What would you suggest I do?

[Astralsuzy]

Hi all, I notice when my mind feels very relaxed I am about to ap.  It works well.  I ap instantly.  Lately it has changed a bit.  I now notice that my mind feels relaxed but not extremely relaxed and I instantly ap.  The problem is I am not prepared for it so I end up in a dream.  What do you suggest I should do?  Should I try to notice anything that is different when my eyes are closed to give me a clue that I am about to ap?  If I do that, could it tense up my eyes or mind making ap harder to do?  I could try to do an ap technique but the trouble with that is I am not sure when to do it.  It is a bit of a guess if it will work at that moment.   Perhaps I should do both methods.  Thanks for your replies.

[Astralzombie]

If you are relaxing with the intent to AP, it will eventually stop "catching" you unaware. Are you having a series of FA's wherein you check to see if you have projected but then determine that you are still awake?

I think you will most likely overcome this little change sooner than later. It happens to all of us and that's why it is always good to develop more than one method.

[Lionheart]

 Become Lucid in your Dreams, then you will find that they are truly same things.

I rather prefer now to become consciously aware in my LDs. It saves all the work involved with attempting to AP from an awakened state. I find it's a natural progression that occurs after many successful APs. The more you awaken in LDs the more you get to prove to yourself that they are one in the same, but coming from different directions.
It all becomes "common place"! 

[Szaxx]

The exact opposite happened with me.
All I did in the early days was have intent on some purpose/location and most nights I'd make  the trip out and away as it appeared.
This changed into dream control methods and the best by far is partially waking from a nightmare.
It puts you in the void at F21. We know this as the prime state for questions or thoughts to manifest instantly.
Other methods involved seeing some location while physical and imprinting this scene into the subconcious. It's a little tricky but it puts you there in a LD position. Once there you wake partially into the F21...
Other ways are to recognise an item or feeling. Use this recognition as an anchor to stop the dream. It takes around 1 month to work as you eat, live and think about what WILL occur if you see the anchor in a dream.

Then various phasing methods, visual audio and tactile.

I have not mentioned pure INTENT. This works incredibly well, the problem is you have to impress yourself its a matter of life or death. That is sufficient for it to work. It's subconcious programming and the shock technique as it appears may have other side effects. I use it rarely, it affects your emotional side for days.
A few ideas from my list.
Hope they remind you of something useful.

[Astralsuzy]

You are right Lionheart, it would be a lot easier if I learned to lucid dream.  I should make the effort.  When I go to bed I just want to sleep and I do not put the effort into it.   If I do make the effort I try to ap instead.  This morning when I was dreaming I thought it was real.  I did not think I was dreaming.  I think what I am doing is helping to get better astral experiences.  Everyday I say to myself, I can see, I am aware and I can think very well.  This morning I thought I was on the computer and I could see things.  I could also see things in colour.  I realise that when I do ap I think I am aware but when I wake up I realise that I was not able to think that well.  A few days ago, a little girl was wanting to talk to me and I pushed her away.  I would not do that it real life so I realise that my awareness and thinking ability has to improve.   If we are not able to think that well, then it can be easy to see or hear things that are not real. 
That is a great idea Szaxx.  I will think of an anchor.   If I see an anchor then I will know I am out of my body.  I know it will take time for me to see an anchor.  I will keep at it everyday.  I am not sure what anchor to use.  I will think of something.

[Lionheart]

 Awaking in a LD has it's own difficulties as well. The main one being, you are awaking in a scenario that has been created by your sub-conscious mind. This scenario is as vivid as it is here. You then have to become aware and then be able to take control. With Aping from a conscious state, you are in total control the entire way.

Many times I will become aware, but ALLOW the scenario to progress as it was and just be an observer. These are usually Dreams that I feel there is a lesson to be learned in.

I have found that a Dream Journal is vital in learning how to LD. I go back to mine once a week and do a review of all my current Dreams. By doing this, various patterns begin to emerge.

Two nights ago I was Dreaming, I became aware of it, when I stated, "Hey, I just had this Dream last week". As soon as I said that in my Dream, I had full control over it.

