New Here..just a few questions/explanations.

[iamsteventucker]

Hey everyone, I joined the forum a few days ago and I've been enjoying reading your posts/questions/answers and wanted to post as well to introduce myself and explain my beginning experiences.

I originally discovered an interest in AP when I was 18, and bought Astral Dynamics.  I tried for awhile, my most successful attempt being one night at a friends, I remember floating above my body..freaking out once I realized what was happening and slamming back down into my body, made me jump straight up awake.  After that I got impatient (I was 18 and immature of course) and kind of faded out.  Granted Astral Dynamics is a pretty intimidating book.  Fast forward to now and I have a renewed interest, bought a new less intense book (Astral Projection for Beginners by Richard Webster) and finished it in a day.  I've been practicing and trying every night for a week now. 

Thus far I haven't had what I think is a true AP, but at least three times what I suppose are semi lucid dreams where I think that I'm making it out, only to find my room is different completely.  Once I felt like I was pushing my way out of my body down my legs, and once I made it out I couldn't stand, was stumbling around before I finally stood up.  There was a bird flying around my room and I thought to myself to ask "Who are you, what are you doing here?" The bird flew into my hands, looked at me and said "My name is Rose, I'm here to help you out."  I of course was like, "Well cool, what do we do first?"  Rose responded laughing, "I guess we could go look at Carly's butt."  (Carly is a lady friend of mine that had recently posted a swimsuit photo haha.) I want to think this was a guide there to help me, as she turned into a young woman and took my hand, we stood on the edge of a window and looked out, but I then woke up.  Now I wonder if she was just a dream character.  Over the last week my I've been able to remember my dreams much better, and have been writing them down as well.

I haven't had what I feel is a true AP yet, but I'm trying to not be impatient because it has only been a week.  I suppose my main question is, is my almost obsessing over getting out hindering my attempts, or have I just managed it quite yet?  My next question would be, with meditation, calming and relaxing the body I sometimes feel that my legs are bit restless, which drives me insane.  Are there any websites/books/resources you all can suggest to help me with the deep relaxation techniques?

Sorry for the long first post, although it does feel good to get it all out amongst like minded people.  Thanks in advance for any help yall can provide!

[Astralzombie]

I think you have had a true AP. Floating above your own body and freaking out when you see it is a cliche because it's so true.

The bird turned beautiful lady could have been your guide, but I have to wonder if you were already thinking about seeing your friend's butt. If so, you could have created this woman to negate any guilt you felt or she could have been a really cool guide.

Regardless, now I want to see Rose's rear too.

You could very well be hindering your own progress by trying too hard. But think about how you felt during the bird and floating experiences and see if you can recapture the feelings you had. That can help you.

Good luck.

[iamsteventucker]

I figured that my very first time when I was younger was a true one, hopefully soon I'll be back to that.  And I didn't see the guides butt, honestly I'm not sure what she looked like other than dark hair.  The girl that is my friend has blonde hair, I hope I see her again.  I'll try recreating some feelings out tonight, thanks!

[Astralzombie]

Sorry. I thought your friends name was rose. My guess is that this woman is your guide because then since she gave you her name and told you she was. It's still possible that you projected her since you were expecting a guide from your reading. When I first started projecting, I did not know we had guides. I was at least a year in before I met mine. Well actually, I have several but I usually rely on one more than most.

The easiest way to tell if they are your own projection is that they will say things and act just how you expect them too. Real beings will not and most get annoyed when you keep trying to test them.

I have not read the books that you referenced but I hope they didn't say that there was any harm in this.  A lot of people these days think they have to give some warning about the remote possibility of running into some characters in the non physical. That's crap. I hate to make blanket statements like that but there is nothing and no being that you should fear.

I think some people hinder their success or from even trying because they are afraid of what they'll see or encounter. I just threw that out there just in case you had any reservations in that. Good luck.