From my little understanding of the hypnagogic state, it is very difficult to control. As soon as I become aware of the hypnagogic state, it ends.

Hi Sally,

I found this technique to be very interesting and I managed to project with it. I'm still trying to dig deeper into this technique. It can be used in combination with any techniques taught here on the courses.

Eventually concentration is the key to projection, but if concentration is weaker than holding up the lower part of the arm can really help to train yourself.

Monroe actually mentions numerous techniques he used in his books... However he does so in a very underlying and basic way. If reading the later books one can see that all techniques he used involved pure concentration, such as counting backwards and other things.

He also clearly referre to the concentration during his narrations of leaving body, by narrating things similar to "focus... focus... focus... focus... split... roll out, out of bed, fly away...".

Though not those exact words, can clearly see the importance of concentration in those statements.

Dreams are the playground of the imagination

I can recall Monroe saying something about a rope technique to leave the body. Something like imagining an imaginary rope above your head when you are lying in bed with eyes closed.

Then you use your actual physical hands to climb the rope. Pulling yourself up, hand over hand. Continuing to do this will pull your astral body out of your physical body.

When I tried it, I experienced nauseousness but was not able to leave my body.
Monroe says he can do it in under five minutes.

The rope technique is very popular, although I can't say I've had much luck with it myself.

Anthony,
Think you are confusing Robert Monroe with Robert Bruce.

Hi Fish

You are probably aware that you are very close to astral projection as you say when you get to the hypnagogic state (drowsy state) it ends. I got to that state this morning but I wrecked it as instead of spiritually getting out of myself, I physically moved. Perhaps that's what you need to do.

Good luck
Sally

I have tried that a few times, Sally, but it doesn't seem to be very effective. I think we are supposed to control the state and wait for the right moment, instead of just getting up each time we get to that state. Kind of like fishing; reel the ><FISH'>~ in too quickly, and the line will snap (failed attempt). Reel it in too slowly, and the ><FISH'>~ will take control and submerge itself deeper (sleep and loss of consciousness). Reel it in carefully and controlledly, and the ><FISH'>~ is yours (conscious separation).

This is a cheesy analogy, at best, but I saw it fitting. 

Hi Fish

I do not know if this suggestion will help you as you may be aware of it but it will not do any harm. Perhaps there is a doubt at the back of the mind that prevents you from getting out of yourself. It has happened to me.

Getting back to the subject of, is it worthwhile trying to put your arm up while lying down to prevent you from falling asleep? I rang the buddhist centre and I spoke to a teacher there and I asked her for her opinion. She said, it is a waste of time as you are concentrating on your arm and not the meditation. If I do not have any back or health problems I should be sitting up as lying down is too easy to fall asleep. For now on I am going to get used to sitting while I try to astral project. I think it will harder to do because I will have to get out of my comfortable relaxing bed.

Sally

Sally,
There are similarities to meditation and astral projection, but you cannot compare the two. To have an arm up during a meditation is crazy, due to the nature and intention of meditation. The intention with having an arm up for leaving body, is not that you will learn to get good at the actual practise of leaving body, though you might train your ability to remain near-sleep longer without falling asleep. The intent with that kind of thing however is a bit more to have the "luck" to happen to enter into the right state, and then be able to get out. This kind of thing should not replace actual practises I suggest, as an actual practise involve the more training of self into getting good at concentrating, and deliberate entering of the state, rather than accidentally or by chance. It might however not be a total waste of time to try as an addition, but that is up to the individual.

The same or similar applies to the position in which you are. Sitting can have it's benefits in regards to meditation, and also somewhat in regards to leaving body. But the bottom line is that it would be very very hard to get properly relaxed while sitting, and as relaxation is a critical element in leaving body, the outcome is likely not what you seek... To lay down when practising to leave body is more recommended, as you are there much more able to relax and ignore the body. It is easier to fall asleep that way, but that comes down to practise and your ability to concentrate.

You would do well in separating the intent to leave body with the intent for meditation. It is true that a very good meditation, using certain techniques can have similarities with an AP technique, and can result in leaving body. As well as a good AP technique having similar results as to a good meditation. But there are differences...