[Szaxx]

During my troubled early days I used a small clump of rocks as an anchor. You could use the same or similar in your affirmations. All you need to keep in mind is the shape and size keeping to a regimental view from the outset. With this clump of rocks, anytime I was in ' a troubled position" I knew I'd see the clump. From the removal of the top stone I found whatever I needed to cure the problem. A sort of Pandoras box, it contained anything I thought of and it worked everytime.
Once the problem was 'removed', I had full awareness and the transfer to my desires ensued.
The instant you become partially aware, the rocks were there. The sight of them instilled an awareness that you get when demanding 'clarity now'.
I made this artifact in the late 60's, it still appears. Nowadays it's a source of refreshment. The spring water is so yummy.

[Lionheart]

During my troubled early days I used a small clump of rocks as an anchor. You could use the same or similar in your affirmations. All you need to keep in mind is the shape and size keeping to a regimental view from the outset. With this clump of rocks, anytime I was in ' a troubled position" I knew I'd see the clump. From the removal of the top stone I found whatever I needed to cure the problem. A sort of Pandoras box, it contained anything I thought of and it worked everytime.
Once the problem was 'removed', I had full awareness and the transfer to my desires ensued.
The instant you become partially aware, the rocks were there. The sight of them instilled an awareness that you get when demanding 'clarity now'.
I made this artifact in the late 60's, it still appears. Nowadays it's a source of refreshment. The spring water is so yummy.

Very "ingenious" Szaxx. Kudos on the quick thinking! 

[Astralsuzy]

What you said Lionheart was wise.    Thank you for the suggestion Szaxx.  For my anchor I am going to say to myself everyday, when I see a horse with wings I will know I am out of my body. 
Szaxx how long have you been into ap?  If you have been doing it for a very long time you must be very good at it.

[Szaxx]

Around 50 years.
I started from my earliest memories.
There's questions I have that have never been answered.
I usually answer other's questions.

I was going to put more words in but it's off topic.
It may be an interesting read though. 50 years of being different in the night. Lol

[Astralsuzy]

Wow, 50 years is a long time.  Have you been able to get answers as to what happens in the afterlife?   Are we hear to learn and get on with people?   Have you met amazing people?  When you do ap, are you alert and can think clearly?   Do you ap every night?  Have you reached your goals and if so what are they?   Are you able to travel where you want to go to?  Are you able to see a person who you want to see?
I have ap on and off for approximately seven years now.   I wished I had started a long time ago. 

[Szaxx]

 The more you learn the less you know. It's absolutely immense.
Im typing this with the SP sounds playing in my mind. Im making the sound of a little one saying mummy. I'm adding an overlay of a playground and then lose it because I spelled something wrong.
I love the feel of it. Any sharp noises and you jump, exacly the same when you are half awake or phasing. It's far easier to do just reading, you lose yourself and drop the book and can't quite remember where you read to.
I can obtain this state almost anytime. It's a way out to the other side... Maybe worth a try.

The afterlife as in deceased ones, I've met so few. I have no general wish to do so.
I have met some people for specific information.
I found out after one particular visit he's mostly grumpy, and took his secret with him. I was given a few diagrams and read them perfectly. On my departure he said the world's not ready so forget it all. I have and he's probably correct. I can't remember a thing from the papers shown, that, I find a fascinating capability.
Some people are amazing. Read my New Jericho thread. It's from a while ago but mostly remembered.
The cowardly one, Shane was a master mind reader. He looked deep into my past and found something he didn't know of. Our physical realm, it scared him. I can recall his character well even though 25 years have passed.
Why are we here?
To learn, to have fun too.
Hypnagogic noises are getting the better of me at the moment. Woke up for work at 5:20 and 22 hours later still going. Aahh life, so sweet.
Able to go where I want?
If the need is extreme then yes. Even to the RTZ. Read 'Just a dream' thread for details.
Goals? I never thought on that, I've been doing this too long. Some things are met,one is reducing the emotional side of a high clarity precognitive dream (big ouch factor). Being able to have some 'me' time hasn't. Theres a few things for fun I'd like to do. I usually end up in a standard dream or being sent on a retrieval. I like the retrievals as some really make you think hard.
In the 80's I was capable of an exit almost anytime. I had a sleep to wake timing system worked out. This put my body in the perfect position of tiredness at whatever time I wanted to exit. Having an hour lunch break, I used this to perfection.
The amount of clarity of self is dependant on who/what has control and sometimes you have a job to do. Total control if I conciously phase. Once in the blackness or a predetermined scene. I find this lasts until the phase shift is complete then a packet of info comes from wherever and I'm on a mission saving some situation or being placed in a reality with very limited concious awareness and know I've got to solve the problem before I can leave.
These are challenging and teach you how to overcome obstacles. When you're not permitted to float things into the sky in certain locations out of respect to the locals, you have a requirement to meet, your wit and knowledge of how much you can push the boundaries comes into play. One mess-up and you lose access to some of these pleasant places. The alternatives can get messy. I'd rather rescue a fluffy kitten from a tree than have to rescue a bad tempered alien from the sewers.
I've done both and the messy one has repeated many times. You learn to do things correctly.

