Mechanisms that facilitate and inhibit projective ability

Although every human being experiences some degree of separation of the extraphysical body from the physical body every night while sleeping, the big challenge lies in being able to achieve enough lucidity whilst out of the body to be able to be certain of what is happening and to control the experience. This would consequently assist in the recall of the experience once back in the physical body.

Fortunately, however, a number of mechanisms that facilitate lucid OOBEs have been identified. These include basic, practical considerations such as wearing loose clothing and lying in the dorsal position. The room should be dark, quiet, totally private, climatically controlled and free of interferences. Concentration on a target or (ethical) objective of the OOBE will also facilitate the process. The individual will also benefit from being relaxed, well rested, in a state of emotional equilibrium, motivated, confident of achieving success and without fear or doubt about the experience.

Other factors are similarly known to inhibit OOBEs or diminish their quality. The following are some activities that should be avoided prior to attempting leaving the body: watching films or reading books that are either exciting or violent in nature, engaging in conflict with others, thinking negative thoughts, drinking or using any type of drug, or indulging negative emotions of any variety, especially fear.

The practitioner should also take care of physiological needs prior to trying to have an OOBE, as a full stomach or bladder, for example, will make it difficult to be comfortable and forget the physical body—a prerequisite for having an OOBE.

In the same way, factors and techniques that facilitate the recall of the period spent outside the human body have been identified. For example, applying oneself to the improvement of one's will and memory and to one's capacity for attention and concentration can all contribute to the recollection of the extraphysical experiences.

As it is easier to provoke an OOBE from some altered states of consciousness than from the ordinary physical waking state, then those interested in producing lucid OOBEs should take advantage whilst experiencing such a condition (if positive or sound) such as: physical tiredness, lucid dreaming, the hypnogogic (alpha) state or deep relaxation.

However, the most important qualities, essential to producing lucid OOBEs, are strong desire, mental concentration and determination. The effectiveness of these personal qualities should not be underestimated.

Beyond these, there exist countless other techniques for provoking lucid OOBEs. One of the most comprehensive lists, describing 37 techniques in detail, can be found in a book entitled Projectiology, by Waldo Vieira, MD.

The degree of success of one technique over another is purely personal, so practice and trial and error will determine which techniques work best for each individual.