By Johnna Shryack

There is a moment in time when everything stops, and you have a choice between the earth plane and the spiritual realm. I was in that moment, and would like to share my story.

It was a warm summer day on the twelfth of August, 1991. Driving on a two lane road in the countryside, I found myself running late again. Up ahead was a long, wide, curve with an approaching semi truck in the opposite lane. What happened next still seems surreal to me; coming straight at me, in my lane was a white car passing the semi, on this curve, in a no passing zone and he is speeding up! The crash was deafening, the impact was violent, and I was conscious until the emergency team extracted me from the vehicle with the "jaws of life". But here is where I would like to begin this story.

It is said to be mindful is to acknowledge what is happening while it is happening. Mindfulness does not attempt to change the circumstance in the mind but instead cleans the windows of our vision to gauge whether this is a good time to take a journey or return to our home in the heart tidying up loose ends. To become mindful we enter our existence at the point of sensation, noticing instantly all that is other than the sensation. Everything recognizable is blameless, and we watch simply what is. Noticing and holding back the deep tendencies for control and judgment that follow the wake of perception within the developing spaciousness of your present existence. You observe without pulling back or pushing forward, able to hear only the most subtle whispers of thought. This is how I would best describe being in a comatose state. You are aware of your surrounds and yet cannot participate in them. You simply observe without judgment. Sensations are numbed; pain is not experienced, absent are the emotions attached to the physical body in distress. You occupy a place of peaceful observance.

Gently returning our thoughts to the breath entering and leaving our body, one is able to stay present in the situation. Awareness of the ever present situation, the mind begins to acknowledge the fear and doubts that flicker across the screen of my vision. Developing courage and patience, concentration and mindfulness, openness and clarity I turned my attention to the vision of white light before me. Radiant and consuming, it appeared to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Time has no measure in this existence.

As violent as the crash itself, I am thrown into an absolute awareness and returned to the sensations of feeling, memory and recognition. I made the choice to return and begin my journey anew, with a deeper understanding and compassion for my existence. Suffering, through healing the physical body, must be endured and conquered in order to raise my awareness, so that others may benefit from my experience. Judgment is an unnecessary emotion that drains my energy and clouds my vision; therefore it has no place in my renewal. Understanding and compassion will replace the negativity of my former existence and a new beginning will rise above and prevail.

© Copyright 2009 by Johnna Shryack.

About the Author: The eldest of three children, I was raised in a christian home in rural Illinois. A college graduate, I chose a career path in the medical field. Married and divorced, I guided two children to adulthood. From a very early age I have known of a strong spiritual presence in my life and I feel privileged to share their guidance. For more inspirational writings please visit JohnnaShryack.com

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