Out of Body Experience
An out-of-body experience, an O.B.E. or sometimes called an O.O.B.E., is an experience that typically involves a sensation of floating outside of one's body and in some cases, perceiving one's physical body from a place outside one's body (commonly referred to as autoscopy). It is estimated by some that about one in ten people have had an out-of-body experience at some time in their lives.
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A Phenomenon
Scientists and paranormal researchers know little about the phenomenon. OBEs are often part of the near-death experience (NDE), and reportedly may also lead to astral projection. It is claimed that some individuals who have experinced an out-of-body experience have observed details during an OBE which were unknown to them beforehand.
Possible Causes and Effects
In some cases the phenomenon appears to occur spontaneously; in others it is often associated with a physical or mental trauma, the use of psychedelic drugs, or the induction of a dream-like state. It is possible to induce the experience deliberately; for example, through visualization while in a relaxed, meditative state. Recent studies have shown that experiences somewhat similar to OBEs can be induced by direct brain stimulation.
Relatively little is known for sure about OBEs. Some of those who have experienced OBEs may have willed themselves out of their bodies, while others have claimed that they found themselves being pulled from their bodies (a feeeling usually preceded by a feeling of paralysis). In other accounts, the feeling of being outside the body was suddenly realized after the fact, and those who had had the experience saw their own bodies almost by accident.
