near death experience

Creativity and Future Visions

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / Leave a comment

The Fifth Sacred Thing by Jessica Perlstein www.jessicaperlstein.com

Creativity flourishes when we are rested, aligned with nature, and have our basic needs provided. And, when we are supported beyond our basic needs, creativity skyrockets. However, many of my community college students are struggling to provide for their basic needs, and they also report varying levels of anxiety and depression. Some students think about the possibility of a school shooting every single day. Some students have recently had their personal safety threatened and are dealing with the aftereffects of trauma.

I frequently refer students to counseling and remind them about the support services offered on our campus. And, in my classroom, I work hard to create safe communities where every student is welcome to learn, share, grow, change, and heal. After decades of working in education, I know that every single person is healing from something and is deserving of kindness. My hope and the hope of most educators and administrators is to witness our students becoming more empowered, resilient, motivated, informed, and emotionally intelligent because of their studies at community college.

None of us can deny that the information age is overwhelming us with a deluge of negative predictions. It is challenging to dream and focus on the positive when another mass shooting happens down the road. I know my students will naturally feel more discouraged and anxious because of realities in our world.

To create balance, it is important for students (and all of us) to imagine what we want to create in the future and what it would realistically take to create this future.

Through research, my students found that time in nature has numerous benefits including “..improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.” Beyond this, students began to question their diets, their consumption, and examine ways they might be able to influence city planners and government officials.

My focus on climate resilient awareness for environmental sustainability in English 1301 was not to add to student’s anxiety levels, but to help them understand that when old patterns are broken, new, beautiful worlds can emerge. Afterall, one of the messages from my near-death experience commanded me to, “Remind them to go to nature.”

Sarah Nicol (who developed the company G.I.V.E. 4R FUTURE which includes customizable-hybrid-supplemental-agile units for instructors) inspired me to add this new focus on environmental sustainability to my class. Sarah and I agree that our world needs big thinkers with creative ideas and the knowledge to implement these ideas.

For one of their first essays, I asked my students to imagine sustainable, happy futures and imagine how they had contributed successfully to these changes.

The students wrote about cities they knew well 30 to 50 years in the future. I was entertained and encouraged by their creations. Here are a few examples–

Electric Cars and Clean Air in Crowley, 2055

Alex P. writes, “In the year 2055 all you see on the roads are electric vehicles. I even have one, and I remember the joy I experienced when I first bought the fastest electric car on the market. Funny enough, she was called the 817 Lightning, and I named her Flash. Loved driving her around, knowing the only thing she was doing was getting the kids excited about having a Lightning one day.

Once a small town, Crowley is now the leader in innovation of green powered technology. Imagine this, you wake up, you hear the beautiful birds singing, wind rustling through the trees, kids using vines to swing as if they are spiderman. It is a beautiful pollution-free day, and you whir up your electric vehicle and ride through the beautiful new city that once was just a small grey town.

How did I contribute to all these changes? Well, I had a little tool called imagination, and that is how every single invention has been made. You keep working until your ideas become a reality…”

Earth Day in New Fort Worth, 2073

Jessica G. writes, “Every Earth Day we celebrate by planting more in our neighborhood gardens, spreading wildflower seeds on all the paths, and planting more fruit-barring trees in different parts of the city. These lessons will carry through generations. We cannot afford to revert to old ways and give up our only planet for cheap deliveries and convenience. The weather of all countries has returned to pre-industrial revolution states, and we love seeing the stars at night. Humans are meant to dream and be in touch with the inspiration that comes from our beautiful earth.”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

New Seattle, 2080

Bryan F. writes, “After the volcanic explosion, New Seattle emerged as the cleanest city in the nation with the only pollution being from general waste of the people living there. New Seattle became so self-sustainable that Washington State no longer had a need to import or export goods. Seeing the success of New Seattle, many people called out to the entire nation to invoke change in all the cities, not just New Seattle. The idea that the entire world could work together and clean up our amazing planet took people by storm. The push swept across the entire world changing our way of life. Being a part of this change might be one of most heroic things I’ve done.”

Fast Fashion and Teleportation in Kyiv, 2093

Shakayla H. writes, “Additionally, what was shocking to me was Kyiv’s system of on-a-go clothing development. Around each of the subway stations, vending machines offered customers personalized, eco-friendly garments on the go. You insert five dollars, and take a stand near the scan, which will automatically scan your body shape. Then, the indicator board shows you the colors, patterns, and stitches you can choose to create a fashionable look. If you dislike the offered options, you can connect to the internet and select any image you wish— from famous Michelangelo paintings to pictures of cars.

