Feedback and encouragement sought

[Shenlord]

Hello friends,

I am looking for general encouragement and suggestions from you, experienced phasers/travelers.

A quick background
I have been on the spiritual/non-physical journey for many years. I have meditated/done yoga/qigong regularly for four decades. This has made my life and energy smooth and beautiful. I just want more and I want to go deeper!

As a child and young adult I would find myself in a tunnel being pulled out with incredibly loud sounds around me. I had no idea what was going on and I resisted and fought to pull back. This could happen anywhere and was frightening and unpleasant. I now realize I was phasing out without knowing it or even what it was.  I also vividly remembered moving through the birth canal in dream/altered states. I repressed all of this (asking it to stop) and lost the ability in my early 20's.

Through the years, I have also had quite a few powerful "transcendental" experiences, which I now realize have been of "the OBE/phasing generated through meditation" variety. ("'Divine" states and beings, bliss, massive energy phenomena  etc.) Again randomly generated and I have been lacking the ability to "make them happen".

Present time
I recently realized that I wanted to expand into the non-physical much more and much more deeply: OBE and more powerful Kundalini experiences seemed the way to go.

I started with Robert Bruce's Mastering Astral Projection. I did the whole program and got a lot out of it. It was a good fit for me because the metaphors and belief structures he uses were congruent with mine. After 3 months of practicing 2-8 hours a day I had a conscious OBE in June. It lasted a few seconds and I popped back in. Nothing as definite or powerful since!

Throughout the Bruce practice I had  incredibly strong energy rushes while practicing. It took a lot of discipline to relax through them. They have since slowed down in intensity. I phase into imagery, 3d imagery, trance states.  But I don't  fully "go" or  phase into the different reality which is what I want to achieve. I want to experience more of the infinite universe because there is nothing else that really seems worth doing in my life (more money? more tantric sex? public recognition? thrills?).

I discovered Astral Pulse and expanded my view. I read and am experimenting with all the approaches to OBE/phasing you guys are (kindly) sharing here.

Right now I am alternating approaches (intuitively): the Monroe  Gateway program; The Bruce mystical realm and energy body approach, the Frank Kepple approach, Beedekin, Xanth, Lionheart etc. (Thank you all.) I want to synthesize all this create my own way, of course.

When I try to practice phasing the Frank Kepple way I mostly do not experience much of a shift and usually fall asleep. I love the way he looked at the whole phenomenon and how he demystified the process. So intellectually, his work has been of great use to me.

I am considering working on Lucid Dreams since many of you seem to think that is the easiest way to achieve reliable conscious np states.

Discipline and practice are an absolute delight for me. I always commit several hours a day to my evolution.  I am willing to do all the work that it might require. So pile it on me if it makes sense to do so!

What suggestions would you give me so I can achieve more "reliably-occuring" OBE phasing experiences? This is really my only question for you guys, though I added some numbered questions below.



Questions
1. Do you recommend working on Lucid dreams to speed up my evolution?
2. Is the massive time chunk approach a useful option? It certainly seems to be so for me. (4-8+ hours a day). Living and breathing my practice.
3. Does drinking a cup of coffee a day have any relevance here.
4. Is diet a relevant factor? Bruce says yes. Some said no.
5. Are energy body development and exit training (à la Robert Bruce) something some of you have reliable success with? It certainly feels good but I want much more.
6. Do you advise following the Monroe Gateway program all the way through?
7. How could I reclaim my childhood spontaneous tunnel phasing ability.

Also is the Astral Academy still operating? The links don't seem to work for me.

I hope I have not created too long a post.
I await your feedback and ideas.
Best: Jean-Paul

[Bluefirephoenix]

I'm not a big fan of Robert Bruce as far as technique is concerned. . So I'm not going to comment on his work. I will give you my take on the questions I feel comfortable answering. I tried his techniques diligently and found that they did not work well for me. I did find another way which I will entail somewhat here.
Questions
1. Do you recommend working on Lucid dreams to speed up my evolution?  Finding the divine connection within you, God however you define him, is the only way I know of  to evolve spiritually. Going to the source does not require astral projection or lucid dreaming but going within and clearing obstacles.


