Some questions that aren't too run of the mill

[wind3d]

Hi guys, first off let me introduce myself. My name is Gabriel and I'm 22 and I live in North Carolina. I've been studying OBEs and astral projection for quite some time now, but took a break due to, well, I guess complications in life! Let's just say I was hanging out with the wrong crowd, but things are much better now!

I have a few questions for anyone so kind to try to answer them. Since I'm starting to meditate again, some of these questions I had a long time ago that I never got answered are starting to surface. Forgive me if they seem a bit odd, but I pay attention to the details, which may be my problem.

First question: When I'm relaxing more and more, and my body getting heavier and heavier, right around the time a person starts to recieve the hynogogic (spelling) imagery, my mouth is really dry at this point, OR, depending on my position on the bed, I am drooling all over the pillow!

In both cases, this is very distracting, and I don't like moving my mouth to fix it cause I am afraid that will throw everything off. Eventually though, it becomes so annoying that I have to throw the whole thing off anyway!

This next question kind of relates to the first: What is the best position to project? Reclining on your back in bed? Laying on your back? Stomach? My stomach is the most comfortable for me, but it's also when I start to drool, and it also cramps up my neck, so I have been reclining on my back. That seems the best.


I haven't had much luck yet, but lets face it, I was out of the loop on meditation for a while, so it makes sense that I'm still not seeing results until I get back in my groove. A long time ago, about 3 years, I had my first experience. I was on my stomach, I saw hypnogogic imagery and then everything goes blank from there until I "wake up" again in this really violent but painless electric shock vibration. I could see sparks, and I heard these loud slapping noises like a heavy book hitting the table flat. I knew what was going on and I was so excited!

Well, my body rose, almost magnetically (wonderful feeling isn't it?) and then all of a sudden something poked me in my back right where my naval chakra would be, and I went zooming back in my body. From there, I didn't have any more experiences, but that's also around the time my life started going downhill. So my point in saying that that I know it's possible for me to project, I just want to get it right this time and hopefully cut out any corners, while at the same time not cheat myself

To the third question: When I have been meditating recently, and I am in a very relaxed state, my body, or head rather, gets the spins. If you've ever gotten too drunk you know what I'm talking about. It feels like I'm on a merry go round going every which direction, and it kind of is annoying actually, because it almost gives me a headache. It's like my body is in a 3D space, and my body is just tumbling around like a gyroscope. Anyone know what this could be? Good? Bad?

I have some more questions, but I'll let you guys answer these first 3 first. Whoa say that 3 times fast

Sorry if this is very long, I am very specific, or try to be

Look forward to getting to know you guys-

gabriel

[wind3d]

Anyone?

[Prophazuh]

First question: When I'm relaxing more and more, and my body getting heavier and heavier, right around the time a person starts to recieve the hynogogic (spelling) imagery, my mouth is really dry at this point, OR, depending on my position on the bed, I am drooling all over the pillow!

The only time I have a problem with my throat being dry is when I'm breathing in and out through my mouth (that's one of the reason's why I breath in and out through my nose). If and when you do get distracted by this, you really just have to ignore it by focusing completely on nothing, an image, etc., and you'll forget about what was bothering you (that's what I do).

This next question kind of relates to the first: What is the best position to project? Reclining on your back in bed? Laying on your back? Stomach? My stomach is the most comfortable for me, but it's also when I start to drool, and it also cramps up my neck, so I have been reclining on my back. That seems the best.

It depends on the person, everyone has their own preference. Personally, I like to lay on my back when I'm meditating, attempting to project, etc. It's easier for me to forget all about my body in this position.

To the third question: When I have been meditating recently, and I am in a very relaxed state, my body, or head rather, gets the spins. If you've ever gotten too drunk you know what I'm talking about. It feels like I'm on a merry go round going every which direction, and it kind of is annoying actually, because it almost gives me a headache. It's like my body is in a 3D space, and my body is just tumbling around like a gyroscope. Anyone know what this could be? Good? Bad?

It's good if you want to use this feeling to project. It sounds like it may be what I experience sometimes...I go along with it and throw myself OOB when I feel that the time is right.

[Tayesin]

First question: When I'm relaxing more and more, and my body getting heavier and heavier, right around the time a person starts to recieve the hynogogic (spelling) imagery, my mouth is really dry at this point, OR, depending on my position on the bed, I am drooling all over the pillow! In both cases, this is very distracting, and I don't like moving my mouth to fix it cause I am afraid that will throw everything off. Eventually though, it becomes so annoying that I have to throw the whole thing off anyway!

