Can I get a proffesional opinion on this?

[Degekozen]

I find it hard to reach the sleep paralysis stage because my muscles (mainly in my arms and legs) will subconsciously tense, but only slightly enough for me to notice after a few minutes that they have and that I need to regain my relaxed state. Now the problem is that this will occur constantly and as if only a few moments have passed after I relaxed said muscles and they will, once again, revert to this slight tensing. Also, when I feel a large sum of energy course through my body the muscles in the local proximity will tense up even more noticeably and can be extremely difficult to relax again. This and my eyes (I'm pretty sure its my physical eyes because it feels like they dry up and I'll forced to blink) will become a hassle to keep closed after awhile and It feels like I have to really force them shut thus using even more muscles. I've noticed that this will usually happen when I switch my concentration into the void behind my eyelids and I fear this may be the cause of this.

I am aware that I'm pretty much reposting from about 3 months ago (Thread: http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/welcome_to_out_of_body_experiences/subconscious_tensing_in_the_muscles-t37592.0.html;msg308249#msg308249) but I still haven't found the right solution yet and I need help to figure out the best possible answer to these problems...

A few answers that I've received in the past:
1.) Practice AP in the morning (tried a few times but not enough to come to a conclusion)
2.) Stretch before session (stretching and a mix of tensing my muscles before meditating has helped, but the problem will always pop it's head out eventually)
3.) Just let them passively tense and keep it from distracting me from having a clear mind. (Seems plausible, but I'm pretty sure the muscles HAVE to be relaxed for SP to occur and without it APing will be even that more difficult)

TL;DR- How can I keep my muscles relaxed, and keep my eyes closed to reach SP?

(Bonus Qs:) How do you "feel" and "move" your astral limbs? E.G. For correct use of the rope, roll-out, push/pull, etc. techniques?
                 What are some alternate techniques to reach SP?

[Degekozen]

If by describing my AP sessions help get an answer or any positive feedback, ill be more than glad to help!

>Usually tart around 11-1am after an average 5-8hr sleep the night before.
>Stretch and lye in the basic prone position to tense muscles to aid in relaxation.
>I used to use Binaural Beats to AP but I find it literally impossible to not tense.
>Breathe deeply and with each breathe out I imagine descending in an elevator (Heard it helped getting SP).
>Sometimes TRY to relax muscles even more by imagining a relaxating white light ascending from my feet (Just the energy I feel through this will sometimes tense the muscles that it should be relaxing, ironic I know).
>Keep mind clear by solely focusing on the ringing in my ears, that is until I realize that either my feet or hands are tensing and then I'll try to relax the specific area by concentrating on relaxing muscles with each exhale).
>Attempt many different AP techniques from time to time but stopped using like the roll-out, push/pull, climbing techniques because I may be either confusing my Astral body with my physical body and causing it to tense OR It may possibly be the energy from the attempt that tenses the muscles.
>If (and a strong 'if') I manage to reach the vibrations I'll be assured that my muscles will most indefinitely tense and tense HARD!
>After about 30min-1hr, I'll give up and (not moving from the same position) switch my focus on meditating and opening my chakras in hopes that in that time-span of about 15-30 extra minutes, I'll be either in SP or have AP'd while opening chakras.
>Most likely case scenario is that I can still feel my arms and legs and give up on reaching the SP stage and head to sleep.

So... Any suggestions?

[todd421757]

What are some alternate techniques to reach SP?

http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/welcome_to_out_of_body_experiences/how_to_keep_the_mind_awake-t36625.0.html

This is by far the easiest method for me when I want to achieve sleep paralysis. There have been others that have reported success after doing this technique also.

I have switched up my OBE technique lately, so I don't require sleep paralysis anymore. But for some people, I believe sleep paralysis makes the OBE technique more successful.

[Lionheart]

 Degekozen , it sounds to me that you are putting wayyyyyyyy too much emphasis and focus on your physical body. To be successful you have to let go of the Physical focus. Relax, release, let go and just let what happens happen. 
Good Luck and Safe Travels! 

