My Attempts at Astral Projection

[newmethod]

I find binaural beats do help me clearing the mind, although I find some binaural beats to be more effective than others (for a number of reasons which i don't have time to list now). That said it is different meditating with beats than naturally. Beats are fine but I find i have more 'feeling' when i meditate naturally. but both are good. B.Beats may help you if you are new to meditating. If the binaural track you have decends down into delta you may find you will fall asleep (especially if lying down) untill you get use to it.

They won't "mess up" your meditation but I have found there are some side effects with listening to too many binaural beats too often. the beats are designed to take you into certain brainwave patterns. Depending on what you are trying to achieve when using the b.beats will depend on the types of beats you would use.

My favourites i have used are:

Hemi-Sync (Gateway Wave 1 & Support for Journeys out of body) - for APing
(Wave 1 is great & I will be getting Wave 2 as soon as i feel confident that i have Wave 1 down)

Holo-sync Prologue for meditating

basic natural meditation: Just focus on your breath - if you notice your mind wandering, just shift the focus back to the breath.
Rise & fall of chest is the most basic form. When this is easy or for a more fine tuned focus watching the breath move in & out of the nostrils.

[Pyro21]

What's the best position to meditate in? When is the best time to meditate? Is it better to meditate more than once a day?

Also when I do the breathing thing (taking a deep breath through your nose and breathing out slowly through your mouth) when I'm trying to AP my chest starts hurting. Does this mean that I'm breathing in to deeply?

Should there be complete silence when your meditating? The reason I ask is because it seems like there's always sounds in my house (because I live with three other people that are always doing something) that make my mind wander and I think it would be helpful if I could listen to relaxing sounds (not binaural beats) that I have on my iPod so that I can keep my mind focused.

I really appreciate all the help. I'm new to this kind of stuff so I have a lot of questions.

[Pyro21]

I tried again tonight with no luck  . It seems like I'm getting worse because I know what to expect now so I'm constantly wait for it and my mind wanders and thinks about it. My mind is also trying to trick me because it tries to replicate the vibrations but I know they're not real because when I get the real vibrations my heart beats faster.

[magari]

I tried again tonight with no luck  . It seems like I'm getting worse because I know what to expect now so I'm constantly wait for it and my mind wanders and thinks about it. My mind is also trying to trick me because it tries to replicate the vibrations but I know they're not real because when I get the real vibrations my heart beats faster.

Take it easy homes... this excrement takes a lot of energy. I've never been able to go OBE let alone project 2 nights in a row.

Take a break.

[Panthau]

Hehe im trying since about 7 months now, its not that easy for everyone
Instead of getting OOB, i explored the walls that hinder me to achieve the goal,
so now i can work on these.

Since i began trying to be OOB, i started to meditate every day for 1h. Since
3 months im meditating with "Lifeflow", a entrainment system that not only
uses binaural beats. Its a strong one that will push you through your physical problems

Pan

[T.L.]

  I no longer meditate as I used to, but what I do to project is essentially meditation anyhow... the only difference as I said before is that I no longer sit up. Just because 1 person can't project two days in a row doesn't mean its not possible. Last week I've projected 4 days in a row. Every day for the past week and a half I've been able to achieve the vibrations. I think Im starting to be able to identify the trigger of the vibrations.

  Just yesterday I had no vibrations at first but I started to feel this weird feeling (I do not know how to explain it). Maybe a sort of pressure-like feeling in my head. I knew at that moment the vibrations would kick in and they did. It was a very distinct feeling I probably wouldn't have noticed if I weren't in observation mode. I purposely rolled over once to my side to make the vibrations go away and they did. Then I focused on that strange feeling and the area of the head I got it in, then bingo the vibrations came back. About two seconds later I was seeing through my eyelids.


  In an attempt to go about projection differently this time around rather than forcing myself out as soon as the vibrations were strong enough I waited. I forced the vibrations stronger and stronger by going deeper and deeper. I could tell that it would not be too much longer and I will be forced out either way. I figured I had about ten seconds left, so I waited and went deeper. Unfortunately I went too deep and woke up about a half hour later. Pyro: Have you read about people trying the interrupted sleep method? If you haven't what works for some is people will go to sleep and set an alarm. They will sleep about 5 hours, wake up via alarm then lay back down in about a half hour and try to project.


