Alcohol and OBE Induction

[psychosoma]

Greetings fellow seekers.  I have been interested in OBE's from over 30 years, and have read almost every book written on the subject.  I've been to the Monroe Institute and have taken a variety of OBE courses including, most recently, an online program by Robert Bruce.  Still, while knowing all the techniques, and after years of practice, I am unable to achieve conscious, repeatable obe's.  Not that I've never had one.  I've had several, maybe 30 or more, but only maybe 10 at most were self-induced, the rest being spontaneous.  The question I have is this:  Could my alcohol consumption be a major, if not THE major hindrance to my success at OBE induction?  I worked as a musician for over 24 years, playing bars and clubs, and drinking has just become a habit, and interwoven with my life in many respects (family, friends etc).  While I don't drink near as much as I used to, I still drink pretty much every day, anywhere from 2 to 4 drinks per day (sometimes more).  I rarely get intoxicated (body can't handle it anymore LOL), but I do like to have a few beers or wine each day.  I'm wondering if this could be blocking my efforts at OBE.  I know the OBE is a reality, because I've experienced it, but I just can't make it happen, and I'm getting frustrated.  I attempt an OBE at least 4-5 nights per week, and have been doing so literally for years.  But I have this feeling, perhaps intuitively, that alcohol is getting in the way.  Anybody have any experience or advice in this regard.  Alcohol has been a daily companion for many, many years, but I am willing, if necessary, to say Adios to it, if I knew this was the problem.   I welcome any comments.

Davidovich

[Awakened_Mind]

Just a question to begin with - you try 4-5 times a night, what happens with each attempt that isn't successful. What's the problem? What do you think prevents an OBE when you try?
Secondly, how often before you attempt to OBE have you drank and how many?

Alchohol is a drug which will lower the users consciousness. You can understand perhaps from younger days being 'blind', or forgetting what you saw. Normal perceptual reality becomes to overwhelming for conciousness in an intoxicated body so nothing is really stored in memory. Often our dreams are very vivid or fleeting because of the same type of scenario, it comes down to a matter of being awake during experience.

I suppose one could say it is the sole reason, or part of the reason or perhpas no reason at all. At the end of the day alchohol is a drug that will make you 'less conscious'. It's not necessarily that you're not having one, it's that you're not remembering them. If you're drinking everyday then perhaps your natural rythym of consciousness has lowered.

I think it's better to talk about it in that sense. Simply because the reasons to tell you to cut down on the booze are more important than simply to OBE. Put it this way, it won't hurt your attempts if you stop drinking.

-AM

[Selski]

Hi psychosoma

Based on my experience, alcohol has no effect as to whether I OBE or not.  Except when I really overdo it, in which case I'm out for the count until the morning 

But I have this feeling, perhaps intuitively, that alcohol is getting in the way.

However, this comment is probably closer to the truth.  Because you feel it might be a hindrance, it will be.

Why not knock it on the head for a month and see what happens?

Sarah

[psychosoma]

Just a question to begin with - you try 4-5 times a night, what happens with each attempt that isn't successful. What's the problem? What do you think prevents an OBE when you try?
Secondly, how often before you attempt to OBE have you drank and how many?

Alchohol is a drug which will lower the users consciousness. You can understand perhaps from younger days being 'blind', or forgetting what you saw. Normal perceptual reality becomes to overwhelming for conciousness in an intoxicated body so nothing is really stored in memory. Often our dreams are very vivid or fleeting because of the same type of scenario, it comes down to a matter of being awake during experience.

I suppose one could say it is the sole reason, or part of the reason or perhpas no reason at all. At the end of the day alchohol is a drug that will make you 'less conscious'. It's not necessarily that you're not having one, it's that you're not remembering them. If you're drinking everyday then perhaps your natural rythym of consciousness has lowered.

I think it's better to talk about it in that sense. Simply because the reasons to tell you to cut down on the booze are more important than simply to OBE. Put it this way, it won't hurt your attempts if you stop drinking.

