I wasn't floating over my body looking down at it then - I kind of went vertical, starting with my head - probably what it would look like if you saw someone fall down in reverse. I had a moment of realization that I wouldn't normally be able to get up that way. I didn't see my body, or even look for it.  Although it was morning when I feel asleep, it seemed dark wherever I was, but not frightening in the least. I don't know if that's just my memory, or if that's how it actually was. I'm not sure if I was still in my room, though when I was struggling to break free, I was aware that I was in my bed. This sounds kind of ridiculous, but I actually had fun with the flying for a few minutes in whatever space I was in. It seemed about the size of my room, but I didn't see any of the objects in it. Anyway, I was flipping around really enjoying myself. At one point I put my hands in front of my - like Superman - and then laughed at myself.

I remembered a story that a friend told me a few years back when I confided in him after my 1st experience when it scared me so much. He told me that his cousin was mentally disabled, and said to him mom at Thanksgiving, "When are we going to China again?" My friends aunt burst into tears because she had been having dreams for years about her and her son holding hands floating over China or Japan.

Anyway, I thought about that - but instantaneously, if that makes sense, not the way I would recall something if I was awake - and I thought about where I wanted to go. I happen to live about 4 blocks from the ocean. The moment I thought, "OK, I'll go to the beach", I was suddenly soaring above it, where it looked like the sun was rising, and it was absolutely beautiful. I didn't see the sun though, just a light over the ocean. Like that moment at dawn just before you see the sun start to peak out. Just as quickly, though, I was back in the room where I started, thinking "What's the point?" - but not in a depressing, hopeless way, but more of a...this is where I have trouble explaining myself. It just seemed like I didn't have to.

I clicked above that I felt knowledge during the experience, and that was it. It was knowledge of not having to do anything. Peaceful. Going out and "exploring" kind of felt like walking with crutches when your legs are perfectly fine (sorry for the terrible metaphor!) - senseless. But I have to stress, NOT in a depressing way. Though I had been having fun floating and flying minutes (seconds?) before, I suddenly was just very peaceful with the knowledge that I didn't have to DO anything. That's pretty  much the last thing I can recall. With the other experiences when I was frightened, I can recall trying to wake myself up, or go back in my body. Not this time.

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

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? Uncertain      I can explain what happened fairly easily, but my feelings during that time and how I physically felt are difficult to express. This is not the first time this has happened, but it was the first time I wasn't terrified and I let it happen.

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 asleep, but quite alert and aware.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   Not really. If this makes sense - not as clear as telling a story about me going to the store yesterday, but about as clear as it would be if I was a bit drunk and went to the store yesterday, and then had to recall it.  It felt perfectly real.

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     Yes     I was aware of my form being exactly the same, but I didn't see it.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            while struggling in the beginning, brief desperation, then pure joy, excitement, and then peace and calm.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           No. I can't recall hearing anything, but I also don't recall missing the sensation, or even being aware that I didn't have it.

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?            Uncertain      The room I was in felt familiar, and then when I was at the ocean it felt familiar...but it was empty, deserted, which NEVER happens in South Beach.

Did you see a light?           Yes     Over the ocean. Looked like sunlight, but I didn't see any sun.

Did you meet or see any other beings?           No      

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state? Yes    

I briefly thought I should try to travel, and then was briefly at the ocean. Then it seemed needless.

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            Everything looked sharper, but that, and my lack of hearing, isn't something I noticed until I woke up.

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   Uncertain      Seemed timeless...but again, not until I woke up and thought about it.

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    Yes     Its not the right way to explain it, but I realized that nothing really mattered in the long run. It was very peaceful.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?             No      

Did you become aware of future events?       No      

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?   No      

Did you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?   Yes     I have faith in an afterlife - that there is something more then this life.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       This just happened.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         Uncertain      This just happened. We'll see.

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes     I told my boyfriend. He seems interested, and believes that I believe something happened. I understand without experiencing it himself its difficult to have blind faith.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  I cried when I woke up. I was overwhelmed, and felt peaceful and sure about what had happened.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      The experience was not bad at all. That moment of clarity I had about not having to do anything is amazing to look back at, but at the time it didn't seem amazing - its just how it was. I just understood it. The buzzing over my skin and in my muscles felt amazing a freeing.

Is there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?        I just want to know if its similar to other experiences - I guess not that it matters. I know it was real.

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?         No       This has happened a few times, and it has never been when I was under the influence of anything.

Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?               Uncertain      It describes the events, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to explain it fully.