Looking for help

[bodom418]

Hi all,

First time poster, long time lurker! First, a huge thank you to this community; it's been such a wonderful wealth of information for me over the last few months 

So here's my dilemma... I'm feeling very stuck. I've been practicing AP for roughly 8 months, and feel like I'm making no progress. Additionally frustrating is that I actually achieved the vibrations/rapid heartbeat stage several months ago... It was like nothing I've ever experienced. Truly unbelievable. Like so many first-times at this stage, I got more freaked out than I thought I would be, and ended the process. I practice regularity, sometime a few times a day. But no technique or amount of practice seems to be bringing me back to that same level of closeness. And I assure you, fear is no longer the issue. I have nothing but positivity and excitement towards the prospect of those sensations, now that I have experienced them.

I've trying all sorts of different techniques - I'm actually wondering to what degree you all feel consistency in approach is responsible for success. But anyhow... Lately when practicing visualization techniques, I'll find I start to drift off after some time, and suddenly snap back to...being more presently-conscious? It's hard to describe. When this happens, it's usually accompanied by an intense whole-body feeling;a sort of pressure. I guess this is a mark of some progress or heading down the right path?

One thing I can do well, and as wondering if any one can offer advice to milk this... Is I can do an excellent job of creating sensations of motion. With eyes closed, I can bring on the twisting and moving sensations similar to a slow roller coaster. But I'm not entirely sure how to best utilize this.

Anyhow, that's a brief summary of my situation. Any help is appreciated!

[ChopstickFox]

Hi there! Nice to meet you!

I certainly know that "stuck" feeling. I still, for the most part, can try all I want and feel like I'm going no where. What has helped me, is after trying actively for a while, I would take a break for a few days. More often than not, I would get a spontaneous experience right off the bat! I speak from my own experience, but when I actually do go oob it feels so easy and natural. Not working at it at all. It just happens. Which makes it frustrating because I think the harder I try, the worse I'm making it for myself! Aii! You need to want it to happen, but not try to force it. MUCH easier said than done...

Since you've been lurking around, I'm sure you've read through different methods people use. I'd give yourself some time before getting a good feel for if a technique is working for you or not. Allow it to work.

A viewpoint that I think really helped me is that we experience the non physical in a multitude of ways besides going oob. Dreams, day dreams, whatever. You don't necessarily need to have a conscious exit to have a grand ol time.

When I do actively try, sometimes I can lay on my bed for forever going in and out of vibrations and watching little swirlies in front of my eyes. I'm not saying that to be discouraging. Those ARE good signs. But even more important is the intent behind it. Good luck and enjoy yourself!!!

[Lionheart]

 Hello Bodom and Welcome to the Astral Pulse!

The first time I attempted to AP, I was using a Candle Staring video found here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IhZAHV_xl0

I experienced violent vibrations and a sound so loud, I thought a Helicopter was landing on my roof. I then briefly saw a "Shadow Being" standing in my room.

But, when this was done and I had finally confronted my fears and saw through it, I never experienced anything like that ever again.

I Phase everyday and just shift now, there are no bells or whistles anymore.

I feel that I needed that initial "Scare-athon" in the beginning because to go further with this, I did need to confront my fears.

You can read about vibrations and all these signposts all you want, but that doesn't even get close to explaining the real fear you feel, while YOU are experiencing it.

Once you get over that hump-, it not needed anymore.

So if your expectations is to get that again. You need to change your expectations or in that respect, drop them period.

Just do what you are currently doing and ALLOW what's going to happen to happen.

Who knows, you may have been successful all this time, but missed it!  

[roman67]

Hello and welcome to Bodom. Good to see you here. I understand your situation. Don't worry. Do phasing everyday and learn about vibrations. You just do your best, don't expect much. You will be successful very soon.

[Bedeekin]

Hey Bodom418 and welcome.

This...

Lately when practicing visualization techniques, I'll find I start to drift off after some time, and suddenly snap back to...being more presently-conscious? It's hard to describe. When this happens, it's usually accompanied by an intense whole-body feeling;a sort of pressure. I guess this is a mark of some progress or heading down the right path?

.... is perfect.

In my little method I have written that talks about focusing on repeating a mantra I say this...

"When your find your mind wandering away and pull it back to the mantra, this pull back will shift you into SP."

When inducing SP people think that mechanically repeating mantras or visualising something will do the trick... not so... When the mind wanders it's a good indication that one is starting to drift into the nonphysical... catching yourself doing this is the key to flipping the mind back to the NOW while the body continues to tip over the edge into sleep.

What you are experiencing however seems to be a slip into slow wave sleep rather than REM. When you slip into REM consciously you will experience Sleep Paralysis... slipping into slow wave sleep consciously feels different - rapid heartbeat... giddiness like vertigo... and pressure.

To get Sleep paralysis when tipping over the edge one needs to have had a prior sleep.

[Curious1]

I feel like I am stuck in the same spot as the OP.

I have had terrifying experiences with sleep paralysis in the past, but now that I understand what it really is, I have not had one in a while.

I too am having problems successfully reaching the level of vibrations and holding it. I suppose the best way to handle it is to try to allow it to happen without getting excited. I will have to remember to try next time it happens.

[astralee]

learn to meditate first then remaining aware when you fall asleep is easy