Michael Raduga
I
School of Out-of-Body Travel
A Practical Guidebook
First Edition
Translated by
Peter Orange
The practice of phase states of the mind is the hottest and most promising pursuit of the modern age. Unlike in the past, the notions of “out-of-body travel” and “astral projection” have already lost their mystical halo, and their real basis has been studied in minute detail from the most non-nonsense approach. Now, this phenomenon is accessible to everyone, regardless of their worldview. It is now known how to easily master it and apply it effectively. This textbook gives each and every person something that previously could only be dreamt about - a parallel reality and the possibility of existing in two worlds. This book is for pragmatic people who are not used to taking anything on faith or reading about empty theories. The book only deals with what works in practice, and nothing else.
Proposals regarding translating and publishing this book and other works of M.Raduga may be sent to aing@aing.ru
Table of Contents:
Part I
Entering the
Out-of-Body State
Chapter 1 – General Background
The Essence of the Phase Phenomenon
Why Enter the Phase?
The Lifestyle of a Practitioner
Algorithm for Mastering the Phase
Types of Techniques
Contraindications
Recommendations for Using the Guidebook
Exercises for Chapter 1
Chapter 2 – Indirect
Techniques
The Concept of Indirect Techniques
Primary Indirect Techniques
Secondary Indirect Techniques
Selecting the Right Techniques
Separation Techniques
The Best Time to Practice
Conscious Awakening
Awakening without Moving
Cycles of Indirect Techniques
Hints from the M
Aggression and Passivity
Strategy for Action
Typical Mistakes with Indirect Techniques
Exercises for Chapter 2
The Concept of Direct Techniques
The Best Time to Practice
Intensity of Attempts
Body Position
Duration of an Attempt
Relaxation
Variations of Using Direct Techniques
The Free-floating State of
Auxiliary Factors
Strategy for Action
Typical Mistakes with Direct Techniques
Exercises for Chapter 3
Chapter 4 – Becoming
Conscious While Dreaming
The Concept of Techniques Involving Becoming Conscious while Dreaming
Techniques for Becoming Conscious in a Dream
Actions to be Done when Becoming Conscious while Dreaming
Strategy for Action
Typical Mistakes when Practicing Becoming Conscious while Dreaming
Exercises for Chapter 4
Chapter 5 –
Non-autonomous Methods
The Essence of Non-autonomous Methods for Entering the Phase
Cueing Technologies
Working in Pairs
Technologies for Inducing the Phase
Hypnosis and Suggestion
Physiological Signals
Chemical Substances
The Future of Non-autonomous Methods for Entering the Phase
Typical Mistakes with Non-autonomous Techniques
Exercises for Chapter 5
Part II
Managing the
Out-of-Body Experience
The Concept of Deepening
Primary Deepening Techniques
Deepening through Sensory Amplification
Secondary Deepening Techniques
General Activity
Typical Mistakes During Deepening
Exercises for Chapter 6
The General Concept of Maintaining
Techniques and Rules against Returning to the Body
Techniques and Rules for Resisting Falling Asleep
Techniques against an Unrecognized Phase
General Rules for Maintaining
Typical Mistakes with Maintaining
Exercises for Chapter 7
The Essence of Primary Skills
Discerning the Phase
Emergency Return. Paralysis
Fighting Fear
Creation of Vision
Contact with Living Objects
Vibrations
Techniques for Translocating through Objects
Flight
Super-abilities
The Importance of Confidence
Controlling Pain
Moral Standards in the Phase
Studying Possibilities and Sensations
Typical Mistakes with Primary Skills
Exercises for Chapter 8
Chapter 9 –
Translocation and Finding Objects
The Essence of Translocation and Finding Objects
Basic Property of the Phase Space
Techniques for Translocation
Object Finding Techniques
Typical Mistakes with Translocation and Finding Objects
Exercises for Chapter 9
The Essence of Applications for Phase States
Applications Based on Simulation
Applications Based on Contact with the Subconscious Mind
Application Based on Influencing Physiology
Unproven Effects
Use of the Phase by the Disabled
Typical Mistakes when Using Applications
Exercises for Chapter 10
Part III
Auxiliary
Information
A Pragmatic Approach
Independent Analysis
Approach to Literature
Practice Environment
Talking with Like-minded People
The
Chapter 12 –
Practitioners’ Experiences
The Significance of Other People’s Experiences
Analysis of Selected Practitioners' Experiences
Exercises for Chapter 12
Chapter 13 – Putting
a Face on the Phenomenon
Stephen Laberge
Carlos Castaneda
Robert A. Monroe
Patricia Garfield
Sylvan Muldoon
Charles Leadbeater
Robert Bruce
Richard Webster
Charles Tart
Assessment of Practitioners’ Experiences (chapter 12)
Answers to the Final Test (chapter 14)
A Simplified Description of the Easiest Method for Entering the Phase using Indirect Techniques
Take Part in Research
The Cell Phone Technique
Attention!
The School of Out-of-Body Travel
Brief Glossary of Terms and Definitions
Foreword
This guidebook is the result of ten years of extremely active personal practice and study of the out-of-body phenomenon(the phase), coupled with having successfully taught it to thousands of people. I know all of the obstacles and problems that are usually run into when getting to know this phenomenon, and have tried to protect future practitioners from them in this book.
This guidebook was not created for those who prefer light, empty reading. It is for those who would like to learn something. It contains no speculations or stories, only dry, hard facts and techniques in combination with a completely pragmatic approach and clear procedures for action. They have all been successfully verified by a vast number of practitioners that often had no prior experience. In order to achieve the same result, it is only necessary to read through each section thoroughly and complete the assignments.
The book is beneficial not only for beginners, but also for those who already know what it feels like to have an out-of-body encounter and have a certain amount of experience, as this guidebook is devoted not only to entering the state, but also equally dedicated to controlling it.
Contrary to popular opinion, there is nothing difficult about this phenomenon if one tries to attain it with regular and right effort. On average, results are reached in less than a week if attempts are made every day. More often than not, the techniques work in literally a couple of attempts.
Michael
Raduga
Founder
of the School of Out-of-Body Travel
January
11, 2009
Part 1
Entering the
The ESSENCE of the phase phenomenon
The term phase state (or simply phase) encompasses a number of widely known dissociative phenomena, many of which are referred to by various terms, such as astral or out-of-body travel. This concept also includes the more pragmatic term lucid dreaming, but does not always exist in the sense and form implied by that expression. Hence, the term phase has been introduced to ease the study of phenomena that exist beyond habitual – and often unfair - associations and stereotypes. The term out-of-body travel is accurate to the extent that it describes the sensation felt by a person experiencing the phase phenomenon.
A phase has two primary attributes: 1.) practitioners possess full, conscious awareness during the experience, and 2.) practitioners recognize a genuine separation from the physical body.
Simultaneously, the degree to which practitioners perceive the phase environment affects the level of sensory experiences therein, which often occur in a higher form than the sensory experiences of wakefulness. This concept is difficult to imagine without firsthand experience of the phase. And so, it is not without reason that this practice is considered to be a higher state of self-hypnosis or meditation, and is often referred to under different names as the highest possible human achievement in various religious and mystical movements (yoga, Buddhism, etc.).
In essence, the phase is an unexplored state of mind where one is unable to control and feel his physical body. Instead, his space perception is filled with realistic phantom experiences.
Interesting Fact!
Sensations in the phase state can be so
realistic that practitioners who unintentionally enter phase often believe they
are still in the physical body, that the experience is occurring in the waking
state. These types of unintended excursions most often occur at night or early
in the morning.
It is believed that up to one quarter of the human population has encountered this phenomenon. However, if variations and different degrees of intensity of the state are taken into consideration, it may be safely assumed that everyone has encountered the phase. Since the phase is a rare subject of study, many who inadvertently enter it do not realize what has taken place once they return to wakefulness. Many do not assign any significance to the occurrence of a phase environment that is not fully formed because shallow phases don’t leave the same jolting impression as deep states. Elusive as the phase may seem, this is an extremely common phenomenon, accessible to anyone willing to consciously learn and apply the correct methods of achieving and maintaining the phase.
why ENTER THE PHASE?
Such a question can only arise from not fully understanding the properties of the phenomenon and its nature. When one suddenly understands at a certain moment that he is just as real as he normally is, and is standing somewhere that is not in the physical world with his same hands and body, and can touch everything around him and discern fine details, such much emotion stirs up inside him that no questions arise at all. This is the most amazing experience that a person can attain!
The initial phase encounter is always jolting and sometimes frightening. Depending on the individual, fear experienced during initial encounters with the phase occurs in about one-third of all cases. Even veteran practitioners encounter fear, which speaks to the profound nature of the phase state.
With time, as rapture ebbs and emotions wane, thoughts turn from the fact of the phenomenon itself towards how to somehow use it. And here, a fantastically diverse field of practical application opens up before the practitioner. These applications – which this book communicates – are not to be associated with the many unproven and dubious methods often described in sundry esoteric literature. The information presented herein is verifiable, practical, and attainable.
Whatever the nature of the phase - a state of mind, or perhaps an external experience - this is the sole opportunity to: visit any part of the world or universe; see people who are out-of-reach in real life, including relatives, the deceased, celebrities, and various creatures; communicate with the enormous resources of the subconscious mind and obtain information from it; realize desires that are unattainable in real life; model artistic productions; influence physiology, and more. These are not dull experiences. They are eminently personal and real.
the lifestyle of a practitioner
It must be said that various diets, exercises, rituals, and so forth do not produce noticeable supplementary effects to proper practice of the phase. Naturally existent psychological and physiological comfort is of the utmost importance. Thus, methods recommending overeating, under-eating, or tormenting oneself with various diets and strange exercises are useless and ultimately detrimental to a practitioner’s wellness and balance, invariably producing a negative impact to the effectiveness of techniques taught in this guidebook. Additionally, no meaningful association has been found between practice of the phase and what may be construed as “bad habits”. Regardless of a lifestyle’s null effect on phase achievement, a healthy, active lifestyle will always be recommended to enjoy a good quality of living.
Interesting Fact!
If one believes that it is necessary to
position one’s bed with the headboard facing the Northwest or some other
direction in order to have more effective out-of-body experiences, then doing so
will invariably have a positive effect on results. However, the issue at hand
is not the positioning of the body, but a belief that is akin to an intention,
which in turn is enormously important.
It has been observed that a regular and orderly lifestyle increases the frequency of genuine, lasting phase experiences. Sleeping normally and soundly is the most basic example of a lifestyle choice that produces direct, positive impact on results, especially when a practitioner commits to a full night's rest several times a week.
algorithm for mastering the phase
A novice practitioner must understand the procedure for learning and mastering phase entry. This procedure consists of several primary steps, each of which is a unique science unto itself.
1. The first and most important step addresses the techniques used to enter the phase state. It is not necessary to master every type of entrance technique (direct, indirect, dream consciousness). Learning and applying the easiest techniques provides the necessary prerequisites to more advanced methods. If so desired, it is possible to try more difficult entrance techniques in parallel with the moving on to the subsequent steps for mastering the phase.
2. Contrary to popular opinion, the need for conscious techniques does not cease upon phase entrance. It is absolutely necessary to learn and apply methods for deepening the phase to achieve a consistently hyper-realistic environment. Failing to apply deepening techniques almost guarantees that experiences will be dull, uninteresting, and subsequent practice short-lived. Practitioners should immediately learn and apply deepening techniques after mastering any one entrance method.
3. The third step involves mastering techniques for maintaining the phase, as without them the average person would have phase experiences of much shorter duration than is possible. When in the phase, the question of how to leave it almost never occurs. On the contrary, one is normally thrust from it in the course of several seconds if one simply does nothing.
4. After learning all the necessary techniques for mastering the phase state, it is time to learn and apply methods of control, which encompass the ability to translocate, find and interact with objects, influence surroundings, and so forth.
5. Once the previously noted steps have been accomplished, a practitioner may proceed to apply phase experiences to enhance everyday life. Over the course of this guidebook, we will examine dozens of these valuable applications in great detail.
With basic skills mastered, remember that practicing the phase is worthwhile and effective only when the results are consistent. If a practitioner enters the phase only once a month, the experience will be too emotional to allow the observation of important principles and methodologies. The phase should be encountered at least once a week. Working toward a level higher than a weekly phase entry is ambitious, even beneficial. Realistically, two to four phase experiences per week might be considered the level of a grandmaster, but this is far from the upward boundary.
As a rule, novice practitioners achieve the phase less often than is desired. However, with regular attempts, success occurs more and more frequently, which should help alleviate any frustration resulting from failed attempts.
types of techniques
There are three primary types of techniques that make it possible to enter the phase: direct, indirect and dream consciousness. These methods are performed while lying down or reclining, eyes closed, the body in a state of total relaxation.
Interesting Fact!
