Messages

Hi All,

It had been 4 months to the day since I had my last OBE. I was starting to get frustrated.  Last night, I finally got out again.  

I have been listening to deepmind VI on BWgen for a couple of weeks. I took a break over the weekend and then started listening to it again 3 days ago.  Last night I got home from work, ate 2 peices of string cheese[] relaxed for about 30 minutes and went in and plugged in my headset.  After listening to the deepmind VI preset for about 45 minutes, I decided to shut it off and go to bed.

At some point during a dream I felt intense vibrations and started breathing deeply to enhance them.  After about 4-5 deep breaths the vibrations stopped.  I thought I had messed up and took off my sleepmask.  I couldn't see so I started to take off my 2nd sleep mask.  At that point, I realized I only have 1 sleepmask[] and I had experienced a false awakening.

I didn't want to blow it so I started relaxing again and taking deep slow breaths.  Next my butt sank down through the bed but my arms and legs were still up.  I was in a position like I had just fell into a bathtub with my arms and legs hanging outside like a drunk cowboy in a spaghetti western.[]  When I reached up to try to crawl out, I started seeing everything around me in astral vision.

It gets kind of personal from here, but at one point I met this girl and I knew she was in trouble.  She was shaking.  I immediately percieved that she was an addict and had overdosed.  I asked her how much she took several times. She kept saying that she took "a dollar amount" but would not be specific about a measurement. I took her by the arm and said come with me.  I wondered to myself if she was dead and didn't know it.  I didn't want to alarm her in case I might be wrong so I didn't say anything.  I am not sure where I was taking her but I awoke back in my body before we reached our destination.

Some interesting firsts for me last night:

The first time I fell through my bed.
The first time I carried on a meaningful conversation with someone.
My first verifiable false awakening.

All in all, I am just glad to OBE again.

D.C.

Hi All,

I am currently working through a dry spell.  My last OBE was just over 3 months ago.  I had my first one last September.  I went until January before I had another.  But starting in January, I had eight in 3 months with my last being in mid March.  Then poof, they are gone.  

I was just wondering how long you experienced OBE/APers have gone between events and how often you may experience these dry spells.

thanks,

D.C.

Hi All,

I have been lurking here for a while and have finally decided to jump in.  I fell into OBEs totally by accident. I could remember lucid dreaming when I was a kid and started researching on the web when my daughter was having serious problems sleeping. Later, I stumbled on to the on-line book by Robert Peterson and read it in three sittings out of curiosity.  On the third night I went to bed and out of no where it happened.  I wasn't even trying.[] That was in September.  I have now had nine OBEs to date.  Only one has been concious and all but one have been pretty short.  So far I am only able to project to the real-time zone as described in Astral Dynamics.

Now to my question..

During several of my OBEs there was this little shadow man.  he was about 2 feet tall and totally black.  He wore a fedora hat and had no noticable features.  The best way to describe him is an animated 2 dimentional black cartoon. In one of my OBE's, I confronted him and asked him who he was and what his intentions were. He ran away and I haven't seen him since.  I later read about the small monkey-like creatures in Astral Dynamics and I wonder if any of you have ever seen these little guys and what their intentions were?

And Lastly,

Thanks for providing a forum where a person can go to discuss "events"[?] of this nature.  When I tell my wife about these things, I get the old "hmmm,that's nice dear" response.  

Dream Cadet  

CONGRATULATIONS!!

All of that hard work has finally paid off for you.  Was it worth it?[][]


Happy Travels,

D.C.

Hi YoungOldSoul,

I had my first OBE without trying.  I read an online book by Robert Peterson out of curiosity.  I didn't practice the exercizes or anything.  The night that I finished the book I had an OBE that lasted about 2 minutes.  I have had 10 since then.

The best method is the one that works for you.  Try methods until you get something that seems to work. I believe that you can get too wrapped up in a "method".  I believe it is has to do more with relaxing, focusing (or not focusing) and letting it happen instead of making it happen.  It sounds simple but can take a lot of practice and I have a long way to go.  

