Strange "vibrations" when drifting between sleep and wakefulness

[George Eliot]

I've never had any spiritual or "paranormal" experiences and I'm not even really sure if this question fits under this category (as I'm thinking there is a scientific explanation for this - if anyone has any scientific suggestions feel free to let me know) but I'm just wondering what this is:

Sometimes when I'm taking a nap or fall asleep listening to the radio and hover between wakefulness and sleep I suddenly "hear" a vibration (that's the best way to explain it) almost throbbing around me but it's not really coming from an outside source, rather, I feel like I'm engulfed in it.

Usually I whip myself out of it because I'm thinking, what the heck is that? If I let it go on for a few more seconds, nothing really progresses or occurs except it almost feels like my ears are throbbing and the "loudness" oscillates, getting louder and then softer etc. It kind of sounds exactly like an electronic type of sound you hear in computers or around electronic equipment (I can't think of an example right now but it sounds familiar like I've heard it before in a normal everyday situation).

I can feel it as well as "hear" it throughout my entire body and it seems to wash over me from head to toe. Sometimes it feels like my brain is releasing a chemical and I can feel it move from my brain down my body in cold waves.

Once I was thinking about how this happens sometimes while lying in bed with my eyes closed and you know how sometimes when you close your eyes, in the blackness you can see colours floating about? I was looking at one of the coloured dots and it seemed to suddenly come at me and when it "reached" me I felt that same wave of "vibration" wash over me so suddenly and "heard" the sound. I assumed that because I had been thinking about these feelings I gave my brain a visual excuse to trigger it again, by making the visual sign I was "seeing" act as a prompt for that particular brain reaction.

Anyone know what this may be? Is it a state your brain enters between being asleep and awake? Are chemicals being released in the process that you're normally not aware of as you fall asleep, but because I was partially awake, I was cognizant enough to notice them?

Thanks!

[CFPurpose]

Hi George. I'm very new here and simply must introduce myself but as the time is clicking, I had to respond to your post as it seems to me that you are experiencing a meditative state.

Do you meditate at all?

If so, then we'll need to look at other options. But If you do not, I would be very inclined to say you are spontaneously entering a meditative state. Some call it a meditative sence of exstacy as the feeling that suddenly engulfes you is very transing, peaceful, but yet can be odd and scary at times.

You said:

Originally Posted by George Eliot

Usually I whip myself out of it because I'm thinking, what the heck is that? If I let it go on for a few more seconds, nothing really progresses or occurs except it almost feels like my ears are throbbing and the "loudness" oscillates, getting louder and then softer etc.

I can feel it as well as "hear" it throughout my entire body and it seems to wash over me from head to toe. Sometimes it feels like my brain is releasing a chemical and I can feel it move from my brain down my body in cold waves.!

This is a perfect example of the initial sensations or feelings you can get in the beginning of a meditation. (Let me stop right here and say though that I am still a meditative beginner and although I have been successfull many a time, I am no pro!)


You also mentioned seeing colors and I was especially drawn to this rendition:

Originally Posted by George Eliot

while lying in bed with my eyes closed and you know how sometimes when you close your eyes, in the blackness you can see colours floating about? I was looking at one of the coloured dots and it seemed to suddenly come at me and when it "reached" me I felt that same wave of "vibration" wash over me so suddenly and "heard" the sound.

I have so much to say to you. Like I said, time constricted. I'll be back tomorrow to add what I needed to say. So sorry to leave ya standing!!!!!!

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. I'll be back.

[George Eliot]

Originally Posted by CFPurpose

I have so much to say to you. Like I said, time constricted. I'll be back tomorrow to add what I needed to say. So sorry to leave ya standing!!!!!!

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. I'll be back.

That's ok - I'll look forward to your response tomorrow.

And to answer your question: no, I have never meditated before. I tend to be a very feet-firmly-planted-on-the-ground type of person. lol

[CFPurpose]

Originally Posted by George Eliot

And to answer your question: no, I have never meditated before. I tend to be a very feet-firmly-planted-on-the-ground type of person. lol

Okay, Okay. First off. Many “feet-firmly-planted-on-the-ground type of people meditate. Meditation is a relaxation technique. Some use it for more mystical reasons and if one choses to do that; it is usually on their own free will. As some learn techniques to grow more in touch with their inner soal and the spiritual realm through meditation, others are more easily in-tune with it and receive connection easily and spontaneously. I would say dear that you are one of those.

I know that you mentioned you had never had any spiritual or paranormal experiences but within each of us, we have spiritual experience on a daily basis. Whether we notice them is the question.

