Astral Escapism

[Devoret]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escapism

Escapism is mental diversion by means of entertainment or recreation, as an "escape" from the perceived unpleasant or banal aspects of daily life. It can also be used as a term to define the actions people take to help relieve persisting feelings of depression or general sadness.

Out of curiosity, do any out there hang in the astral realms as a means of escapism? Not once have I achieved an OBE, projected or anything of a kind, but I am interested. Having never experienced it firsthand, never dabbled in it, it might be hallucinations but... I'm curious, unwilling to let go of it until having tumbled in headfirst and tasted it. So the majority of you, this is a rather personal one-- your reasons for projecting? I don't accuse any of you of escapism, just thought it very likely, theoretically at least, that sufferers of our reality would flock to the looming possibility of astral projection.

Haven't the faintest idea to which category this thread belongs in, picked at random. I can't expect to contribute much here, have lurked in the shadows off and on for a year or so now. And with that, off and on curiosity with the astral world. Farthest I got was the vibrational stage, or something, many months ago; it stopped and rather abruptly, after the seconds' worth of excitement pulled me out of it. But recently my interest has picked up again. Can't expect to get far with mere off and on curiosity, some level of consistency is necessary, I need to make it a routine...

*sidetracking*

[Astral316]

What isn't escapism that also isn't an activity necessary for survival? Hobbies, interests, sports, music, social drama... all forms of escapism, all distractions from the goal of physical survival. So sure, you can call this practice escapism, but it's much more than that. The meditation practice required to get good helps regulate emotion and to better cope with stress. It helps one think/be content in the moment. The projections themselves build knowledge and broaden perspective as one encounters feelings and ideas not familiar to this reality. Basically you're honing the mind that'll best serve you after this life and having a fun time doing it.

[CFTraveler]

Out of curiosity, do any out there hang in the astral realms as a means of escapism?

Not enough of us are good enough to use it that way- I know I'm not.  Anyway, that's what TV's for.

[Stookie_]

For me it's the exact opposite of escapism. I'm actually more fascinated by the physical world as I understand more about the processes that go on behind the scenes on both subjective and objective levels. I have a better overall perspective than what I once had, and I'm constantly refining it.