How to project almost every morning

[mactombs]

quote:I haven't had any more success. I've been toying with the times I go to sleep because I'm not 100% sure when exactly I got to bed the time it worked. One thing I really wish is there was a way I could turn off the alarm without moving! I'm reasonably sure I was paralyzed this morning after the first alarm! But the beeping was right in my ear driving me nuts, and I live with 2 other people one of which is a VERY light sleeper and right outside my door. Any ideas?

The digital timer I got turns itself off after about a minute. I put it under one of my pillows too, so it's not so loud. Maybe I overdid it, though, since I slept through it this morning. I think this method might work better if you're not too tired.

Also, I think it's very important to remember the reality checks. There have been too many times I've woken up, thought "I'm obviously not asleep" and then realized later I was.

[Omnigod0101]

mactombs:
By waking up to later realize you weren't awake. Was it the timer or some other alarm that woke you? Or did you yourself wake up? What I'm fairly concerned with (for me personally at least due to how I am) that the alarm is waking me up...too much really.

[cube]

madrox,
If you are having a hard time falling asleep again, you should try doing something especially active the day before so you'll be nice and tired at night. It's also good to spend extra time in the sun because that gives you melatonin.

Another really good thing is to practice relaxing quickly. A good way to do that is to spend a week and wake up a half hour early and just lie in bed relaxing everything. You can search the web for good relaxation routines. Then over the weekend when you're ready for a projection attempt, use the 5 minute interval to relax deeply, then you should probably fall asleep during the 10 or 15 minute interval.

If you don't move between intervals you'll almost certainly at least feel light vibrations and that will let you know you're making progress.

Also, did you use a cooking timer or an alarm clock to wake up? You really should use a timer that takes a few seconds to set. I was never able to get it to work using an alarm clock because you have to wake up too much to set it to the right time.

You don't need or even want to stand up when you wake, in fact sleep paralysis is most likely if you don't move any muscles and then go back to sleep.



mactombs,
The problem is that once you've confused/surprised your body it won't wake you up on its own. It says, "you're in control now dude" so that's why I highly recommend using both the alarm and the timer. The alarm is your safety net in case you get into a runaway sleep situation.


Omnigod0101,
Try arranging things so that you don't move at all when you reset the timer. Make it so you have the timer interface memorized and can just thumb a few buttons and reset it. You'll get vibes that way around the 15 or 20 minute interval probably. If you are very very still the whole time you'll probably get paralysis too.

As far as the other people in the house goes, all I know to suggest is to shut your door and open your window for fresh air? The walmart timer I got isn't really very loud so maybe you could try getting a slightly quieter one?

[Nay]

I think it is too confusing..[] earplugs, (IMO, shouldn't use because it programs you to be unable to project with the slightest bit of noise) and waking up every few minutes trying to bring on the paralysis seems futile as well.  I would say when a entire episode of waking paralysis is accompanied by vibrations, plus other exit-related sensations attempting to convert waking paralysis into an OBE by relaxing and going with the experience, or by using a projection technique to aid it, will have much more success.

Waking paralysis (also called sleep paralysis) is very common, most people will probably experience it at some time.  

Waking paralysis is extremely complex and no single explanation can really explain its causes.  The two most popular threories are dissociation and spontaneous projection.

Dissociation:  The general scientific explanation is that the brain dissociates itself from its physical body during sleep and the mind accidentally wakes up inside its dissociated sleeping body.

Spontaneous projection:  New Age explanation is that waking paralysis is caused solely by spontaneous projection, more specifically by a projection that is about to occur or trying to occur.  Waking paralysis is often not accompanied by vibrations or other projection exit sensations.  

According to Robert Bruce, most happen AFTER the projection exit has occured.  Full waking paralysis cannot occur before the projection exit.  So, why are no projections-related exit sensations usually experienced durning waking paralysis?   Most logical answer is that spontaneous natural projection has already occurred, and the exit sensations have already passed.

The paralysis victim either sleeps through them and wakes up paralyzed, while an OBE is in progress, or the symptoms are so swift and mild they go unnoticed.

While some waking-paralysis victims claim to succeed at converting it into a projection, the vast majority fails to do so.  Most people are too afraid at the time to even contemplate..(been there, done that [])  Those who do try for a conversion usually fail, even if they completely give in to it and genuinely go along with the whole experience.  They usually lie there paralyzed until it ends on its own accord, or until they manage to move a part of their physical body and thus break out of it.  Robert Bruce says that he has experienced waking-paralysis episodes literally hundreds of times, but have never managed to convert one into an OBE.

