Hi soulMerlin
i do recommend Rudolf Steiner; his book 'Occult Science' encompasses most of his lectures.
(given in the 1920's - he spoke at general meetings and his lectures were then transcribed)
lol .. the doctor gave you a tablet! here take an asprin and call me in the morning ...

i think it is because your spiritual body is/was at the level of being able to consciously leave your body; as it does when we are asleep. But to do it naturally during conscious state is an attainment. You most probably did leave your body for a minute or two when you felt the paralysed feeling.
Seeing your dad walk into the room is interesting. This might be because he has a strong presence (as a character) in his home and this presence manifested itself because either he was thinking of you or you were thinking of him ... a possible explanation?
Yes, young children how much do they keep from the adults i wonder and how much understanding and support are they really given in something that is so natural for them. Children are scared of the dark especially extra sensitive children.
They do see things that we as adults do not see and you could be right, the ectoplasm. i didn't know that a small amount may come out whilst asleep. it is said that ectoplasm is our 'dross' that comes from our salt in our body. the salt being the residue of inner emotional burning.
This must be confusing for a child trying to come to terms with the material realm of life. (not to mention a adult!) Steiner did do a lot of research into child development and education from a spiritual point of view. for children and adults.
'tis interesting to be sure
