thinking about tossing in the towel

[skt2k4]

I've been trying to AP since last June (I worked hard at it throughout summer, but when school started i've been sleep deprived) and i've had no results since maybe september, when i felt vibes and almost got out

but NO RESULTS SINCE THEN!

AHH! is there something i'm doing wrong? should i give up? do you guys have any helpful literature? I have astral dynamics, but i can't seem to find the file library of astral pulse

[Nay]

It simply might be that you aren't ready.  

But don't hate or regret what who've put into the progress so far.  Take a break and come back to it.. you might be very surprised.

Nay

[Nostic]

LOL, I think about giving-up almost every other day. But I just keep chuggin' away like a machine. I don't know, I guess it just depends on how important it is for you in your life. If it's something that you HAVE to experience, forget about a break for more than a day or 2. If it's just something that you think might be fun, well then, I guess you can stop and come back to it whenever.

[Giselle]

Maybe you'll feel a little better to know you are not alone in this.  I've been trying for over a year with almost no results.  I've been thinking lately it's probably because I subconsciously expect to fail at it.  

I've bought the book "Mastering Astral Projection" and will use the affirmations regularly.  Maybe they can overcome this subconscious programming I have.

Also, I've only been trying at night because that's about the only time I seem to get the opportunity to meditate and usually fall asleep too quickly.  So, I've also decided that since this is really important to me, I'm going to MAKE the time on the weekends during the day.

Maybe if you think about what it is you're doing that might be sabotaging your progress, you can make some changes and keep trying.

I've been tempted to throw in the towel, but I keep telling myself that if others can do it, so can I.  Now I've got to make myself believe that.

I vote you hang in there and don't give up.

Giselle

[knucklebrain1970]

Your not alone bub. I've been practicing for months to no avail. I think one of the pitfalls of OBE study is that most people go into this EXPECTING it to happen. What I am concentrating on is mastering the trance state. Forget about OBE, because until you can master a trance state, get your legs and arms, torso and head vibrating, its NOT GONNA HAPPEN. It's all about forgetting about the body. Make a conscious effort throughout your days coming to the self-realization that you aren't your body. None of it is you. It is then, when you realize that, that you can forget about your body more easily when you attempt to enter the trance state. People are so hung up on OBE and wanting it to happen, it eludes them. You don't have to overstate your intent. You already know why your doing this. Don't expect it to happen however. I can't even sit still 1/2 the time. It takes me about 2 solid hours of time to enter the trance state. I am high voltage man, 24/7, so the only thing that really has worked for me is vicodins. However I would never advocate the use of drugs for OBE. Of course when I was on vicodins for various injuries and had vibrations and paralysis I didn't know what it was and never let it progress as I was a scared baby. Anyhow, besides the drugs, what I've stated can be of some benefit I believe.

Peace,

Kevin

[skt2k4]

I think what the problem is is that I just can't get into the trance state. I try really hard to get into it, but stuff just seems to happen
like i either drift into sleep, or can't silence my internal dialog, and this timer goes off in my head at 20 minutes (almost always 20 minutes, i think something subconcious is going on) that forces me out of bed

maybe i should meditate during the day or early morning?

i also can't fully relax myself
should i stretch or not before trying to relax?

[patapouf]

Since changes in your life seems to have put some obstacles in your OBEs experiements , you need to vary how you try your OBEs (ex: time of day, sitting instead of lying in bed, etc.). I am presently doing the Mastering Astral Projection program also and they cover many issues that might answer questions that you may have. Like MajorTom says, take a look at the FAQ section of the forum for answers.

Take care,

[skt2k4]

how exactly do i sit? whenever i try, i have a problem with my head falling down (the dosing-off effect).

[Zante]

I second the idea of resting. When you play games, one session after another, for long periods you begin to find that you aren't improving as quickly as when you first started out. I found it to be obvious when learning how to play Chess and Go (I became obsessive with Go), you have to take a day off (in perspective you may need a longer rest). When you come back to it you will indeed be pleasantly surprised.

It's the same when stretching muscles, you'll find that 30 minutes every night is going to eventually stop getting you meaningful results. Take a few days away from it, mainly to heal up, and you'll see you can go quite a bit further when you resume training.

The same applies to video games in my experience. The whole thing becomes so formulaic that it just loses all meaning. Take some time off and let it fall into your subconscious, you'll find the next time you play that everything you've learned through trial and error will just flow without half as much concentration being needed. That leaves you room to start improving again.

No it's not all in the same context but keep it in perspective :)

Edit: On that note, I also have trouble hitting a deep trance. Whenever I feel my skin starting to prickle I start swallowing :P I can get the feeling of falling almost every time I lie down to practice but it's very brief.

[knucklebrain1970]

In order to astral project properly and enter the trance state, my opinions below.
1. You need to have enormous amounts of time to do this.
2. The best time to do it is in the afternoon. When 99% of us are at work.
3. You can't get up early and do it before work. You have work on your mind and no clarity.

So, I have come to the conclusion that it is extremely difficult for most to devote enough time for this. It does not work after working all day. We are just plain too tired. It's analogous to having a huge garden. This is for people like Martha Stuart, that don't have to work for a living.

Kevin

[BillionNamesofGod]

In order to astral project properly and enter the trance state, my opinions below.
1. You need to have enormous amounts of time to do this.
2. The best time to do it is in the afternoon. When 99% of us are at work.
3. You can't get up early and do it before work. You have work on your mind and no clarity.

So, I have come to the conclusion that it is extremely difficult for most to devote enough time for this. It does not work after working all day. We are just plain too tired. It's analogous to having a huge garden. This is for people like Martha Stuart, that don't have to work for a living.

Kevin

I pretty much agree with this, modern day busy lives are not ideal for AP.
Which explains me to a tee, when I was a teenager, I devoted a lot of time to it, and things happen.

I think the answer is Simple.   NEVER GIVE UP !!! Make  it part of your life.

I personaly, am very jealous of people who have the time, or are natural projectors.

People don't reliase how difficult it actually is for the average person in the rat race.