2. Is the massive time chunk approach a useful option? It certainly seems to be so for me. (4-8+ hours a day). Living and breathing my practice.
A man after my own heart. practice makes perfect. Consistency is more important than time chunks during the day. Keep a pace that you can maintain for years.

3. Does drinking a cup of coffee a day have any relevance here. I have been told by my teacher that coffee and tea are poisonous. I had to stop drinking all caffinated beverages. ... believe me this was not easy. So clear physical system handles the training better. my regimine eliminated alcohol, caffiene, medications except for an occasional asprin or Ibuprofin at half dose, diet of 80% vegetables. I am not a vegetarian.

4. Is diet a relevant factor? Bruce says yes. Some said no. It's individual. My husband and I both feel that quantity is more important than what you eat. If beans and legumes bloat you up it's not conducive to practice. I don't tolerate grains or legumes very well. You body metabolism will dictate what you need. I'm 49 so my metabolism is slowing down and I need less calories and more vegetables to maintain my health.


5. Are energy body development and exit training (à la Robert Bruce) something some of you have reliable success with? It certainly feels good but I want much more. If your not tapping into the divine source of your energy ( God ) it's going to be difficult to have much success. In that connection there is no limit to the energy.


6. Do you advise following the Monroe Gateway program all the way through? The first half is good I think the second half is kinda lame.1-12 might be helpful
7. How could I reclaim my childhood spontaneous tunnel phasing ability.  in two words Divine connection. All abilities come from the source of spiritual being.

[Kzaal]

1. Lucid Dreams is Astral Projecting, so it can definitely help to achieve a deeper OBE if you can pull yourself out of the LD and reach higher planes.
2. Yes the more you concentrate time on it the easier you will find it is to leave your body.
3. Drinking coffee might change your experience a little (more agitated) but from my experience I don't think it's a big factor.
4. Now, diets... it really depends if it's a good one. You need to find one that will eliminate all toxins and clean your body. Make sure it doesn't cut on your daily nutrition needs if you do it. I would say your visions can be much more clear when you are on a good diet but I have never experienced it myself.
5. I don't know his methods, I can say that the more you are balanced in your chakras the more chances you have to succeed your AP. For me, I always work on my Chakras and I never have any problems leaving my body.
6. I never read anything about Monroe.
7. Sometimes we want more and just that, creates a barrier for your mind, you have to remove that thought because it's like a process, information wants to go in but it's not the right kind of information that you want. If I go to the Non-Physical Realm, I go there and let the information come in. You have to let all information come in. The more you want something the less likely it's going to happen.
Spontaneous astral projections can only be done as fast as you can concentrate to clear your mind and forget your body.

[LightBeam]

Hi Shenlord,

Here are my responses. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

1. Do you recommend working on Lucid dreams to speed up my evolution?
    The best way to achieve LDs are through affirmations. Repeat right as you are falling asleep "I will remain aware in my dreams. My inner energy is active." Along with the affirmation feel your inner energy raising its frequency and that you are vibrating internally. The most important thing is to do this AS YOU ARE FALLING ASLEEP. Many people don't realize that success strongly depends on the time you practice any given technique. You body needs to fall asleep and when you are not tired, lets say during the day and you are not ready for a nap, no matter how relaxed you may get, you cant fully achieve an AP. You may see some flickers and see through your eye lids, but not a full astral re focus. So, keep that in mind when you practice not just affirmations but any techniques. I am not a fan of Robert Bruce, but I achieved my first OBE 10 years ago by following the visualization/motion technique by William Buhlman. I strongly recommend to read his books and try some of his techniques.
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2. Is the massive time chunk approach a useful option? It certainly seems to be so for me. (4-8+ hours a day). Living and breathing my practice.
     I never practice that long. I don't have time. I used to when I was in high school and tried Monroe's meditation but I never succeeded. I practice for about 20 min before bed and that does the trick. Again, the right technique and the right time are important, not the length of time.