Often, people have an out-of-body experience
without prior knowledge or belief in the phenomenon. It just happens, and a
large body of evidence has been gathered to support this fact. Even more interesting
is that spontaneous experiences often occur after a brief study of material
about the topic, like this guidebook...
Direct techniques are performed without any noticeable lapse in consciousness. While practicing direct techniques, a lapse into sleep for less than 5 minutes is not considered a breach of the technique.
By definition, direct techniques encompass the performance of specific actions for a pre-defined interval of time. Successfully applied, direct methods result in a phase entrance without passing through any intermediary states. For 90% of the population, these techniques are the most difficult because the mind naturally exists in an excessively active state. It has been clearly proven within the School’s student body that novice practitioners do not benefit from beginning a training regimen with direct techniques. This is because direct techniques require a thorough understanding and masterful application of indirect techniques in order to be effective. The incorrect notion that the phase state is extremely difficult to enter is due to the fact that people are more often drawn to the more difficult direct techniques. It is always better to approach direct techniques only after becoming expert in the use of indirect techniques.
Indirect techniques are techniques that are put into practice upon awakening from sleep.
The effectiveness of indirect techniques is not dependent on the length of the prerequisite sleep cycle. Indirect techniques can be used while exiting a full night’s sleep, after a daytime catnap, or following several hours of deep sleep. The most important thing is that there is a lapse of consciousness into sleep before implementing the techniques.
Indirect techniques are the easiest techniques to practice, which is why many practitioners use them to enter the phase. Sleep naturally provides the mind with deep relaxation, which is often difficult to acquire by other methods. Since sleep is required to perform indirect techniques, it is a convenient, oft-occurring means to conduct experiments with the phase. Novice practitioners benefit greatly from the use of indirect techniques, and learn firsthand the possibility of phase entrance.
Dream consciousness is acquired by techniques that allow entrance to the phase through what is commonly referred to as lucid dreaming.
In this case, the phase begins when the awareness that a dream is occurring happens within the dream itself. After becoming conscious while dreaming, several types of actions can be performed, including returning to the body and rolling out, which will be described later. When deepening techniques are applied in the context of a conscious dream, the sensory perceptions of the phase surpass those of normal wakefulness.
Techniques that facilitate dream consciousness are usually categorized separately from methods used to perform out-of-body travel; in practice, however, it is apparent that the characteristics of dream consciousness and out-of-body travel are identical, which places both phenomena directly in the phase. These practices are difficult because, unlike other techniques, they do not involve specific actions that produce instantaneous results. A large measure of preparatory steps must be observed that require time and effort without any guarantee of results. However, dream consciousness techniques are not as difficult as direct techniques. Moreover, the majority of practitioners, whether using indirect or direct techniques, experience spontaneous awareness while dreaming without having to apply techniques aimed at dream consciousness.
In addition to the techniques described above, there are also non-autonomous means and tools: various devices, programs, external influences, and so forth, which can be used to enter the phase. It is necessary to mention that these are only useful to practitioners who are able to enter the phase without supplementary assistance.
Various chemical substances and herbal supplements have been recommended to assist phase entrance, though using them is unlikely to do any good, and use of these has never yielded the effect that can be achieved through unadulterated practice. As such, the use of a chemical crutch is regarded here as completely unacceptable.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Exact scientific proof that entering the phase is dangerous – or even safe - does not exist; there has never been an exhaustive, controlled study to prove either supposition. However, since the phase exists at the fringes of naturally-occurring states of mind, it can hardly be assumed dangerous. Notably, the phase is accompanied by rapid eye movement (REM), which every human experiences for up to 2 hours each night, and this begins to explain the phase experience as entirely safe and natural.
Already confirmed are the psychological influences of the phase on the physical mind and body; namely, the emotional effects that can occur during the onset of the phase state.
Phase entry is a very profound, incredible experience that may induce fear, which is invoked by a natural instinct for self-preservation. The phase can create stress. This is especially true for novices and those poorly acquainted with the nature of the phenomenon and techniques used to control it. Without knowledge and proper practice, a fear-induced reaction can escalate into full-blown terror. After all, while in the phase, fantasy quickly becomes reality, and reticent fears can take on hyper-realistic qualities. When this occurs, it’s not the phase environment, but the fear that is treacherous. It goes without saying that fear is a toxic influence, especially to sensitive souls, the elderly, and people with physical ailments, like certain cardiovascular conditions. This does not mean that persons in these groups should abstain from practicing the phase. The solution is to learn about and avoid common stressors associated with the practice, know the mechanics of controlling objects, and understand the principles of making an emergency exit.
Given the possibility of negative phase experiences, it could be advised that practitioners limit the time in phase to fifteen minutes, though it is quite exceptional to maintain the phase for such duration. Proposed time limits are entirely theoretical and motivated by the fact that natural REM does not normally last longer than fifteen minutes, and, at the risk of side effects due to the alteration of natural cycles, experiments directed at unnaturally prolonging REM are not recommended.
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR USING THE GUIDEBOOK
During
classroom instruction at the
|
Positive Effect on
Practice |
Negative Effect on
Practice |
|
Attentive, thorough study of the course material |
Hasty and inattentive study of course materials. |
|
Consistent work with practical elements. |
Inconsistent application of techniques. |
|
Diligent completion of technical elements. |
Approximating the techniques outside of recommended guidelines. |
|
A relaxed approach to the subject matter. |
A hysterical approach to the matter, “idée fixe”. |
|
Keeping a journal of all initial attempts, followed by recording successful phase entrances. |
A lack of personal analysis when problems or a lack of success are encountered. |
|
Adhering to the recommended number of daily entrance attempts. |
Excessive number of attempts per day. |
|
Regular attempts and practice. |
Sporadic practice regimen. |
|
Understanding that the author knows his field well |
“I also know everything I need to and will do as I want". This attitude is good only for those who have a great amount of real practical experience. Reading a lot on the subject or simply having knowledge of it is not experience. |
Exercises for Chapter 1
Questions for
Chapter 1:
1. Which alternative states are included in the term “phase”?
2. How does the phase differ from out-of-body travel?
3. Is the perception of reality different in waking life than in the phase world?
4. Does the phase have applications to day-to-day life?
5. What skills must be learned before proceeding to practical use of the phase?
6. How many types of autonomous phase entrance techniques are there?
7. What is the difference between direct and indirect techniques?
8. Which techniques are easiest for the majority of practitioners?
9. Is it worth trusting various devices and programs that promise to be able to help one enter the phase state? Why or why not?
10. Should one eat meat when practicing the phase?
Tasks
1. Try to remember if you have experienced phase encounters in the past.
2. If you have encountered the phase, what type of technique gained entrance; direct, indirect, or conscious dreaming?
3. If possible, ask some friends and acquaintances about the subject of out-of-body travel or conscious dreaming. Do any of them remember a similar experience? What was it like?
the CONCEPT of indirect techniques
Genuine practice of phase entrance is best begun with the easiest, most accessible methods: indirect techniques, which are conscious actions performed upon awakening from sleep. Some critics incorrectly assume that indirect techniques are not ideal, and prefer to start with direct techniques. However, doing so provides no guarantee for success and results in a large amount of wasted time and effort. Starting practice with indirect techniques guarantees entrance into the phase.
A specific universal technique that suits every practitioner is a myth since individuals differ widely in personality, psychology, and learning speed. However, there is a relatively easy universal algorithm, or procedure, that accounts for the characteristics of each person and allows for the most rational, effective way to attain the initial phase entrances. This algorithm encompasses cyclic practicing of the indirect techniques covered in this chapter. Without exception, these techniques - despite their varying degrees of difficulty - are suitable for every practitioner who wishes to experience the phase.
Results can be expected immediately following the first few attempts; however, to achieve measurable results, an average of five daily, conscious attempts must be made. Making more than five attempts over the course of a day is fine, too. There is nothing difficult to understand about performing the techniques since they are clearly laid out and based on real internal processes. Remarkably, due to correctly practiced indirect techniques, more than half of students at the live school attain phase entrance after only two days.
Interesting Fact!
Many experienced practitioners prefer to
bypass the effort associated with direct techniques and hone their skills
through the sole use of indirect techniques.
In order to ensure that one’s efforts are most fruitful and productive, we are going to individually examine each step and principle behind the actions in great detail. Let us start from a description of the techniques themselves, which will actually apply practically just as much to direct techniques as to indirect techniques; as they only differ in character and length of application.
There are plenty of techniques, so after practicing all of the indirect techniques presented in this chapter, a practitioner should be able to choose three or four of the most straightforward, individually effective methods.
Separation techniques will be examined later. They are completely different from usual techniques, which only bring one into the phase, but do not necessarily themselves lead to separation from the body. It is often also necessary to know how to stop perceiving one’s physical body after employing these techniques.
It is necessary to understand when to employ these techniques, and the importance of waking from sleep without opening the eyes or moving the body. Attempting to enter the phase immediately upon awakening must be learned and practiced to mastery since it constitutes the main barrier to successful practice.
After examining the peripheral information surrounding indirect techniques, the cycles of indirect techniques will be examined, including what there are, how they work, and how they are best used. Successful phase entrance is the direct result of performing these cycles. However, there are exceptions, and it is not completely necessary to proceed with these cycles if one's own mind somehow hints what exactly one should start from, which we will also examine separately.
primary INDIRECT techniques
Nota Bene! The techniques described below are the simple components of indirect technique cycles. Implementing each technique’s description is far from effective. Of the list given below, it behooves the individual practitioner to choose the most comprehensible and interesting techniques, then actively study and apply the instructions for use.
OBSERVING IMAGES
Testing Individual Effectiveness
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Observe the blank space behind the eyes for 3 to 5 seconds and try to locate recognizable pictures, images, or symbols. If nothing appears during this exercise, the technique should be substituted. If something appears, continue to passively observe the images. Meanwhile, the images will become increasingly realistic, literally enveloping the practitioner. Do not aggressively examine the details of the image, or it will vanish or change. The image should be experienced as a panorama, taking everything in. Observe the images as long as the quality and realism increases. Doing so yields two possible results: the practitioner becomes part of the surroundings, and has achieved the phase, or the image becomes borderline or absolutely realistic, and separation from the physical body is possible.
Training
To train the use of this technique, lie down in the dark, eyes closed, and observe the blackness for several minutes, identifying any specific images that may arise from simple spots or floaters, and then gradually transition to whole pictures, scenes, or scenarios. With practice, this technique is very easy and straightforward. A common mistake made during practice of this technique is when the practitioner aggressively attempts to conjure images versus passively observing what is naturally presented.
PHANTOM WIGGLING (MOVEMENT)
Testing Individual Effectiveness
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Try to wiggle a part of the body for 3 to 5 seconds, but without using any muscles. If nothing moves during the attempt, try a different technique. If a sensation of wiggling occurs, even in the slightest, continue to employ the technique, striving to increase the range of movement as much as possible. This technique should be performed very aggressively, not passively. As soon as the range of movement nears or exceeds four inches - which may take just several seconds - the following situations may arise: one momentarily finds oneself somehow in the phase, or the wiggled part of the body begins to move freely. The occurrence of movement during practice of this technique allows the practitioner to transition to a separation technique and attempt to leave the body.
While practicing phantom wiggling, strong vibrations may occur, amid which separation may be attempted. Sounds also often arise, allowing the opportunity to practice listening in, which can lead to phase entrance.
The phantom wiggling technique is not meant to produce an imagined movement by a phantom body. The point of the technique is to attempt the movement of a physical body part without using muscular action. That is, the focus should rest upon an internal intention of movement without physical action. When the sensation occurs, it differs little from its real counterpart and is often accompanied by heaviness and resistance. Generally, there is very little range of movement at first, but with concentrated effort the range of movement noticeably increases.
It does not matter which part of the body is used to exercise phantom movement. It may be the whole body or just one finger. Neither is the speed of the movement important. Increased range of perceived movement is the aim of the technique.
Training
To train the technique of phantom wiggling, relax a hand for several minutes while lying down, eyes closed. Then, aggressively envision the following hand movements, without moving any muscles, for two to three minutes each: rotating, up-down, left-right, extending the fingers and drawing the fingers together, clenching and unclenching a fist. No sensations will occur at first. Gradually, the sensation of muscular action will become so apparent that the perceived movement will be indistinguishable from real movement. During the first training attempts, practitioners are often tempted to open their eyes to see if actual movement is occurring – that’s how real the sensation feels.
LISTENING IN
Testing Individual Effectiveness
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Try to listen to noise in your head. Do this for 3 to 5 seconds without moving and without opening the eyes. If nothing happens during this period of time, switch to another technique. If any sounds like buzzing, humming, raving, hissing, whistling, tinkling, or melodies occur, listen attentively. With results, the sound will increase in volume. Listen in as long as there is some dynamism in the volume of the sound. When the sound stops, or the noise becomes loud enough, a separation technique may be attempted. Sometimes, the noise itself throws one into the phase while listening. At a certain stage, sounds may be extremely loud and have even been described as comparable to the roar of a jet-engine.