After you confirm the look, you only need to enter the cabin and take off your clothes. The machine automatically utilizes a spray, which covers your body in the garment of a desired form, color, and image. The clothes made of this technology remind me of the Torres runway show, where Bella Hadid was covered in a fabric, a liquid fabric that created a dress.

The clothes are completely degradable. Thus, they are elastic, the clothes will not tear. Additionally, if the person falls, the clothes will be fine and protect the human body from trauma. It is possible to get rid of the clothes by cutting them with scissors and then disposing of the pieces on the ground. The pieces will dissolve and serve as fertilizer to the crops. Due to their affordability, finances achieved from the vending machines are transmitted to the shelters for homeless people.  Kyiv evolved from an unknown, decimated city in Eastern Europe to an ecological and aesthetic community with a high quality of life.

Finally, the city of Kyiv launched teleport stations around its subway areas. I noticed that teleporting as a means of transportation was quite new and experimental. There was a black ark, and on the left, there was a screening tool where the person selected the location in various subway stations. I asked people about the tool, and they responded that the major and chief engineers launched the initiative of teleporting. The automobile and airplane industries produced extremely high carbon emissions in 2053, which led to an ecological catastrophe. Then, people started using flying cars powered by solar energy. However, in 2081, the national committee of ecological welfare of Ukraine announced the initiative to develop teleporting stations to substitute flying machines. Hence, Ukraine was a pioneer in teleporting engineering.”

—Tricia Barker

Filming for GAIA’s Beyond Belief

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / Leave a comment

Hello Beautiful Light-Filled Souls,

On the flight to Boulder, Colorado to film with George Noory for an episode of Beyond Belief, it hit me how it is my God-given right to shine, and it is your God-given right to shine too. Don’t ever let the judgements and projections of others diminish your excitement for life. Stay vigilant in your joy and light because shining simply means that you have good will for others and hope to spread good energy.

Recently, I interviewed Gordana Biernat, one of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100 teachers, and one of my favorite motivational speakers. She reminds us that, “You do not become outstanding by dwelling on your weaknesses. You become outstanding by focusing on your strengths.” Many people struggle with the idea of purpose at this time, and a message I keep hearing is one of absolute unconditional love reminding us that we are doing nothing wrong. Meet yourself with compassion and meet others with compassion, which leaves room for growth and ascension.

In fact, imagine all the negative energy, words, and actions that you have absorbed into your nervous system being removed from you and taken up to that light of absolute love…washed clean and transformed for the benefit of humanity, allowing you to live your life more freely and sustained by that flow of unconditional love.

One of the messages I heard from my NDE was to be like a little child, and the child in this picture below met me with absolute joy and a complete lack of judgement. She was simply excited that I dressed like an angel on the streets of Boulder, Colorado. In the other picture, you’ll see one of GAIA’s beautiful crystals and Joe Dispenza on the wall behind me. I didn’t wear the wings for the filming, but we had some fun with them in pictures. I’ll let you know when the episode airs.

If you would like to join my spiritual community, receive theta healings, and talk about spiritual topics in our group, I would love to have you join. We meet twice a month on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Central Time. Here is the link! I’m also working with writers at this time to assist them on their journeys to write about spiritual topics. Stay tuned for future interviews on my YouTube channel focused on motivation, healing, and ascension.

Many blessings,

Tricia Barker

Intuitive Writing Course

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 2 Comments

Hello Beautiful Light-Filled Souls!

I’d love to have you join my intuitive writing course and to support you on your writing journey. I can answer questions about creative writing techniques, as well as questions about accessing the power of your intuition and guidance.

If you don’t know me…I’m Tricia Barker. I work as an English and Creative Writing Professor, and I’m a near-death experiencer. I love teaching and inspiring others to follow the light of their soul. I love helping to bring out the creative voice, honesty, and passion in others. You can click here to learn more about my writing course.

If I knew now what I didn’t know when I began writing my book, Angels in the OR, I would do many things differently. For one, I would release ALL attachments about how I thought my future with my book should look like. Instead, I would focus my love and intuition into the process of writing without fear or expectation about the outcome. And, I would pay a lot more attention to my audience! One of the great joys of writing is connecting with others on similar journeys.

