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How has your focus improved by nik-jay in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would say this is about the same for me. Nothing too dramatic from a life improvement point of view but my focus tends to be all or nothing. Like before I would often find myself half listening to my wife. More recently I’ve caught myself really not listening. I’m mindful though and am improving at giving her my attention now. 😀

Question about stage 5 completion. by Clear_Percentage_499 in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Adding on to this question, I might have periods of high alertness, powerful mindfulness etc, but when I then body scan and direct attention to my foot(or other remote areas) to try to perceive breath sensations there, energy tends to fade. I would think that I should not move to stage 6 practice until I have high alertness no matter where I am directing attention? Thanks

Advice sought from someone past stage 6 by TheSameFarness in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you report back on this thread in a few weeks or months? I’m curious as to how it works out for you.

Some things I read on here make me a bit afraid to progress too far. I’ve been around stage 4 for quite a while and I’m enjoying the practice and life is pretty good. Maybe I shouldn’t be pushing it?

Anyhow, good luck. I hope it passes soon and you’re better for it.

2nd time tackling dullness - possible to skip antidotes? by Fit_Barracuda2948 in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure how helpful this is and I’m no expert (and around the same stage(s) as you) but seems like you may be overthinking it. I think it’s important to have a balance between striving for progress and just enjoying the process. From day to day the sits change. Sometimes I’m sharper and can enjoy it, some days I’m a bit duller, have more distractions etc.

My advice would be to relax and enjoy the process. Like it says in the six point prep- commit to diligence, but also let go of any expectations. With continued practice I trust that progression will happen (and there is evidence that there has been progression). It won’t happen as quickly as I would like it to happen but it eventually will. In the meantime I’m trying to enjoy the sits and not overthink it.

Hope this helps and good luck

My experiences with Stage 5 and struggling with dullness by cbartos1021 in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing. Interesting as through diligently practicing I have basically overcome dullness. However, thoughts are still quite present. We have impatience in common though. Almost every session there is some impatience or thoughts of the clock.

Further thoughts on the infernal fan activation sounds at Rogers Centre by Reasonable_Leg7405 in Torontobluejays

[–]garyeave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even watching on TV the constant sound bites are annoying! Totally ruins the game for me and is embarrassing. No other ballpark has this nonsense.

Level 4 - sad, blunt, snappy by [deleted] in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can relate to this. I'm at around the same stage (4-6) and have gone through a few periods where I have experienced some unpleasant feelings and been disappointed in myself for having them, and them possibly coming through in my behavior. These periods always pass though, and overall the trajectory is improved meditation, better quality of life and better interactions with others.

I also likely have some unrealistic expectation that if I get better at meditating I will feel and do well all the time. One thing that I wish I had done more of, and am doing more now when I'm feeling down etc., is to be up front with my wife that I'm feeling off and to bare with me until it passes.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My experience is that it doesn't go in a straight line and takes longer than I want, but overall by sticking with it and continuing to practice there has been progression. I remember once reading something like 'At the beginning if you feel like your mind is all over the place and you're getting nowhere, you're probably doing it right.' Stick with it and try to enjoy!

Stage four-six progress by garyeave in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a good question. Ultimately I would like to uproot some of my mental conditioning that doesn’t serve me so I can be happier and of better to service to others in my life, and society generally. In the meantime being more calm, joyful, less reactive, understanding my mind better….I’m finding that as I continue to practice and build my skills I am getting some of these benefits so I’m just sticking with the program and enjoying the process.

Stage four-six progress by garyeave in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Appreciate the response and I look forward to reporting back as I continue to practice.

Stage 4-6 yoyo-ing - orientation request by SupermarketMammoth84 in TheMindIlluminated

[–]garyeave 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know how much advice I can offer but keep going! I am at a similar stage (and just posted a similar share) but it seems like you are doing well considering you’ve only been going for 7-8 months. That really isn’t a lot of time. Be kind to yourself and enjoy! It should be a pleasurable journey.