There is a sensation a person experiences, one in which they feel as though they are floating outside of their body. This is what is called an out of body experience or OBE. This experience has been scientifically proven and happens most often when a person is near death.

There is also a phenomenon known as astral projection and this is when your physical body is being observed by you from outside of your body, this is also an out of body experience. This is a real experience and one that should not be ignored. There have been many people that were on the verge of dying that have come back to share their experiences, they have been able to tell other's in the room what was going on even though medically speaking the were non-responsive.

In 1943 the term, out of body experience, began to be used rather than the belief centric term 'projection'. In the past, an out of body experience was called 'spirit walking' and scientists are currently researching this phenomenon because they simply can't think of it as something imaginary.

This is due to the fact that the statistics back up the claims that out of body experiences do take place. Consider that one out of every ten people have experienced an out of body experience at some point I their life.

At times, people spontaneously have an out of body experience. Sometimes an OBE is brought on by physical or mental trauma, using psychedelic drugs, or if the body has slipped into a state of coma or trance.

You will come across many places online that promise you the thrills of astral projection and travel. Really, it's not difficult to do if you know how to go about it the right way. Astral projection is said to be a completely natural process that was used frequently be the ancients. Sadly, many of their descendents have forgotten all about the lost art of astral projection. You may find it hard to believe, but a high level of spiritual or mental power is not necessary in order to successfully have an out of body experience.

You will need the power of concentration however. Your conscious mind fears the out of body experience because of the concern that you will not be able to re-enter your body. This feat is what keeps you inside of your body and makes astral projection difficult to accomplish at will.

There is an underlying belief that your astral body can leave the physical body for a short time. For people that embrace this belief, astral travel or out of body experiences are easier to do. This is due to the fact that this person's mind has already been conditioned to let go, which is essential to astral projection. Even the slightest fear or doubt that the astral body is going to be able to make it back is reason enough for you to now attempt any sort of out of the body experience on purpose.

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.

To do this lay down in a place where you are not going to be bothered, this needs to be a place that quiet and that is free from disturbances. Let your arms rest at your sides, now your aura is going to become one with Mother Nature. You should be breathing deeply, slowly, methodically, letting your body relax so that your astral body is able to go forth and explore the realm outside of your body. You will notice a tingling feeling; encourage this sensation as it is the feeling of the astral body leaving the physical body. Try to push out any physical thoughts that are entering your mind, just concentrate and breathe.

Typically an out of the body experience begins with the feelings of vibrations and an increased heart rate. Stay calm and breathe, let the vibrations embrace you. Avoid getting excited, just let them take over your body, you are soon going to experience your astral body leaving your for an astral journey.

Trust that your astral body is going to make it back to your body. A number of people that have had out of the body experiences state that their journey ended because of the sudden fear that their astral body was getting to far away from their physical body. They also state that they know they had an out of the body experience because they were a part of the different experiences taking place in another realm. If you believe that you can astral travel you will be able to astral travel.