Entering a trance

[Borgcube636]

I've been able to calm myself down and relax pretty well, but I'm not sure if i've ever been in a trance (since i know this is a big step to helping to start an OBE). What does it feel like and how would i know if im in a trance? Any tips on how to enter one?

Sometimes while going into a meditative state i've gotten to feel a little lightheaded/weightless/free but it didn't seem like i was that deep in anything (though maybe thats what in deep relaxation means? idk)

thanks

[David Warner]

Borgcube636,

Entering the trance/hypnotic state is tricky. It can't be willed or accessed with the snap of the finger. For me, its all based on awakening into the state while falling to sleep. Its a feeling, emotion, imagination that triggers the state and I'm able to leave.

I think you are on the right route with meditation and getting close to AP through sleep. Let yourself go and relax. Pretend yourself as a little ball and imagine/feel that you are rolling around then spin out of your body.

Tvos

[Rob44]

Hi,

A "trance state" is a state of mind.

The fact you ask "What does it feel like and how would i know if i'm in a trance" leads me to believe you are thinking too much. This left-brain interaction severally interrupts the natural process.

Lie back, and enjoy. Try to become the state, as opposed to trying to "get to it."

Read Major Tom's post on focus 10.

-Rob

[Jancarius]

Lie back, and enjoy. Try to become the state, as opposed to trying to "get to it."

It's stupid stuff like that people say that don't make any sense when trying to help somebody. No offense or anything. Just saying, nobody learning could possibly know what it meant to "become" it?? Vague phrases like that is probably why he posted here.

Now, to answer your question. As defined by Robert Bruce in "Mastering Astral Projection", Trance is an altered state of consciousness. It is when your physical body falls asleep while your conscious remains awake. This causes brain activity to decrease significantly. You could probably know by the feeling as soon as you enter a trance state. Your body will feel heavy, warm, and cozy. Both Robert Bruce and Monroe (Who bruce probably got this from) mention holding your forearm vertical and the rest of your arm flat. When you fall asleep your forearm will drop, alerting you and keeping your conscious awake.

You should first become deeply relaxed, to where all your limbs start to feel almost a slight tingle. Go over your body several times, concentrating on every major muscle. There are many techniques, if you already have one use it. The morning or after a power-nap when you're rested but still deeply relaxed is said to be the best time. "Mastering Asteral Projection" says the two keys toa trance state are physical relaxation and a mind free of internal verbal dialogue, and suggests breath awareness (concentrating on your breath and the rising and falling of your chest). So don't concentrate on getting into trance. Concentrate on deep relaxation and keep your mind clear of verbal dialogue. You'll feel when it happens on its own. Clearing your mind of verbal dialogue is very hard. This could probably take a good bit of practice.

I got all this information from "Matsering Astral Projection". It's got a lot more information but I don't feel like typing anymore. Hopefully that helps. Have fun.

[Pineapple man]

^^^ if that didnt help try this,

sit/ lie in a comfy position and put some meditative music on, tranqill stuff like indian music with chants and sitars or some classical or whatever you like.

Then, put the speakers on another side of the room and slightly to the side eg. 6 ft left, 6 ft forward)

Concentrate on the source of the music where the speakers are and hold your consciousness here focussing only on the music, the aim here is to let the music "wash" over your mind and clear out all other thoughts, eventually leaving you in the hypnogogic state.

Imagine your mind is a dusty tile, the music should wipe the dust off to leave the tile clean.

Good luck