OBE's...

I'm just wondering if these things a little more easily to us Capricorns due to our sometimes indifferent and withdrawn nature.
If there's anyone else out there, like me suffering (or who has suffered) from OBE's and the fear of death associated with them, I'd like to know. It's like almost every other night now, you know, the paralysis, the screaming noises, the pulling out of the body. I mean, I've never fully gone. I've always managed to will myself out of it at the last moment because it frightens me so much, but I'd like to know, if anyone has similar problems, some things I can do to prevent this from coming so often. I'm not getting any sleep, and my job is suffering. And it's strange that I'm actually posting this on a message board to be read by many people, when I haven't even told a soul here at home or amongst my closest friends. I guess I'm just looking for someone to briefly relate to, and I know if I tell people I know, they'll either not take it seriously or think I'm not quite "all there" mentally as they had thought.
If any one has some suggestions or advice on this, I'd love to hear.

Hi there--

I know I'm not really invited to join this discussion as I'm a Scorpio (female), and I don't think I've ever experienced an OBE (though I do have a lot of strange dreams where I feel like I'm floating, falling, etc., but what I think are "strange" dreams may in reality be a common phenomenon).

My worthless 2 cents is this: I think that one of the most important steps to take that might help prevent these experiences from recurring so often, is just what you're doing right now--opening up and talking about it to whoever you can. The reason I say that is because (and I'm sure you've heard this before) the brain turns in on itself when strong feelings/thoughts are repressed, and I have many many times heard psychologists say that one of the best preventions for nightmares is to EXPRESS what you may be REPRESSING...so that your brain isn't left to it's own inner system to "work out" what's going on inside you. I hope that makes sense; talking about dreams and the like is difficult because of the ambiguity and abstract nature of these topics.

phoenix_rising

P.S. It actually isn't strange at all that you're posting this on a msg board when you've told no one in "real" life or whatever...I do that all the time; it's safer to share yourself anonymously and from a "distance", than with people you actually have to deal with.

Also, I forgot to mention that I've also many times heard psychologists say that after a person has a recurring nightmare, it is natural (even sub/unconsciously) to develop such a FEAR of it happening again, that (even if you repress it) it continues to happen again and again BECAUSE of the fear. The mind is so strange, but this is one of the ways it tries to work things out FOR you (even though it feels like it's working against you, scaring you, etc). It may be that at this point, you continue to have these experiences all because of these fears you've described. Hell, I would be scared too...and it's natural to get preoccupied wondering if it's going to happen again. Coupled with the anxiety of your work performance...you see what I'm saying? Have you tried meditating before you go to bed? If not, it's worth a try. If nothing else it will physically calm you thereby making it easier for you to fall asleep...

Good luck to you.

phoenix

Thanks for helping her/him out Heather...you're very good at it!

I agree with you, the more you repress the more your body tries to find another outlet of the emotions! I think it is time to talk to a person in REAL life about it, it's not good to walk around with it much longer. It's eating you from the inside....

I've been in a major depression myself and I've had so many nightmares. The only thing that really helps it to TALK...as difficult as it might seem, find a good counseler for instance...

Seagoat

I have had the experience before, but only once or twice in my life. It was when I was a child and had major anxiety attacks and major sleeping disorders (sleep walking, afraid of dark, sleep deprevation etc)...I never had the feeling while I was in the spirit, of being 'scared'. I felt a complete awareness around me. The energy afterwards were phenominal!

I have been having horrendous dreams all this week that leave me either frightened or enlightened. Usually upon waking, I am energized, and I'm ready to take on the world!!! I seem to have gained new perspectives and a more positive frame of mind. All this extra energy though, has left me completely drained, and I don't feel very good right now. I feel like I have hit the 'wall', so to speak. I made it home, but I feel like I could just sleep for a whole day!

As a matter of fact, as soon as I get the dogs fed, everyone else is gonna have to fend for themselves. I am going to crawl into bed and crash!!!

Yes, Heather is right as usual! Let your anxieties out; supression will manifest itself somewhere else i.e. when we are unconscious. This is where things can get really interesting! It's like letting steam out of a pressure cooker.

