Self-induced SP problems

[marelly]

Sorry that this is my first official post, but I've been lurking on this site for so long it feels freaky/dishonest to post in the newbie zone >.> But, I have a bit of a dilemma. I've been having occasional lucid dreams, about once a week or slightly less, for about two years. I've also been interested in states of consciousness for a while, too, and about three months ago a friend told me about inducing sleep paralysis in order to attain lucidity. (I THINK this is the correct term; essentially, getting the body to sleep while the mind stays awake.) The basic technique was to lie perfectly still, even keeping the eyes in the same position, for a prolonged period of time and eventually your body will fall asleep. The first time I ever tried this, I was still for what felt like about ten minutes, then two massive waves of pins and needles went over my entire body and I could feel my mind completely separated from my body, my breathing, everything. I had what I believe to be an OBE but could have possibly been an incredibly vibrant LD. It was truly an amazing, unforgettable experience. Anyway, the dilemma is this: I've tried several times to get back into that state, however, about 60% of the time I wait for about 30 minutes to an hour and then give up and move, and have extreme trouble sleeping for not only the rest of that night, but for the next few as well. The other 40% of the time, I can feel my body moving into that state and my mind's state changing as well, but I start to fear the visions/experiences others have had during SP (like the witch) and pull myself right out of it, resulting in more nights without sleep. So, my questions are thus: 1) Is what I'm doing actually sleep paralysis? Should I be trying to induce it? 2) Does anyone else have sleeping trouble after attempting to alter their state of consciousness? and 3) Is/was anyone else afraid of uncontrollable forces during SP/LDs, and how do you overcome them?? (I apologize if this is posted in the wrong place; I was stuck between posting it here and on the Beyond Dreaming board!) --marelly

[poliganometry]

Hi! The sensation you described sure sounds like SP to me. The method you are attempting is known around here as 'Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming'. You should be trying to get past this if you are trying to get into an LD. You're on the right path. As for sleep trouble, virtually the entire community will suggest that you attempt this method after 6 hours of sleep, not before. So set your alarm, or you'll have a lot of little setbacks - like the one you described. I know some people are horrified of the vibrations/auditory hallucinations. You just have to get comfortable with them, theres not much advice I could lend you on that front. I find them exciting, just remember its all in your head - you are the one creating the sensations you experience.

[whyed-eyed]

I'd keep trying to gain SP if i were you. I used to be terrorfied by SP when it occured but now that i understand it i find it so enjoyable.. its very intense. the whirring in your head, spinning etc but i think its amazing try to let yourself get really tired before you focus on going into that state or you just wont sleep at all.. better yet. set your alarm read about my experience with sp from last nite if you want http://www.dreamviews.com/community/...802#post890802

[marelly]

Thanks for the info, guys. poliganometry, that totally makes sense--I guess I always figured the "W" was for "waking", and it was different because I was already awake >.> I'll definitely try doing it after sleep instead of before. Whyed-eyed: I read your SP experience too, it's a crazy state to get into. I personally haven't had any BAD experiences with it (other than the sleeping trouble thing) but I've read the accounts of others and I'm a big baby when it comes to spectral/ghostly/evil beings, even if they are completely in my head :S I guess I'll just have to work on it.