What do you think about...

[mjolnir_knight]

I know this might seem like a total noob question, but I have never truely had it answered anywhere else.  I have noticed something about why I can't project anymore (actually, I haven't been able to ever since my 1st try which was a total success; I have had lucid dreams, however):  The first time that I projected, I concentrated on things other than myself and what I was feeling.  I had several very stong mental images that were cycled through my head as if automatically.  I visualized myself floating away from my physical body (1st), I saw myself soaring over the clouds (rather cliche, but 2nd nontheless), and I saw myself floating peacefully through the cosmos (3rd).  Not for one second did my mind wander to my physical body.
Nowadays, I find myself inadvertantly drawn to my body and the sensations that I undergo leading up to a projection.  I concentrate on the vibrations, the heavy feeling, the numb limbs... almost uncontrolably.

Basically the point of this thread is, to all of you expierenced projectors, what do you concentrate on?  Do you keep a focus on your body, or far away?

Thanks to all,
Patrick

[kiwibonga]

The answer is simple:

Do not think with your brain, think with your mind.
Do not look with your physical eyes, look with your mind's eye.
Do not listen with your physical ears, look with your mind's ear.
Do not feel anything with your physical sense of touch, you are formless.

The transition from the physical brain to the non-physical mind happens by itself when we fall asleep. If we choose to remain conscious, we have to learn to use our non-physical senses as they kick in. This is very unusual for us, that's why we have to take "baby steps." Start by trying to observe hypnogogic imagery without breaking it, and slowly lengthen the amount of time you remain aware in trance.

It takes practice, but once you "get it," you will be progressing smoothly.

[Virgin Astral]

Once you are experienced its a feeling that you get familiar with, and you tune your mind in to that. Now days, my mind almost tunes into it itself. This also gets easier with experience, the tuning in part.  To get to that stage though, speaking for myself, took many years, and several OBEs.  There is no Black or White answer to your question IMO.

To try to answer your question:  "Basically the point of this thread is, to all of you expierenced projectors, what do you concentrate on?  Do you keep a focus on your body, or far away?"

I don't concentrate on anything.  I let go.  I do not focus on anything near, or far.  I am just there.

[FrostyRose]

Oh! I've always wondered how I project, because I don't really have a technique I follow anymore. What you said sounds a bit like what I'm doing, Virgin Astral. Thanks

It's great that you got out the first time you tried Patrick. That's quite amazing  I suggest you find a technique that you like, and try that out. I don't think it matters much what technique you use, because it's all about concentration anyway, that's what will make you project instead of falling into a dream. So one that you enjoy should be good. I used to concentrate on my third eye a lot. I found that fun because I would sometimes see pictures.

I think it's somewhat normal to find it easier to project when you first start out. It was like that for me as well. Maybe we get help from the divine in the beginning, who knows. But it takes work to keep projecting. We need to practice. Practice astral projection as often as we can.