90-Day Trial: Achieve an Out of Body Experience

[fizzleboink]

OBE/Astral Projection Trial Day 69

I had a very interesting experience last night, at around 4 am. I had woken up from a dream but had not opened my eyes yet, and I felt a distinct presence in my bedroom. I used to be skeptical of the idea that we can detect “presences” without using our 5 physical senses, but I definitely FELT something/someone close to me.

So I naturally decided to open my eyes. I wasn’t fully awake yet and the room was fairly dark, but I saw a human-like form or figure approach me at the side of my bed. I became a little scared but then my vision blanked out and I felt like it merged with me. How do I even begin to describe what that feels like? I just knew it at the time. The typical OBE sensations of vibrations, tingling, whooshing noises were there. I also briefly saw some random colors/patterns and felt some pressure in my head. I was so confused as to what was going on I thought to myself “WTF… am I being possessed?”. It happened very quickly.

I regained my vision and apart from the tingling/buzzing I felt relatively normal for maybe a second. I then saw ANOTHER form/figure, but it was more of a diffused sphere this time. It approached me hovering over the foot of my bed, and then merged with me as well. The tingling/buzzing/whooshing happened again with a loss of vision and head pressure. After a second or two (I think) I regained my vision and the tingling/buzzing reduced in intensity. I mentally said “Hello?” still wondering what was going on, but didn’t get much of an answer (I might have heard myself say “hi” but I might just be making it up in my head). I then began to realize what had happened and decided to see if I could go for a conscious OBE exit.

The trouble was I was so scared/excited that I wasn’t able to focus and just decided to log it in my notebook and stay awake for a while to solidify the memory. It’s a good thing too because I know that if this had happened before I learned about OBE’s I probably would have brushed it off as a dream, forgotten about it, or whatever. Maybe it has happened in the past and I know even know, I’m guessing it probably has. Even now as I write this I can hardly believe it happened.

It’s possible that the affirmation I used before going to sleep may have played a role. This week’s affirmation in MAP for evenings is related to waking up in the middle of the night for astral projection. I think it’s pretty clear to me now that the forms were two of my energy bodies, like the etheric (real-time zone) and astral. You guys can correct me if I’m wrong though.

If only I had waken up during the beginning of the projection instead of the end! Oh well, this experience was still huge for me. I think it has tremendously helped at chipping away my old belief systems.

I also now see much more validity to Robert Bruce’s AP model (mind-split effect, energy doubles, etc.). It’s just a matter of focusing my conscious awareness in those other bodies. I still don’t quite understand how all of Robert Bruce’s model fits in with Robert Monroe’s focus levels, but I do feel like they’re both “right”.

[Zanriel]

I think it’s pretty clear to me now that the forms were two of my energy bodies, like the etheric (real-time zone) and astral. You guys can correct me if I’m wrong though.

That's exactly what I thought when I was reading your description. Robert Bruce talks quite a bit about this phenomenon, and I've experienced it myself - a consciousness split. I've had alternating and sometimes simultaneous sensations of being inside and outside my body, but I've never experienced my astral double from the point of body awareness. Very interesting... looks like you're getting closer!

Have you had experiences yet where you had a sense of the room through closed eyelids? Astral sight? That's pretty trippy.

[fizzleboink]

Originally Posted by Zanriel

That's exactly what I thought when I was reading your description. Robert Bruce talks quite a bit about this phenomenon, and I've experienced it myself - a consciousness split. I've had alternating and sometimes simultaneous sensations of being inside and outside my body, but I've never experienced my astral double from the point of body awareness. Very interesting... looks like you're getting closer!

Have you had experiences yet where you had a sense of the room through closed eyelids? Astral sight? That's pretty trippy.

Yeah I sort of had that this morning when I felt the presence... a sense of the room. Not really "seeing" it though, just feeling.

I did have astral sight once where I had a sense of my legs and arms though.

Nothing immensely clear yet.

[Zanriel]

Same here. It's still pretty fuzzy. And what's weird for me, I'll see the room, but it looks different. More abstract somehow. Things will be moved around, out of place. It's quite strange.

[merveilles]

Originally Posted by fizzleboink

I truthfully don't know, and won't know until it happens.

Based on my dreams I would say it would depend on the nature of the ghosts. I've woken up scared from dreams before, due to dream characters behaving in certain ways.

But I'd also really like to talk to my spirit guides, so I could see that being very pleasant.

Or who knows, I might freak out just from the whole experience haha.

I'm not setting that intention though. I am calm and relaxed.

I'm sure you'll handle whatever happens well. I should try to be more calm and relaxed instead of creeped out so easily..

[fizzleboink]

The light at the end of the tunnel for this 90-day trial is arriving, and with it many mixed feelings. While I haven't had a classic-OBE yet, I've definitely experienced many paranormal events. I've had much better results with focusing on meditation rather than any sort of complicated exit technique, so I will definitely be taking a different approach after the 90 days are up. This trial has opened up a whole new world for me to explore, which is amazing in itself.

