Contents:
=========

  I) The Spectrum of Consciousness
 II) How to Induce Lucid Dreams
III) How to Convert a Lucid Dream into an OOBE
 IV) Bibliography


I) The Spectrum of Consciousness:
=================================

There is a strong connection between dreams and OOBEs. In the type of
dreams we can catch ourselves creating quickly just before awakening
we attempt to translate knowledge gained in nonphysical reality into
physical terms.  Sometimes we may find ourselves in dreamscapes with
many imaginarylike elements. In other dreams we travel to other
dimensions.

A lucid dream is something like an upgrade of a typical dream. In a
lucid dream, which is often very intense and vivid, the dreamer
realizes that he/she is dreaming. It's interesting that the dream
landscape seems less dreamlike as soon as the dreamer achieves
lucidity.

Then there are the OOBEs, which can be divided into OOBEs which take
place in the physical world and OOBEs that take place in nonphysical
worlds. These can be thought as upgrades of lucid dreams. The
difference between OOBEs in nonphysical worlds and lucid dreams seems
to lie in the individual's subjective perception. The lucid dreamer
thinks to be in a dream and that everything is imaginary. The
individual having an OOBE is extremely cognizant that he/she is
outside of his/her physical body and knows that everything he/she
experiences is real.

I believe that the lucid dreamer is already based outside of his/her
body and doesn't realize it. So most lucid dreams are a form of
OOBEs. So the lucid dream is an effective pathway to astral travel,
and many, who have learned how to leave their bodies, started by
learning how to induce lucid dreams and how to convert a lucid dream
into an OOBE.

Some people claim that the OOBE is simply a form of lucid dreams,
which they hold for a dream having no objective reality. This is a way
to stay within the bounds of the materialistic assumptions that still
hold sway in our culture.


II) How to Induce Lucid Dreams:
===============================

This ability needs the creation of a conductive climate of belief, the
attention to your dreams, and your desire and persistence. One obvious
method for inducing lucid dreams is to give yourself the suggestion
before going to sleep that you are going to wake up within a dream and
realize that you are dreaming. Many become alert to the fact that they
are in the dream state by noticing that something strange is going
on. When you are already in bed, tell yourself to recognize something
strange in your dream and realize that you are dreaming. Then proceed
to visualize a sample scenario, imagine saying loud in your dream,
"I'm dreaming| I'm in a dream| I'm outside of my body|". Say it
several times. Then allow yourself to sleep.

Paul Tholey describes a very effective technique called the
"Reflection Technique". There the individual developes a
critical-reflective attitude about his/her current state of
consciousness. Tholey recomends asking yourself "Am I dreaming or
not?" at least five to ten times a day. In addition you should ask
yourself the question several times just before falling asleep. He
suggests that when asking the question you consciously reflect on what
has been happening in your immediate past.

Tholey mentiones another technique, too. Concentrate on the visual
pictures that come to your mind during the hypnagogicalstate and try
to retain lucidity. In another of his techniques, you simply focus on
your body as you are falling asleep. When your body feels immobile,
imagine that you have another, movable body you can separate from your
immobile physical body. He acknowledges that this technique can
produce OOBEs.

Stephen Laberge developed an interesting technique called the
"Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams". Wakeup in the morning,
memorizing a dream you have just had, and give yourself the
suggestion, "Next time I'm dreaming, I want to remember to recognize
I'm dreaming|". Then visualize yourself back in the same dream but
imagine that this time you know it's a dream. Then you repeat the
suggestion, and imagining, until you are clear about what you are
trying to accomplish or until you drop of to sleep.


III) How to Convert a Lucid Dream into an OOBE:
===============================================

To convert a lucid dream you must realize that you are out of
body. Once you have upgraded a lucid dream, proceed to tell yourself
that you are out-of-body several times in order to intensify the focus
and avoid falling back into a lucid or normal dream state. Now you are
in a nonphysical world. To have an OOBE in the physical world, tell
yourself to return to your physical body. If you want, you can
visualize your physical body as you give yourself the suggestion. Once
you succeed in geting back to your body without awakening, you may be
back in the vicinity of your body, although you may feel no connection
to the physical. You may feel as if you're floating around inside your
body.If you want to lift out, however, this is a very good moment.


IV) Bibliography:
=================

(1) Brennan, James: The Astral Projection Workbook
(2) Faraday, Ann: Dream Power
(3) Garfield, Patricia: Creative Dreaming
(4) Laberge, Stephen: Lucid Dreaming
(5) Monroe, Robert: Journeys Out of the Body
(6) Stack, Rick: Out-of-Body Adventures
(7)Tholey, Paul: Technique for Inducing and Maintaining Lucid Dreams



Christian D.