[Lionheart]

Im typing this with the SP sounds playing in my mind. Im making the sound of a little one saying mummy. I'm adding an overlay of a playground and then lose it because I spelled something wrong.
I love the feel of it. Any sharp noises and you jump, exacly the same when you are half awake or phasing. It's far easier to do just reading, you lose yourself and drop the book and can't quite remember where you read to.
I can obtain this state almost anytime. It's a way out to the other side... Maybe worth a try.

Hypnagogic noises are getting the better of me at the moment. Woke up for work at 5:20 and 22 hours later still going. Aahh life, so sweet.

Get some sleep Szaxx!

When I am extremely tried it takes no time at all to hit SP. Just sitting period is enough to get the buzzing going. So, I understand exactly what you are saying.  

[Astralsuzy]

 Thanks for that Szaxx.   That was interesting.  This morning I did ap.  I was imagining things and I was out of my body.  When it did not work I was back to breathing in and out.  I have to accept that I am not always going to ap.  Something may happen and I will not ap or I might fall asleep.  I had to concentrate so I would not fall asleep.  It is easy to do.  Aping is not my goal.  My goal is to have experiences that are real.   I have had a lot of great experiences.  This morning was more like a dream.  That was a bit disappointing.  I have learnt to accept it and not to worry about it.

[Szaxx]

There's a definite point in the amount of sleep we give ourselves where too much or too little and you either fall asleep/don't recall the experience. Or you are awake for hours and the itchy scratcy bit goes on forever.
Some nights are easy while most are more far more difficult. I don't get enough sleep so the outings are less frequent. There's many times Ive been at the door and someone has disturbed me too. 
The attempts during the night are usually far better for successful exits, these at present dont exist, once I wake, its time to get up for work.
Pushing it too much again. If I had more sleep the exits would be mostly on demand. They were for years before I started a family.
I think that move was not too good for APing. Lol
Have any of you found the perfect balance of sleep required?
Mine is around 6.5 to 7.5 hours. At present Im getting 5.5 and feeling it too.

[Astralsuzy]

A lot of times I do not seem to feel tired.  I relax and I meditate a lot.  I get up early to go to work and I do not feel tired.   There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night and I feel really tired.  I just want to sleep so I do.

[Szaxx]

That feeling is what you want. Your body is screaming at you for sleep and it's around 2 hours before you'd normally wake up for the day.
It feels like you need more sleep but this is a really good time to try a concious exit. Let the body sleep, thats what needs to happen. Your mind is being told to sleep subconciously, ignore this and exit. The results are far more successful at this point.
Everything is primed but the concious you. A thought cures this. Be determined and drop the physical, your attempts will be far more successful.

[Astralsuzy]

I do not know about that.  Perhaps you are right.  I do not feel like trying.   I feel groggy and very tired.  I just want to sleep.  I could wake myself up a bit.  It probably sounds strange but I like to feel the opposite.  I usually get up early in the morning about 3.00 am.  I do not feel tired and I go out into the back room.  I mostly ap. 

[Astralsuzy]

This morning I was practicing to ap.  I did not ap but I am not disappointed.  I instantly went into the astral.  I realised it and I went back into my body again.  It happened about two or three times.  With practice I think I will get better and I will realise that I am out of my body.  I will let you know how it goes.

[Astralsuzy]

I thought all I have to do is notice how my mind is feeling.  When it starts to feel relaxed then I know I can ap.  I was wrong.  I noticed my mind was not relaxed.  I decided to imagine that I was walking.  I was amazed when I realised that I was out of my body.  I did not expect it to happen.