and loving partnership, his loss at first was almost unbearable. My friend gave him my 2012 book Proof of Heaven, and he had come down from three states away to personally thank me for “saving his life.”
As often happens in these encounters, I found that he was indeed helping me. He shared beautiful stories of how when he was most distressed about her loss, that he felt her physically jump into his lap, even though that feeling was not accompanied by her physical body, but a profound awareness of her playfulness and ongoing existence. Another time, she kissed him on the lips in very real fashion, even though no physical body was there doing the kissing. A third profound physical sensation was of her holding his hand at a moment he really needed it. He radiated love and mirth, all around his sharing of these beautiful stories of ongoing connection with his beloved. The ongoing experiences with our loved ones who have left the physical plane can be most comforting and reassuring of the eternity of our souls’ connections, and of our own deeply loved souls traversing this world – we are never alone.
Given such comforting realizations, it is hard to ignore all of the turmoil and conflict in our modern world. In spite of these contradictions in life, I am optimistic about our future. That optimism is based on my understanding of the scientific data supporting the reality of our interconnected souls and the fact of these myriad spiritual experiences. As a whole, they inform us that we are all in this together, and that the binding force of love has infinite power to heal. My journey has also involved over a decade of meditative practice using Sacred Acoustics binaural beat brainwave entrainment, thanks to my life partner of the last 12 years, Karen Newell (co-founder of sacredacoustics.com). Karen has been a rich source of spiritual wisdom, much of which is revealed in her contributions to the book we wrote together in 2017, Living in a Mindful Universe. My gratitude to her cannot be overstated.
The problems of our world are largely due to the false sense of separation inherent in our predominant materialist belief system. The deeper wisdom of the quantum-informed science of consciousness bolstered by so many personal human experiences proving our interconnections that transcend bodily death – that is where I find solace and comfort. The evidence leads in one direction – towards a comforting truth that we are spiritual beings in a spiritual universe as part of one consciousness.
I am grateful to all of my fellow souls sharing in this liberating realization. Blessings to you all, and prayers for peace to all souls sharing this earth!
With Love, and gratitude,
Eben
Dear Doctor, I am grateful to you for your book, “Proof of Paradise.” God has given you the strength to help people like me. My mother passed away a year and a half ago. I cry every day. I believe and understand that the soul is immortal, but separation from my mother is devastating. Today I read archival notes and my mother’s letters, and only your book could soothe my tears. Thank you! YOU ARE GOD’S HELPER!
I’m not sure what to say/ask. More than 4 decades ago I drowned one evening in my local city pool attempting two lengths of the pool underwater. Unbeknownst to other swimmers and the lifeguard I blacked out and began breathing; chlorinated water, until the breathing stopped. By the time the lifeguard knew, I had stopped breathing and they later realized, my heart had stopped. A man (friend’s dad) who was present and knew more about CPR than the lifeguard and saved my life.
My issue/problem is…I was on death’s door yet I remember nothing! No vision, not bright light, no conversation, no love.
In contrast to all of the NDE stories I’ve read, I experienced nothing. Is there likely a meaning behind this???
NDE’s or not…..and I have read many of them, I just want to be sure I go to the right place when I pass. I’ve accepted Jesus as my savior. Hopefully I’m not taking any chances. Whatever Hell actually is I know I don’t want to go there. Eternity is a long time and there is no getting out and no second chances.
I read your book “Proof of Heaven” with great interest. Some time ago I had the most wonderful dream in my whole life where I actually experience and felt God’s love and acceptance of me which was so profound that words cannot describe what I felt. I know there is an afterlife for believers in Christ. I think what you experienced to some extent was an in between experience of heaven and hell. There is only one way to heaven and that is through the acceptance of Jesus Christ, recognizing him as our redeeming savior and repenting of our sins (faults, wrong-doings, etc.). There are not multiple paths to heaven as you seem to imply in your book. You were not told the right path in your near-death experience because we all have to seek after truth, that is God’s Word, the Bible which clearly explains the process of becoming a Christian (John 3:16 is a good starting point).
I don’t see any proof of the supernatural, but I believe in it. I see a lot of new age thinking and speculation, but of course, that is not proof — and perhaps we will never get it.
Dr Alexander,
I just finished reading all 3 of your books. Thank you for them and the wisdom and affirmation they give me. I was so excited as I was reading what you experienced, because it was such an acknowledgement of what I know to be true. I have never needed another’s proof for what my soul knows, but it was just very affirming to read about your beautiful trip during your coma.
