Lara's practice log - Discussion
Hi everyone,
I'm still relatively new to meditation in general. I've dabbled with it here and there, but my practice is still a bit disorganized. I read MTCB for the first time a few weeks ago and it was a real eye opener. I'd been searching for a more definitive guide to meditation and it was precisely what I found / wanted.
Currently, my daily goal is to practice for between hour to two per day, divided up into morning and evening sessions. I've crossed what I believe is the A&P a few times, mostly in the form of lucid dreaming, but I haven't yet gotten to that point in my seated meditation. Additionally, I think that I've reached the third or fourth samatha jhanas before, but I'm still at the early stages in terms of my noting/insight practices. The latter has been my focus for the past week or so and I'm attempting to cultivate more mindfulness through my daily activities.
I have not yet had a chance to go on any retreats, though I'm hoping to do so in the future. I'm also hoping to sign up for a Life Retreat within the next week or two. For those who don't know or who might be interested, it's an internet based class organized by the same folks who do Buddhist Geeks. I'm looking forward to it and the prospect of getting a bit more individualized guidance and instruction.
Anyhow, I'm making this log to hopefully track my progress, give myself a chance to "analyze" to my heart's content [and save myself the trouble "on the cushion"], and potentially get some feedback from other practitioners who have gone through the same process. Feel free to comment, if you'd like. I'll do my best to check back every once in awhile.
I'm still relatively new to meditation in general. I've dabbled with it here and there, but my practice is still a bit disorganized. I read MTCB for the first time a few weeks ago and it was a real eye opener. I'd been searching for a more definitive guide to meditation and it was precisely what I found / wanted.
Currently, my daily goal is to practice for between hour to two per day, divided up into morning and evening sessions. I've crossed what I believe is the A&P a few times, mostly in the form of lucid dreaming, but I haven't yet gotten to that point in my seated meditation. Additionally, I think that I've reached the third or fourth samatha jhanas before, but I'm still at the early stages in terms of my noting/insight practices. The latter has been my focus for the past week or so and I'm attempting to cultivate more mindfulness through my daily activities.
I have not yet had a chance to go on any retreats, though I'm hoping to do so in the future. I'm also hoping to sign up for a Life Retreat within the next week or two. For those who don't know or who might be interested, it's an internet based class organized by the same folks who do Buddhist Geeks. I'm looking forward to it and the prospect of getting a bit more individualized guidance and instruction.
Anyhow, I'm making this log to hopefully track my progress, give myself a chance to "analyze" to my heart's content [and save myself the trouble "on the cushion"], and potentially get some feedback from other practitioners who have gone through the same process. Feel free to comment, if you'd like. I'll do my best to check back every once in awhile.
Hi, thanks for replying! I liked that quote. Haha. I will work on being more descriptive when I write up the logs. I'm still learning some of the terminology so it might take a few tries before I am able to report where I'm at more faithfully. I also have some trouble remembering what I do, so being more mindful will also help.
--
Last night I tried lucid dreaming as I was going to bed. I've had it happen more than a few times, but this was the first time I have tried inducing it on purpose.
I was lying flat on my back and trying to stay aware of the pulsing. I did a few body scans and tried to stay as still as possible. I noticed a few itching sensations, which I did my best to note. I also felt like my foot was going to sleep, though that normally doesn't happen except during seated meditation.
I know that I "woke up" with a jolt at least one time and so I had to refocus my thoughts and try again. When I noticed my consciousness fading, I would refocus attention on the body again. When I would do so, it would feel a lot like burning. Intense and a bit uncomfortable, but no pain associated.
I finally did get what were the beginnings of a lucid dream. I felt like I was traveling through a vortex, a little bit like going through a tunnel slide.
However, it was very unsteady and it seemed to dissolve into nothingness very soon after it began. I probably dozed off to sleep for real after that point. It's possible that this phenomena was A&P related as I did wake up with a bit of a headache and a neck ache. But I don't think I'm in dark night territory yet though so I'm not sure.