With summer starting over the past couple of weeks I'd be lying if I said I was able to do all of the exercises in a strict fashion each day. My daily schedule is quite a bit busier when it gets nice outside, so I've had to fit in what I can here and there. This is probably slowing down my progress but balance in life is important too.

I'm signing up for the Gateway Voyage program at The Monroe Institute in August, which I'm really excited for. I hope to make some additional breakthroughs and speed up my progress there. I'll be sure to post about my experiences here.

Right now, I can fairly easily get visions/dreams in the astral while meditating. I don't have much control over what I see yet, but it is a start. I seem to lose some of my self-awareness while the visions come, which makes it seem more dream-like... but I'm still somewhat aware of my physical body too. I want to continue with this and see if I can gain more control over what I experience. Being able to clear my surface thoughts has become easier with practice, which I think is what quickly leads to the imagery.

The exercises and writings in MAP haven't had any sort of drastic changes as it did during the first 45 days or so. Robert Bruce discusses some of the finer points and possible problems or experiences that you may encounter, which are nice validations for what I've been experiencing or having problems with. It just feels like the exit techniques he recommends undo all the energy and meditation work I do during each practice session, so it almost feels detrimental to what I'm trying to achieve. I'm not sure if that's how it's supposed to be or if I'm doing something wrong, or if his methodology isn't the right one for me.

[kenny r]

Interesting comments on Bruce's exit techniques, how you say they may even be detrimental. I haven't yet tried those techniques but am curious to do them soon.

You mentioned feeling the presence in the room, and you realized shortly that it was "you" like one of your energy bodies? Do you think you may still become afraid if anything more happens? If so, have you considered keeping some kind of light on in your room? I use some small LEDs that I got at IKEA, they're bright enough that if something scared me I'd be able to see if there's really anything physically in the room.

One night during some strong exit symptoms (but alas, no actual exit) I felt some kind of presence pulling on my shoulder. Remembering some of Monroe's notes, I wasn't afraid and I told "it" to go away or not bother me and it left.

[fizzleboink]

I think I'll be less afraid the next time something like that happens. I'm not sure if the light would help.. I felt the presence and was scared before I even opened my eyes.

[Ilya A K]

Well I have to say that I didn't progress that much through all this time.
In fact, I barely did anything, since I felt increasingly demotivated the whole time.
However I attempted once more for the sake of it just a few minutes ago.
I'd say that I got more of my body vibrating in only 30 minutes, and put some meditation music so I Won't fall asleep.
It had its' ups and downs, and at the end when I was out of patience and felt like I was going nowhere really slowly. I reached the state that my hands were more vibrating than anything else, in fact to the level that I felt some sort of...blunt pain, or discomfort from the intensity of the vibration. So I decided to make a quick experiment and instead of warming down, to just jump out of bed. As I did I noticed that the pain areas, are now completely numb. I think I could move them but I certainly didn't feel any pain. In fact I pinched my pinky several times and it felt just like anesthesia effect. It went away after about 30 seconds.

[fizzleboink]

Originally Posted by Ilya A K

Well I have to say that I didn't progress that much through all this time.
In fact, I barely did anything, since I felt increasingly demotivated the whole time.
However I attempted once more for the sake of it just a few minutes ago.
I'd say that I got more of my body vibrating in only 30 minutes, and put some meditation music so I Won't fall asleep.
It had its' ups and downs, and at the end when I was out of patience and felt like I was going nowhere really slowly. I reached the state that my hands were more vibrating than anything else, in fact to the level that I felt some sort of...blunt pain, or discomfort from the intensity of the vibration. So I decided to make a quick experiment and instead of warming down, to just jump out of bed. As I did I noticed that the pain areas, are now completely numb. I think I could move them but I certainly didn't feel any pain. In fact I pinched my pinky several times and it felt just like anesthesia effect. It went away after about 30 seconds.

Cool experience. For most people I think it takes a persistent, consistent, and positive effort over a long period of time to steadily progress. It's not like flipping a switch.

[fizzleboink]

OBE/Astral Projection Trial Day 90!

Well here it is… day 90! It’s a little melodramatic because I haven’t been following the program to a T the last few weeks. I’m also not going to be making any drastic adjustments now either; the 90 days has been an evolutionary process.

My practice has basically evolved into 2 meditation sessions: one in the morning, and the other in the evening. I avoid eating anything at least an hour before, as well as drinking anything other than water. I find a shower in the morning helps wake me up, otherwise I’m not awake enough yet and fall asleep too easily. I seem to get better results sitting up instead of lying down. I generally start off with some breathing exercises for relaxation, followed by some forms of energy work (body awareness). I then clear my mind with the use of a mantra, and may either stay with it or attempt an exit technique. If anyone wants more specifics feel free to ask me.

