How do I get relaxed?

[nitetravler]

Hi Skt2K4, sounds like you don't have any problem relaxing, but staying awake. Meditation would probably help here, or maybe concentration exercises. If you ARE looking for relaxation exercises, man there's ton of stuff to choose from. One of my favorites though is autogenics, which you can find on the web. These are quite simple and very effective.

[Fat_Turkey]

Staying awake has many influences. For one, don't have a full stomach. Don't have an empty one either or else you'll stay awake toooo much, and you'll get distracted by your grumblings for food.

Next, you need to have a good sleep cycle. One that is the good 8 hours, and if you're younger you probably need more. That whole thing that young people don't need extra sleep is bull. Trust me, I'm 15, and I know from experience that late nights and waking up at 6am, ie having only 6 hours sleep, is BAD for you.

Then the final and probably most vital is your focus. You just need to be able to keep yourself awake. A good way to get used to seeing if you can do this is wake-induced lucid dreams, but I wouldn't dwell too much on that subject if you're seeking OBE.

Focus you have to gain through practicallity. The other two you have to gain cyclically/progressively. Hey! That gives me an idea to write an article.

Bye!
~FT

[skt2k4]

I'm just getting into OBEs and AP, and i've been wondering what an effective way to fully relax my body AND stay awake is. I can get relaxed, but by then I drift off to sleep [!]. Any help would be nice. [?] Basically, what's a good relaxation exercise or routine?