Sweet Nothing:
Hi,
I leave it to the senior members to guide you. I am not even sure if one can revert back to previous stages after crossing A&P.
What you're describing does sound like A&P, but DN comes after Bhanga (Dissolution).
Thank you for the input Sweet Nothing. I didn't know if one could revert back to "3 characteristics", and hence this is why I've had so much difficulty placing where exactly I am in the maps at the moment, but during practice I am getting the sensation of body parts tightening up "on their own", which I saw described as something that might be diagnostic of this stage.
My practice has picked up speed recently as I made a commitment to practice more before this retreat and I'm practicing as much as I can. On busy work days, it might only be 1/2 hour, but yesterday on the weekend for instance I did 2 90 minute sits and 3, 1 hour sits, with the mindset of I will just get through what I need to get through. I just needed a little guidance as I don't know if I'm being naïve in my thinking or just dedicated, so any help from senior members would be much appreciated.
The retreat is a silent retreat so during the day one is encouraged to meditate, which I plan on doing. Upon my return, I will certainly give you and the other members a report of how it was.