I'll try again later and hopefully find time for some more formal mediation practices too.
I'm still learning some of the terminology so it might take a few tries before I am able to report where I'm at more faithfully. I also have some trouble remembering what I do, so being more mindful will also help.--
Last night I tried lucid dreaming as I was going to bed. I've had it happen more than a few times, but this was the first time I have tried inducing it on purpose.
I was lying flat on my back and trying to stay aware of the pulsing. I did a few body scans and tried to stay as still as possible. I noticed a few itching sensations, which I did my best to note. I also felt like my foot was going to sleep, though that normally doesn't happen except during seated meditation.
I know that I "woke up" with a jolt at least one time and so I had to refocus my thoughts and try again. When I noticed my consciousness fading, I would refocus attention on the body again. When I would do so, it would feel a lot like burning. Intense and a bit uncomfortable, but no pain associated.
I finally did get what were the beginnings of a lucid dream. I felt like I was traveling through a vortex, a little bit like going through a tunnel slide.
However, it was very unsteady and it seemed to dissolve into nothingness very soon after it began. I probably dozed off to sleep for real after that point. It's possible that this phenomena was A&P related as I did wake up with a bit of a headache and a neck ache. But I don't think I'm in dark night territory yet though so I'm not sure.
I'll try again later and hopefully find time for some more formal mediation practices too.
Well, it turns out that I probably AM dark nighting. I’ve been in this spot before and not known what it was and I will do my best not to bleed through into other people’s lives. But yep, I woke up this morning feeling achey and tired, accompanied by general malaise. Haha. I’ve also been getting a very strong urge to pack up and leave for a long retreat.
Which would be great, except for the bit that I can’t just abandon where I’m at due to finances, classes, and other obligations. I can do my best to practice every day for an hour or two and I will make a point to do so... but it doesn’t sound like that will be sufficient for any real progress. So, I don’t really know what to do.
I wonder how I can resolve this conundrum!
At least I feel like I'm in a better spot now to be able to make an informed decision than other times in the past.
Which would be great, except for the bit that I can’t just abandon where I’m at due to finances, classes, and other obligations. I can do my best to practice every day for an hour or two and I will make a point to do so... but it doesn’t sound like that will be sufficient for any real progress. So, I don’t really know what to do.
I wonder how I can resolve this conundrum!
At least I feel like I'm in a better spot now to be able to make an informed decision than other times in the past.
katy steger:
HI Lara,
That would be an excellent practice, in my opinion, and that kind of commitment is not easy per se. The up-side is that one is "just sitting" while retreats may build expectations.
These are very, very useful nanas ("knowledges"). Awesome. It's very, very natural to want to get out of these -- get through them (not that you do. I'm waxing generally now). To sit in and feel and study these knowledges -- what the mind is doing, why/when and how it is affecting the body and actions taken -- without becoming subsumed and overcome by them is the source of developing metta and insight. A friend told me once that it sounded like I was describing myself as I described the sick thinking that they were acting on; I agreed immediately that they were absolutely right: I could not possibly understand a sick mind without understanding how those very same conditions/seeds have existed/can exist in my own mind. Dukkha nanas: super-important source of understanding.
So whatever time you have to sit and attend to the mind and see how it's working in a simple environment (e.g., sitting) that's bound to be useful for informing what it is doing in more complex settings. And that's the tip of the iceberg.
I enjoy your notes. Good luck!
I can do my best to practice every day for an hour or two and I will make a point to do so... but it doesn’t sound like that will be sufficient for any real progress. So, I don’t really know what to do.
Well, it turns out that I probably AM dark nighting.
So whatever time you have to sit and attend to the mind and see how it's working in a simple environment (e.g., sitting) that's bound to be useful for informing what it is doing in more complex settings. And that's the tip of the iceberg.
I enjoy your notes. Good luck!
Hi, thanks for the reply!