The action of listening in consists of actively and attentively exploring a sound, the whole of its tonality and range, and how it reacts to the listener.
There is an optional technique known as forced listening in, where it is simply necessary to strongly want to hear noise, and meanwhile make intuitive internal efforts, which, as a rule, are correct. Performed correctly, forced sounds will intensify the same way as those perceived with the standard listening in technique.
Training
In order to practice listening in, lie down in a silent place, eyes closed, and listen for sounds originating in the head. These attempts are usually crowned with success within several minutes of trying, and one starts to hear that noise that absolutely everyone has within. One simply has to know how to tune in to it.
ROTATION
Testing
Individual Effectiveness
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Imagine the physical body is rotating along an axis for 5 to 10 seconds. If no unusual sensations occur, try another technique. If vibrations occur during rotation or the movement suddenly feels realistic, then continue the rotation technique as long as there is progress in the sensation’s development. There are several possible outcomes when rotation is practiced. The imagined rotation is replaced by a very real sensation of rotating along an imagined axis. When this occurs, a practitioner may easily leave the body. The other outcome is the sudden presence of strong vibrations or loud sounds, amid which separation from the body is possible. During rotation, separation has been known to spontaneously occur and the practitioner enters the phase.
Training
To practice rotation, imagine revolving around the head-to-foot axis for several minutes while lying down, eyes closed. It is not necessary to focus on the visual effects of rotation or minute sensations in the body. The key factor is the vestibular sensation that arises from internal rotation. As a rule, many practitioners experience difficulty performing full rotation. One person may be limited to 90 degrees of movement where another experiences 180 degrees. With consistent, correct practice, full 360 degree rotation will occur.
FORCED FALLING ASLEEP
Testing
Individual Effectiveness
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Picture a swift, compulsory fall into sleep for 5 to 10 seconds, and then return to wakefulness, followed by an aggressive attempt at separating from the physical body. Generally, after performing this technique, the practitioner’s state of mind quickly transitions between different states of brain. Strong vibrations often occur when emerging from this “pseudo-sleep”, where the likelihood of separation from the body is increased, accompanied the opportunity to practice other techniques. Resist actually falling asleep during this exercise.
In essence, forced falling asleep is a trick on the mind designed to take advantage of the brain’s reflexive responses to actions that immediately induce semi-conscious states that allow easy entrance into the phase. Employing it is especially effective upon an extremely alert awakening, or after a movement is unintentionally made upon awakening.
Forced sleep is quite simple. It requires a cessation of internal dialogue, shifting mental focus away from external stimuli, and a strong desire for a quick reentrance to the sleeping state followed by renewed wakefulness after several seconds. In order to understand how this is done, it is sufficient to recall how one had urgently made oneself fall asleep before, or how one had fallen asleep after having been exhausted, or after a long period of sleep deprivation.
A common mistake in practice occurs when people fall asleep after attempting the technique, forgetting the necessary desire to quickly return to consciousness.
secondary INDIRECT techniques
STRAINING THE BRAIN
Testing
Individual Effectiveness
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Make 2 to 3 squeezes straining the brain. This is known as straining the brain. If nothing happens, try another technique. If vibrations occur during this exercise, try to move the vibrations around the body and amplify them by continuing to strain the brain. The stronger the vibrations, the higher the probability that a separation technique may be applied. Spontaneous separation may occur. While straining the brain, a practitioner may experience the sounds necessary for transitioning to a listening in technique.
The vibrations that arise from straining the brain are very striking. If there is any doubt as to whether the vibrations happened, then most likely a practitioner did not experience them. The vibrations may be described as an intense, painless electrical current moving through or gripping the body. At times, the sensation of a total numbing of the body is experienced.
Training
To practice straining the brain, lie down, eyes closed, and attempt to strain the brain. Do not think about the fact that actually squeezing the brain is impossible. The imagined straining should be spasmodic, rhythmic. Practitioners may strain the entire brain or specific parts of it. During the process, a sensation of pressure or even real strain arises in the brain. With 95% of practitioners, this strain usually occurs within the first few minutes of exercise. This technique should be committed to memory when training so that it may be instantly recalled and practiced upon awakening from sleep.
Practitioners often make the mistake of unintentionally straining their facial and neck muscles instead of straining the interior of their heads. This error should be avoided at all costs, lest it become a habit that frustrates genuine practice.
STRAINING THE BODY WITHOUT USING MUSCLES
Testing Individual Effectiveness
This technique involves straining the whole body and differs little from straining the brain. When awakening from sleep, make one to three attempts at straining the whole body, refraining from actually flexing any physical muscle. If nothing happens, try another technique. Vibrations may occur as a result, and amplifying these by straining the body without using muscles can induce a spontaneous separation from the body. When the vibrations become strong enough, attempt a separation technique. Sounds often arise during the vibration which allow for listening in and a subsequent entrance to the phase.
Training
To practice: while lying down, eyes closed, try to strain the entire body without using physical muscles for several minutes. Tingling, internal pressure, and a strain on the brain often occur during this exercise. Remember to avoid straining any real muscles. If physical strain occurs, results may be forfeited in the critical moment of fruition.
VISUALIZATION
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. For three to five seconds, conjure an intense desire to see and literally create a specific object. The object should be envisioned at rest, about four to eight inches from the practitioner. Limit the visualization to simple, familiar objects, like an apple, flower, sphere, or hand. Sometimes it is useful to imagine an object floating just above the eyebrows instead of directly in front. If nothing appears during this period of time, a different technique should be used.
If an object appears, one should keep looking hard at it, and at a certain moment one will realize that one is already standing next to it somewhere in the world of the phase. When the object becomes realistic, one can also try to separate from one’s body on one’s own.
SENSORY-MOTOR
VISUALIZATION
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Imagine active, physical movement for 10 to 15 seconds while touching an actual object and simultaneously examining the imagined details of the room. If nothing appears during this period of time, a different technique should be used. If real and imagined sensations become mixed, then continue the practice until the imagined sensations overcome the primary senses.
IMAGINED MOVEMENT
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. For 5 to 10 seconds, concentrate on visualizing any of the following actions: wiggling, walking, running, somersaulting, pulling a rope, or swimming. Try to imagine the movement as a realistic and active event during the practice period. If nothing happens, a different technique should be employed. If results occur in the form of the sensation of mobility, the imagined movement should be continued until it becomes the dominant sensation. When the movement achieves primacy, it is accompanied by translocation to the phase. If such a translocation does not automatically occur, a separation technique is recommended.
IMAGINED
SENSATIONS
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. For three to five seconds, envision that a specific object is being held in the hand. If nothing happens, a different technique should be practiced. If the impression of shape and weight become apparent, concentrate harder on the sensation, trying to compound the experience. Once the object’s presence in the hand achieves a realistic quality, separation is possible. However, it is preferable to continue handling the object. A practitioner is free to imagine any type of object that fits in the hand. Examples include a telephone, a drinking glass, a remote control, a ball, a pen, or a box.
EYE MOVEMENT
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. Perform two to five sharp left-right or up-down eye movements. If nothing happens, the technique should be exchanged for another. If vibrations occur, separation may be attempted after efforts to intensify the vibrations.
DOT ON THE FOREHEAD
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. For three to five seconds, visualize a point in the middle of the forehead. If nothing happens, a different technique should be used. If vibrations occur, they may be intensified by using this technique or by straining the brain, facilitating separation from the body. Also, sounds may arise that allow the practice of listening in.
FEAR METHOD
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. For three to five seconds, imagine something horrific and graveyard-related staying nearby, something graphic, macabre, out of the worst nightmare imaginable. If nothing happens, a different technique should be employed. However, acute fear may occur, most likely forcing the practitioner into the phase where a separation technique may be applied. Alternatively, vibrations or noise may arise and allow the use of other indirect techniques. A common problem with the use of this technique is that fear often makes the practitioner so uncomfortable in the phase that he desires nothing else than to return to wakefulness.
RECALLING THE
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless,
eyes closed. For three to five seconds, recall the sensations that accompanied
a previous phase experience. (This only works if the practitioner has achieved
phase entrance in the past.) Either nothing will happen and a different
technique should be used or these sensations will be recalled and separating
from the body may be tried - if it doesn’t occur spontaneously. Vibrations or
noise may also arise during this technique, in which case listening in or
straining the brain may be practiced.
BREATHING
CONCENTRATION
Immediately after waking from sleep, remain motionless, eyes closed. For three to five seconds, focus on breathing; the rise and fall of the rib cage, the inflation and deflation of the lungs, the intake and escape of air. If no results occur, a different technique should be used. If vibrations, noise, or spontaneous separation occur, the practice of this technique should be intensified and used to its full advantage.
selecting the right TECHNIQUES
The next step to mastering indirect techniques is choosing the right techniques that suit individual predispositions. There is no point in going for one technique or another only because they look interesting and because someone wrote a lot or spoke a lot about them. The choice should be based strictly upon what suits an individual practitioner.
Out of all of the enumerated primary indirect techniques, practically only straining the brain works easily and quickly for 95% of practitioners. All other techniques work immediately for only about 25% to 50% of practitioners during initial training. However, after several training sessions, each technique yields results for 75% of engaged practitioners.
One way or another, every practitioner should identify a certain set of techniques that works best. A set should consist of no less than three techniques; four or five is even better to allow more options and practical combinations. Non-working techniques should not be discarded wholesale by the individual because they afford an opportunity to achieve success through new, previously unresponsive experiences.
To ensure the correct selection of techniques, each should be separately practiced over a period of at least three days. To this end, one should experiment with each of the primary techniques for 2 to 10 minutes before falling asleep, or even during the day. It is good to choose at least one secondary technique practice. This regimen allows a precise determination of the techniques that will yield the best results for the practitioner. During the process of selecting personalized techniques, a practitioner learns and retains the techniques in an intimate, personal way, which positively affects how techniques are used during critical moments.
It is worth noting that the final selection of techniques should be varied. For example, choosing both straining the brain and straining the body without using muscles is pointless because they are practically one and the same. More often than not, they will both either work or not work. This is why techniques should involve various types of sensory perception: visual, audio, kinesthetic, vestibular, imaginary sense perception, and internal strain. Remember that priorities and goals change with time, and that a technique that fell flat during initial attempts may unexpectedly prove valuable later on. Be flexible. No set of techniques should be carved in stone. In fact, the set may change several times over the first few weeks as the practitioner discovers what produces the best individual results.
To close this
section, a list has been provided, detailing the most effective indirect
techniques. This list was compiled with classroom data from the
|
The
Most Effective Indirect Techniques at School of Out-of-Body Travel Seminars |
|
|
Observing Images |
15% |
|
Phantom Wiggling |
15% |
|
Listening in |
15% |
|
Rotation |
10% |
|
Straining the Brain |
5% |
|
Straining the Body Without Using Muscles |
5% |
|
Forced Falling Asleep |
5% |
|
Mixture of Techniques |
10% |
|
Other Techniques |
20% |
SEPARATION techniques
Let us begin with
a totally shocking fact: during one-third of successful indirect entries into
the phase, it is not necessary to perform any specific phase entry techniques,
as separation techniques are immediately successful… This has been
statistically proven at
Interesting Fact!
Relatively often, a practitioner will try to
employ separation techniques to no effect, however, he will later unexpectedly understand that he had been
lying in a different position than he sensed that he was in, and in fact, it
had only been necessary for him to stand up. This happens mostly among
beginners and is indicative of an incorrect understanding of separation
techniques.
At times a practitioner may only need to think about separation and it happens. This is a rarity, which explains the existence of a whole series of auxiliary techniques. The most important separation techniques are rolling out, getting up, climbing out, and levitation.
ROLLING OUT
While awakening, attempt to roll over to the edge of the bed or the wall without using any muscles. Don’t worry about falling out of bed, hitting the wall, or be concerned with the details of how this technique should feel. Just roll.
GETTING UP
Upon awakening, attempt to get out of bed without physical exertion. This should be performed in a way that is most comfortable for the practitioner.
CLIMBING OUT
While awakening, try to climb out of the body without using any muscles. This technique generally comes to mind when a partial separation has been achieved through the use of other techniques, or one part of the body has completely separated.
LEVITATION
Upon awakening, attempt to levitate upward, parallel to the bed. While attempting to levitate, do not wonder how it should be accomplished; everyone intuitively knows how to levitate from their experiences in dreams.
FALLING OUT
Practically the same as levitation: upon awakening, try to sink down through the bed.
PULLING OUT
Here, upon awakening, try to exit the body through the head, as if escaping from a lidded cocoon.
BACKWARDS ROLL
After awakening, try to perform a backwards somersault over the head without using any physical muscles.
BULGE THE EYES:
Upon awakening, bulge out or widen the eyes without
opening them. Frontal movement toward separation may result.
