On this day 2 years ago I had a pretty bad accident getting knocked off my motorbike on one of the busiest motorways in Europe. Since the accident I have been fighting to regain full use of my leg. Me, the motorbike wreck and the now three-wheeled car managed to close the motorway for 4 hours and has resulted in my receiving therapy for post traumatic stress disorder – apparently to address the consequences of my near death experience – profound experiences reported by some people who survive close brushes with death.
Clinicians often lookout for pervasive changes in attitudes and behaviour; because they may be confused with psychopathological states; and because they may enhance our understanding of consciousness. Proposed psychological and physiological explanations lack empirical support and fail to explain NDEs, which pose a challenge to current models of the mind-brain relationship. The term was introduced in 1975 and characteristic features commonly reported by survivors, include ineffability and an overwhelming feeling of peace. I did not see a tunnel, experience a sensation of being out of the body or meet any nonphysical beings [1].
I agree with the research, I have generally a new sense of purpose or mission; heightened self-esteem; increased compassion and love for others; lessened concern for material gain, recognition, or status; greater desire to serve others; increased ability to express feelings; greater appreciation of, and zest for, life; increased focus on the present; search for knowledge; and greater appreciation for nature. Thus, Star Wars Day has become representative of both a tragedy and triumph. Certainly, the pain and impact on my family was tragic but the overwhelming feeling of gratitude you get from just ‘being alive’ makes up for it.
Since the accident I like to take time to give something back in thanks for my continuing survival. I have been sharing insights I have gained from the last 25 years working in the pharmaceutical industry – with particular emphasis on creating accessible how-to documents. My aim is to help new starters in the industry or those struggling with tasks they haven’t done before.
You might be organising a conference for the first time [2], simply wanting to assess your own work objectively [3], wondering how long something should take to write [4] or just wondering about the value of your contribution to science [5]. I recently summarised my top 10 key tips for writing a truly great manuscript based on over 30 years of publishing [6]. As a somewhat introverted person I struggle at social events like congresses and so I have developed ways of coping and getting the most out of these events. Don't forget to sign up for our Insider's Insights (here). Don't panic, as I found when trapped under a heavy motorbike looking at oncoming traffic – there is always someone out there ready to help.
"Feel the force, Luke."
References
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I have never been great at conferences. People don’t believe me but I am painfully shy and far too worried about what.
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