I'm curious whether you've read "The Silva (Mind Control) Method". It's similar to what you described.
Projection is few different things: the key is that you have to believe, even if it doesn't appear to work at first.
An art, called Tumo, is a way to generate large amounts of heat in the body, so that you do not get cold. There is a complicated way of teaching the full technique (which is known and proved in the annals of science). But try this: go somewhere cold and then project that you are inside a fireball. And you start feeling warmer.
Mantras are another interesting thing. Mantra repeating can force certain brain states that are usually only obtainable in sleep. It's also a way to investigate how sleep works, but from the inside out. Other interesting abilities may pop out. I know of one person, while meditating, could see infra-red. I found this out with a Wiimote IR pen for my whiteboard.
There is definitely something there... But we lack the scientific method and grammar to explain it.
One that I've found is a tome of stuff to try is Osho's "Book of Secrets". There's 112 techniques, with extensive commentary.
Another is an older book "Tibetan yoga and secret doctrines" by Wentz. It is a treatise on the steps to take of successive body control. It goes from as simple over the physical body all the way up to controlling dreams.
One thing that esoteric hinduism/buddhism warns is that controlling the body will get you hung up on these "powers". Remember, they are searching for the way to remove themselves from the cycle of rebirths. So, it would be wise to study a multitude of 'occult' systems to discern the truth, for there is _much_ crap. And for proof, one must do, not read.
Any pointers to the studies?
Tumo is well documented on the process which monks (names including repa indicate mastery) use to practice in the strong cold winds of Tibet. One thing that helps learning is that of necessity.
One of the first things to learn, in order to do tumo, is that of grounding, centering, and shielding. Then, after that, you learn how to go in a strong meditative trance In which you control parts of your subtle energy. Once you learn that, then you can direct the subtle energy in such a way that brings the psychic heat forth.
I also live near Bloomington,IN and also receive help from the Buddhist monestary here. I would recommend that you find a temple and request help along this endeavor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tummo#Scientific_investigation
If you're interested in how to perform the actual meditation, this is a great book: http://www.amazon.com/Bliss-Inner-Fire-Practice-Naropa/dp/08...