Astral Porjection Options

is it normal for my body to bother me (especially my legs) when astral projecting?
they feel like stiff

I'd guess it'd depend on the level of discomfort. Generally speaking discomfort indicates that your energy is not flowing the way it should or that you ommited or improperly did some part of the projection excersice. I'd suggest you check your breathing. Breathing deeply for too long, especially if you breathe fast, can increase the level of oxygen in your blood and that can result in tingling sensations and stiffness in the extremities.

I have a similar feeling while astral projecting or just trying to sleep, like an aching in the legs, especially the right. Its only appeared in the last year or so, not sure what it is.

Like an hour or two before you sleep or practice AP try eating an apple or something with anti-oxidants. When people are at rest, aspecially after vigorous excersice, acids tend to settle and cause discomfort. But anti-oxidants work to break down these chemicals.

how bout staying on the ground? I have a hard time staying on the ground. Is it a common problem? (While we're posting questions, hey what the heck?)

is it normal for my body to bother me (especially my legs) when astral projecting?
they feel like stiff

If you have taken the right steps to sucessfully projecting you should not be aware of your body as that is left behind and you have seperated. The worst part of AP is returning to your body, and that is when your legs might appear to be stiff.

My advice is to begin again with the AP countdown, forget your body entirely, and concentrate on being ether.

how bout staying on the ground? I have a hard time staying on the ground. Is it a common problem? (While we're posting questions, hey what the heck?)

I think it might have to do with the psychology of the situation. At least when I think of astral projection I think of "flying" out of my body. I'd bet many other people hold similar beliefs. Thus I'd also bet most people tend to believe they are flying while projecting. In fact I can't recall a time when I was actually grounded while projecting. I guess the method I usually use might be the cause as well as I visualize myself lifting from my body. Other techniques might have you stand up from yoruself rather than fly out of yourself.