Throughout history, people have reported extraordinary moments that profoundly shift their perception of reality. From out-of-body to near-death experiences, channeling, and deep moments of connection with nature, these Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs) catalyze personal growth. These experiences, though sometimes dismissed as rare or mystical, are actually more common than we might think.
The IONS Science Team wrote “Exploring the Nature of Exceptional Human Experiences: Recognizing, Understanding, and Appreciating EHEs” for the Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology.
Studies show that EHEs can be life-changing, often bringing a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and connection. People who have had these experiences report feeling less fear of death, less anxiety, and a stronger belief in something greater than themselves. They also tend to experience more gratitude, love, and an increased sense of well-being. However, these moments can also be challenging to process.
Ultimately, EHEs remind us of the vast potential of human consciousness and the deeper layers of reality we have yet to fully understand. Let’s dig into some examples of EHEs, why they matter, and how to make sense of them.
The Mind-Blowing Power of Mystical Experiences
Throughout history, people have reported mystical or unitive experiences—profound moments of oneness with the universe that feel more real than everyday life. These experiences, core to many religious traditions, often lead to lasting personal transformation. Psychologist William James described them as beyond words, yet full of deep insight and truth. While they can happen spontaneously, research shows psychedelics like psilocybin can also trigger them, sometimes leading to lasting shifts in beliefs about spirituality, the afterlife, and even telepathy. Those who have them often feel as if they’ve touched something divine, seen reality in its purest form, or gained knowledge that changes their understanding of life itself.
IONS founder and Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell was one of those people. Looking at Earth from space when returning from the Moon, he had a sudden, overwhelming sense of connection with the universe. He saw it not as a random accident, but as part of a vast, intelligent system. This realization profoundly changed him, inspiring him to found the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Mystical experiences raise big questions: Are they just brain chemistry, or glimpses of a deeper reality? Science doesn’t have all the answers yet.
Channeling: Messages from Beyond
Channeling is the practice of receiving and sharing information from a source beyond the ordinary mind—whether from a higher dimension, spiritual entity, or the collective unconscious. Found in cultures worldwide, it remains a widely believed and experienced phenomenon today.
One form, trance channeling, involves a person entering an altered state of consciousness to relay messages from an external source. Traditions like Spiritualism in the U.K. and Spiritism in Brazil train individuals to develop these abilities.
The source of channeling remains unclear—some see it as higher wisdom, others as a product of the mind’s personal knowledge and imagination. Yet one thing is clear: research shows that most trance channelers don’t exhibit signs of mental illness. Interestingly, studies comparing different channelers’ messages reveal that their “sources” vary, suggesting that channeling may not come from a single, universal entity.
Whether mystical or psychological, many report that channeling can cause personal transformation, heightened self-awareness, and profound shifts in their worldview.
Out-of-Body Experiences: Consciousness Beyond the Brain
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) occur when people feel as if they have left their physical body, often floating above it or traveling to distant places. OBEs can happen spontaneously—especially during near-death experiences, sleep paralysis, extreme stress, or certain neurological conditions—and often leave a lasting impact, leading to greater compassion, reduced fear of death, and a broader perspective on life.
Scientific research suggests OBEs may be linked to brain activity rather than a true separation of consciousness from the body, though. Studies using virtual reality, hypnosis, and brain stimulation show that disruptions in the temporoparietal junction can create the sensation of floating or detaching from the body. Some researchers also believe OBEs may be the brain’s way of coping with trauma.
Still, some OBEs defy explanation, with reports of people gaining verifiable knowledge from distant locations. This raises the question: Could OBEs hint at a consciousness that extends beyond the brain?
Near-Death Experiences: A Journey Beyond the Known?
Near-death experiences (NDEs) occur when people come close to dying or are revived after a life-threatening event. Common themes include a sense of leaving the body, traveling through a tunnel, seeing a bright light, meeting deceased loved ones, and feeling as if they’ve crossed a boundary between life and death. Many describe NDEs as feeling more vivid and “real” than everyday life.
Some aspects of NDEs challenge conventional science—such as cases where people report detailed experiences despite having no measurable brain activity. However, attempts to verify NDE-related out-of-body experiences (such as placing hidden images in operating rooms) haven’t provided conclusive evidence.
Interestingly, NDEs share striking similarities with psychedelic experiences, both involving ego dissolution—losing awareness of one’s personal identity—and a sense of transcending time and space. In one study, a man who had an NDE during a coma later took 5-MeO-DMT (a powerful psychedelic) and found both experiences profoundly similar. However, some elements, such as life reviews and encounters with deceased loved ones, seem unique to NDEs.
NDEs are one of the most profound and life-altering phenomena reported by those who have come close to the edge of existence, often leading to lasting personal changes.
Past Life Memories: Proof of Reincarnation?
The belief in reincarnation—the idea that souls live multiple lives—has existed for thousands of years across many cultures. But could some people actually remember their past lives?
