[SannyGlow]

This is odd, but I've observed a similar thing in other forms of psi. For example, when trying to bend spoons, they don't actually bend when you're willing them to bend, and not in the same direction either. They just bend after you've directed your energy at them.

Similarly, in experiments when people try to affect the random production of 1's and 0's, the intensity of concentration has no effect. Either you want the sequence to change or you don't. The degree of willpower put into changing it is irrelevant.

Yet another example is when I try to make rolled dice show a particular number, it won't happen unless I will it to happen and then empty my mind of any strong desire for the dice to show that number.

Perhaps related is something associated with a practice called manifestation, which basically involves willing a certain situation to occur. I don't have much experience with it, but those who do say that you have to detach your mind from wanting/needing the thing to happen.

All this might be related and might not be. But it sounds rather similar to me.

[_tppga_]

Something I've noticed very strongly in the many years I have been practicing is that if my practice focuses soley on the intention to OBE, then the frequency of successful OBEs is actually quite low.
But in periods of my life where I have a steady daily meditation and/or energy work routine with no concrete intention to OBE, then the frequency of OBE occurances can be staggeringly high. Has anyone else noticed this? I assume this might be due to the frequency of experiencing focused altered states (meditation), which could affect other forms of altered consciousness (sleep), ie making one more focused and aware on the forders of sleep, and so more likely to stay aware below this level and experience OBE symptoms.