I'm new

[iscott]

I've been looking for a place to share my experiences and learn from the experience of others as to how to advance my unconscious. I really feel that I have only astra-projected once, but I have had sleep paralysis for most of my life. Often times I get confused because i will go through periods of lucid dreaming, to regular dreaming, to sleep paralysis, all in different sequence sometimes. WHen I was younger I used to "wake up" paralyzed while people I knew like my parents or sister were going about their regular things if it was during the day. However two years ago I started to have sleep paralysis more and more, usually a few times a week, I begun seeing the "dark figures" and one especially that stands near wherever I am sleeping. I then began doing research by googling things such as "sleep can't move". It was then that I began seeing an uncanny resemblance to my experiences with those of other peoples (i still find it hard to believe it can be explained by science and that im hallucinating my biggest fears).

One night I woke up (the tv was on) and there was this furry little thing sitting on my stomach). I threw him off. Then I heard a voice say "stand up". I still remember the show that was playing although in my current state I couldn't hear the sound (it was the Jersey Shore lol). It was at that point that I stood up, however I did not look to see if my body was there because I was afraid to look. I then walked into the living room of my apartment and that little furry thing was in there, he told me not to open the front door (i dont know if he told me but thats the vibe i got). I picked him up and threw him, I then opened the door. In the doorway which led outside of my apartment and into the hall stood the black figure waiting and as I backed up the room filled with black and i awoke.

This is one episode I had where I feel like I had astra-projected, I was still fully aware, like sleep paralysis, but I still cannot be sure because i didn't turn back to look at myself.

Another time I "woke up" and heard someone banging on my front apartment door. I immediately couldn't move but I knew I had to get up and keep whatever was pounding on the outside. I wouldn't let myself become unparalysed and then I heard the door blow open. I felt the presence of a child run past my bed and go through the kitchen. I didn't see him but I heard him say "dad, Ben". No idea why anyone would say that in my life, as i know one ben from very far away.  

Basically I have trouble trying to Astra-project because I find it hard to lift outside of myself. I just feel very heavy, like im trying to lift 3 times my weight. Another factor is my fear, I always feel that there is a dark presence and that something is coming for me. So right away I usually try to bail out by shaking my head as hard as I can.

[c0sm0nautt]

Hey, Welcome to the forum. 

There's a lot of really knowledgeable people around these parts who can definitely help you out with some of those issues. Dealing with fear is, IMO, probably the greatest challenge for projectors. I remember a few of my early OBEs a couple years back where I would hear this "sinister" and "evil" laughing.

Eventually I just forgot about it and stopped worrying. I focused on my excitement and the possibilities being out-of-body afforded me, which seemed to overrule the fear. It helps to remember that you can never be physically harmed. You can perform certain exercises and visualizations which protect you from "negative" influence.  A simple one is to imagine a globe of light surrounding your body - You can also call on the protection from your higher power or spiritual guides. There are some good books out there which deal with practical psychic self-defense - Robert Bruce has a chapter regarding that in Astral Dynamics.

[stellina757]

Hey Welcome to the forum!

I agree totally with c0sm0nautt. The people on this forum are fantastic! Also I'd say Face your fears next time. Know that nothing can harm you and be brave about it. Try saying to yourself nothing can or will harm me or I am surrounded by light and love and truly BELIEVE it and maybe your dark figures will disappear.  I haven't successfully projected just yet I am about 1 month into my trials  but I  have woken up with sleep paralysis a couple of times in my life and I know it can be very scary but if I knew then what I know now I would have used the sleep paralysis to my advantage.  Be eager and excited to explore and I bet happy things will be on the menu next time!

[Lionheart]

   Welcome iscott! In the Astral thoughts equal action so try to observe things passively when first venturing out.

[iscott]

Thanks everyone for the welcome. At least here I won't be looked at as mad . I have a lot of questions as I am trying to figure out what realm my spiritual (or astra) self enters into. I know a lot of people have experienced positive out of body experiences and even positive states of sleep paralysis. I wonder if there are upper and lower levels of the planes. I do not consider myself spiritual, but the further I delve in this "world" the more I think that there is more than an earthly existence. I want to learn more about the residents of this plane, who resides here other than just guests (by that I mean the living through sleep states). I found this online and I wondered what others thoughts might be on the topic:

"The astral plane is linked closely to the Earth plane. In fact, within the astral plane there exists an exact replica of the Earth plane, with houses, cities, mountains and people. It is not really a replica, but a counterpart of the Earth plane"

Also, what do these shadow figures really want? They maybe induced by my fear, but what do they really want if I let them continue to invade my astra self?

[GodsProxy]

They just want to be your friend. Everyone needs a friend and almost everyone is misunderstood. Those you see in fear are just as valid as those you see in love, however, fear tends to feed off itself. Your perception will change if you meet one in fear, with Love. You may not want to be friends with everyone stuck in fear, but it certainly will be a growing experience.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or I can help.

Also, what do these shadow figures really want? They maybe induced by my fear, but what do they really want if I let them continue to invade my astra self?

[personalreality]

welcome to the pulse.

[Xanth]

Hey there iscott,

Welcome to the Astral Pulse.  It's nice to have you here. 

[astraladdict]

Welcome aboard, it's nice to have you here.

~astraladdict

[NoY]

Welcome to the Pulse 


:NoY:

[iscott]

Hey there iscott,

Welcome to the Astral Pulse.  It's nice to have you here. 

Thanks Ryan, sorry for putting my thread in the wrong category! Thanks for moving it.

[light487]

With the fear (I am still in that stage where I am trying to overcome it also), it's a little like walking down a dark alleyway. You know there is no one there (or behind you) but the moment you think of it, you start to get aware of a presence there even though there really isn't anyone there at all. Unfortunately the damage is already done and your heart rate quickens, adrenaline starts to flow and you are having your "flight or fight" response to basically nothing but fear itself....

...I totally understand.. and that's all it is.. you've projected a negative thought and it's basically rebounded at you and exists only because you are thinking about it. I know these things myself.. but it doesn't really make it any easier to deal with when you're "in the moment".. *sigh*

[GodsProxy]

Fear is remedied by knowledge courage and communication. Turn and face your fear then handle appropriately through love or running away.

[Greytraveller]

A very belated greetings and welcome iscott.

Regards 
Grey