http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272610966.shtml

Mysterious Phenomena: UFO, ESP & NDE's are All Around, Within Us
By Steve Hammons

Millions of people around the world are interested in "unconventional
phenomena." These subjects include UFOs, crop circles, extra-sensory
perception (ESP) and "remote viewing," near-death experiences (NDE) and
life-after-death concepts and similar kinds of topics.

In some cases, modern science is starting to understand many of these
phenomena. Emerging understanding of physics explains the possible
operation of some of these things. They may just reflect how the
universe works, how Nature works.
Even our military and intelligence communities have investigated these
subjects. The Army, CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) have been
involved in ESP and "remote viewing" for decades.

Communication with other species and understanding the intelligence of
other species is also an area of interest. The Navy has been conducting
a wide range of research and operations with dolphins and other marine
mammals, as part of the Marine Mammal Program, based in San Diego. This
effort, too, has been ongoing for decades.

EXPLORING HUMAN BEINGS
Humans are a curious bunch. We puzzle over our place in Nature and the
universe. We strive to understand our Earth and the creatures and life
upon it. 
The human mind and human psychology, of course, are subjects of great
interest. In many ways, understanding in this area is key to unlocking
many other mysteries. 
What is the human brain and mind capable of? And what of the human heart
and the human capacity for love and compassion? How are we different
from and similar to the dolphins and other species? Why have humans
developed the way we have? 

Human consciousness, the human mind and the human heart are also
mysterious phenomena in their own ways.
Is there a "collective consciousness" or a "zero-point" phenomena that
we can tap into by going within ourselves? Meditation, yoga and
consciousness research have been explored by researchers and the general
public. What happens when people meditate and get into a so-called
"altered consciousness?" How does prayer work? 

Another area of interest is ancient human history. There has been great
fascination with the story of Atlantis and other possible "lost
civilizations." Anthropologists have uncovered the remnants of great
cities in the Americas. The pyramids of Egypt also seem to continue to
hold secrets. 

HEAVEN, EARTH AND SPACE
Was there a "pole shift" thousands of years ago when the Earth's crust
moved, and temperate areas of the Earth became frozen while the ice on
the previous poles melted, creating Noah's flood?
We wonder about the stars in the night sky and if there are intelligent
beings out there. The many, many reports from credible witnesses about
UFOs and "visitors" are fascinating to people around the world. Have
people really been abducted? 

The Air Force, NASA, the military and our intelligence agencies have
looked into this. What have they found? Some say we are getting ready
for further understanding of this phenomena. A new term, "exopolitics,"
has been adopted, referring to diplomatic and cultural relations between
humans and beings from other worlds.
People ask how these kinds of mysteries and unknowns fit into our ideas
of God, "The Force," the "Great Spirit" or whatever name we use for a
higher being. Is there a Heaven? Have our loved ones who've passed on
gone there? If so, what is it like? Do they look down on us, help keep
us safe and whisper in our ears while we sleep? Will they greet us when
we, too, pass on to Heaven? And, could Heaven and Earth ever be joined
in a more harmonious way?

Many questions. Good questions. And the interest people have in finding
answers seems universal. In every human culture and society, past and
present, it seems there is a common interest in pursuing answers about
our world and about ourselves. 
Maybe these are the kinds of things that can bring the world together.
Maybe interest in unconventional subjects and mysteries can help the
human race get to the next level in our development. 

And many people wonder what is truly possible for the human race. Can we
make a breakthrough that will truly represent a miracle for our
species? 
That is something to think about all right, something to meditate on,
something to pray about maybe.

Steve Hammons has worked as a journalist, editor, counselor, juvenile
probation peace officer, public safety urgent response specialist,
teacher, instructor and U.S. Government researcher. He graduated from
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, with studies in communications
(journalism focus) and health education (psychology focus). Hammons' two
novels tell the story of a U.S. intelligence and joint-service military
research team investigating unusual phenomena.

For more information, visit: www.navyseals.com/community/members/ohio52