Neuroscience Expert (Dr. Tara Swart): Evidence We Can Communicate After Death!

Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist, shares her transformative journey of exploring communication with the deceased following the loss of her husband, Robin, to leukemia. Driven by personal experiences and scientific curiosity, Swart delves into the potential of the human mind, suggesting that we possess more senses than traditionally recognized, which could enable communication beyond the physical realm. She discusses the intersection of neuroscience, spirituality, and ancient wisdom, emphasizing the benefits of open-mindedness and the profound impact of grief on consciousness. Her insights challenge conventional beliefs, advocating for a deeper understanding of human capabilities and the mysteries of consciousness.

• Dr. Tara Swart discusses her belief in the possibility of communicating with people who have passed away, based on her personal experiences and scientific research.
• She emphasizes that the human mind is capable of much more than we currently understand, suggesting that the brain filters the mind's capabilities to function on a material plane.
• Dr. Swart's journey began after the death of her husband, which led her to explore the potential for communication with the deceased through expanded senses.

"I couldn't speak about it until now that it's possible to communicate with someone that's passed away. And I'm saying it from the point of view of being a neuroscientist and a psychiatrist."

• Dr. Swart introduces the controversial idea of communicating with the deceased, highlighting her professional background to lend credibility to her claims.

"I lost my beloved husband to leukemia almost 4 years ago... I started getting signs from my husband."

• Her journey into this exploration was catalyzed by personal loss, which led her to seek signs and communication from her late husband.

• Dr. Swart challenges the conventional understanding of human senses, asserting that humans possess 34 senses rather than the commonly accepted five.
• This expanded suite of senses suggests that humans are capable of perceiving and interacting with the world in ways that are not yet fully understood or utilized.
• The realization of these senses could potentially lead to enhanced communication abilities, both with the living and the deceased.

"We actually have 34 senses as we currently understand it."

• This statement challenges the traditional view of human sensory perception, proposing a more complex and nuanced understanding.

"I believe that the brain actually filters down the capability of the mind so that we can exist on this material plane."

• Dr. Swart suggests that the brain limits the mind's full potential to enable functioning in the physical world, implying untapped capabilities.

• Dr. Swart shares her personal experiences of sensing her late husband's presence and receiving signs, which she initially doubted but later pursued scientifically.
• Her exploration included consulting mediums, though she was not impressed, leading her to attempt communication on her own.
• She highlights the importance of understanding the mind's ability to exist separately from the body, a concept central to her exploration.

"I opened my eyes and I could see next to my bed a very vague hazy version of Robin as if he was pushing himself through trial to be seen."

• This vivid personal experience of seeing her deceased husband is a key motivator for her research and belief in communication with the deceased.

"I am all about optimizing my brain and expanding my consciousness, then I should be able to do it myself."

• Dr. Swart's scientific background and personal drive led her to explore communication with the deceased independently.

• Dr. Swart discusses the scientific aspects of consciousness, particularly in relation to grief and psychotic symptoms.
• She draws parallels between grief and psychosis, noting changes in neurotransmitter levels and signaling in the brain.
• Her research suggests that understanding these changes can provide empathy and support for those experiencing grief.

"Grief in many ways is like psychosis. It's changing the levels of neurotransmitters in your head."

• This comparison underscores the profound impact of grief on mental health and the potential for altered states of consciousness.

"I was experiencing something called thought insertion... it's when you have a thought in your head that you know isn't yours."

• Dr. Swart's experience with thought insertion highlights the complex interplay between grief and mental health, informing her research.

• Dr. Swart likens the ability to perceive signs to a muscle that can be developed through belief and practice.
• She suggests that many people do not access these abilities due to disbelief or fear of ridicule.
• Cultivating this ability requires an open mind and willingness to explore beyond conventional scientific understanding.

"It always starts with believing, right?"

• Belief is foundational to accessing and developing the ability to perceive signs and communicate beyond conventional means.

"It took me years. Um, and like I said, I believe it took him years as well."

• The process of developing this ability is gradual and requires time and effort, similar to learning a new skill.

• Dr. Swart emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature and ancient wisdom to understand the cycles of life and death.
• She draws on examples from nature, such as the life cycle of salmon and the symbiotic relationships in forests, to illustrate the interconnectedness of life.
• This perspective suggests that nothing ever truly disappears, aligning with her beliefs about communication with the deceased.

"Our ancestors repeatedly saw the cycles of nature and therefore always kind of knew that everything gets renewed and nothing ever completely goes away."

