Stoicism for Modern Life: Marcus Aurelius, Seneca & Epictetus Teach Us Calm Thinking, Clarity & Inner Strength
(Continuation of Part 1: Astral Projection — The Science and Spirit of Leaving Your Body)
For centuries, humans have described moments when consciousness seems to separate from the body — floating, observing, or traveling through unseen realms. Once dismissed as fantasy, these experiences have now been recorded, studied, and even measured. Here are some of the most authentic and documented cases that bridge science and spirituality.
The Case of “Miss Z” — Dr. Charles Tart’s Laboratory Study (1968, University of California)
Dr. Charles Tart, a respected psychologist and pioneer in consciousness studies, conducted one of the earliest controlled experiments on out-of-body experiences (OBEs).
His subject, known only as Miss Z, was observed over several nights in a sleep lab.
On a high shelf above her bed, Tart placed a five-digit random number visible only from above. During one session, Miss Z reported separating from her body and, upon awakening, accurately recalled the hidden number.
Though skeptics questioned whether she peeked or guessed, the experiment remains one of the first scientific attempts to record possible evidence of awareness beyond the body.
Robert Monroe, an American radio executive, began experimenting with sound frequencies for sleep learning in the 1950s. Unexpectedly, he began to feel intense vibrations and a sensation of floating above his body.
Over time, he learned to control the process, exploring what he called “Locale I” (physical realm) and “Locale II” (non-physical dimensions).
He chronicled his journeys in Journeys Out of the Body and later founded The Monroe Institute, which continues to research altered states of consciousness using sound technology (Hemi-Sync).
Monroe’s work remains a cornerstone in modern astral research, inspiring thousands to explore out-of-body travel safely and systematically.
Pam Reynolds, a singer from Georgia, USA, underwent a rare surgical procedure to remove a brain aneurysm. Her body temperature was lowered, heart stopped, and brain activity ceased — a state known as hypothermic cardiac arrest.
Yet, she later described floating above her body, watching surgeons work, and even detailing the instruments and conversations in the room — all verified as accurate.
Her case, studied by Dr. Michael Sabom, remains one of the strongest pieces of evidence linking conscious awareness with out-of-body perception during clinical death.
In 2012, a 35-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, India, shared a remarkable experience. During a late-night meditation, he suddenly felt his body vibrate and his vision blur. Moments later, he saw himself lying below — still, breathing, yet distant.
Panicking, he tried to “move” and instantly returned to his physical body with a jolt. The episode was later examined by a local psychologist familiar with sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming, who concluded it was likely a genuine out-of-body state triggered by deep relaxation and focus.
He later learned to re-enter the state intentionally and used it for stress reduction and self-healing, claiming improved emotional balance afterward.
In Buddhist traditions — especially Tibetan Vajrayana and Thai monastic practices — accounts of leaving the body consciously have been recorded for centuries.
Advanced meditators, through decades of practice, are said to master the art of detaching mind from matter — referred to as “dream-body travel” or Nang-pa in Tibetan texts.
Neuroscientist Richard Davidson and philosopher Dr. Evan Thompson have studied Tibetan monks exhibiting unusual states of awareness during meditation and thukdam — a post-death state in which the body resists decay for days despite clinical death.
In Gyuto Monastery (Dharamshala, India), senior monks have entered thukdam, observed with radiant calmness and soft luminosity. The Dalai Lama himself has encouraged scientific inquiry through the Mind & Life Institute, exploring whether consciousness truly extends beyond the body.
For these monks, such states aren’t supernatural — they represent the pinnacle of conscious mastery, proving that awareness can transcend biology when the mind is trained beyond fear and attachment.
Now the question everyone wanted to ask.
While most people practice specific techniques to induce astral projection, spontaneous projections can and do occur — especially during trauma, exhaustion, meditation, or near-death experiences.
Many describe sudden “snap” sensations followed by a feeling of floating or observing themselves from above. Such events are often reported during high emotional intensity or deep relaxation — moments when the conscious and subconscious mind overlap.
Neurologically, researchers believe the brain’s temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) — responsible for body awareness — may “misfire” or temporarily disconnect sensory input, leading to an out-of-body perception.
Spiritually, this is seen as the soul momentarily stepping out of its vessel, often when vibrational frequencies shift unexpectedly.
Some common triggers include:
However, spontaneous projections can feel disorienting or frightening if the person isn’t prepared. Seasoned practitioners advise grounding techniques like focusing on breathing, touching a physical object, or visualizing the body to return safely.
The phenomenon, though unexplained by science, continues to fascinate researchers studying consciousness and non-ordinary states of awareness.
Is Astral Projection Dangerous?
Not inherently, but fear or confusion can cause distress. Always practice in a calm, safe environment, and never when mentally unstable or physically ill.
How Long Does an Astral Projection Last?
Most projections last a few minutes to half an hour, though the experience can feel timeless. Often, the “silver cord” connection naturally pulls you back once focus fades.
Is It the Same as Lucid Dreaming?
They overlap but differ. In lucid dreaming, awareness exists within a dream world; in astral projection, one perceives leaving the body entirely.
Can Science Prove Astral Projection?
Not yet conclusively. While certain EEG and OBE studies suggest brain pattern changes, no objective proof of consciousness existing outside the body has been established — though personal and clinical testimonies continue to grow.C
Can Astral Projection Be Used for Healing or Insight?
Many claim emotional and spiritual healing through it — reconnecting with repressed memories, overcoming grief, or gaining higher self-awareness. It’s best seen as a spiritual complement, not a medical replacement.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The content shared here is for educational and spiritual awareness purposes only.
Astral projection and lucid dreaming involve altered states of consciousness that may not be suitable for everyone.
Readers are advised to avoid attempting these practices if they have a history of mental health issues, sleep disorders, or anxiety.
Always ensure mental calmness, physical safety, and professional medical support when needed.
These experiences are deeply subjective — treat them with reverence, curiosity, and discernment, not as proof of physical detachment from the body.
My previous blog on Astral Projection
https://www.kvshan.com/2025/11/astral-projection-explained-science.html
Thank you for reading.
– KV Shan
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