Topic:   Sleep Paralysis

Ask the Author: Question and Response
 

Can you tell me what it is when you are in bed and feel as though you are awake but something is holding the covers down so that you cannot get up and when you try to scream it as though you are paralyzed.

- Brenda, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

The good news is that nothing or no one is holding the covers down so that you can’t get up. The better news is that if you ever wanted to go into deep meditation or leave your body, experience an OBE (out of body experience), this state can be a perfect time to do so. This state is sometimes referred to as sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis occurs when the mind is awake, but the body still sleeps. Sleep paralysis offers you a great opportunity to have many productive adventures. In fact, I’ve had some of my greatest spiritual experiences during this state. But if you are not aware or have no knowledge of this state, then fear is usually the first response, so most often the opportunity is experienced negatively. I have read and heard that a large number of people have experienced this condition. People in this state believe themselves to be awake, but for some reason their entire bodies are paralyzed or asleep. Not only are they unable to move, but they cannot even scream for help. Some people say that they have tried to scream, but that nothing comes out. Most people in this state panic and have a very difficult and frightful experience. Again, the solution is very simple. You need not panic or have a frightful experience. All you need do is to stay composed, understand the situation and relax. After you have done this, simply think of your big toe (left or right, it does not matter), and try to slowly get some movement out of it. Put all your concentration on your big toe, and once you get some movement, start trying to move the other toes on the same foot. Little by little, you will recover all movement.

Once you are experienced with sleep paralysis, fear is released, and this state can now become your playground. Now if you experience this state, but are not in the mood to meditate or leave your body, you simply can relax and go back to sleep. The odds are that the next time you awaken or are in a dream state, you will not be paralyzed. If not, just think “big toe” and relax.
 

View larger images of front & back cover 
of the great spiritual / self development book You Have Chosen to Remember: A Journey from Perception to Knowledge, Peace of Mind and Joy by James Blanchard Cisneros.