frightening experience...

[uhhuhhim]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to get some opinions on what happened to me yesterday afternoon.

I woke up around 7:00 a.m.  By 4 o'clock, I was ready to lay down and rest.

Well, I was able to close my eyes, but not fall asleep.  I was conscious of what was going on around me, but then I dozed off.

The next thing I remember was being asleep, but feeling awake.  I wasn't trying to astral project or anything.  I haven't been practicing actually.  

I don't know if I entered some kind of lucid state, but I had cloudy vision.  I remember a figure hovering over me.  I didn't see it's face, I couldn't even tell if it was human, but it had long hair.  I only saw it for a second.

The very next second, I remember experiencing an intense choking feeling, like the air was being sucked out of me.  I also felt an intense amount of pressure on my chest as if someone were pushing on it or sitting on it.  

I remember trying to move my arms, but I couldn't.  I couldn't move my legs.  I was gasping for air when all the while, I was asleep yet conscious.  I thought if I didn't wake up soon, I was going to die.  I could feel myself slipping away, but I was aware that I was asleep and awake at the same time and I think that's what actually pulled me out of it.

But I'm wondering:  What the hell happened?  And if I wasn't trying to project or anything, why did it happen?

Please let me know,

uhhuhhim

[schotzi]

Sounds like "the old hag" syndrome to me.

Very common. nothing to worry about.

I get the sleep paralysis often but never get the "old hag" portion of it.....I have never had the chocking feeling either.

The coast to coast radio program gets lots call like your situation.

[knightlight]

Next time it happens just close your eyes and relax.  Fighting it is the worst thing to do.  The "hag" isnt real, your not choking and your just fine.  Let yourself drift off and usually when I do this I get a sinking sensation and go OBE.  Good luck.

[listener]

I've had the 'old hag syndrome' a number of types when paralysed. It seems to happen when you panic and imagine the possibility of the presence of something evil. The trick is to recognise that it is a syndrome, not an entity. It stops happening when you realise that lots of people get it and it seems to be a reaction to your sudden vulnerability to self-suggestion.

Actually, it might be a clue to the reality of AP. Your physical being is immediately in a state where your mental status manifests, and if you're afraid you create an enemy. Is this an indicator of a state of suggestion perhaps, like self-hypnosis?