I was in the hypnopomic state and was practicing progressive relaxation and meditation. Suddenly, I felt myself start to spin as if I were on a centrifuge (this has always marked my departure from my body when I consciously cause an OBE) I recognized this feeling from when I was a little child, I had felt this before. I heard a roaring and rushing sound, the movement and sound was both loud and violent but not painful. Then all the sound stopped as well as the motion. I found myself floating above my body.

I noticed that the light in the room was as it had been just moments before but I noted that I was seeing it with "other" eyes. There was a certain clarity but also diffusion. I knew I was having an OBE. I remember thinking, "oh boy, it's really happening!" I then imagined that the ceiling was no longer there or that I could pass through it. The ceiling then dissolved away and I saw the blackest, deepest sky with stars as bright as I had ever seen.

The next thing I knew I was launched into space at a blinding speed. I remember that the stars shot past me like they do in Star Trek and became just streaks of light. I remember that it seemed like I was going so fast that I had traveled to the center of the universe. I remember seeing a bright dot of white light and I moved quickly toward it. The light grew larger and brighter as I moved closer and closer. Remember, I was still traveling at this blinding speed and the rate at which the light grew in size was fairly slow. So imagine that I passed stars like they were road signs on an interstate and this light took A LONG TIME to get close too.

Finally the light was so close that it filled my vision and I could see nothing but light. Then my eyes seemed to adjust to the light and I was floating before a great map. The map I realized was my life. I saw myself depicted as a word (written in some strange language and yet I knew what it meant) inside a circle... to tell you the truth it looked like an ORG Chart (organizational chart) I saw the relationships of people and things to me depicted with lines and I saw God and how God was related to things. Then a moment later I sat up in bed and it was over.

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 clear and lucid

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   No, very real and tangible

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

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            elation, joy, wonder

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           Roaring or rushing sound, when I was in front of the map I think there was a sound but I can't remember it now.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION:  Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or amazing creatures?    No

Did you see a light?           Yes

Did you meet or see any other beings?           No

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state? No

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later? No

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

As I said the room looked the same but there was a subtle difference, like the eyes I was seeing it through captured the light in a different way.

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   Yes

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

I knew how I was related and connected to all things but could not capture that knowledge or remember it.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?             Yes

I reached the center of something though I am not sure this was a boundary or limiting structure... maybe I was like a moth attracted to the light!

Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?       No

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?         Yes

It became fairly easy for me to induce OBE's and other altered states.

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

I remember feeling certain that there is an afterlife.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       I am not sure

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         Uncertain

I am sure it has in some way but I couldn't say exactly.

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes

The reactions were positive. I think it opened the door for others to share their experiences with me.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  elation, wonder, joy

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      That I had it, that I forgot the message I received.

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?        I have had many such experiences which I would be happy to share but not by filling out questionnaire after questionnaire. For the sake of research I would provide the information if someone wanted to interview me.

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         Yes

I have induced altered states and OBE's since. I have also had experience with psychotropic drugs.

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