In the boundless dance of existence, we often find ourselves touched by moments that transcend the ordinary. On today's episode, we welcome Margot McKinnon, a scholar and educator whose profound near-death experiences (NDEs) have shaped a unique perspective on life, love, and the spiritual journey. Her story is one of transformation and deep insight, offering us a glimpse into the mysteries that lie beyond our physical realm.Margot's encounters with the other side began early in her life. As a child, she was no stranger to the ethereal, hearing voices and seeing spirits that guided her through both mundane and extraordinary challenges. She recalls a moment of near-drowning at Cocoa Beach, where a deep, comforting voice instructed her on how to survive the treacherous waves. This voice, a guardian of sorts, has been a constant presence, guiding her through life's tumultuous seas.Her first NDE occurred at the tender age of eighteen, a time when most of us are just beginning to explore the world. Margot was stricken with a severe illness, leading to an out-of-body experience that would forever change her understanding of reality. Floating above her dormitory, she witnessed her fellow students in ballgowns, waiting for taxis. "I did a little somersault in the air and said, 'You've seen your first ghost,'" she recounts with a hint of mirth, capturing the surreal beauty of the moment.The second brush with death came during an indigenous ceremony, a fasting ritual that pushed her to the brink. This time, Margot encountered a radiant white light and her mother, who had passed away two years prior. The unconditional love and joy she felt in this encounter were indescribable, grounding her purpose in life with renewed clarity. Her mother's smile, she says, "was like this," drawing an arc that embodies both the depth and simplicity of divine love.

SPIRITUAL TAKEAWAYS

Margot's experiences have imparted several key spiritual lessons, which she now shares with the world through her teaching and writing:

1. Embrace Unconditional Love: Margot's NDEs taught her that unconditional love is the cornerstone of existence. This love is not bound by physical or temporal constraints but is a universal force that guides and sustains us.
2. Trust in the Invisible: The guiding voice Margot heard as a child has been a steadfast companion throughout her life. This inner guidance, she believes, is available to all of us if we learn to listen and trust our intuition.
3. Life's Value in the Present: Margot emphasizes the importance of valuing our present lives. "Stay, stay, stay with us," she urges, advocating for finding meaning and joy in our earthly experiences rather than yearning to return to the other side prematurely.

Margot's work as an educator is deeply influenced by her spiritual insights. She strives to create a safe space for adolescents to explore their spiritual experiences, integrating these discussions into her high school English classes. Her goal is to help young people find their voices and understand their unique spiritual journeys, leading to profound personal and academic growth.In the vast expanse of the cosmos, Margot's message is clear: We are eternal beings having a human experience. Her near-death encounters have illuminated the path, showing us that our lives here are precious opportunities to grow, learn, and love unconditionally. Margot's wisdom reminds us that our time on Earth is not merely to be endured but cherished as a beautiful part of our soul's journey.

Please enjoy my conversation with Margot McKinnon