The direct method is a method of entering the Phase without prior sleep by performing some actions in a relaxed position with eyes closed.
The advantage of this method is that it can be done at any time and at will. The big disadvantage is that it takes a long time to master and, while anyone can learn it, how quickly it is learned depends greatly on the psychological characteristics of the individual.
It makes sense to start learning the direct method ONLY after mastering easier methods: indirect techniques or lucid dreaming. Having actual Phase experiences prior to starting the direct method will help to overcome the obstacles of the long learning curve and will facilitate mastering the method itself in general.
The best way to practice the direct method is to utilize the deferred approach. Sleep can be interrupted practically any time during the night or early morning, so when you go to bed, wake up after 1.5-7 hours naturally or by an alarm clock, stay awake for 3-10 minutes and then lie down and start implementing the techniques. The second option would be to try entering the Phase in the evening when falling asleep. The last option is any time during the day.
At first, a practitioner should not make more than one attempt to enter the Phase using the direct method per day and not more than three times per week (as with the Phase practice in general).
For the direct method, the position of the body plays an important role. One should be comfortable but not too comfortable so that one falls asleep easily. The more sleepy the practitioner is, the less comfortable and natural their position should be and vice versa. If the practitioner experiences fewer gaps in consciousness when the techniques are performed and has a harder time falling asleep, then the more comfortable position should be used.
If you are performing direct techniques before going to sleep at night or in the middle of the night, you should not practice them for more than 10-20 minutes. The duration of attempts can be longer during the day.
If you have mastered and regularly practice any relaxation techniques, you may use them before the attempt; otherwise you may choose to just lie down and think about something pleasant for a couple of minutes. Remember that the Phase-entering techniques themselves are relaxation techniques, so no special relaxation before them is really needed.
The same techniques used for the indirect method apply for the direct method. Since the direct method actions for entering the Phase are a lot more passive, choose 2-4 passive techniques. Note that the techniques will work much more slowly than in the case of the indirect method.
There are three options in using techniques for direct entering:
- Classic – 1 technique per attempt (most passive approach).
- Sequencing – 2-3 techniques; 1-5 minutes each, per attempt.
- Cycling – same algorithm as for indirect method; 10-60 seconds per technique (most active approach).
Since prolonged work with the same technique is implied here, the experience should be kept pleasurable and should not cause excessive emotional tension.
Another key concept of the direct method is Free-Floating State of Mind. A Free-floating state of mind is short lapses in consciousness, memory gaps, and drifting in and out of sleep. Any of these may lead to the Phase or pre-Phase state of mind which can then be effectively used to enter the Phase.
Lapses in consciousness may last for seconds, minutes or even hours. They may range from a short loss of consciousness to falling into a full-fledged dream. The idea is to use those lapses to enter the Phase, provided that the practitioner can resist falling into a deep sleep and returns to a conscious, wakeful state.
Not every lapse of consciousness leads to the Phase; the lapse must be deep enough to work. But the next lapse will always be deeper than the previous one, increasing the chances of success! The main challenge when practicing free-floating state of mind is not to fall asleep and the intention not to do so is the key here.
Entering the Phase with free-floating state of mind most often occurs as a result of three key factors:
- One technique or another may begin to work well during a lapse.
- Proximity to the Phase may unexpectedly manifest itself through sounds or vibrations after a lapse and the corresponding techniques can be used.
- When exiting a lapse, sometimes it is easy to separate or quickly find a working technique.
Lapses will not always occur, but striving to achieve them is very important.
Based on The Phase. A Practical Guidebook. by Michael Raduga.
Read more about actual Direct Method experiences at OBE Stories