Hope you are well and life is good to you.

Take care, from another traveler,
S
S

No they are not just a Capri thing NOR are they because of a withdrawn nature. I am a Sag and have had them with only those people that I feel connected to and love on a soul level (to date they have only been 2).

You did not say how old you are - not that it matters, but if you are young it can be extremely frightening for someone! And it does not fall under "suffering" as you put it. It is a gift. If you learn to control it and not be scared by it, it IS a fascinating experience(s)! Go with it. You cab never leave your body per se but it can take you on amazing journies of your choosing, believe it or not. Do not let it frighten you. Those of us that have this ability to do this can see wonders of our choosing! I seem to have this ability at the lowest points of my life. Perhaps a "mild depression"? If I could seriously meditate I could do this all THE TIME! I'm now working on the "serious meditation" but sadly I have to report not getting to far (daily thoughts of life ARE GETTING IN THE WAY!). I would kill to be in your shoes BTW!

My suggestion to you is to read anything and everything about OBEs. You'll feel different about your ability afterwards. There's so much info on the net alone but I've found that there's better info in books and it much easier to comprehend.

I can understand your hesitation about sharing this ability with anyone. It seems so off the wall doesn't it? But I ACTUALLY shared an OBE with the person who was in the OBE this time around. Unlike the past where I was "afraid" to share and one by one they all came true. Should be interesting to see if it manifests, (which it will) but now I'LL HAVE VERIFICATION by the OBE person theirself!?

I truly believe that OBEs are a cross over into parallel worlds. And why shouldn't we be able to see it? Afterall they say that the past, present and future happens all at the same time, the only question is "when is the time" and "when IS time"?

I for one wish I could do it more often and not with just certain people. I continue to "perfect meditation" in the hopes that I'll get it right some where along the line and soon. It's not looking good but I try none the less. Read up on it, get books on it and don't let it scare you. I actually envy you. Geez you can actually go anywhere, be anywhere you choose to be! The only thing holding YOU back is fear?

PS: When you learn all there is to know about OBEs you'll find that you control them not they you! I wish you well on your journey and do hope that you'll learn all there is to know about them and explore some really amazing things! One can have so much fun with them. Conquer your fear. Remember your physical body can never leave you only because we are actually spirits trapped in skin. OBEs are based on our spirit bodies, therefore that'll never happen and therefore one can never die. The spirit is ETERNAL.

Hey, I just got back to my post and it amazes me how helpful, and insightful everyone has been with this topic. I want to thank EVERYONE that has posted. It's nice to know that people DO get concerned about other people from time to time.
And I will do my best to try and alleviate my fears and anxieties about these things. I guess I just let them get the best of me for a while. I do have an excessive habit of repressing ALL of my emotions, so that might be a catalyst. But confiding in people close to me about things like this still seems like it might be hard for me to do. I loathe exposing my fears/weaknesses or vulnerabilities to ANYONE. I would rather, if I can, take care of the problem by myself (or inconspicuously) and move on. It's a tradition of mine that I find works the best 9 times out of 10.
Thanks again and again Pheonix and others. I would still like to know a little bit more about how I can better harness these things and not let them disturb me in my sleep (well, near-sleep) every other night. Someone had mentioned meditation, but I don't know how to meditate.
I am 19 and female, BTW. And these nightmares/(almost)OBE's have been traumatizing me for quite some time now. But now that I know I can conquer them, I'm not so scared.

Original poster, and other 'nuts' like myself! Who is to say anyone is crazy?? We are all a bit deranged!

Here are my top 10 helpful hints

1.Don't eat or drink anything with caffeine in it.

2.Leave a nite-light on, or put the phone next to you.

3.Warm baths with lavender oil.

4.Make the last thing you watch at night a comedy. A good laugh until you pee in your pajams type of show. Laughter is the best stress reliever there ever is!!!

5.An animal to sleep with (non-human lol)!!

6.Positive affirmations! Tell yourself you ARE a hottie!!! and nobody is any better!!! I even blow myself a kiss in the mirror!

7.A drink or maybe if your only 19 some tea with lemon.

