Update 1/19/19: My memoir, Angels in the OR: What Dying Taught Me About Healing, Survival, and Transformation, can be pre-ordered now. It is a #1 new release in several categories. I would love it if you helped me make near-death experiences more mainstream.
“Creeds and schools in abeyance, / Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten, / I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard, / Nature without check with original energy.” — Song of Myself, Walt Whitman
Musicians are known for mixing genres and influences and describing their sound as indie rock, post-punk revival, dance-rock. Some musicians even coin terms that describe their music in creative ways like psychobilly—a fusion genre of rock that mixes punk rock, rock and roll, and rockabilly. Some amazing bands like Alabama Shakes have a sound classified as blues rock, southern rock, and soul music, yet some of their songs defy classification.
If musicians can genre-mix in order to stretch their identities, why can’t people on a spiritual path do the same? They can, and do, of course. The Pew Research Center details the variety of beliefs and connections American make between religions and practices. Great meditation teachers and spiritual teachers mix beliefs and ideas from various practices and religions.
Over the years, I’ve met people who refer to themselves as a Gnostic Shaman, a Buddhist Jew, a Christo-Pagan or a Hindu who attends services at Unitarian Universalist Church. In Austin, I ran into professors at the Unitarian Universalist church who loved to discuss everything from a poem by Rumi to the story of Hanuman. Many people in new age communities simply say they are spiritual and discuss the various teachers they have followed over the years. Beliefs overlap throughout religions, so it makes sense that people who search for their spiritual identity are often inspired more by beliefs than religions. Teachings that bring people greater inner peace, healing, and contentment are highly valued. Teachings about charity, kindness, and love appeal to spiritual seekers and to most people in general. I love my meditation practice, and all that I have learned from shamanic healing practices.
My beliefs after the NDE: It is certainly easier to say I am spiritual than to come up with a term that reflects my specific interests and beliefs. If pressed, I would say that I am spiritual with a specialized focus on healing myself and others. Over the years, I have been deeply inspired by beliefs and teachings from Buddhism, Christianity, Shamanism, and various New Age/Spiritual teachers. However, the aspects of these beliefs and practices that are healing are the aspects that interest me the most. During my NDE, I clearly heard the words, “Love is all that matters.” Though this statement can be interpreted in many ways, I interpret it as love should be the basis of any belief or spiritual practice. Love should be the guiding force in all areas of life.
Since I live in the U.S. and Christianity is a large part of our history and my upbringing, I honor that tradition. I love certain saints and novenas, even though I was not raised as a Catholic. I’m drawn to sacred sites. The healing cathedral El Santurio de Chimayo’s energy is powerful and has proven miraculous in healing emotional and physical pain for me on the three occasions I have visited. Years ago, I had a spiritual encounter with Christ and love his healing energy. I’m hardly a traditional Christian, though I love many services and many different types of Christian churches, as long as the primary message is one of love.
The Light: What never changes is that I have complete faith in the light and angels I met on the other side of this life during my NDE. I know that I am guided by and will be greeted by deeply intelligent, compassionate, graceful beings at the end of my journey. I know that getting a glimpse at the next part of the journey has made me more of a believer in the magic of transformation more than anything else. All paths, beliefs, and religions attempt to lead us to the light. I want to align more with the light in any way that I can while on the earth. I don’t want to be distracted by anything that isn’t a direct link to the light, love, and compassion I encountered during my NDE.
Healing: Being an extra-sensitive soul and experiencing great pain and suffering in my life has allowed me to understand the experiences of many people. The answers to pain are spiritual in nature but usually not evident in the moment. In the moment of trauma or moments afterwards, people are often filled with various emotions. The best thing any of us can do for a person in pain is to deeply listen to them and open our hearts, sometimes offering sound pieces of advice which usually focus on how that person might take better care of themselves through a difficult time. Compassion for others and for ourselves is vital.
When we give ourselves the love we have been searching for, life brightens and expands. There is no more searching, only being on a bright path that is our own path.
May your path be filled with great mixes of music and beliefs that carry you safely and happily through your life and home.
