[mikelangr]

I've been working on projecting for awhile now, and have actually gotten out a few times... but still have a few problems. Has anyone else experienced these, and if you did is there a way to deal with them?

1. Not realizing you are out so that you can make use of your time? I've had conversations with guides, but wasn't able to really take advantage of it because i didn't realize that i was actually out. Is there a way to overcome this?

2. Overcoming the need to swallow?

3. Not falling asleep... i'm sure i'm not the only one with this problem......... i know i could get more sleep, but are there any focusing exercises that can help as well?

Thanks a ton! Glad to have found a forum dedicated to AP!

[klubneras]

I've had conversations with guides, but wasn't able to really take advantage of it because i didn't realize that i was actually out. Is there a way to overcome this?

My experience is that it just takes practice, really. The more you experience it, the more you'll be able to recognise what's going on.

Overcoming the need to swallow?

I'm a little boggled, and maybe I'm missing something. What does swallowing have to do with AP? Or are you finding yourself needing to swallow and it distracts you?

Not falling asleep...

Try putting yourself in a situation where you're not so comfortable. Sitting up in a chair, for example, where you're able to relax, but it's not quite comfortable enough to sleep. Or, if you want to lie down, make yourself slightly uncomfortable such as being uncovered in a cold room so you're just a little chilly, or try lying down in some unfamiliar location in your home (the floor works, actually), where you're not likely to feel comfortable enough to actually sleep.

I will tell you that once you get the basic technique of trance mastered, you'll have much better control over falling asleep or not and being distracted by things. A lot comes down to just plain experience and practice.

[Lydiaswingert]

I understand what you mean about the swallowing thing....I think. When I am laying down in bed and I'm in deep trance sometimes I have the need to swallow. But my throat is so dry that when I swallow there are more muscles involved and it breaks the trance and bit. I don't really mind this because I snap back into deep meditation right away, and also I only ever try to project after I just woke up.

My advice would be to try projecting while reclining, or at least elevated enough so that saliva wont get stuck in your throat. I do this if I have a cold and can't stop coughing at night. Hope this advice helps!

[mikelangr]

Thanks so much for the advice! I'm going to practice again this morning and start a journal here

Yes Natalie, that is exactly what I was talking about with the swallowing problem. I will use your suggestion of keeping the head up more, thank you!

CW, thanks so much! I've always tried to keep myself as comfortable as possible, not thinking that would be the cause of me falling asleep... hopefully with some more regular success with it i will be able to notice more of what is going on

[Lydiaswingert]

your welcome!

I [i]"forgot"[i] to mention that I am somewhat overweight, so that doesn't help with the breathing and saliva thing either. I have been meaning to work on that