-AM

Thanks for the reply.  It's actually 4-5 times per week that I attempt an OBE, although I often try 2 or 3 times during the night, whenever I wake up.  As to what actually prevents an OBE, I'm not sure.  I do know that restlessness is one reason.  This urge to move keeps happening and is very hard to resist.  Monkey mind is another problem, I guess.  Trying to stay focused.  I usually try and focus on breathing or else staring at the blackness from behind my closed eyes.  I often alternate between the two.  But invariably my mind wanders and I either fall asleep or give up.  Also, I don't drink after a certain time in the evening.  Usually I'll have some wine with dinner and that's it.  So by the time I settle down for an OBE attempt, several hours have passed.  I am stone sober when I make the attempt.  But I think Selski (Sarah) might be on to something when she says that my belief that alcohol is getting in the way may be the culprit, rather than the alcohol itself.  Still, shutting it down for a while certainly wouldn't hurt.  As a side comment, my brother tells me that when he has OBE's or OBE-like symptoms, it's usually in the morning with a hangover.  Go figure!

Anyway, I am not going to give up.  I will make this happen because I really believe, at least for me, that Out-of-Body travel is the fastest, most convincing route to spiritual knowledge and understanding, which I have sought all my life.

I think we can all drink to that?

Davidovich

[Stookie]

I like a brew or 2 when I get home from work, and this doesn't seem to impede my progress. However, I don't drink anywhere near meditation/OBE times - by then the alcohol has more than wore off. Alcohol DOES impede my concentration to a large extent. Even small amounts.

[Kraven Obscuria]

Who is to say for sure, but Alcohol sure can exasperate the "Monkey Mind", and thus make it harder to concentrate. I have a much harder time concentrating under the influence of Alcohol, but that's just me. Ironically, one of the best, and most clear OBE's I've had was a night I got trashed a while back, so go figure......

Perhaps even a short stint of your focusing on taming the "Monkey" and reducing Alcohol consumption might be a nice test?

[Awakened_Mind]

I usually have most of my spontaneous OBE's when I am really tired or sick. The astral body is naturally loose at these times.

It sounds like you're having problems entering the trance state. If you keep falling asleep at night then try projecting during the day. I'd recommend looking into some techniques that will help you enter a trance state.

How often do you meditate or practice trance techniques currently?

-AM

[jub jub]

psychosoma, although I can't offer much in the way of advice, I can say I'm in the same boat as you. I enjoy beer almost every night, in fact, I like it so much I built a kegerator and have a half keg of Miller Lite in it at the moment (TGIF)  .

I feel as you do, that drinking might be the root cause for not having more OBEs, but, when it comes down to giving up something I enjoy just to venture around the Astral, well, you get the picture.

[psychosoma]

I usually have most of my spontaneous OBE's when I am really tired or sick. The astral body is naturally loose at these times.

It sounds like you're having problems entering the trance state. If you keep falling asleep at night then try projecting during the day. I'd recommend looking into some techniques that will help you enter a trance state.

How often do you meditate or practice trance techniques currently?

-AM

I use the trance technique taught by Robert Bruce.  Relaxation, followed by some energy work with the Chakras.  Then I try to quiet my mind by focusing on breathing and/or just staring at the darkness in front of my closed eyelids.  I just look, without interpreting, judging etc, at least as best I can.  I also try to induce a "sinking" sensation, as though dropping in an elevator.  I don't practice meditation I guess because OBE practice incorporates meditation, does it not?

Psychosoma

[psychosoma]

I feel as you do, that drinking might be the root cause for not having more OBEs, but, when it comes down to giving up something I enjoy just to venture around the Astral, well, you get the picture.
[/quote]

Just to venture around in the astral?  JUST to venture around the Astral??  My goodness, I'd give up drinking in a heartbeat to be able to do just that.  Yes, I really do enjoy a few brewskis, but compared to consciously traveling throughout this and multitudes of other universes, I think, well, you get the picture

[369]

I feel as you do, that drinking might be the root cause for not having more OBEs, but, when it comes down to giving up something I enjoy just to venture around the Astral, well, you get the picture.


Just to venture around in the astral?  JUST to venture around the Astral??  My goodness, I'd give up drinking in a heartbeat to be able to do just that.  Yes, I really do enjoy a few brewskis, but compared to consciously traveling throughout this and multitudes of other universes, I think, well, you get the picture

I agree with you, and JUB JUB astral > alcohol all day. (LOL astral totally "owns" alcohol)

[Neil Templar]

i believe Robert Bruce says that a hangover is a good time to AP.i've had a few good experiences when hungover,but i do think that the alcohol would hinder memory recall if you were OOB when still under the influence.
although,saying that,,i was using the boxed nirvana2 mp3 the other night,after having quite a bit to drink(at least 5 pints),and a smoke(i live in Amsterdam  ) and i had a very cool experience.very strong vibrations,phasing in and out of different locations.T'was well good!