My sessions don’t seem to be as productive as they were a few weeks ago either, I think I’ve hit a bit of a dip… which is natural from what I’ve heard from other people who meditate regularly. The important thing is to meditate through the slump, taking a few days off as a break just makes things worse. I’ve found some free local meditation classes which is helping me stay inspired and motivated. I’ve also officially registered for the Gateway Voyage at TMI in August, which I’m super excited for.

While I haven’t had a full blown OBE yet, I’m not discouraged. In fact I now know that I have opened the door to a life-long spiritual practice for me that will only get better with time. Several of my core beliefs have been modified or rebuilt, and I feel like a different person from the inside. I also feel like I understand myself and my place “in the universe” a lot more, it’s like I’m more self-aware of my thoughts, feelings, and motivations. I opened myself up to my intuition, which I’ve never done before… and am starting to identify the information I get from it instead of ignoring it.

One new abnormal event that’s happened to me that hasn’t been mentioned yet is I’ve experienced the ability of parallel thinking. That is, I’ve actually been able to think two thoughts at once while in a meditative state. It basically happened by accident, since I was actually trying to clear my mind but had lost my grip on the mantra. The thing is, my mantra was still going and yet I was also perceiving/interpreting images in my mind’s eye. I then became self-aware of both my focus on the mantra as well as the interpretation of the images.. after a short while they both stopped as I broke both trains of thought.

As far as the actual OBE exit techniques, a problem with my process had been identified to me. The reason I wasn’t liking the exit techniques and why they seemed to pull me out of the meditative state was because I had associated the technique with my physical body. As I would focus on the technique, my awareness of my physical body would increase. So instead of going deeper “inward”, I was coming back “outward” to my body. I have to thank Selea for this. The solution to this appears to be focusing on visualization… associate the exit technique with a visualized body… not my own. Theoretically at some point I should be able to shift my point of consciousness into that imaginary thought-form by “feeling” for it. Wow.. that sounds vague to me even as I write it but at my current state of spiritual knowledge I believe it to be possible.

I also had a little bit of confusion with visualization because I thought it had to be in the 1st person.. but really 3rd person is ok and is actually more natural.

I’ll continue to post my progress and any major trials/events. My ultimate goal has changed into more than just having an OBE, it’s about evolving and understanding my consciousness as much as possible. The experiences I read about excite me to no end. Where this will go, I’m not sure yet. I’m playing with the idea of developing my psychic/intuitive powers to the point of being able to help others. I think that would be pretty cool.

Thanks for reading my posts and I give a special thanks to everyone that has provided feedback. It was of immense help to my progress.

[merveilles]

I'm so glad you wrote about all of this.

[sups]

thanks for sharing your experimnet with us ...it was certainly fun going thru it and defi motivating.

[Easterbunny]

Congratulations on completing the 90 days fizzleboink! It was interesting to follow your journey this far. The path of exploring one's inner world sure is an exciting one!

I'm subscribed to this thread so please do post follow-ups - I'll definitely read them!

[secrets0stolen]

Ya know, the material in this thread is (probably)enough to start a bog with if that's your thing

[fizzleboink]

Originally Posted by secrets0stolen

Ya know, the material in this thread is (probably)enough to start a bog with if that's your thing

Oh it's already at michaelsaganski.com At some point I'd like to grow the blog on its own once I have more to say.

I've been sharpening my meditation with the help of some free classes and gaining a better conceptual understanding of the non-physical from the books I'm reading. It's all very exciting stuff to me right now, but progress is a little slower than I'd like!

The third book in Bruce Moen's series is so crazy, and it aligns well with Todd Campbell's "My Big Toe"... I'm getting a pretty big conceptual picture of reality. It feels intuitively true, but I want to experience it firsthand. I also recently read "Eat, Pray, Love" for fun, which gave me another perspective on my spiritual growth.

I swear I was extremely close to leaving my body yesterday.. I lost all feeling in my body except for my eyes... almost attaining a sort of "point consciousness". For whatever reason my eyes naturally opened (or was it astral sight? I couldn't tell), and all I could feel was warmth and energy.

[fizzleboink]

Well I got back from TMI (The Monroe Institute) a couple weeks ago. It's taken me a while to get some free time and to really understand any sort of permanent changes their Gateway Voyage program left on me. It was an amazing week of self-discovery, exploration, experience, and development.

In a nutshell I came wanting to learn more about consciousness and subjective experience (and maybe have an OBE too!). While I didn't have a pure OBE, I did come away with much more than I expected. I do have a deeper understanding of how I am more than my physical body (consciousness). I am more aware, happy, sensitive, and caring in general, and have a modified outlook on life.

