staying focused, help

[toba122]

I have a difficult time staying concentrated when trying to AP. I usually black out during the hypnagogic images part. Is there anything I can do like counting or something to stay focused?

[Stookie]

Really, I think the best thing you can do is concentration exercises separate from your projection attempts. That way (with practice over time) focusing on the exercise will be more natural and you'll be primed for greater success and control of your experiences. And you'll find yourself more focused in your daily life as well.

[Xanth]

Concentration isn't something to comes with counting or some other exercise... nothing will improve it except practice.

When you're doing an exercise and you find your attention wandering away from what you're doing, just gently bring it back.
Eventually, there will come a point when you won't have to do that as much and that will be the result of, as Stookie said, practicing. 

[Astral316]

Nothing spices up my dreams and produces OBEs faster than when I practice empty mind meditation.

[SkepticBoy]

Does anyone else find when there trying to quiet the mind that they kind of are almost afraid to do that? kind of like almost your afraid you will forget what was on your mind before you started. Anyone know the feeling I mean?

[Astral316]

Does anyone else find when there trying to quiet the mind that they kind of are almost afraid to do that? kind of like almost your afraid you will forget what was on your mind before you started.

Not really, because the intent is still there. Thinking about 'what is on your mind before you started' is probably keeping you from projecting. Let go of fears and expectations. Quieting the mind is the activity of blocking such thoughtforms.