Separation techniques are united by a singular idea: nothing should be imagined, movement should be attempted without the use of physical muscles. The techniques produce the same sensations of movement felt in real life. If nothing happens immediately after trying, then the technique is not going to work, though it may deliver results at a later time. A practitioner will instantly be able to recognize if the technique has worked. However, people are often unprepared for the realness of the sensations and think that they are making a physical movement instead of realizing that a part or all of the body has separated. After this unfortunate failure, careful analysis helps to understand what happened and plan for a successful retry.
If separation was incomplete or took place with some difficulty, this is a signal that the technique is being performed correctly. Strength and aggressive effort are required from this point to achieve complete separation. For example, if some movement began and then stopped after having made some progress, then one should go back and move even harder once again in the same direction.
In order to practice separation techniques, lie down with the eyes closed and attempt all of them over the course of several minutes. Separation has likely been accomplished if no muscles twitch or strain and a sensation of movement occurs. There will be a strong, almost physically palpable internal effort to perform a movement. Naturally, no physical movement actually occurs and the practitioner remains prone and immobile; however, at the right moment, these actions will lead to an easy entrance into the phase.
Interesting Fact!
Approximately 1% to 3% of the time that the
phase is practiced, one realizes immediately upon awakening that one has
already separated. This means that one may already go somewhere and stand, lie
down, sit down, etc. This is not however becoming conscious in a dream, but an
actually awakening.
The best time to practice
The key to practice is the quantity and quality of attempts made that hone a practitioner’s skills. There are several windows of time best suited for employing indirect techniques.
To begin, it should be stated that sleep follows a cyclical pattern. We awaken every hour-and-a-half and then quickly fall asleep again, which gives rise to sleep cycles. Furthermore, we experience two primary stages of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. NREM sleep includes many internal stages. The more we sleep, the less the body needs deep NREM sleep, and the more time we spend in REM sleep. Phase entrance is most likely to occur during REM sleep.
The best way to implement indirect techniques is by the deferred method. The aim of the method is to interrupt a sleep cycle during its final stage and then disrupt it again after falling back to sleep, which makes sleep light during the rest of the sleep cycle. Sleep accompanied by frequent interruptions can be put to productive uses.
For example, if a practitioner (let’s call him Jack) goes to sleep at midnight, then Jack should set an alarm for 6 o’clock in the morning. Upon awakening, Jack should engage in some sort of physical activity, like going to the bathroom, getting a drink of water, or reading a few pages of this book. Afterward, Jack should go back to bed thinking about how, within the next two to four hours, he will wake up multiple times and make an attempt to enter the phase during each awakening.
If Jack goes to bed earlier, then his alarm clock should be set back by that amount of time, since six hours of initial sleep is the optimal length of time. If Jack sleeps less than six hours, then the second half of his night’s sleep will be too deep. If Jack sleeps longer than six hours, then there will be little time remaining for attempts, or Jack may not even be able to fall asleep.
If a practitioner naturally wakes up in a forceful manner, it will be difficult to regain sleep. Thus, it will not be necessary for the practitioner to get out of bed with the aid of an alarm. The practitioner should attempt to go right back to sleep.
Naturally, the
deferred method is most applicable in cases where it is possible to sleep as
long as a practitioner desires, without having to wake up early. Not everyone
enjoys such luxury on a daily basis, but nearly everyone has days off when time
may be set aside to practice the deferred method. It is in large measure due to the deferred method that classroom
courses at the
The second most effective window of time for entering the phase is ordinary morning awakening. This generally occurs during light slumber following a full night’s sleep.
Another effective time to practice indirect techniques is after awakening from a daytime nap. Once again, this type of sleep will be light and short, which provides the body needed rest while allowing memory and intention to be kept intact through the moment of awakening. Again, not everyone has the luxury of taking daytime naps, but if such a chance arises, then it would be very beneficial to take advantage of the opportunity.
Nighttime awakenings are the least effective times for phase experimentation because the brain still requires a lot of deep sleep at this time. Awakening at night, the mind is quite weak and hardly capable of any effort. Even if some results are observed, awakening often ends with quickly falling back asleep. This is not to say that normal practice of the phase cannot occur at night; it just won’t be as effective as at other times. The nighttime option is best for those who lack an opportunity to use other windows of time for practicing the phase.
Understand that we awaken at night every 90 minutes, which is why a minimum of four awakenings is almost guaranteed when sleeping, even for just six hours. When the practitioner knows about this and strives to seize those moments, with time he will actually seize them and take advantage of them.
conscious awakening
Conscious awakening is waking up with a particular thought in mind; ideally, a thought about indirect techniques. In order to start using indirect techniques upon awakening, it is not sufficient to have a cursory knowledge of the techniques to be used when waking. Due to the peculiarities of the human mind and its habits, it is not always easy when waking to recall any particular motive or idea. The goal of conscious awakening is to practice instant action without being idle after waking up.
Interesting Fact!
There exists a belief that the phenomenon of
out-of-body travel is practically unattainable, and is accessible only to an
elect few through practices that require secret knowledge. However, the
greatest difficulty when trying to experience out-of-body travel in a short
period of time lies only in immediately remembering about the techniques upon
awakening without moving. This is all simple and straightforward. But it is
precisely this trifle that is the largest stumbling block when trying to
experience such an uncommon phenomenon.
This is not difficult at all for approximately 25% of the population. However, for the other three-quarters of the population, this is an difficult barrier to entry that can even seem insurmountable. If such thoughts arise, one should simply understand that this cannot be so, and that persistent attempts and training are the key solution.
The reasons why people are unable to remember practicing the phase upon awakening are: not being in the habit of immediately doing anything upon awakening, a desire to sleep longer, a desire to go to the bathroom, being thirsty, a desire to suddenly start solving day-to-day problems, and so on.
Conscious awakening with the intent of attempting an indirect technique should be a practitioner’s primary goal, which should be pursued at every cost. The speed at which the phase is learned and experienced depends on this.
There are several effective tricks to learning conscious awakening:
Intention upon falling asleep: This is the very important to successfully achieving conscious awakening. A very clear scientific fact has been proven by somnologists (scientists who study sleep): upon awakening, people usually think about what they had been thinking about before falling asleep. This phenomenon is easy to observe if the sleeper is experience a serious life problem; they fall asleep with the problem and wake with it. So, in a case like this, if difficulties at the front of the mind are replaced with a desire to practice the phase, this will produce the desired effect. It is not necessary to think solely about conscious awakening while falling asleep. It is sufficient to simply affirm the intention clearly and distinctly, even state the intention out loud. Practicing these types of conscious actions while entering sleep will do much to promote the success of indirect techniques upon awakening.
General intent: The more clearly a practitioner concentrates on the importance and necessity of waking up and immediately remembering to practice the techniques, the more solid the intent will become, and the more likely the process will fulfill its role and actually lead to results.
Affirming desires: Sometimes an internal intention is simply not enough for some people, or they are unable to properly affirm one by virtue of individual characteristics. In this case, an affirmation of desires should be introduced at the physical level. This could be in the form of a note with a description of a goal placed next to the bed, under one’s pillow, or hung on the wall. It could be a conversation with friends or family about the particular desire, or by repeatedly vocalizing the actions that need to be performed upon awakening. It could even be an entry in a diary, blog, or texting on a mobile phone.
Analyzing unsuccessful awakenings. Analyzing unsuccessful attempts at conscious awakening is extremely important. When remembering the failed attempt after several minutes, several hours, or even later in the day, focus on it and resolve to succeed during the next attempt. Deep exploration of the failure is highly effective and practical since the practitioner is learning what works, what doesn’t work, and making healthy resolutions toward success.
Creating motivation: The greater the desire to enter into the phase to accomplish a goal there, the quicker successful conscious awakening is achieved. Motivation is be created by a great desire to do or experience something in the phase. In general, previous visits to the phase are great motivation, but an uninitiated person does not know it and will need something to which they can relate. For some, this could be a childhood dream of flying to Mars, for others it could be the opportunity to see a loved one who has passed away, for another it could be the chance to obtain specific information, or influence the course of a physical illness, and so forth.
Aside from
natural methods to achieve conscious awaking, there are various devices and
tools that facilitate a measure of success. These will be covered in Chapter
The best moment for conscious awakening is while exiting a dream. This is the most effective and productive time to attempt separation or performing the techniques. At this moment, physical awareness of the body is at a minimum. Awareness at the very end of a dream often occurs after nightmares, painful experiences in the dream, falling dreams – any dream that causes a sudden awakening.
With time, one should develop a reflex that enables one to perform planned actions at the moment of awakening, but when consciousness itself has not yet had time to return. This type of reflex is highly beneficial to seizing the most fruitful of opportunities to enter the phase.
Due to various psychological and physiological factors, it is not possible for every person to achieve conscious awakening after every sleep cycle. Thus, there is no point in becoming upset if conscious awakening does not occur every time. Experiencing only 2 to 3 awakenings per day is normal; this is sufficient enough to attempt phase entrance 2 to 5 times per week when practiced daily.
It is not worth getting carried away with an excessive number of attempts. During the School’s courses, it has been noted that doing 10 conscious awakenings or more (some students try 20 or even 30) over the course of one night and morning rarely yields results. This is due to the fact that if one sets oneself a goal that is desired so much that its realization breaks the natural rhythms of the body, one deprives oneself of the intermediate, transitional states that make the phase effective. A practitioner may also quickly become emotionally exhausted from the large number of attempts and be unable to push limits in the right direction. The upside is that one will simply tire out. If that starts to happen, it is better to calm down and try to approach the matter in a more relaxed manner, evenly and gradually.
awakening without moving
Alongside remembering the phase immediately upon waking, another important requirement is awakening without moving, which is difficult since many people wake up and move. Upon awakening, scratching, stretching, opening the eyes, and listening to real sounds should be avoided. Any real movement or perception will very quickly disintegrate the intermediate state and introduce reality, the activation of the mind and its connection to the sensory organs.
At first, awakening without moving seems difficult or even impossible. However, it has been proven that this is remedied for through active attempts and the desire to achieve set goals. People often claim that they cannot awaken without moving, that it’s an impossible experience. However, after several attempts, it will happen, and it will occur more and more frequently with practice.
Thus, if there is difficulty in awakening without movement, do not despair, just keep trying. Sooner or later, the body will yield to the practice, and everything will happen smoothly.
Awakening without moving is very important because, for the majority of people, experiments with the phase are not possible except in the first waking moments where waking without moving sets the stage for successful indirect technique cycles. Often, a practitioner will make 10 unsuccessful attempts and move while awakening. Once the practitioner learns to consistently wake calmly and gradually, success quickly follows.
However, if an awakening is conscious, but with movement, that does not mean that the practitioner cannot immediately make an attempt to fall into the phase. Such attempts, although they will be about 5 times less effective than usual, should nevertheless be made Any opportunity to practice while waking should not be wasted. It must only be kept in mind that one must first neutralize the effects of the movement in order to once again fall into an intermediate state. In the case of movement, it is extremely helpful to begin practice with forced falling asleep. Listening in also works well, as does observing images and phantom wiggling, each performed passively for 5-15 seconds, instead of the standard duration of 3 to 5 seconds. After performing these, cycling may begin.
Awakening without movement, despite all its importance, is not a goal in and of itself, and also not worth suffering over. When awakening, if there is great discomfort, something itches, a need to swallow arises, or any manner of natural reflex, it is better to deal with it and then act according to practices recommended when movement upon awakening happens.
Not all movements upon awakening are real and, if only for this reason alone, when movement occurs, indirect techniques should follow.
Interesting Fact!
Up to 20% of sensations and actions that
happen upon awakening are not real as they seem, but are phantom.
False sensations occur in widely diverse ways. People often do not understand what is going on with them without having experienced the phase. For example, a person may think they are scratching their ear with their physical hand when they are really using a phantom hand. A person may hear pseudo-sounds in the room, on the street, or at the neighbor’s without noting anything unusual. Or, a person may look around the room without knowing that their eyes are actually closed. If a practitioner recognizes such moments for what they are, they may immediately try to separate from the body.
cycles of indirect techniques
Thus far, indirect techniques used for phase entrance and techniques for separation in the phase have been covered. Conscious awakening and the best times to practice it have also been examined. Now, a specific algorithm of action for indirect techniques will be presented. Following this algorithm promises quick and practical results.
Algorithm of Action upon Awakening:
1. Testing Separation Techniques within 5
Seconds
Like the previous observation of separation techniques, a third of successful attempts with indirect techniques yield immediate success upon the attempt of a separation technique due to the fact that the first seconds after waking up are the most useful for entering the phase. The less time that has elapsed after awakening, the better. Conversely, if one lies down expecting something to happen, chances quickly dissipate.