I have shared your books with my daughter and I know she will read them in her own time. Whether my son gets to this level of awareness in his journey this time around, I don’t know, but I live with the peace of knowing we all eventually get there.
Thank you for all you and Karen are doing to help seekers. With heartfelt gratitude, I send love ❤️
g’day doctor,
i’ve been “collecting” stories like yours over the las year, and am finding
my (already) positive outlook on life expanding quietly dramatically.
sincere thanks to you for accepting the role of messenger from the other side.
everything gonna be alright.
all the best to you and yours, and everyone else too (of course)
cheers,
iano
Hi, I was reading your book and when I got to the part where you were troubled about not seeing your father….I know why it is because you were not ready to go all the way and you could only see 1 your father or your sister who you never met, well what if she was chosen because you got to really see what see looked like and you already know what your father (not your biological) looks like. Maybe when you do die you will see everyone. The reason I’m writing is because I had this string urge to, this necessity. I wish you love and comfort in this life ( I had some miracles happen for me but it would be too long to tell here. You can reach me out my email. Best wishes to you Sir.
Ellen C Blazier
Thank you for a wonderful book. I started seeing signs from the other side 14 years ago, after my father died. I have felt his presence, when I do, I get goosebumps on my forehead…..
Oh , and the things I have seen after eating some magic mushrooms. It was so beautiful, made me cry and I did feel this unconditional love!
Greetings from Chicago , originally Lithuania
Dr Alexander, I just read your book, Proof of Heaven. It conjured up two experiences I had that had always been a mystery I held so close. Watching my grandmother pass (she most definitely went somewhere else but she was absolutely not gone forever was my distinct understanding), and visiting my brother in the hospital after he came out of a 5 day coma (I witnessed the post coma psychosis, him coming back “online” and I never ever asked him where he went or if he remembers anything. We have never discussed it). I also left my religion many years ago and haven’t prayed or paid attention to my spiritual essence. Your book has just completely reset me. I’m so grateful and excited to learn more about who I truly am. I will not discount the deep spiritual experiences I have had as merely a figment of my imagination or coping mechanism. Your book has given me a license to do this. Thank you!!!!!!
I can share how to see your Soul with your own eyes while awake and without getting hurt. Because GOD is Real!
“we are all in this together”
This is just not true. It’s a grand metaphysical flourish, which like all such flourishes, commits the speaker to nothing real in the world, here, now. Are you ‘in it’ with the Gazan woman in hysteria over her child’s legs being blown off? Are you ‘in it’ with me – 61, homeless, no friends or family, in the last year of my life? In what way are you ‘in it’ with us?
Are the satsangers in their luxurious retreats, nobly merging with Brahman, ‘in it’ with the vast majority of humans who will never be permitted to join them?
In what real, actual way are “we are all in this together”?
We are each a beloved child of God. We live in a world of free will, whether it be in the chaos of genocide, or caught in a wave of fascism destroying our Democracy. We Are ONE. We are here learning to overcome the evils of our world to find the empathy and compassion that connects each of us together through our Father. We will each find our way Home one day. Until then see the Light of God in
each other. Plant the seeds of Love and Peace.
Bette,
Can you name one thing that is destroying our democracy?
Wow. Two polite and well-argued comments immediately expunged because they are mildly critical.
Separation and fear, much?
“we are all in this together”
This is just not true. It’s a grand metaphysical flourish, which like all such flourishes, commits the speaker to nothing real in the world, here, now. Are you ‘in it’ with the Gazan woman in hysteria over her child’s legs being blown off? Are you ‘in it’ with me – 61, homeless, no friends or family, in the last year of my life? In what way are you ‘in it’ with us?
Are the satsangers in their luxurious retreats, nobly merging with Brahman, ‘in it’ with the vast majority of humans who will never be permitted to join them?
In what real, actual way are “we are all in this together”?
Cris I am somewhat surprised that no one has answered your honest question and I just want to say that I get your point and would like to hear a constructive answer.
I personally don’t have an answer beyond the understanding that the higher power of the universe is accessible to everyone equal access. Meanwhile when you’re just trying to survive atrocities, it’s hard to relate to statements like that. A person in a body who’s basic human needs are not met has a priority of alleviating suffering.
The fact that Dr Alexander had and shares this experience is meant to be helpful and you have every right to ask the question.