Once my book launched, I would make fewer posts about the book launch, and make more posts about what my audience is going through and how I might offer them wisdom, insight, or entertainment on their journey. I would have fun with people who have their own spiritual experiences or moments of wonder to share. It is truly a gift that anyone takes the time to read something lengthy in the information age, and those who take the time to read our work should be our focus. Whether you are writing fiction, or creative nonfiction, knowing your audience is crucial.

There’s a lot I would change about my journey, but I’m glad I blogged about my story ahead of time. I’m glad I interviewed others and was on several podcasts before launching my book. You want to provide meaningful social media content whether you are writing nonfiction or fiction. Simply promoting the book itself doesn’t work without connecting the book to a theme, a question, life advice or some form of learning or entertainment. 

And, honestly, I don’t regret all of my self-promotion. Publishing a book is a great time to reach out to alumni groups and other meaningful communities. This gives you an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and some people might be interested in your book and your journey. I enjoyed learning what others I went to college with are creating and producing.

We grow after we publish, and that is part of the journey! So, no matter what you publish, know that you will continue to grow and change after publication.

The things I wouldn’t change about my writing journey:

* Making an outline for the book but being open to intuition along the way, especially in the revision stages.

* Asking my angels to communicate with me about the style I should use for this book. I love long poetic sentences. I love bold diction, detailed imagery, reflective language. and varied syntax. However, my angels told me to write Angels in the OR with some details but write it as a fast-paced, easy read. They wanted readers to be able to pick up my book and read it on a plane or in a couple of evenings. Ask your guides what style is best for the story you are communicating.

* Making a schedule and sticking to it. If you are a morning person, don’t try to write at night. If you are a night owl, don’t try to be creative in the morning. It takes dedication to write and write to the best of your ability.  However, you have to know when you need rest. We are more creative after resting. You also have to know when to honor the process when you are in the flow. 

* Paying a developmental writer to suggest revision possibilities. We all love our own creations, but we need someone who is not personally invested in our story or invested in us as a friend. We need someone with expertise and an objective idea about how to help with the structure of a novel or memoir. Pick a developmental editor who has successfully guided people to creating successful books.

*   Turning off the inner critic when writing the first draft. Turn that critic back on when revising and editing. And, don’t worry if you don’t have expertise…there is a such thing as beginner’s luck and being open to learning along the way. 

* .Listening to my deepest thoughts and communicating these thoughts. Writing is thinking, not speaking. You want your writing to sound like your best thoughts…not necessarily what you say in conversations.

* Finding my “voice.” However, you find it…you must find your own voice in the context of what has been written. You must feel that you are writing something new and true to yourself. Many musicians are inspired by musicians from the past, but they still have their own “sound.”  Writing is similar.

* Having writing groups workshop the first five chapters.  If you are sending your work out to agents or publishers, the first five chapters need to be spectacular!  You need younger people, older people, and people from different countries and cultures to look at your writing and tell you what makes sense to them and what doesn’t make sense to them.

*Spending at least a year revising and editing my first draft. I know that seems like a lot of time, and some writers say THREE years. Don’t be in a hurry!

* Giving away fifty copies of the book to bloggers and anyone who offered to write an Amazon review as part of my launch.  Amazon reviews help your book get noticed. 

* Creating workshops that include the price of your book and offer your expertise.

* Connecting with audiences virtually and in person.

* Encouraging others to follow their dreams because if you write a book you have definitely made a dream come true for yourself. You deserve to celebrate a bit!

My intuitive writing course is a bit different from some intuitive writing courses because I know that intuition can guide us to the right developmental editors and the right advice technical advice. If the writing journey seems daunting at times, have faith that the spiritual world can and often does show up at the right time to give you the courage to continue. May you be blessed!

WFAA Good Morning Texas Segment

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 2 Comments

I’m grateful to the reporter Paige McCoy Smith for covering my near-death experience story and my book on Good Morning Texas. We filmed at the beautiful Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, and this setting helped convey the message from my near-death experience to remind people to go to nature to relieve stress and reconnect with inner peace.

Here’s a link to the story.

It was windy and there were leaf blowers, but we got that filming done anyway!

The Impossible Now Between the Past and the Future

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / Leave a comment

Here is a new interview with a near-death experiencer. Jim Bruton’s story is fascinating, but what I enjoyed most about this interview is the wisdom from his near-death experience that is applicable to us all. Jim Bruton ended up in “The Impossible Now between the past and the future.” He found himself standing in the eternity of a single moment.

