[TeLMgNva]

Just some ideas:

Maybe this experience feels more intense because it is a different plane or corresponding energy body. It could be that the difference in vibration of the mental level to the ("lower") astral level registers to you this way. The separation without exit sounds more like phasing, which I always wondered whether it is more a mental body phenomenon.

The feeling of not coming back if you let go might be a representation to yourself of the greater psychological distance you have to cover to get where you are "going" to. Same with the intense movement sensation. Robert Monroe's adventures intensified when he was beginning to be guided by beings (the feeling of presence or touch) and I think I've read about the idea that "Far Journeys" notes the point where Robert Monroe stepped into the mental body for his explorations (which become more clear and meaningful.)

Oliver