• Ancient wisdom provides a framework for understanding the continuity of life and the potential for communication beyond death.

"I strongly believe there's a benefit to humanity of raising this kind of question and having this conversation."

• Dr. Swart advocates for open-minded exploration of these ideas, which she believes can enhance human understanding and connection.

• Dr. Swart's decision to write a book about her experiences and research was driven by a desire to share useful insights with others.
• She communicates with her late husband daily, receiving signs and messages that guide her understanding and actions.
• Her book aims to inspire others to explore their own capabilities and perceptions, fostering a broader understanding of human potential.

"I wasn't intending to write a book at all, but I'd got to the point where I had something that I could share with people that I actually thought would be useful."

• The book emerged from a genuine desire to share her findings and help others navigate similar experiences.

"By that point I was feeling a bit like I'd completely burnt out and I had a choice about how to reemerge."

• This personal reflection highlights the transformative impact of her journey and the decision to share her story with the world.

• Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon where individuals tend to notice and remember information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or ideas.
• The speaker discusses how this bias can be used to one's advantage by intentionally focusing on specific ideas or symbols to notice them more in the world.
• The speaker gives examples of intentionally setting criteria to see specific symbols or words and how they manifest in their environment.

"You probably heard of that old analogy of when you buy a car, you end up seeing the car everywhere on the road."

• This quote illustrates the concept of confirmation bias, where increased awareness of something leads to noticing it more frequently.

"I say, I need to see a button or a symbol of a button or the word button, but it's got to happen three times by 11 p.m. tomorrow."

• The speaker uses this example to demonstrate how setting specific criteria can influence perception and awareness of certain symbols.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of noticing things in the world that could be crucial for thriving, not just surviving.
• The reticular activating system in the brain filters information based on its relevance to survival and personal focus.
• Noticing more can enhance creativity and awareness, potentially leading to new insights and ideas.

"The reticular activating system is the system of your brain that filters out what's not crucial to your survival and filters in what it wants you to notice."

• This quote explains the function of the reticular activating system in determining what information is noticed and prioritized by the brain.

"The art of noticing because really we live in this world where the light you know life is passing you by at 100 miles per hour."

• The speaker highlights the importance of being mindful and aware of one's surroundings to capture meaningful experiences and insights.

• There is a high correlation between creativity and mental illness, particularly depression, schizophrenia, and alcoholism.
• Creativity involves hyperconnectivity in the brain, where different lobes and the association cortex interact to generate new ideas.
• Neuroaesthetics, a field of research, explores the overlap between creativity and mental health.

"There's an area of overlap of three particular ways of thinking that are underpinned by neurology that are the reasons that people with mental illness are so creative."

• The quote discusses the neurological basis for the connection between creativity and mental illness.

"Creativity is a positive personality trait, right? But there is a high correlation between creativity and psychopathology."

• This statement highlights the dual nature of creativity as both a beneficial trait and a potential risk factor for mental health issues.

• Terminal lucidity refers to the phenomenon where individuals with severe cognitive impairments become lucid shortly before death.
• Near-death experiences often involve vivid perceptions of another realm or encounters with deceased individuals.
• These phenomena challenge the understanding of consciousness and the mind-body relationship.

"How can a brain that's irreversibly damaged suddenly function completely normally? There is no explanation for that."

• The speaker questions the scientific understanding of terminal lucidity, highlighting its mysterious nature.

"Dr. Mary Neil, an orthopedic surgeon... describes her whole journey of going to another realm, seeing, you know, a being of light."

• This quote recounts a near-death experience that challenges conventional scientific explanations of consciousness.

• The speaker explores the idea that the mind and body can operate independently, suggesting a separation between physical and non-physical aspects of consciousness.
• Theories propose that consciousness may not be solely emergent from physical matter and may exist beyond the physical body.
• The speaker discusses the potential for consciousness to persist after death.

"The mind is not emergent from material matter. It's not that the mind, the thoughts, the emotions, the psyche cannot be solely emerging from physical matter."

• This quote challenges the materialistic view of consciousness, suggesting a non-material aspect to the mind.

"There's somewhere that that energy goes and it still exists in some form."

• The speaker suggests a belief in the persistence of consciousness or soul beyond physical death.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in something greater than oneself for a fulfilling life.
• Spirituality, rather than organized religion, provides a sense of connection and purpose.
• Having a transcendent purpose is linked to better mental health and well-being.

