From your description, it sounds like a partial projection, rather than a complete separation of the "astral" body.

You can achieve the same effect when you are extremely tired and then you lie down quickly and just intend to "step outside of yourself" for a while to allow your body to quickly recharge...that attitude causes a slight dis-alignment of the consciousness from the physical body which allows for a quick influx of energy.

During this time, you can sometimes catch yourself hovering slightly above, or to one side, of your physical body.

One simple technique to help you project further: As you lie down and relax with your intent to project, gently clasp your hands together and rest them over your stomach region (Solar Plexus area). You should find that this "short-circuits" the energy flow through the body creating a positive-feedback loop which adds strength to the aura and aids considerably in projection.

To make your projections generally easier, aim to strengthen your body's aura using whatever techniques you prefer.

@ Milan, I like your question, but unfortunately I know very little about Astral Projection. But in the same token, if you are now practicing it, do you not have the book, and the instructions from the exercises to walk you through the steps, and to tell you what to expect from one stage to the next?

I am looking forwards to reading some of the other answers.

go to sleep and stay lucid! dreaming is the spirit that travels most often people have the veil of the mind so they dream and think dream are only in the mind! if you are aware in the dream you can switch from one place to the other! they talk about it in book!look in your book they most talk about it!