In 2016, neuroscientist Dr. Anna Lee Stone experienced something that defied all logic and science — a journey to the afterlife. After being clinically dead for six minutes, Stone claims her near-death experience (NDE) transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined. What she saw during that time forever altered her perspective on life, spirituality, and healing.
Anna Stone’s Struggles Before Her NDE
Before her life-changing experience, Anna Stone, a 38-year-old mother of two, was a successful scientist working with the U.S. Department of Defense. Despite her professional accomplishments, Stone found herself trapped in a downward spiral. She was battling severe mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, and dealing with substance abuse. She was in an unhealthy marriage, drinking heavily, and using drugs — behaviors that led her to describe her life as a “nightmare.”
Lights in the sky. Credit / Shutterstock
At the time, Stone was stuck in a cycle of bitterness, self-centeredness, and childhood trauma. “I was really bitter and angry,” she admitted, recalling how she saw herself as “a loser” and struggled to cope with her emotional pain. Despite numerous medications prescribed to help her condition, none of them provided lasting relief.
The Moment of Crisis and Her Out-of-Body Experience
Stone’s life would change dramatically during a medical emergency in 2016. Her menstrual cycle unexpectedly didn’t stop, and her body began to shut down. “I made a joke and said, ‘I think I’m bleeding to death,’” Stone recalls, before losing consciousness. The next thing she remembers is waking up in an ambulance, realizing she was in critical condition.
For six minutes, Stone was clinically dead. During this time, she had what can only be described as an intense out-of-body experience. “It felt like I was going to explode. It’s too much. I couldn’t handle it,” she described. But soon, she felt herself float out of her body, watching as doctors tried and failed to resuscitate her.
A Vision of the Afterlife
During her NDE, Stone claims she was transported to a white, radiant realm, where she had a 360-degree view of the universe. “I could have wrapped my arms around the entire planet if I wanted to,” she said, describing the overwhelming beauty and peace she felt.
While in this realm, Stone encountered a version of herself — a version that appeared lighter, ageless, and radiantly beautiful. This vision was so vivid that she immediately knew she was “going back.” But as she re-entered her body, she experienced excruciating pain, describing the sensation as “hurt like absolute hell.”
Waking Up and Confronting the Past
When Stone regained consciousness, she startled the medical team by sitting up suddenly, catching them completely off guard. “Everyone’s back was turned to me, and I just shot up. There were loud audible gasps,” she recalled. As she began to regain her senses, she felt like her head was underwater, a result of six minutes without oxygen.
In a surprising moment, Stone turned to her doctor and asked, “Did you say I was a former junkie?” The doctor was initially confused, but after some delay, he admitted that he had indeed made the comment and apologized.
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From Skepticism to Spiritual Awakening
Before her NDE, Anna Stone was a staunch scientific skeptic. Her worldview was grounded in cold, hard facts, and she dismissed anything related to spirituality. But after her near-death experience, her perspective changed completely. She now believes that God is “definitely not a person” and that time is not linear — everything is happening simultaneously.
Her experience left her with a profound understanding of life and the universe, and she began to explore deeper aspects of spirituality and self-awareness. Stone’s experience led her to finish her undergraduate degree and pursue a Master’s degree.
A New Life: Recovery and Empowerment
Stone’s NDE was a turning point in her life. After years of struggling with addiction and unhealthy relationships, she left behind her toxic past. She stopped drinking and working through the trauma that had plagued her for years. Today, she helps other trauma survivors by using her own experience to empower them to heal.
Stone’s recovery journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a mother, she dedicated herself to healing and rebuilding her life. She now works with individuals who have experienced similar challenges, helping them find strength and healing through trauma-informed care. “I can help other people. I had previously been an alcoholic, I would get home and drink 12 beers: now I can’t touch alcohol at all,” she shares.
The Power of Transformation and Recovery
Anna Stone’s story is one of transformation. What started as a near-death experience became the catalyst for a complete overhaul of her life. From addiction and emotional turmoil to spiritual awakening and personal recovery, Stone’s journey shows that even when we hit rock bottom, there is always room for growth and healing.
Stone’s NDE didn’t just change her outlook on life — it set her on a mission to help others navigate their own healing journeys. She is a testament to the power of recovery and the incredible ability of the human spirit to rebound from even the most traumatic of experiences.
Conclusion: A Life Reclaimed Through Healing and Service
Anna Stone’s experience in the afterlife and her recovery process highlight the profound impact of facing our deepest fears and traumas. Her story is a reminder that no matter how low we may feel, there is always hope for change and transformation. By helping others and continuing to heal herself, Stone has turned her pain into purpose, showing that recovery and personal growth are always within reach.
Her journey teaches us that, while life may be unpredictable, we have the power to reclaim our happiness and sense of purpose. Stone’s resilience and commitment to helping others prove that even the darkest moments can lead to the most meaningful transformations.
For more inspiring stories of personal transformation and healing, check out these articles:
- Full Story: Pope Francis’ Heartbreaking Final Gesture to His Nurse Before Death
- Full Story: Pope Francis Describes Death as a New Beginning Before His Passing
