My struggles with clearing my mind.

[Lightworker]

I have been trying to project on off since the beginning of last year and was progressing steadily towards full separation. Until I had a spontaneous projection....kind of.
The first few months of AP meditation and attempts I found myself progressing all the way into the vibrational stages but could never seem to stop "thinking" about the projection experience I was about to have so I was stuck for a while.
Then one day, I was going with the flow and just got done hiking with a friend when I see another classmate walking down the street. He then offered me my first dab which changed some things. If you have ever "dabbed" before you will know that it's concentrated THC. After that I went home and had a strong urge to project. So I did the method I learned a while back where you stare into a candle or light bulb for 10 minutes or so to establish a focus point for your third eye. And I just layed down and focused on the point and the ringing noise in my head when I then felt frustrated with it and decided to just roll over and fall asleep... But to my surprise I did exactly what I needed to do. As I layed there I felt a sensation come over me but I didn't care at all because of my intense high. I felt like I was spinning. Not a fast spinning sensation but a slow/steady turn of my whole body. And by the end of this sensation I saw the door of my room that I was facing away from last time I checked. But I then noticed something like a shadowy spirit in front of me directly against the wall facing me. It was perfectly mirrored with me and it gave me chills running down my now astral body. I then proceeded to sit up and felt the vibrations as I entered this dimension. But I still wasn't even aware I was out of my body because of how relaxed I was.
I have only ever successfully fully projected one other time after that. I was sober this time and it was due to the fact that i just simply couldn't put my consciousness to rest.
But I still find myself getting very excited for projection and unable to achieve the full AP experience my soul has been craving. Any advice is deeply appreciated.

One love. ✌

[Lumaza]

 The "candle staring technique" is a very good method to learn to sustain a strong non physical focus. The key is to just passively observe the sensations, sights and sounds and just keep your focus on the visual. I know this is very hard at first for those new to this practice. But this is very important.

I also liked the fact that you mentioned "just going with the flow". Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves if we don't have a "full blown" OBE. But anything you experience while attempting to AP is a positive thing. It just helps you get further and further the next time.

Release the stress you put on yourself and just relax, release and let go.

It sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work!

Sometimes I use a "busy mind" to create a good NP focus. I hear people that say they can't stop the "monkey mind". So, if you can't beat it join it. Entertain the thoughts. Watch them as they go by. You can either let them pass and release them or you can strengthen them and "lose" yourself in them. Both ways are productive for they achieve the same thing, which is a strong NP focus.

Once you create the focus, don't turn your focus back to what your physical body is experiencing. Just go with the flow!

[Bluefirephoenix]

I use a mantra when I cannot focus properly. Even in your post your writing focus isn't good, so it's probably a weak area that needs some work. Meditating in a chair rather than laying in bed trying to project focusing on one word with a positive concept ( love is a good one) You can start saying it out loud then going to mental repetition if you can stay on it without breaking for a few minutes.  Practice this several times a day.

Lack of focus is sometimes a symptom of anxiety. The next step would be to open your heart as your trancing down. I used to have to make an opening motion with my hands and it was like a plow going through my chest deeper and deeper within. It doesn't have to be a drastic motion. Just relax in that area and go deeper as you relax.

You should see some improvements after a few months of doing this.

[Lightworker]

 I took your guys advice and was able to project even with an incredible amount of background noise. I feel like I have this down now but if I need any advice I know where to look for help and thanks for the long replies! It really means a lot to me.