Co-authored by Philip Cozzolino, Ph.D., of the University of Virginia Health System.

“I had one specific out-of-body experience that was life-changing for me. I found myself 'floating' in the middle of a vast void—deep black—existing as a point of consciousness, connected to all that is, was, and will be. I felt the most overwhelming sense of pure LOVE—far beyond anything I had ever experienced, even as a mother who would die for her son—along with profound peace, joy, and bliss. During that experience, I felt completely at home and had no desire to return. I understood, with absolute certainty, that we continue to exist beyond physical death in a different form. From that moment on, I was no longer afraid of dying.

Long story short, after years of personal experiences, I decided to change my life completely—turning it 180 degrees. My materialistic worldview no longer made sense, and nothing resonated with me anymore. My personal—though subjective—experience led me to understand that we are all part of the same 'whole,' and that our purpose here is to evolve, both individually and collectively. This evolution, I realized, can only happen through love and compassion. I have become a softer, more compassionate, and more patient person—less judgmental than before. I left my old life behind and started anew: a new city, a new profession, new friends. I needed to find people who were on the same path.”

–V.B., an out-of-body experiencer, via personal communication with MW.

We live in a time when the pursuit of happiness has never been more highly valued. In recent years, we’ve seen the flourishing of positive psychology, aimed at understanding how people can become more satisfied with their lives. However, this pursuit of happiness often seems to create a frustrating paradox: Many find themselves stuck in unfulfilling jobs, languishing in stagnant relationships, and generally feeling trapped in a life that does not resonate with their true selves. This often stems from a deep fear of change—not merely a resistance to new technologies or routine disruptions, but a more profound hesitation that paralyzes decision-making and stifles personal growth.

The discomfort associated with breaking from the status quo—even when the status quo is clearly unsatisfying—leads individuals to accept a state of quiet dissatisfaction and compromise rather than face the intimidating prospect of transformation. While this reluctance is often attributed to fear of the unknown, a closer examination reveals a deeper fear: the fear of fully embracing life. This fear is subtly interwoven with our awareness of........

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