Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Shared Death Experience?
A: The Shared Death Experience (SDE) happens when a loved one or caregiver experiences the first moments of the afterlife along with a person who has just died. The term for this phenomenon was first coined by Raymond Moody, M.D., whose research confirmed that what happens in the SDE is very similar to the Near-Death Experience. Dr. Moody wrote about SDE's in his book, Glimpses of Eternity. For more information and further reading, click here.
Q: What is the difference between a Shared Crossing and a Shared Death Experience?
A: 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. The Shared Death Experience (SDE) may be part of a Shared Crossing and is one of its most profound aspects. Through the Shared Crossing Pathway, participants engage in practices that enable the Shared Crossing experience. They also learn the unique Shared Crossing Protocols© that will increase the likelihood of having a Shared Death Experience.
Q: I really like your programs, but I don’t know how to initiate conversation with my family/friends in a way that feels comfortable for everyone. Can you help me with this issue?
A: 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, the discomfort with the subject gradually falls away as we feel “permission” to share thoughts and feelings.
Q: Does it matter if I am religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist, etc. to participate in the Shared Crossing Project?
A: No. The Shared Crossing programs are non-denominational and compatible with all religions and belief systems. All religious traditions are welcome, as are people who choose not to participate in organized religion.
Q: My loved one is in hospice but doesn’t believe in reincarnation and the afterlife. Can we participate?
A: It is not necessary to have any fixed beliefs—or disbeliefs—regarding the afterlife, but both parties need to be open to participating 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. See the story about “Sandy,” who was “not interested in spiritual matters,” who nonetheless had a Shared Crossing Experience after her mother died: Read Here...
Q: If I go into the afterlife with my loved one in the Shared Death Experience, is there any risk that I won’t come back?
A: 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. To learn more about what happens in the SDE, click here. For more in-depth information on the SDE you may consider participating in our Life Beyond Death group or our Shared Crossing Pathway.
Q: Do I have to have had a Near-Death Experience to participate?
A: Not at all. Everyone is welcome.
Q: Do I have to be dying, or have a partner who is dying, to participate?
A: 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.
Q: What are the Shared Crossing Protocols©?
A: 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 or not they experience an SDE.
Q: Can I learn the SCP Protocols without participating in the Shared Crossing Training Program?
A: Yes. William teaches the Protocols privately. Please contact the Shared Crossing Project at info@sharedcrossing.com for more information on how best to learn the Protocols outside of our groups.
Q: Can the Protocols be taught over telephone or Skype?
A: Yes. William Peters conducts private sessions by phone or Skype. Please contact us at info@sharedcrossing.com for more information.
Q: Where do you hold your programs? Do you ever present outside of the Santa Barbara area?
A: Presently our groups are held in Santa Barbara, California. We also offer our programs by request at various locations across the country. To request a program in your region please contact us.
Q: What if my dying relative is too frail to travel? Will you teach the protocols privately to just my family members or other small group?
A: Yes. William Peters will travel and present the trainings elsewhere (and even present them privately) to the extent their schedules will allow. Please contact the Shared Crossing Project at info@sharedcrossing.com to discuss your needs and our availability.
Q: How do I sign up for Shared Crossing’s programs?
A: Contact us at info@sharedcrossing.com. See our Programs page for detailed information on specific groups and our Schedule to see upcoming events.
Q: Can you recommend reading about the afterlife, near-death experiences, and the Shared Death Experience?
A: Yes! We have a Resources Page with extensive reading, videos, and information available.
A: The Shared Death Experience (SDE) happens when a loved one or caregiver experiences the first moments of the afterlife along with a person who has just died. The term for this phenomenon was first coined by Raymond Moody, M.D., whose research confirmed that what happens in the SDE is very similar to the Near-Death Experience. Dr. Moody wrote about SDE's in his book, Glimpses of Eternity. For more information and further reading, click here.
Q: What is the difference between a Shared Crossing and a Shared Death Experience?
A: 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. The Shared Death Experience (SDE) may be part of a Shared Crossing and is one of its most profound aspects. Through the Shared Crossing Pathway, participants engage in practices that enable the Shared Crossing experience. They also learn the unique Shared Crossing Protocols© that will increase the likelihood of having a Shared Death Experience.
Q: I really like your programs, but I don’t know how to initiate conversation with my family/friends in a way that feels comfortable for everyone. Can you help me with this issue?
A: 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, the discomfort with the subject gradually falls away as we feel “permission” to share thoughts and feelings.
Q: Does it matter if I am religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist, etc. to participate in the Shared Crossing Project?
A: No. The Shared Crossing programs are non-denominational and compatible with all religions and belief systems. All religious traditions are welcome, as are people who choose not to participate in organized religion.
Q: My loved one is in hospice but doesn’t believe in reincarnation and the afterlife. Can we participate?
A: It is not necessary to have any fixed beliefs—or disbeliefs—regarding the afterlife, but both parties need to be open to participating 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. See the story about “Sandy,” who was “not interested in spiritual matters,” who nonetheless had a Shared Crossing Experience after her mother died: Read Here...
Q: If I go into the afterlife with my loved one in the Shared Death Experience, is there any risk that I won’t come back?
A: 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. To learn more about what happens in the SDE, click here. For more in-depth information on the SDE you may consider participating in our Life Beyond Death group or our Shared Crossing Pathway.
Q: Do I have to have had a Near-Death Experience to participate?
A: Not at all. Everyone is welcome.
Q: Do I have to be dying, or have a partner who is dying, to participate?
A: 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.
Q: What are the Shared Crossing Protocols©?
A: 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 or not they experience an SDE.
Q: Can I learn the SCP Protocols without participating in the Shared Crossing Training Program?
A: Yes. William teaches the Protocols privately. Please contact the Shared Crossing Project at info@sharedcrossing.com for more information on how best to learn the Protocols outside of our groups.
Q: Can the Protocols be taught over telephone or Skype?
A: Yes. William Peters conducts private sessions by phone or Skype. Please contact us at info@sharedcrossing.com for more information.
Q: Where do you hold your programs? Do you ever present outside of the Santa Barbara area?
A: Presently our groups are held in Santa Barbara, California. We also offer our programs by request at various locations across the country. To request a program in your region please contact us.
Q: What if my dying relative is too frail to travel? Will you teach the protocols privately to just my family members or other small group?
A: Yes. William Peters will travel and present the trainings elsewhere (and even present them privately) to the extent their schedules will allow. Please contact the Shared Crossing Project at info@sharedcrossing.com to discuss your needs and our availability.
Q: How do I sign up for Shared Crossing’s programs?
A: Contact us at info@sharedcrossing.com. See our Programs page for detailed information on specific groups and our Schedule to see upcoming events.
Q: Can you recommend reading about the afterlife, near-death experiences, and the Shared Death Experience?
A: Yes! We have a Resources Page with extensive reading, videos, and information available.