  Well I've been noticing this past week that in most cases (not all but most) this past two weeks is I'll go to sleep for two hours and be woken up (usually by my wife heh). Upon laying back down the vibrations usually sweep in no matter what I do. The other day was a perfect example. I fell asleep two hours later my wife woke me up to say bye (going out with my daughter to her friends house for dinner) I never stood up, just sat up in my bed. Five minutes later I laid back down. Focused my attempt and it was not even 3 minutes later and vibrations kicked in. So why dont you give that a try.

  Just go to bed your normal time, set an alarm for two and a half hours later (extra half hour to use to fall asleep), then when it goes off sit up (don't do much more physical things than that). Make sure you are completely mentally conscious, and make sure your analytical side of your mind is entact. Try to do some mathematical problems in your head. Once you are confident you are completely conscious, lay down and focus (I do that by my breathing exercise). Just make sure you don't wait too long to lay back down. I wouldn't be surprised if you did exactly that, that you would have the vibrations hit in less than 8 minutes or so.

[newmethod]

I no longer meditate as I used to, but what I do to project is essentially meditation anyhow... the only difference as I said before is that I no longer sit up.

That's true.. there are many aspects to APing that overlap with meditation.. There are differences though.. especially since there are so many forms of meditation out there.. but essentially i would say this is true..

Pyro.. if you are having difficulty focusing on one item at a time meditation or concentration practices may help you in learning AP.. you can spend 5,10, 20min or 1hr meditating.. you could do as much as you have time for or is comfortable... as Kraven said earlier.. practice will help + conscious awareness in daily activities will help

I tried again tonight with no luck  . It seems like I'm getting worse because I know what to expect now so I'm constantly wait for it and my mind wanders and thinks about it. My mind is also trying to trick me because it tries to replicate the vibrations but I know they're not real because when I get the real vibrations my heart beats faster.

The mind is funny like that.. Try not to become too attached to the NEED to project.. Maybe approach it from more of a curiosity than a NEED... If you find yourself expecting.. or trying to trick yourself as you describe... acknowledge this has happened and simply switch your focus back to what you are trying to achieve at that point in time.. meditation can/will help you with this

What's the best position to meditate in? When is the best time to meditate? Is it better to meditate more than once a day?

You can meditate in any position.. i however usually sit up with cross legs for the plain fact it is comfortable & that i am less likely to fall asleep than if i was laying down.. When attempting to project though i usually lay on my back or side as i'm looking to cross the threshold between awake and asleep..

Time of day doesn't really matter... What does matter is consistent practice.. Your ability to reach deep states will improve and you will be able to get there more quickly with more practice.. The area you are entering (self-awareness) is a life-long journey and it may help to look at your goals as long term goals... If you reach them quickly then great.. but if you need to wait a little then you will be OK with this also..

I would suggest that it is more useful to meditate more frequently than one longer meditation. eg. i believe most people would find it easier when learning, and more useful, to meditate say... for two 15min sessions... maybe morning on rising and night before bed... than doing one long 30min session especially if this is not everyday. Being new to this i would suggest two 5min sessions to see how you go and whether you enjoy it... It's more about quality & consistency than quantity

Also when I do the breathing thing (taking a deep breath through your nose and breathing out slowly through your mouth) when I'm trying to AP my chest starts hurting. Does this mean that I'm breathing in to deeply?

Pyro.. When attemping meditation... a typical goal would be to clear the thoughts from your mind so you can receive/uncover more of yourself.. Sit down, close your eyes, relax, and begin by focusing on your breathing as it is naturally. Don't change your breath (some meditation methods may get you to do this but most don't), simply observe it. Allow the breath to find a natural, relaxed rhythm. I would suggest breath in & out through your nose - typically don't outbreathe through your mouth - you could sometimes though as the outbreath through the mouth creates a greater relaxation than through the nose. But when relaxed breath in & out through the nose, just as you do when you are typing on the computer - just more relaxed probably... The breath is just a tool to focus on so that your mind quietens. If you notice your mind wandering, just move back to breath... in & out through thte nose. Your mind will quieten.... Not sure why your chest hurts when attempting AP (i have a few ideas - maybe not right though) Maybe someone with more AP experience could answer that one for you... What does hurting feel like exactly, what are the sensations and where are you feeling it??

Should there be complete silence when your meditating? The reason I ask is because it seems like there's always sounds in my house (because I live with three other people that are always doing something) that make my mind wander and I think it would be helpful if I could listen to relaxing sounds (not binaural beats) that I have on my iPod so that I can keep my mind focused.

