Sam s:
17/07-21/07
Still going, up to 50 minutes in the last couple of sits. It's going fine but there is nothing new to report. The feeling I get from DhO is that(not intended to be a criticism of here or anyone) is that if you're not making tangible progress every time then you're doing something wrong. Instead I feel as though I'm slowly sharpening the tools and generally feeling better, which I don't see a problem with, but I don't feel any thing has changed particularly. I intend to start adding a metta practice for later in the day, mainly as I think it's good therapy, but I think it may help with the concentration further.
Hi Sam,
I've just felt I should react to this as I tried to gave some advise before.
Progress is not so easy to tell by others.
Reading other people post and experiences can be good but the same time can cause so much worry and frustration because you maybe want to get something similar.
Reading your log I have the feeling that you pushing to hard sometimes and expect something more to happen what you have.
Work with the sensations you have in the present it is enough you don't need to look for more.
Don't look for more suffering what you have or deeper DN. If you feel calm and peaceful also good. There is no need to make difference between experiences.
Noting them and see the change in them is fine. Be open for whatever arise don't try to controll them.
You wrote:
'I don't know if this is a mistake, and I guess this isn't a 'hardcore' practice any more...'
When doubt like this come to you note 'doubt'. Try not to lost in the content. Doubt is just a condition also impermanent etc.
'I feel I've become more reflective and calmer, but can't say I've progressed or if I'm on the map..'Don't worry about the map or if you do then note 'worry' and move away from it, don't stay with it.
(Not feeling progress is also typical in Re-Observation and normal condition of the progress)
In your log can be seen that you are progressing well and have many different conditions to face. You are doing fine.
Keep going noting whatever comes (including 'worry', 'doubt', 'expectation'!)
NM