At age 13 I had an NDE, a Near Death Experience. I was a suicidal 13 year old, I ‘died’ alone in my attic room from alcohol poisoning inhaling metholated spirits because I was too terrified to sleep in there, because my soul was weary, because I felt there was no hope and didn’t have any reason to live… and as I felt pulled heavily into the mattress my spirit lifted out of my body into a warmth of pure light as all I was dispersed onto that light… so had this same experience, but my body called me back… it wasn’t my time. I never feared death since.

But, however enticing it is to wrap myself up in belief of an afterlife, I don’t.

I totally agree it was the product of a total endorphin rush caused by an oxygen deprived brain…. and when I DO die I look forward to that nice buzz once again, with or without associated ancestors there to guide me, or angels or fairies, or Dorothy and the Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow. All cool with me… but I don’t need an afterlife because I live on in all I’ve ever done and touched and moved and inspired so I’m already immortal, already re-incarnated in you all, and will only become more so as my ashes are scattered to nature and feed grasses and trees and flowers and soil and ultimately become a source of life for birds and butterflies… can’t think of anything more wonderful.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.