Thus, upon awakening, preferably without first moving, a practitioner should immediately try various separation techniques, like rolling out, getting up, or levitation. If a technique suddenly started to yield results for approximately for 5 seconds, then separation from the body should be attempted. Sometimes inertia, difficulty, or a barrier will arise during a separation attempt. No attention should be given to these problems. Instead, resolve to separate - decidedly and aggressively climb out of the body.
Keep in mind that trying to immediately separate upon awakening is a skill of the utmost importance; one that is worth honing from the very beginning, never forgotten.
2. The Cycle of
Indirect Techniques to Use if One is Unable to Separate
If separation does not occur after several seconds, it most likely means that separation will not occur, regardless of elapsed time in effort. This is where the practitioner must resort to other techniques.
The practitioner should already have chosen a minimum of three primary or secondary techniques that suit a practical repertoire. Here is where the techniques are put into action.
Nota Bene! In order to give a specific example, we will examine the use of three specific techniques, which should be replaced with a tested and chosen set of techniques. The following operational techniques have been used as examples: observing images (a), phantom wiggling (b), and listening in (c).
After an unsuccessful attempt at separating, the practitioner immediately starts observing the void behind the eyes. If images begin to appear within 3 to 5 seconds, observation should continue without scrutinizing the images in detail, or the image will evaporate. As a result of this action, the image will quickly become more and more realistic and colorful, engulfing the practitioner. If everything comes together correctly, a sudden translocation into the picture will occur, or, when the picture becomes very realistic, attempt to separate from the body. If nothing happens after 3 to 5 seconds, then the practitioner should transition to the technique of phantom wiggling.
For 3 to 5 seconds, the practitioner quickly searches the entire body for a part that can be wiggled. Or, the entire period of time is spent in an attempt to wiggle a specific body part: a finger, hand, or leg. If the desired effect occurs, then the practitioner should continue with the technique and achieve the maximum possible range of movement. During this process, a number of things can happen, including spontaneous separation, a successful separation attempt, free movement of the wiggled part, or the presence of sound or vibrations. All of these events are of great advantage. If nothing wiggles over the course of 3 to 5 seconds, then the practitioner should move on to listening in.
The practitioner should try to detect an internal sound. If the sound is there, listen and try to amplify it. As a result, the noise may grow into a roar and spontaneous separation will occur, separating through the use of a technique will be possible, or vibrations will occur. If no noise occurs over the course of 3 to 5 seconds, then the entire cycle should be repeated.
It is beneficial to examine the reason behind the use of a set of three indirect techniques. This is motivated by the fact that the body often reacts to techniques in very peculiar ways. With one person, a technique may work one day and not work on another day, which is why if only one technique is used, even a very good technique that works often, a practitioner can miss out on a lot of different experience through the lack of variety in practice. Thus, a practical repertoire should consist of several techniques.
Interesting Fact!
Sometimes, the first technique that works for
a practitioner never results in a repeat of phase entrance again, although
other techniques that were not immediately effective at the novice stages of
practice later begin to work regularly and successfully.
3. Repeating the
Cycle of Indirect Techniques
If the first cycle of 3 techniques does not yield any clear results, this does not mean that all is lost. Even if the techniques do not work, they still draw the practitioner closer to the phase state and it is simply necessary to continue using the techniques by again observing pictures, phantom wiggling, and listening in – and repeating this process at least three times.
Having performed one cycle of techniques, one can easily go on to doing a second cycle, a third one, a fourth one, and so on. It is quite probable that during one of these cycles, a technique will suddenly prove itself, even though it had not been working at all just a few seconds beforehand.
A serious practitioner should commit to a minimum of 4 cycles. The problem lies in the fact that it is psychologically difficult to do something that has shown itself not to work, and one may give up taking further action, even though one could be at the cusp of falling into the phase. Keep trying, and then try again, and again! There have been cases where it took twenty cycles to produce results. A monumental effort, yes, but one worth the outcome.
4. Falling
Asleep with the Possibility of Trying Again.
If a practitioner is unable to enter the phase after performing cycles and attempts to separate, or even if everything worked out, it is still better to go back to sleep to facilitate subsequent attempts. Again, it is very important to go to sleep with a clearly defined intention of actually performing the cycles upon awakening. Such intention vastly increases the probability that the next attempt will occur soon. That is, one should not fall asleep with an empty head and the desire to simply get a good night’s sleep. If using the deferred method, then clear intention is mandatory, as several attempts are possible over the course of a sleep cycle.
Even if only a few attempts are made accompanied by decided and concentrated effort, then the four steps described in the algorithm will undoubtedly produce entrance into the phase.
In order to more effectively use the system of indirect cycles, it is necessary to discuss what to do if one technique works and progress ceases during the cycle and phase entry does not occur.
First, understand that if a technique has begun to work, only lack of experience and skill will prevent the phase.
Second, barriers are overcome by temporarily switching to other techniques. Let us suppose that noise arising when listening in grows louder and louder and then peaks in volume. It would surely be beneficial to switch to forced falling asleep or observing images for several seconds, and then return to listening in. The sound may then become much louder and provide an opportunity to proceed with the technique. Sometimes, it makes sense to break off several times into various techniques and then return to the primary technique that yielded some results.
It is often possible to simultaneously perform two or even three techniques and experience no negative effect to results. It is also normal and natural to skip around from technique to technique, deviating from a specific plan of action. For example, sounds often arise during phantom wiggling. In this case, a practitioner may just simply switch over to listening in. Other oft-encountered results pairings are: images from sound, sound from rotation, sound from straining the brain, a strain on the brain from listening in, vibrations from rotation, vibrations from phantom wiggling, and so forth.
During initial attempts at using cycles of
indirect techniques, the problem of confusion during a critical moment may
arise, when a novice practitioner suddenly forgets exactly what to do and how
to do it. This is normal, and the solution is to immediately do whatever comes
to mind. Results can be achieved in this manner. When a practitioner is more
relaxed about the practice, such problems will no longer occur.
Hints from the mind
Varied cycles of indirect techniques is an almost mandatory precondition for getting the best result. There are some exceptions. Sometimes, through indirect indicators, a practitioner may be inclined to begin with certain techniques, regardless of what had been planned. These are a sort of hint from the body and the ability to use such cues plays an extremely important role in the use of indirect techniques because they enable a practitioner to substantially increase the effectiveness of practice.
Hint No. 1: Images
If the practitioner becomes aware upon awakening that some images, pictures, or remnants from dreams are before him, then he should immediately proceed to the technique of observing images, with all of the results that arise from it. If this does not lead to anything, then cycling with a set of techniques should begin.
Hint No. 2: Noises
If the practitioner realizes upon awakening that he hears an internal noise, roaring, ringing, whistling, and so forth, then he should immediately begin from the technique of listening in. If this has no effect, then cycles of indirect techniques ought to commence.
Hint No. 3: Vibrations
If a practitioner feels vibrations throughout the body while awakening, they should be amplified through the use of straining the brain or straining the body without using muscles. When the vibrations reach their peak, the practitioner can try to separate. If nothing happens after several attempts, indirect technique cycles should start.
Hint No. 4: Numbness
If a practitioner wakes to numbness in a body part, phantom wiggling of that part should be attempted. If no result is achieved after several attempts, cycling should be tried. Of course, it is better to refrain from techniques if the numbness is very intense and causes substantial discomfort.
aggression and passivity
During the practice of indirect techniques, including technique cycles, unsuccessful attempts may result in falling asleep or becoming completely awake. These results indicate a deficiency or excess of aggression.
If a practitioner usually falls asleep while attempting to enter the phase, then more aggressive action is needed while performing indirect techniques. If, on the other hand, most attempts end in a full and alert awakening, then aggression should be curbed and techniques should be conducted more slowly and in a more relaxed manner. Balance between passivity and aggression is imperative; the phase state is easily attained by those practitioners who find a stable medium between passivity and aggression.
The issue of aggression requires a closer examination. Quite often, attempts at indirect techniques are made leisurely, without desire or real effort, to “check them off the list”. Results more easily realized if the practitioner possesses an aggressive desire to enter the phase. More often than not, practitioners lack aggressive desire, instead of having too much of it. Thus, each effort requires a distinct want to succeed.
strategy for action
Some mistakenly believe that indirect techniques will produce quick, easy results, like a pill. Despite the fact that the techniques described in this guidebook are the best means to entering the phase, strong effort still needs to be exerted. This is not important for some, as everything comes quite easily to them, but for others this is of great importance.
Indirect techniques will definitely work if practiced consistently and as described. It has already been noted that in the majority of cases, making several concentrated attempts upon awakening without movement is sufficient enough to produce results. It may take a lot of time and effort to achieve phase entrance, so practitioners who set goals and work diligently will be presented with a crown of success.
Attempts are important in large measure not only for the final result, but also for the process itself. During practice, the practitioner independently learns and solves issues that may not have been understood in the guidebook. Other times, the practitioner will encounter situations that have never been described at all. It’s impossible to prepare a student for every possible scenario, so as a practitioner moves deeper into practice, a unique, individual perspective and portfolio of experiences develops, which will certainly prove useful in the future. Until then, diligent practice of the information presented in this book will ready a practitioner for that personal frontier.
Actions in practice require strict attention. Study the techniques and selects those that work best. Set the goal of consistent, conscious waking without movement. Make an objective of performing cycles of indirect techniques while waking up, day in and day out. With such a clear course of action, the practitioner should never defocus his attention or dissipate his energy on other related actions, like, for example, on direct techniques for entering the phase. If the indirect techniques do not work in the course of several days, continue trying. The latest results occur in a matter of weeks, not months or years, like some sources maintain. Goals are meant to be stubbornly pursued, step-by-step, firmly, and diligently.
If no results occur after 10 to 20 days, it is better to cease practice for a week and take a rest, and then return with a fresh resolve to master the practice. Interestingly enough, it is exactly during such a break that spontaneous entrances into the phase through the most diverse methods occur.
If success is still elusive even after 1 to 2 months of trying, then a thorough analysis of the regimen should be conducted to root out any obvious mistakes or deficiencies. If overcoming them proves difficult or impossible, switching over to direct techniques is not recommended since they prove much more difficult than indirect techniques. Instead, techniques for entering the phase through conscious dreaming should be practiced.
It is also not worth skipping over problematic areas and trying to make up for mistakes by expending even more effort. For example, ignoring the precondition of awakening without moving will prove fruitless. Bypassing this requirement works for very few people. Facing every problem head-on and working hard to break through will be richly rewarded with an unforgettable, treasured experiences. Keep trying!
Typical mIstakes
with indirect techniques
· Internal certainty that nothing will happen instead of believing in positive results.
· Stopping the performance of techniques after an unsuccessful cycle when a minimum of four cycles should be practiced.
· Constantly awakening to movement instead of remaining still.
· Performing direct techniques in the evening. Total concentration on indirect techniques is required from the morning on if a practitioner’s goal is access to the phase.
· Performing indirect techniques for an extremely long period of time (2 minutes or more). This is a complete waste of time in most cases.
· Switching from techniques that have begun to work when practice should be followed through to the end.
· Passively performing techniques instead of being determined and aggressive.
· Performing each technique separately for too long a period of time, even if the technique does not work, instead of switching to another technique within several seconds.
· Excessive thinking and analysis while performing indirect techniques, which require mental tranquility and inner stillness.
· Stopping and concentrating on unusual sensations when they arise versus continuing the technique that brought them about in the first place.
· Extremely long anticipation upon awakening instead of immediately performing techniques.
· Premature attempts at separating, instead of performing phase creation techniques through to the end of progress.
· Holding the breath when unusual sensations appear. Be calm instead.
· Opening the eyes when the only recommended movement is breathing or moving the eyes behind closed lids.
· Being agitated instead of relaxed.
· Ceasing attempts to separate even when partial success is met.
· Straining the physical muscles while performing the techniques versus remaining physically motionless.
· Not practicing after an alert awakening, when techniques are best applied - especially in the event of waking without movement.
· Merely imagining the techniques instead of really understanding them and performing them, if, of course, one is not performing rotation or other imagined techniques.
· Simply wiggling phantom limbs instead of employing a fixed determination to increase the range of movement
· Falling right asleep during forced falling asleep, instead of having the firm intention of continuing efforts within only 5 to 10 seconds.
· Scrutinizing the details of images when using the technique of observing images; the whole image should be observed panoramically lest it disappear.
· Intentionally trying to force pictures when observing images, instead of looking for what is naturally presented.
· Simply hearing noise when employing the technique of listening in, instead of attentively trying to pay attention, catch something, and listen in.
Exercises for Chapter 2
Questions
1. Why are indirect techniques the easiest?
2. Why will one technique work for some people and not for others?
3. How many attempts are necessary in order to enter the phase?
4. When observing images, should a picture be conjured?
5. How is phantom wiggling different from imagined movement?
6. Where does sound come from while listening in?
7. How is forced listening in different from normal listening in?
8. When employing the technique of rotation, should one try to rotate or simply imagine the rotation?
9. What is physically strained when using the technique of straining the brain?
10. How is straining the brain different from straining the body without using muscles?
11. Should a practitioner fall asleep when using the forced falling asleep technique?
12.
