In this book, Dannion Brinkley and his wife Kathryn Brinkley, examine his three near death experience(NDEs) in perspective, comparing them with each other. As it happens, each of these NDEs had very specific messages to convey and equally specifc lessons to deliver. These injunctions and decrees that Dannion actually makes are, in effect, quite well known, almost trite. For instance, one is asked to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, exercise at least five times a week, set aside time daily for meditation. One is reminded once again the power of love, the power of belief and the power of prayer. One is also provided with a number of potent affirmations. However, coming from Dannion's perspective, the very same cliches (that could bore us to tears if they came from somebody else), have a different clang, a different energy. It is as if one were receiving very common sense advice from a friendly and caring older brother, one who is honestly interested in our welfare. A better intermediary between the so called higher echelons of Heaven and the lower planes of human consciousness would be hard to find. For one quality that Dannion Brinkley is completely free of, is self glorification. His understanding of our faults and foibles is very strong and the main reason why his message is so powerful is because it is so totally non-judgemental.
One important topic that Dannion Brinkley specifically discusses is self pity and self martyrdom. He shows, in exceptionally clear terms, how incredibly toxic the 'victim' mindset can get. I could say more, but I do not want to risk a 'spoiler'.
Another important subject that is covered in this book is the life-review. For him, the pain associated with the first was excruciating, but the successive experiences of the same were more gratifying, the positive was overwhelmingly greater, and the negative, significantly weaker, by comparison.
Speaking for myself, this book gave me a sense of what it is to experience being pure consciousness and totally beyond the fear of death. This sentience is not so easily conveyed by many writers. For, consider the all too familiar dictates made by our modern wisdom keepers, (by these, I mean our doctors, lawyers, professors and other experts) who keep our individual and collective welfare in mind. We, the plebeians, have a natural tendency to delight in defying these dictates, and breaking the rules, just because we can assert our individuality that way. Getting these very rules from Dannion Brinkley's specific imprint of consciousness gives them a power all their own.
This book is well organized and a very fast read. I am a slow reader, but I read it in one and a half sittings.
Strongly recommended, especially in connection with the countdown to 2012.
