To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story

To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story

Mary C. Neal (Author)

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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One million copies sold! Dr. Mary Neal (featured in the Netflix original series Surviving Death) tells the incredible story of the kayak accident during a South American adventure that took her to heaven—where she experienced God’s peace, joy, and angels—and back to life again.

In 1999 in the Los Rios region of southern Chile, orthopedic surgeon, devoted wife, and loving mother Dr. Mary Neal drowned in a kayak accident. While cascading down a waterfall, her kayak became pinned at the bottom and she was immediately and completely submerged. Despite the rescue efforts of her companions, Mary was underwater for too long, and as a result, died.
Product details
Publisher : Random House Publishing Group; First Edition (May 29, 2012)
Language : English
Paperback : 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 0307731715
ISBN-13 : 978-0307731715
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.2 x 0.65 x 8 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #28,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#27 in Near-Death Experiences (Books)
#80 in Religious Leader Biographies
#331 in Christian Inspirational
Customer Reviews: 4.5
6,958 ratings

The River of Life

At the heart of an extraordinary journey, the kayaking accident stands as a pivotal moment. It was during this unforeseen event that the door to the afterlife briefly swung open. The experience of dying, far from being fraught with fear, was enveloped in a profound peace, leading to a meeting with beings of pure light, identified as angels. Their presence offered comfort and unveiled mysteries beyond earthly comprehension.

The Climb

Recovery from the accident was not merely a physical ordeal but a spiritual ascent as well. The physical challenges faced during this period were immense, testing every fiber of endurance. However, it was the spiritual awakening that marked this phase with significance. This awakening illuminated the path forward, infusing every step of rehabilitation with a deeper purpose and understanding.

Celestial Music

In the tranquility of recovery, heavenly music provided a source of solace. This celestial melody, unheard yet deeply felt, underscored the power of prayer and the capacity to reconnect with faith during times of adversity. The harmony of divine music acted as a balm, healing wounds both visible and hidden within the soul.

A More Excellent Way

This phase of the journey brought about an enlightenment in understanding love and compassion. Visions of heaven provided a glimpse into the eternal, where love is the fabric that binds the universe. These lessons for living, imparted from a realm beyond, embolden a life led with a heart wide open to giving and receiving love.

Field of Angels

Angels, once thought to dwell only beyond the veil of the physical world, revealed their constant presence in everyday life. Their guidance and protection became evident, manifesting in personal stories of angelic encounters that defy mere coincidence, suggesting a divine orchestration at play.

What Lies Beyond

Exploring the afterlife opened vistas to realities beyond mortal comprehension. Messages from the other side began to weave into the fabric of daily existence, fostering personal transformation. This transformative power reshaped the understanding of life and its infinite possibilities.

Sacred Encounters

Meeting spiritual figures, whether in visions or more tangible forms, brought insights into the divine presence that surrounds and penetrates the world. These sacred encounters deepened the personal faith, enriching the spiritual journey with a sense of purpose and direction.

The Tapestry of Life

Life, as revealed, is a woven tapestry of events and encounters, each thread holding significance in the grand design. Recognizing divine intervention in everyday occurrences fosters an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things, leading to a more harmonious existence.

Lessons from the Other Side

The knowledge gained from the near-death experience became a beacon illuminating the path forward. Applying these lessons in daily life transformed ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth and service to others, especially those grappling with their mortality.

A Gift of Love

The concept of unconditional love, experienced in its most profound form during the encounter with the divine, became a guiding principle. Personal anecdotes of love’s transformative power serve as testament to its unmatched strength, inspiring acts of kindness and an ethos of generosity.

Heaven on Earth

Bringing heaven into everyday life emerged not as an ideal to aspire to but a reality to create. Through fostering joy, peace, and love, each act, no matter how small, contributes to a larger tapestry of positive change, making a tangible difference in the world around us.

The River Revisited

Reflecting on the kayaking incident with the wisdom of time and experience, the spiritual journey continues to unfurl. The incident, once a harrowing brush with death, now stands as a beacon of life’s purpose, guiding towards a future embraced with open arms and a heart full of joy.


FAQs on Spiritual Experiences and Lessons

The River of Life

1. What can a kayaking accident teach us about the fragility of life?
A kayaking accident serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the importance of being present in every moment. Survivors often recount the experience as a wake-up call that encourages them to reevaluate their priorities, cherish their loved ones, and live more deliberately.

2. What are the experiences of dying and how do they impact the individual?
Those who have experienced near-death often describe a sensation of peace, encountering a bright light, or meeting deceased loved ones. This profound experience can dramatically alter an individual's outlook on life and death, leading to a deeper spiritual awakening and a reassessment of what matters most in life.

3. Can individuals really encounter angels, and how do such encounters impact them?
Many individuals believe they have encountered angels during moments of distress or near-death experiences. These encounters are often described as immensely comforting and enlightening, leading to spiritual renewal and a strong sense of being protected and guided.

The Climb

4. How do people recover from accidents and find a spiritual awakening?
Recovery from an accident often involves a complex journey of physical healing and emotional resilience. For some, this time of vulnerability facilitates a spiritual awakening, where they discover a deeper sense of purpose and connectivity with the universe. This awakening can manifest in renewed faith, a greater appreciation for life, and a commitment to living in alignment with spiritual values.

Celestial Music

5. How does heavenly music influence our spiritual connection and wellbeing?
Heavenly music, or music that individuals associate with divine or spiritual realms, can have a profound effect on one's spiritual connection and overall wellbeing. It often evokes a deep emotional response, facilitates meditation and prayer, and can lead to moments of peace, transcendence, and a deeper connection with the divine.

A More Excellent Way

6. How can understanding love and compassion lead to a vision of heaven?
Embracing love and compassion expands our capacity to connect with others on a profound level, fostering a sense of unity and peace that many associate with visions of heaven. This way of living promotes forgiveness, understanding, and a strong sense of community, guiding individuals toward a life filled with purpose and spiritual fulfillment.

Field of Angels

AspectImpact
Presence of AngelsProvides comfort and a sense of safety.
Guidance and ProtectionGuides individuals through challenging times, offering clear signs or intuitions.
Personal StoriesStrengthens faith and belief in a higher power and the existence of guardian angels.

What Lies Beyond

7. What can explorations of the afterlife teach us about personal transformation?
Explorations of the afterlife, whether through near-death experiences, spiritual practices, or anecdotal accounts, offer profound insights on the continuity of the soul, the importance of living a meaningful life, and the transformational power of love. These explorations often lead to significant personal growth, a reevaluation of one’s values, and a deeper commitment to personal and spiritual development.


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