Meditation Secrets Revealed

Based on an interview with Nelson Abreu of International Academy of Consciousness

What is an out of body experience?

An out of body experience (obe) is when the consciousness, meaning the individual himself, makes a transition from operating with his – her physical body to operating with the astral. Another way to put it is that person transitions from the physical, everyday reality into a parallel but different dimension. This dimension is more subtle than ours, but always there. It remains invisible to many of us because we lack the psychical perception to see into it.

Projecting into this parallel dimension is temporary, it can last from a few seconds to a couple of hours in rare cases, but inevitably we must return to the physical body. The process of moving into the astral dimension is dependant on the energetic connection between the physical and the astral body. This connection, sometimes called the silver cord, allows us to travel into the astral dimension and keeps our two bodies connected and safe. It also allows energy and information to flow between the two bodies.

Out of body experiences never causes the severing of the silver cord, but physical death is a process that involves the de-activation of the silver cord and could be called a “final projection.”

We tend to think of astral projection or out of body experiences as something supernatural and separate from the physical life. Something that only gifted or psychic people can do, but we all have this ability and go through this separation every night when we sleep and dream.

What is the difference between dreaming and having an obe?

The major difference is that dreams are illusory creations of the brain, whereas the obe is real, in the sense that it can be objectively shared with others like physical life. The average person goes through a partial disconnection while sleeping.  When we dream, our astral body hovers just slightly above the physical body. What is missing is the awareness and intention to fully project out. Even in a lucid dream, there is still a range of lucidity and some people are able to use the lucid dream as a springboard to go into an obe. The realness of the obe experience, makes it self evident that it is different from a dream. Out of body experiences become as real as our daily lives.

What are the benefits, why would somebody want to try this?

One of the most profound benefits is the loss of fear of death, common with near death experience. Fear is easy to manipulate and people that are afraid can be targets for malicious manipulation and influenced. Once we overcome that fear, we are able to make better and more rational decisions.

Attempting and having access to out of body experiences can set us on a journey of trying to understand this physical life. Because we have this glimpse into something unusual, a different world that most people are not aware of, we will come back with questions and a new perspective on life. We will be more curious and will want to share these realizations and experiences with others.

In other dimensions, just like in ours, thoughts and intentions have consequence, they attract things and people. This is sometimes called the law of attraction, and in the astral dimensions we are able to see this much easier and in a more immediate fashion. This is why it is so vital to monitor the quality of our thoughts, intentions.

As a result of out of body experiences, we become more perceptive, more psychic, and able to feel or see energy in ourselves and others. Because we realize the benefits of maintaining a healthy energetic pattern we become more aware of our own energetic and mental state.

We can step out of our physical and solid world and look out through another lens. By doing so, we can see ourselves and our lives from a different perspective and when we come back, our worldview is shifted and changed. The ramifications touch and inform all of our problems on earth. Many of the world’s problems come from the human-centered perspective that nature and life are things; they are to be used and then thrown away. When we see ourselves as consciousness that exists outside the physical body, this continuity and connection between ourselves, our bodies, spirits, and all living things becomes apparent. With this knowledge, life, the environment, and most other things in life become more valuable and precious.

Through out of body travels, we can see ourselves as a multi-dimensional consciousness in the process of evolution along with other beings. With this realization, we become more connected in a cosmic way to our fellow human beings.

What can I expect for my first time?

Beginners should be very motivated but not easily discouraged. On the other hand, you should be prepared to have an experience. Fears and anxieties are common, try to address these beforehand. Excitement may result in reducing the chance of getting an obe because the physical body will not be able to relax enough to allow the separation from the astral body.

Recognize the physical sensations such as tingling, vibrations, or pulsations. These are the first signs of an obe onset. Sometimes you may hear inter-cranial sounds that may appear to be coming from your head. These are actually generated in your non-physical or astral body. A partial or completely paralysis of the body also happens; do not be worried or panic. It is common to feel subtle energy moving or a part of your subtle-astral body to separate – such as an arm, or leg.

Is it dangerous?

No. People have obes nightly and it is quite natural. Becoming lucid of this process makes you safer and increases the connection between the physical and astral body. Because of the silver cord, you are still energetically connected to the body and there is no way for this connection to break or be cut. Your energy body is a perfect fit for your physical body. The terms in and out of body are analogies, and you are energetically still connected to your body at all times.

