Thanks Steve. Just wanted to note, it's never at will. Maybe it is a gift but I am still too egotistical and self centered to enjoy the benefits. I am usually scared if it happens when I am more alert and over imaginative. Yes, meditation helps still the thoughts. I have meditated at this time before and understand this altered state you speak of, even if it is only to a small degree. I think there is a difference between having an OBE and this meditative state. While I was attempting to meditate I think since I was laying down the gears had switched to the incoming out of body.
At one point I tried to recreate the conditions for successful OBexperience but almost always these happenings are not of my own will and instead are partly due to a physical tiredness mixed with mental alertness. In college years it was very strong and it was my lucid dreams that caused me to research more eventually leading me to BlueNova who introduced me to your forum!
Now days, if I were to try and recreate it, I do not carry the energy to see it through. If an opportunity arises for me to practice I only get half way before losing concentration/energy and falling into a very vivid dream.
Thanks for your insights. If I am in a deep enough state it is quite a feeling and thinking of friends during this meditative state broaden that Lovely compassionate feeling.
