Overcoming Distraction

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Seiko

Disclaimer: I admit, I did not use the search function before making this thread, for I'm not entirely sure what I should be searching for! If this is a duplicate--by all means, I'll delete it.

Whoo. Likely due to a combination of events, the details of which I will spare you, I've finally accomplished an (partial) out-of-body experience (NOT astral projection, as far as I can tell). Albeit very short-lived, the entire ordeal was very faith-building towards further efforts.

My attention was abruptly "snapped back" from wherever my mind was wandering (as has been apt to happen in my close failures of AP, after I have given up for the night), and in the span of approximately five seconds, I felt myself "rising" from the top of my skull--like smoke from a bottle on its side. A very peculiar sensation, which I was content with observing, until I was distracted by a chorus of high-pitched, obnoxious laughter. This was enough to involuntarily abort the whole procedure.

Now, I'm not complaining. I'm rather glad I was unable to have a total success--as if I can't focus enough to overcome something as simple as an auditory hallucination, I have no business traveling about OOB yet. But this is where my question for you all comes in...

Short of pure willpower and/or "getting used to it", are there any potential tips for getting past this first barrier? I'm sure, if the distractions are not purely of my own mind, that a good banishing beforehand couldn't hurt.

Also, any other generic "tips" or whatnot from you APers out there, would be greatly appreciated. But they aren't to be the focus of this thread.

Focus, baby.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Serpentiferous

First, I'm not an expert by any stretch. I've just had some sucesses. What has helped me is to have a set goal when I feel I'm going out. Its usually something like reaching for my lamp, or walking to my mirror, going to the kitchen. The shift in my attention from 'whatever I hear or see' to preforming a task seems to help. (If your focus is off the other things going on, then they can't be easily affected by your own imagination... which can turn any little thing into a scary monster.) If you establish a set ritual of some sort and just focus on that, it should give you time to aclimate to the astral environment and keep a cool head.

Hope that helps.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Seiko

[QUOTE=Serpentiferous]First, I'm not an expert by any stretch. I've just had some sucesses. What has helped me is to have a set goal when I feel I'm going out. Its usually something like reaching for my lamp, or walking to my mirror, going to the kitchen. The shift in my attention from 'whatever I hear or see' to preforming a task seems to help. (If your focus is off the other things going on, then they can't be easily affected by your own imagination... which can turn any little thing into a scary monster.) If you establish a set ritual of some sort and just focus on that, it should give you time to aclimate to the astral environment and keep a cool head.

Hope that helps. [/QUOTE] Thank you for your response, Serpentiferous.

A goal... Would my "astral temple"--assuming my minor work on this personal haven has amounted to anything--be a suitable destination?

My readings, hindered by lack of experience, have led me to believe that there is a definite difference between an OOBE and Astral Projection. As such, would focusing on entering/being at this construct be fruitless if only achieving OOBE? I ask, for I assume my "temple" would be a decent place to attempt and orient myself in this new environment and practice.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Serpentiferous

The only time I've really encountered distracting auditory or visuals is when I'm going still "around" my body or just in a semi-meditative state. I haven't been able to jump from that point to projection.

I make my jumps more subtly unless I'm lucky enough to get pulled out. The easiest for me is to go from strong visulization/daydream, to lucid dream, and then when I realize I'm pretty deeply out I'll make a statement like "I'm out!" which brings me to full consciousness. From there I can shift scenery a bit or call for assistance. I don't have a temple yet, but I do have a meeting point (sort of a fairgrounds) that I visit via my three-step process. I'm not to the point where I can just pop out and travel around the world yet, but little by little. every time brings new insights.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Seiko

[QUOTE=Serpentiferous]every time brings new insights.[/QUOTE] Amen, friend.

Well, I will take what you've said into practice. With a little luck, I'll have something to report back here with.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Frater V.V.L

Read my most recent update to the thread Robert Bruce's 90 day program....The title of the reply will be AP! AP! Ap!, I give some tips on how I achieved my first OBE.