It is common for people to ask if they can get lost. Most people would like the opposite, they want to explore, but the moment they feel afraid, they are immediately zipped back into their physical body. There are many fears around obes but most of these are unfounded and exist to discourage exploration into the nature of reality and the self.

How do I do it? What types of methods are there?

Continuous consciousness projection is feasible when we allow our bodies to go into a deeply relaxed state – almost numb and heavy. Our emotions are also slowed and focused on the obe. Many people are constantly moving the body and when the physical body is too jittery, complete separation is almost impossible.

The most basic technique is to contract and relax the physical muscles. The intention should be to extend the period of falling asleep, and progressively relaxing the mind and the body, creating opportunities for having a spontaneous out of body experience.

In our daily lives, the energy body is crystallized and aligned with the physical body. Only in the periods before or after sleep does the energy body have a chance to shift out of this alignment. To make it easier to separate, we must be able to control the energy body to the point where we can reach a vibrational state where it is the most vital and energized. To accomplish this, it is helpful to develop our energy body.

There are many techniques but the main emphasis should be on moving the energy resolving any energy blockages in the body. To get to this stage, we must first become aware and sensitive enough to feel the subtle energy.

Another path is breathing techniques that alter the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide allowing us to relax the body completely while keeping our mind awake, focused, and relaxed. This state should not be confused with insomnia. Our energy body reacts to our emotions which is why it is important to go into this practice with calm and peaceful mind.

We may also try to have a target where we wish to travel. A person, an object or place, as long as it does not cross any privacy boundaries. A place that we are familiar with and attached to, will work best and we can wish and will the energy body to go there.

Yet another technique is to separate just one limb of the energy body, attempting to control that limb before attempting the entire body. Hypnotic self suggestions cal also be used.

Is there a good time, position?

It is possible to project anytime, in any position, but lying down on the back is preferred. The energy body naturally assumes that position and the blood-flow into the brain is evenly distributed.

For others, on the side or even sitting in a comfortable recliner is preferred. Ask yourself, when and how am I least likely to fall asleep and most likely to relax quickly.

Study these two conditions. As for timing, the most common is right before falling asleep. For others, it is the middle of the night, the afternoon, after work, or immediately after waking up. All of this depends on your profile and life habits.

To find out, it is best to experiment and be our own investigator and researcher.

Is obe related to psychic powers, such as clairvoyance and telepathy?

When people have obes on a regular basis, they tend to become more psychic. These abilities operate and are linked to consciousness and the projection of energy. If we are able to create a partial disconnection of our energy body, we open a channel for clairvoyance and other psychic information to come in. The better we are able to control and understand our subtle energy, the more we will be able to receive this type of information. Unblock stagnant energy in the body and working with chakras will greatly help facilitate the development of psychic powers.

Where can I find out more? Resources, books, etc…?

A great resource online is International Academy for Consciousness (IAC)  This organization offers training courses and publications. Here is an interview with IAC president Alegretti

Books:

Projections of the Consciousness: A Diary of Out-of-Body Experiences, by Waldo Vieira

Projection of the Astral Body by Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington

Robert Crookall

Wagner Allegretti

Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce

Journeys out of the body by Robert Monroe

Reference guides:

Projectiology: A Panorama Of Experiences Of The Consciousness Outside The Human Body by Waldo Vieira

While siting at a workshop last week, I noticed that several people around me were having trouble paying attention and sitting still. The topic was interesting, the presenter was being extremely engaging and yet here they were, fidgeting. As part of an exercise in non-judgment and listening, attendants were asked to pair up and take turns give advice on problem areas in their partner’s lives. I was not surprised to see that patience was one of the top resources that people frequently wish they had more of, but just don’t know how to get. In the past, I have frequently found myself becoming extremely impatient which quickly lead to frustration and anger. While I can’t say that I no longer experience impatience, I now have many tools at my side to deal in a quick and healthy manner. Here are a few meditation techniques for doing exactly that.

Chinese Man: See an old Chinese man standing with his hands clasped behind his back. He has a relaxed, calm, and slight smile on his face. As you see him standing there, begin to move closer and end up looking at his face. As you zoom even closer, move behind and step into him. Feel the patience, calm, and peace washing over you.

Clasped Hands: When experiencing a moment of patience, clasping your hands behind you, begin to lean back and take a deep breath. When you need more patience, repeat the patient stance and follow the breath – deeply settle into the experience.