8.Sex or if your alone the next best(only) thing.

9.Last but definely not least pray!!!!

10. Pray some more!!!

S.

Back to bed for me, so Goodnight and peaceful dreams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For the original poster. I have to say that I am saddened to read some of the posts to you from other people on how TO PREVENT the OBEs from happening to you. It's obvious that they are not believers in the mysteries of the Universe and OBEs are definitely one of them!

To meditate is to be able to be in tune with your higher self. It seems that you already HAVE this ability to do this. I think it's because you are so young and don't understand what's going on or what they're about that it's what's causing you fear. Fear is just a manifestation of not understanding nor knowing something. If one understands something than the fear is gone. Because in reality one really can't fear something that they know and understand now can they?

There are many books on "how to meditate". They mostly are based on different practices of the world. You really need to come up with your own so can "feel comfortable and safe" prior to going to bed and closing your eyes. Reading on meditation can give you an idea as to what it's about but in your case you're much better off with what makes you feel comfortable. Meditation is about "being yourself", not what works/worked for someone else. It's what'll work for you so therefore it may take a little time for you. It's about thoughts and nothing else. Only relaxing good thoughts!

You mentioned that you think your emotions might be a catalyst. Could be true only because when we exhaust our brain something/some place has to take up the slack for it.(this would be opening up a whole different can of worms. Just to let you know that this happened to me for the first time when I was 25 YO. Instead of being frightened by it I was intrigued. Especially since the OBEs were coming true one by one at that time! I've studied this world ever since. I'm now 41 and MORE intrigued by it than ever. Especially since it's happening to me again for the second time) You have to ask yourself this? If we as humans only use 10% of our brain (and I believe some don't even use half of this!) what is the other 90% doing? Where is it capable of going or doing? These questions are mysteries of the Universe. The Universe is giving you the ability to see wonderous things. If you fear it you'll never be able to explore it. But if you learn all you can on it and learn how to control and utilize it, is a wonderous gift.

If you find your OBE traumatizing it's only because of your fear of not understanding what's going on. When you learn more about them and learn all that you can do with them you'll be amazed! I'm happy it no longer scares you. That is the first step. To let go the fear. The rest...well now that'll be a mystery for you discover and master on your journey!

Happy travels, pleasant dreams and thoughts for you!

Hello Seagoat here....* cough*, sorry, it's become a long and honest story...hope it helps!

Speaking of repressed emotions: I did that too! I was braught up by a dominant mother who told me not to be angry, be sad or speak too loud, always be polite etc etc. And she always told me I was too serious and too honest to top it off. So I learned to be polite and always consider other people first. All my emotions were locked up inside, it made me scared of the people around me. Because I didn't know how to defend myself if someone wasn't nice to me or wanted things from me I didn't like. I was frustrated like hell and only told my husband about it, when I had another breakdown. Those breakdowns lasted for a few days, I slept a lot and then I could work again.

When I was 25 I met a female co-worker who was COMPLETELY the opposite of myself! Sloppy, dominant, impatient, impulsive, outgoing, careless etc etc. You name everything a Cappie isn't and you have a description of her! I was really frightened of her and didn't know how to work with her, and that irritated her even more.

After 4 years and lots of talks together with a social worker I eventually had a major breakdown, I couldn't cope with the anxiety anymore. My body simply couldn't handle the repression and I was literally poisoning myself! Major depression, medication and therapy followed, a long process of at least two years.

And you know what helped me the most? To TALK about my emotions, my fears, to finally let all those bad emotions get out! It helps enormously if someone can help you understand yourself, your fears, and to check if they're VALID. Because what I've learned is that most fears are totally unfounded, you're much more worth than you think now! That's why you're afraid of talking about them, you think they're not worth listening to. You think you're boring, you're afraid people reject you and everything is as bad as you think.

And maybe that's why your mind is trying to escape your body now, it can't handle the pressure any longer....But maybe I'm wrong, I don't want to frighten you! I'm also fascinated by OBE's, I think you have a special ability that not a lot of people have. But maybe fear intensifies them....