3. Does drinking a cup of coffee a day have any relevance here.
    I have not noticed any differences. Sometimes I drink regular coffee, sometimes decaf.


4. Is diet a relevant factor? Bruce says yes. Some said no.
    I def feel better when I am on a low carb flow and not eating after 4 PM. And I have noticed that my brain does a better job to translate/remember dreams and I have more frequent and clear OBEs.

6. Do you advise following the Monroe Gateway program all the way through?
    Never tried it. I just tried his meditation technique, but never succeeded.

7. How could I reclaim my childhood spontaneous tunnel phasing ability.
    Back then you must have had certain beliefs and attention which you may have lost. As we grow, we tend to focus more on the "real life", responsibilities, etc and forget our innocent, open and curious nature. Just re focus your thoughts inward and try some different techniques just to test them out.

[Xanth]

Questions
1. Do you recommend working on Lucid dreams to speed up my evolution?
2. Is the massive time chunk approach a useful option? It certainly seems to be so for me. (4-8+ hours a day). Living and breathing my practice.
3. Does drinking a cup of coffee a day have any relevance here.
4. Is diet a relevant factor? Bruce says yes. Some said no.
5. Are energy body development and exit training (à la Robert Bruce) something some of you have reliable success with? It certainly feels good but I want much more.
6. Do you advise following the Monroe Gateway program all the way through?
7. How could I reclaim my childhood spontaneous tunnel phasing ability.

Also is the Astral Academy still operating? The links don't seem to work for me.

1.  Lucid dreaming IS astral projection IS dreaming IS remote viewing IS... well, you get the point.  What you're really asking is, "should I practice becoming aware while dreaming?"
The different labels people use really only denote the "how" you "entered" the non-physical.
2.  Do whatever works for you.  
3.  I drink probably... 4 - 6 cups (well, let's just call them HUGE mugs LOL) of coffee per day.  It doesn't bother me... but that's ME.  Everyone reacts differently to things.  Use your own judgment.
4.  I personally say NO, diet has no factor in it.  
5.  Energy body blah blah blah... I don't do it and project just fine.  Always have.  Some people swear by it.  Again, just go by what works for YOU.  
6.  Monroe Gateway... I'd probably stick to what Frank suggests and just do the first few.  You really don't need to get into their entire series unless you want to.
7.  You might not be able to.  Just keep practicing and other "abilities" will come through for you.  

The Astral Academy was shut down a little while ago.
I have opened something similar on my own forum where myself and a few others help people one-on-one to learn to project.  You can follow the forum link in my signature to access it.  

[Szaxx]

Intent is the key.
Daily affirmations with desire for results can program the subconcious in a few weeks. This leads to lucid dreams or you become aware in a scene and take control.
Diet has little effect personally, I drink lots of coffee and eat stupid amounts of carbs way off the scale for most. This may be attributed to self healing meditation in my case.
As you're using visuals in your endeavours, you may find some useful info in 'the astral blueprint' I posted a while ago, that's if you've not already had a read.
Your tunnel may reappear too. It's something that leads to a good experience if you stay aware and let it do its thing naturally. To get the best out of your efforts make sure you become very aware of yourself like you are at present reading this. The hazy dreamlike awareness will not be sufficient to see it through.
You've learned not to fear this art and that'll be a large portion of progress in your favour.
See you on the other side.

[Dreamshards]

