I suppose I am what many would consider a fence sitter ... a semi-skeptic, so to speak ... when it comes to the origin, or nature, of Out of Body Experiences. I've had these experiences most of my life ... the first, as far back as the tender age of 4 years old. It was so impressive, that it's the earliest memory I can recall at all, and the strength of it initiated a hospital visit when my parents weren't too sure what to do with me when I appeared reluctant to wake up.
None the less, through countless experiences throughout the years, and some long extended debates on the subject, I have come to the conclusion that there is no issue of the "soul" leaving the body .... or of extending this experience out into the physical world. I have never been able to identify objects in the physical while in this state, nor have I been able to verify any true physical events.
This is not to say that this would be impossible for others, as I can only relate my own experiences. Yet, so far, other than interacting with the physical, my OBEs appear to be astoundingly similar to the accounts of others.
I do believe that OBEs are a unique state of consciousness, similar to a dream state, but closer to an awake state. A virtual reality replica of the physical environment, based on memory and expectations. And it can be quite an experience! Imagine having a state of the art virtual reality mechanism produced by your own brain. You are awake and aware (although levels of awareness can fluctuate), and your memory appears to be as precise as it is in the waking state. You have the sensation of rising up and out of your body, into this virtual replica of the physical environment around you. Usually this is accompanied by a sensation of internal vibration, a loud banging or roaring sound in the ears, and a distinct searing sensation upon "separation". At times, there can also be an illusory distortion of the limbs. Fear has been a primary concern for those who have spontaneous OBEs, and justifiably so. It can be quite intense. Much of this fear comes from the state of sleep paralysis, a necessary physiological state that paralyzes the body in preparation for sleep, so we do not act out our dream encounters. Many have found that these unusual feelings and fears dissipate over time, and with experience.
Sometimes the environment you see during an OBE is not an exact replica. There can be discrepancies. And, at times, awareness levels drop, and you find yourself responding to the events around you as if you are in a lucid dream (which most likely, at this point, you are).
But all things considered, I consider myself lucky for having them. There is nothing quite like it ... nothing comparable. At times, it's almost like living twice at once ... making use of that valuable time we most often sleep away.
The one thing that holds me back from completely believing that OBEs are "all in the brain" is the debate over the origin of consciousness itself. Is consciousness and awareness one in the same, or is one a product of the other? Is consciousness solely a product of the brain ... or is it's origin something else entirely? The nature of OBEs lies somewhere within this connundrum.
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