I really appreciate all the help. I'm new to this kind of stuff so I have a lot of questions.

BTW welcome to the Pulse. I would say it can be a little distracting to meditate if there is noise being generated in the house though it can more quickly teach you to be able to ignore distractions of all sorts including those generated in your own mind... relaxing sounds on an iPod may help..

Be well,
Peace,
-Newmethod-

[Pyro21]

Thank for for all the great advice and tips, everyone!!!

Since today's the last day of my school week I'll have more time to practice meditating and APing.

Also T.L., I usually wake up in the middle of the night so I'll have to try out your trick.

[Pyro21]

Take it easy homes... this excrement takes a lot of energy. I've never been able to go OBE let alone project 2 nights in a row.

Take a break.

I took a break last night and I didn't try and AP like you suggested. Hopefully I have better luck tonight.

[newmethod]

I took a break last night and I didn't try and AP like you suggested. Hopefully I have better luck tonight.

Yep best saving your energy and making most use of your energy by practicing when you are properly rested.

Pyro.. From what i have heard (and experienced with Lucid Dreaming) that the most successful time to have OBE/Lucid Dreams may typically be in the early hours of the morning. Say 3-5 am... that would be if you go to sleep at a normal time ie. 9-11pm or so... i find it's good to get to bed by 10-10:30pm if possible otherwise i miss too much sleep... Set an alarm as someone said earlier, get up for a little bit.. even ten minutes helps... Be thinking about OBE, read about it etc while you are awake at this time... . Good time for Meditation... Maybe come on the pulse, whatever works... have the intent to go back to bed within the hour though... go back to bed and OBE/LD...

I've been dreaming a lot lately myself & do remember some dreams even before midnight.. but i have heaps more dreams in the couple of hours before i wake...

Thought it may help,
Newmethod

[Pyro21]

I tried to AP at 3:00 AM this morning and I had no luck. I started to get really frustrated (which I know is really bad to do) that I couldn't even get the vibrations any more. After I was done practicing trying to AP I practiced trying to clear my mind for a little while and I was able to clear my mind for about ten seconds every now and then (which gives me a little hope). I was also able to remember my dream from last night (this is the first time I've remembered a dream in a LONG time) and I remember talking about APing in the dream (I guess reading so much about it has imprinted the thought into my mind  ) so I'm wondering if it might be easier to learn how to AP in a dream before I just AP straight from my physical body.

Also, should I be keeping a dream journal?

[magari]

I tried to AP at 3:00 AM this morning and I had no luck. I started to get really frustrated (which I know is really bad to do) that I couldn't even get the vibrations any more. After I was done practicing trying to AP I practiced trying to clear my mind for a little while and I was able to clear my mind for about ten seconds every now and then (which gives me a little hope). I was also able to remember my dream from last night (this is the first time I've remembered a dream in a LONG time) and I remember talking about APing in the dream (I guess reading so much about it has imprinted the thought into my mind  ) so I'm wondering if it might be easier to learn how to AP in a dream before I just AP straight from my physical body.

Also, should I be keeping a dream journal?

You know when you run for a long period of time, to the point of exhaustion maybe. The rest of the day you feel entirely fine. Even if you stay awake for 12+ hours. However, when you go to sleep and wake the next day you could be sore all over. Sore to the point that its painful to go up and down stairs or sit up and sit down.

Patience really is a virtue. I continue to learn this the hard way.

Try practicing something else instead of AP in your downtime. If AP is one goal, whats another? Work on an alternate goal after you've made some progress with one and vice versa. This kind of 'workout' works for me.

[Pyro21]

You know when you run for a long period of time, to the point of exhaustion maybe. The rest of the day you feel entirely fine. Even if you stay awake for 12+ hours. However, when you go to sleep and wake the next day you could be sore all over. Sore to the point that its painful to go up and down stairs or sit up and sit down.

Patience really is a virtue. I continue to learn this the hard way.

Try practicing something else instead of AP in your downtime. If AP is one goal, whats another? Work on an alternate goal after you've made some progress with one and vice versa. This kind of 'workout' works for me.

Thanks for the advice!!!

I really need to practice meditation and clearing my mind. The hard thing is going to be finding time to meditate because I'm only 15 so I live with my mom and dad  . I've was more tired than I normally am last night so I didn't practice last night but I'm feeling fine today so I'll practice tonight.

