Awakenings from the Light: 12 Life Lessons from a Near Death Experience

I do like this book, as I find that I already am doing much of what it recommends, in order to live a happier life. Some things are common sense, like eating healthy, getting enough sleep. Other things, like treating myself with kindness, being gentle towards myself, are things I have consciously chosen to do to/for myself; not out of arrogance, but I simply find it's necessary. Simply put: I matter too!Some parts of the book I have mixed feelings on. For example, one of the chapters talks about "letting go", removing expectation, and allowing Spirit to help us. Over the years, I feel like I've tried that, but "letting go" resulted in "nothing happening". For me, I find it is important to set some reasonable goals and work diligently to obtain them. Expectation is part of that process. For example, if I turn on the light switch, I simply expect it will work... and it does. For more "complex" things, I find the expectation of a particular results helps keep me going; however, I also feel frustration when results do not match my expectations. I have simply learned to accept the frustration and I "let go" because I don't want to lose myself to regret, anger, or some other misery. I suppose, then, that "letting go", for me, is done out of self-preservation, rather some higher, loftier purpose.As a human being, I can have a respectful appreciation for Nancy's joyous feelings of being in pre-heaven, and how love (there) is as materially important (and experienced) as gravity is for us on earth. But I wish the book had more communication from Nancy's guide, since I have not felt or experienced what the author did. That's why I enjoy books that have more of a two-way communication (i.e. between God/Spirit/Angels/Guides and the near-death experiencer).What I wonder most, though, is what we are capable of creating in this life. For example, over the years, I have read books that describe how we can heal others, change the weather, and create things out of thin air. These things sound wonderful, but I have had to "temper" these grand desires with the realization that I have no idea HOW to accomplish them. I have tried several things, including prayer; focusing my intention and attention on a desired result; believed "as if" the desired goal were already achieved, and seeking to develop a relationship with my Higher Self (aka my hyper-spatial counterpart, my greater soul). All I can say is that while I tried these with real intent, I have no results to show for it. And I think that this is one of the problems I (perhaps "we") have with spirituality is that it so often seems that what I believe/hope to be true (or possible) seems to have little-to-no influence on observable reality. At least that has been my experience. Yet, there is something in me that pushes on.

Awakenings From The Light; 12 Life Lessons From A Near Death Experience by Nancy Rynes capture the intrinsic nature of the author’s journey after her near death experience. In Chapter 4, She describes her meeting with her Guide and how she remembered her to look ; Her Guide emanated love and did not appear as someone she knew from her current life. The guide had a slim figure and wore long brown wavy hair that fell almost to her waist. The fabric was a long sleeved tunic type of shirt that draped gracefully around her and she either was wearing a long skirt or full drapey pants (Rhynes couldn’t make out which but the clothing looked like either what she lists to be nicely worn-in linen or linen mixed with silk). On page 102 she also shares information on seeing the spirit within others and treating others with love and respect while also taking care not to abuse or mistreat others as well as not allowing others to mistreat or abuse you. She talks about building more connections on page 103 (which is something I reluctantly admit to still being in the process of working on due to the fact that I’m heart-centered but I’m learning to be more outgoing). The chapter on listen to your inner wisdom (chapter 13) is also healing because she addresses that it is actually understandable and encouraged to sometimes analyze if there is truth in a certain fear while separating that from unfounded fear. There is also information pertaining to love and gratitude for ourselves as well as gratitude for tough times (pages 180 and 181). Chapter 15 touches on how each person’s choices can greatly factor into their creative power and reality (something which I reluctantly admit to still being in the process of working on as I know from experience firsthand what she means after my life dramatically changed after I voluntarily chose to leave a financially comfortable and safe navy career in order to chase a career dream and what I felt was best to maintain a lasting marriage because my husband does mean the world to me). Obviously, there is much more to this book than what I just mentioned.

I'm well read on the topic of people's NDE experiences. As another reader mentioned, it's interesting how similar the themes are from what Nancy learned and those of other NDErs, particularly Anita Moorjani. I liked the way Nancy structured each chapter - the direct message she heard from her spirit guide when she went to the "other side" and her own practical, human take on it. I liked Nancy's pragmatic approach. It has been relevant to where I am in life right now. Having met Nancy, I appreciate that she teaches people to "fish for themselves" in understanding how we're never alone, how much we're loved and capable of love, with the ability to ask and receive inner guidance and direct access to source of all love or God, whatever you choose to call it. She's the real deal - genuine and authentic. She's an ordinary person who had an extraordinary experience and came back to generously share what she learned. Her book is very accessible and easy for someone who is seeking deeper spirituality in their life to understand. My copy is dog eared as I've re-read different chapters several times. I understand sections of it more deeply as I've grown in my spiritual journey. I highly recommend this book! I loved it.

Nancy's account of her near death experience resonates with an intense sense of truth, magnified many fold by her previous atheism, agnosticism and scientific background. It's written in language that neither preaches nor condescends. Indeed, at all times it is her language that reminds us as readers that we are indeed receivers of the messages she says she was asked to bring to this earthly realm. Whatever your current beliefs and opinions, I would recommend this book to anyone who has wondered - even for one fleeting moment - about the nature of spirit or spirituality in their lives. I know I will be returning to Nancy's words often, for they have inspired, moved and helped me to learn more about who we may be and are.A beautiful and moving account of a fellow human being's experience of something 'other' in our lives.Please read.John.

It's an ok book with some highlights but a lot of her conclusions relate to her personal life and I don't feel have much bearing on my or other people's issues. Started off as a 5 star book and then (for me at least) turned into a 3 star book.

Well written and an informative account of Nancy Rynes' NDE and its lesson for mankind. Not really for me but this does take away its value as a resource for those who are looking for the meaning in life

Good read if you are going through grief these kind of books bring comfort.......

A truly inspirational account of Nancy's NDE which totally resonated with me and I feel a deep knowing in my heart that it is true. This is a book which I will return to again and again..using the lessons to help me live a more loving life in appreciation for what I have. Thank you for sharing this with us Nancy x