Though some techniques work for some, it may not work at all for others. Meditation, relaxation, and energy work is what people should work on.  It takes time and practice to achieve conscious projections but totally worth it..[]    

Nay

[cube]

Here are my notes for this morning:

7-21-04
Did surprised body, didn't fall asleep but did conceptualizations.
The main thing I did differently was to not move when the timer went off.

I had to find a good position to lay in where I could have the timer in my hand and just set it using my thumb without moving.
My first position was too uncomfotartable after the end of the 1st 10 minute interval so I started over at 5, however I did feel light vibes at the end of the ten minutes.

I found the best position was on my side/stomach with one arm under my chest and my other arm under my head going straight away and holding the timer.
During the second 10 minute interval I was in 3d blackness where I could see detailed geometric shapes such as planes spinning and flipping around.

Toward the end of the second 10 minute interval I found I was in heavy vibes and somewhat strong paralysis but not full paralysis, I saw a blue screen forming in front of my eyes, like the psychic screen people sometimes describe. It was exactly the same color of blue as the windows NT blue screen of death, and the blue that TVs use for diagnostics. I wonder if that color of blue is a subconscious reference to the psychic screen?

It felt like I was going to separate but I wasn't able to pull it off. I tried to sink in using the force of gravity like I usually do but it didn't work. Next time I will try upstream's skullpressure trick. I had heavy vibes several more times but didn't separate.

I didn't make it to the end of the 20 minute interval because it felt like I had been laying there for hours. I had been switching into RTZ time and phsyical time and experiencing a lot more time than just 20 minutes

I think this is a much better way to do it than just falling asleep because this way you don't lose conscious control.

The changes were:

1.) Don't move between intervals

2.) Don't completely fall asleep but let yourself hover at the hypangogic state for as long as possible. It's probably not to try this change until after you've had success ddoing it falling asleep as usual. Then when you know what to expect try to hover in between.

[Nay]

quote:2.) Don't completely fall asleep but let yourself hover at the hypangogic state for as long as possible. It's probably not to try this change until after you've had success ddoing it falling asleep as usual. Then when you know what to expect try to hover in between.

The first sentence, couldn't agree more with ya, and would like to add at this point you should've been doing some kind of relaxing and or energy work, and might start feeling some exit sensations.  The second half, I don't understand..  When trying for a conscious projection, you should never go to sleep.[]

Nay

[Omnigod0101]

Nay:
Those are some good points and well worth taking into consideration. I must say that I have a lot of faith in cube's method 100% where he recommends waking yourself up 2-3 hours earlier than your regular waking time. I feel this is optimal because by now your mind should be rested as well as relaxed enough that with the proper effort it can be kept awake and focused for the final portion of the practice. Hearing people's comments and such however I'm beginning to think the method could use some revisions similar to the following:

-------------------------
Set your alarm clock to wake you up approximatly 2.5 hours ahead of your regular waking time. (i.e. If you wake up at 7:30 every morning have your alarm clock wake you at 5)

When you wake up set your alarm clock back to it's regular time to ensure if you fall asleep you will wake up on time.

Get up and stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, get a drink or a bite to eat. As cube mentioned don't make it something that will send your body into hyperdrive. You are only trying to get blood flowing to help ensure your brain will stay active. Your body shouldn't have too much problem getting back to sleep, it's your mind that's important here.

Get into whatever position you normally would to practice your conscious exit OBE's and begin breath awareness excersizes or some other way to help relax your body. Your mind shouldn't have too much trouble staying cleared as it should still be pretty relaxed.

Don't use the earplugs! Sorry cube but Nay mentioned something I specifically remembered. In Astral Dynamics R.B. mentioned if there is some noise to simply learn to ignore it. To block the noise out makes you too reliant on having it completely silent to project. You want to be as comfertable and free of needless accessories as possible. I've had moments in a busy room where I've begin to enter a trance state mid-way through conversation. It's simply teaching yourself to phase-out all interruptions.

