Sleep paralysis - interpretation?

I have heard of/ read about a number of cases in which someone experiences sp and describes it as a dark shadow figure looming over top.

(my self included)

Any interpretations or speculations as to why this seems to be the default imagery associated with such an experience?

Sooo Curious!

I feel as though it is our subconscious metaphorically managing the traumatic response to being present and witnessing our bodies lose consciousness. Associating this detachment with the darkest thing imaginable... The absolute furthest thing from our selves. Ahh I'm not sure I have a good grasp on this. ( hence the question...heh)

Also part 2 to this: for those who have had a number of experiences with sp, does the darkness ever fade into something lighter, more acceptable... More comparable to you?



Thanks all for your thoughts!

And hello! So happy to have found a place like this! Feels like home =)

Misha

That is the "Dweller on the Threshold" phenomenon. It is a personification of fear. It does not really exist. More than likely you are battling an Aspect of Self protecting an Interfering Belief based on a fear. Fear of the unknown, fear based in family or personal religion, etc. Read Bruce Moen's book, "Afterlife Knowledge Guidebook" to learn more about this. Also the Lucidology videos cover the dweller and have given it that name.

To deal with this you can set an intention, before you protect, that you are free of all interfering beliefs. Conversely you can have a conversation with any Aspects of Self harboring Interfering Beliefs. I commanded mind to transform theirs to positive, supportive beliefs or destroy themselves by merging back into me, destroying the interfering beliefs also. I encouraged them, told them that they could still protect me in my efforts if they teamed up with me and used positive, supportive beliefs to help me in my pursuits. In this way I gave them a choice, a little free will. That is how I was finally able to leave my body for the first time during a "click out."
- DreamBliss