Most NDErs review their pasts, but Jim was able to consider what future choices might cause him the most pain and eliminate some of those possibilities. Awareness of how we are all connected might be the key to eliminating certain painful experiences from our own futures.

You can also listen to the episode on my Podcast if you prefer that to YouTube.  Subscribe to my podcast and YouTube Channel to listen to more interviews like this one.

Thanks so much for your support of my memoir Angels in the OR: What Dying Taught Me about Healing, Survival, and Transformation which is also available as an Audible.

I also appreciate the interest and support of my book of short poetry inspired by the InstaPoets. It covers the journey of loving the self, others, and God.

 

 

 

Coast to Coast Interview, Midnight in the Desert, and Sunny in Seattle

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 3 Comments

I’ve had a fun week of interviews with three amazing radio show hosts. I am grateful for the interview with George Noory on Coast to Coast AM earlier this week, and I wanted to say a few things to the callers who had questions for me.

First of all, thank you for sharing your experiences.  I was moved by your stories. I would love to answer more of your questions and connect you with other experiencers and researchers at The Second Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit.  Please check out this online event if you are interested in near-death experiences and near-death experience research.

heaven

To learn more about The Second Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit, please click here. https://www.theuniversityofheaven.com/NDE-Summit2019

Secondly, there was a woman who called in who was searching for her purpose and had been through many hardships.  I didn’t have much time to meditate on her situation, but I saw that on an energetic level that she is giving away too much of her personal energy. Matt Kahn’s latest video titled “You Are The Way” might help her and other empaths find a better balance between taking care of their own needs and caring for this world.

Also, a man called in who recently lost his brother.  I didn’t have time for a full reading, but I hope he might consider reading Annie Kagan’s book The Afterlife of Billy Fingers. From what I hear from my father and others in the afterlife, there is much learning that can still be done after death. There is much light, love and understanding that can occur in the afterlife. Healing between family members can occur even after a death, so do not give up on the light of understanding, forgiveness, and release.

If you aren’t familiar with Sunny in Seattle, you can listen to my episode with her and some of her other interviews.  She asked great questions about my book that I haven’t been asked before, and she asked me about my work with Lisa Smartt and Raymond Moody on The Second Annual Online Near-death Experience Summit.  Here are two video clips from Lisa Smartt and Raymond Moody’s talks.

I also really enjoyed my interview with Dave Schrader on Midnight in the Desert

Thanks for the calls from across the country.  I especially loved hearing about your own out-of-body experiences and spiritually transformative moments.  Many blessings to you all!

 

Love is All That Matters

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 2 Comments

It is my great hope to spread healing and light with Angels in the OR  as it launches tomorrow on April 16, 2019.  I made this video on YouTube to connect with you and to remind you that the love you give to this world works to transform this world in beautiful ways.

Be sure to check out this week’s issue of Woman’s World Magazine. Diane Nichols wrote a wonderful article about my near-death experience titled, “A Trip to Heaven Taught Me That We All Have A Purpose: To Spread Love.”

Also, please check out the early responses I have already received from readers who got a copy of Angels in the OR before the release. I look forward to hearing from more readers.

Here is a new response I received today.  Thank you all for your support and for sharing your own healing journeys with me! Much love to you all…

“When my advanced copy of professor Tricia Barker’s new book arrived, it instantly drew me in just looking at the cover. I had to begin reading it immediately, and indeed it was difficult to put down once I started. It’s a real page turner.

Tricia’s writing is unique in that she takes you through the journey of her life experiences in a completely relatable way. She writes with a compassionate insight that is translated into your own personal challenges. Her transformation is a gift to the reader, uplifting, encouraging, and healing sprinkled with humor. But, the best part is her message of God’s pure love and healing essence that the reader can’t help but experience through her storytelling.

Upon completion I felt that I had finally gotten my answer to the meaning of life. It’s all about love, pure love that transcends all negativity, and is the true basis of our life. I couldn’t recommend “Angels in the OR” more highly; it connects you more with life way beyond powerfully!” — Shireen Nickel

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Angels in the OR can be purchased as a paperback, e-book, or Audible. 

Angels in the OR Launches on April 16, 2019!

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / Leave a comment

book over river.jpeg

Thank you everyone for your support on my journey.  I have several more interviews with near-death experiencers available on my YouTube Channel.

Also, Angels in the OR, which covers the story of my near-death experience and life after that moment, will launch on April 16, 2019— 25 years after that massive car accident I experienced in Austin, Texas during my senior year of college.  The near-death experience during spinal surgery at Brackenridge Hospital altered my life forever,  and I have never lost the memory of the light or the vast, unconditional love from the other side.  I have never forgotten the insights communicated to me.

