What is an out of body experience or astral projection? A basic definition of an obe or astral projection is when the spirit or soul leaves the physical body behind to explore other realms of existence without the body.
Much like a lot of other things of this nature, the proof is dependent on faith and supposed "experiences" which have yet to have any REAL scientific proof. However, to those who claim to have had one, myself included, something did happen.
I am not going to lie and say just because I had such an experience that I am convinced there is no rational explanation for what happened. Could be a very deep dream state or maybe a very light state in between being awake and asleep. All I know is many times I have had the feeling of floating outside of my body, flying around the house, checking out the time, and coming back with a slam where I can't move a muscle and feel paralyzed. I didn't do this deliberately, it just happened and has been happening since I was a kid.
Scientifically, there is no conclusion on exactly how an out of body experience happens. There is no doubt that this phenomena is happening, but scientists believe when studied further it will boil down to a part of the brain being stimulated to cause this effect.
This experience is very common, but people don't discuss it because they would be considered a "freak" or perhaps just brush it off as a dream. This out of body experience also happens to those close to death, during times of extreme stress, or under the influence of drugs socially or in surgery. All such experiences do involve brain activity or stimulation of parts of the brain that involve sound, sight, and balance.
Does that mean there is nothing supernatural about an out of body experience? This is where it comes to faith. Faith and science have nothing to do with each other. Faith is the belief in something that cannot be proven and without facts. It doesn't really hurt anyone to believe something based on faith as long as it doesn't destroy their life and the lives of others in the process.
For instance, suppose the astral project is proof that we are eternal beings and there is life beyond this one. Perhaps we can't scientifically ever prove there is life beyond this one, but if it gives people hope why take it away? We can't really prove or disprove there is life other than this one and I don't think anyone ever will - unless a scientist were to resurrect a body of someone over 100 years dead and they were to bring back pictures of the afterlife.
Proponents for the astral projection experience claim it can be achieved by certain rituals and exercises. What should you expect if you want to do this deliberately? According to those who are "experts" on the subject, you could fly astral to any place or point in time or even any realm of the many levels of existence. They all differ in methods in attaining this state and the levels of danger, but they do share some common lines of thought on the subject.
- You Must Want To Experience It. - You need to set it straight in your mind that you really want to do this. If you have any fear or belief that this is wrong or evil, you will not be very successful in doing this or have a bad experience if you do.
- You Must Clear Doubt From Your Mind. - If you don't think this is possible or real, you won't be able to let yourself loose out of your body without thinking it's a dream and therefore will not be in control. A successful experience is only when you are in charge of where you are going.
- You Must Be Reasonably Fit Physically And Mentally. - While it is believed anyone in any state can achieve astral projection, only those who are mentally and physically fit are better able to control the experience.
- You Should Avoid Drugs And Alcohol. - Much like a person who is on LSD who is prone to a "bad trip," one who is inebriated tends to have very little control in the experience and can wander off in scary areas with scary beings.
- You Must Have A Goal Destination. - If you go into this state without knowing where you are going, you will float around aimlessly and feel like you are bouncing around before you quickly hit your body.
- You Should Keep A Dream Diary By Your Bed. - This will help you keep track of the types of dreams you have so you can tell the difference between your dreams and an out of body experience.
- You Can Do A Protection Ceremony. - This is especially for those who have a tinge of doubt of how safe this is and crossing scary or evil entities to give them a peace of mind that their bodies will be safe while they are out. Most "experts" say there is no need to worry that your body will be possessed while you are out, but you do have to look out for other entities who may not be nice. This ceremony can involve surrounding yourself with light, prayer, or even lighting candles or incense by your bed (although I would NOT recommend the later as it can pose a fire hazard.)
- Relaxation Holds The Key. - Unless you are in a state of relaxation, you will never truly let go enough to launch your spirit out of your body.
- Full Stomachs Need Not Apply. - A full stomach may keep you tied down with indegestion waking you or causing sleep interference.
- It Is Easier To Do This Sleeping Alone. - When you sleep with a partner, he/she may keep bumping into you which can disturb your journey.
- Watch Where You Are Going. - If you know where you want to go, you are less likely to be viewed as a "clueless astral drifter" who is easy prey to entities who like to play jokes or are just plain evil or scary. If you run into these beings and feel in danger, go back to your body.
- Come Back Slowly. - When you come back too suddenly, you are pretty much splashing your soul into the body and things may not fit in properly for a few minutes causing you to feel paralyzed. Ease back into your body and take some time to wake up.
- Practice Makes Perfect. - Some can do this the first try and others may take months. If you are determined to do this and have no doubts, set a certain time everyday to practice and you will eventually get it.
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