An OBE can vary from floating above or near one’s physical body to exploring the physical world or venturing beyond to the Earth’s astral plane. In the astral plane, OBErs may interact with deceased humans and other beings, with whom communication is conducted through thought transference. Some OBErs such as Robert Monroe have explored realms beyond the Earth system. I have a friend who has been a frequent participant at the Monroe Institute and has had amazing adventures.

William Buhlman, a leader in the field of OBEs, recognizes that “self-initiated out-of-body experience is the cutting edge of human exploration.” In his book, Adventures Beyond the Body (pages 131–136), Buhlman cites 24 benefits for OBE experiencers. Of these benefits, the first four are: a greater awareness of reality, personal verification of immortality, accelerated personal development, and a decreased fear of death. The decreased fear demonstrates the truth of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s (1803–1882) statement that, “Knowledge is the antidote for fear.” 

Note: A widely known, extreme type of OBE is the near-death-experience (NDE), which is covered in a separate section.

The books referenced in this section are filled with reports of OBErs exploring nonphysical realms, including the afterlife. I have personally found these accounts of the OBE explorations into the nature of reality and the afterlife to be fascinating.