Let me try to explain some things as well as I can with the limited knowledge I have. I will only explain based off of my own experiences and research to them. The vibration and the feeling within your body is coming from you reaching into your inner self. I know it sounds outlandish and wierd but I promise you, as scientific as things are in this world, there is also a whole other realm that can only be enjoyed and experienced and lets face it, not all has to be explained. At least that is how I feel. God made a world that we can never completely grasp full hold of no matter how hard we study and learn. (Please forgive me if I have offended anyone by using the term God. I have my God, I also respect those who do not or have others. That is your choice) Anyway, as I was saying, I’m not sure of what realm we actually enter when we enter meditation and reach that tranquility but it is most definently a different realm. Your description matches a lot of my experiences as I learned to meditate.

It is common and natural to suddenly want to “pull yourself out of it” or jerk yourself back into reality. If these sensations interest you, I would try to stay in the moment for as long as you can. When you feel it, continue to keep your mind and body relaxed. Tell yourself to go forward. Tell yourself to “see.” It may take multiple tries but you may be quite surprised at what you will experience. Always remember that you are in full control of your mind and if you were to experience anything you did not want to, you simply pop your eyes open and Voila, you are back in the room you started listening to your music in. You are very fortunate in the fact that a lot of people have diffuculty even reaching the beginning stages of meditation as it sounds like you have no problem at all. That is wonderful!!

Think of it as a way to learn other things about this world. To study other things within yourself, within other realms. IF you are being brought there with no effort at all, you are being given and shown it for a reason. Go with it, learn from it, grow from it. Meditation can be a truly wonderful experience and often adds to the peace and tranquility within ones life.


Now, on to the lights. There is multitudes of discussions at the present time being conducted over what these lights are, who views them, the multitudes of colors and shapes they can come in. Some come in meditations, some are visual to specific individuals as they simply go throughout their day. I can’t tell you specifically what the light was but my son see’s lights. He’s seen lights from as far back as he can remember; he's only 7 mind you but has talked about them since he was about 3. His lights interact with him and change shape. I used to see green lights swirling around the room as a child and through my teens. Some say they are entities or angels or guides trying to communicate with specific individuals. Some say they are dilusions within our eyes and minds. Who knows. Personally, I would take your meditation experiences combined with the fact that this light “came at you” and brought with it the vibrations and sounds to be that of something that is trying to get your attention. You are being drawn to another awareness and growth in your life. That is great and you should be happy about it. Never fear what we can’t explain or can’t see. Embrace it and hold it personal to you. As historians study history and scientists study science, I am one who studies our true existence. Whats really out there that we can’t see. What do we have within ourselves that defines us. What does our creation really exist of? Humans and everything in between. It’s quite enlightening and offers a lot of room for personal growth and peacefulness.

FYI... I am level headed, I always keep 2 feet on the ground unless I experience OBE (wink) and thats an entirely different conversation, LOL (sorry, just threw that in to spice it up a bit) But in all actuality, I’m a very down to earth mother of 2 who enjoys the other side of things. Looks like you are being drawn there, I’d follow it George if I were you.

Now... I really must go introduce myself. How rude of me! I hate when I do this but I couldn’t help myself. Your post intrigued me!

[moviestar]

Is this really a sound? Maybe you should see a doctor.

[George Eliot]

Yes, I remember thinking once that maybe meditation had something to do with it, due to the relaxation part of things, but I wasn't sure. I don't really know anything about meditation but now I'm a little curious.

Originally Posted by CFPurpose

It is common and natural to suddenly want to “pull yourself out of it” or jerk yourself back into reality. If these sensations interest you, I would try to stay in the moment for as long as you can. When you feel it, continue to keep your mind and body relaxed. Tell yourself to go forward. Tell yourself to “see.” It may take multiple tries but you may be quite surprised at what you will experience. Always remember that you are in full control of your mind and if you were to experience anything you did not want to, you simply pop your eyes open and Voila, you are back in the room you started listening to your music in. You are very fortunate in the fact that a lot of people have diffuculty even reaching the beginning stages of meditation as it sounds like you have no problem at all. That is wonderful!!

I suppose I want to jerk myself out of it because, obviously, when you feel something unfamiliar it can be a little scary. I can be a very curious person and have sometimes contemplated seeing what happens if I relax and let it flow, but fear always takes the upper hand and I end up internally saying, "No! That's enough of that!" and end it. Actually, I am a very logical, left-brained type of individual but I have also always had an intense fascination with the unknown, philosophy, sci-fi, and am always thinking about what the heck this whole existence is about. Although I always look for the scientific or mundane explanation first, I also leave myself open to the realm of possibility. I am also easily spooked by things and tend to hide under my covers when the lights go out!

