Hypnagogic State, focus 10 and shifting
First, let’s define what “hypnagogic” really means. Hypnagogia is the natural state between wakefulness and sleep, where your body is drifting off but your mind can still stay aware. Scientifically, this state is marked by changes in brainwaves (from alpha into theta) and often comes with spontaneous imagery, random thoughts, flashes of sound, or even little body jerks (called hypnic jerks). Most people experience it every night, but if you learn to stay aware here, it’s an incredibly powerful doorway for shifting, manifestation or the void.
I talked a bit more about hypnagogia in this post.
Now, Monroe’s Hemi-Sync tapes (Focus 10, Focus 12, etc.) were designed to guide you progressively into these altered states mainly for astral projection or supernatural reason but it's also useful for shifting in my opinion. The idea is simple : don’t rush listen to each tape. Each Focus state builds on the previous one, and you need to master Focus 10 before going further.
This document contain all the tapes.
What is focus 10?
Monroe called it “Mind Awake, Body Asleep.” . It’s the starting point where your body is deeply relaxed, unresponsive, but your awareness is crystal clear, you're still conscious. If you’ve practiced Yoga Nidra before, it feels similar. The goal is to let the body fall asleep while you anchor your awareness inside. From here, you can either shift directly, or move into others stuff like astral projection and then shift from there. You can also use it to enter the void or manifest.
The state of being “mind awake, body asleep” has been referred to by many as “the Monroe Method” when discussing having an out of body exper
My personal practice and conditions
When I use the tapes, I never do it while I’m too tired, because then I just fall asleep. Instead, I set myself up in late afternoon or early evening, when there’s still light. Sometimes during a break at work/school, sometimes when I just got home. I use a sleep mask that lets a little light through, lie on my back in a semi-comfortable position. For others, mornings or nights may work better, but the main point is: don’t be exhausted. Because you're gonna fall asleep immediately
On the flip side, if you struggle with falling asleep at all, then do some light exercise during the day, or relaxation before practice. Chronic insomnia needs medical attention, of course, but for most people, moving your body and calming your nervous system helps a lot.
You can listen to some video like this one before if you have a lot of trouble entering focus 10.
How to actually use Focus 10 for shifting
Use the audio to progressively detach from your physical body. Let go of “this” reality and start placing your awareness inward.
Observe hypnagogic images but don’t chase them. Instead, redirect gently toward your DR or desire.
Anchor identity-based affirmations: “I am already the person who shifted.” Identity statements stick deeper because your brain protects coherence of self more than random desires.
If you notice surges of fear, jerks, or micro-awakenings, don’t quit. These are natural signs your body is letting go.
And of course you can try to do any method you want from there.
Hypnagogic naps.
Another method is hypnagogic naps. Basically, set an alarm for 20-30 minutes in the afternoon. As you drift into hypnagogia, set your intention clearly on shifting, then allow yourself to ride that edge. You can slip directly into your DR.
Dali was a famous example of someone who used the micro-nap -- or hypnagogic nap -- to his benefit. Learn how you can to, and what it can ad
If you fall asleep too fast
Try sitting up or using a less comfortable position.
Add breathwork to keep awareness active.
Repeat a simple focus word (a mantra) to hold your thread of awareness.
You can also Count
Progressing with Monroe tapes
Monroe built them progressively: Focus 10 → Focus 12 (expanded awareness) → deeper states. Don’t rush to get to the end. For shifting, Focus 10 is already enough if you know how to use it. Think of it like training your brain: the more familiar it becomes, the easier you can drop into the state quickly (neuroplasticity at work).
About focus 10
Neurocognitive tips to boost results
Your brain consolidates new states through repetition + emotion. So bring strong emotion into your session.
Associating senses (sound, touch, smell) makes the imagery encoded as if it were a real memory when you visualize your DR in focus 10+
Treat the state as a transition not a final goal. If you cling too hard, you’ll bounce back. If you flow, you’ll slip further.
Common mistakes
Stressing or overthinking (“Am I doing it right?”) → kills relaxation.
Quitting when hypnic jerks or random images show up → these are actually progress markers.
Being too rigid: remember, Focus 10 is a tool, not a cage.
Communities / resources
If you want more info, you can check r/astralprojection or r/gatewaytape. Monroe’s original books Journeys Out of the Body and his others books also explain the Focus states in detail.
Final advice: see Focus 10 not as “doing a method,” but as a doorway to shift or use your own method. The tapes are scaffolding. The real shift happens when your awareness unhooks from CR and identifies with DR.
