Lloth _:
Having done some experiments with the PCE, and seeing that they are very pleasant, clear and all the things described **, yet from my current mixed state, capable of getting into both PCE and retain cycle mode. The mere idea of losing all emotions seems particularly negative. I'm not inherently against the idea, and the merits of the PCE mode sure should be stated to exist.
can you see that whatever is in the mixture here (in what you describe as 'your current mixed state') does not include the pce?
if so, you may be in a position to see what causes the mere idea of losing all emotions to seem particularly negative.
Lloth _:
With some experimentation, I've noticed that desire for another person is remarkably diminished when in PCE-like states, and it's not inherently a problem. However, once you get out of it, it seems that it does become a problem, since the notion that you'll never be able to look into someones eyes and feel love seems particularly hard to give up and quite frankly not worth it.
rather than look into someone's eyes, have you tried looking *at* their eyes?
'i' thought more highly of seeing another person as they are than of using them as a canvas on which to project my feelings.
*
Lloth _:
For an absolutely free person, what's your experience with Romantic Relationships?
that they needn't at all be romantic[1] in the conventional sense to be meaningful and worthwhile,.
Lloth _:
Is there still possible to have one sans any emotions?
an entirely meaningful and worthwhile companionship is still possible.
Lloth _:
Does it change form (I do note the difference between being actually with someone physically compared to thoughts of someone)?
could you re-phrase that, explaining what you intend to convey by bringing up the difference between 'being actually with someone physically' and (presumably having) 'thoughts of someone'?
Lloth _:
Is sex still pleasurable or desirable?
yes (sexual stimulation is inherently pleasurable); no (as nothing is desirable when no desire operates).
Lloth _:
I also know that the emotion is clouding my judgment, however this does not change the mere fact that this emotion is a staple of that relationship.
if emotion is clouding your judgement, how can you know what clear judgement is?
Lloth _:
Perhaps the only thing to do would be to go into a PCE state while with that person, and see the effects. Until then your input would be valuable.
it has been more than a week now since you wrote this.. do you have anything to report?
*
Lloth _:
Also in a more academic interest (I've played around with it, but I don't want to bias the results):
* Does subvocalization (reading something and hearing the words in your mind) still happen when getting into this state 'deep' enough?
almost never, but it has sometimes.
Lloth _:
* Aside from the obvious lack of regular emotions (which is really a good thing most of the time), do thoughts remain or is thought a sign that you're not in that mode?
aside from not having regular emotions (or irregular ones for that matter), i usually only think i'm trying to figure something out.. stray thoughts don't often happen.
Lloth _:
** (I haven't tested going into jhana from this state just yet, but I can confirm that it seems that it eliminates introspection and largely pushes the cycles to the background, although things can seep through occasionally, is induced by childlike thoughts (Sounds very similar to zen's beginner mind), and is increased by walks in nature and tuning into 'pure action' and letting the world take you, sitting by itself seems to depend on the mode of inspection, but I'm not going to get into that right now. Activities such as drawing and letting the pencil do the work seems to be related, as well as frolicking and play in general (I get the urge to play with legos for the mere sake of playing, or swimming and just feeling the outside world around me).
genuinely being naive is great fun, isn't it?
tarin
[1]
a. A love affair.
b. Ardent emotional attachment or involvement between people; love.
c. A strong, sometimes short-lived attachment, fascination, or enthusiasm for something.