A Shared Death Experience (SDE) is when a loved one or caregiver experiences what appears to be the first stages of entering an afterlife along with a person who is dying or has just died.  The term for this phenomenon was coined by Raymond Moody, M.D., whose research confirmed that what happens in an SDE is very similar to what is reported in near-death experiences.  Dr. Moody wrote about SDEs in his book Glimpses of Eternity.  

An SDE is not an NDE (near-death experience). As many people know, an NDE is a profound event that occurs to people who experience nearly dying. A person who experiences an SDE, on the other hand, is a friend, loved one or caregiver to a person that is dying or who has recently died.

A shared crossing refers to a conscious, connected, and loving end-of-life experience shared between the dying and their loved ones/caregivers. This can include life-affirming experiences of gratitude, reconciliation, unity, peace, and an acceptance and welcoming of death. A shared death experience is a particular type of shared crossing. Through the Shared Crossing Pathway, participants engage in practices that enable shared crossing experiences. They also learn the unique Shared Crossing Protocols^© that will increase the likelihood of having a shared death experience.

No, because you will not be “going anywhere” physically.  You will temporarily experience a non-physical state of consciousness associated with the early stages after human death. You will simply be aware of phenomena that most of us are insensitive to in our normal waking consciousness.  For more in-depth information on the SDE you may consider participating in our Life Beyond Death group or our Shared Crossing Pathway.

Yes. The first thing that happens in all our programs is that we establish trust and connection among participants. This sets the stage for comfortably sharing from the heart about our own aging, decline and death, and that of others.  Through this practice, discomfort with the subject gradually falls away as we feel “permission” to share thoughts and feelings.

No. The Shared Crossing programs are non-denominational. All religious traditions are welcome, as are people who choose not to participate in organized religion. 

 It is not necessary to have any fixed beliefs—or disbeliefs—regarding the afterlife, but both parties need to be open to taking part in a shared crossing experience to make the connection possible.  If your partner is willing to suspend disbelief—in the spirit of investigative inquiry—you can participate.

Not at all.  Everyone is welcome.

 No. Participants often tell us that they wish they’d taken one of our programs long ago because participating has enriched their appreciation of this human life.  Just as financial and legal advisers encourage people to write their will now, while they are healthy and sound, we encourage people to understand and emotionally prepare for aging, decline, and death at any time because we never know when death may come.

The Shared Crossing Protocols^© are methods designed by William Peters to directly facilitate a shared death experience or SDE. These are taught in the Shared Crossing Pathway or in private sessions. The Protocols were initially designed to be taught to the dying and their loved ones or caregivers to prepare for the time of transition. Since then, we’ve found that practicing the Protocols during any life stage--of wellness or illness--has brought about a great deal of healing and connection between people. Furthermore, people find value in the Protocols regardless of whether they experience an SDE.

Yes. William teaches the Protocols privately. Please contact the Shared Crossing Project at [email protected] for more information on how best to learn the Protocols outside of our groups.

Yes. William Peters conducts private sessions by phone or Zoom. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Originally, our groups were only held in Santa Barbara, California.  We now offer our programs by request at various locations across the country and online. To request a program for your group online, or something in your region please contact us.

Yes.  William Peters will travel and present the training elsewhere (and even present them privately) to the extent that his schedule will allow.  Please contact the Shared Crossing Project at [email protected] to discuss your needs and our availability.

You can see our programs on our Offerings page or contact us at [email protected].  

Yes! Our book, At Heaven's Door: What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach About Dying Well and Living Better details the stories of 28 people's shared death experiences!

Also, our Recommended Reading list includes extensive reading, videos, information and links to our colleagues in the field.