Robert Monroe - Journeys out of the body, Practical Guidebook

The advice and experiences of others may lead to error. In no case should there be any authorities or unachievable ideals. A logical, even skeptical approach should be taken during research and practice.

The goal of this guidebook is to provide the reader with linear, factual information sufficient for the development of independent analysis.

Each time a practitioner encounters some incomprehensible phenomenon or problem when performing phase techniques, an independent analysis of the phenomenon should be formed before looking elsewhere for the cause. If a seeker looks for answers outside of personal reasoning, there is a high risk of assimilating and acting upon a fallacy.

Many practitioners are not willing to analyze personal successes and failures, and instead search all sorts of books, which often contradict one another, and using a hodge-podge of extraneous, unverified information can only lead one to further, and quite infectious, fallacy.

APPROACH TO LITERATURE

Literature of every sort has always been the main vehicle for disseminating information about the phase state. The phase phenomenon is referred to by other terms: astral projection, out-of-body travel, or lucid dreaming. In addition to disseminating information, many books are often vehicles for disseminating fallacies.

This is easy to recognize when researching several such books and comparing described events and theories. The information is more often than not contradictory and based on opinions that have never been verified by anyone, including the authors. The result is a mass of speculation that has no bearing on reality, nearly always accompanied by a false certainty about the subject matter. However, unlike the real world, the phase is not a place where one can believe one’s eyes or feelings. The phases’ appearance and qualities depend very much on the person experiencing it.

For example, if a practitioner believes upon entering the phase the body will be lying nearby on the bed, then it will always be there. If a practitioner believes that the perceived body should always be tethered to the physical body, then in the practitioner will always see and even feel a tether in the phase. This is a simple case of expectations becoming reality. Similarly, someone who has entered the phase by accident and thinks that the time of death has arrived may see angels and a tunnel with a light at the end. If someone is extremely religious, there may be a perception that something holy, even God, has appeared. If entry to the phase is construed as a result of being abducted by aliens, then that is exactly what will happen.

This would all be quite funny if it were not actually encountered.

When it occurs, the only thing left to do is to believe. To believe, to tell others about it, and write books about it...

There are authors who impart no illusions, but it is often difficult for a novice to separate the truth from illusion or open fabrication, which is why a skeptical approach to the contents of any book is warranted. The only truth conveyed in any book is that which has been verified by personal experience. The rest should simply be noted and possibly taken into consideration.

In conclusion, books should be studied to discover technique-related information that allows a practitioner to enter the phase and control the experience. This is the only point of intersection among all beliefs and theories.

PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

Since techniques used to enter the phase are associated with a specific type of mental operation, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions so that external distracters are kept to a minimum. A room should neither be too cold or too hot, nor too bright. Performing techniques at a comfortable temperature in a darkened room or while wearing a sleeping mask are ways to promote unhindered practice.

Interfering noises are often also major distracters and isolation from such noises is necessary to successful practice. It is often sufficient to turn off the phone and close doors and windows. If this does not help, or if it is extremely loud outside the window, one can use standard earmuffs.

It is also helpful to give advance notice to people so that they are not alarmed. It is also preferable that no one is in the bed with the practitioner. Most often, domestic animals interfere with the performance of techniques, which is why they should be fed beforehand and kept out of the room where direct or indirect techniques are practiced.

TALKING WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

Great benefit is derived by discussing personal experiences with other practitioners. This leads to an exchange of information, new knowledge, and mutual help concerning certain problems and issues.

The greatest effect comes through communication in person, and not solely through mail, forums, and blogs. Meeting face-to-face with like-minded people promotes camaraderie and a useful knowledgebase to consider during individual practice.

Due to the fact that knowledge of the phenomenon is underdeveloped, difficulties may arise in finding someone to talk to.

This can be solved by personally sharing phase experiences with friends and family members, regardless of whether they are fellow practitioners. It is even better to pass on training literature, like this guidebook.

The website www.obe4u.com also has a discussion forum devoted to the phase, making it possible to obtain and exchange a large amount of information. The site also has the contact information for the coordinators of Phase Practitioner Clubs all around the world, which is a non-commercial association of enthusiasts who meet to exchange and discuss experiences.

THE RIGHT WAY TO KEEP A JOURNAL

Keeping a journal can be of much help while learning and practicing the phase. When properly kept, a journal can help a practitioner to develop an analysis that will increase the quality of phase experiences. By and large, keeping a journal helps to iron out a sporadic practice, turning it into a structured discipline that can be mastered.

An effective diary should contain a massive amount of indicators that allow a statistical study to uncover patterns. It is essential that each entry include the date, time of day or night, a detailed account of entries into the phase and phase experiences. Descriptions of mistakes and a plan of action for the next phase should also be recorded. During the novice stages of practice, even noting unsuccessful entry attempts is beneficial. Later on, only successful phase experiences may be recorded.

Here is an example of a proper journal entry:

Data:

Experience No. 12

January 5th, 2008

2:33 PM

Experience:

I woke up early in the morning. After exercising, I took a shower and ate breakfast. I watched TV and read books until lunch.

I laid down for a nap at 1 PM, right after lunch. I felt like performing indirect techniques, and affirmed this intention. I woke up the first time to movement, but after trying to employ forced falling asleep (in order to negate the effects of the movement), I fell asleep. I woke up the second time without movement and tried to roll out. This didn’t work and I tried levitating and getting up. After that, I moved on to phantom wiggling. Movement occurred in my right hand. After doing this for several seconds, I decided to try listening in. Sounds started, but I was unable to make them louder. However, images appeared before my eyes and I started to view them.

After they became realistic, I decided to try rolling out and it worked without a hitch.