It could be an aspect of yourself that is called your higher self, your guide, your guardian angel. It seems to be around even if not obvious. If you read Robert Monroe's books he realizes in the Ultimate Journey that what he encounters are just other aspects of himself.
I've consciously projected only recently, but slept through quite a few OBE's! Time after time, I come back around with the STRONG message that as long as I'm not too audacious, I'm protected. I don't see such 'bodyguards' mentioned elsewhere in the forums. Do I have anonymous friends? Have others met such benefactors out there?