According to statistics from
classes held at the
13. Why should one practice all of the primary techniques in a relaxed state?
14. What helps practitioners to enter the phase one-third of the time while using indirect techniques?
15. Is levitation the most popular separation technique?
16. What is the essential difference between indirect techniques and separation techniques?
17. How does the separation technique of rolling out differ from the indirect technique of rotation?
18. Is it necessary to imagine anything while trying to separate?
19. When is the best time to use indirect techniques?
20. Can techniques that are traditionally used upon awakening be attempted during the day? How effective are these techniques during the day?
21. Is becoming consciousness while dreaming the same as conscious awakening?
22. When employing indirect techniques, does an inability to awaken without moving have an effect on one's practice?
23. What are the components of the algorithm of cycling indirect techniques?
24. What first step must be taken while cycling through indirect techniques?
25. How many different techniques should a cycle consist of?
26. What is the minimum number of cycles that must be practiced?
27. If a lot of time has passed after awakening, is this good or bad for cycles of indirect techniques?
28. What must be done if a technique gets stuck at an unsatisfactory level of results?
29. If the cycles do not work, what should be done?
30. What are hints from the mind?
31. In what cases is it necessary to introduce aggressive effort when performing indirect techniques?
Tasks
1. Try all of the primary indirect techniques while in a relaxed state and single out 3 to 5 techniques that seem to work. Repeat such training another couple of times on other days.
2. Try all of the separation techniques in a relaxed state.
3. Achieve one conscious awakening followed by cycles of indirect techniques.
4. Achieve one conscious awakening without any physical movement and attempt an indirect technique.
5. Upon awakening without moving, perform a full cycle of indirect techniques, and repeat this exercise until phase entrance is achieved.
The concept OF DIRECT TECHNIQUES
Direct techniques for entering into an out-of-body experience are used without the prerequisite of sleep; by performing specific actions while lying down with the eyes closed. The advantage of direct techniques is that, in theory, they can be performed at any moment. However, a large drawback exists in the length of time it takes to master the techniques. Only 50% of practitioners achieve success after making daily attempts over a period of 3 to 6 weeks. For some, an entire year may pass before results are realized. The difficulty in achieving results with direct techniques is not a problem of inaccessibility, but the natural psychological characteristics of the individual. Not everyone is able to clearly understand the specific nuances involved, which is why some will continually make mistakes.
Many practitioners strive to master direct techniques right away because they appear to be the most convenient, straightforward, and concrete techniques. However, it is a grave mistake to begin attempting and mastering phase entrance from this level. In 90% of cases where novices begin their training with direct techniques, failure is guaranteed. Moreover, a vast amount of time, effort, and emotion will be wasted. As a result, complete disillusionment with the entire subject of phase experiences is possible.
Direct techniques should only be practiced after mastery of the easiest indirect techniques or how to become conscious when dreaming. In any case, difficulties will not wear one down afterwards, as it will be exceedingly clear from one's own experience that the phase is not a figment of the imagination. Also, an advanced knowledge of indirect techniques will make it considerably easier to achieve direct entry into the phase.
Quality of the phase experience is not dependent upon the chosen entrance technique. Direct techniques do not necessarily provide a deeper, more lasting phase over indirect techniques.
Direct techniques are better suited for some practitioners and not others, but this ban only be said for a minority of the practicing population. Meanwhile, indirect techniques are accessible to absolutely everyone all of the time.
If a practitioner has decides to begin practice with direct techniques or has gained the necessary experience with indirect techniques, the underlying principles of the techniques must still be learned. Without these, nothing will occur, except coincidentally and in rare cases. The key to the successful use of direct techniques rests in achieving a free-floating state of consciousness. However, we will first examine a large variety of very useful aspects and factors that make direct entry into the phase much easier.
First, we will examine when it is best to perform the techniques and how intensively to exercise their practice. Then, we will examine the very important factor of body position, and the no less crucial issue of how long the techniques should be performed. Then, we will briefly investigate the issue of relaxation, and then we will immediately move on to the actual direct techniques. Only after covering all of the above are we able to delve into the issue of what a free-floating state of consciousness is and how to achieve it.
THE BEST TIME TO PRACTICE
The issue of time is not important with indirect techniques since the major prerequisite is that they are performed immediately after awakening occurs. In the case of direct techniques, the issue of timing is much more critical.
Naturally, the best method for finding the right time to perform direct techniques is the same as indirect techniques – the deferred method. However, there are some serious differences here. First of all, one may interrupt one’s sleep at practically anytime of the night or early morning. Second, after having woken up (5-15 min.), one should not fall back asleep, but should immediately proceed to the techniques.
Direct techniques are many times more effective with the deferred method than at any other time. This is due to the fact that with the deferred method, the mind does not have time to become 100% alert, and it is easy to fall into the altered state of consciousness that will allow results.
When it comes to specific steps, one should awaken in the middle of the night either on one's own or with the help of an alarm clock. Then, one should get up and do something for 3 to 10 minutes, and then lie down again in bed and perform the techniques. If it is probable that the practitioner will wake up in too alert a state, and thus not even be sleepy, then the interval between awakening and performing the direct technique should be shortened, and fewer things should be done during that period of time. It should be noted that with this setup, a free-floating state of mind plays a far lesser role that with other procedures.
The second most effective window of time is before falling asleep at night, when the practitioner goes to bed. During this period of time, the brain needs to shut down the body and mind in order to renew its strength, which has been expended over the course of the day. This natural process can be taken advantage of by introducing certain adjustments to it.
Attempts at performing direct techniques during the day are less effective. However, if fatigue has already had a chance to build up by this time, this can be taken advantage of because the body will try to fall into sleep. This is especially suited for those who are accustomed to napping during the day.
Generally, other windows of time produce a substantially worse result, which is why one should start with performing direct techniques in the middle of the night, or before a night's sleep. Only after such techniques have been mastered will it be possible to experiment with daytime attempts.
intensity of attempts
The degree of enthusiasm that is devoted to any pursuit is directly related to successfully reaching a goal. However, it is very important to know when to ease up, especially with the delicate matter of phase entry. One attempt per day using a direct technique is sufficient. If more attempts are made, the quality of each attempt will suffer considerably.
Interesting Fact!
Many approach direct techniques as if digging
a ditch: the more - the faster and the better. The result: dozens of attempts
that yield no fruit.
A lot of practitioners believe that dozens of attempts over the course of a day will yield the phase. This is not the path to success and will quickly lead to disillusionment with the practice. Even if after a week or a month no results are seen, direct techniques should be attempted only once daily. Persistent, analytical, and sensible, stubborn resolve to practice properly will produce the desired effect.
duration of an attempt
It is useless to attempt entering the phase using a direct technique by lying in bed and resolving neither to sleep nor get up until the phase occurs. Such coarseness in handling delicate nature of the mind will produce nothing besides rapid emotional exhaustion.
Rigid timeframes apply while performing direct techniques before a sleep or in the middle of the night. Direct techniques attempts should only last 10 to 20 minutes. Longer durations inhibit sleepiness because the mind will concentrate too long on the techniques, and the desire to fall asleep will dissipate, resulting in insomnia that often lasts several hours. Overdone efforts negatively affect natural enthusiasm due lost sleep and being tired the following day, which is compounded by the reality of a growing number of failed attempts.
If direct techniques produce no effect over the course of 10 to 20 minutes before sleep or in the middle of the night, then it is better to go to sleep with the thought that everything will work out another time. This is the positive outlook a practitioner ought to always maintain.
body position
With indirect techniques body position isn’t important since conscious awakening regardless of body position is the goal. However, the position of the body is crucial while practicing direct techniques.
There is not an exact body position that each practitioner should assume since, once again, individual characteristics and instincts differ widely. There are specific rules that allow one to select the right position, based on indirect indicators.
Many hold a belief that the correct pose is that of a corpse – lying on the back without a pillow, legs and arms straightened. This notion has probably been borrowed from other practices claiming that it helps achieve an altered state of mind. However, this position seriously impairs the efforts of the majority of practitioners. The corpse pose should only be used when it is probable that a practitioner will quickly fall asleep while performing techniques in this pose, even though it generally prevents sleep.
If a practitioner experiences difficulty falling asleep and is constantly awake while performing direct techniques, then the most comfortable position for the individual should be used.
If sleep comes quite easily to a practitioner, a less natural position should be taken. If a practitioner experiences fewer gaps in consciousness when the techniques are performed and has a harder time falling asleep, a more comfortable a position should be used. Depending on the situation, there are many possible positions: lying down on the back, on the stomach, on the side, or even in a half-reclined position. It is possible that a practitioner will have to change positions from one attempt to another, introducing adjustments related to a free-floating state of mind.
RELAXATION
By nature, one should clearly understand that direct techniques are in and of themselves relaxation methods, inasmuch as no phase can occur without one being relaxed. Accordingly, one can go immediately into the phase without any prior relaxation.
Since the most effective window of time for using direct techniques occurs before sleep and at night, and lasts only 10 to 20 minutes in any case, additional time should not be wasted on trying to relax, nor should time for relaxation be subtracted from the requisite 10 to 20 minutes.
Correct and quality relaxation is a difficult pursuit and many go about it individually, producing an opposition to natural relaxation. For example, many endeavor to relax their bodies to such a degree that in the end the mind is as active as it would be while trying to solve a difficult mathematical equation. In this type of situation, entering the phase is impossible.
The body automatically relaxes when the mind is relaxed. The body, in turn, will never relax if the mind is active. Therefore, it is better for beginners refrain from the trouble of the nuances of relaxation and save their energies for more elementary matters.
Instead of forcing a technical relaxation, a practitioner should simply lie down for several minutes and this will provide the best relaxation. Lying down activates natural relaxation processes; the most powerful kind.
Complete, peaceful relaxation may only be coerced by those with specialized, in-depth experience. Generally, these are people who have spent a great amount of time and effort mastering trance and meditative states. Relaxation in these cases should take no more than 1 to 3 minutes and no longer as because when a practitioner is expert at relaxation it is sufficient to just think about it, and it occurs.
All quality relaxation techniques may well serve as direct techniques, if a free-floating state of mind occurs while they are exercised. After gaining the necessary experience with trance and meditation, a practitioner of these mental arts may proceed to mastering the phase.
variations of using
dIRECT TECHNIQUES
Techniques used to gain direct entrance to the phase are exactly the same as those used during indirect attempts. The only difference is in the method of implementation. The techniques are described in detail in Chapter 2. However, since direct techniques mostly require passivity, not all techniques work equally well for both direct and indirect entries into the phase. For example, active techniques like straining the brain cannot be used to gain a smooth entrance into the phase.
Direct techniques differ from indirect techniques in their implementation because of the slow, halting production of results that occurs from the beginning of a direct attempt through the end of it. If upon awakening something happens to work, then this can practically always lead to entrance into the phase. For example, the same phantom wiggling before sleep can begin quickly enough, but range of movement will not be easy to increase, and the entire implementation of the technique will rely on protracted, rhythmic movement. Results take much longer: ten minutes instead of ten seconds. These differences also apply to every technique described in this guidebook.
Like the practice of indirect techniques, to begin the practice of direct techniques, a practitioner should choose 3 or 4 of the most suitable techniques from those that prove most effective to the individual. In order to assist the practitioner, a table has been provided, detailing the documented effectiveness of the direct techniques:
|
The Most Effective Direct Techniques at Seminars of
the School of Out-of-Body Travel |
|
|
Phantom Wiggling |
15% |
|
Rotation |
15% |
|
Listening in |
15% |
|
Vibrations (occurring amid the use of other techniques) |
15% |
|
Observing Images |
10% |
|
Mixture of Techniques |
10% |
|
Simple separation (usually mixed in with other techniques) |
10% |
|
Other Techniques |
10% |
The primary difference in working with direct techniques is the time that it takes to exercise each. If testing a specific indirect technique takes only 3 to 5 seconds, then in this case several minutes will be spent. Duration varies depending on certain factors.