The Gateway Voyage teaches you how to attain different altered states of consciousness (what they call Focus 10, 12, 15, and 21) with the help of Hemi-Sync. Attaining these states during the program was surprisingly easy. Some people might also know that Bob Monroe termed this shifting between altered states as phasing. Phasing is a whole lot easier to do and is more gradual than trying to just attain an OBE. I think it's because phasing allows you to be open to any sort of non-physical perception, instead of expecting for XYZ to occur in an OBE.

Conscious experience is very subjective and there is quite a variety of ways to experience the focus levels. That's why if you believe you want to have an OBE just like one you've read, you'll likely end up blocking any sort of non-physical perception that isn't what you're expecting. It's much better to just be open to what comes to you. That's one of the biggest things I learned at the Gateway Voyage, and it's why I've dropped the goal of "having an OBE" for something more general and expansive.

My non-physical perceptions were varied between visions, feelings, and the occasional sense of "knowing". I should be clear that these visions came to me in my mind's eye (so I didn't see it through my physical eyes), and I'd sometimes have trouble figuring out whether I was actually imagining what I was seeing or if I wasn't. I'm far from mastering this, but I've also come a long way.

The exercises at the Gateway Voyage also give you plenty of tools. This gives you things to try when you're lying there in the altered state, such as receiving guidance, performing healing, remote viewing, manifestation, interacting with entities, etc. One of the best successes for me was deepening my connection with my guidance (be it a guide, helper, or whatever you want to call it). When I have a question about something going on in my life, I can usually get a yes/no answer from this guidance (it depends on the question) - which is very useful! The manifestation exercise actually ended up working for me (a specific boost in my career), and I received some positive results (not 100% accurate) with the remote viewing.

I'm not 100% sure why I'm more happy, sensitive, caring, etc. I think part of it has to do with having experiences that have showed me what an open heart *feels* like. Hemi-Sync also tends to make you use both your left-brain and your right-brain - and my right-brain has definitely been underutilized. Perhaps coming in greater alignment with my whole being has helped in some way as well.

I used to dismiss most subjective experience (i.e. lived in the left-brained objective causality of Western culture) - but there is SO much to it.. and it is directly applicable to our everyday lives.

I should also mention that another huge source of knowledge for me about all of this has come from the book "My Big Toe". This book and its author really resonate with me - I've been able to make sense of all this new age "hokum" in a logical framework that makes sense to me. It's been completely compatible with my Gateway Voyage and enhanced my understanding of it.

I will definitely be going to TMI within the next year to take another program. I'm currently debating between Heartline, Guidelines, and MC squared. My current goals are to become more loving/caring, and to enhance my non-physical perceptions by continuing to meditate everyday.

[merveilles]

I'm glad to hear how far you've come! It's probably just me, but I think we have it the best.... Super logical people that also use our intuition... I try to find a balance between logic/mind and intuition/feelings... This is a little off topic, but what you said made me think of it... In the last week I've been having a crazy amount of synchronicities.. I decided I'm going to work hard and take control of my life, and now every single thing that I've wanted keeps becoming real!! I think this might be even harder for you to accept than me.. Maybe you could do a new 90 day trial on the Law of Attraction/subjective reality!

[kenny r]

hey fizz, glad to get your report on Voyage! I thought for sure you'd be having an OBE but then that's not the only point of Voyage and it seems you gleaned quite a lot on your adventure.

I'm glad you mentioned SR, which for me was also a natural next area to explore after OBEs, energy and meditating.

[Ilya A K]

Ahoy mates.
This would probably be my last post in this thread, Since I doubt that I could say anything important beyond what I will say here.

In the large amount of time I was 'away' I was being exposed to all kind of information, points of view and even religions, up to a radical level.
Now somewhat stabilized, I started the same trial after getting the CD.
This time its all right 'n proper. I learnt a lot during the time.

First thing to mention and explain if not said clear before, that I now understand just how complicated OBE's are. You don't just jump in the bed and do it. I tried that.
Although there was some progress, it was insignificant.

However I do see that that approach was inevitable in a way, as my whole progress was at a perfect pace. As an example, if I wouldn't have attempted and failed at my attempts to Astral Project during this small trial, I would not have taken interest in increasing my results, which lead me to reading lots of information on the related subjects, and taking interest in them.

Just some five months ago, I could clearly recall moments when just seeing the word 'chakra' made me switch to another article(No exaggeration). It all seemed corny-fantasy-fluff to me. With time I slowly adjusted to being more open to such topics, which lead to where I am now.

Although for some reason all along, since the beginning and up until now I have some strange, unexplainable 'knowing' that Astral Projection will be somewhat easy for me. As if I have a natural talent or something.
That was one of the reasons why I insisted on doing things the hard way, as could be seen a few pages back. At this point I'm two days in the trial, and I'm certain that by the end of it I will get it's goal.