Monica Lucia is the Author of The Final Chapter and Aftercare Guide & Journal – she is a passionate advocate for those navigating grief and loss. She is the Founder of Widow’s Den and Sisterhood of LKN, dedicated to supporting families In addition to her writing and community-building work, Monica is the Grief and Bereavement Counselor at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville and Denver.
GO TO THE LIGHT:
by Monica Lucia
At the end of the tunnel, there is a brilliant white light that emanates a sense of calm, peace, and pure joy. According to the International Association for Near-Death Studies, there are about 15 universal traits commonly found in a near-death experience; yes, heading toward the light is one of them.
In the iconic movie Poltergeist, the character Carol Anne is called to the light, symbolizing her transition into a higher state of being. It’s a place of tranquility, safety, and comfort- a feeling of returning home.
In a more recent, unusual example, a sick Anglerfish that had lived its entire life deep in the ocean’s dark abyss came into contact with the light. Known for its own bioluminescent lure, which attracts prey, the fish found a faint beam of sunlight near the ocean’s surface. Enchanted by the warmth and peacefulness of this newfound light, the fish swam toward it, leaving behind the pain of its sickness. It didn’t know that the light might also be its ultimate end, but it believed in the light- and in that belief, it found peace.
Why Should You Go to the Light?
Metaphorically, we often use the phrase “going to the light” to represent movement toward something positive -new knowledge, a better situation, or a return to a place that feels like home. Light is commonly linked with guidance and overcoming darkness.
Even though the Anglerfish had its own light, it was drawn to a greater one, suggesting that sometimes there’s a force beyond ourselves that shines brighter and offers more than we can generate on our own.
In many cultures, Light symbolizes divine presence, goodness, and enlightenment, while darkness is associated with ignorance and evil. In religious contexts, “going to the light” can represent reaching a higher spiritual state and finding salvation.
On a more physical level, light has positive effects on mood, focus, and energy. Natural sunlight is essential for our bodies, promoting the production of Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and overall well-being. So, in both a spiritual and physical sense, light plays a vital role in improving our lives.
Should You Walk Away from the Light?
It wouldn’t be fair not to address the other side – the notion of avoiding the light when death approaches. The idea of “not going to the light” is often associated with fear of the unknown, resistance to death or the afterlife, or perhaps the desire to remain in the darkness. Some associate this with negative feelings, such as hidden truths or the fear of judgment.
Certain religious beliefs argue that light is a trap for the soul, set up by demonic forces, sometimes referred to as archons. These forces are said to use the light to disguise themselves as your deceased loved one, gods, or truth, luring souls into a cycle of deception.
The Science Behind It:
Scientifically, the light and tunnel of NDE is believed to be the result of oxygen deprivation in the brain. As the brain functions begin to slow down, it may cause the final visual experience to be one of the bright, overwhelming light.
What I think:
While it’s fascinating to consider the various interpretations of the light, my advice is simple: Walk toward the light while you can. The darkness can be overwhelming, and as the saying goes, “The one who walks in darkness does not know where they are going.”
