An out of body experience, also called an OBE, is a scientifically proven phenomenon where a person seems to be floating outside of his physical body. This experience is common in near death situations but it also occurs at other times.

An out of body experience is also called astral projection, especially when it is done intentionally. There have been numerous substantiated reports of people on death's door leaving their bodies and looking down upon them while medical workers rushed about the room in an attempt to save their lives. After their lives are spared they are able to describe the activities in detail from a perspective in a location other than their physical body lying on a hospital bed.

The term out of body experience started to be used in 1943, instead of the term 'projection.' The out of the body experience used to be termed as 'spirit walking,' which is a more belief centric term. It is important to note that scientists are still doing research on out of body experiences because they don't consider it something that is imaginary.

It is hard to be skeptical about the reality of the out of body experience since it is estimated that nearly ten percent of us will experience it at least once in out lives.

An out of body experience can happen at various times. It could be brought on by psychedelic drugs or happen as a result of a deep trance. It may be the result of mental or emotional trauma. Physical trauma or coma may initiate an out of body experience. Sometimes it may happen spontaneously while other times it may be done intentionally.

There are numerous sites on the internet that promise you astral projection and travel joys. Astral projection is rather easy if you learn the right way to do it. It has been said that astral projection is a natural process that has been used since ancient times. The sad part is that many people have forgotten how to do it. The plus is that you do not need to have a high level of spirituality or spiritual power to have an out of body experience and you don't have to have a high level of mental power either.

However, you do have to possess the ability to completely focus on just one point. If the conscious mind holds you back because it fears that if you project yourself from your body, you won't be able to come back. It is this subconscious fear that will prevent you from experiencing astral travel and projection.

Belief also plays a role in being able to astral travel successfully. If you believe it is safe and actually possible for your astral body to leave your physical body and return unharmed, then your conscious mind will more readily let go of your astral self. If you have fear that your astral body will not be able to find its way back inside of your physical body or you fear your physical body will die without your astral body, then you should not play around with inducing an out of body experience.

If you are confident in your beliefs, then you must silence your mind with methods like self hypnosis and meditation so you can leave your body. Think positive thoughts about having an out of body experience and tell yourself that you will astral travel. Once your thoughts are in the right place, your mind will take over and be receptive to astral projection.

Now you need to lie down in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Let your arms rest at your sides. Allow your aura to become one with Mother Nature. You should be breathing deeply, but slowly so that your body relaxes. As your physical body relaxes your astral body will be able to move forward. You will notice a tingling sensation, allow this sensation. Make sure that you are pushing out any conscious thoughts you are having and just focus on your breathing.

An OBE usually begins with a rapid heartbeat and vibrations. Allow these vibrations to completely engulf you. Don't allow yourself to get overly excited. Concentrate on remaining calm. Allow the sensations to completely take over your body, soul, and heart. You will soon find that your astral body is leaving your physical body and you are beginning an exciting astral journey.

Many people throughout the ages have learned how to have an out of body experience or astral travel. Some of them report the event is cut short due to their fear of leaving the side of their physical body. Others report they leave for unimaginable new spheres of existence and have experiences with such a level of clarity they cannot be mistaken for dreams or imaginings. You have the ability to astral travel as well. You can learn how to do it but the first step is in believing you can and that it is totally safe to do so.