“The human soul, the human matrix that we all make together is absolutely fantastic, elegant, exotic, everything… I did not know how beautiful we are. At any level, high or low, in whatever shape you are in, you are the most beautiful creation… [T]o be the human part of God… this is the most fantastic blessing… Each and every one of us… is a blessing to the planet….”

This is just a hint of the many revelations that came to Mellen-Thomas Benedict during his at-least-90-minute near death experience. His is one of the most studied near-death cases in the world; he has taken part in more research projects and think tanks than any other near-death experiencer. In a presentation based on his book Journey Through the Light and Back, Mellen will tell the story of his near death experience and some of what he learned, share his insights about the true nature of the NDE, and describe its implications for all humankind and our future.

After living a life of negativity and cynicism; despondent over nuclear weapons, ecological damage, toxic waste, overpopulation, and other man-made problems; and believing that humanity was a mistake of nature and a cancer on the planet, Mellen was diagnosed in 1981 with inoperable, terminal brain cancer. He was irreligious: he had no interest in spirituality or religion, despite having attended Catholic boarding school as a child; he cared so little about it he didn’t even describe himself as an atheist or agnostic. He did read the few books on philosophy and spirituality that were available at the home where he received private hospice care—including one on world religions, which included some references to reincarnation and NDEs. On a morning in early 1982, Mellen died.

When he first left his body, he realized he was having a near death experience similar to those he had read about, and he began to move toward the welcoming light; but then, knowing that to continue to the light would mean that he was dead, he asked for the experience to stop so he could ask some questions. In the course of his NDE adventure, all his wide-ranging questions were answered and his cosmic-travel requests were granted before he returned to his body. Deepak Chopra, in his book Life after Death: The Burden of Proof, recounts Mellen’s journey at length because, he says, it “practically provides an encyclopedia of the afterlife.”

Mellen returned with a sense of hope and a passion for life, along with continued access to universal intelligence, and with no trace of the cancer that had killed him. An artist and writer before his death, Mellen has devoted himself to scientific research projects since then. The knowledge he gained about light properties, quantum biology, and fractal geometry enables him to be a bridge between science and spirit; he has participated in research programs on life after death experiences and has developed and patented new technologies for health and wellness.

In his talk he will examine cosmic questions:

• Where did we come from? The sacred nature of biology and the revelation of Gaia.
• Why are we here? The greatest gift; the star seed of Gaia.
• Where are we going? The future of mankind; the beauty of it all; nothing has been lost and everything is gained.
• Is there life after death? What if we have already been alive forever?

With a stepfather in the military, Mellen had a roving childhood until his family eventually settled in Fayetteville. Now he lives and works in Aptos, California (on Monterey Bay). He has a second book coming out, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Other Side (Or What to Do if You Wake up Dead). It is a joyful handbook on preparing for transition; it touches on karma, the purpose of the life review, consciously planning to be reborn, and how to ask for help. Both books will be available from Amazon.com before the end of the year. You will be able to purchase two CDs, however: Earth Gaia 101: Mellen Speaks Live in Los Angeles and Excerpts from Journey Through the Light and Back (2-CD set); a portion of the proceeds goes to support SFF.

An interview with Kala Ambrose was broadcast on Friday, October 9, at 8 p.m. Eastern time on the Explore Your Spirit with Kala online talk radio show. After the broadcast the show will remain available in the website’s archive.

Mellen’s NDE is described in greater detail (which he declares is still a mere glimpse into the full depth of his journey) at www.Mellen-Thomas.com; there is a link on the home page, also, to a series of earlier radio interviews.

Purchase Advance Tickets Here: Regular Attendee $10: Seniors / Students $8: Please remember to print out and bring your receipt.