Basically from here you just continue as you normally would with your projection practice. Whatever technique works best for you, it's basically just a matter of taking advantage of your body's tired state and your mind's rested/relaxed state as an aid. Key part is to just stay awake mentally and relax. Don't concern yourself with time. I've lost hours simply laying flat in a relaxed state, and felt like it was a mere 20 minutes. Even if you don't project, you come out feeling very refreshed! []


EDIT: Cube I hope you don't think I'm trying to steal your glory. I've mentioned many times without your help I would be searching long and hard for any sign of hope. I'm simply trying to help collaborate an effective method. Please give me any suggestions, comments both good and bad as you feel necissary! I know I'm certainly not the almighty wise man when it comes to this stuff. []

[cube]

The earplugs are training wheels, it's better to use the training wheels to accelerate progress at the start and then phase them out than it is to assume we've got more mastery than we really have and wind up floundering around.

The thing is, you *will* hear noises when you use earplugs, but they won't be physical noises! The best way to learn what those are like in the beginning is to block out the physical noises.

[Nay]

quote:Originally posted by cube

The earplugs are training wheels, it's better to use the training wheels to accelerate progress at the start and then phase them out than it is to assume we've got more mastery than we really have and wind up floundering around.

The thing is, you *will* hear noises when you use earplugs, but they won't be physical noises! The best way to learn what those are like in the beginning is to block out the physical noises.

There is no accelerated progress if you want to learn how to have OBE's, nor a magic pill.  If you start with the earplugs you will have to un-learn it when you try and do it the first time without them.  

And just imagine what a shock that will be..lol.. you'll be hearing not only a bunch of new stimuli, but it will be amplified because you have trained your brain not to hear and accept it..  I say, get use to it straight up at the beginning, that way you're only having to learn it the once. []

But of course, all my opinion..

Nay []

[cube]

Nay,
If someone walked in here and said, "Hey I've got this great technique where you pull on this rope..." you'd probably launch into one of your longwinded diatribes about how there's no way to make projecting any easier.

[Nay]

Yikes..pull in the claws, I said it was MY OPINION..

I don't think Robert Bruce says it in Astral Dynamics that using earplugs was the way to go, but I could be totally wrong, if you've read it, then could you tell me what page.

Thanks,

Nay

[cube]

See that's the thing with you, unless RB said it you think it can't possibly be true.

This thread is for finding improvements for this method and so far none of your posts have any questions or suggestions about it. Please start a new topic if you want to talk about other things.

[Nay]

Cube you need to take a deep breath, ok?   I don't know what your problem is, but I was also speaking from experience and tend to (god forbid according to you) agree with Robert Bruce on alot of things, albeit not all the stuff he says but most.[]

I wasn't saying that your technique wouldn't work, I was just saying that most would find it hard to achieve a OBE from sleep paralysis.  I was trying to help lighten the load on the mind for newer people, because they would find it frustrating when they got no where...

I thought I was on topic..sorry.

Nay

[LordoftheBunnies]

Wearing earplugs helps me get into a trance state easier.  They still don't block out all sound though, especially when my family is blaring stupid music downstairs.  They're good in the beginning, but I think it would be a good idea to always set aside some training sessions without them so you don't get too used to the earplugs.  Actually, its the vibrations from the loud music that bugs me more so than anything, if I get into a trance state I feel like they're jarring my systems...

[cube]

quote:
I was just saying that most would find it hard to achieve a OBE from sleep paralysis.

Many of us have found full paralysis to be one of the easiest states from which to project using deep breathing. There's a topic on that here: http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11209

One of the strengths of this surprised body method is that it's likely to put you in paralysis.

[cube]

All of the tricks we are using are crutches. ROPE is a crutch, laying down is a crutch, everything is a crutch. There's no good reason to arbitrarily embrace one and not another.


Tonight I had a case where using earplugs helped me gather an exra bit of data that I would have missed otherwise.

I was meditating basically doing nothing but conceptualizing pressure on the top of my skull and that I was walking around a place near where I live.

All at once at once point I heard a very faint click, my conceptualization went from me having to drive it to it animating on its own, and I had very light vibes. So, I knew I had shifted down one gear so to speak.

Without the earplugs it would have been a more subtle shift that I may have missed, I may have instead noticed the other two changes gradually rather than making it stand out so that I recognized that they were linked, which was the main discovery.

[Nay]

LOL..Ok, ok... your way is just fine!

Nay

[cube]

How do you know? Have you tried it? []

[Nay]

Yes..hehehe, several times.  It seemed so plausible after experiencing sleep paralysis a few times.  The first few times I was scared to death, then I started trying to relax and work through it.  