I'd suggest you give the idea of going to a counseler a serious thought though...Most people think it's a shame to do it, as if you admit you're "weak", that you can't handle things on your own. But most people grow up with problems and insecurities, most people ignore and deny their pain. They become Mr. or Mrs. Average and never chase their dreams and become truly happy.....

As for me, I've made a major career move, I've decided to divorce and I have lots of friends I never had before. So a lot has changed for me in the past 10 months. But guess what, I'm much happier now, I feel COMPLETE because I can finally feel my emotions! Living without your emotions as they're intended to is like living only half my dear....trust me on this! There's so much to feel and to express in this world....and it will make yuo feel strong because you know what you're worth!

My only bad habit is that I'm a sucker for love and I still make myself vulnerable and dependant on other people when it comes to guys....That's my final task!! I have to stop selling myself short when it comes to love....

I think my Scorpio guy will be a good lesson for me, I really do care for him but this mustn't go at the expense of my self-esteem and principles! So we'll see...I'll let you know what happens alright?

Hugs from Seagoat

Duh....enough said....I have a dry throat! 😉

Seagoat

For SeaGoat. Hi SG! I'm curious as to why this woman, who was the total opposite of everything you are, frighten you so much? Was it her carefreeness or attitude to life?

I find it very strange that this would frighten someone unless you may have envied the way she was and wished you could be a little like that? With a few of those exceptions you posted of course such as sloppy, etc.

I was frightened of her because:

1) I did envy her sponanteity and her ability to defend herself, and to be happy with herself
2) She made me angry by her slopppy uncaring behavior and I didn't know how to handle my anger, as I hadn't learned that from my mother
3) I really wanted her to like me because she was the social leader of our group, and if she didn't like me other people would avoid me to a certain extent also

So she reminded me an awful lot of my dominant mother, I wanted to be liked by her and at the same time I was really irritated by her.

Funny isn't it? She confronted me with my past and forced me to change....I still have problems with assertive dominant women though....I prefer guys! At least they accept you the way you are...

Seagoat

Hi SG, I don't really think this woman was ever happy with her self. If one were to read and re-read what you wrote about her it would sound to me like SHE was the one who needed to change and probably still does IMO, only because you refer to her as an assertive dominant woman. Personally a woman is either assertive or dominant. One can not be both? And if one is, to me that translates to a bully not a woman that's assertive. A woman that's assertive does it... and has class. A domimant woman is actually not only a bully but INSECURE. Stop and think about SG. And do you really want to be like THAT?

I'm glad however that what you saw in her triggered something that you wanted or that you felt needed to be changed in you. Perhaps in her you saw her as your mirror image of someone that you'd like to be like too? Or perhaps just a mirror of your "angry self"? The only difference is you wanted to do something about it and she continues to still be the way she is. The way I see it you're way ahead of the game and on a better "path". She has yet to "wake up".

I don't know of to many moms who teach their little girls "anger management" and how to deal with. I do know from my own mom that they can however be the cause of ANGER and pretty much teach and behave towards the girls exactly what you wrote. Face SG ignorance breeds ignorance doesn't it? But unfortuantely the sad part is that they don't really realize what they're doing to us for the long haul and the effect it will have. Perhaps the new moms of the world will?

I hope your journey leads into many more happy discoveries, fun and joys for you!

Hi everyone--

Just a quick "you're welcome" to everyone who thanked me for my post; most of all to the original poster. I wish I could give you more insight and advice, but since I've never actually experienced an OBE I can only tell you that the whole meditation thing helped me with many of my nightmares.

And whomever said that some of us "obviously don't see the mystery...(etcetera etcetera)" (sorry but I didn't memorize it verbatim)--I take serious issue with that comment. I can only speak for myself, but that statement couldn't be further from the truth for me. And it's not necessarily that we're all trying to help this girl PREVENT the OBEs--we are trying to help her calm down, relax a bit and not go to sleep (or endure her waking hours) ridden with anxiety about them.

Now, if she WANTS to prevent them, who is anyone to discourage her or tell her it's in her best interest to experience them, just because that person happens to have come to terms with them and enjoys them? It is completely her personal decision to make either way.

phoenix_rising

P.S. To the original poster: good luck on your journey and do what you feel is right for you! : )

phoenix

Thanx, I will.

