In a world often shrouded in mystery, where science and spirituality intersect, one name shines brightly as a guiding light: Sheila Pryce Brooks, a true luminary in the realm of sleep paralysis and spiritual experiences. Her expertise transcends the boundaries of the ordinary, delving deep into the extraordinary phenomena that bridge the gap between our conscious and subconscious minds. As we embark on a journey through the enigmatic world of sleep paralysis and the profound spiritual encounters that often accompany it, join Mystic Mag in exploring the fascinating insights and unique perspectives of this remarkable expert. Sheila Pryce Brooks invites us to peer into the veiled realms of the mind, where dreams and reality intertwine in ways that challenge our understanding of the human experience. Welcome to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the unknown becomes an opportunity for enlightenment.
Can you explain the connection between sleep paralysis and spiritual experiences? How do these two seemingly distinct phenomena intersect in people’s perceptions?
Let’s start from the beginning. Sleep paralysis is an experience that many people may encounter, with estimates suggesting that about one in 20 individuals has an episode, though the actual number may be even higher, possibly around 50% or even 60% of the population.
Here’s how it typically unfolds: You go to bed as you normally would, but at some point during your sleep, you suddenly wake up. However, despite opening your eyes and looking around, you’re still asleep. The sensation can be quite strange, and you might feel that something is amiss, leading to an unsettling sense of fear and panic. This fear seems to pervade the space around you.
As you lie there, some people might witness a shadow moving, or they might see something in the room’s corner. A common sighting is that of a man wearing a hat, often referred to as the “shadow or hat man.” Occasionally, you might hear sounds, like muffled voices, static, or even the ongoing sounds of a TV in the house. These occurrences intensify the fear and unease. At some point during this experience, you may try to move, only to realize that you’re immobilized, unable to move any part of your body. This inability to move is a defining feature of sleep paralysis.
For some individuals, this experience might involve encountering entities, such as an incubus or a succubus, which can generate a sensation of impending doom. The fear arises from the belief that you might die, and nobody would understand why, as you are, after all, asleep. Others might experience various types of entities, with the shadow man being a common presence. Importantly, this phenomenon can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age, and it occurs worldwide, known by different names in various cultures.
In different parts of the world, sleep paralysis is known as the “old hag” because it’s often described as an entity that can ride upon you. For instance, in some communities, the succubus or incubus that may land on you is referred to as “witch riding,” while in Japan, it’s called “kanashibari” These diverse names all describe the same phenomenon, which is a global occurrence. It’s also worth noting that individuals with narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by sudden bouts of sleep, are particularly prone to experiencing sleep paralysis.
There are three predominant viewpoints regarding sleep paralysis. One suggests that it’s a spiritual attack, potentially linked to demons, being bewitched or cursed. The other perspective posits that it’s a neurological disorder, possibly stemming from irregular sleep patterns and cycles, leading to hallucinations and the final one links it to extraterrestrial engagement and abduction. Those who seek medical help might be diagnosed with a mental disorder, like schizophrenia, and prescribed medications, typically antidepressants, to prevent sleep paralysis episodes.
These are the main perspectives on the cause of sleep paralysis. Personally, it’s challenging for me to believe that everyone is experiencing the same hallucination. In my discussions with many people, the shared experiences are undeniable. Typically, among ten individuals, three would have encountered the shadow man, and three would have experienced the static. Such commonalities can’t easily be dismissed as mere hallucinations.
I should mention that I am currently pursuing a PhD and am in my final year of research in this field. Not only am I a researcher, but I’m also an experiencer of sleep paralysis, which is why I mentioned having a difficult night.
These two perspectives—spiritual and neurological—shape our understanding of sleep paralysis. Now, let’s delve into the spiritual aspect. Dr. David Hufford, a prominent figure in this field, has extensively written about sleep paralysis as a spiritual experience. Another individual, Rudolph Steiner, also supports this perspective, suggesting that these experiences involve encounters with gatekeepers to another realm. Successfully navigating these gatekeepers can lead to access to a realm of spirituality, psychic abilities, and gifts. This idea aligns with the experiences shared by individuals I’ve spoken to, including myself, who often find themselves in touch with psychic phenomena, have vivid dreams, and encounter entities in their sleep. It’s as if we bridge the gap between the physical and non-physical dimensions during these interactions.
