Shadowy Figures and Sleep Paralysis : My Experience

There are many terrifying things that has happened to me in my life, what I am about to discuss with you is probably somewhere at the top of the list. Sleep paralysis is awareness while waking or falling asleep, without the ability to move. Some see shadowy figures during this time which is what happened to me. Although, seeing figures in the dark wasn't something new to me, this time they had me in their grip, literally.

At the time of the incident, I was living in my mother's homeland, Philippines. I had my own room, which wasn't very big. I tell people it was smaller than a prison cell but it's just the truth, not going to complain when there were small children living on the streets and whatnot. I had a nice little window, a custom made loft bed, but moved my mattress to the floor to sleep and put it back when I woke up. Just a little sleeping mat just big enough to fit my body.

I don't really remember much from what lead to this experience but I know I wasn't in good spirits. That night I remember falling asleep as I usually did. I started to hear whispers coming from inside my room and slowly opened my eyes to movement. A tinge of fear fell over my body as if opening my eyes caught their attention. Whatever these shadowy figures were, they were up to no good. I felt my chest get compressed. I tried to moved but then felt as if I was being constrained by these beings. This is where I began to feel terrified. My legs felt pressure as well as my wrists. I could squirm but I couldn't turn my body or my head. I ended up closing my eyes and thought of the only thing I could do which is pray. I don't even remember what I prayed but there was a release and then I sprung up. I don't remember if my door had a lock but I couldn't open it for the life of me.

So there I was, jiggling the door handle as I tried letting out a scream. My mouth was open and I felt my vocal cords vibrating, yet there was no audible sound. Finally I was able to open the door and ran to my mom. Of course I freaked her out! I yelled at her as if this was all her fault. Poor madre. I remember asking her "Couldn't you hear me yelling?!" Which was stupid, because I couldn't even hear myself when I tried to scream. After that, I decided to sleep on the couch.

I didn't even know what had happened to me at the time. It took awhile before I brought it up during a drinking session with some friends. They are the ones who told me what it was and that it's actually quite common. Have you experienced anything like this? Let me know in the comments section below! I'd love to hear about it! Or better yet, make it into a post and tag me! so everyone can hear about it. I apologize in advance for any grammatical errors here, it's wine:30 and I've drunk up all the rum.

Bumblebee tuna.