I've read 6 books including the three by Monroe and Astral Dynamics.  They helped define a basic foundation for OBE's.  Truthfully, I have learned more from Frank, MajorTom, Cube and a few others on this site about the intricate details involved.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

Hi Krevency,

quote:These cds and stuff (and even the Monroe Institute) seem kind of like cheat codes. And that's only if they work for you. If they don't, then it's a lot of money down the drain.

I see the tapes as more of a tool than a cheat code.  Carpenters built houses for years without power tools.  The discovery of these tools made building houses easier.  However, a carpenter can't build a house with power tools alone. They still need the old foundation tools such as a tape measure, framing square and claw hammer.

I have had 10 OBEs. only one of them was with the aid of a tape but it was as strong and clear as any of the others.  I believe you are doing the right thing by preparing but I wouldn't completely discount the use of an aid such as a tape if you hit a snag along the way such as I did.


Happy Travels,

D.C.

MajorTom,

I have cut back on my coffee lately as well. I'm trying to see if it makes a difference.  Back during my heaviest concentration of OBEs, I practically spent my paycheck at Starbucks on doubleshot bolds (major caffiene)[].  My wife marveled at the fact that I could drink a double shot (espresso) venti sized bold coffee and lay down and take a nap an hour later. If I drink coffee and get still, I fall asleep.

I limit my coffee to a few cups of home brew lately. As of yet, I don't see where it makes much of a difference.


D.C.

Andrew,

I have had one OBE after listening to a BWGEN preset called deepmind VI.  I have listened to it about 20 times.  Even if I don't have an OBE, I feel a difference.  I have a fan in my bedroom. When I go to bed after listening to the preset, my sense of hearing fades right before I doze off. It sounds like the fan is fading in the distance.  The only problem is, when I notice it, I snap out and the noise of the fan comes back.  I can attest to the fact that presets do affect some people at least to some degree.  

I would suggest caution when choosing presets.  Just about anyone can create one.  It might save you some headaches in the long run.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

MajorTom,

Clear as mud![] Just Kidding!

quote:The main difference, as you already mention, in the instability of these images in focus 10. That is, as soon you bring in some sense of self or an awareness that of yourself doing the watching, it is very difficult to hold your lock onto them.

It sounds to me that you know exactly what I'm experiencing.  The term "dream vignette" describes it perfectly.

This experience is very repeatable to me.  At least I know that I am able to get into focus 10 easily. I feel like I can anchor this step and start moving forward from here.

You have given me a great description of what It will take to get to the next step. I will now be able to recognize Focus 21 when I get there.

Thanks for the time and effort that you put into explaining this for me.

Happy Travels,

D.C.  

MajorTom,

Thank you so much for explaining Focus 10 in great detail. I have been in focus 10 more frequently than I realized. I often get to the stage that I can no longer recognize where my limbs are.  Your paper gives me some indication of where I'm at.

I have a question for you or anyone who might have any suggestions.

In the morning, I often awaken in a very relaxed state.  I can close my eyes and I kind of "lock" on a recognizable feeling.  Shortly afterword, I can see full screen images with movement.  It may consist of a computer screen with letters being typed on it or scenery with moving creatures. Once I acknowledge the scenery in any way, I lose it.  This repeats several times until I either wake up or fall back into a normal sleep.  I am learning to be passive and the images are lasting longer.  OK, here's my question. Do you feel that I am starting to get beyond the Focus 10 stage at this point and if I keep working on being passive, do you think it will pay off by being able to hold the imagery long enough to turn it into a phasing or OBE experience?

Sorry for the lengthy post.

Happy travels,

D.C.

wintermute,

I can't help much with the shadow thing.  I have never experienced anything quite like that. I did want to say welcome to the boards though.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

Hi Invisible,

quote:I suddenly get the urge like I have been holding my bladder for too long and I have to go relieve myself.This thing is tinkling me off.

Nice pun[)]

This has happened to me.  I actually empty my bladder a couple of times before I lay down. I've also just thought I needed to go.

2 possible reasons:

1.  If you actually do have to empty your bladder, you didn't empty it enough before you started.  When your body starts to relax, the muscle that naturally holds back the release of urine(don't know what it's called) may be relaxing also.

