William Peters-At Heaven's Door
Founder of the Shared Crossings Project and Research Initiative illuminates the shared death experience with groundbreaking documentation.
William Peters, M.A.,M.Ed.,MFT and author of At Heaven’s Door, What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach About Dying Well and Living Better.
DM: What inspired you to write about death and dying?
I wanted to write a book that normalized, based on research and authentic, heartfelt stories, extraordinary end-of-life experiences. I wanted people to know that conscious, connected, and loving end-of-life experiences are possible but that our modern culture is unaware of, and often dismisses, these experiences.
DM: What is your current state of mind?
My current state of mind is curious, open, and inspired by my work.
DM: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness occurs when I am engaged in authentic relationships that are mutually beneficial and serve the common good.
DM: What lesson do you wish everyone could acquire, long before the end?
I wish everyone would learn that living a life of service where giving and receiving is in balance yields a just and meaningful life for individuals, families and communities.
DM: What are you reading, what’s on your bedside table?
The Tao Te Ching
DM: What is one thing people never imagined about you?
I lived in a fraternity – a big party house - in college.
DM: What book would you like to be buried with?
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
DM: What is your exit plan? How would you like to die?
I prefer to die of natural causes, peacefully in the company of a few close family and friends. I have no desire to live any longer than my natural health allows. I would consider voluntary stopping of eating and drinking if my quality of life diminished significantly, and I felt like a burden to others.
DM: Do you have a favorite writer or book?
My favorite author is Herman Hesse.
DM: Finish this sentence: On my perfect last day I’d be…
Spending the day on a tropical beach, bathing in the sun and swimming in the water. Then I’d share a light lunch with a small gathering of family and friends. Say to them, “Thank you for sharing this life together. I love you. It is time for me to go on to my next destination. Good bye!”
DM: If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I would like to come back as a dolphin.
DM: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“Wow, you made the best of what was given to you! Well done! Welcome home! Let’s take a good, long time to reconnect and discuss your life just lived. There are many old friends and family who are here to greet you. There is no more struggle my friend! Love is all that remains!”