[jub jub]

Just to venture around in the astral?  JUST to venture around the Astral??  My goodness, I'd give up drinking in a heartbeat to be able to do just that.  Yes, I really do enjoy a few brewskis, but compared to consciously traveling throughout this and multitudes of other universes, I think, well, you get the picture

Psycho, plenty of time for astral hopping during the "BIG SLEEP"!

[psychosoma]

Psycho, plenty of time for astral hopping during the "BIG SLEEP"!

True enough, but unless you can achieve and experience that here and now, the belief that you can "astral Hop" during the "big sleep" is nothing more than hope, or wishful thinking.  After all, the "big Sleep" may be just that: the big sleep.  But then of course, what difference would anything make?  Hmmm, think I'll go have a beer!

Psychosoma

[David Warner]

Psychosoma,

Make a long story short - I was a social drinker for about 10 years. Roughly, two years ago
I completely stopp'd drinking to lose weight, health, and primarly to feel better about myself.

Within 3-4months later, my energy, interest with projecting starting to flourish. Now, I am able to
project 2-3 a week w/o fail and I thank God for showing me the difference between the two. Now, if
I could stop drinking Starbucks frapacino's..

I did have a difficult time of projecting while drinking socially. The energy just wasn't there period and drive. You can still project if you drink, smoke pot, take lsd etc.. but it does more harm than good.

The greater reward is being clear, conscious and projecting w/o being hindered by drugs!


Tvos

[psychosoma]

Psychosoma,

Make a long story short - I was a social drinker for about 10 years. Roughly, two years ago
I completely stopp'd drinking to lose weight, health, and primarly to feel better about myself.

Within 3-4months later, my energy, interest with projecting starting to flourish. Now, I am able to
project 2-3 a week w/o fail and I thank God for showing me the difference between the two. Now, if
I could stop drinking Starbucks frapacino's..

I did have a difficult time of projecting while drinking socially. The energy just wasn't there period and drive. You can still project if you drink, smoke pot, take lsd etc.. but it does more harm than good.

The greater reward is being clear, conscious and projecting w/o being hindered by drugs!


Tvos


Well, that's probably what I needed to hear.  You drank "socially" for 10 years, and while that is quite a stretch, I've got 20 more years on you, many of them more than "social".  So it's a bit of a nut to crack.  I still enjoy drinking although I think I'm really beginning to feel some wear and tear on my body.  I don't dare drink the way I used to, as I will surely pay the consequences in the short term and, no doubt, in the long.  But I fear that I'll quit drinking, and it won't affect my ability (or rather "inability") to project.  There have been shorter periods in the past when I've quit completely (although not for months) but was still unable to project.  You did mention that it took 3-4 months before your interest and ability got going.  So, maybe I'll just have to bite the bullet and give it a try.  Maybe quit for 6 months and see what happens with my projection efforts. 


Now, I am able to project 2-3 a week w/o fail

Wow, I can only dream.  I'd love to be able to sit and talk with you about what you've learned in those many excursions.  I don't know why it eludes me, when I've wanted to project for so many years (decades) and have made attempts numbering in the thousands.  Could it just be the booze?  Maybe...

Psychosoma

[David Warner]

Psychosoma,

Have you visited my web site www.invisiblelight.us ? If not, all my data, stats, video, journals, radio interviews are available for download (free).

Pay attention closely to the spreadsheet that I created. Reason why I say this, it is my daily log and keeps me grounded, focused on projecting among my web site and helping others. There is a lot more to projecting then "just leaving the body" and I am talking about spirituality, helping others, faith, love, etc.. and booze doesn't yield results, especially what I have been blessed with and experienced!

Feel free to contact me!

Tvos

[sterlingindigo]

Perhaps one is able to successfully OBE, drive a car, relate with others, etc. while ingesting alcohol, drugs, whatever.  I would question the quality of such experiences however.  I think you intuitively answered your own question.  You say you've tried your way repeatedly with the same result.  Try the other way now and let us know your results.  One personal experience is worth a thousand opinions.  I bet after a week, you'll come flying out!


si

[psychosoma]

Psychosoma,

Have you visited my web site www.invisiblelight.us ? If not, all my data, stats, video, journals, radio interviews are available for download (free).

