I was lying in bed on the night of August 8, 2002.  I had decided to focus my energy on sending out a message to the universe that I was ready to meet my soul mate.  After a short bit I began to realize that I could hear myself breathing kind of loudly, almost snoring.  As I realized this sound was from "outside" of myself. I looked forward...out a window which is behind me in my bed.  The room was illuminated but there was no light source.  It was not bright...but I could just see everything perfectly.  I immediately realized what was going on and in an instant "shot" back into my body and woke straight up out of bed.  It was the most amazing experience I've ever had.  It brought a great strength to my beliefs and faith.  I pray for the experience again and the ability to choose when to leave my body.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?     No

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? No

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?          No

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?           I was aware of the experience just as soon as I had left my body...I do not recall actually "leaving my body" but everything after that.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   No

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     Yes

There was no real form.... I just was.  I was merely a presence.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            Awe

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           no

Did you see a light?           Uncertain

There was no light source.... but I could see everything in the darkness...as if everything had it's own illumination

Did you meet or see any other beings?           No

Did you notice how your 5 senses were working, and if so, how were they different?          Uncertain

I did not hear, smell, or feel.  I saw and simply "knew".

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   No

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    Uncertain

Everything just made sense.  It was as if knowing that any knowledge I desired I already possessed.  If I focused on anything or "thought" about anything I would just know the answer.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?             Yes

My bedroom window.  I knew that it could not contain me but I did not have time to try to get past this.

Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?       Uncertain

I was aware of returning.  I did not choose but became spooked when I realized I was out of my body.  I therefore lost my focus and shot back into my body.

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   Yes

I simply had more faith in my beliefs.  I've always believed that we can achieve a higher state of consciousness (including OBE's).  But now I am certain that it is possible and that anyone can do it.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       I try to focus myself more often.  I would love to achieve another OBE.  I practice more often centering myself.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         No

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes

I shared with my mother.  She is very spiritual and has had an OBE as well.  She was thrilled to hear of mine.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Pure awe.  Total amazement.  Joy.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      The best was the initial realization of what was happening.  The worst was the same because as soon as I realized what was happening I got spooked and ended the experience.

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         No

Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?               Yes