Meeting the Numinous again
Lessons from Three and a Bit Near Death Experiences
Life has a curious way of imparting wisdom through the most unexpected channels. For me, the profound transformations I've experienced from my Near Death Experiences have been completely life-altering. The closeness with the numinous, that awe-inspiring contact with something much bigger than me, those moments of grappling with mortality, have profoundly reshaped my perception of Life, deepened my spirituality, changed who I know mySelf to be, and reconfigured the work I do as a Psychotherapist. Yesterday I got close to the numinous space again while I had an allergic reaction to a medical compound that was supposed to help me. Today, I feel like sharing a bit more of how these experiences weave themselves into the fabric of my life and of my work.
I recently shared about my more concrete & well defined 3 NDE’s here: Magic is Real, The Answer, Life After Life NDE, and Closer to Venus. In preparation to record those episodes, and in the conversations I had with the hosts, some more questions opened up for me, and more insights got through. They’ve been creating a new wave of understanding and integration of the deep experiences I’ve had.
While the specifics of my NDEs aren’t the focus here, here's a brief overview:
2002, Ecuador: Contracted malaria in the Amazon. Experienced hallucinations and felt myself dying. Saw loved ones as black & white photos and felt an expansive oneness with everything.
2007, Portugal: Involved in a severe van accident. Was brain-dead briefly, saw deceased loved ones, and felt the painful return to my body as one of them pushed me back.
2017, Ethiopia: Strangled by a stranger, nearly suffocated. An inexplicable strength helped me save my life while consciously aware of my near-death state.
These experiences, though harrowing, have gifted me with a deep and expansive perspective on life and consciousness. They have not only sculpted my personal worldview but also profoundly influenced my professional approach. With each brush with the numinous, I've emerged with deeper empathy, a stronger connection to the spiritual, and an unwavering commitment to guide others through their own journeys of healing and self-discovery.
Yesterday’s allergic reaction, albeit a brief and unexpected encounter with the sacred, brought me back to that numinous space once more. It was a stark reminder of the intricate dance between life and death, underscoring the fragility and preciousness of our existence. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of these experiences and the importance of integrating their wisdom into our everyday lives and work.
As a Psychotherapist, these moments have honed my ability to connect with clients on a deeper level, to hold space for their vulnerabilities, and to foster a safe environment for their own profound realizations and healing journeys. My work now is not just about addressing psychological concerns, but about nurturing the whole being—mind, body, and spirit.
Transformations in Life
1. Embracing the Present Moment One of the most significant changes is my relationship with time. Facing death illuminated the fleeting nature of life, urging me to anchor myself in the present moment. This shift has cultivated a deeper appreciation for the NOW—each breath, each interaction, and each experience. I’ve learned to savor the small joys, to be fully present with loved ones, and to find meaning in everyday moments.
2. Valuing Simplicity In the face of mortality, the superfluous elements of life fell away. The drive for material success and external validation has no appeal when contrasted with the longing for simplicity and authenticity. I find myself drawn to the simplicity of nature, the sincerity of genuine connections, and the purity of a life lived in alignment with one’s true self. This clarity has inspired me to prioritize what truly matters.
3. Spiritual Depth and Connection Each NDE deepened my spiritual perspective, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all beings and the boundless nature of existence. The realization that we are more than our physical forms has expanded my understanding of life and death, fostering a profound connection with the spiritual realm. This connection imbues my life with a sense of peace and purpose, guiding me through challenges and uncertainties.
My three NDEs, along with other encounters with the numinous, have brought a profound sense of inner spaciousness, propelling me to seek the spiritual in all aspects of life. These experiences have guided me through 23 years of nomadic living, allowing me to roam the Earth with the freedom of spirit. It was only after the third NDE, when I fought for my life against a violent attacker, that a newfound appreciation for my humanity emerged. This shift kindled a deep dedication to use my wisdom in service to others, helping them connect with their own depths. Shortly thereafter, I received my spiritual name—NAMKHA, which means spaciousness and the blue sky. This integration of inner spaciousness with my human embodiment transformed my work as a psychotherapist, elevating it to a new level of service.
