Some people claim that this is the type of experience one can have while dreaming. A dreaming self interacts with the dream environment and other dreamers as if they actually were located in that place, while their physical self stays at what would be indicated to be a different location relative to it, such as on a bed. They may go through some motions suggestive of running or walking without actually moving.
It may be hard to tell what is real and what is an out-of-body experience (OBE). When someone has an out-of-body experience, they think they are dreaming when their mind has sensation of being separate from their body.
Most people who have an OBE are somewhat aware that an alter ego has taken over their body, but often don’t know who it is and what they look like.
The experience can be frightening to disturbing. Some people recall being challenged during the experience by different beings or sometimes even seeing spirits.
Someone who tries astral projection or OBE might see the Earth from space or even become a hummingbird and fly around familiar areas. A person can perceive themselves and the world in a much different way outside of their body. Leaving the body by entering a state of consciousness or dreaming allows one’s mind to feel detached from one’s physical body – but it doesn’t always mean they’re travelling.