The afternoon nap

[Ryuk]

I seriously don't see this topic at all and I think it's the best thing for begginers to know.
First of all OBE's have a biologycal cause, you just can't lie in bed and then make a quick exit.No matter how emotionaly, mentaly prepared you are if the physical conditions in your brain aren't recreated then it equals zero.
No offence, but most of the begginers are introduced to energy work, meditation, chakras, reiki, etc(especially on this forum).You need time to practice them(and when you live with a family you can't tell them "Just go away I wanna get out of my body") and a lot of patience.If you wanna waste years just to OBE be my guest, ever wondered why yogis take years to prepare and they don't have to worry about tomorrow, a job, school and life in general.They have all the time they need but they don't claim results in 2 months.So we should expect the average, woried man to get results in a couple of months?
And we have the vibrational state, the state everyone who begins tries to reach it.When I began I never knew what to expect, what they are so when I first experienced them I was shocked and really believed they were somethin supernatural, unbelivable with no explanation.After looking better on the net I found it's about sleep paralysis.You don't belive how many people experience it but they either hide it, or it happened in their childhood and don't remember.
So it's clear that triggering sleep paralysis gives you the best chance to OBE and that it is the main way to project.Sleep paralysis occurs in REM sleep when you become concious of the buzzig, tingling feeling that surges your body(at least in my case).
Nightly OBE practices are less effective because Non-REM sleep is dominant(you still get REM but only after you really are asleep and unconciuos, meaning you failed in your practice) while morning practices have a bigger chance of success because you get more REM sleep.
For the modern man there are really big problems:he has a job or school so it's hard for him to wake up at 3 or 4 am when he has to get up at 6 or 7 and without the others wondering "why the hell you wake up every morning at 4 am?".Plus it's tirring for the rest of the day.He has Saturday and Sunday but we know OBE'S most of the times just don't happen for the average practitioner .He is left with the nightly practices when your mind is tired, unable to concentrate after a hard day of work, worries coming and going and all the time and he just goes to sleep without projecting.Sometimes, because of some random reasons his mind is more alert and get's into sleep paraylis.And know he must practice an exit technique...and he fails wondering what went wrong.
From what I said it is clear that being rested before you get to bed gives you a MASIVE chance of success and for that all you need is to get a quick nap in the afternoon.When you do this your sleep consists mainly of NREM sleep meaning that when you actually go to sleep your mind will be rested and your body, already having the primary NREM sleep it needed, will get to REM sleep(sleep paralysis condition) much faster.Your mind crystal clear, body that gets into sleep paralysis much quicker, what more could you ask?It doesn't matter when you get that nap(at 6 pm the earliest for an hour-hour and a half, there's no need for more)
At this stage every method will work.Visualizations, affirmations, etc. all will work.You might even chose to simply do nothing and let your mind wander (for someone full with OBE tehniques this would seem realy dumb).Even so, it won't work every time(people would be OBE'ing like crazy) but it really increasese your chances.In theory it sounds perfect but you know, practice makes perfect.
Hope I helped some people that are currenty lost in meditations, energy work, chakras, etc.They may be good but they weren't made for OBE's.

[Xanth]

Hi there

Great little write up.
I wanted to add a bit to it though.

It can be REALLY hard to find the time to practice this stuff, just as you said.  However, it's also a case of "you get out what you put in".
If you can practice everyday, then you're going to have much more progress than someone who, like myself, only gets to practice 2 - 4 times a week.
So while "life" can seriously get in the way, just go with the flow.

Meditation, Energy Work, Chakras, etc...
The only connection between those and Astral Projection are the connections you make between them.
I only meditate, but I don't believe it's necessary to initiate a projection.

Actually, just this morning I had to scuttle my Phasing practice due to a headache... so instead, I rolled over and just decided to snag a bit more sleep.
Well, it was completely accidental, but I started a rundown in my head of walking around my old high school.  BAM, I was then there walking around in live 3D.
But then I realized it and snapped out of it.  No meditation, no energy work, no nothing...

[Psilibus]

Nice post. Yes. Use spell check.

