Unlocking Out-Of-Body Meditation Experiences

Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are a phenomenon in which a person perceives the world from outside their physical body. While some people believe that OBEs are spiritual or paranormal experiences, others believe they are hallucinatory or neurological phenomena. OBEs can be induced by near-death experiences, sleep disorders, dreaming, sensory overload or deprivation, deep meditation, and certain drugs.

OBEs are often described as feeling like you've left your physical body. People may feel as if they are floating outside their body, looking down on themselves from above. Some people report having an OBE while falling asleep or under the influence of drugs or medication.

There are various techniques to induce an OBE through meditation. One technique is to lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and imagine yourself rising and floating above your body. Another technique is to set a firm intention to have an OBE, designate a time and place, and visualise yourself moving away and exploring your home.

Set an intention and repeat a mantra

Setting an intention and repeating a mantra are key steps in having an out-of-body experience.

First, set a firm, positive intention to have an out-of-body experience (OBE). Remind yourself of this intention regularly, especially in the hours leading up to your designated time for attempting an OBE. You might try repeating a specific phrase or mantra such as, "Tonight I will consciously leave my body and then return to it."

Then, designate a time and place for your OBE. Pick a specific time and a comfortable and familiar "practice area" outside of your regular bed where the OBE will take place. Your designated area should be quiet and comfortable, allowing you to focus without distraction.

Next, set an alarm for about four hours after your bedtime. When the alarm goes off, get out of bed, sit quietly for about 15 minutes, and then move to your designated practice area.

Now, lie down on your back in a comfortable position and meditate. You can rest your arms by your sides or place your hands on your chest—choose whichever feels most relaxing. Silently repeat your intention to yourself, for example, "I am now leaving my body" or "I will now have an OBE."

As you get comfortable, close your eyes and visualize yourself moving away from your body and exploring your home. Stay calm and open to the experience. Avoid thinking about or focusing on your physical body.

Keep repeating your intention to have an OBE as you visualize yourself exploring. You should continue to consciously focus on these thoughts as you drift off to sleep, aiming to enter an OBE state as you transition into sleep.

• Your mantra can be a word or phrase that you repeat during meditation. It can be spoken, chanted, whispered, or repeated silently in your mind.
• Mantras are often used as a tool to help release your mind, boost awareness, and improve concentration. They can make a big difference if you have trouble focusing or getting into the right frame of mind.
• Choose a mantra that emphasizes your reasons for meditation. For example, the Sanskrit word "shanti" means "peace."
• You can also choose mantras that double as affirmations, such as "I have compassion for myself and others" or "Every day is a new beginning."
• Your mantra can be something simple, such as calming words like "calm," "joy," or "kindness."
• If you're having trouble concentrating, matching your breath to your mantra can help you feel more relaxed.
• It's common to find meditation challenging, especially at first. It often takes time and practice to maintain focus and see significant results.

Remember, achieving an OBE takes practice and patience. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed right away. Keep a journal to record the details of your experiences, no matter how small, after each practice session. This will help you process and understand your progress.

Choose a time and place

When choosing a time and place for your out-of-body experience, it's important to select a specific time and a comfortable, familiar "practice area" outside of your regular bed. This designated area should be a quiet and comfortable spot where you can focus without distraction. For example, you might decide to have an out-of-body experience the next night after you go to bed and choose your couch as the space where you intend to have the experience.

It's crucial to avoid attempting this in your regular bed, as you are more likely to simply fall asleep instead of entering an out-of-body state. Instead, look at this designated area as a space for personal exploration and make it feel special. You can even decorate the space ahead of time to enhance the atmosphere. For instance, you could hang crystals to create an otherworldly vibe.

In addition to choosing the right place, timing also plays a vital role. Set an alarm for about four hours after your bedtime, allowing yourself to enter deep REM sleep first. You may need to adjust the time based on how long it usually takes you to fall asleep. When the alarm goes off, get out of bed, sit quietly for about 15 minutes, and then move to your chosen practice area. Ensure your phone is muted, and you won't be disturbed by pets or family members.

Set an alarm for four hours after bedtime

For those seeking to induce an out-of-body experience through meditation, timing can be crucial. Setting an alarm for four hours after bedtime can be an effective strategy, as this period often coincides with the body's natural transition into a different state of consciousness. Here's a guide to help maximize the chances of success:

Ensure you get a good night's rest before attempting this technique. Go to bed at a reasonable hour and aim for a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. This will ensure your mind and body are well-rested and more receptive to the upcoming experience. Set your alarm for exactly four hours after you plan to fall asleep. For example, if you typically fall asleep by 11 pm, set your alarm for 3 am. This timing is important because, during sleep, our bodies cycle through various stages of sleep, and the four-hour mark often aligns with a period of heightened brain activity and receptiveness.

When the alarm sounds, maintain a calm and relaxed state. Silently will yourself to wake up, keeping your body still and your eyes closed. Focus on your breathing, taking slow, deep breaths. This state of physical relaxation, coupled with mental alertness, is key to achieving the desired out-of-body experience. Visualize yourself floating or rising above your physical body. This mental imagery can help induce the sensation of leaving your body. Concentrate on this feeling, imagining yourself lighter and freer from the constraints of your physical form.

It is important to note that achieving an out-of-body experience requires a combination of relaxation, focus, and an open mind. It may not occur during your first attempt, and that is perfectly normal. With practice and persistence, you can increase the likelihood of success and, eventually, master the art of astral projection through meditation.

Move to the chosen spot

Once the alarm wakes you, get out of bed. Sit quietly for about 15 minutes, then move to your chosen spot. Try to clear your mind of all thoughts outside of your intention to have an out-of-body experience.

Mute your phone and make sure you won't be interrupted by pets or family members.

Once you move to the designated spot, lie down on your back in a comfortable position and meditate. You can either rest with your arms at your sides or with your hands folded over your chest—whatever feels most relaxing to you. Silently repeat your intention to yourself.

For example, you might say to yourself, "I am now leaving my body" or "I will now have an out-of-body experience".

As you get comfortable, close your eyes and visualise yourself moving away from where you are lying down. Walk through different rooms in your home, looking at familiar things and examining specific objects. Stay calm and open yourself up to the experience.

For example, you might see yourself going over to look at a painting on the wall or picking up a favourite knick-knack from a shelf.

Avoid thinking about or focusing on your physical body. As you get more comfortable with this type of visualisation, you can try exploring beyond your home. For example, try walking down the street outside your home or even visualise yourself floating above your neighbourhood.

Lie down and visualise

To have an out-of-body experience, or OBE, you must first prepare your mind by setting a firm, positive intention to have an OBE. Remind yourself of your intention regularly, especially in the hours leading up to your designated time. You can also try repeating a specific phrase or mantra to yourself, such as, "Tonight I will consciously leave my body and then return to it."

When it's time for your OBE, lie down on your back in a comfortable position. You can rest your arms by your sides or on your chest, whichever feels most relaxing. Close your eyes and visualise your body gently floating upwards, hovering above the surface you're lying on. Try to focus entirely on this image and sensation of floating. If your attention wanders, gently redirect it.

Maintain this floating visualisation until you can no longer feel the surface beneath you. Imagine there is only empty air below you. Once you feel truly detached, imagine yourself moving into an upright position. Visualise yourself walking or floating around the room, examining your surroundings. Try not to analyse what you're seeing or doing—simply let the experience unfold.

This technique can take a long time to master, so don't be discouraged if you're not successful at first. Practice each stage of the process until you can do it easily and comfortably.

Frequently asked questions