Yes, it is common. Consider that your energy body corresponds to the environment you're exploring. The more you go out and explore the real time zone, the more you reinforce the realtime body. Pretty soon you start having more 'astral plane' experiences. Energy work obviously strengthens your energy body, and repeated exploration of where you are develops it to fulfill all of its functions- observation, navigation, communication and problem-solving. So instead of trying to force your way 'up' or 'out' (depending on how you see the process), get the most of where you are.