
What happens when we die? Is consciousness extinguished, or does it continue beyond physical life? The Science of the Afterlife Symposium brings together leading physicians, researchers, and pioneers in the study of consciousness and end-of-life experiences to explore one of humanity’s greatest mysteries through science, spirituality, and lived experience. Through compelling presentations, research, personal stories, and experiential sessions, participants will explore near-death experiences, shared death experiences, after-death communication, deathbed visions, and other spiritually transformative encounters—and consider what these phenomena may reveal about consciousness, healing, grief, and the possibility that love and awareness continue beyond physical life.
Featured presentations include Dr. Monica Williams, William Peters, and Dr. Janice Miner Holden, who draw on clinical experience, research, and firsthand accounts to explore the Spectrum of End-of-Life Experiences, Shared Death Experiences, and After-Death Communication (ADC) and Induced After-Death Communication (IADC). Whether you are a healthcare professional, caregiver, someone navigating grief, or simply curious about the nature of consciousness, this symposium offers a rare opportunity to engage with respected experts at the forefront of afterlife research. Leave with a broader perspective on life and death, greater peace in the face of mortality, and renewed inspiration to live with deeper purpose, compassion, and trust in the continuity of life.
Benefits of Attending:
William Peters and Dr. Monica Williams: December 5-7, 2027 – Exploring the Spectrum of End-of-Love Experiences
Janice Miner Holden: December 7-8, 2027 – After-Death Communication: Spontaneous and Facilitated Experiences that Ease Grief
All Presenter Panel Q&A: December 8 – Evening Satsang
Offered as 4 satsangs and 6 workshops (subject to change).
The presentations associated with this Yoga Vacation Program begin with an 8pm satsang on the first day of the program and conclude with an 8pm satsang on the last day of the program. Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay. We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your program for the optimal experience.
We invite you to extend your stay for William Peters and Monica Williams’ retreat: The Shared Crossing Pathways Program, December 9-13, 2027.

William Peters is a trailblazing psychotherapist, author, and global authority on shared death experiences (SDEs) and end-of-life phenomena. As the founder of the Shared Crossing Project, he is dedicated to reshaping our relationship with death and dying through education, research, and awareness of extraordinary end-of-life experiences.
Having had two near-death experiences and numerous shared crossings himself, William brings a deeply personal understanding to his work. He teaches proven methods for facilitating and integrating SDEs, offering profound insight into the connections between the living and the dying. His groundbreaking research has been featured in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Omega – Journal of Death and Dying, CNN, and other major media outlets.
His bestselling book, At Heaven’s Door: What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach, published by Simon & Schuster, offers a compelling look at how these experiences provide comfort, healing, and a deeper understanding of what lies beyond. William and Shared Crossing Media are currently collaborating with CounterPoint Films (an Oscar- and Emmy-nominated production company) to create the first feature-length documentary on shared death experiences.

Dr. Monica Williams is a renowned emergency physician, award-winning writer, and international speaker dedicated to transforming how we approach death and dying. As a leading expert in end-of-life medical decision-making, she has been featured on The Doctors (Emmy Award-winning TV show), The Washington Post, and other major media platforms.
Her book, It’s OK to Die, provides a revolutionary framework for navigating end-of-life care with clarity, compassion, and acceptance. Her pioneering checklists for end-of-life preparation have been adopted by UCLA Health System and the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), helping countless individuals and families make informed, empowered choices.
Dr. Williams also explores exceptional states of consciousness that can arise for the dying, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. She advocates for the integration of these profound experiences into medical and institutional settings, believing they can inspire deep healing, personal transformation, and more holistic end-of-life care.
Through her work, Dr. Williams invites us to rethink how we honor the dying process—one that embraces spiritual, emotional, and practical preparation with grace and wisdom.

Janice Miner Holden, EdD, is a researcher, educator, and counselor whose work focuses on the counseling implications of near-death experiences, after-death communication, and other spiritually transformative experiences. She served for 31 years on the University of North Texas Counseling Program faculty, retiring in 2019 as professor emerita. Her research has resulted in more than 50 refereed journal publications and 100 national and international presentations. She lead-edited the 2009 Handbook of Near-Death Experiences: Thirty Years of Investigation and co-edited Connecting Soul, Spirit, Mind, and Body (2017).
Since 2008, Jan has served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Near-Death Studies and is a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and ACISTE Certified Mental Health Professional. She is a former president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) and has received numerous honors, including the ASERVIC Research Award, the American Counseling Association’s Wrenn Award, the UNT Foundation’s Eminent Faculty Award, and ASERVIC’s 2026 Lifetime Service Award. Her work continues to bridge rigorous research, counseling, and the exploration of profound spiritual experiences.
Join our email list to learn more about our in-person and online programs, courses, and free events.