To 226....

You're completely right about EVERYthing! Those were exactly the things I was thinking about. She was dominant, not assertive, trying to hide her insecurity. She once said she had been insecure about herself but to me it seemed she was still hiding herself behind a brave loud face. I always felt she had to go in therapy as well.

I'm far better off than she is now, that's for sure! I'm really happy with who I am now: calm, assertive, joyful and very honest and open towards other people! Well, that last past must have been obvious already....😉

It's a pity, some people are afraid of their own pain....behind the anger always lies fear and insecurity, don't forget!

Seagoat

For the original poster. You never did say what your OBEs related to? This much I can say...if your nightmares are jibberish than they are nothing but a manifestation of YOUR everyday stress. If this is the case than I would get in touch with your PCP and either have him/her refer you to a good therapist or prescribe medication. I'm sure the PCP would give you the option.

OBEs are based on consciousness. That's what makes it part of the spiritual realm. It includes astral travel, projection, psychic abilities, remote viewing, lucid dreams, etc. etc. It's has nothing to do with the mind and anxiety. They are 2 separate animals. So therefore if you're experiencing just jibberish nightmares with no concept of any "possible reality" consider it just stress and seek proper medical attention. On the other hand if your OBEs have or could have merit because they really deal with real people, places, things and therefore making them possiblities, than consider them true OBEs. Only you will know this. OBEs being based on the spiritual realm seldom are nightmarish. Sounds mainly anxiety in your case. And since you seem to have absolutely no knowledge of the OBE "world" I can only assume that THEY are jibberish nightmares in your case. I would most definitely consult a PCP in your case until you're more aware of what's happening to you before you classify them as OBEs.

I have read your posts over and over with great interest and almost quiet happiness just knowing that for once there is someone out there who might believe what I have seen and felt. I have only begun telling some of my experiences to certain people who have looked at me with either that "yea" I believe you... to the "Wow" you need to be admitted... and so I talk no more...

To anyone who's interested in learning a lot more about OBE's, go to www.spiritweb.org, and look around--they have hundreds of writings, articles, links to people who have OBE's, techniques on how to induce them, how to rid yourself of fear, and so on.

For 12.89,

In my original post, I said that there was a fear of death associated with my OBE's. I did not say "nightmare", however, there's a 50% chance that I might have a nightmare right before the process begins. My ignorance of this subject isn't quite as big as you think or seem to have implied in your post.
And to me, it seems that, since you refer to them as "jibberish nightmares", I really don't think you get the jist of what I'm talking about. Most people that have experienced these have reported them to be bright, vivid, enlightening phenomena, while only a small percentage have gone through what I'm going through. See, there's a different version of astral projection that isn't so blissful of an experience, and with this OBE, during the process of paralysis and virtually "lifting out" of the body, one hears either a loud buzzing or screaming noise, and fears that he or she is entering a realm of what many might refer to as "hades".
And if any of you knew the feeling, you'd also know that IT'S NOT FUN. And it's not something to belittle or cast off as an irrelevant occurrence to someone with too much "stress", or "anxiety".
Yes, you do know your terms well, and I'm sure you are well informed of the philosphy and science behind all of it, but until you've gone through it ( and as many times as I have), then I don't think you have any idea how frightening it can be.
You asked what they were associated with, and I've said it before...
Death. Or the process of it rather. It is said that some religions refer to these things as "a preparation for one's transition at his or her death," so now can you see why I'd be a bit concerned— I know I'm not dying, so for the sake of using some term to decribe it, I used "OBE" because this phase always seems to come to me in a near-sleep or barely awake state,(even though, I've never allowed myself to go all the way.)
So if you can relate, great. I'd love to hear about it. If not, then well, you've got nice surface data. And I thank you for your input anyway.

63,

Ask the Lord to come close to you and spend the night with you! Believe that he will and he will. All you have to do is ask. Just give it a shot!

