A consciousness explorer for over forty years, William Buhlman is one of those rare individuals who have dedicated their lives to the direct exploration of out-of-body experiences and expanded states of consciousness, with remarkable rigor and restraint. A leading figure at the Monroe Institute on the cusp of his retirement, he offers in this exclusive interview for the GEC a valuable perspective on his journey, his major discoveries, and how these explorations concretely change our relationship to life, death, and ourselves… A very big thank you to William Buhlman for agreeing to answer our questions. We also extend our immense thanks to Franck Labat, who made this exchange possible and generously and accurately provided us with the translation.
First of all, the entire GEC team wanted to thank you for agreeing to this interview, as we know you are nearing retirement and looking forward to some peace and quiet. This is perfectly understandable given the enormous and profound work you have dedicated to us over all these years in the service of out-of-body experiences. So, sincerely, thank you, Mr. Buhlman
How do you view the study of out-of-body experiences in a scientific context? Do you think it is possible to obtain scientific proof? And is it useful?
Proving a non-physical event with today’s physical technology could be useful, but it is unlikely to happen in the near future. It’s the same scenario with dreams, near death experiences or anecdotal evidence from hypnosis. The truly important proof is personal and comes from your own individual knowledge and experience. This is why self-initiated OBEs are so important in our quest for answers.
During your interviews, you often mentioned, quite rightly, the difficulty of obtaining reality checks with OBEs. Did you ultimately succeed in verifying an element of physical reality from the OBE state, such as seeing something in a distant place, as reported by some experiencers?
During the first years of my OBEs I witnessed a baseball and a disk (frisbee) in the gutter of my home. The next day I climbed to my roof and confirmed their physical existence.
What do you think of theories suggesting that our future selves guide us in the present (as Robert Monroe experienced when he realized that his guide was his future self)? If you believe this, do you think it is our Higher Self, or part of it? Or something else?
Our immortal Higher Self exists beyond linear time and has a major role to play in our guidance. Keep in mind, that there are many sources that will impact our conscious awareness, whether it be a loved one, a devoted spiritual guide, or an internal intuitive feeling. I personally do not feel the need to define the origin, but rather to embrace the message.
Do you think our consciousness can split into different parts? In other words, do you think different parts of ourselves can have different experiences in different universes/lives simultaneously? Or is our consciousness indivisible?
We are multidimensionnel beings currently operating in diffèrent dimensions right now. Consciousness is not split – it is multidimensional by it’s core nature.
What would you say to someone who regularly has unpleasant or frightening OBE experiences? What can be done in practical terms to achieve more peaceful experiences?
Work at removing all the fears that cloud your state of consciousness. Yes, this is a difficult goal, but essential. This is why I stress the importance of developing an effective explorers mindset. When you fully internalize the fact that you are an immortal and powerful being that molds your reality, nothing can slow or block your progress in any dimension. If you experience a fearful situation I encourage you to face the manifestation of your fear and send love to it. Many report the fear-based form or encounter will dissolve. Afterward you can examine what you may have learned from the situation.
"We are multidimensionnel beings currently operating in diffèrent dimensions right now."
~ William Buhlman
In your opinion, can out-of-body experiences serve as self-therapy or complement it? If so, what factors should be taken into consideration?
We are all at different stages of our evolution, so it is important to first recognize individual needs. That being said, experiencing your true self beyond matter is the most effective therapy. You finally see and experience yourself beyond the temporary masks of matter and ego masks we all wear. One important factor is to be open and honest with yourself about where you are in your journey. Once this is established, develop a practical action plan to achieve your goals. That may include out-of-body experiences or any number of consciousness expanding practices.
If you were to start this life as an experiencer again, what would you do differently to further accelerate your evolution? What mistakes would you avoid?
I would surrender to my inner guidance sooner. I would ask for clarification of my experiences more often, Why am I here? Why is this important to me? Show me what I need to Know Now!
After so many years of exploring out-of-body experiences, is there anything you wish someone had told you during your first experiences...something you wish you had heard—or that you would like to pass on today to those who are just starting out?
Learn to remain calm and surrender to all the strange vibrations and sounds associated with OBEs. Enjoy the vibrations, I love them! I find them healing. Also, OBEs are not automatic, generally we must focus away from our body to initiate the seperation response. Door Now!
You are retiring in a few weeks... After years of experience and sharing, what would you like people to remember about you?
I never stopped seeking the immortal truth/reality of my existence!
I was an explorer that questioned everything and pushed myself to comprehend the stark reality of our existence. I never settled for man-made beliefs of any kind.
"OBEs are not automatic, generally we must focus away from our body to initiate the seperation response."
~William Buhlman
After all your explorations, what do you think you still don't understand?
I realize I am a developing child of the vast multiverse. There are nonphysical worlds within worlds, without end; and these realities are always expanding due to the constant creation of billions of thought forms. This concept is difficult to comprehend living in this physical world.
Is there a question that no one ever asks you... but that deserves an answer?
What does William Buhlman believe? Nothing ! I know from experience or I dont know ! I don’t pretend to know all. For example, I don’t pretend to know what God is.