2. If you just have the "urge" to empty your bladder, but there's nothing there when you go, your body may be sending the signal to protect itself from reaching the OBE state. I feel that this may manifest itself in many ways. My body does'nt give up easily when I try to OBE.  I get a very strong urge to give up and go to sleep when I start getting close to OBE.  I call it my cleverly disguised OBE buster. I also believe Cube explains that you have to trick the body in the included link.  The topic is different but I think you can relate to the message.


http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13608


Happy travels,

D.C.

Jaclyn,

I just wanted to say congratulations! []  Every time I read about someone's success, it motivates me even more.  

Good Job!

D.C.

Cube,

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have yet to perform either of your methods exactly. I have tried to use substitute alarms and such but something always misfires or interrupts me. I take responsibility for that. I tend to be more succesful the closer to your methods I get.  Once I do them correctly several times, I'll know where I need the work.

I believe you are so succesful because of your meticulous attention to detail.  I believe people sometimes underestimate the importance of the attention to detail.  One small change can mean the difference between OBE and no OBE.

I have one more question for you.  In the morning when I am practicing your methods, I go from hypnagogic imagery to a dream sequence.  It is of a computer screen in which words are being written.  I start trying to read the words. They keep changing.  After a few seconds, I lose the dream.  I realize early on that I have passed into a dream but I can't cultivate it into anything.  If I try to change anything, I change focus and exit the sequence.

Do you have any suggestions for being able to turn this into a full blown LD or OBE?

Once again, thanks for all of the time and effort that you have put into documenting your methods so that others may benefit.


D.C.

Hey Cube,

I tried this method again this morning,  I had some really cool dreams, 1 lucid but no OBE.  I tried your HTML timer but I don't get any sound.

Any suggestions?

Happy Travels,

D.C.

Hi ryokie,

I don't think there's a conspiracy[8D].  I just think that Risu no Kairu was very effective in answering your questions.  I agree with everything that Risu no Kairu said.  The only thing that I might add is about the ghostie thing.

I had one that appeared in a couple of OBEs, I eventually grabbed it by the shoulders, shook it and asked it who it was and what it wanted.  It ran off and I haven't seen it again.

Incidentally,  I use the initial fear sometimes to  assist in my exit.  I know I am close to exit when I feel someone else in the room with me[].  This usually occurs right before the vibrations.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

Hi,

The first time I OBE'd, I read an on line book in 3 days.  On the night that I finished the book, I had an OBE.  It took 3 months to have another one.  Then I had 8 OBEs in 3 months. It has slowed now. Ive only had one in the last 4 months.  They seem to come and go for me.

I am not a natural.  I have to practice a lot.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

Hi All,

I tried this method again this morning. I reached the vibration stage at the very end of the 2nd 25 minute segment. I was actually doing my deep breathe routine to strengthen the vibes (nearly always works) when the alarm sounded[]. I had to get up or I may have actually been able to pull off an OBE.

So far with this technique.

5 attempts
1 lucid dream (rare for me)
2 times reached the vibration stage (also rare)
Quite a few cool dreams

I have been using some BWGEN presets at night before going to bed and they are helping me reach a heavier state of relaxation. This has resulted in 1 night time OBE during this time as well.

Cube,

I like this technique.  Repeatable results are hard to obtain but this seems to produce them. Thanks so much for sharing this information with us.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

Welcome vannostrom,

I take several deep breathes when I start experiencing heavy vibrations.  I have read that this has worked for others on this board as well.  Don't lose focus or change your concentration.  Just breathe deeper.  I don't get to the true vibration stage very often but when I do, taking breathes will result in an OBE about 90% of the time.  Keep trying, your almost there.

Happy travels,

D.C.

Hey Cube

quote:Does that watch have the ability to program multiple times into it and have it so it only beeps a few times without having to turn it off?

When you set the individual timer for more than 10 minutes.  It beeps/vibrates once at 10 minutes remaining, once at 5 minutes remaining and then several times when it counts down to zero.  This irritated me at first but I started setting the time plus 10 minutes.  Now when it beeps/vibrates once, I know I'm done.  I reset it to the next interval plus 10 minutes.  If I accidently sleep through the first beep/vibration it will beep/vibrate  again 5 minutes later.  If I sleep through both of those, it will give the full 10 or so beep/vibrations when time expires.