I figured hey, if I'm seeing and feeling stuff pulling on me while in paralysis, then I should be able to separate.  But it never worked.  I have found the sleep paralysis has diminished as time goes on, but me getting out, hasn't. []

Grrrrrrrr..having a bit of a time with the little one running amuck..lol.  Thought I'd never finish this post..whew..[]

Nay

[cube]

Yes, I have similar issues and I would very much like to hear ideas for resolving them. It seems like if I fall totally asleep during the intervals then I wake up in full paralysis or into a projection.

However if I only trance out then it's less effective because I usually get partial paralysis or heavy vibes. At that point I have about a 50% hit rate, which isn't that great. I usually concentrate on the force of gravity to pull me into the bed and OB.

What I want to do is find a way where I'm fully conscious the whole time, but of course that tends to lead to only partial paralysis.

I've been experimenting with conceptualizing force pressing up against the top of my skull, that seems like it has a lot of potential because it's taken me to vibes in the afternoon which I usually don't get.

Today I spent time walking around conceptualizing pressure up on my skull i nthe hopes of getting my subconscious to switch into it more easily.

Have you found any improvements for it?

[Nay]

quote:I've been experimenting with conceptualizing force pressing up against the top of my skull, that seems like it has a lot of potential because it's taken me to vibes in the afternoon which I usually don't get.

Today I spent time walking around conceptualizing pressure up on my skull i nthe hopes of getting my subconscious to switch into it more easily.

I have no idea what you are talking about..sorry.  Forcing pressure onto the top of your head?  For ever why?  It seems like you are thinking up ways to bring on OBE's yet doing it by adding more concepts that do not need to be brought into the mix..(my opinion)

quote:However if I only trance out then it's less effective because I usually get partial paralysis or heavy vibes. At that point I have about a 50% hit rate, which isn't that great. I usually concentrate on the force of gravity to pull me into the bed and OB.

I'll be honest and say again... I have no idea what you just said there but if I am right, it sounds like you're not actually achieving a separation.  

I pray, do breathing, and then when I feel totally relaxed I do some energy raising technique.  By this time I'm pretty good to go.[]

If it works for you, that is great!

Nay

[mactombs]

quote:However if I only trance out then it's less effective because I usually get partial paralysis or heavy vibes. At that point I have about a 50% hit rate, which isn't that great. I usually concentrate on the force of gravity to pull me into the bed and OB.

What I want to do is find a way where I'm fully conscious the whole time, but of course that tends to lead to only partial paralysis.

I've been experimenting with conceptualizing force pressing up against the top of my skull, that seems like it has a lot of potential because it's taken me to vibes in the afternoon which I usually don't get.

50% hit rate is great when compared to my previous .001% ... this new method of yours is a big step forward for me (so long as I am not too exhausted). I applaud your willingness to innovate and explore new options and methods. I also don't believe in crutches to the extent which it seems have been argued here. For instance, I don't care if using a footstool is just a "crutch" to being able to jump higher and reach something on the top shelf. Furthermore, after the first projection, it is said the following times are easier to achieve. So why not make the first time a little easier?

Considering that different things work for different people, it can only help to have more specific methods.

Also, conceptualizing the force rising against the top of the skull is helpful for me, too. Of any place on my body, it seems the easiest for me to leave through.

The gravity method (imagine yourself falling down through your bed) is also quite a bit easier for me to image than floating or rising - or climbing - since it's hugely more familiar a sensation.

[Dream Cadet]

Hi All,

I tried this method again this morning. I reached the vibration stage at the very end of the 2nd 25 minute segment. I was actually doing my deep breathe routine to strengthen the vibes (nearly always works) when the alarm sounded[]. I had to get up or I may have actually been able to pull off an OBE.

So far with this technique.

5 attempts
1 lucid dream (rare for me)
2 times reached the vibration stage (also rare)
Quite a few cool dreams

I have been using some BWGEN presets at night before going to bed and they are helping me reach a heavier state of relaxation. This has resulted in 1 night time OBE during this time as well.

Cube,

I like this technique.  Repeatable results are hard to obtain but this seems to produce them. Thanks so much for sharing this information with us.

Happy Travels,

D.C.

[mactombs]

My friend just tried this method, and it worked for him, too. [8D]

[cube]

Cool! I'm working on testing some refinements to make it more effective. I'll be putting together a new routine and we can see how much it ups the success rate.