The river that I saw during my near-death experience was strikingly similar to the river that flows outside of TCC’s beautiful Trinity River Campus, and I have spent the last ten years teaching English and Creative Writing here.  I’ve loved this job and all the wonderful students, staff, and faculty members that I have met over the years.  Many of our building’s beautiful classrooms and balconies overlook the Trinity River.

Last week, I shared some advance copies with people on our campus, and I can’t wait to hear your feedback on the book.  It is almost every English major’s dream to have a published book in print.  I have loved books since I learned to read the year before Kindergarten, and part of the reason I worked to accomplish this goal was to inspire my students to believe that they can achieve their dreams.

I hope you will pre-order  Angels in the OR  or purchase it on April 16th when it launches.  I am enjoying the feedback I’ve already received and can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Survivor Memoirs—Angels in the OR

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / Leave a comment

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Thank you everyone who pre-ordered my book Angels in the OR! For over five weeks, my book stayed a #1 new release in the category of near-death experiences, survivor memoirs, and educator biographies.

I am particularly pleased that my book was a #1 new release in survivor memoirs because Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt was one of my models, and his book is categorized as a survivor memoir. McCourt worked as an English teacher like me, and his journey touched so many of us who have worked as teachers.

When Angels in the OR launches on April 16th, I would love it if the book reached a wide audience. One of my aims is to make near-death experiences more mainstream. Angels in the OR examines the spiritual and human journey in honest, straight-forward ways and offers healing perspectives to all too common tragedies that intersect many lives.

A near-death experience can happen to anyone—an atheist, an agnostic, someone of any religious background, a college student, a child, a doctor, someone in the military, a mechanic, a millionaire, a minister, etc. Making near-death experiences more mainstream was also my hope when I spoke about my near-death experience on The Dr. Oz Show in mid February.

One of the greatest joys of teaching and writing has been the opportunity to connect with others. I want to connect with those of you who pre-ordered the book. On March 14th at 7 p.m. Central time, I will go live on Facebook to give you intuitive answers to some of your questions in real time.

I would love to answer your questions about angels and how to use this realm more often in your lives. I will also delve into a couple of themes in my book and make this somewhat of an online book tour! Thanks so much for your support!

I would also enjoy answering any questions about near-death experiences. I have interviewed many experiencers on my YouTube channel, and this summer I will also be hosting the Second Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit.

Follow me on Facebook and YouTube for updates about this event in June.

You can also follow The University of Heaven blog to get updates about The Second Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit featuring Dr. Raymond Moody, Dr. Jeffrey Long, Dr, Eben Alexander, Karen Newell, Nancy Rynes, Howard Storm, Lisa Smartt, Lesley Lupo, Paul Perry, and many others. The webpage and sign-up form should be available soon.

To pre-order my book Angels in the OR: What Dying Taught Me About Healing, Survival and Transformation in paperback or e-book from Barnes & Noble click here.

To order the book from Amazon click here.

Thank you so much for your interest and support.  My continued hope is to bring more healing and greater participation with the light into the lives of others.

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Angels in the OR: What Dying Taught Me About Healing, Survival, and Transformation–The Pre-Order Link is Available

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 6 Comments

Hello Everyone!

I’m so excited to let you know that my publisher has the pre-order link available for my memoir.  I greatly appreciate your support on this journey, and I am so grateful for all the connections that I have made these past couple of years.  The journey is always more important than the destination, and you are a big part of my journey.  Without you, I would not have had the energy to do this work and complete this book. Thank you for all your comments, questions, emails, and advice.

If you pre-order the book, please save a screenshot.  I will be offering discounts on readings, and many promotional opportunities for anyone who pre-orders Angels in the OR.

I have many goals with this book. I want to make near-death experiences more mainstream.  Also, I want to honor other public school teachers and professors through this book.  I also hope to bring healing to those who have experienced any type of trauma.  It is my belief that healing is always possible, and the intelligence and love from the other side makes this healing all the more probable.  Many blessings to each of you!

If you prefer to order through Barnes & Noble, here is that link. If you would like to order through Amazon, here is the link.  The Kindle and Nook versions are also available for pre-order.  Audible has also provided a link.

This summer, I am going to visit to as many cities as possible, so I might see you on my book tour.  I will list those cities and dates soon!  I can’t wait to meet you!