Synopses & Reviews
This book considers a wide range of experiences of dying patients that Dr Sartori has encountered during her nursing career. It focuses on the near-death experiences (NDEs) of patients Dr Sartori has nursed as well as the hundreds of cases of people who have contacted her over the years. Many people take NDEs at surface value and are mis-informed about the full extent of this highly complex phenomenon. This book examines all aspects of the NDE and Dr Sartori emphasizes that by pathologising the NDE we are missing out on very important insights which can empower us to live fulfilled and meaningful lives.
The results of her hospital research and that of others could not find a physiological or psychological explanation for these experiences and they can no longer be ignored or explained away. The crucial point of this book is that NDEs undoubtedly occur and have very real, often dramatic, life changing after effects. Further to that, the wisdom gained during the NDE can be life enhancing and have hugely positive effects on those who don't have a NDE - all we have to do is take notice and hear what these people have to say.
A greater understanding of NDEs can not only enhance the way in which we care for dying patients but also revolutionize our current world view. This book encourages readers to take notice of and incorporate the wisdom and powerful message of NDEs into their own lives.
Synopsis
A doctor recounts patient stories from her five-year clinical study of Near-Death Experiences, revealing how this phenomenon is more powerful than we realize Dr. Penny Sartori is a registered nurse who began researching Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) in 1995 after one of her long-term intensive care patients begged her to let him die in peace. Inspired by this encounter, she went on to research NDEs in a PhD program, where she learned profound spiritual lessons and made startling discoveries that she now shares in The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences.
During her academic work, Dr. Sartori studied three samples of ICU patients during a five-year period. Here, she recounts the eye-opening stories of those patients who experienced NDEs and out-of-body experiences (OBEs). In one group, as many as 18% of patients experienced an NDE--though Patient #10 stood out among the others. After being unresponsive, he awoke to report he had experienced an OBE. He was able to describe what happened in the hospital room while he was unconscious and claimed he met not only his deceased father but a Jesus-like figure. Most shocking of all, he had regained the use of his hand--which had been paralyzed since birth.
When talking about the biggest takeaways from her research, Dr. Sartori shares how her findings have made her question the common belief that the brain gives rise to consciousness. Most importantly, she has gained a deeper appreciation for death--an experience she now views with less fear and anxiety.
In addition to detailing dozens of case studies, The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences also discusses childhood NDEs, the differences in NDEs among different cultures, and the after-effects of NDEs.
Synopsis
Drawing on a 5-year clinical study of near-death experiences, a doctor presents riveting patient stories to explore how NDEs can empower us and society as a whole. By trying to pathologize NDEs, are we missing out on what they can tell us about life? Dr. Penny Sartori is a registered nurse who began researching Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) in 1995 after one of her long-term intensive care patients begged her to let him die in peace. Inspired by this encounter, she went on to research NDEs in a PhD program, where she learned profound spiritual lessons and made startling discoveries that she now shares in The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences.
During her academic work, Dr. Sartori studied three samples of ICU patients during a five-year period. Here, she recounts the eye-opening stories of those patients who experienced NDEs and out-of-body experiences (OBEs). In one group, as many as 18% of patients experienced an NDE--though Patient #10 stood out among the others. After being unresponsive, he awoke to report he had experienced an OBE. He was able to describe what happened in the hospital room while he was unconscious and claimed he met not only his deceased father but a Jesus-like figure. Most shocking of all, he had regained the use of his hand--which had been paralyzed since birth.
When talking about the biggest takeaways from her research, Dr. Sartori shares how her findings have made her question the common belief that the brain gives rise to consciousness. Most importantly, she has gained a deeper appreciation for death--an experience she now views with less fear and anxiety.
In addition to detailing dozens of case studies, The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences also discusses childhood NDEs, the differences in NDEs among different cultures, and the after-effects of NDEs.
About the Author
Penny Sartori PhD, RGN is an expert in NDEs and undertook the UK's first long-term prospective study. She is the author of The Near-Death Experiences of Hospitalized Intensive Care Patients: A Five Year Clinical Study and lectures both nationally and internationally. She currently teaches two courses she has written entitled Death and Dying as Spiritual Transformation and Science, Spirituality and Health at Swansea University. The author lives in UK.