Thread: Tactile sensations/SP and the breath

I've been trying to WILD from naps during the day. Something I've gradually come to realise over time is that it seems to be easier to initiate the tactile sensations (falling, sliding over the bed, or generally bobbing about) after I exhale and then delay the intake of breath for a few seconds.

Anyone have any experience with this? It seems counter-intuitive to me - like being more aware of the breath should break SP, but it seems to work.

Also, if I can just pose another question related to the subject: I notice that once I get very relaxed my face often forms into a frown or my lips seem to push together with more force. It's not a conscious effort but I'm wondering if I should go with it or consciously undo the frown?

I don't know about how breathing influences the ease of tactile sensations, but it's something I intend to try now. (Tactile sensations are my main LD tool)

As for the facial movements, I say just go with them. When you're in SP, it's hard to know how much of what you feel is real or hallucinatory. For example it often feels like my arms slide a few inches across the bed when I'm in SP. It feels like it's really happening, and to be honest I can't be sure it isn't, but if it's not a conscious movement, just let it happen. That way you can't get thrown back out of SP.

As far as the breathing goes, it could be that your body naturally has pauses between breath during sleep. I know it's that way for me. It took me a while to figure out and get used to, but I find that method of breathing really helpful in bringing about the onset of SP and internalization.

On a slightly related note, there is a big emphasis on this particular type of breathing in Ashtanga series yoga. One should strive to appreciate the calm between inhalation and exhalation. For a moment, your body is perfectly content, and in want of nothing. Sure you'll want to breathe again in a second, but if you take the time to inhabit the instants between breaths, it makes stillness of mind and body a lot less difficult. Yeah, that's my yoga rant.