There are three primary ways of performing the techniques: classical, sequencing, and cycling - similar to the cycling used with indirect techniques. To understand which variant should be used, consider the following table:
|
Variations
of Using the Techniques |
When
to Use It |
|
Classical
(passive) variation: One attempt of 1 technique. The technique may be alternated after each attempt. |
- when learning direct techniques; - when a practitioner generally sleeps poorly; - if attempts lead to waking up; - if attempts with other variations occur without lapses in consciousness; - if the body and consciousness are in a relaxed state; |
|
Sequencing
(middle): One attempt with 2 to 3 techniques for 1 to 5 minutes. Techniques are alternated infrequently. Aggression fluctuates with the length of time that the techniques are performed. |
- used if falling asleep occurs while using the classical variation, or if cycling results in becoming wide awake; - when a practitioner generally falls asleep quickly; |
|
Cycling
(active): Algorithm of cycling 3 techniques like with indirect entry to the phase, but performing each technique for 10 seconds to 1 minute, and not 3 to 5 seconds. |
- if the classical and sequencing variations put one asleep; - when one generally falls asleep very quickly; - can also be employed when exhausted or sleep deprived; |
A practitioner should always begin with the classical variation, i.e. using one technique over an entire attempt. Due to the unusual nature of the efforts involved, a beginner’s enthusiasm may sustain a completely alert state. Later, however, strong, prolonged lapses of consciousness into sleep may occur. Here, it may be necessary to increase the level of activity by transitioning to the sequencing variation.
Sequencing is the primary variation used for direct techniques because of its elasticity in application. It can be passive if over the course of 15 minutes when a practitioner alternates two techniques for five minutes. It may also be aggressive if used sequencing three techniques for one minute. Everything between these two extremes allows proper practice of the techniques and selection of the best variation to achieve a free-floating state of mind.
If falling off to sleep stubbornly occurs even with the active form of sequencing, then one should start cycling through indirect techniques, but performing each technique from 10 seconds to 1 minute.
As long work with the techniques is implied, one should not torment oneself if one does not want to do something, otherwise one may quickly tire out. Everything should be a pleasure to do and not cause any excessive emotional tension.
the
free-floating state of
There are almost infinite descriptions of direct entry techniques offered in literature, stories, on the Internet, and at seminars. Sometimes, one description fundamentally differs from another. In the majority of cases, however, common threads exist that unite almost every description of a particular technique: short lapses in consciousness, memory gaps, and drifting in and out of sleep, all of which are hallmarks of the free-floating state of mind. After any of these phenomena occur, all manner of unusual pre-phase or phase sensations arise.
Lapses in consciousness may last for seconds, several minutes, or more than an hour. They may range from a simple loss of consciousness to entrance into a full-fledged dream. They may be singular and rare, or may occur several times over the course of a minute. Whatever a lapse entails, the mind attains a mode of operating that is ideal for phase experimentation, provided the practitioner is able to refrain from deep sleep and quickly return to a conscious, waking state.
Not every lapse of consciousness leads to the phase. The lapse must have sufficient depth to be effective. Thus, with every unsuccessful lapse, another deeper lapse should be incurred.
The primary practical drawback of the free-floating state of mind is the possibility of falling completely asleep during lapses instead of only temporarily dipping into sleep. Techniques are definitely necessary to ensure the desired result. Such techniques more or less fulfill an auxiliary function, and thus one need not be strict about them.
Interesting
Fact!
It does not matter which direct technique is
used; as long as it leads to lapses in consciousness, success is possible.
When performing the variations of the techniques, a practitioner can begin to vacillate between full alertness and complete asleep, coming to, and then nodding off again.
To avoid falling asleep requires a strong desire to return to wakefulness. This is accomplished by a strong resolve on the part of the practitioner, even if, while performing a direct technique, drifting in and out of sleep occurs. The practitioner must firmly assert that at the moment consciousness tapers off, awakening will immediately occur.
On the other hand, if lapses do not occur, and are replaced by complete alertness, the following tricks of the trade may help: full concentration on mental actions or, conversely, musing and daydreaming in parallel with the technique being used. It should be noted that these are only effective at the initial stages of working with direct techniques since such techniques have a strong sleep-inducing effect.
If direct techniques do not lead to light sleep or singular lapses after a long period of regular practice, then it must be assumed that the practitioner is dealing with some appreciable error in technique or in the length of performance.
Regulating the number of lapses that occur may be modified by body position during practice or by changing the variation used while performing techniques.
Entering the phase with a free-floating state of mind most often occurs as the result of three key factors. First, one technique or another may begin to work well during a lapse. Second, nearness to the phase may unexpectedly manifest itself through sounds or vibration after a lapse. During this, transitioning to techniques that correspond to the above symptoms (listening in, straining the brain) may be applied. Third, when exiting a lapse, it is sometimes easy to separate or quickly find a working technique by paying attention to initial indicators.
Lapses in consciousness are not bound to occur in 100% of cases. However, striving to achieve lapses plays a very important role since they are not always perceivable, and a lapse occurrence is not always obvious. They can be very short in duration or shallow. Or, they may not occur at all. Nonetheless, properly applied techniques to produce lapses may give entrance to the phase.
auxiliary factors
Using direct techniques in the evening or in the middle of the night take advantage of the body’s natural state of fatigue and for practical purposes this natural tiredness may be amplified. For example, direct techniques more easily lead to success if the practitioner is considerably sleep-deprived. Moreover, in such a state, inducing a free-floating state of mind may be forgone. The most important thing is simply not to fall asleep immediately, in addition to employing the appropriate variations with the techniques. Willful deprivation of sleep is torturous and useless even though great results may be achieved by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner in a severely fatigued state. Beginners are better off approaching all forms of practice in a natural, balanced way.
An intense longing sleep is not limited to long periods of sleep deprivation; physical and emotional fatigues also play important roles. In that case, the most important thing is not to fall asleep when performing the techniques, and thus one must select a more active technique variation than usual.
STRATEGY FOR ACTION
Direct techniques seldom produce quick and clear results, unlike entering the phase via becoming conscious while dreaming or through the use of indirect techniques. At first, direct techniques produce sporadic results, which is why the path of practice should not begin with direct techniques hoping for fast results. It is better to systematically practice a technique, working toward mastery on a consistent basis.
There is no cause for worry if results are achieved after a month of daily attempts. A continual effort to analyze practice and improve should be the primary focus because failures are always caused by distinguishable mistakes.
Although difficulties may arise with direct techniques, one should never abandon what worked until then (i.e. indirect techniques), as this could temporarily deprive one of the experience that one has gained so far.
A combination of direct and indirect techniques should never be used during the course of a single day since this would be detrimental to practical focus and enthusiasm. It is better to separately perform each type of technique on different days. For example, direct techniques could be used before falling asleep during the workweek while indirect techniques may be practiced during the weekends when a practitioner has more chances to experiment using the extra opportunities to sleep.
TYPICAL MISTAKES
with DIRECT TECHNIQUES
· Assuming an incorrect position when lying down.
· Performing direct techniques during the day when a practitioner is inexperienced, instead of in the evening or at night;
· Performing more than one attempt per day.
· Performing protracted relaxation before the techniques, even when this may play a negative role.
· Performing the techniques for too long when they should be exercised for no more than 20 minutes.
· Forgetting to affirm a strong intention of awakening during a lapse of consciousness.
· Lack of a free-floating state of mind. This is mandatory
· Falling asleep during lapses in a free-floating state of mind, instead of working toward multiple lapses while awakening.
· Forgetting separation techniques and awaiting some unknown event upon emergence from a lapse, instead of taking advantage of the moment.
· Excessively alternating the techniques in a primary repertoire, instead of testing them in a planned and systematic manner.
· Holding the breath when unusual sensations are encountered. Always be calm.
· Halting practice when unusual sensations occur when it is necessary to continue what brought about the sensations.
· Excessive excitement while performing direct techniques.
· Lack of aggression during attempts due to fatigue and sleep deprivation.
· Lack of a clear plan of action. Understanding and planning the use of distinct variations of the techniques beforehand is crucial to the analysis of subsequent errors in practice.
Exercises for Chapter 3
Questions
1. Which techniques should be mastered before proceeding to direct techniques?
2. Should results from the use of direct techniques be expected after several days or a week?
3. Is it better to practice direct techniques during the day or in the evening?
4. Is it correct to perform three direct attempts per day?
5. Which body position should be assumed when suffering from insomnia?
6. Which body position should be used by a person who falls asleep quickly?
7. How much time should be spent on a single direct attempt?
8. When can direct attempts be made for a longer period of time than usual?
9. What is the best way for an inexperienced practitioner to relax?
10. Can direct techniques substitute relaxation techniques?
11. Can relaxation techniques substitute direct techniques?
12. How many variations for performing direct techniques are there?
13. In what case is the variation of sequencing with direct techniques employed?
14. Which technique may not be used for direct entrance to the phase with the goal of creating a free-floating state of mind?
15. What happens to consciousness while in a free-floating state during direct techniques?
16. Should awakening be attempted if falling asleep occurred while using direct techniques?
17. What is the probability of entering the phase without a free-floating state of consciousness?
18. What do unsuccessful attempts using direct techniques most often end in?
19. Is sexual activity before an evening attempt using direct technique beneficial?
Tasks
1. Choose the best body position for direct techniques based on your individual preferences.
2. Use the classical variation of performing direct techniques until it phase entrance, or falling asleep several times.
3. Using a combination of variations for direct techniques, achieve a free-floating state of mind.
4. When performing direct techniques, try to achieve no less than three lapses in consciousness before 20 minutes elapse, or before you fall asleep. Repeat this challenge until phase entrance is achieved.
the CONCEPT of techniques involving becoming conscious while dreaming
The techniques for phase entrance via becoming conscious while dreaming are based on reaching consciousness and self-awareness during a dream, which, regardless of dream quality, can be transitioned into a fully realized phase experience. Contrary to popular opinion, having an out-of-body experience through dreaming differs little from other techniques; the primary results of which may be persistently categorized as dissociative experiences: being fully conscious while removed from the perception of a physical body.
The realism of a phase induced through becoming conscious in a dream does not differ from phases entered using other techniques, and, when deepened, the phase offers more vivid and lucid experiences than those of everyday life.
If a practitioner becomes aware of a dream while in it (usually accompanied by a clear realization that it is, “just a dream”), then the phase is experienced from that moment forward.
Beginners often confuse the notion of becoming conscious while dreaming with induced dreaming. An induced dream is the dream of a specific topic, provoked on demand; this does not presuppose consciousness. Moreover, not all practitioners clearly understand what it means to be fully conscious while dreaming. Consciousness while dreaming is always present to some extent, but it is necessary to be as conscious as one would be in a wakeful state. Awareness is not possible as long as the plot of the dream continues. When full understanding occurs that everything around is just a dream, a person drops the dream and starts doing only what he wants to do at that very moment. And after awakening, he should not think that what happened was absurd or unexplainable.
During the process of becoming conscious in a dream, a practitioner’s actions must be completely subordinated to the desire to experience a quality phase. This is why, upon becoming conscious in a dream, proceeding to techniques related to deepening and maintaining is crucial.
Techniques for becoming conscious in a dream differ very much in nature from other techniques, and there are good reasons why these methods are differentiated from other practices, like so-called astral projection or out-of-body experience (OBE). However, their characteristics differ very little in terms of results.
The technique-related peculiarities rest in the fact that specific actions are not required to produce immediate, concrete results. All technique-related elements are performed outside of when consciousness while dreaming occurs. This is because it is impossible to take some action if you are not conscious and do not realize that you are dreaming. All efforts are directed at making that very realization somehow occur.
Interesting Fact!
Even if a practitioner pays no heed to the
techniques for becoming conscious while dreaming, but applies direct or
indirect techniques, on average each fifth phase will still occur through
becoming conscious in a dream. This has been statistically proven at seminars
of the
Many strive to achieve consciousness during each dream over the course of an entire night; however, this is rarely possible due to physiological barriers. There is a good reason that sleep and dreams are an important part of a human life. There is an important need to switch off not only body, but also consciousness, so that it may unconsciously sift and process the vast volume of information obtained in everyday life.
The timeframe for achieving conscious dreaming is very difficult to estimate due to the nature of required actions. Intensity and intention definitely exert heavy influence. A practitioner may become conscious in a dream when first lapsing into sleep, regardless of when it occurs. Or, with regular attempts, this could happen in two weeks to a month. Nevertheless, these techniques promise a much higher likelihood of success than direct methods, and can be compared with indirect techniques - inferior to the latter only in terms of the speed at which results are achieved and the amount of effort required. While indirect techniques yield maximum results in light of a full night’s rest, the amount of time spent in bed is not a significant factor to achieving dream consciousness. Therefore, this technique is sure to guarantee entry into the phase, especially if difficulty has been encountered while practicing other techniques.
Techniques used to attain dream consciousness should not be combined with other types of techniques. It is better to focus on one thing at a time. Interestingly, when a technique is practiced on a regular basis, there is nearly a 100% guarantee that dream consciousness will spontaneously occur. A practitioner must know how to react when this happens.
TECHNIQUES FOR BECOMING
CONSCIOUS IN a dream
It is possible to simultaneously practice several techniques for becoming conscious in a dream since every technique is directly compatible and complementary to another.
Remembering
Dreams
There is a well known and widespread of fallacy that supposes that dreams do not occur for some people. Everyone dreams, but not everyone remembers their dreams. Even those who actively dream remember only a small fraction of these nightly excursions. Hence, one should not think that it is impossible for someone who does not remember dreams to become conscious in one. Such a person should simply try to use the techniques.
