"Footprints" of NDEs in History, Hollywood, Reality and Recommended Resources
Stathis Avramidis
The term "Near-Death Experience" (NDE) originated in 1975, however the "footprints" of this phenomenon existed for centuries. In this presentation I will make reference to accounts that demonstrate that people were aware about NDEs. First, such narratives are evident in antiquity. In Ancient Greece Plato speaks about a soldier, Err. Second, Hollywood not only has screened several films that portray NDEs but also several actors have experienced it themselves. The films focus on the issue of life after death superficially to serve purposes of horror, comedy or romance. Some are relatively more interesting, depict some NDE elements (e.g., out-of-body experience, meeting deceased relatives, feeling peace and joy in another realm or having a hellish experience). Finally, others raise public awareness by delivering accurately many NDE characteristics. In reality millions of stories are experienced, told and reported each year on every continent. To some extent, it seems unusual that no reference or provision has been made so far to the phenomenon of NDEs in manuals and the training of lifeguards. The best online resources include the International Association of Near-Death Studies at www.iands.org where NDErs can find reading, programs from past conferences, meetings with other NDErs; Near-Death Experience Research Foundation at www.nderf.org where NDErs can find NDE accounts from experiencers around the world; and the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences at www.aciste.orgwhere NDErs can find mental and spiritual health professionals specially qualified to work with them. These sources are extremely beneficial not only for the lifeguards but also for the people they will rescue and their families. A thorough studying of the above sources will equip the lifeguards to perform a better job. References: Holden, J.M. and Avramidis, S. (2015). Near-Death Experiences While Drowning. Texas, USA: Eagle Editions - University of North Texas.
Citation: Avramidis, S. (2017). Footprints" of NDEs in History, Hollywood, Reality and Recommended Resources. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 15). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
