Can't seem to do it...astral projection

[Rdubya]

Here is what I THINK i have experienced so far, feel free to tell me its all made up!

I first started by trying to contact my higher self. In doing so I found myself seeing stars. I was quite conscious when this was occuring, but I tried hard to focus on these stars. It was similar to our night sky, but there were no patterns I recognized from our sky. The stars were also a bit more spaced out. I noticed it was easier for me to see this with my eyes open, as if the walls in my room was being a projector screen for me.

anyway I focused on one for about 10 seconds. I then felt some sort of sensation. I am not sure if I was "traveling" or what, but the star became a couple of millimeters bigger in size. I then snapped out of it and my heart was beating very fast. It felt like I had just reached the top of a rollercoaster was about to plummet!

Since then, about a week ago, I have not been able to focus on any of the stars. They are either blurred out (similar to when you look at a light directly and you can't see in front of you) or they move out of my vision.

So afterwards I looked into astral projection. I tried getting myself just before the sleep state. I imagined myself climbing on a rope. But nothing happened. I was never able to leave my body, but the stars did come back at times.

Any thoughts--suggestions--or comments on this please let me know. Even if its the stars were just my imagination--anything to keep me moving forward on this learning.

edit-I can see the stars with my eyes closed. Sometimes I open my eyes without even noticing until I blink and lose some concentration. I have noticed even when my eyes are closed I try blinking! On rare occasions I can't even tell if my eyes are open or closed!

[JanT]

Hi Rdubya,
I have often recommeded the following book for those working on OBE or Astral Travel. It is the most comprehensive book I have found so far - and he gives the reader so much information - from 'symptoms' to trouble shooting - and it's an easy read (not technical). I highly recommend it for you.

“Adventures Beyond the Body: How To Experience Out-of-Body Travel”, William Buhlman. © 1996, HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0-06-251371-0.

I have found, personally, that the harder I try, the more I block it.

As for seeing with the eyes closed, I have done this since I was a child. Used to freak me out, but now I find it fun.

[Philemon]

JanT has good advice. I've read Buhlman's book as well--it was very helpful. Reading any book on AP should help. Reading focuses consciousness--pintpoints awareness.

JanT also commented on not always trying, which I thought of as I read your original thread. You should keep working at it, contemplating, considering possibilities, reading, etc. - but sometimes you should just give into your consciousness and let it take you for a ride. AP takes most people a while to achieve.

Personally, my first out of body occurred unintentionally after I had been studying it for a couple of months. I had been working on a poem for about an hour, doing an imaginary introspection, trying to imagine a scene that engaged my physical senses. I was close to sleep, sitting at a desk, imagining myself in a warehouse. I got some glimpses of vivid imagery, sounds, and feelings, but I still was aware of sitting at the desk. I got really tired and laid down on a nearby couch to go to sleep.

The moment my head hit the pillow, I drifted right up and out of my body. I had no idea what it would feel like until then, and it only lasted a few seconds before I drifted slowly back into my body. Again, it took months of reading and meditating before that happened.

Now, after a couple of years of avid exploration, I have given up the active pursuit of OBE's. I still have OBE's sometimes, and they are usually pleasant, expansive learning experiences.

Keep at it. Be patient. Stay open. Observe all the other subtle states of consciousness you experience as a result of pursuing AP. They can be just as insightful/enlightening.

Happy travels.

[Rdubya]

thats not what you guys were supposed to tell me... your supposed to say click your heels 3 times and it works

well thanks for the advice and I will surely keep at it!

[Lil Chris]

Originally Posted by JanT

As for seeing with the eyes closed, I have done this since I was a child. Used to freak me out, but now I find it fun.

I've experienced this a few times, it was kind of interesting...