Tricia Barker 
I’m with you and so is the Dalai Lama who often says: “My religion is kindness.” My first spiritual teacher (1967) was a philosopher who studied many world traditions. He knew his hippie students needed a strong psychological language, so he taught us Jungian Psychology and also Astrology. He advised that we learn from every tradition but not align ourselves with only one. He died in 1984, but that perspective stuck with me. I know a few powerful Buddhist teachers, but I’m not a Buddhist. I learn so much from mythology and Jung, so sometimes I call myself a Jungian. Mostly, I follow a strong spiritual path that’s seen me through the hardest and best of times. I’ve never had an NDE, but I’ve stood at the threshold of birth and death with others quite a few times.
There is a strong shamanistic tradition in the Buddhist tradition and the oracle is consulted about important issues. It’s also clear that Buddhism is not what we usually call a religion. I can honor Christ as a teacher but see that humans strayed far from his path of love. I’m grateful for all the training I’ve received in philosophic study and meditation. And I’m grateful to be following my own spiritual path.
It’s nice to get to know you, Tricia. I’ve always loved the image of the wounded healer (Chiron, in astrology).
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Thanks for your comment, and I understand what you mean about a spiritual path that’s seen you through the hardest and best of times. I’m inspired by your blog, and look forward to reading more from you.
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For the past 10 years I have read almost every NDE story I could find, and I have to say yours is one of the best and most believable. I have been a Catholic all of my life, and will always be one. As with most Catholics, I cannot quote scripture and verse without looking it up, but I do remember the one where Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Googled it). What you say seems to be in line with what Jesus said. As I read about things like the Shroud of Turin, and other miracles, I find they help me with my faith. Are you saying you believe in Christianity, or would you rather not commit? I read quite a bit, and find myself fascinated by the history of it as well as the religious aspect. I tend to find so many things that cause me to believe Jesus did live and did rise from the dead. I guess I am always looking for ways to validate my faith. Sorry for rambling on here, buy yours is one of those stories that does help with faith.
Thanks,
Bob
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Thanks for your note. I think that I did hear messages in the afterlife similar to things that Jesus said…I heard a message “to be like a little child.” Much later after my NDE, I felt the healing power of Jesus in a cathedral. I know he is real, but I do have problems with many Christian churches. I’ve sat in some churches that only preached fear, but I know love is the only message that is worth preaching. I think those particular churches do more harm than good. I have been to some Catholic churches and the energy is so loving and sacred. I think for energetically sensitive people like myself, we are drawn to holy churches where the message and energy feels healing and loving. If I pick up on fear or control, I am not interested in the message because that is about the ego of the minister or priest. Does that make sense? I can’t help being open-minded and open to the wisdom of other religions. If the light pours into your life from Christianity, then accept it, believe it, and commit to it. I think I was always open-minded, even as a kid. It is in my essential nature to look for the light and love as the most important element, but I do love many Christian churches.
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Thank you so much for your reply. I guess I’m a bit of a universalist because I don’t believe God would condemn anyone solely on their belief system. We cannot help but believe what we have been taught to believe. I can’t see an all loving Jesus/God tossing someone into hell because they, through no fault of their own, did not believe the way they were supposed to. I truly have problems with people who tell people what they have to believe to be saved. I certainly do not agree with everything the Catholic Church teaches, but it is the way I use to feel God’s presence. I like what Pope Francis said, “Who am I to judge?” At least I think he said that. In everything I have read about Jesus, he was non judgmental, and told others not to judge.
Your reply means a lot.
Thanks again Tricia,
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Tricia, I know this is a silly thing to ask, but my mom (a sainted woman) died one year ago today. If you can, give her a shout and tell her I could really use a sign. I’m sure everyone wants signs from the other side, but it sure would help with grief and how bad we all still miss her. I talk to her every day, but she doesn’t seem to answer.
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Sometimes, we overlook signs because we believe it is only wishful thinking. If you are in a stressful time, pay attention to a loving feeling/light which may be your mother’s presence hoping to give you comfort or an insight. Love connects us to them, so you do have that connection. You can set an intention each night (for as long as it takes) to be open to a visit through dreams. Those are a few of my thoughts. Hope they help….
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