There are two seperate alarm modes.  They are like different alarm watches that act independently of each other.  When the alarm fires for them, it goes off about ten times and thats it.

You can actually set one alarm for a specific time on the clock, set the second alarm for a time 25 minutes later and use the timer for the first few intervals if you like.  I just use the timer though.

quote:I'd say that's an unusual LD you had, there have only been a few times when I was able to smell things in dreams and they were never pleasant odors!

Yep, me too!  I think my LD was at about the same time that you usually OBE.  If i would have thought about it during in the LD, I would have tried to turn it into an OBE.  I'm going to try again in the morning if everything goes right.


D.C.

ImmuredSoul,

If light is bothering you, you might try a sleepmask.  I got mine for about $8 at Bed Bath and Beyond.  I have a porch light glaring in my window at night.  This has been helpful.

I am also  using a vibrating wristwatch for my alarm while trying this method. It's easier on the wife[]. It is made by Global Assistive Devices.  It is designed for the visually impaired.  I use the Vitalite3 model vl300. It has 2 seperate alarms and a resetable timer.  It can be set to a beep or vibration mode. It cost $49 on the web but I don't remember where I got it. Just do a web search for Vibralite3 and you will find them if you are interested.  There are a couple of things I would change about the watch but for the most part, I find it useful.


To Cube and all,

I tried this method again this morning.  During the 15 or 20 minute segment, I can't remember which, I had a very clear and colorful dream.  I was on a ship in the ocean.  The color of the water was an intense seafoam green color.  It was beautiful.

During the first 25 minute segment, I had a Lucid Dream in which I looked at my hands.  The left one was not completely there.  It had started to fade. I looked away and was a little surprised.  I thought "now what?". I didn't have a game plan at that moment. I decided to try to fly.  My result was more like floating or bobbing up and down.  Next, I decided to go outside.  I went through a doorway and thought to myself "Ahh, I love the smell of spring",  I could actually smell the spring in the air and feel the sun on my face.  It was cool.  This is important because LDs are less frequent for me than OBEs.  I almost never have an LD.

I could not complete the 2nd 25 minute segment.  I had become too awake at that point. I had to get up.  

I am going to give this some more effort.  I enjoy the heck out LDs too.  This seems to really help in that respect as well.  

Happy travels,

D.C.

IntuitiveOne,

Welcome to the boards.

Wow, Sounds like you've had some pretty intense experiences over the years.  I am no expert but everything that you have described in your account could happen in Out of Body experiences and Astral Projection.  These experiences can be very real and detailed.

I would suggest that you take a little time and read the experiences of others on this board. Use the search function if needed and I 'll bet you'll get a lot of answers. You should also get some comfort in knowing that you are not the only one that this happens to.

If you discover that you are actually having OBEs, consider it a gift and use the boards to learn to control them. With some effort, you may be able to turn them into extremely positive experiences.



Happy travels,

D.C.  

Wu,

your account sounds a lot like my first couple of tries.  The fear seems very real when you are at the edge.  Once I exit, the fear is always gone for me.  I have experienced some weird things during OBE but so far (Knocks on wood)[] nothing too scary to handle.  

If this helps, the fear seems to lessen with time.  Don't let it slow you down too much.  

Happy travels,

D.C.

Omnigod0101,

Congratulations!  It looks like the hard work paid off for you!


D.C.

Scorpion,

quote:I don't want to become reliant on BWGen to OBE but hey, I have used ot succesfully many times, and would recommend it, especially to people who have trouble, or maybe never have had an OBE

I agree totally.  Deepmind VI doesn't "MAKE ME OBE" but it helps me reached the relaxed state to launch the projection.  This, along with the fact that I rarely reach the vibration stage, leads me to believe that I need to work on my relaxation.  I use it as a tool.  


Tango,

You can get BWGEN at //www.bwgen.com.  You can download the free version with some presets included.  In order to use Deepmind VI, you must purchase the full version for $40.  I would suggest that you read up on the subject of binaural beats and brainwave generation before just diving in.  Anyone can create a preset and upload it to the bwgen website so proceed with caution.   You can use the search on this board to find out more about bwgen.

Happy travels,

D.C.