[newmethod]

I really need to practice meditation and clearing my mind. The hard thing is going to be finding time to meditate because I'm only 15 so I live with my mom and dad  . I've was more tired than I normally am last night so I didn't practice last night but I'm feeling fine today so I'll practice tonight.

Choose meditation over things that have little value like watching TV. I'm not saying forgo your favourite shows or anything, but be selective in what you watch. Being only 15 should give you a lot more time than someone like myself who is 31 with two children, a job and a mature age tertiary student in my final year.

Your parents may be a little more helpful than you realise. Sounds like your Dad doesn't believe in Astral Travel. Neither would mine. But when i was still living at home i would find time to meditate. If you explain to your parents what meditation is, the benefits of meditation, that it will help you with your schoolwork, become a more caring person etc & educate them a little on the subject (the net or books are a good place to start if you need to educate yourself more first) they may be more than willing to co-operate.

Tell them that it will help you if they keep the noise down a little for say half an hour etc. Don't expect complete silence cause your parents (i imagine) have a life as well. I don't know how big your house is but even in a small one a little noise reduction would help. If they co-operate even a little you'll have the added benefit of feeling as if your parents are supporting you.

If your parents work and you get home from school before them, then maybe the best time is before they get home! If your house is big enough find somewhere away from where they are to meditate. I use to sit on a pillow on the floor in the bathroom at my parents house for this reason. Sure for AP practice you'll need the couch or your bed.. but i'm sure you'll find a way.

PS. It may help to visualise a positive outcome with your parents before you tell them if you are unsure they will co-operate. Rehearse your conversation with them in your mind.

Just my thoughts,

Newmethod

[Pyro21]

Choose meditation over things that have little value like watching TV. I'm not saying forgo your favourite shows or anything, but be selective in what you watch. Being only 15 should give you a lot more time than someone like myself who is 31 with two children, a job and a mature age tertiary student in my final year.

Your parents may be a little more helpful than you realise. Sounds like your Dad doesn't believe in Astral Travel. Neither would mine. But when i was still living at home i would find time to meditate. If you explain to your parents what meditation is, the benefits of meditation, that it will help you with your schoolwork, become a more caring person etc & educate them a little on the subject (the net or books are a good place to start if you need to educate yourself more first) they may be more than willing to co-operate.

Tell them that it will help you if they keep the noise down a little for say half an hour etc. Don't expect complete silence cause your parents (i imagine) have a life as well. I don't know how big your house is but even in a small one a little noise reduction would help. If they co-operate even a little you'll have the added benefit of feeling as if your parents are supporting you.

If your parents work and you get home from school before them, then maybe the best time is before they get home! If your house is big enough find somewhere away from where they are to meditate. I use to sit on a pillow on the floor in the bathroom at my parents house for this reason. Sure for AP practice you'll need the couch or your bed.. but i'm sure you'll find a way.

PS. It may help to visualise a positive outcome with your parents before you tell them if you are unsure they will co-operate. Rehearse your conversation with them in your mind.

Just my thoughts,

Newmethod

Both my parents do work but my mom runs a day care so there's pretty much constant noise from when she opens at 7:00 am to when she closes at 5:30pm.

I was thinking about going to bed earlier and waking up at 5:00-5:30am and meditating then since no one is up then so there's pretty much no sound to distract me.

[newmethod]

I was thinking about going to bed earlier and waking up at 5:00-5:30am and meditating then since no one is up then so there's pretty much no sound to distract me.

You could do that if you really can't find another time etc. It's possibly a good idea! It would create a good time for you to go back to bed and practice OBE/LD if you are not too tired as that's the best time to practice those... Just make sure you are in fact going to bed early as you'll lose some sleep if you wake in the morning with the intention to meditate & OBE. You could probably sneak an hour or two of sleep after that before needing to get ready for school as well depending on your situation.

Keep rested as magari suggested & if you are too tired then my suggestion would be choose sleep. Sleep is important, especially at your age. Remember.. in most likelihood you'll have many years to be able to practice these things.

I meditate most days and do aim for two ~30min sessions (one morning one before bed) depending on what's happening. OBE/LD practice is different though and i find i can loose too much sleep if i try to do that everyday. Everyday is not sustainable for me. I'm happy if i practice AP two or three times a week. But that's part of my situation. Find what works for you!

Be patient & stay safe If I can help you in any way feel free to PM me. I'm on here at some stage every day or two.

Best regards,
Newmethod