That's a good point with the sitting. I can tell I already had the notion/expectation that retreats would mean faster progress. Which, while it may be the case, it's not necessary that A follows from B. That said, I've decided that I will work on paying down all debts and saving up for a retreat, even if it's only for a few weeks. Regardless of progress, it would be nice to have some quiet time with nothing to do but meditation. I think it would do me a world of good. Maybe I can plan for something this summer when I (hopefully) will not have a bunch of other obligations.
It means that I probably am stuck where I am for awhile (mentally, physically), but at least there is something to shoot for in the future.
In the meantime, I will do my best to incorporate daily meditation practice into my life and try to study what the dark night experience has to offer. I wish that it wouldn't interfere with my daily life, but seeing how it's here, I don't really have much choice in the matter. It's like a forced trip to the slow lane of life. Haha. Oh well. Best work on accepting the experience as it is.
On another note, I've recently started going to yoga class. I just got back from it tonight and this is my second session. While I still feel crappy and my poses are very shaky at best, I expect it to be helpful... at the very least, to maintain physical health. I just need to force myself to go regularly.
That's the key with everything, I suspect. Regular practice!!Thanks again. I'll post more later when I get a chance.
Yes! I fought with routines for a long time. I'm starting to get to the point where I find them to be helpful, though. I'm still a beginner in terms of yoga as well, but I'd like to make a daily habit of it.
Thanks for the suggestion with the cardio, too! I always want to avoid that particular type of exercise- no idea why! I think it's a lingering aftermath of a stage I went through when I didn't want to do anything "unpleasant". I've since then matured, but the aversion still remains to a certain degree. I've been going to the gym every once in awhile, though, to remedy that! I just need to subtly remind myself that I need to go more often!
---
This morning it felt as though I'd cried myself to sleep, only to wake up in the morning unable to remember what had been so sad or upsetting. It was an odd feeling, a bit like recovering from a cold or an injury. I felt like laughing, but at the same time, it was a bit tentative and guarded.
I meditated this morning with a certain degree of clarity for about an hour. There were a few unpleasant sensations such as my foot falling asleep and mild itching. However, the more difficult part was just wading through a sort of "dullness" and "tiredness" that had crept in. It lacked the negative backdrop from two days ago and instead was relatively clear and empty. I spent some time noting, but I felt that I was too lacking in energy to do it justice. Next time I think I will see if I can't investigate that dullness. It too might have some insight to offer.
Overall, my mood was much improved from yesterday.
That said, a Big Issue came up during the day, something I've been struggling with for months now. I think it's set me back a bit, though I'm trying not to let it get to me too badly. Effectively, I am trying to sort out a problem of ethics/morality where my ideals and sense of compassion are coming up against a rather grim reality. Long story short, the problem isn't going anywhere for so long as I am in my current line of work and there isn't anything I can do about it, except maybe to get out and do something else. While I'd like to make a change in my life, I am caught up in an internal conflict with regard to how I am to practically go about doing that, especially with regards to future goals. Thinking and mulling over this Big Issue doesn't help and instead, I keep going around in circles with the mental tapes. I am hopeful that gaining more clarity through meditation will help shed some light and perspective on the situation.
Here's hoping!
Anyhow, I am off to do my evening meditation...
Thanks for the suggestion with the cardio, too! I always want to avoid that particular type of exercise- no idea why! I think it's a lingering aftermath of a stage I went through when I didn't want to do anything "unpleasant". I've since then matured, but the aversion still remains to a certain degree. I've been going to the gym every once in awhile, though, to remedy that! I just need to subtly remind myself that I need to go more often!
---
This morning it felt as though I'd cried myself to sleep, only to wake up in the morning unable to remember what had been so sad or upsetting. It was an odd feeling, a bit like recovering from a cold or an injury. I felt like laughing, but at the same time, it was a bit tentative and guarded.
I meditated this morning with a certain degree of clarity for about an hour. There were a few unpleasant sensations such as my foot falling asleep and mild itching. However, the more difficult part was just wading through a sort of "dullness" and "tiredness" that had crept in. It lacked the negative backdrop from two days ago and instead was relatively clear and empty. I spent some time noting, but I felt that I was too lacking in energy to do it justice. Next time I think I will see if I can't investigate that dullness. It too might have some insight to offer.