Breath Sip: Take a long slow deep breath in, hold for a count of five, and then slowly release. As you do this, pay attention to how the breath is coming into your lungs, filling them up, and leaving. This is one sip. Repeat several times as necessary.

One of the simplest ways to begin learning meditation is to watch your breath. This meditation technique is perfect for beginners because it is natural, easy, and can be done anywhere and anytime. Begin by paying attention to the breath as it leaves and enters your lungs.

Take notice of any bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings. At first, start with five inhalations and five exhalations, counting slowly and taking deep regular breaths. Make sure that you are paying full attention and giving all of your focus to the breath. If you find yourself getting distracted, do not worry or get agitated, this is a natural part of the practice. When this happens, gently bring your attention back to the breath and begin again. Once you are able to maintain a steady focus and count five breaths without becoming distracted, you can increase the number of inhalations and exhalations.

Take note of the moments when you become distracted, there you will find the greatest lessons and realizations and I always try to think of those moments as reminders and helpful reminders instead of failures. To use the metaphor of driving a car, if you momentarily drift off the road, you simply take control of the steering wheel and bring the car back to the center of the road. It is exactly the same with this meditation technique. Watching and counting the breath can be done frequently and in short bursts, and you may find that even a five count will dramatically reduce stress and anxiety while calming, clearing, and centering the mind. As with any skill, the amount of time and length of practice will determine the benefit and mastery.

The first change was in my emotional states. I became much more calm, centered, and at peace with myself and the outside world. Small things that had previously annoyed or given me great anxiety became inconsequential. Instead, of responding with anger or annoyance, I would notice my feelings and be able to examine them before reacting. In this way, I was able to save myself a lot of inner turmoil and pain. Along with the feelings of calm and inner peace, I also began to experience prolonged periods of inner joy and happiness. Simple things like a person saying hello, or a pretty picture, would bring immense pleasure and satisfaction. I believe this is due, in part, to the meditation practice of eliminating stray thoughts along with the ability to stay present. Along the way, two books have been instrumental in my self discovery: The Ptanjali Yoga Sutras and the Toa Te Ching have been my beacons and continue to guide my life, adding their ancient yet profoundly useful wisdom and guidance.

For more information about the Yoga Sutras, see my post Best Books About Meditation and Yoga

I have been interested in Yoga for almost as long as I can remember, for me this was not a question of why, but rather a question of where do I learn and which path do I follow. My own path has lead to a complete transformation of my entire person. There are many benefits to taking up yoga- the obvious ones being  improved health,  flexibility in the body, and relaxation. This is a no-brainer since almost everyone has seen flexible women and men doing interesting and sometimes strange poses – showing off their flexibility, balance and strength. What most people do not realize is the intense concentration, focus, and mental control that is necessary to correctly perform these poses.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg because the all the other major benefits are under the surface and cannot be seen as easily. By conducting interviews with average people on the street, I am learning that the predominant belief is that meditation and yoga helps relax and calm. While this is true, the same can be said about going for a walk or riding a bicycle. The vast difference between these recreational activities and yoga is that the latter is a complex, ancient, and highly developed system that has been scientifically designed to raise one’s consciousness and completely transform one’s life in every aspect. This is only true if the person doing yoga is willing to immerse in the study of all the different elements, as opposed to just doing the stretches in class and then forgetting about it once the class is over. The transformative power of yoga is tremendous if it is embraced completely.

Children are supposed to play, adults are not. As an adult, we are conditioned to behave and conform to the standards of society; they tell us to walk without running, keep our voice controlled, don’t disrupt, don’t climb, don’t jump, don’t shout, and the list goes on and on. Most people actually believe this is what qualifies a person to be an adult and a proper, socialized citizen. By upholding this belief, the majority of adults become rigid, unyielding- cutting play and imagination almost completely out of their lives. Yet play is the ultimate new behavior generator. It is a boundless resource for creativity and experimentation. If I am talking to somebody and ask them sincerely to try something they may feel uncomfortable or fearful of performing that activity, or answering the questions. As soon as I rephrase the request and say, “Imagine or pretend to know the answer…” By putting the word, imagine, in front of the question, I am inviting a mental shift and encouraging play and imagination to take place, thereby changing the emotional state of that person. Now, that person feels free to explore without self doubts and fears holding them back. This is the power of play.