Transformations in Work
Holistic Approach to Psychotherapy My experiences have profoundly enriched my practice as a psychotherapist. Understanding that healing extends beyond the physical and mental realms, I now incorporate spiritual exploration into my sessions. This holistic approach helps clients navigate their inner landscapes more fully, blending psychological insights with spiritual growth.
Deep Empathy and Vulnerability Experiencing such vulnerable states has deepened my empathy. I resonate more profoundly with the struggles and fears of my clients, creating a safe space where vulnerability is embraced and healing can flourish. This authentic connection fosters trust and openness—essential elements for transformative therapy.
Fostering Inner Expansion The notion of inner expansion permeates my work. I encourage clients to explore beyond their immediate experiences and connect with their expansive, true selves. By guiding them to see beyond the limitations of their physical form, I help them tap into the boundless potential within, facilitating profound shifts in their perspectives and lives.
Integrating Spiritual Practices Inspired by my own spiritual journey, I integrate mindful practices, meditation, and reflective techniques into my work. These practices empower clients to ground themselves, fostering a deeper connection with their inner selves and the present moment. It’s about creating a balance between the mind, body, and spirit, fostering holistic well-being.
Incorporating Nature My first near-death experience happened in the Amazonian jungle, following an encounter with a black panther—a moment that itself felt numinous. Healed from malaria by a shaman who used the jungle’s natural resources, I developed a deep connection to nature. The disparity between my healing experience in the jungle and my attempt to recover in urban London underscored the necessity of nature in human healing. This connection to nature is now a vital component of my work.
Incorporating Astrology The spatial element of my second NDE led me to study astrology more seriously, establishing personal connections to planets and stars. When examining a client’s chart, I can perceive their vastness alongside their current human traits, life invitations, and missions. Astrology has become integral to my spiritual practice and professional work.
Incorporating Somatic Movement Each of my NDEs involved a component of movement and flow, sparking a journey of feeling at home in my body and exploring ways to safely embody physical experiences. Somatic practices such as Body-Mind-Centering, Feldenkrais, Yoga, Qi Gong, and Mindful Hiking are central to my daily life and play a significant role in my work.
Incorporating Travel Before my first NDE in 2001, I was already a passionate traveler, but that pivotal experience forged a profound connection to my expansive essence. This connection blossomed into a nomadic odyssey spanning 101 countries. Leading intimate groups in transformative practices across my cherished global destinations felt like a seamless progression—a natural evolution of my inner journey reflected in the world.
Creating My Own Way to Work These profound experiences have fostered a strong sense of Self and the courage to innovate. I’ve never been inclined to strictly follow pre-existing models of psychology or other disciplines. I love to explore options, experiment, fine-tune what works, create new flows and combinations of tools, and stay present and rooted in spaciousness to meet the needs of each unique moment with each unique person.
“... the main interest of my work is not concerned with the treatment of neurosis but rather with the approach to the numinous… the real therapy. In as much as you attain to the numinous experiences you are released from the curse of pathology.”
My Near Death Experiences have been both transformative and enlightening. They’ve reshaped my understanding of life, death, and everything in between, guiding me toward a path of deeper connection, empathy, and authenticity. Contact with the numinous has not only enriched my personal life but have also profoundly influenced my professional journey, allowing me to serve with a greater sense of purpose and compassion.
If my reflections resonate with you, or if you've had similar experiences, I would love to connect and hear your story. Feel free to reach out via email or Instagram.
Life, in all its unpredictability, offers moments of profound insight. Embracing these moments, no matter how challenging, can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose. My package of 4 Life Mentoring sessions offers the perfect space to integrate experience, expand understanding, and gain clarity on next steps. Let’s continue to dive deep and explore far, together.
