I'm not sure what's going on. Could I get some advice?

[mgarner1130]

Okay, so I am completely new to the whole OBEs and Astral Projection.  I honestly use to think the whole idea was complete nonsense and chocked it up to people just having really strange, unaccountable dreams which the mind is apt to do in some extenuating situations.  About a year ago, however, I found myself unable to sleep one night due to the ringing in my ears (yes that sounds weird and no I've not been diagnosed with tinnitus).  So as a last ditch effort to fall asleep I thought I would concentrate on the ringing and when I did something frightening happened.  The ringing became so loud I felt as if my eardrums were going to rupture from the pressure and I became paralyzed.  I could feel my heart begin to race because I could not move my body at all yet I was aware of every part of it.  I felt trapped inside my own body.  I tried to scream for help hoping someone in the house could hear it.  I finally managed a little whimper and I "awoke". This happened 2 or 3 times that night.  I told my parents about it the next morning and they thought it was only a nightmare.  I agreed with them and told myself that the entire experience was just a nightmare.  I would still believe it too had it not happened again.  This time I decided to do some research on it and found that it sounded a lot like the transition as the mind leaves the body.  For the past year now I've been able to put myself in that state but it usually happens involuntarily and as I'm trying to fall asleep.  It's been occurring more and more frequently and I'm almost to the point where I'm afraid to try and sleep because it might happen again. 
So could anyone tell me what's really going on here?  Does it sound like any others' experiences? What should I do next?
Thank you for taking the time to read this and helping me figure out what's happening.

[Psan]

It's been occurring more and more frequently and I'm almost to the point where I'm afraid to try and sleep because it might happen again. 

Its called sleep paralysis (google it and you'll know that its a natural condition while one is asleep)  and you should feel happy and consider yourself lucky that you can remain conscious while this is happening, instead of being afraid, because you can use it for projecting yourself out of your body easily.
Just follow any suitable exit technique while you are in SP.
Best of luck !

[Alan McDougall]

mgarner,

This is the first stage of a out of body event, you might feel vibrations noises like bees buzzing or pressure on your body don't get frightened or struggle just try for instance to roll out of your body or imagine yo are floating up to the ceiling. It is not a nightmare.

Nice to talk to you

Alan

[mgarner1130]

Thanks for the quick responses!! This should help me start understanding what's going on 

[VagusEques]

I've had two very similar (but separate) experiences. The first time was the ringing in the ears, and yes, it got a lot louder and finally concluded with what felt like an electric shock. The second time there was no noticeable noise, but I was right between sleeping and waking and I felt sort of a suction feeling as though I was getting pulled out of my body.

Both were somewhat frightening, but the key is to keep your cool. Tell yourself although it's a very different experience, you're at home in your bed and nothing's going to get you. Who knows what lies just on the other side of the experience?

[phase190]

haha i did the exact same thing you did =)