AußerKörperlichen

Außerkörperlich refers to the experience of feeling as though one's consciousness has separated from their physical body. This phenomenon is often described as floating above one's own body, observing it from a detached perspective. While commonly associated with near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences (OBEs) can also occur spontaneously, during sleep paralysis, or through various meditative practices and the use of certain substances.

The sensation of an OBE can vary greatly among individuals. Some report a clear and vivid perception of their surroundings, while others describe a more dreamlike or disoriented state. The ability to interact with the physical world during an OBE is a recurring theme, though objective verification of such interactions is generally lacking. Scientific explanations for OBEs are diverse and often focus on neurological or psychological factors. Theories suggest that OBEs might be related to disruptions in the brain's ability to integrate sensory information, particularly from the body's own sense of position and movement (proprioception).

Psychological perspectives often attribute OBEs to dissociative states, where the mind detaches from the body as a coping mechanism or as a result of altered states of consciousness. While some individuals find OBEs to be profound and spiritually significant, the scientific community generally approaches the phenomenon with a focus on empirical investigation and naturalistic explanations. The subjective nature of OBEs makes them challenging to study, and research continues to explore the neurological and psychological underpinnings of these unusual experiences.