Some interesting meditation experiences

[hazmatac]

was meditating earlier today, and had a great experience. I really felt like I was applying and understanding a lot of the concepts talked about in the book "Mindfulness in Plain English," such as relaxation, and seeing what is there without preconceived notions. I noticed I was not paying actual attention and it actually struck me as shocking, and pretty important for some reason. I was making progress and actually found out that thinking is a hinderance to bear attention. It makes you think you know, and you might be factually right, but that's not experience itself.

Another aspect of my meditation experience was pretty deep and far reaching. I was feeling whatever came up, and I noticed a feeling generated in my head. I was shocked and very disturbed to discover that I felt as though I was asleep! Not physically asleep, but mentally asleep. I WAS sleepy at the moment, but this pointed to a deeper issue. It was a feeling that suggested to me I was not really awake and experiencing reality. Is not this what enlightenment is? "Waking up," and finally taking in all the sensory data avaliable? I am sure that there are other aspects to enlightenment, but this is definitely a key component.

On a lighter note, one thing that "Mindfulness in Plain English" talks about is sensing "sense objects." Well, I think I experienced for the first time what he was writing about. I was sitting there, and suddenly, it felt like the hands that were resting on my knees and my knees were the same thing! It felt like there was an actual object there. It was a cool feeling.

I consider this a success mainly because I am understanding and applying the principles I learned but didn't quite grasp or follow well from "Mindfulness In Plain English."

That is it for my story! Peace.

[pollyanna]

Welcome to the community Hazmatac Becoming more aware is amazing isn't it? I believe, through quieting the mind and resting in such beneficial states, allowing our natural healing and rejuvenating process to take place is the best daily investment of time we can give to ourselves.

Increased awareness, improved health and happiness make the present amazing - to regularly rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit prevents so many stress related diseases in the future I wish you an abundance of peace, joy and awareness on your continuing journey

[tootandzoot]

hello,
I have been meditating with LF for 10 months nearly, and found it to be wonderful, a gentle guiding hand to meditation experience.
At this stage I am learning to allow whatever sensation begins in my mind to grow without exercising any judjment, by which i mean avoid framing as is that habit of the mind, It is so good to let it follow its own form . So there are suprises.
Also I find myself increasingly aware of the sensations of the world around me, and this year has been fresher than I can remember since I was young. I find myself stopping and taking in the smell of the air or enjoying the light, and allowing it to open the doors to whatever memories are tucked away and bask in the sensation.
So thanks to Michael for working with this.
My life is so much sweeter for it.
Fiona