I frequently run into people that say, “Oh, I can’t learn that, I’m too old.” Another comment that I frequently hear is, “Children learn much faster then adults, the adult brain just isn’t capable of soaking up information the way a kid’s brain is.” Well, if you believe that, then it certainly is true for you, but I don’t. In fact, people frequently tell me that I learn extremely quickly and my response is, “I learn faster, better, and smarter now than I ever did before. “ In part this is due to my personal philosophy and attitude towards learning and the relationship between play and learning.

Play allows me to experiment, be creative, lighthearted and carefree. I was teaching my boss, a serious man of 60 years of age, how to use his new laptop. He was listening to me and cautiously moving the mouse around the screen, following my instructions. The entire process of teaching him the basics of a program were excruciatingly slow because he was unable to get past his fear of ruining or screwing something up. Caution overtook curiosity and excitement, and the result was a very difficult and tedious learning process. If I was to put a playful adult in his stead, yes such a species does exist, that person would be jumping all over the menus, pushing all the buttons and rapidly exploring the new computer options. If you have forgotten how, it’s never too late to re-learn how to play, it’s easy, it’s natural, and scientists are starting to learn that is necessary for development. Learn to cultivate a playful and curious attitude towards new and familiar things; it’s the best recipe for staying young, active, and smart.

Here are a few links to great TED talks and news stories about play:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/tim_brown_on_creativity_and_play.html

http://www.aap.org/pressroom/play-public.htm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514

Quite often, our thoughts and memories play tricks on us. When we think of a situation that has occurred, it is generally the same no matter how many times we run through it in our mind. Now, try taking a walk in a familiar place. One of the things you will notice is that it is not the same as you remember it. The world has changed, and it is constantly changing. Being present in the moment forces awareness of your surroundings and the ever-changing world. It is a well known fact from neuro-science that your eyes only capture a partial impression of the external reality. The rest of what you perceive to be reality is actually filled in by your mind. To have a fresh perspective and to see without assuming and expecting is the goal of being present in the moment.

Take notice of these changes and become aware of the liquidity of life. This new awareness can inspire you to become more flexible and pliable in all aspects of your life. Born, we are soft and supple, dead we are hard and stiff. Movement and change is the way of life, rigidity and stiffness is the way of death. To be present, truly present, is a joy that is beyond words. Once you become aware that you are living a real moment, a unique moment given specifically to you, no matter what it is, you can appreciate it and be grateful for being alive. Be grateful that you are having this breath, having this food, having this ache, because it’s the only one like it that you will ever have.

The realization that my mind and my thinking dictate how I perceive the world made me ask many questions of myself that never had occurred to me previously. I started with seemingly simple questions such as, “Why do I think the way I do? What makes me act or react in this way? Why do I keep thinking about this topic even though that event occurred long ago?” These questions and the answers that I uncovered became a major part of my self-exploration and I quickly realized that they were not so easy to answer. After many years of asking, questioning, observing, studying, and analyzing, my conclusion is that the mind is a filter. It determines whether something is good, bad, happy, or sad. Painful or pleasurable is all in the mind if one examines the thought process. There are a number of ways to illustrate what I mean here, but I will start with an analogy.

Think of the mind as a wonderful tool. It was given to us at birth, we had no choice in the matter, but how we learn to use that tool makes all the difference in our lives. Since birth, the mind has been shaped by many external factors, and with every experience new pathways and connections of thinking were forged and old ones reinforced. What is remarkable is that nobody told us how to use that tool, it just evolved, learned, and adapted – there is no manual or how to guide.

In my own quest for understanding I have developed and learned many meditation techniques. You can find them under the topics tab here.

I love stories. I love telling stories, I love hearing them, and I love learning about the powerful that stories have over us. The great hypnotherapist and founder of modern hypnosis Milton Erickson frequently used stories to illustrate examples and lessons. The story would seep into his patient’s unconscious mind and work that person from the inside out. An alternative, more traditional approach is to break the concepts down into bite size pieces for patients to try and process on a conscious level. Explaining tough moral or social dilemmas can be difficult with complex explanations but a simple metaphor frequently summs up the entire argument in one concise passage. Stories can be found just about anywhere, movies, books, and advertisements are the most obvious places where they show up. There is another kind of story that humans have, and it’s found within us. An athlete might tell himself, “You are strong, you can do this, this is your moment to shine.” Such self-affirming language is common among successful people because as they hear these words, a story is woven and their mind latches onto these concepts and creates beliefs out of them. Many people that I meet have terrible stories running through their minds and it makes their life hell. Therefore, become aware of the stories that you tell yourself, they may hold the key to transforming your life.