I sit upright in a comfortable chair. That way I won't fall asleep before doing what I Intend. Also, I don't expect the body to be perfectly comfortable at any time, and have also had dry/drooling but I simply adjust my mouth and keep going with what I Intend.

To the third question: When I have been meditating recently, and I am in a very relaxed state, my body, or head rather, gets the spins. If you've ever gotten too drunk you know what I'm talking about. It feels like I'm on a merry go round going every which direction, and it kind of is annoying actually, because it almost gives me a headache. It's like my body is in a 3D space, and my body is just tumbling around like a gyroscope. Anyone know what this could be? Good? Bad?

Yes, this is your awareness of the astral subtle body moving about close to the body in an uncontrolled manner. I used to get the same thing, a floaty, spinny kind of feeling which I learned to ignore also as a sign that I was about to get out. You mentioned feeling this when drunk and that's because you are trying to get out of the body that is not working properly, lol.

Lastly, I know a lot of people put much emphasis on the need to get astral, but, from my perspective and experience you can experience more by simply projecting your awareness without using the astral subtle body. After all, the astral subtle body is a very confined thing, and so it is confined to only journeying in the astral realms so you cannot experience anything 'higher' than that.

[wind3d]

Lastly, I know a lot of people put much emphasis on the need to get astral, but, from my perspective and experience you can experience more by simply projecting your awareness without using the astral subtle body. After all, the astral subtle body is a very confined thing, and so it is confined to only journeying in the astral realms so you cannot experience anything 'higher' than that.

Can you elaborate more on projecting awareness? Thanks for your help by the way.  You too Prophazuh 
I'm more concentrated on baby steps at the moment, not really expecting results at the moment, but if I were to project, that'd be fine too. Perhaps if I project my "astral subtle body", then when I master that later I can work on projecting awareness?

[ka0s]

i'd elaborate more if i had more time..But overall i always lay on my back..sometimes i been able to project on my side with a inducing a swaying motion.

[iNNERvOYAGER]

Just a quick one about the mouth and relaxed jaw.

Have you noticed that when looking at pictures of ancient artwork of yogis meditating that their mouths are shut and not gaping open?

When lying down flat on the back or in sitting a recliner, in a symmetrical position is the best for me to sustain a trance state.

The side effect of being completely relaxed for me is that my jaw drops, the mouth stays open, and causes dryness and snoring.
I didn't know why at first why my tongue felt swollen and salty after a session, but got it figured out now.

To fix this, I put a small foam pillow under my chin,  .  (ONLY while respiratory tract is healthy)

[Tayesin]

Can you elaborate more on projecting awareness?

Okay. I will use the word Imagine a few times in the following sentences, do not mistake this as meaning fantasy thinking, or desiring thinking, etc, as imagination is usually considered to be. Imagination is the key for Intention, it sets the scene for you.... but, you must be ready to release control of it in order for real experience to take over. So here we go......

Imagine that you are so massive you exist in every level of awareness from 'here' to much higher than Soul and into the next layers above that which  I call Oversoul.  Just imagine that for 30 seconds or so.

Now that you have imagined yourself so massive, far beyond the you of every day life in this world, you might see that all of you is one huge awareness. And because of this imagining you might see that all you 'need to do' is go 'up' in your own awareness to experience bigger pictures of reality.

You can do this by Intention through meditation... not the contemplation type meditation on a question or a symbol. I mean relaxing, bringing in the light, clearing your energy, active type of meditation.

The easiest way I know is to sit, relax, breathe firstly and really relax. Then just Imagine a tube of bright white light directly over your head... if your mind wanders just bring your focus back on that tube above you.

Once you can imagine that clearly and see it in your mind's eye, imagine then that you can bring that Light into your body through the crown chakra/top of your head... ancient hebrews called this the Middle Pillar Way. Remember, if the mind wanders just focus back on the tube above you and keep bringing in more light until you are very full.

What did you feel as the Light came into your body? The feeling is important, as it is a signature to remember.

Now that you are full of light, bring more in so in your mind's eye you can see it radiating out of you... like you are a bright light bulb.

When you feel content with this energy, and you are very full, focus back on the Tube above you. Now, imagine going up into that tube of white light above you.... I used to help myself a bit by imagining I was accelerating to the speed of light.. and focus on this.. you will feel it.

