Fear of falling under!

[Dew Dust]

I am very happy with myself this morning! :D However, *holds head with headache* I am wiped out. I have been trying WILD since 7:30. I have tried it three times. Each time I am learning more of my patterns of falling asleep and observing what is taking place.

This morning, after 4 hours of sleep, I laid back down and relaxed myself. I tend to daydream to help ease my mind. Soon, my mind starts to wonder and bring up images of the day or thoughts jumping about. I then bring myself back into consciousness. When I do, I noticed my breathing was fast like hyperventaliating. My eyes were moving rapid. And my body was felt like floating, paralyzed, pins and needles. I felt going under. However...I fought it! I fought it for two reasons:

1.) These were the same symptoms of hypnosis. I used to try to hypnotize myself several times in the past and follow a similar pattern as you enter subconsciousness. However, I get scared of going under and pull out.

2.) I thought I had to stay conscious as my body went under.

As I forced myself to stay conscious, telling myself "Here we go. Stay with it. Stay alert" and becoming aware of my phsyical body, I woke up!!! ARGGHHH.

Was I supposed to fall under? But then I would let myself go consciously and fall asleep. I don't get it. Can someone help. Thanks so much!

[SantaDreamsToo]

well thats good :) your on the right track

[Dew Dust]

Thank you SantaDreamsToo. I love your avatar :)

But I am not sure what to do when I am at that point. Honestly, I was falling a bit asleep. It takes a lot out of you to seriously stay awake the entire time. So I think I woke up consciously during the part of when I was sinking into REM and then when I got scared and became aware of my surroundings, even with my coaching, I woke up the rest of the way.

Again--I wonder--do you have to literally stay awake the entire time? Are you supposed to fall asleep eventually at the beginning of REM? I read somewhere that you shouldn't be conscious? Does anyone have any tips on this?

Thanks!! :)

[AllInYourHead]

You're supposed to stay mentally awake throughout until you consciously enter the Dream. Although, while you are supposed to fall asleep, your not supposed to in the way you're thinking(you're supposed to remain conscious WHILE you fall asleep). Basically your supposed to remain conscious without trying too hard. I get the impression you might be trying too hard to be alert which is the exact same mistake I made when I started trying to WILD. I used to use the counting method and I would get up to nearly 700 before I would give up :D . Just remember: you ARE trying to fall asleep, so you probably shouldnt be trying too hard to be so alert.

But from all the signs you mentioned you were nearly there. The only thing that stopped you was yourself fighting against it. All those signs you mentioned are normal and completely safe; theres no reason to get afraid. If you do become afraid or excited, you will almost definately fail. Just try to remain calm and relaxed on the effort. :)

If any of that doesnt make sense(which some of it probably wont) just ask. :wink:

[iadr]

Sounds like you're almost there Dew Dust.

If only it were a little easier to keep the mind awake while the body falls asleep. The last time I reached that state it was terrifying as I suddenly felt completely out of control. Knowing what was happening though I just relaxed and went with it, and 5 seconds later I was thrown out of my body, very disoriented at first, since it was the first time I had consciousely projected, but after I realized what had happened I went zooming through the universe just by thinking of where I wanted to go, having one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The next morning I felt as if I had been on vacation for 2 weeks.

It is well worth the effort to achieve this state whether you plan to just become aware in your dreams or project out of your body, but be ready, because you could find yourself out of your body like I did.

[Dew Dust]

Although, while you are supposed to fall asleep, your not supposed to in the way you're thinking(you're supposed to remain conscious WHILE you fall asleep).

Got it! Still sounds very hard, but I like the challenge :)

I get the impression you might be trying too hard to be alert which is the exact same mistake I made when I started trying to WILD. I used to use the counting method and I would get up to nearly 700 before I would give up

LOL
I never thought of the counting method. I was trying math :o
But yeah, you are right about trying too hard.

But from all the signs you mentioned you were nearly there. The only thing that stopped you was yourself fighting against it. All those signs you mentioned are normal and completely safe; theres no reason to get afraid. If you do become afraid or excited, you will almost definately fail. Just try to remain calm and relaxed on the effort

You're correct and thank you for your kind words.

The last time I reached that state it was terrifying as I suddenly felt completely out of control.

Exactly! :-P

Knowing what was happening though I just relaxed and went with it, and 5 seconds later I was thrown out of my body, very disoriented at first, since it was the first time I had consciousely projected, but after I realized what had happened I went zooming through the universe just by thinking of where I wanted to go, having one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The next morning I felt as if I had been on vacation for 2 weeks.

That sounds so cool and actually inspirational. But what you said is exactly what I fear--I don't know what is next. But I appreciate you telling your version so I have an idea and that it can be done :)

Thanks!!