Last night I was attempting a relaxation meditation technique I read online. I was laying flat on my back with my hands palms down against my thighs. After telling myself that certain parts of my body were relaxing and that my entire body was relaxed *I started with my feet and worked up*, my whole body began to feel very warm, like I was actually feeling my body's energy. It also felt as though there was some sort of force holding my body in the position I was in, I couldn't make myself move until I quit paying attention only to my breating and opened my eyes. Is this the way I should have felt, or is this not normal?

When I meditate, this happens to me too, I think it is normal.

Ok, I was just curious. I've also noticed that since I've started, it doesn't take nearly as long to reach my meditative state. It used to take around 5 minutes or so, last night it was well under 30 seconds.

I think the experience is slightly different for every person. For instance, I used to get warmth in my belly, my lower back and my head.

This seems a little odd: "some sort of force holding my body in the position I was in" I've read many books and they never mentioned an outside force holding you in position. Though I wouldn't suspect demons or anything, just make sure you feel safe and all that.

I didn't sense another presence in the room with me, so I seriously doubt it was demons or anything like that. I did feel perfectly safe, but it was a new sensation, something I never encountered before.

Sounds like a feeling that could be defined as "normal". Don't worry about it. As long as you feel safe, you'll be fine; but once you let fear creep in, then you'll have plenty to worry about.

This actually sounds like an out of body experience(OBE) which *can* result in deep meditation.You can fall asleep during meditation and you can OBE. I wouldn't worry or think it's something dangerous..just go with it and enjoy!!
Magestica