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March 1, 2016 at 11:57 pm #477
Thanks Ted, I’ll give that a go 🙂
February 29, 2016 at 11:59 pm #472Hi Paul, many thanks for the reply.
Both points also formed part of my thinking about stage 4, but I wanted to make sure before moving on. The habit of trying to push through stages has been so strong in the past for me, I think it may be making me a little over-cautious as I try to break it. Although, I guess, unless it begins to hinder your practise, spending lots of time in each stage is only going to benefit in the long run.
Thanks again
September 6, 2014 at 2:57 am #309Many thanks Matthew, that’s really helpful.
Pat Arp, the ribbon is just one of the ways I conceptualise the flow of breath when it becomes extremely smooth. I don’t sit thinking about it, it’s just an image or thought that arises briefly at this point, and that comes to mind when I’m reviewing the sit after I’ve finished.
August 28, 2014 at 12:20 am #304Sorry, importantly I don’t get the glow anywhere near as often as the more general beautiful sensations. Which may mean it’s an reflective spike?
August 28, 2014 at 12:13 am #303Hi Matthew
Many thanks for reply. It was certainly helpful, although do you mind if I clarify the question further?
I’m not sure I’m becoming disconnected from the sensations of the breath as such (but this has given me something to investigate), rather, more concentrated in watching the continuous in and out so that they blur together. The more concentrated I get, the more smooth and swirly it gets (until it takes on a visual golden ribbon quality). However, I’m not concentrated on the sensations arising and passing away as I am when I do Mahasi style noting, where I keep the pin prick sensations on the lip more in focus (or whatever other sensations are taking part in the breath).
This ribbon effect is something that arises by itself, rather than me purposefully creating it, although I have formed deep psychological connotations with the waves/swirls/ribbon and sensations of bliss and beautiful (as well as being somewhat inherent it seems). The sensations themselves become beautiful, and I’d have to switch to breaking them up to stop this feeling.
Unfortunately, I can’t be 100% certain to the stage I’m at as I haven’t settled back into this style after switching back from Mahasi. My practise has been characterised by switching between these two (as well as very on/off), something I’m hoping to change by sticking to this style. I think I spend most of my time around stage 6, but with ups and downs.
So, do I want to break-up/keep the breath from getting too smooth and continuous? Or, from what I took from your last paragraph, let them happen sometimes, but keep developing attention as I have been doing and try to keep the bliss in the background?
I hope all that makes sense?
Again, thank you for your time.
Paul
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