i think i've had a similar feeling once, during a substance assisted meditation. i definitely felt scared, feeling like "the devil" was present. i turned my attention to awareness of my breath and to the area just to the right of chest center - the "spiritual heart" (hridaya). i shortly was able to come back to a peaceful centre & the "presence" of whatever it was left.
Thank you for this advice. Although some have suggested this might have been sleep paralysis ( I'm still not sure), I will try to use your tip in other situations. Like last night, when I heard something beneath my bed. It's times like that when I also feel a distinct presence and get goosebumps all over my body.
This might help
Begin your meditation with this technique to help still the mind. https://peakd.com/hive-121589/@atma.love/catching-the-uncaught-thought
It best to practice this (preferably 15 mins or more twice daily for at least 30 days) so the it becomes printed in the subconscious mind. Then, when uncomfortable feelings & fearful thoughts come, you will be more likely to remember then practice during the heat of the moment.
Ah, I see. Once it is engrained in my head I'll easily be able to reach this state at will! I struggle with consistency but these are some concrete numbers you're giving me, which I might actually be able to turn into reachable goals.
If you really want to ramp it up, and likely see some life-changing results, then i strongly suggest you do the ten week Presence Process Procedure (which includes a 2 x 15 minute daily #meditation, precisely instructed).
You can find it here, for free:
https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-presence-process-a-journey-into-present-moment-awareness-e185722867.html