Overall, my mood was much improved from yesterday.
That said, a Big Issue came up during the day, something I've been struggling with for months now. I think it's set me back a bit, though I'm trying not to let it get to me too badly. Effectively, I am trying to sort out a problem of ethics/morality where my ideals and sense of compassion are coming up against a rather grim reality. Long story short, the problem isn't going anywhere for so long as I am in my current line of work and there isn't anything I can do about it, except maybe to get out and do something else. While I'd like to make a change in my life, I am caught up in an internal conflict with regard to how I am to practically go about doing that, especially with regards to future goals. Thinking and mulling over this Big Issue doesn't help and instead, I keep going around in circles with the mental tapes. I am hopeful that gaining more clarity through meditation will help shed some light and perspective on the situation.
Here's hoping!
Anyhow, I am off to do my evening meditation...
Well, the clarity is back. I feel more balanced than I have in quite some time! I'll be going to yoga again today...
I spent some time last night and this morning in meditation, about an hour total. My practice has been steady, but I wouldn't say that it's felt overly "inspired" and that is okay too. I have just enough motivation to get started. Once again, some mildly discomforting sensations such as feet falling asleep arose, but it hasn't felt overly compelling. I feel relaxed and at ease, like I could hold concentration for a long time. I haven't yet put that to practice yet, though. I think I need to spend some time working on my concentration again. I've been mostly doing just noting practices thus far.
I also had an interesting dream this morning. I dreamt that I was sitting in another room of my doing something. I felt something drift by and through me. Suddenly, I had a flash of insight that, if I stand up and concentrate, I'd be able to see into another world. When I did that, I awoke to find that I was in bed. My body was tingling all over and very much at peace. I also had this odd feeling that I'd forgotten something, like there had been some discontinuity in my frame of reality. The term "unknowing event" popped into my head to describe it, but I don't really know how accurate that is.
Anyhow, will write more later!
I spent some time last night and this morning in meditation, about an hour total. My practice has been steady, but I wouldn't say that it's felt overly "inspired" and that is okay too. I have just enough motivation to get started. Once again, some mildly discomforting sensations such as feet falling asleep arose, but it hasn't felt overly compelling. I feel relaxed and at ease, like I could hold concentration for a long time. I haven't yet put that to practice yet, though. I think I need to spend some time working on my concentration again. I've been mostly doing just noting practices thus far.
I also had an interesting dream this morning. I dreamt that I was sitting in another room of my doing something. I felt something drift by and through me. Suddenly, I had a flash of insight that, if I stand up and concentrate, I'd be able to see into another world. When I did that, I awoke to find that I was in bed. My body was tingling all over and very much at peace. I also had this odd feeling that I'd forgotten something, like there had been some discontinuity in my frame of reality. The term "unknowing event" popped into my head to describe it, but I don't really know how accurate that is.
Anyhow, will write more later!
I went on a three hour hike yesterday with some friends, so today I woke up this morning sore and tired. I had some serious cravings for food and I ended up eating a chicken teriyaki bowl, a bowl of cinnamon chex cereal, blueberries, spicy beef jerky, a few squares of chocolate, and I made myself a cup of black tea with sugar in it (and later a cup of Bengal Spice tea which, as the name suggests, spicy), all within the span of a few hours. 
And so now I'm feeling restless and bored... and I also am feeling that I don't want to practice, study, or do anything productive. Haha. So, instead of giving into my normal pattern of just wasting the rest of the day, I thought I would do some insight meditation to see if I can't get some wisdom into what I'm feeling and my current state.
I also had the realization that I've been perhaps too "goal" oriented with my practice. It's really not the number of jhanas I'm able to successfully cultivate. It's the depth and subtlety with which I'm able to discern, experience, and master everything. Hence, I will do my best to be more descriptive with my logs. I feel like I've gone off track a bit and I'd like to think I do take advice, even if I sometimes struggle with implementing it.
