You might try repeating a specific phrase or mantra to yourself, such as, “Tonight I will consciously leave my body and then return to it. ”
For example, you might decide, “I will have an OBE tomorrow night after I go to bed. ” Then, designate your couch as the space where you intend to have the OBE. It’s important to choose a spot other than your regular bed for this. Otherwise, you are more likely to simply fall asleep instead of entering an OBE state as you drift off! Look at this designated area as a space for personal exploration. You can even decorate the space ahead of time to make it feel more special. For example, you might hang crystals to create an otherworldly vibe. [4] X Research source
You may need to adjust the time you choose for your alarm based on how long it takes you to fall asleep. The alarm should go off after you’ve had plenty of time to enter deep REM sleep.
If you find your thoughts wandering, gently direct your focus back to your intention. You may find it helpful to repeat your chosen phrase or mantra affirming your intention.
Mute your phone and make sure you won’t be interrupted by pets or family members during your practice sessions. [5] X Research source
For example, you might say to yourself, “I am now leaving my body,” or “I will now have an OBE. ”
For example, you might see yourself going over to look at a painting on the wall or picking up a favorite knick knack from the shelf. Avoid thinking about or focusing on your physical body. [6] X Research source As you get more comfortable with this type of visualization, you can try exploring beyond your home. For example, try walking down the street outside your home or even visualize yourself floating above your neighborhood.
Ideally, you will enter an OBE state as you make the transition back into sleep. OBEs that occur as you are falling asleep may be a form of lucid dreaming. [7] X Research source The goal is to stay conscious and able to control your experience as you re-enter REM sleep.
Journaling will help you process and understand your experiences. You can also track your progress more easily!
Let your hands rest on your chest or by your sides—whatever is comfortable for you.
Try to focus entirely on the image and sensation of yourself floating. If your attention wanders, gently redirect it.
You may need to maintain your “floating” visualization for some time before you can achieve this loss of sensation. If you find yourself losing focus, take a few deep breaths and try again.
You may be tempted to turn around and look at your own body, but don’t try it until you’ve gotten comfortable with the other stages of the process! Otherwise, you might disrupt the OBE—thinking about your physical body is likely to bring you back to it.
It may take a few months of practice to learn each stage of this technique. For example, you might need to focus at first on imagining yourself floating above your body, then reaching the point where you cannot feel the surface beneath you, and so on.