I can voice my opinion as a conservative, but the problem is in the question/or statement itself. You have the right to ask questions, obviously, I just now came to this site after reading the book so I dont know what was deleted. But, the further I read that original post the further away from the point that question became. We’re all in this together, I take to mean exactly as the author intended, in context of his book. This became more political and less spiritual/nde related. There are plenty of places for that, and I wouldn’t expect the author (whatever political persuasion he is) to jump into the political realm. It’s not what he writes about. I agree with the sentiment absolutely, we are in this together. This life. No matter our religion, or lack of, we’re sharing common interests here for a common goal. I’m sorry I cant be more helpful, mean no disrespect, just feel the relevance gets lost.
“we are all in this together”
This may or may not be true in some abstract metaphysical sense. But in daily reality nothing could be further from the truth. Some of us are wealthy neurosurgeons with families and children and everything the human-induced destruction of the living world affords for a small international middle-class. Some of us are Gazan mothers watching their childrens legs being blown off. Some of us (moi) are 61 year old men with no home or role in the world or family or friends, our only hope survival for one more day without being pissed on by cops or beaten (yet again) by teenagers out for a laugh.
We are in no practical, real-life way ‘in this together’. It is a dog-eat-dog of unending horror for billions. Pleasant retreats in lush centres for the few who can afford them, flouncing about in their expensive clothes, merely add insult to energy. Imagine the horror on the faces of the well-groomed participants if one of us, with our rotting teeth and threadbare clothes, turned up asking for admission because “we’re all in this together”. We are just, plainly, factually, not!
Hi Dr Alexander!
I have some info that you WILL enjoy reading and seeing. I am trying to remain anonymous for certain reasons. Would you please get in touch with me, using email like protonmail (privacy is maintained). I NEED to send you some images and short texts that you can judge for yourself if they are worth pursuing, and I will gladly do my best to complement the massive amounts of scientific, physics oriented information. If you are not interested, fine, it ends there. All I’m asking is that you give it a chance. You are or were a physician and I really understand what you must have gone through with the judgment of your piers and the medical community. I know this is strange, but you will not regret it.
Sincerely,
A person who wants to share knowledge specifically about the things you saw and experienced
Greetings,
I first found your story several years ago and I have revisited your subsequent work several times since. This is the first time that I found this website.
I recall seeing some show on which you were a guest. They had you debating one of your neuroscience colleagues who was questioning your interpretation of your NDE. It is always healthy to have debate with adverse perspectives, but it seemed somewhat insulting to your own training and experience to have someone challenging you with “facts” of neuroscience that you *must* have already thoroughly considered in your own analysis of your journey. His arguments seemed irrelevant. I would have much preferred to see a discussion about what neuroscience does *not* know that could explain the NDE rather than one that pretends that we know enough to dismiss it as fantasy.
One question that I would ask as devil’s advocate is this: have the devices used to analyze brain activity… the ones that were used to determine that your brain was effectively “offline”… been tested and evaluated for use specifically on brains that are in that state of infection? I recall your saying at some point that your brain was “swimming in pus” or something like that. That could have been rhetorical simplification, but I am guessing not. I expect that there would be considerable contamination of the fluids and other media through which signals would be measured. Is there an exhaustive discussion of the technology that can be found somewhere?
I am very much inclined to believe that your experience is just what you describe. I find skeptics to be very impotent against cases like yours. I see your experience and your sharing it as a gift to anyone who chooses to receive it. I am most grateful for it… thank you.
I have not read any of your books yet, so I will not expect a response here if the answers can be found by reading them. I have a few more questions regarding the role that your late sister had and your adoption. Apologies if this gets too personal…..
I was also adopted as a baby and I am curious to understand why or how we are closer to blood relatives than our adopted families, as it seems from your experience. I recall your mentioning some turmoil that you went through after you learned about the identity of the girl that you met. I am very curious about how your adoption fits in to your interpretation of your NDE. I will look for answers in your books too.
Thank you again for all your work.
Kent
Dear Dr. Alexander,
I really enjoy your books and Dr. George Richie “Return from tomorrow “, I have a request to attend your seminar in the near future. I live in San Antonio Texas so let me know when you organize next seminar then I can attend and hear you recall your NDE experience! Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Steve
Thank You again Dr Alexander. I read your book Proof of Heaven while illegally incarcerated in Colorado on no charges… I was really in a bad place as my pregnant fiance was stucjk out in the cold to fend for herself. I read the book cover to cover as I have always been interested in NDEs and such. Journey of Souls by Dr Michael Newton started me on this journey years ago. My own powerful experiences with God came years later. One of which told me that I was to write a book for Him. I knew nothing of what that meant but have been working on several books since then. At the time of the reading I was I a bad place and not working on anything, however the loving feelings conveyed through your book reached me as well and changed my entire outlook. I am happy to say that I am again working on my manuscripts and very interested in Eternea, Hemi-Sync and other things as well. I thank you for sharing and hope to somehow be in contact as I write these books and hope to help someone else, God willing 2, or 10 or 1000.