----
Well, I spent about 20 minutes before I got interrupted by my cat. I focused on the breath for the first 5 minutes or so, accompanied by some light visualization. I saw some color (red/yellow) that flowed in time with my breathing and seemed to converge at the mid/top center of my vision. After that, I switched to noting. A few itching sensations came up, one on my foot and the other on my left cheek. I felt irritation and the urge to scratch, but I continued noting.
After the first ten minutes, I switched positions for no apparent reason. (My leg wasn't falling asleep yet. ) I continued to note some more. I tried to pay attention to the aches and pains that I felt as well as the burning in my stomach (due to this morning's poor eating). I also noted the pulse behind my eyes and it feels like it starts at the mouth and travels upward to my ears and then eyes in an arc.
I also noted the slightly sluggish nature of my mind and how it felt just a bit like everything was going on in slow-motion. I tried infusing a bit more effort/energy, but with minimal success.
Some thoughts during the session included wanting to get up and do something else (restlessness), hunger for more food (cravings), and feeling like I want to go nap (fatigue).
Ok, that's all for now.
And so now I'm feeling restless and bored... and I also am feeling that I don't want to practice, study, or do anything productive. Haha. So, instead of giving into my normal pattern of just wasting the rest of the day, I thought I would do some insight meditation to see if I can't get some wisdom into what I'm feeling and my current state.
I also had the realization that I've been perhaps too "goal" oriented with my practice. It's really not the number of jhanas I'm able to successfully cultivate. It's the depth and subtlety with which I'm able to discern, experience, and master everything. Hence, I will do my best to be more descriptive with my logs. I feel like I've gone off track a bit and I'd like to think I do take advice, even if I sometimes struggle with implementing it.
----
Well, I spent about 20 minutes before I got interrupted by my cat. I focused on the breath for the first 5 minutes or so, accompanied by some light visualization. I saw some color (red/yellow) that flowed in time with my breathing and seemed to converge at the mid/top center of my vision. After that, I switched to noting. A few itching sensations came up, one on my foot and the other on my left cheek. I felt irritation and the urge to scratch, but I continued noting.
After the first ten minutes, I switched positions for no apparent reason. (My leg wasn't falling asleep yet. ) I continued to note some more. I tried to pay attention to the aches and pains that I felt as well as the burning in my stomach (due to this morning's poor eating). I also noted the pulse behind my eyes and it feels like it starts at the mouth and travels upward to my ears and then eyes in an arc.
I also noted the slightly sluggish nature of my mind and how it felt just a bit like everything was going on in slow-motion. I tried infusing a bit more effort/energy, but with minimal success.
Some thoughts during the session included wanting to get up and do something else (restlessness), hunger for more food (cravings), and feeling like I want to go nap (fatigue).
Ok, that's all for now.
Just a quick update to say that I haven't stopped practicing and I haven't abandoned the site. ;) It's been a busy week, though, and I've had a take home exam to do among other things.
I have had some time to meditate, but it hasn't been quite as productive. No particularly notable experiences, just some more wacky non-lucid dreams. I've been getting in the habit of waking up around 5-5:30 every morning to get in some quiet time. We'll see if it pays off.
On the bright side, I've been going to yoga and getting some exercise.... and on other news, I will be officially starting the Life Retreat in a few days. Looking forward to getting some face-to-face feedback!
Will post a more detailed log later when I have more specifics to share...
I have had some time to meditate, but it hasn't been quite as productive. No particularly notable experiences, just some more wacky non-lucid dreams. I've been getting in the habit of waking up around 5-5:30 every morning to get in some quiet time. We'll see if it pays off.
On the bright side, I've been going to yoga and getting some exercise.... and on other news, I will be officially starting the Life Retreat in a few days. Looking forward to getting some face-to-face feedback!
Will post a more detailed log later when I have more specifics to share...
Jane Laurel Carrington:
Looking forward to hearing more about your practice, especially with the Life Retreat. Keep us posted! -Laurel
Hi, thanks! Saturday will be the big day as far as the life retreat goes!