[Degekozen]

Thank you so much for the input bro! I'm about to go try it and I'm really looking forward to the results! Wish me luck

I'll be monitoring this thread and try to give updates and in the meantime, give any helpful advice I find.
I know there's others that share the same problem as I (as proven in first thread) and if we can put our brains together we CAN find a relatively easy and effective solution to break down this "barrier" that prevents us from that which we desire!

[Lionheart]

 I have spasms all the time when I try to Phase. I have a lot of times where I even have to swallow or when I actually sneeze. But I never let this stop me, I just work through and stay the course. Example, today I had Toenail surgery, my toe is in extreme discomfort. I just did a Phase session where I relaxed, released and let go. After about 25 minutes I had no physical focus at all, no pain in my Toe at all. It's really a case of mind over matter, if you don't mind it doesn't matter, you just push through it.

[Degekozen]

To be successful you have to let go of the Physical focus. Relax, release, let go and just let what happens happen.

Thanks for the advice! But to make this clear, are you referring to answer #3 as stated in the original post?
If I may, I have a few questions regarding that...
1.) Even if not focused on my physical muscles, is it still possible to reach SP (to achieve an easier AP, of course) with the muscled tensed? all though I assume my muscles are probably tense during actual sleep, a very common problem in most Americans...
2.) And does the same theory apply to the passive opening of my eyelids? Do I just let them open to whatever extent they please? It's usually not completely opened, but about a 5-10 degree angle like a relaxed squint.

[Lionheart]

Thanks for the advice! But to make this clear, are you referring to answer #3 as stated in the original post?
If I may, I have a few questions regarding that...
1.) Even if not focused on my physical muscles, is it still possible to reach SP (to achieve an easier AP, of course) with the muscled tensed? all though I assume my muscles are probably tense during actual sleep, a very common problem in most Americans...
2.) And does the same theory apply to the passive opening of my eyelids? Do I just let them open to whatever extent they please? It's usually not completely opened, but about a 5-10 degree angle like a relaxed squint.

1.) If you relax, your muscles will relax as well. Your muscles are extremely relaxed upon awakening. This is one of the reasons so many people are successful with the "Wake Back to Bed" technique.
2.) I solved the irritating problems of having my eyelids opening while attempting to AP by wearing a "cherry pit" eye mask. I even warmed it in the microwave so I could use it to relax my eye muscles, which are the most important muscles to relax while attempting to AP. For a time I had the problem of my eyes opening or I saw light in the Astral and thought I might be seeing through my physical eyelids.  So each time I attempted to AP I would learn what was hindering me and immediately fix it. Pretty soon I had systematically handled all of my contentions. The worst thing you can have while trying to AP is doubt!

[Degekozen]

Just an update on yesterdays AP session:

I was able to reach sleep paralysis SO MUCH EASIER with todd421757's technique and with Lionhearts advice but I still have all my muscles tensing to the max when it comes to the energy I get from the vibrations... I wonder if I kept the same mindset during the vibrations, that I'll still be able to AP even with my muscles fully flexed?

[Lionheart]

Just an update on yesterdays AP session:

I was able to reach sleep paralysis SO MUCH EASIER with todd421757's technique and with Lionhearts advice but I still have all my muscles tensing to the max when it comes to the energy I get from the vibrations... I wonder if I kept the same mindset during the vibrations, that I'll still be able to AP even with my muscles fully flexed?

Excellent, now we are getting somewhere. I just wanted to say that if you "believe" that having your muscles flexed is going to hinder you, then it shall. Change you belief on that and you will change your results.

[Stookie_]

You muscles are probably tensing because your putting too much thought into it. You can train your body to become relaxed quickly if you take your time in the beginning. (Also, stay away from sugar as much as possible).

Here's my suggestion: Spend time relaxing each part of your body. Start at your toes on one foot, move up to your foot, ankle, shin, calf, knee, etc. Don't move your awareness to the next area until the previous area feels completely relaxed. Do legs, arms, back, shoulders, torso, head. The whole process should take at least 15 minutes, and if your still not fully relaxed, do it again from the beginning. Don't even begin thinking about attempting a projection technique until you feel fully relaxed. When I say relaxed, I mean relaxed. It should feel good.

Think of relaxing as step #1 (forget about SP for now), and it will make the next steps much easier.