Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Add Upworthy to your Google News feed.
Google News Button

Most people never come back after death touches them once. Dannion Brinkley has been there three times. His near-death experiences weren’t just brushes with mortality — they were profound journeys that reshaped his entire life. The second clinical death, in particular, altered his path in ways that continue to inspire thousands. So what did he see while “dead,” and what can his extraordinary experiences teach us about living?

In 1975, Brinkley was talking on the phone during a thunderstorm when a bolt of lightning struck his home. The shock threw him across the room, stopping his heart. As he lay lifeless, Brinkley described a surreal sensation: he felt himself floating above his body, observing everything around him with eerie clarity.


Struck by Lightning — and a New Understanding of Life

In an interview with the podcast Next Level Soul, Brinkley recounted moving through a spiraling tunnel of light. On the other side, he encountered radiant beings who showed him a “panoramic life review.” This wasn’t just a replay of his life — he experienced every action he’d taken and how those actions affected others. He recalls, “It is your intent that matters, not what you do, but why you’re doing it.”


“Death Isn’t the End — It’s a Transition”

Brinkley’s most surprising takeaway? Death isn’t the end — it’s a transition. He likened it to stepping through a doorway into a much larger room. Consciousness doesn’t vanish; it expands.

For Brinkley, this experience didn’t just change his view of death — it transformed his approach to life. He realized that love and kindness aren’t just nice ideas; they’re fundamental principles of the universe.

He explained it simply: “Love is the currency.” Every act of love, no matter how small, contributes to a richer, more fulfilled soul. In his view, love is stored in the fabric of existence itself.



A Life of Service and Purpose

Brinkley’s second near-death experience deepened his sense of purpose. He decided that if he got a second (or third) chance at life, he’d use it to help others. Since then, he’s dedicated over 42 years and more than 34,000 hours to hospice care, comforting those at the end of their lives. He’s sat with over 2,000 people during their final moments, helping them transition with dignity and peace.

For Brinkley, the key to life is a simple but profound balance: “Try to be happy, and try to be useful.” He doesn’t see happiness as a selfish pursuit but as something intertwined with helping others.



Fear Is a Barrier — And It Can Be Overcome

One of the most powerful insights Brinkley brought back from his near-death experiences is about fear, which he described as a self-made wall that keeps us from living fully. In the afterlife, this wall disappears, revealing who we truly are.

Brinkley encourages people to let go of this barrier and embrace life with curiosity and courage. When we stop being controlled by fear, we’re free to explore our potential and connect more deeply with others.



A Gentle Reminder to Live Fully

Brinkley’s story raises questions that are both haunting and inspiring: What if death is just a doorway? What if love and curiosity are the real measures of a life well-lived?

In his own quiet way, Brinkley challenges us to reconsider how we live. Are we holding back because of fear? Are we focused on what really matters? His life is a testament to resilience, love, and the belief that every moment counts.

As Brinkley often says, We’re here to grow, to learn, and to love.

How great would it be if the world could be a little more like Dannion Brinkley? Curious, courageous, and always ready to share a bit of love with the world.

Want to Hear More?

For a deeper dive into Dannion Brinkley’s story, check out this interview with him on the Xpnsion Network:

More For You

man facing elderly man

These work for dads, hubbies, brothers, cousins, and friends!

Men who 'have everything' share 25 gifts they'd love to receive

Buying a gift for the man who 'has everything' can be a daunting task. Whether the gift is for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, you probably put a lot of pressure on yourself to choose a thoughtful gift to show your love and appreciation that they will truly treasure.

If you feel stumped and out of fresh ideas of what gift to get an important man in your life, you're not alone. The good news is that 25 men answered the question, "If you are a man who already has everything they want and need, what kinds of gifts do you love to receive?"

Keep ReadingShow less

Woman kidnapped and trapped—until two teens noticed her silent cry for help

With global challenges on the rise, being vigilant about our surroundings has become crucial. Often, even the most subtle signs can indicate someone in need or serve as an important warning.

Two observant teenagers demonstrated this when they saved a woman’s life a decade ago. Aaron Arias, then 19, and Jamal Harris, then 17, were driving through Dallas, Texas to pick up a friend when they spotted a young woman in the backseat of a nearby car. Harris, from the passenger seat, noticed the woman and thought she was "attractive." To their astonishment, she seemed to be mouthing words at them. According to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Harris quickly understood that she was asking for help.

Keep ReadingShow less
17 everyday things we do now that the future will find horrifying
Representative photos by Canva

17 everyday things we do now that the future will find horrifying

A recent thread on r/AskReddit posed a fascinating question: What’s something normal to us in 2025 that by 2075 will be seen as barbaric? With over 4,500 upvotes and thousands of comments, the responses ranged from hopeful predictions about medical breakthroughs to funny critiques of social norms. It’s an interesting thought experiment at how our everyday habits might age in the not-so-distant future. Here are 17 of the most memorable takes.

1. Wiping with toilet paper

Redditor u/Dramatic-Avocado4687 keeps it blunt: “Wiping our asses with toilet paper.”

Keep ReadingShow less

Why this restaurant says emotional support animals aren’t welcome

It is no secret that people have started to take advantage of the idea of "emotional support animals" to get their pets access to places where they wouldn't normally be allowed, like planes or restaurants. This is not to say there aren't valid reasons for someone to be prescribed an emotional support animal — there definitely are.

But an "emotional support animal" whose purpose is purely to provide comfort to their owner is different from a service animal that has been specifically trained in a skill to protect their owners with medical conditions or disabilities.

Keep ReadingShow less