1. Do you recommend working on Lucid dreams to speed up my evolution? This is one approach you can take. I often have OBE's by lucid dreaming. There are many techniques to use, including the affirmations while you are falling asleep that you will realize you are dreaming and remember it when you wake up.
2. Is the massive time chunk approach a useful option? It certainly seems to be so for me. (4-8+ hours a day). Living and breathing my practice. I know I wouldn't have enough time for that and my advice to you is to not waste all of your waking time worrying about astral projecting. It sounds like you might just stress yourself out more when you are trying to lay down and relax in the middle of the day and fail at doing so. Enjoy waking life and try to direct AP in the evening or early morning.
3. Does drinking a cup of coffee a day have any relevance here. I doubt it. I drink caffeine all the time and sleep just fine. Like stated above though, caffeine has different effects on everyone. If you are sensitive to it don't drink it hours before bed.
4. Is diet a relevant factor? Bruce says yes. Some said no. I really can't comment on this. It's probably true that eating horribly can effect how you sleep at night or your ability to relax. I wouldn't be overly worried about it.
5. Are energy body development and exit training (à la Robert Bruce) something some of you have reliable success with? It certainly feels good but I want much more. I have enjoyed training myself to do energy work but NOT because of AP. I don't see how it has any relevance and it is not needed to project. I am not a fan of Robert Bruce because most of his book is centered around making you think you need to advance in energy work and exit techniques in order to successfully AP. Not true! He does have a point in the "mind split" phenomena though. The whole point is to be completely mentally aware right when you fall asleep.
6. Do you advise following the Monroe Gateway program all the way through? I am not familiar with it. It might have worked for some but my belief is that people wanting to AP over think it too much.
7. How could I reclaim my childhood spontaneous tunnel phasing ability. I really don't know what to tell you there. When I was a child I had the most vivid AP experiences. Though I have had some that are close, I just was much more aware and could remember when I woke up when I was a kid. I think the first thing is to start APing again, and then you can practice techniques to improve awareness.

[soarin12]

Many people don't realize that success strongly depends on the time you practice any given technique. You body needs to fall asleep and when you are not tired, lets say during the day and you are not ready for a nap, no matter how relaxed you may get, you cant fully achieve an AP. You may see some flickers and see through your eye lids, but not a full astral re focus. So, keep that in mind when you practice not just affirmations but any techniques.

The above is key.  I've seen a lot of people blow off this advice and end up very frustrated.  The only time this doesn't work so well is at bed time.  You're mind is just too sleepy and it's too difficult to stay conscious.  It WILL work at bedtime if you've had a nap within 4 hrs. prior, though.  So, good timing and practice is - Before bed, pray, meditate, affirmations, then let yourself fall asleep.  Then attempt actual projection anytime you wake up during the night or early morning.  Don't wait too long in the morning. After 7 or 8 hrs. sleep, your body wants to wake up too much and your window closes.  Before a nap also can work well.

Practice meditating and visualization during the day.  I just do half hr. or so.  It's plenty and I don't have time for more.  I would practice both, though.  That way you can rotate techniques which is important because sometimes one technique temporarily stops working.

I have to project on an empty or near empty stomach. It won't work otherwise.  I don't know why -it's just me, I guess.  Maybe because I have reflux.

I had childhood experiences too that in my 20's I wanted to reclaim. (I heard beautiful music that I called 'the music from heaven')  What I did to get it back was have a desire for it and ask God to let me hear it again.  About a week later my prayer was answered.

Good luck!  

[Shenlord]

Thank you all for your ideas and fellowship. Answers came back so fast! I have read all the answers but I need to digest them.  Will hop back on soon. Thanks again.

[EscapeVelocity]

I just caught up with this thread. You have been given much good advice from very experienced travelers.

If you haven't tried it before, then I especially like the affirmation suggestions; this is a very practical form of re-programming; also, I would add the idea of requesting permission to do AP from your inner/higher self. Ask for awareness in your dreams -is a good start.

A second idea is to alternate the timing of your attempts: try waking up 2 hours early and then trancing. Try the WBTB-Wake, Back To Bed technique. As a sub-technique, research Rundowns: a specific visualization format to follow as your physical body slips back into sleep. Movement and rhythm are the keys to this...we are all somewhat unique in what works for us initially and then it even changes over time; quite the challenge!

Third -take a complete break for two weeks and forget about the whole AP thing...sometimes we plateau and need recovery/assimilation time...the rule seems to be that if nothing is working, it may be a message to quit for awhile...why? Your guess is as good as mine. Lol

Many of our early experiences happen almost by accident, so a variety of techniques and attempts is what is necessary until we stumble into a few experiences and our inner self starts to understand what we want.

A big part of it is simply being open to whatever experience presents itself.