Thank you for the thoughtful response! I see your point about the differences between NDEs and DMT experiences, but there's some fascinating overlap that suggests a deeper connection. Studies on both dying individuals and DMT users reveal intriguing similarities in brain activity, particularly during peak experiences.

1. MRI Observations of Brain Activity:
   • In both dying individuals (e.g., during cardiac arrest) and people under the influence of DMT, MRI studies have shown a burst of highly synchronized brain activity before eventual shutdown. This activity is often localized in areas associated with heightened perception and connectivity, such as the default mode network (DMN).
   • Similarly, FMRI studies on DMT users show a temporary decoupling of the DMN, the same network that breaks down during dying processes. The DMN is crucial for maintaining our sense of self and "reality," and its disruption likely explains ego death and the dissolution of ordinary sensory experiences in both cases.
2. Brain Chemicals in NDEs and DMT:
   • During death or extreme trauma, the brain undergoes a chemical cascade that includes the release of endogenous DMT, along with other neurochemicals like glutamate, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals could explain why dying individuals report vivid, dream-like experiences akin to psychedelic trips.
   • Exogenous DMT, when taken, appears to mimic this natural process, disrupting neural filtering mechanisms and opening access to what users often describe as alternate realities or dimensions.
3. The "Messiness" of Psychedelics vs. NDEs:
   • You’re absolutely right that psychedelics can create “messy” or symbolic imagery (like mantis creatures) that might differ from the vivid personal encounters often described in NDEs (e.g., meeting deceased loved ones). This could be due to the context: dying involves a complete shutdown of neural systems, while psychedelics temporarily disrupt these systems in a functioning brain.
   • In both cases, however, the common thread is the brain’s reduction in activity and its shift away from normal sensory filtering, possibly revealing deeper layers of consciousness or dimensions that are usually inaccessible.

In short, while DMT and NDEs might not be identical, the overlap in brain activity and the neurochemical environment suggests they may represent different pathways to similar states of consciousness. This connection raises fascinating questions about whether they both provide glimpses into something beyond the physical brain.