"A life where you feel more connected to yourself, to others, to something greater gives you purpose."

• The quote underscores the value of spirituality and connection in providing meaning and purpose in life.

"It's definitely not religion. Um I guess it's spirituality and you know a form which will mean different things to different people."

• The speaker clarifies their personal belief system, distinguishing it from traditional religious frameworks.

• Intuition is seen as accessing inner wisdom and is important for interpreting signs and experiences.
• Trauma can be stored in the body, and physical therapies can help release it.
• The serotonin hypothesis and the role of fascia are explored as mechanisms for how trauma is held in the body.

"Intuition is what it is. It's accessing inner wisdom, right?"

• This quote defines intuition as a form of internal knowledge or wisdom.

"The serotonin hypothesis goes some way to explain how the level of constriction of capillaries and the amount of nutrients that's released to skin, fascia, and muscle is a mechanism for how trauma is held in the body."

• The speaker introduces a scientific hypothesis explaining how trauma can be physically manifested and potentially released.

• The speaker advises not to repress emotions and to seek talking therapy and physical activities for healing.
• Creative outlets and time in nature are recommended as beneficial for processing grief.
• Acknowledging and expressing emotions are crucial steps in the healing journey.

"The first thing would be to not repress or deny how they're feeling and, you know, really feel the emotions that that have to come along with grief."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to experience and express emotions during the grieving process.

"Some form of creative outlet whether it's making or beholding... It's an out creative outlet for your grief."

• The speaker suggests creative activities as a therapeutic means of expressing and coping with grief.

• The concept of receiving signs from the universe or nature as a source of comfort and guidance is explored.
• Being in nature, engaging in creativity, and honing intuition are practices that can increase the likelihood of receiving meaningful signs.
• Strengthening one's intuition is linked to being open to various forms of communication from the environment.

"If you open yourself to receive signs, or just be open to, you know, a white feather landing at your doorstep, or a bird coming to visit you, then that can bring a lot of comfort and guidance and joy."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of being receptive to signs from the natural world, which can provide emotional support and direction.

• The physical health of the body is foundational to the flourishing of senses and mental faculties, influencing spiritual experiences.
• The gut-brain axis, involving the brain, gut neurons, and gut microbiome, plays a crucial role in overall health and intuition.
• Practices like diet, exercise, meditation, and art therapy positively affect the gut microbiome, which in turn influences brain health.

"The body is basically the physical foundation for all of your senses to be able to flourish and ultimately for whatever spiritual experience you have of life to be at its fullest and best."

• This quote highlights the integral role of physical health, particularly gut health, in enhancing sensory and spiritual experiences.

• The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that connects the brain to the gut, playing a key role in the communication between these organs.
• It extends from the cranium through the diaphragm to the intestines, facilitating the bidirectional communication essential for gut-brain interaction.

"The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve. It's Latin for wandering because it's the longest nerve that goes through your body."

• This quote explains the significance of the vagus nerve in the body's communication network, crucial for gut-brain interaction.

• Reducing inflammation is vital for protecting the brain from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can impair memory and cognitive functions.
• A balanced diet and lifestyle can prevent disbiosis and maintain homeostasis, supporting higher mental functions and intuition.

"Reducing inflammation and putting things that are neuroprotective around it like certain vitamins and minerals is really important."

• This quote underscores the importance of managing inflammation to protect brain health and support cognitive functions.

• Dark retreats, originating from Tibetan philosophy, simulate near-death experiences and offer benefits like reduced fear of death and increased compassion.
• These retreats involve staying in complete darkness for extended periods, leading to altered perceptions and spiritual insights.

"A dark retreat is a way of emulating a near-death experience for anyone to get access to the benefits of a near-death experience."

• This quote describes dark retreats as a method to achieve altered states of consciousness and gain spiritual benefits akin to near-death experiences.

• Altered states of consciousness can be achieved through various means, including breathwork and psychedelics, influencing perception and understanding.
• These experiences can provide glimpses into different possibilities and enhance one's understanding of life's potential beyond ordinary perception.

"It's a glimpse into what's possible. Once you've experienced that, it could either be that you find other natural ways of experiencing that."

• This quote reflects on the transformative potential of altered states of consciousness in expanding one's perception and understanding of life.

• Believing in something transcendent, whether spiritual or religious, can positively impact mental and emotional well-being.
• Such beliefs encourage compassion, gratitude, and a broader perspective on life, though they can also lead to negative behaviors if dogmatic.