Originally Posted by CFPurpose

Now, on to the lights. There is multitudes of discussions at the present time being conducted over what these lights are, who views them, the multitudes of colors and shapes they can come in. Some come in meditations, some are visual to specific individuals as they simply go throughout their day. I can’t tell you specifically what the light was but my son see’s lights. He’s seen lights from as far back as he can remember; he's only 7 mind you but has talked about them since he was about 3. His lights interact with him and change shape. I used to see green lights swirling around the room as a child and through my teens. Some say they are entities or angels or guides trying to communicate with specific individuals. Some say they are dilusions within our eyes and minds. Who knows.

I just assumed everyone saw them and they are a normal part of closing your eyes. Just to clarify though, I never see lights with my eyes open during the day - only when I close my eyes, in the darkness. I just assumed your brain never sees complete darkness so when you close your eyes you may see some colorful visualizations. Of course, I'm open to more than one explanation, especially because of what happened.

If I want to, I see quite a few of these lights when I close my eyes, and if I pay more attention and try to focus on them, I follow them around inside my eyeballs as they just move around. They can be any color, change colors, and tend to remain circular/amorphous rather than take specific shape. Also, sometimes if I really concentrate it almost looks like there are stars or galaxies swirling around (but very distant and blurry). I don't mean to say this is what I'm seeing - that's just the best way to get across what it looks like to me. Of course, I could be creating these visulizations and painting pictures for my own enjoyment I usually just ignore these things when I close my eyes because I never thought anything of it.

Thanks for the advice!

[George Eliot]

Originally Posted by moviestar

Is this really a sound? Maybe you should see a doctor.

[ChrisC]

I frequently feel what I think could be the same thing - to me a very soothing vibration in the early morning before fully awakening. It is incredibly relaxing and I sometimes wish I could remain in that state indefinitely without having to get up. But alas, some of us have to work.

I'm able to induce the same feeling during power naps. And yes, also during meditation.

From what I understand, this is just a state of intense relaxation. You typically enter that state in deep sleep, but aren't aware of it because, well, you're asleep. But it is also possible to enter this state while conscious. I believe that one of the goals of Transcendental Meditation is to enter that state, which is why they'll tell you that 20 minutes of TM is the equivalent of several hours of sleep. I believe this is true from a body relaxation viewpoint, but there are other aspects of sleep that TM cannot replace.

[Anagogy]

Look into some literature on Astral Projection. Many people, just prior to separating from their physical apparatus, experience these roaring head to toe electrical vibrations. If you can keep your mind quiet enough, at the peak of the vibrations you may find yourself seeing through closed eyelids. Many projectors simply roll out at this point. Good luck in finding your answers.

[Lallymac]

Hi George,
I thought you might be interested to know that a local university (Massey) in Auckland NZ is conducting studies on this phenomenon at the moment. A number of people in my local area (North Shore) have been experiencing the same thing. Many of them are displaying the same symptoms which are loss of sleep, headaches, nausea & nose bleeds, due to this hum they can intermittently hear. A couple of people have moved house because of it, only to find the noise is louder. Since investigating it, researchers have found that other people around the world can hear it also. The researchers attempted to measure the sound last year which is said to be a low hum that resonates below most people's hearing. Only a small percentage of people can hear it. They believe at the moment it is possibly coming from the movements of platlets beneath the earth's crust or underground volcanic activity.
We've been getting updates in the local paper.
Lallymac

[Lallymac]

Oh and it's more audible at night because the general noise of human activity masks it during the day.

[CFPurpose]

Lally. As interesting as that is, I don't feel this is what George is experiencing In my very humble opinion. He feels peaceful and relaxed durring the experience not "headaches", "nausea" or "nose bleeds" and obviously not "lack of sleep". I'm not trying to debunk what you are saying but the last thing we need to do is make George think he's experiencing something negative. Please know i'm not 'coming at you' for what you said though. I think it'd be worth starting a new thread with what you posted as i'm sure it'd be quite interesting to look into that topic more in depth.

From all that George has mentioned, he is experiencing something possitive and beautiful. The sounds he hears are common. It's reaching that inner peace and usually arises when one enters meditation or as Anagogy said, it also often arises when one begins to astral project... Hey George, don't get worried here. You have control over the astral but even though this may be an explanation, I truly feel it is leaning more towards deep meditation just by comparing your sensation to that of what I feel and to that of what i've felt durring the start of an AP (astral projection). Never know though, like I said, I'm making my statements based on comparison of your experiences to mine and I conclude that of meditation.