Dear Dr. Alexander,
You have had a wonderful journey into spriritual realm which helps me a lots when I am reading your book Proof of Heaven. I am currently practice meditation at home and I would like to ask where I can get Sacred Acoustic so I may get into mindfulness state. Thanks!
You may find Sacred Acoustics recordings on the website https://www.sacredacoustics.com
Eben and Karen,
Being guided to you two and many more people, books, courses etc.. has truly made a huge difference in my life. I know that I was being prepared for the loss of our precious daughter. She crossed over one week ago today. Thank God that he uses people like you and Karen, to give us hope while we are still in our human body and the knowing that we are never separate from Source and that we are all connected by Love and will return to Love. Blessing’s to you and your family and thank you for your continued messages to help us reach our souls plan here on earth. Love, Pam Downey
Dr. Alexander,
You wrote–
The problems of our world are largely due to the false sense of separation inherent in our predominant materialist belief system. The deeper wisdom of the quantum-informed science of consciousness bolstered by so many personal human experiences proving our interconnections that transcend bodily death – that is where I find solace and comfort. The evidence leads in one direction – towards a comforting truth that we are spiritual beings in a spiritual universe as part of one consciousness.
LOVE IT, WELL PUT!
Why then do spiritual teachers (who presumably have less ‘separation’ than most) so determinedly separate themselves and their teachings from the poor (ie. the majority of the world’s population). Look at, for example, Rupert Spira. He literally charges thousands of GBP for his retreats. Is it necessary for spiritual uplift to be sited in beautiful stately homes, do you think? Or is it more likely that the kind of clientele he wants (all beautiful scarves, flowing linen and expensive teeth) are unlikely to wish to attend retreats alongside those of us with rotting teeth and empty bank accounts?
There are no Nisargadattas or Ramana Maharshis to be seen. Because they really did not separate themselves. Contemporary ‘spirituality’ is just another product.
Dear Eben,
thank you for this blog entry. I have experienced many supernatural moments of connection with the other side in my life through signs or coincendences given to me here on Planet Earth, and have written about them in two books. But, even so, when I am emotionally fraught, my belief and knowing fails me at times. I can never read enough of your writing to bolster my knowing, over and over again. so thank you from the bottom of my heart for this blog entry.
With infinite gratitude,
Karen Williams
My gratitude to you, Eben (and Karen) for the wonderful work you do. Your love and inspiration bring me strength, comfort, optimism, courage and perspective. I love your books and Sacred Acoustic. God bless you 2❤️🙏
Dear Eben and Karen,
Thank you for continuing to show up and share the stories. I truly believe love will Trump overall…My own story of tremendous loss (my 2 children and a Grandson) could not have been survivable with a prior NDE and my knowing where they now were…In fact, my youngest son, Micheal showed up in a spiritual form shortly after his passing and told me to find the blue butterfly…which I did the next day while getting a Starbucks drink and seeing a big table of books…Proof of Heaven… thank you again for continuing your journey..yes, we’re all connected 🦋💕
Thanks Eben. I remember your story well and have enjoyed your books. Now more than ever our world needs the reassurance that this material finite world is not all there is.
Dr. Alexander, thank you for sharing this. I’m 75, and I’ve always believed in the afterlife, with many affirming experiences. When my dear husband of 54 years passed away last year, that was one of my greatest comforts. Then I discovered your books, and read them all! I believe that they were brought to my attention to affirm my beliefs that he is still with me (along with our rescued cat who passed away the same day my husband did). Your books have been of enormous comfort to me, and I am so grateful to you. There is no doubt in my mind that our spirits are just temporarily in our bodies, and we will all be together in peace and love and joy again. Thank you for your contributions to this field.
With deepest gratitude,
Kathy Neuman
Are you doing any research on dream cycles and when our subconscious presents us with vivid dreaming? My most dramatic stories occur one hour before I wake up. When I look at the clock and roll over, I have played out detailed story lines. many times I believe they are guided by the Holy Spirit and not my own busied subconscious. Thank you for sharing your scientific knowledge and connecting it to the mysterious spiritual aspects of our mind.
I have owned and read ALL of your books! I have also gifted several friends PROOF OF HEAVEN. You are my HERO! jeffry