Astral projection and out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are subjective experiences. While there are common similarities across people's accounts, there are also many differences. This blog post explores how it feels to shift your consciousness from physical reality to non-physical realms.
I often speak with people interested in astral projection. Many have practiced for some time without actually leaving their body. There are several reasons for this, including issues with focus, fear, mental clarity, intention, and (most likely) expectation.
Expectation is often a major hurdle. People read or hear that you must feel intense vibrations, hear specific sounds, or consciously roll or float out of the body. These things can happen, but you don't always need to be aware of them for a successful projection.
Personally, I've only noticed inner vibrations before shifting consciousness in a small number of my journeys, and that's in the minority. The most common way I shift consciousness is through a gentle "shift" or "click" in what feels like my brain. Suddenly, I'm out, instantly in a place that aligns with my intention. From there, the journey unfolds gradually.
The silver cord is another topic that frequently comes up. You are always connected to your physical body, and as long as it's functioning, you'll return automatically. You don't need a visible silver cord for this. The moment you think of your body, you're likely back instantly. Physical signals, like a full bladder, will pull you back quickly too. Whether a silver cord exists visibly or not is irrelevant, I've never seen one and never think about it.
My suggestion is simple: don't try to mimic or follow other people's stories to the letter. Your astral projection experience will most likely be unique to you. Once you've had your first genuine projection (whether guided or spontaneous) you'll often find it easier to return to that state. Robert Monroe called this the "rubber band technique": consciously project to a familiar non-physical place from a previous journey, then fully let go of the physical realm. To use this, though, you need a reference point in non-physical reality.
My advice: feel free to be inspired by others' stories, but always be open to your own unique experience. Because, above all(!), experiences are most valuable to the one who lives them, and that alone is reason enough to be open to your own unique path.
Did this resonate with you, or do you have questions about your own astral experiences? I'm happy to talk it through; just follow this link to book a free chat.