You often talk about the Higher Self. In your view, are this concept and that of the unconscious similar or distinct from one another?
I perceive that our Higher Self exists beyond all aspects of the mind. We are not our mind!
You frequently mention the phenomenon of manifestation, explaining that human beings create their reality in the physical dimension, but also in the subtle dimensions. However, some people have lives filled with trials and tribulations. In your opinion, is this a kind of predestination desired by our Higher Self in order to help us evolve, or is it rather certain unconscious blockages that cause us to repeat painful experiences?
Free will is essentual and a reality, predestination is a flawed perception. We orchestrate and repeat our lessons until we have learned ! The time this process takes is meaningless since we are all immortal.
What do you think about prayer? Do you use it in your daily life? If so, how do you like to pray and what do you expect from it?
I personally use focused first-person affirmations, always in the Now, not traditional prayer. Examples; Healing Now! Next Level Now! Clarity Now! I know that I am responsible for my life decisions and I am the primary creator, director and actor within my reality. I am open to all forms of help but I don’t wait or depend upon external assistence.
I perceive that our Higher Self exists beyond all aspects of the mind. We are not our mind!
~William Buhlman
Based on all the experience you have accumulated in this life, what would you say to someone who is going through a very difficult time and is completely desperate about their situation? What words would you use to give them hope?
To effectively assist someone going through a difficult time, you must first define the situation and the relationship you have with them. For example money problems are very different than dealing with the death of a loved one. Is this your partner or a co-worker ? A simple but effective approach is to hold space for them – listen and support without trying to solve the problem. Invite them to participate in an activity that moves focus to a higher vibration; such as any creative endeavor, walking in nature, breathwork or meditation.
You encourage everyone to prepare for death in order to ascend to higher planes, “beyond form.” However, if the dense worlds—physical or astral—are learning grounds for consciousness, allowing it to test itself in multiple ways... isn't there also a reason for staying or evolving in these planes? A purpose?
Every life situation and trajectory now and after death is self balancing! Our Higher Self, not the ego mind, will ultimately provide what is needed for our spiritual complete évolution. Aiming high in our life and our death is always a great goal. Higher Self Now!
In your latest book, Clarity Now!, you raise the issue of contacting a deceased loved one, whether through an out-of-body experience or by other means such as consulting a medium. According to you, one of the reasons why contact may not be possible could be that our loved one has already reincarnated. This idea may seem painful, because it means that our loved one is no longer reachable... how can we approach this possibility in a comforting way?
Many people have a weird and distorted image of the afterlife. Life does not stop because you shed your temporary dense body. Life continues full speed ! The non-physical realities are busy, offering endless oportunities for learning and growth. Imagine the excitement of discovering countless magnificent environments and situations. Reuniting and communicating with past loved ones. The new arrivals from Earth are often busy adapting to their new reality and energy body. I write about this in Adventures in the Afterlife. In short, all life forms continue to flourish! Many, not all, are ready to more onward with their new nonphysical life. Every soul is on their own exciting multidimensional life journey and many do not choose to wait by the phone for physical calls.
Note : Our loved ones are always available at the higher vibrational levels of the multiverse. We limit our perception and communication abilities by our obsession with form and matter.
“Our loved ones are always available at the higher vibrational levels of the multiverse.”
~William Buhlman
In your opinion, what can we do to be most useful to the evolution of this world and ourselves? To help and support others?
To experience and know your core immortal Self! How can we truly help others when we don’t even know the basics of what we are? Where we come from and where we are going? All too often the indoctrinated lead the human herd. This is why there are constant wars and division on Earth.
In your opinion, what are the most important values to cultivate as a human being?
Becoming completely responsible for your thoughts and actions. Own your creative power! Focus on what you what in life, and never focus on your fears or your perceived lack ! Think for yourself, many humans have never had an original thought, they are products of flawed collective beliefs and assumptions. Become an objective free thinker ! Question everything -assume nothing ! I cover this important topic in my Monroe Institute presentation, March, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-P2bs8ps3M&t=3102s
What would be your wishes for humanity today?
To explore and experience their true immortal Self beyond the dense facade of matter. To examine and delete ALL the fear-based beliefs that hinder our progress. Wars would end if all humans experienced their immortal nature !
To conclude this interview, we would like to thank you, on behalf of the entire community of experiencers, for the whole of your work, your dedication, and your lifelong commitment to sharing.
Throughout your life, you have explored inner territories that are still largely unknown, with rigor, curiosity, and integrity. Through your work, your research, your humility, and your generosity in sharing, you have opened doors, illuminated paths, and given thousands of people solid reference points so they could move forward on their own.
You leave us an invaluable treasure: knowledge, practices, but above all a state of mind rooted in autonomy, responsibility, and direct experience. What you have passed on will continue to live through those who now carry this exploration forward, with the same respect and clarity that you have always embodied. We wish you much happiness, peace, and joy in this new adventure of retirement. May this new chapter be worthy of all that you have given to the world.
With deep gratitude.
Note: This interview was conducted for the French association G.E.C. (https://gecfrance.com)