Go with it, do not be afraid as you are now in 'gods light', for want of a better word. It is when you are travelling along the tube that your imagination relaxes and allows you to simply experience without the need for mental imput.

As you speed along the tube you will find yourself near or arriving somewhere. Don't worry, you will always go where you need to.

This is the process I started using for myself about 12 years ago, after using what my first teacher showed me for many years.

Once you get the hang of this process, and have journeyed many times using it, you will find that you can set your Intent and simply shift your awareness to the places you remember visiting with the tube process, or to explore anything that you might be interested in.. almost like stepping into another reality whenever you choose.

Each place you visit, you will be able to return to by focusing on the feeling of being there. With enough practice you will find yourself at what I call your place, you will meet Guides and Helpers who will assist in your journeys and growth to higher awareness.

So, the white light method is a perfect place for everyone to start. Then as we practice regularly, things begin to change, or you may get insights into ways to modify how you do things.... after all, you will be learning how you will project into your own higher awareness.

Please do try this simple process. It worked for me very easily. It works for the majority of people I've taught it to over the past 10 years.

All you need to do is practice very regularly, every day if you can and it will open up quickly for you.

Lastly, set Intent for places like the Akasha (hall of records/library) which is at the 'top' of the astral realms, and just follow your gut instincts to know what action to take when there. You are the master of you, so you choose what you wish to explore and then let the journey unfold for you.

On my website is a clearer description of how I teach this process. You could read it aloud and record it to help guide yourself through it during meditation.

Be well. PM me with how things went for you.

[catmeow]

Nice post Tayesin as always.

I'll just answer quickly a couple of questions.

Best position: For me it is on my back. That's because I can go through an exit procedure of floating up etc. This is harder on my side, although I still have techniques for "side exit".

Dizzy, spinning feeling: I used to get this a lot as a teenager before I managed to control my OBEs. It was as if I was flying and spinning around all over the place, but without any vision.  I actually sometimes induce this sensation now as part of an exit technique.  The sensation of spinning is very good to get you out of your body.  But once out and with vision stabilized, the spinning sensation is gone.

[Psan]

Tayesin , thank you very much for such a nice info.

And Gabriel, yes these sensations are normal and all that you mentioned happens to me exactly as you said.
One peculiar feeling is, as if you have suddenly fallen from a chair you have been sitting on, the feeling is so real that you get startled. This is one of the signs that your astral body is loosening up.

Initially, the body position will be an issue, because we are not accustomed to stay still for long in everyday life. So, initial training will be only to practice on keeping yourself still for long times, without getting too uncomfortable or feeling any pain etc. Your body will soon adjust and you will be able to relax to a stage where you completely forget it.

[wind3d]

Wow, thanks guys for all your helpful advice and insight. Especially you Tay, I will be sure to practice the method you talked about.
You know, after reading some of the replies, another question came to my mind:

1: When I'm very relaxed, and I am imagining my frequency just getting higher and higher (no real technique here, just basically I go back to that feeling I had when I had my first OBE experience), well, anyways, as I increase energy, my heart will start beating rapidly and this is also where the spinning starts, however, I am completely aware at that time, of my surroundings, and what I'm doing, so it's not like I only exist in my thoughts at that point, so it leads me to believe that I'm no where near where I need to be, even with the spinning and the pounding heart / lack of breath. Is there a fine line here between existing in my thoughts only and being fully aware? Am I on the brink of a "black out" period here, just not realizing it?

I am being very careful here not to over analyze the process, I just want to be aware of where I'm at in the process. There are so many techniques and methods out there that it can blur the fundamental process or steps, that are the basis of all the techniques or methods that might exist, but each and every technique has their owns words for it, their own interpretation, ya know?

Alrighty, thanks again guys, and by the way, I really like that pillow under the chin idea I'm gonna give it a shot!

[Tayesin]

Pounding heart/lack of breath is just fear,we all go through it. Once you reach that point, Let Go. Let go working at it, let go and relax, let it happen and stay focussed on your Intent.

[Stookie]

I remember when I went through the pounding heart stage, I got through it by confronting it, not freaking out, and telling myself: The worst that can happen is I'll die. It may sound kind of morbid, but after confronting it like that, I projected, and "the fear" never came back.

[wind3d]

Ahh, gotcha
Very vague scenario that Think it applys to most in life, yes?

Let's go to the movies. C'mon, it'll be fun. The worst that will happen is you'll DIE! 

I understand what ya mean though, but thanks for the good chuckles as well, I'll give it a shot