Your point will be lost on many. Projection is an art. It is a practice. It is not something you do off the cuff. Time must be set aside. YES you can have an experience from sheer exhaustion or phenomenal stress. That is not the point however. Yes accidents do happen.  "Only through the fire of acts is heaven brilliant and hell aflame", its what you do that makes it work. Too many people want something for nothing. So, you had a couple experiences that opened your eyes to possibility. Great. DO something about it. I have as busy a life as anyone yet there is always time to practice, even if it yields no results at that time. The practice is what will yield results.
I'm really sorry to see so many people here downplay "meditation" as some kind of unnecessary "new age" BS. Meditation is the science of mind. It is personal, objective and necessary. If you don't give yourself that time you are missing out on the critical link. It IS the link to that which you seek. Practice it over and over and over and over and over and over until it is natural. I don't care how scientific you want to make things. You can drift in the lower realms forever, or, find out just what your "mind" is made of. It will not be done by any other means than "meditation". Please argue if you would like. By "you" I mean those who disagree. 

Enjoy it!

[personalreality]

I didn't read the whole thing, mostly because i'm lazy. 

But sleep paralysis is NOT what you want to achieve.

The vibrational state has nothing to do with sleep paralysis though sometimes they do coincide. 

Sleep paralysis isn't the ideal state to project from because it's SCARY!

[Xanth]

Sleep paralysis isn't the ideal state to project from because it's SCARY!

Only if you don't realize what's going on.
Familiarize yourself with what to expect and it's great.

Sleep Paralysis... Trance... Focus 10...
It's all the same in my opinion.
The only difference comes in when it and how it comes about.

[justin35ll]

sleep paralysis is not scarey imo. And it is the only state that i project from. In the morning sometimes if I roll over I feel myself fall right into SP and it feels like someone just threw a lead blanket on me, and then from there I know I can exit

[Ryuk]

.

Nice post. Yes. Use spell check.

Your point will be lost on many. Projection is an art. It is a practice. It is not something you do off the cuff. Time must be set aside. YES you can have an experience from sheer exhaustion or phenomenal stress. That is not the point however. Yes accidents do happen.  "Only through the fire of acts is heaven brilliant and hell aflame", its what you do that makes it work. Too many people want something for nothing. So, you had a couple experiences that opened your eyes to possibility. Great. DO something about it. I have as busy a life as anyone yet there is always time to practice, even if it yields no results at that time. The practice is what will yield results.
I'm really sorry to see so many people here downplay "meditation" as some kind of unnecessary "new age" BS. Meditation is the science of mind. It is personal, objective and necessary. If you don't give yourself that time you are missing out on the critical link. It IS the link to that which you seek. Practice it over and over and over and over and over and over until it is natural. I don't care how scientific you want to make things. You can drift in the lower realms forever, or, find out just what your "mind" is made of. It will not be done by any other means than "meditation". Please argue if you would like. By "you" I mean those who disagree. 

Enjoy it!

the main idea of my post was that you can't get drunk without alcohol and that by knowing the biological conditions you can achive OBE's much faster and without wasting precious time like I did once.I won't talk about meditation(I don't have your experiences) but I do disagre with a lot of the New Age nonsense that confuses and slows a lot of people and gets you nowhere.
OBE's have a physical explanation.Why desconsider that when it is the MAIN way to have any experience?You realize that without that unusual mix of chemicals in your brain you won't get nothing.Some get that mix in a natural way or doing meditation like you stated.Others like me don't have the natural talent and I don't have to explain myself for why I don't have time.I tried but I couldn't.All or nothig for me in my opinion.This means I should stop?.If something gives constant and great results, why go from A to B by first going in C?."Because it's the road and not the destination that matters.Because you have a blockage preventing you from projecting.Because you have to raise more energy".These are the kind of answers that I just can't accept anymore.If this scientic, lower plane method will help me and it really helps me, then I don't see any problem.All the roads lead to the same destination.

"sheer exhaustion or phenomenal stress?"From my post it is clear that you need a rested mind.
"Too many people want something for nothing" because you can't figure out a simpler path it means they don't deserve it?