"Believing in these things itself is good for us. Is that what you believe? You believe that believing in something transcendent, whether it's spiritual or religious, is actually just good for us."

• This quote discusses the potential benefits of transcendent beliefs in fostering positive life changes and emotional health.

• Modern society's individualism can lead to a crisis of meaning, as people become more disconnected from communal and spiritual anchors.
• Reconnecting with ancient wisdom and community can restore a sense of purpose and true connection, enhancing personal and societal well-being.

"I think the way out of that is a return to ancient wisdom to true connection, which I believe can coexist with being technologically connected and advanced."

• This quote advocates for a balance between ancient wisdom and modern connectivity to restore meaningful connections and purpose in life.

• Personal stories and experiences, such as those involving loved ones and significant life events, can deeply influence one's perspective on life and connection.
• Emotional experiences and shared moments with others contribute to a deeper understanding of love, support, and human connection.

"When I thought this was the end, I just kept thinking, please let me see her face one more time."

• This quote illustrates the profound emotional connections and the impact of personal experiences on one's understanding of love and life.

• The female consultant advised to return to London if the condition worsened, indicating a cautious optimism about the situation.
• The male consultant provided syringes with bone marrow stimulating drugs, emphasizing their use only with permission, reflecting a controlled hope.
• The subject shared a poignant moment with a loved one, interpreting it as a farewell gesture.

"The last time you took him to Hampshire, he got so much better. If anything changes, bring him back to London."

• This quote reflects the cautious hope and the importance of monitoring health changes closely.

"I think that was his way of saying goodbye to me cuz he died 2 days after that."

• This quote captures the emotional significance of a shared moment, perceived as a final farewell.

• The subject experienced unconditional love, which changed their belief about its existence.
• Despite societal expectations, the subject chose to wear wedding rings as long as needed for personal closure.
• Open to love but not actively seeking it, indicating a balance between vulnerability and acceptance.

"I actually experienced unconditional love which I didn't believe in."

• This quote highlights the transformative power of experiencing genuine, unconditional love.

"I'm open to receiving love, but I'm not going to go look for it."

• This quote reflects a passive openness to love, shaped by past experiences and current vulnerability.

• The subject's friends believe they can help many people, particularly those who are grieving.
• There's a newfound curiosity about subjective reality and the purpose of life.
• The subject's journey includes sharing personal stories to help others feel seen and understood.

"You're going to be able to help so many people."

• This quote underscores the belief in the subject's potential to aid others through their experiences.

"People really really want to feel seen."

• This quote emphasizes the universal human need for recognition and understanding.

• The discussion involves questioning the meaning of life and the interconnectedness of people.
• There's a belief in non-random, significant encounters and events.
• The subject shares insights on animals' sensory capabilities and human potential for similar abilities.

"I don't believe that that's random or a coincidence."

• This quote suggests a belief in purposeful connections and events in life.

"Animals have senses that we don't have."

• This quote points to the unique sensory abilities of animals and the potential for humans to develop similar capabilities.

• The conversation explores the balance between skepticism and open-mindedness.
• Science is seen as a quest to push boundaries and explore the unknown.
• The subject discusses the potential for future scientific discoveries to validate current beliefs.

"There's a lot of really interesting big question marks."

• This quote highlights the ongoing exploration and uncertainty in scientific and philosophical inquiries.

"I'm willing to take what you've said to me today and to investigate it."

• This quote reflects an openness to exploring new ideas and testing them through personal experience.

• Noticing beauty is presented as an active practice that enhances gratitude and well-being.
• The practice of noticing beauty becomes habitual and self-rewarding over time.
• The subject encourages others to engage in this practice to improve happiness and connection.

"That's like gratitude to the next level."

• This quote illustrates the deepening of gratitude through the practice of noticing beauty.

"It's producing oxytocin just like gratitude practice does."

• This quote explains the physiological benefits of noticing beauty, linking it to increased happiness and connection.

• The subject acknowledges the ongoing journey of grief and the fear of letting their light shine.
• There's a recognition of guilt associated with success post-loss.
• Future aspirations include helping others and achieving personal fulfillment.

"I know I'm not there yet because there is a part of me that is like afraid to let my light really shine."

• This quote reveals the internal struggle with embracing success and joy after a significant loss.

"I got over myself and like put myself out there and like really shone and it actually did really help loads of people."

• This quote encapsulates the subject's hope for personal growth and meaningful impact in the future.