This spiritual sleep paralysis experience has similarities to near-death experiences, where individuals who have transcended can communicate with us and send messages. It also connects to the idea of interdimensional phenomena, as some believe that various dimensions exist around us. During sleep, our non-physical bodies seem to interact with these dimensions. This notion also ties in with astral projection and lucid dreaming, allowing our non-physical forms to explore these realms and experience a wide range of phenomena.
In essence, this is how the spiritual aspect intertwines with the intricate tapestry of sleep paralysis.
Sleep paralysis is often described as a terrifying experience. Could you delve into the psychological and physiological factors that contribute to these intense feelings during an episode?
People are actively seeking to induce sleep paralysis due to its positive aspects. Beyond the obvious benefits, it’s as if entering this state offers a unique understanding of the world and one’s place in it, extending beyond the limits of the physical body. Once you’ve experienced this state, your awareness expands, and you’re not confined to thinking solely within the realm of the physical.
As a result, people are intentionally trying to experience sleep paralysis. They aim to astral project, gain insights into the future, communicate with the deceased, or even reunite with friends. I recall speaking with an individual who hoped to discern the winning lottery numbers through this practice. To access these aspects, there’s a desire to quickly transition into the state of sleep paralysis, viewing it as a necessary gateway to that realm. Despite the initially unsettling nature of the sleep paralysis experience, many individuals, including myself, wouldn’t want to be without it. There’s an almost euphoric quality to the encounter, provided you can overcome the initial fear.
In this context, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of not succumbing to fear. It’s crucial to try to release that fear, as fear tends to attract more fear, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that can intensify feelings of fear and shape your experience.
The dynamics of the “law of attraction” come into play here. If you go to sleep with a fear-based mindset, it becomes easier for fear to take hold. That’s why it’s incredibly important to recognize that while none of us can be entirely free from stress, states characterized by high stress, excessive anxiety, feelings of depression, and residing in a low emotional state can all contribute to a negative spiral, essentially keeping you trapped in that negativity. I personally experienced this cycle for nearly three decades, convinced that these entities were out to harm me. I felt utterly helpless and unable to fight them. I reached a point of overwhelming exhaustion, but it was in that exhaustion that I found strength. I realized that if they were indeed intent on harming me, then so be it – I couldn’t continue fighting. Paradoxically, this seemingly resigned attitude ignited a powerful resolve within me. I embraced the idea that if they were going to end it, they should proceed because I was just done.
Entering the sleep state with this mindset created an unexpected shift. My relationship with my sleep state completely transformed. It’s as if there was a newfound caution from their end. While there are moments when I still falter, incidents tend to occur during those low points. However, I can quickly regain my composure and become stronger. This transformation has been remarkable. Therefore, for those reading this, it’s essential to recognize the need to cultivate inner resilience – a strength built on self-love, reclaiming your inner power, and asserting yourself. Many individuals likely endure these episodes in secret, plagued by fear and hesitant to confide in anyone. They’re terrified of potential occurrences during sleep, which sometimes leads them to avoid sleep altogether. This avoidance sets off a vicious cycle where you try to evade sleep, only for sleep paralysis to inevitably occur.
Lucid dreaming and out-of-body experiences are often reported alongside sleep paralysis. How might a person’s spiritual beliefs influence their interpretation of these additional phenomena?
We all have the potential for astral projection because we are essentially spiritual beings. Astral projection is a natural ability within our grasp, and in truth, we all experience it to some extent. The variation lies in the level of awareness surrounding these experiences. Some of us possess heightened awareness of our astral journeys upon waking up, while for others, these experiences occur during sleep without conscious recognition. This is because when we sleep, we naturally enter this state.
