Observations placeholder
Watson, Lyall - On the out of body experience
Identifier
011402
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Written in 1974, so we have to view this in that light, but for a scientist this was extremely advanced thinking for his time
A description of the experience
The Romeo Error – Lyall Watson
The most critical preconditions are those which concern the preparation of the body of the would-be projector. It is suggested that little food be taken, some say that it is necessary to fast, but all agree that a high protein diet is detrimental and that only fruit and green vegetables should be taken on the day of the attempt.
We know that a vegetable diet reduces physiological acidity and that, in compensation for this, there is an increase in carbon dioxide pressure in the lungs and a reduction in the amount of oxygen getting to the brain.
This amounts in effect to an increase in altitude and reinforces the preference for mountains as suitable sites.
Recommended breathing exercises produce a similar effect.
Almost all the practitioners say that holding the breath helps, but that it has to be held in, not out. The author Emanuel Swedenborg added an incestuous slant to the exercise with his comment that "holding back the breath is equivalent to having intercourse with the soul". It is certainly equivalent to asphyxia and if held back long enough will once again have the effect of limiting the supply of oxygen to the brain.
It looks as though the unconscious intent behind these practises is to simulate a crisis in an attempt to scare the soul out of the body – or at least to weaken the bond between two systems.
Another point on which all are in agreement is that crossing the arms or legs is bad.