Newby thoughts & stuff

Hi,
I've been using a Helix for a few weeks now and I'm very slowly getting there I feel. However, one night I felt too lazy to try with the Helix so I just lay there and sort of meditated. I don't know if anyone is familiar with the book 'New Energy Ways' by Robert Bruce but I tried a technique out of that book and I feel that I came closer to 'something' than I had with the Helix. The technique is to focus on a part of your body (usually energy centres, chakras etc) and to mentally 'stir' the area. I havent read it for ages but I think its supposed to help lead to Astral Travel and out of body experiences, that type of thing. Is this a technique anyone has played with? I felt I was on the edge of something but like I said, closer than with the Helix. Also is the matter of crossing that edge.
Cheers,
J