At the same time, there is a direct correlation between the number of dreams remembered and the probability of becoming conscious while dreaming. That is why developing the ability to remember dreams is crucial. In essence, the ability to achieve dream consciousness rests with the conscious mind, which is very much interconnected with memory-related processes.
Consciousness is naturally inherent in dreams, but it lacks rapid, operative memory. Dreamers may know who they are, their names, how to walk, and how to talk, but may not know how surrounding events are related, or the nature of their significance.
By increasing the frequency of remembered dreams, short-term dream memory becomes more developed, which enables more realistic dream experiences followed by a higher probability of dream consciousness.
There are three techniques dedicated to increasing the number of remembered dreams.
The first is to simply recall the details of dreams upon awakening. Within the first few minutes of waking up, try to remember as many dreams from the night before as possible. This should be done with a great amount of attention and diligence because this exercise strengthens the memory. If possible, during the day, or, better yet, before going to sleep at night, recalling the previous night’s dreams once again is highly beneficial.
Writing dreams down in a special dream journal is much more effective than simple recall. Record dreams in the morning while memories are still fresh. The more details recalled when recording the dream, the better the ultimate results. This is a very attentive approach that demands a higher awareness than simple recollection. Writing dreams in a journal significantly increases awareness of actions and aspirations.
Another way of remembering dreams is to create a map of the dream world. This is called dream cartography and is similar to keeping a journal, though an enhanced level of awareness is developed by connecting dream episodes on a map.
First, record one dream, describing locations and events, which are plotted on the map. This cartographic process is repeated with each subsequent dream, and after several dreams an episode will occur that is somehow related to the location of a dream that has already been recorded. The two dreams that took place near each other are plotted next to each other on the map. Over time, more and more interrelated dreams will occur and the map will become increasingly concentrated rather than disconnected. As a result, the frequency and realistic quality of remembered dreams will increase, and the dreamer will increase the ability to achieve consciousness while dreaming.
It is best to set remembered dreams to memory after temporary awakenings versus waiting until morning. To accomplish this, it helps to have a pen and a piece of paper nearby so that a practitioner may quickly jot down a phase or several key words from the plot of the dream before falling back asleep. Using this information, the majority of dreams are quickly and completely recalled.
The initial result from exercising these techniques is a rapid increase in the number of remembered dreams. When this number becomes significant (anywhere between five and 10 per night), dream consciousness follows on a regular basis.
Intention
Intention is crucial to the success of any technique. With regard to dream consciousness, its significance is multiplied. The creation of intention is inextricably linked to the creation of internal aspiration, which has reverberations in both conscious and unconscious states. In reality, an elevated degree of intention operates as a powerful method of mental programming.
This technique is performed before falling asleep by affirming a strong desire to become conscious while dreaming. For best results, alongside a strong, clearly defined intention, think through what actions will be taken when dream consciousness is achieved.
Creating an
Anchor
Since dream consciousness is not linked to specific actions that take place within a dream and sensory perception continues to operate in the dream state, it is possible to develop and use an artificially conditioned reflex to achieve consciousness. The essence of this technique is to train the consciousness to uniformly react to certain stimuli that occur while being awake and when dreaming, establishing a habit of specific response every time a certain situation occurs.
For example, while awake, a practitioner may ask, “Am I dreaming?” every time they see an anchor. An anchor is any object that is often encountered while awake and while dreaming. Examples of anchors include a practitioner’s own hands, red objects, or running water. When first using this technique, a practitioner will be unable to question whether a dream is in progress every time a pre-established anchor is encountered. However, with training and a strong desire this technique quickly produces results. Over time, subconscious questioning of the practitioner’s state becomes habit, happening while awake and dreaming. The end result is dream consciousness.
It is important to note that one needs not only to simply ask this question, but that it is also important to answer it mindfully, trying to isolate oneself from surrounding events in order to be able to answer it in an as objective and unpredetermined way as possible. Failing to answer objectively will always result in a negative response (no), and dream consciousness will not be achieved.
Natural Anchors
In addition to creating deliberate anchors that induce conscious dreaming, natural anchors should be given focused attention. These are objects and actions that regularly cause dream consciousness, even when consciousness is not desired. Being aware of the existence of natural anchors actually doubles the chances of their appearance.
The following experiences are common natural anchors that are present in dreams: death, sharp pain, intense fear, stress, flying, electric shock, sexual sensations, and dreaming about phase entrance or the phase environment. When attempting dream consciousness, identifying natural anchors produces results nearly 100% of the time.
One may try to start flying each time that one answers the question. This is of course pointless when in waking reality. However, when dreaming, this will most likely lead to flight and once again prove that everything around is just a dream.
Self-Analysis
Consistent analysis of dreams helps to ascertain reasons for an absence of conscious awareness: these analyses are significant to attaining dream consciousness. Over the course of a lifetime, the mind grows accustomed to the paradoxical nature of dreams and pays less attention to them. This becomes apparent while trying to understand that a red crocodile is unable to talk, cannot be red, nor can it rent an apartment. While dreaming, these impossibilities are never called into question. The essence of self-analysis is remembering dreams and thinking hard about why their paradoxical features had not been adequately recognized in the dream state.
With experience, the everyday analysis of the correspondence of dreams to reality begins to have an effect on a practitioner’s reasoning within the dream state. For example, that red crocodile’s presence in a rented apartment could cause doubts that give pause for reflection, which could in turn lead to the understanding that everything happening is just a dream.
ACTIONS to Be done when becoming
CONSCIOUS while DREAMing
To ensure that dream consciousness leads to a fully developed phase experience, one of three specific actions must be taken.
The best is the technique is deepening, which should be immediately applied once dream consciousness occurs. Deepening must be performed within the dream episode before all other techniques. Doing so virtually guarantees entrance to the phase. The choice of actions that follow deepening is dependent upon a practitioner’s predetermined course of plan in the phase.
When becoming conscious while dreaming, it is quite dangerous to try to return to one’s body in order to roll out of it right away unless one has deepened beforehand. This could result in a situation where, after having easily returned to one’s body, one would not be able to separate from it, as the phase becomes significantly weaker when physical sensations coincide with the position of a real body. If one is to employ such an option, then in order to return to one’s body one should simply think about it, which is often sufficient to make the transition occur almost immediately.
Another option is the use of translocation techniques to arrive at a desired place within the phase world. It is also dangerous to employ this variation without first deepening; translocating in a shallow phase makes a return to the wakeful state very likely. Translocation is often accompanied by a substantial decrease in the depth of the phase state.
STRATEGY FOR ACTION
To achieve dream consciousness, constant practice is highly necessary because sporadic practice will fail to develop the requisite background thought processes.
As a rule, employing phase entry techniques within the context of dream consciousness produces results after several weeks, and the effects of the techniques are increasingly pronounced with time. If there are no results within a month or two, refrain from these techniques for a period of time, take a break for a week or two, and resolve to assume a fresh start later.
Practitioners often stop using these techniques after initial results as later effects become elusive and the frequency of dream consciousness rapidly declines. These techniques should not be abandoned after first yielding results, though a gradual decrease in practice is generally acceptable.
TYPICAL MISTAKES when practicing
BECOMING CONSCIOUS while dreaming
· Perceiving the state of dream consciousness as a non-phase state even though this phenomenon is one and the same with the phase.
· Attempting dream consciousness while performing other phase entrance techniques when it is better to focus on dream consciousness alone.
· When falling asleep, lacking sufficient desire to experience conscious dreaming even though this is critical.
· Continuing to yield to the plot of a dream even after achieving dream consciousness, whereas subsequent actions must be independent and based on free will.
· Incorrectly answering the question “Am I dreaming?” while dreaming.
· Forgetting to immediately begin deepening techniques when dream consciousness has been achieved.
· When exercising memory development, recalling the most vivid dreams instead of every dream.
· Inconsistent concentration while practicing dream consciousness techniques.
Exercises for Chapter 4
Questions
1. What is the difference between an out-of-body experience and dream consciousness?
2. After attaining dream consciousness, does the realistic quality of the surroundings differ from that of wakefulness?
3. Which technique can be used in a dream to become conscious in it?
4. Is it possible to achieve dream consciousness after the first attempt?
5. Is it true that not all people dream?
6. Why is learning to remember as many dreams as possible important for becoming conscious while dreaming?
7. What is dream cartography?
8. To experience dream consciousness, what must be done while falling asleep?
9. Could a tape measure become an anchor used to achieve dream consciousness?
10. What experiences in dreams often spontaneously give rise to a state of conscious awareness?
11. What must immediately be done after becoming conscious while dreaming?
Tasks
1. Every day, immediately before going to sleep, cultivate a strong desire to become conscious in future dreams.
2. When you wake up, recall or write down the episodes and plots of your dreams every day.
3. Try to achieve at least one instance of dream consciousness.
the essence of Non-autonomous Methods
for entering the phase
Non-autonomous methods of entering the phase are various types of external influences that are able to help put a practitioner into the phase state. Computer programs, devices, various physical actions, the aid of a helper, or even chemical substances are examples of non-autonomous methods. In certain cases, these methods actually help while some hinder the possibility of a genuine phase experience.
Never count on a magical substance or machine to automatically eliminate the difficulties associated with phase entrance. If such a substance existed, the whole topic of phase experimentation would exist at an advanced level of development and prevalence in society.
In actuality, there are no devices or methods able to consistently provide access to the phase state. At best, these exist in a largely supplementary capacity, and the more a practitioner is able to do on his or her own, the more helpful and effective these supplements are. If phase entry has not been mastered autonomously, then results through the use of supplements will be totally accidental.
The reason behind the weak effectiveness of non-autonomous methods of phase entrance rests in the fact that the physiological process responsible for the phase experience cannot be exactly defined. Only generalities are known, nothing else. In order to gain a clear understanding of the state, the processes that give rise to it must be discerned and analyzed. All existing technologies have either blundered down a clearly mistaken path (synchronizing the hemispheres of the brain), or travelled toward the detection and use of indirect indicators (cueing technologies).
cueing technologies
Of all non-autonomous assistance methods, cueing technologies yield the best results. The operating principle behind cueing technologies is quite simple: a device detects rapid eye movement (REM) and sends signals to a sleeping practitioner, prompting dream consciousness or an awakening that may be followed by indirect techniques. Cueing programs or devices may also send indicators over specific intervals of time; these are received during REM sleep and are meant to cause a sleeping practitioner to awaken and attempt indirect techniques.
More sophisticated REM-detecting technologies may be purchased at specialized stores or through online merchandisers. REM-detecting technologies work by virtue of special night mask equipped with a motion sensor that detects the frequency of specific eye movements that occur during REM sleep. When the eye movements reach REM quality, the device sends discreet signals to the practitioner through light, sound, vibrations, or a combination of these. In turn, the practitioner must discern the signal and react to it while sleeping with the goal of phase entry through dream consciousness.
The effectiveness of REM-detecting devices is more plausible in theory than in practice. The mind quickly develops a tolerance for these types of external stimuli and stops reacting, and, as a result, such technologies are hardly used more than one or two nights per week. Secondly, a practitioner will detect only a small portion of the signals, and conscious reaction occurs in even smaller instances.
Cueing technologies are best used to send signals that allow a practitioner to awaken without moving during REM sleep, which facilitates a high probability of phase entrance through indirect techniques.
Pricing of these “mind-machines” (the common moniker of any device that purports to produce altered consciousness) widely varies and is determined by quality of REM detection and signaling. Available models include: DreamStalker, DreamMaker (NovaDreamer), REM-Dreamer, Astral Catapult, among many others. Since the use of these devices does not guarantee increased success in practice, investing money in the technology is not recommended. If a practitioner is curious about cueing technologies, similar devices may be constructed at home using a special computer program and a run-of-the-mill optical mouse. Designs for a homegrown setup are easily located on the Internet.
Another do-it-yourself way of experimenting with cueing is through the use of a computer, a music player, or even the alarm clock function on a mobile phone. The practitioner saves short sounds or phrases, played as an alarm every 15 to 30 minutes while sleeping. These sounds will signal the practitioner to wake up and attempt indirect techniques.
If the practitioner decides to use cueing technology, several fundamental principles should be considered as results will be less likely if they are ignored. First, mind-machines should be used no more than twice a week. Otherwise, too high a tolerance will be built up, rendering the machines ineffective. Second, use cueing technology in combination with the deferred method, which was covered in the section on indirect techniques. It is better to sleep for six hours without distraction and then, after sleep has been interrupted, put on a sleep-mask or earpiece and continue sleeping. Sleep will be light for the remaining two to four hours as there will be more REM sleep, making it easier for the mind to detect cueing signals. Finally, master indirect techniques before making use of cueing technologies to attain dream consciousness and subsequent phase entrance.
working in pairs