Endless peace of mind?

[brozen]

Hi all,
I've been wondering something recently that I will probably learn over time, but can't help but see what some other people's experiences have been.

After I meditate, I have a feeling of connection with the moment, and I feel a contentment at an understanding that love can be seen within everything and is the ultimate way.

After a few hours of this feeling, I get distracted by thoughts in a mild way, but this increases until I reach a point where I feel like I've receded to being in tune with my ego. I definitely don't return to the pure old ego of my past, but to a point where I have thoughts and emotions which I'll continually have to make an effort to lull.

I guess this leaves me with the question; after (how long) of meditation, does your brain get 'rewired' into a constant meditative state where the act/method of meditation is no longer necessary? Some kind of ever present state of being? Is that possible?

Is it harder when you are living in a fast paced society, phones ringing, people calling for attention via facebook/email/msn etc. Or can all of this become part of the moment, without disturbing the peace?

I read that Eckhart Tolle said he was able to sit in parks for months in complete peace without any worries, and that over time this feeling became 'less intense' he didn't say it went away but it sounds like he was able to manage a feeling of peace for a very long time without any practices of meditation or the like.

Interested to know opinions, or even better; personal experiences with this matter.

Thanks all.

[Karmoh]

I've been wondering something recently that I will probably learn over time, but can't help but see what some other people's experiences have been.

After I meditate, I have a feeling of connection with the moment, and I feel a contentment at an understanding that love can be seen within everything and is the ultimate way.

After a few hours of this feeling, I get distracted by thoughts in a mild way, but this increases until I reach a point where I feel like I've receded to being in tune with my ego. I definitely don't return to the pure old ego of my past, but to a point where I have thoughts and emotions which I'll continually have to make an effort to lull.

I guess this leaves me with the question; after (how long) of meditation, does your brain get 'rewired' into a constant meditative state where the act/method of meditation is no longer necessary? Some kind of ever present state of being? Is that possible?

Is it harder when you are living in a fast paced society, phones ringing, people calling for attention via facebook/email/msn etc. Or can all of this become part of the moment, without disturbing the peace?

Hi brozen,

Meditation has provided you with the gateway. You have seen that after time there is equanimity throughout your day, how you talk, move and balance the stresses of modern life. As your practice develops so will you coping mechanisms, gradually you become part of life, you notice thoughts, emotions and sensations for what they are. you'll see the simplicity of life for what it is. There is no time limit.

To be a little controversial (maybe), I could say that meditation is only a pointer to what awakening is really like, through meditation you may achieve this awakened state but it’s unlikely.

Which brings me on to...

I read that Eckhart Tolle said he was able to sit in parks for months in complete peace without any worries, and that over time this feeling became 'less intense' he didn't say it went away but it sounds like he was able to manage a feeling of peace for a very long time without any practices of meditation or the like.

An awakened state like Tolle’s has nothing to do with meditation. He awoke and saw the world for what it is a seamless entity that flows on by. Like Tolle and other awakened people, they saw this not as something you come upon through persuasion, meditation technique or by some teacher or words in a book. It is an actual realisation.
The seeing of the actual state of what is, consciousness sees itself through your mind and body. Tolle saw that he was not the center of life, despite what his thoughts told him. He saw that life was living through him, and it has no center. He saw that all suffering ends in the realisation that there is no separate Eckhart to suffer. He sat in the parks and walked the streets because this was the world he had never noticed before, every second was new.

Peace

[brozen]

thanks karmoh.
I keep finding myself forgetting to just be in the moment.
I am always trying to purely think my way into understanding, but I guess it's hard to theoretically realize something.

I could say that meditation is only a pointer to what awakening is really like, through meditation you may achieve this awakened state but it’s unlikely.

I think I get what you mean. I guess that's why they refer to it as opening the 3rd eye. Almost like a sixth sense that is opened by meditation then develops with 'use'.

It would be interesting to know what is happening in the brain while all of this is going on. It reminds me of a person you've talked about in the past. Jill Bolte Taylor, and her stroke experience. Seems like there is still so much to learn.

Thanks for your input

[pollyanna]

Hi Brozen,

have been really busy lately but I noticed your question the other day and wanted to share how I feel after more than 4 years of meditating with LifeFlow and using Michael's other entrainment tracks for various uses. I expect I will always incorporate a meditation session into my daily schedule - it's just such a special part of my day

Whatever amount of time you spend in the peace and tranquility within (even a little time) gives your mind and nervous system a much needed rest and this will carry with you for longer and longer periods through your daily life - while you are in this state, your body will have shut down it's production of stress hormones, allowing those already present in your system to dissipate. It's always good to drink a little water and walk around after meditation to wash the toxic stress hormones away.

As for the ego, it just changes and serves you better as you allow old patterns, which didn't serve you well, to fall away. For me it's an evolving, continuous and wonderful journey, and I wish you an abundance of peace and joy on yours

[MetaCognition]

‎"Don’t get your mind wrapped around your mind…that's the trick"

[MetaCognition]

Also, dont spend time worrying about Eckhart Tolle or anyone else, including every member on this site (despite them, for the majority, being great people to converse with). There is no right or wrong, there is nothing to attain or not attain, there is no enlightenment to chase after.

[brozen]

Thanks guys.
Not to worry, I'm not stressing about these things. I just find them curious. I've learned not to let expectations and things get in the way, but am always happy to hear about positive experiences with meditation.
I always enjoy every meditation session, no matter what the outcome. It is always at the very 'least', relaxing.

@meta, I would still like to think there is an enlightenment to learn in terms of Who I am in the world I interact with. As for the true self being enlightened, maybe they are one in the same.

[MetaCognition]

Is there such a thing as a false self? You say you want to look for your true self, but I wonder, where did it go?