A Meditation Journey with Astral Projection and Bilocation
During one of her deep meditation sessions, a friend experienced something both strange and profound: she felt as though she was in two places at once. Fully aware of sitting at home next to her partner, she was also vividly present on a ship, surrounded by unfamiliar people.
1. Meditation and Brainwave States: How Altered Consciousness Emerges
Through her research, she learned that meditation induces shifts in brainwave states, and these shifts can help explain altered perceptions.
Alpha Waves (8-12 Hz): Common during light meditation and relaxation, alpha waves bring calm wandering thoughts while staying grounded in the present.
Theta Waves (4-7 Hz): Deep meditation often brings theta waves, which blur the lines between imagination and reality, creating vivid images and sensations.
Delta Waves (0.5-3 Hz): Usually dominant during deep sleep, delta waves occasionally arise in experienced meditators. This might explain her out-of-body sensations, similar to accounts from others who’ve experienced altered states.
The sensation of dual presence isn’t unheard of when accessing these brainwave states, where consciousness appears to extend beyond typical boundaries.
2. Higher Consciousness: Experiencing Realities Beyond the Physical
Many believe meditation can elevate awareness beyond the physical world, allowing access to dimensions or realms usually out of reach. My friend felt disconnected from the physical world but still aware of it, as if stepping into a higher state of consciousness. This state allowed her to perceive realities beyond ordinary sensory experience.
3. Astral Projection: Stepping Outside the Body
The sensation of being on a ship in another realm sparked her curiosity about astral projection. Astral projection involves a conscious separation from the body, where one’s awareness explores new dimensions. Many who practice it report visiting unfamiliar places and encountering unknown people. The clarity and intensity of her experience led her to consider that she might have briefly tapped into this phenomenon.
4. Bilocation: The Mind Existing in Two Places at Once
The most disorienting part of her meditation was the feeling of bilocation, the sense of being fully present in two places at the same time. Sitting next to her partner, she simultaneously felt equally present on the ship. Known in spiritual circles and meditation traditions, bilocation is often described by those who experience altered consciousness states.
5. Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic States: On the Edge of Sleep and Consciousness
This experience might also relate to hypnagogic (falling asleep) and hypnopompic (waking up) states, which often bring vivid imagery and sensory overlap. In these transitional states, it’s easy to feel as if one exists in multiple places, especially during moments close to sleep but still conscious.
The Initial Panic: Understanding Fear During Consciousness Shifts
Initially, she felt panicked—an understandable reaction when the mind encounters the unfamiliar. Over time, she’s learned that panic is a normal reaction, as the mind tries to reconcile conflicting information from being in two places. She now views it as part of navigating altered consciousness and has developed ways to stay calm in these experiences.
6. Real or Imagined? The Impact of Consciousness Shifts
The big question she faced was whether this was real or simply a creation of her mind. Ultimately, the personal significance of the experience was undeniable. Whether “real” or imagined, consciousness shifts like these challenge our ordinary concepts of reality and offer valuable insights into the mind's capabilities.
7. Grounding Techniques: Staying Connected During Altered States
For anyone experiencing these shifts, grounding techniques such as focused breathing or affirmations can help maintain connection with the body. She’s found that setting a clear intention before meditation also brings control to altered states, making them less overwhelming and more purposeful.
8. The Science Behind Consciousness Shifts
Although modern science has only scratched the surface, researchers are beginning to explore the idea that consciousness may extend beyond the body. Neuroscientists and quantum physicists are studying what some call non-local consciousness, suggesting the mind might exist outside of the brain. While her experience remains a mystery, it offers an intriguing window into the mind’s possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did I feel like I was in two places during meditation?
This sensation, known as bilocation, is possible during deep meditation or altered states of consciousness, where the mind can experience multiple realities simultaneously.
Q2: Is this astral projection?
It’s possible. Astral projection involves separating the mind from the body to explore different realms, and being on a ship with unfamiliar people may suggest this phenomenon.
Q3: Why did I panic?
Panic is natural with new or intense sensations, as the mind tries to process unfamiliar input. Practice and understanding can lessen this fear over time.
Q4: How can I prevent these experiences if they’re uncomfortable?
Grounding techniques like breathwork or setting a calming intention before meditation help keep you connected to your physical body and reduce discomfort.