Pay attention closely to the spreadsheet that I created. Reason why I say this, it is my daily log and keeps me grounded, focused on projecting among my web site and helping others. There is a lot more to projecting then "just leaving the body" and I am talking about spirituality, helping others, faith, love, etc.. and booze doesn't yield results, especially what I have been blessed with and experienced!

Feel free to contact me!

Yes, actually I have been to your site, although it was quite some time ago.  I remember I had to register and I do have the user/password tucked away.  I'll go have another look for sure.  And yes, I agree, there is a lot more than just "leaving the body".  And I yearn to experience that.  But "getting out" (or getting "in", depending how you look at it) would be a good start.  You have to learn how to get out of the house before you can explore the neighborhood so to speak.

Thanks for the contact invite.  I may just do that in the near future.

Psychosoma

Tvos

[psychosoma]

Perhaps one is able to successfully OBE, drive a car, relate with others, etc. while ingesting alcohol, drugs, whatever.  I would question the quality of such experiences however.  I think you intuitively answered your own question.  You say you've tried your way repeatedly with the same result.  Try the other way now and let us know your results.  One personal experience is worth a thousand opinions.  I bet after a week, you'll come flying out!


si

Thanks for the input.  I should clarify thought that I do not try OBEing while under the influence.  I don't use drugs at all and I seldom drink after about 7 or 8 pm.  Being a night owl, must of my OBE attempts are after midnight and sometimes in the middle of the night after awakening.  So, I am not "under the influence" at the time of my OBE efforts.  Still, as I mentioned previously, I have this gut feeling that for whatever reason, booze is interfering. 

I bet after a week, you'll come flying out!

If you're right, you'll be the first to know

[David Warner]

Psychosoma,

Amount of sleep (night before), specific days, time of the experience are very important. I honestly wish that I tracked my stats when I was younger, but didn't. Specific foods don't matter on projecting, I have done a three year study on food - latte's don't help.. I can definitely tell you alcohol will reduce energy, confuse, and weaken the drive. Can one project and drink socially, yes... but the level and degree of the experiences won't be up to par.

If you go to bed late and crash to sleep, the attemps at projecting will be at odds of failure. Try going to bed earlier and when you reach the morning hours - that is when success will prevail. Because you are starting to energize, surface from deep rem towards the borderline of awake/sleep trance state.

Also, w/o intent and passion for what you want to achieve will not yield results. Focus on one basic and realistic goal what you want to accomplish. For starters, the first time I projected, it was because I wanted to keep reading this OBE book. I had enough drive, desire, and passion to read this book and it did the trick! 

Patience and not giving up!

Tvos

[sterlingindigo]

Thanks for the input.  I should clarify thought that I do not try OBEing while under the influence.  I don't use drugs at all and I seldom drink after about 7 or 8 pm.  Being a night owl, must of my OBE attempts are after midnight and sometimes in the middle of the night after awakening.  So, I am not "under the influence" at the time of my OBE efforts.  Still, as I mentioned previously, I have this gut feeling that for whatever reason, booze is interfering. 

Understood.  My gut agrees with your gut.  My opinion is that it takes a great deal of energy to do what we're talking about here.  More energy than is normally available to the average person.  We can scrounge energy in numerous ways, by spending less on certain things and saving it for "other pursuits".   From now on, look at everything that goes into your body as fuel.  Some fuel is deleterious to our energy level, others tip the scale the other way.  Same with emotions, sleep, ..."activities". 

You have a couple really good things going for you; belief and intention.  Now add energy miser to the short list and you're off.  Email me if you want more tips on finding/saving/storing energy.

[369]

Understood.  My gut agrees with your gut. 

HAHAHAHAHA made my day.

[sterlingindigo]

Specific foods don't matter on projecting, I have done a three year study on food - latte's don't help..

Yeah, major bummer: coffee and candy (simple sugars) rev up the engine but leave you on EMPTY!  LOL

[369]

Actual many things are there just so we CAN'T OBE and do other kinds of things like telekinesis and etc