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CHAPTER 5 Developing Your Natural Ability Sit down before fact like a small child, and be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever and to whatever abyss nature lead, or you will learn nothing. —T. H. Huxley Keep your mind open to change all the time. Welcome it. Court it. It is only by examining and re-examining your opinions and ideas that you can progress. —Dale Carnegie Reappraising Our Concepts of Reality Many psychological issues affect our ability to have an out-of-body experience. Our self-concept and the way we view this subject have a tremendous influence on the results we obtain. It’s quite common for personal limits, fears, and beliefs to inhibit our ability to experience and enjoy our full potential. This is especially true when we are embarking upon a new form of exploration. The self-evaluation in the table below briefly reviews topics and issues that may influence your ability to have an out-ofbody experience. Your responses can offer useful insights into your personal beliefs, assumptions, and conclusions concerning this unique form of exploration. As objectively as possible, examine your emotional and intellectual responses to each question. If you discover an area that holds a potential limitation or conflict, take your time and delve into it; look for the underlying reason for your current beliefs. Belief reappraisal is one of the most important aspects of out-of-body preparation. I have found that conscious and subconscious fears, limits, and misconceptions are the most common obstacles we confront in out-of-body exploration. Recognition of our personal limits and fears is a major step forward in reducing or eliminating any blocks we may experience. Take all the time you need and feel free to expand upon any subject you believe is relevant. I recommend that you write your responses, in as much detail as needed. Self-Evaluation 1. Self-Concept What do you believe you are? How do you view yourself? Describe your self-concept in detail. 2. Personal Viewpoints What are your perceptions and feelings concerning out-of-body experiences? Do you consider them an adventure? 3. Motivation Is your personal motivation to obtain answers? To solve a mystery or a problem? Is it curiosity? Is it to obtain personal verification of some kind? Be specific. 4. Safety Do you feel that it is completely safe to have an out-of-body experience? Do you have any concerns, such as that you might become lost or die? Be specific. 5. Special Ability or Talent Do you believe that some kind of special ability or talent is required to have an out-of-body experience? 6. Importance Do you consider this exploration important to your personal development? On a scale from 1—10, how important is it? 7. Desire Do you possess the inner desire and drive to follow through? What benefits or information do you want from this experience? How strong is your desire? 8. Commitment Are you willing to devote the time and effort needed to achieve your goal? Are you willing to commit thirty minutes a day for a month? 9. Fears Are you anxious or fearful about this kind of exploration? Do you fear the unknown, the dark, or new challenges? Are your fears logical or the result of a lack of information? 10. Religious Beliefs How does out-of-body exploration fit into your religious beliefs and concepts? Do you consider this a spiritual experience? 11 . Degree of Difficulty Do you believe that this experience is natural and easy or difficult to achieve? Why do you feel this way? 12. Confidence Are you confident that you can achieve your desired goals? 13. Expectations Do you expect positive results? What are your personal expectations? 14. Personal Issues or Limits Are you aware of any personal issues that may limit your ability to have an out-of-body experience? If so, write them down. 15. Goals Have you made this exploration a firm personal goal? Is it a written goal? Is it an important goal? Is it a priority? Many subjects covered in this self-evaluation do not require an explanation. A few areas, though, may need further clarification. COMMITMENT AND GOALS Your positive attitude toward and commitment to out-of-body exploration are essential to your success. If you pursue this exploration with half-hearted interest, your results will reflect your desire. On the other hand, if you are passionate, determined, and committed, your success is practically assured. It’s important to make this exploration a personal priority for a specified time. In my workshops I recommend a minimum thirty-day total commitment. I instruct each student to set aside the time necessary to do at least one out-of-body technique daily. For thirty days, focus as much mental and emotional energy as you can muster upon your goal of a conscious out-of-body experience. For many people, writing out the goal daily helps to crystallize it within their minds and 36