[Psilibus]

Ryuk,
My friend. Meditation is the CORE. It is the CORE of all mental awareness. ANY and I mean ANY projection is achieved through the focusing of energy through your MIND, NOT YOUR BRAIN. This is not "new age". It is the CORE. Read Frank Kepple's stuff. He states he is approaching things "scientifically". Sure. I'll accept that. He "demonstrated" and use "scientific method". Fine. But can anyone of any salt here tell me that what he did to achieve conscious projection was not meditation? If you do I will call you out. That is what meditation IS. Come on. I have been meditating for thirty years. READ A BOOK ABOUT IT. PRACTICE IT. You will see. Meditation is the gained awareness of the MIND, not the "brain". It is the mind that is involved in projection. Hell, it is the mind that is involved with most all intelligent decisions you make! That is why it is so integral to practice. Meditation IS the simplest path. It only involves you and your dedication. It costs you NOTHING. If you do not believe me then have fun doing it your way. Just don't waste anyone's time telling them otherwise. It is only through exercise that the muscles become strong - same with your MIND. Do it every day. Even ten minutes will lead to thirty and eventual release. I guarantee it.

I mean no harm. I am sorry if I come across hard but too many people want something for nothing. You won't get it that way. Period.

[personalreality]

I spent months, maybe even years trying to reach "sleep paralysis" with no success.  I was sure that I had to reach a state of total body paralysis, but that's not really true.

You want dissociation from the body.  You want to be so engrossed in the inner realms that the outer fades away into the background.  This can happen through sleep paralysis but that isn't the state you practice for.

Sleep paralysis is a happy coincidence. 

[personalreality]

oh, and meditation can assist you in control of your focus but it is not necessary.

[frozenlime]

Only if you don't realize what's going on.
Familiarize yourself with what to expect and it's great.

What he said. Paralysis isn't scary if you know what's going on, I don't feel afraid/see/hear/feel people/beings anymore (since I've gotten used to SPs), just be aware of what's going on and then instantly keep your mind clear.
Face the fear and act cool and you will stop seeing stuff, the brain most likely makes up creepy stuff based on your subconciousness since it thinks something "evil" is what is keeping you paralyzed.

[personalreality]

i rarely ever experience sleep paralysis, but when it happens you're often caught by surprise and it's very distracting.  Your first thought is focused on your body because it's an unusual thing to experience when awake. 

[Psilibus]

Sleep paralysis is a chemical (biological) result of the physical body preparing for dream state to keep you from hurting yourself when the dream state occurs. This is proved and documented throughout the literature involving dreams. It is no big deal. The problem is when you don't expect it. Expect it. If you set yourself up for a dream or subconscious experience this is natural. When you return to your body you will know this and simply be patient. Breath. Don't panic. Feel yourself come back. It is relaxing and peaceful if you see it as such.

A successful projection does not always do this but be aware it may.

AND - Personalreality,
Sorry, I agree and totally disagree with your comment regarding "meditation" - "oh, and meditation can assist you in control of your focus but it is not necessary". IT <IS> MEDITATION. What is it about people that don't get what meditation is. It has a multitude of healthy purposes INCLUDING AND NOT LIMITED TO astral projection. The practice itself is simply the FOCUS OF AWARENESS within the mind. And what else is Astral Projection? Good God! If more people would give up on the stigma associated with the word "meditation" maybe more people would get it!

Sorry but this forum is getting weird. People are being mislead here. To search within in yourself IS MEDITATION. When you go out of body or astral you are WITHIN YOURSELF. All "focus within". All is within! IN YOU! GOD! ALL BEING, LIFE!
SEE IT!
ENJOY IT!

[nickspry]

The phasing method is actually a form of meditation in it's own right IMO, in that it's simply a mindfull awareness state.
As for daytime napping, I've never managed to project successfully during the day, and I've been trying for years on and off. I can only ever get out between 3-7am.

