Alright, I've been doing a LOT of thinking lately, and come to a problem. I recall hearing this quote more than a few times...
Some people are so open minded their brains fall out![/b]
This is very true, but has got me thinking. How far is too far with being open minded?

To clarify: I've been investigating some really weird stuff lately, things that I a while ago would have found (and in some cases, still do find) impossible. However, having encountered some weird things that seem to be true, I can't help wondering what else may be out there. One example is the phoenomenon of "Party Levitation", which I brought up in another thread. It appears to be quite possible, and while it can be explained to some extent it's still pretty supernatural.

I have become worried in my exploration about losing my objectivity by going too far. There are some things that one could easily delude themselves into thinking are possible. What if, for example, you try to do something like Astral Projection. It's a pretty sketchy topic, but there are many who swear it's possible. What if in trying to do it, you allowed yourself to believe that it would work to the extent that your mind fabricates the experience? It would seem as real as anything, but it wouldn't be. Still, you'd come out of it believing that it is possible, and that you had done it.

In my specific case, I've been investigating stuff even more far-fetched than Astral Projection... I will not tell you what I've been doing, at least until I've some to some conclusions about it. The only thing is, even though I know it is physically impossible, (and I don't use that word lightly,) I have encountered some people who swear it is true, and that they can do it. On top of that, one person has offered to personally teach me to do it as well. No charge, no strings attached, no purchase necessary. So far, everything he has said seems straightforward and completely normal aside from the fact that it is impossible.

I have been puzzling over why someone would do and say these things if it's not real. They have no motivation I can see to go to these lengths. Then a thought hit me. What if they simply believe it is real? I've been thinking ever since then, partially out of fear that the same could happen to me. What if I completely lose sight of reality, and come to believe this when it's not true? I want to look into it with an open mind to discover if there is ANY truth to it, but how can I keep from accidentally deluding myself into believing it?

Even further, there's also the issue of mental problems as a result. One thing I want to know: Can things like Schizophrenia and such be induced for a period of time, or be accidentally caused permanently? If so, that would explain SOME of the things I've seen...

Anyways, if you read this far... Thanks. I'd appreciate another point of view on this. Please, post your comments... Even if they're limited to "You're an idiot for even considering the possibilities."

Thanks.