Yes, I can relate to what you've posted. They are not OBEs but rather hallucinations would be a better term for what you're describing. OBEs happen in deep consciousness "sleep". You obviously are semi-awake as you said so therefore they can't be OBEs.

For 168.209

Not sure who's posts your referring to but I for one would love to hear about any and all experiences you have had. Hopefully they aren't nightmares?

It's very hard indeed isn't it to relay this stuff to people without them thinking your "out to lunch"!?

For original poster sounds more like "Sleep Paralysis" in your case? A very common disorder brought on by emotional stress which causes hallucinations. Search the net for info.

"So if you can relate, great. I'd love to hear about it. If not, then well, you've got nice surface data. And I thank you for your input anyway."

Your welcome(?). I also don't know if your message was intended ONLY for the person who referred to your experiences as "jibberish" or whatever, but I think most people here, including myself, were trying to help you, not offend you.

Yes, some people will spout a lot of crap when they don't know what they're talking about and that's annoying, particularly when they talk over your head, and no, not all of us have experienced these things ourselves, but maybe we know people in our daily lives who have.

Hmmm...don't know if you're mad at all of us or what here...?

"Hmmm...don't know if you're mad at all of us or what here...?"

No, no, I'm not mad at all. I know, I got a little defensive with that last post, but I couldn't help but feel as if that person was insulting my intelligence. Not that I'm an expert on this subject, but it doesn't do me any good when I'm talked to in a condescending manner like that. I AM very greatful and appreciative of those, however, who have given me advice and have genuinely tried to help me better educate myself on the matter.
And I'm not usually sensitive like that, and I am sorry if my post was a little rude, but I just got the feeling like my feelings (which I rarely express anyway,) weren't even being taken seriously. As if I was a child or something, or I didn't know what the hell I was talking about. Just struck a nerve, that's all.

Okay, now I understand. : )

Now, you don't need to apologize at all for your feelings, I actually got a little peeved FOR you when I read the post(s) you're referring to, so I completely get where you're coming from, and I am on your side with this because I too feel that the poster came off as condescending, which you are right, helps nothing. I didn't even understand what this poster was talking about, it seemed like he or she was trying to say you're making a mountain out of a molehill or something, which is pretty nervy I think. And it goes without saying that it was insensitive and rude.

What you're dealing with (the OBE's) has intrigued me so much that I've been reading a lot about them...and trying to educate myself a little better as well as trying to find you some well-written articles that I can post here to help you out. I will definitely post them when I come across one that sounds like it would be helpful to you.

Until then my friend, may you sleep peacefully...and don't even worry about being "sensitive", you actually responded to that poster with a whole lot more patience than I would have! : )

I was not being condescending, nor nervy, nor making a mountain out of a holehill!

If she'll take a closer look into "Sleep Paralysis With Hallucinations" she'll see herself with this condition and what she posted originally?

If she continues to believe that she's having OBEs than she's letting a medical condition which is treatable go untreatable. And that would really be ashame in her case because it really does interfere with a person's life especially since it doesn't have to be that way.

I hope she gets the courage to seek the proper medical attention if she indeed does have this condition.

For PR, a person can educate themselves all they want on OBEs, but the appreciation comes from experiencing them and watching them unfold. They are not of this earthly plane.

Perhaps as you go along on YOUR spiritual journey(?) you may actually be fortunate enough to experience one/some of them?

I dont know if i get OBE or not. I do though constanly non stop fearing my death. The worst is when I am driving, I get so paranoid that I will wreck and be killed,I am always ,always thinking I will die young and how sad my family would be and so on. I also get scared to drive by bodies of water in fear I will go off road and car emerged in it and drown.So many other fears of death too. If OBE is the same as what I go through, you are not alone.

12,

Yeah, that would be undeniably cool if I did experience them (hopefully not of the terrifying variety). Are you of the thought that in order to experience this, one must be on a higher spiritual plane?

P.S.

I can still appreciate OBE's, just by educating myself about the topic. No, I can't "identify", but I can "appreciate" them.

bunny:

I also avoid driving when possible because of those exact fears. I don't like driving on bridges, mountain roads adjacent to cliffs, and so on. I know where you're coming from.