[Xanth]

The phasing method is actually a form of meditation in it's own right IMO, in that it's simply a mindfull awareness state.
As for daytime napping, I've never managed to project successfully during the day, and I've been trying for years on and off. I can only ever get out between 3-7am.

Actually, it's called an "Active Meditation".

There are only really two basic forms of meditation.
Active and Passive.

Passive is when you just sit there trying to quiet the mind.
Active is when you create a dynamic 'scene' in your head and "LIVE" in it.

~Ryan   

[Psilibus]

Thank you Xanth and nickspry.

The "passive" form I also a wonderful time to commune with your higher self. Time to answer and solve profound life questions. It is for this reason that I encourage people to practice it. The easier it becomes the more the benefits will arise. This will also help increase the ability to project at will, at any time of the day. Sounds too good to be true but I can testify that at the height of my meditation practice I was able to activate my mind into projecting at times when I wasn't ready. I could literally lay down to sleep, quiet my mind for sleep and suddenly would rush into incredible vibrations with that roaring in my ears. I would have to concentrate to sleep. That was about twenty years ago. Oh well. If I only knew then what I know now I would have never let down my practice.

It is very difficult to project during the day BECAUSE of the activity of the mind. It is very difficult because it requires the mind to focus, not drift. At night you are generally rested, have likely slept and the past days work is done. I believe you will find that, with a little practice in meditation, you WILL be able to project during the daylight. Brilliant colors, crystalline sunshine and the visible vibration of life all around you. This is the best time to fly, swoop over hills and dive into clear lakes and rivers. But that is the "RTZ" experience. I do not remember the astral, at least, not anymore. It will come again.

[personalreality]

AND - Personalreality,
Sorry, I agree and totally disagree with your comment regarding "meditation" - "oh, and meditation can assist you in control of your focus but it is not necessary". IT <IS> MEDITATION. What is it about people that don't get what meditation is. It has a multitude of healthy purposes INCLUDING AND NOT LIMITED TO astral projection. The practice itself is simply the FOCUS OF AWARENESS within the mind. And what else is Astral Projection? Good God! If more people would give up on the stigma associated with the word "meditation" maybe more people would get it!

Sorry but this forum is getting weird. People are being mislead here. To search within in yourself IS MEDITATION. When you go out of body or astral you are WITHIN YOURSELF. All "focus within". All is within! IN YOU! GOD! ALL BEING, LIFE!
SEE IT!
ENJOY IT!

You seem to be under the impression that there is only one way to self-knowledge.

meditation provides an opportunity to be in closer contact with your self on a regular basis, but it IS NOT necessary for metaphysical work.  No one said you shouldn't do it, I'm just saying you don't HAVE to do it.

meditation is just quieting the mind and turning your focus inwards.  this is synonymous with much of astral projection practice as well as things like shamanic journeying.  i don't think there is a stigma with meditation here.  i think that people here are exploring other methods of self-knowledge (because meditation isn't the only way).  ease up.

[Psilibus]

Personalreality,

OK. I will ease up. Off my high horse. My soapbox just collapsed under my oppressive weight. You are right. I will no longer try to press meditation like it is the only "path to self knowledge".  I was only talking about AP and OBE, not "path to self knowledge". If you want to talk about path to self knowledge lets please not get me started. I should listen to my wife more, she says the same thing "ease up". LOL.

Sorry

[NZ Traveller]

Interesting Comments from everyone.

I do not claim to be an expert in any of these topics but I can say, 100% that I have astral projected. I have done it through sleep paralysis but that was more as an accident rather than on purpose.

I woke up in the middle of the night once to find my self paralysed. I remember a fear gripping me because i could not move. Then I remembered that fear is the obstable so I relaxed all my muscles and just let go. 3 seconds later I was out of my body. Not my preferred method but hey each to their own.

Meditation, is my opinion is sleep without losing consciousness. Mind rest while awake. This allows your mind to send freed up resources usually spent on sight, speech, movement etc to revitalise, heal and refresh your body and mind. When done properly intuition is improved along with emotional balance, problem solving and in the case of creative meditation, normal reality can be influenced. It can also help you hear the quiet voice of ... the universe, for want of a better word.

