text: At the age of seventeen I was praying on my bed to God because my heart ached at all the pain and suffering in the world.  I had searched all sorts of places for God, and not found him (I was fairly ignorant of how far that trip can lead a person).  I went through a number of mental adaptations as I realized that I didn't need to pray out loud, then realized I didn't need to ask him, then realized I didn't need to address him mentally, etc.\n\nShort version of the rest: Five hours later, I became aware of having a body, an identity, and had the memory of having experienced everything, everywhere, simultaneously throughout time and beyond.\n\nI walked out and my mother asked where I had been.  I told her I was in my room.  For one of the only rare times in her life, she got angry, and she was angry because she said she had checked my room, and I wasn't there.  She told me to get ready for dinner, I was later (that's how I knew five hours had passed).\n\nI spent the next year in absolute bliss, free of anger, fear, frustration, worry.  My mental abilities were greatly increased, and much of what people call psychic abilities were common place for me.  I was utterly happy and loved everyone and everything (still do).  In time, I lost some of it, kept  a lot, and share it with those who really want to be happy.\n\nNo message, no mission, no crowning saying I'm special.  Just the opposite.  I can never kid myself into thinking I'm better than anyone, or they better than me.\n\nSometimes I wish there had been a message.  It would have made it all easier, or perhaps harder.  I don't know.\n\nFew believed me.  My parents did.  My psychologist did (I went to one to insure that I hadn't had a psychotic break.  He suggested that since the only apparent effects were positive ones, I really didn't need to come see him).  I also had a cat-scan (best to be cautious when you've experienced God first-hand!)\n\nMost people don't believe me.  Doesn't matter.  My wife and daughter benefit, as do I, as do others who simply have a saner, happier, more productive person in their lives.\n\nGood luck in your search.  There is so much wisdom out there, and so many of us want to encourage you, no  matter what spiritual path you take.