Psychiatrist Ian Stevenson studied over 2,500 cases of children who claimed past-life memories, often recalling names, places, and events later verified. Some even had birthmarks matching wounds from their supposed previous lives. One Sri Lankan girl, for example, described drowning in a past life and gave details about her former family—27 out of 30 of which were confirmed.
While most cases involve children, some adults report past-life memories through dreams, visions, or regression therapy. One woman, Anne Armstrong, vividly recalled scenes of ancient Rome with striking detail.
Despite these intriguing stories, past-life memories are difficult to study scientifically. Skeptics argue these memories could be influenced by culture, subconscious impressions, or coincidence. However, researchers like Stevenson and Jim Tucker continue to explore cases where the accuracy of recalled details defies easy explanation.
Past-life recall remains one of the most mysterious and fascinating phenomena, leaving us to wonder: have we lived before?
Afterlife Encounters: Signs from Beyond?
Have you ever felt the presence of a lost loved one, heard their voice, or seen them in a dream? You’re not alone. Studies show that 25% to 66% of people worldwide report such encounters, known as after-death communications (ADC). They happen across all cultures, ages, and belief systems.
These encounters take many forms, including sensing a presence, hearing voices, vivid dream visitations, or even seeing full apparitions. Some report flickering lights, mysterious calls, or familiar scents appearing without explanation.
Some ADCs go beyond fleeting sensations and involve full-blown apparitions—solid or transparent forms of the deceased. These sightings, reported throughout history, often occur at significant locations or around the time of a person’s death. Some cases even involve multiple witnesses seeing the same apparition at the same time.
Many find ADCs deeply comforting because they can bring healing, reassurance, and a sense of connection. In a five-year study of nearly 600 people, 98% said their encounter helped ease their grief. Some studies have found that people who experience ADCs feel more interconnected with others, suggesting that these encounters may contribute to personal growth and emotional well-being.
Science hasn’t found a definitive explanation for ADCs. While skeptics argue that they are hallucinations or coping mechanisms, those who experience them say they feel undeniably real—sometimes even offering guidance, closure, or protection.
Nature as a Catalyst for Transformation
Have you ever felt deep peace while walking through a forest, standing barefoot on the grass, or tending to a garden? Many people report powerful, life-changing experiences while spending time in nature—moments that awaken a deep sense of interconnectedness, leading to profound shifts in consciousness.
Research shows that extraordinary nature experiences can promote personal healing and inspire environmental awareness—even in everyday moments like gardening. One woman, grieving multiple losses, found solace in pulling up ferns, seeing a metaphorical reflection of her own life’s struggles in the tangled roots.
Two simple practices can enhance nature’s healing effects:
- Earthing (Grounding): Simply placing your bare feet on the ground—whether grass, sand, or soil—can help regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and even decrease inflammation.
- Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku): Immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest can lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall well-being.
With rising stress and environmental concerns, reconnecting with nature is more important than ever. Nature is one of the greatest teachers—and healers—we have.
Magick: The Power of Intention
Magick—the idea that focused attention and intention can influence reality—has existed for as long as humans have. The spelling of this word differs from the commonly used “magic,” which refers to illusions, stage tricks, or supernatural phenomena in a general sense, while magick, popularized by occultist Aleister Crowley, is used to distinguish spiritual, ritual, or esoteric practices aimed at transformation or personal will. While skeptics dismiss it as superstition, belief in magick persists, showing up in everything from religious symbols to corporate logos designed to trigger subconscious meaning.
Mainstream science dismisses magick as impossible, and psychologists suggest a few reasons for why people might still believe in it: lack of scientific understanding, cognitive biases (finding patterns where none exist), mental illness, or hardwired evolutionary tendencies.
But what if there’s another explanation? Maybe people believe in magick because it appears to actually work. Many report that certain aspects of magick seem to match reality, leading to experiences that strengthen that belief. These experiences might include powerful coincidences or psychic moments.
While definitive proof is still lacking, modern discoveries—such as quantum physics revealing a reality far stranger than once thought—suggest that the idea that the mind really can influence the world may not be as unlikely as once believed. Ultimately, magick challenges us to remain humble about what we know—and open to the mysteries that remain.
So…how do we make sense of EHEs?
EHEs can be life-changing but often leave people wondering how to make sense of them. Psychologists suggest embracing these experiences rather than dismissing them. Many different approaches, including counseling, spiritual guidance, and artistic expression, can help people work through EHEs in a constructive way. Writing about them—through journaling or storytelling—helps people process their experiences and reflecting on the meaning can foster personal growth, resilience, and creativity. Sharing and processing EHEs—whether through writing, therapy, or creative expression—has been linked to improved mental and physical health. Even unsettling EHEs can be transformed into personal growth when they are safely explored and integrated into one’s life.
No matter the approach, understanding and integrating EHEs into daily life is crucial.
Whether an EHE involves a deep sense of unity, an encounter with the afterlife, or an out-of-body moment, these extraordinary events have the potential to unlock profound personal transformation and lasting, positive changes in people’s lives. They offer profound insights into the potential of human consciousness, and offer us a deepening understanding of the human experience.