Also, wanted to state George, that it is very good that you look for the scientific and mundane explanation first as that is what we all should do when truly looking for truth's behind our experiences and our existence. I do the same. There are always the ones who keep their heads in the clouds though and forget there may be a simple answer. lol


Oh and George, just to let you know. I still have difficulty staying in the moment. I can get myself often to the visions but when something comes through significant, I'm not sure if I "jump out of it" due to the change in sensation or due to my own excitement for seeing what I saw! So I completely understand when you say that the change in sensation frightens you a bit and you simply jerk yourself awake.

Take your time and go at your own pace. You will move forward when you feel comfortable. Good luck to you and welcome to something new, exciting and wonderful.....


Hugs

Crissy.

[yesyesyes]

Its either like your nervous system cooling down right before you fall asleep or its a precursor to astral projection (out of body experience).

Don't be afraid of it, just let it happen and see where you go!!!

[yesyesyes]

Or you guys could be talking about Schumann resonance

[CFPurpose]

Did you know that Astral Projection and OBE (Out of Body experience) are 2 different things? Close in comparison though. To astral project is to knowingly seperate from your physical body and you have more control over where you go and your experiences. To have an out of body experience usually occurres spontaneously and while already asleep. Some individuals have memories of it as some do not. Ever have those moments where you try to wake yourself but you can not and you continue to struggle until you finally jolt yourself awake? It's very possible, you have just returned from an OBE!

I have clear recollections of OBE as a child and young teenager. I could remember it all, leaving my body, where I went which was commonly galavanting around the neighborhood , (I could describe the backyards of people's homes without ever seeing them in real life), and then i'd remember re-entering my body. I'd see my body on the bed and crawl back in but it was not easy for me at all, hence the feelings I describe above while trying to wake. Now a days, I only can re-call re-entering my body. Where I decided to go, I can't remember!

I've spontaneously began to Astral Project while trying to meditate quite a few times and had no clue that I was trying to do that except for the fact that I'd suddenly get extremely nausious (msp?) and dizzy so I'd immediately stop what I was doing. Well, I posted on a much frequented forum of mine and was told that it sounded to be the start of AP and I should try calming myself and telling myself to continue. So the next night, sure enough it happened again.

To explain:Imagine that your physical body is just a plastic shell and you (or your soal) are stuck inside. It felt like I was pushing up against the inside front of my body (like the back of me was now hollow) and then started to come through. So I then told my self, "Exit" and tried to coax this to work because I wasn't sure what was happening but something was. I opened my eyes and the room was incredibly blurry. It felt as though there were 2 of me, 1 being half outside the shell, I was staring up at the door. the Nausau came back intensly, I closed my eyes and couldn't take the Nautiousness (msp?) anymore.

The only thing I could thing to do was say, "Go back in!". I kid you not. IT felt as though I sunk back into my "plastic shell', My back became full as apposed to hollow, I took a huge breath of air and the nausioness immediately dissapeared.

I haven't tried again but I'd like to......of course, I have no clue what I was doing to start the process and I haven't tried since so who knows.


Yesyesyes, can you define Schumann Resonance. I can look it up but it'd be nice to have it elaborated on. I'm interested in what you have to say.

Originally Posted by yesyesyes

Or you guys could be talking about Schumann resonance

[Lallymac]

What is the Schumann Resonance? I want to apologise to George. I hadn't intended to provoke any fear. I was curious when reading the article to find what explanations they'd come up with and wondering if it was that we humans are becoming more energy sensitive.
Lallymac

[George Eliot]

Originally Posted by Lallymac

What is the Schumann Resonance? I want to apologise to George. I hadn't intended to provoke any fear. I was curious when reading the article to find what explanations they'd come up with and wondering if it was that we humans are becoming more energy sensitive.
Lallymac

I have read about what you mentioned before, and I'm certain that is not related to the sensations I described.

It only happens rarely anyway.

[CFPurpose]

Hey Lally, would you mind directing to me what the name of this study is at that university you mentioned? I actually would like to read up on it.

[Lallymac]

Originally Posted by CFPurpose

Hey Lally, would you mind directing to me what the name of this study is at that university you mentioned? I actually would like to read up on it.

Hi,
I googled 'Massey University humming noises' and found the articles and background information if that helps.
Lallymac