Now my preferred method for exit is to declare my intention to myself 3 times before I go to sleep. Then I relax and drift off. Now most people separate anyway almost everynight, but not everyone remembers. Thats the trick.

So, just before my vibration begins to quicken, I wake up, not totally awake just semi aware...then POW! Im out and in full control as well. Im not sure how I programmed myself to become aware at that precise moment but the more I practiced, the more my astral body/soul or whatever, learned to understand my intentions and I suppose facilitate the process...if that makes sense lol.

[Farther]

Whoever is interested in OBE's should take everybody's advice on 'how it's done' with a grain of salt (especially mine). Everybody will be a little different. I, for one, can not, under any circumstances, project from a lucid dream. Many people say that's the only way they can do it but not me. I also have weak results while trying to do it before going to sleep for the night. It is possible for me but it's not the best conditions for me. I started practicing (and still do) while taking a shower. Yes, standing in the shower is one of the best places for me. The water has to be the perfect temp but once it gets there, the feel and sound of the water (white noise) is great to focus in. Will this work for everybody? No. The point is you have to find your own way, so please try as many methods as you can. Hopefully, you'll find the one that works for you. You might have to try the same one a couple of times but don't give up. I also hardly ever hang out in focus 1/2 area. I can stay there if I consciously work at staying there but while I'm projecting it "feels" too close to the physical world for me so I focus on going deeper and farther away. The above all thing to remember is you need to be really relaxed, whatever way you can do it.

[Xanth]

Whoever is interested in OBE's should take everybody's advice on 'how it's done' with a grain of salt (especially mine). Everybody will be a little different. I, for one, can not, under any circumstances, project from a lucid dream.

In my opinion, a dream, lucid dream and projection are all the same thing done in the same "place".
The difference is how "consciously aware" you are at the time.  That's all.
So yes, you've projected from a lucid dream. 

Many people say that's the only way they can do it but not me. I also have weak results while trying to do it before going to sleep for the night. It is possible for me but it's not the best conditions for me.

This is common actually.
You're tired... the last thing your mind / body wants to do is something strenuous! 

I started practicing (and still do) while taking a shower. Yes, standing in the shower is one of the best places for me. The water has to be the perfect temp but once it gets there, the feel and sound of the water (white noise) is great to focus in. Will this work for everybody? No. The point is you have to find your own way, so please try as many methods as you can. Hopefully, you'll find the one that works for you. You might have to try the same one a couple of times but don't give up.

I'd actually suggest giving a technique or method a good couple weeks.

I also hardly ever hang out in focus 1/2 area. I can stay there if I consciously work at staying there but while I'm projecting it "feels" too close to the physical world for me so I focus on going deeper and farther away. The above all thing to remember is you need to be really relaxed, whatever way you can do it.

Actually, all these "places" aren't any further or closer to the physical as any other.  They're not "places", but focuses that you "change your focus of attention" towards.
For example, Focus 3 isn't any further from Focus 1 than Focus 2 is.  There's no "distance" here. 
And, also in my opinion, you hang out in F1 your entire physical life... AND you chill in F2 while you sleep/dream.
They're perfectly valid "places" to be while non-physical as well.  You shouldn't really have to work at it at all... remove the barrier you place on yourself when you say you "feel too close to the physical"... because this just simply doesn't exist.

~Ryan 

[Farther]

I understand and agree with what you are saying xanth about the focuses (foci?) not being actual distances from the physical. I think my wording wasn't the best. When I say I feel closer to the physical I meant my concentration is still partway thinking of my body.

[Xanth]

I understand and agree with what you are saying xanth about the focuses (foci?) not being actual distances from the physical. I think my wording wasn't the best. When I say I feel closer to the physical I meant my concentration is still partway thinking of my body.

I understand. 

So you still "feel" your physical body "back there somewhere"?
That's okay too!  There will come times when this will happen... just try to ignore it as best as you can.

~Ryan

[Farther]

Yeah, it happens all the time but I can usually dismiss it.