In my belief, every one of us has the capacity for astral projection, but there are those who resist it. This resistance hinders their awareness of these experiences because they have consciously rejected the idea, considering such phenomena as nonexistent or irrelevant. However, there’s another layer to this. Each person’s spiritual makeup is unique, and following the concept of reincarnation, some souls have traversed this realm many times. These individuals seem more inclined to tap into and connect with the astral realm due to their spiritual aptitude, enabling them to establish this link. Consequently, they have more vivid recollections of these experiences.
Conversely, not everyone can recall these experiences upon awakening. This variation is a blend of spiritual makeup and the degree to which these experiences are allowed. It’s important to remember that the physical body acts as a vessel. Due to varying levels of spiritual makeup, some individuals can establish connections more readily.
Now, let’s introduce another element: the connection between sleep paralysis experiences and the phenomenon of extraterrestrial abduction. Interestingly, these two phenomena share similarities in experiences. People often report encountering Grays and various types of entities during both sleep paralysis and alleged alien abductions. Ongoing research suggests a close link between sleep paralysis and extraterrestrial encounters and abductions. Moreover, those who undergo sleep paralysis commonly describe sightings of UFOs and similar occurrences. This connection is quite apparent, indicating an overarching narrative that intertwines these experiences.
What is your personal belief?
I firmly believe, actually, I’m quite certain, that there are a multitude of diverse extraterrestrial entities out there. They don’t all look like us; they don’t adhere to a uniform physical form. Some of them exist purely as thoughts, while others thrive on energy. Their diversity is intertwined with the existence of various dimensions that coexist alongside our own. To me, it’s clear that traveling through different dimensions and interacting with various forms of life is entirely possible. As spirits, we might even be considered extraterrestrial entities ourselves. When we exist as pure energy, we’re free to journey wherever we desire.
I’ve had conversations with individuals that have provided fascinating insights into their extraordinary experiences. Some have shared stories of visiting distant galaxies, including the Pleiades, and other mysterious destinations. One gentleman recounted an encounter in which he found himself outside of his physical body, often accompanied by guides. He described how, during sleep, he reached out and grasped a hand that suddenly extended towards him. In an instant, he was propelled upward, like a swift whooshing sensation. His heart raced as he looked down and found himself surrounded by stars, enveloped in a celestial expanse. Overwhelmed by panic, he silently pleaded, “Take me back,” not through spoken words, but through unspoken telepathic communication. Soon after, he awoke, descending back into his physical form. The impact of this experience left him in awe, questioning its reality. It was a truly awe-inspiring encounter that involved elements of telepathic communication and encounters with extraterrestrial life distinct from our own.
At the heart of my research is the exploration of the vastness of the sleep paralysis phenomenon. A quick Google search on sleep paralysis often brings up descriptions of hallucinations, demons, and devils. However, based on the data I’ve collected, I can confidently say that sleep paralysis goes far beyond this conventional understanding. It holds a multitude of intricacies, revealing layers of complexity that often go unnoticed.
What type of services do you offer?
I have a membership site called Sleep Paralysis Explored that aims to provide comprehensive information about sleep paralysis. This membership site features academic papers, books, guest speakers, Q&A sessions, and a variety of engaging content. You can access the membership site at https://www.sheilaprycebrooks.com.
I run a podcast called “Sleep Paralysis News,” which you can easily access here:- https://sleep-paralysis-news.captivate.fm/listen. The main purpose of the podcast is to encourage people to openly share their sleep paralysis experiences. I’m wholeheartedly open to individuals sharing their stories, and they have several options for doing so. They can choose to write down their experiences, and I’ll be more than happy to read them on the podcast. Alternatively, we can record their narratives through audio or video.
Additionally, I curate a newsletter that serves as an extension of the podcast. In this newsletter, I share posts and articles that delve into various topics related to sleep paralysis and broader spiritual experiences. This platform has led to the formation of a growing community, which caters not only to those interested in sleep paralysis but also to those intrigued by broader spiritual experiences. If you’re interested in joining this community, you can find join here: https://sheilaprycebrooks.substack.com.
In essence, these are the three main avenues through which individuals can engage with us and find support. If anyone wishes to participate or seek assistance, these platforms offer diverse opportunities to connect and explore their experiences.