---
I've been very tired lately due to my exam (finally finished now!), so practice has been a bit uneventful. But anyhow, I went to bed last night after meditating for about half an hour. Instead of falling asleep immediately, I tried doing more noting practices. I laid in bed practicing my slow, deliberate breathing. I took times cycling between each of the Three Characteristics. For a bit I focused on impermanence... so, I would ask myself, am I experiencing impermanence right now? And then I would do my best to shut off the mind chatter for a bit to take note and just let everything come and go.
I still feel a bit stuck on the concept of no-self (probably I'm over-thinking it), so instead of analyzing too much, I tried just relaxing and letting go a bit.
Anyhow, I ended up in a very second jhana-ish state- full body tingling/burning again with heightened awareness. It felt a bit like a hybrid of insight and concentration practice... not really sure where to categorize it. It also had a bit of a sleep paralysis feel to it complete with disconnected but sharp awareness. I didn't actually try to move my body and I'm not sure if I would have been able to. When I took note of the feeling, I experienced an accompanying feeling of dread, most likely due to previously bad memories associated with sleep paralysis. (It used to freak me out badly that I couldn't move my body.) This time, though, I was aware enough of what was going on that there was no panicking and I was able to change the emotion through focus. So I instead cultivated a feeling of joy and it turned into a bit of a game.
What I found most interesting was simply the level of clarity that I felt. In some ways it was a bit A&P like in terms of experiencing sensations, but no flashing lights or other exciting phenomena... and I'm not Dark Nighting right now, so I think it was something different. Anyhow! I thought it worthy to put into my log book. I'll see if I can't "repeat" the experiment soon.
Sorry again about another not so perfectly written entry. ;)
Oops! I guess I forgot to update my practice log. I got back from my vacation safely. The Life Retreat is going well, too, and I've slowly been making progress with my insight meditation. I've mostly given up my formal concentration practices, though I've been using some of the "meditation" techniques to aid in my studies. I think it's been helpful.
I've been struggling with how to accurately describe or log my activities. On one hand, I could probably "describe" a typical meditation session, but it just doesn't feel like my descriptions will really do the experience justice. I'm also questioning the purpose of trying to keep a log in the first place.
Anyhow, I will see if I can't describe some of my more recent thoughts with regards to practice.
I think I am somewhere near the Three Characteristics stage. My muscles on my back and neck were pretty sore these past few days. Practice seems to help a bit, but not completely. Last week I was also dealing with restlessness, to the degree that I didn't want to sit at all. I'd try noting the desire to get up and do something, but a few times I just had to concede defeat. ;) I had more luck this weekend and was able to sit for longer again. I've also been obsessing over posture a bit, even though I know intuitively that it won't make a difference. I'm sure it is related to the muscle soreness (but at a deeper level, it's probably related to this stage of my insight practice).
I have plans to sit again this evening and I'm trying to average at least 30 minutes a day, preferably an hour. I'm happy that it's been fairly consistent. I wish I had a bit more time to devote to practice, but at least for now it'll probably have to wait.
I've also made a few significant changes to my diet. Mainly, I'm switching to a more vegetarian (near vegan) diet. For those who are interested, I found a few interesting programs / lectures about diet and exercise:
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/apr/02/eat-fast-and-live-longer-michael-mosley/ (fasting)
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/apr/08/truth-about-exercise-michael-mosley/ (exercise)
http://lateralaction.com/articles/internet-brain/ (internet usage & brain function)
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/uprooting-the-leading-causes-of-death/ (leading causes of death in the US... related to consumption of animal products)
I'm still working on improving my life habits in other ways, so that includes yoga. It's been an adventure.
Regardless, I'm still fairly hopeful and am actually pretty excited to be practicing at all. I wish I'd discovered some of these techniques earlier. I'm sure I could have avoided some unnecessary suffering. But as that isn't how everything went, I am forced to just admit that it was all part of the process. I can only look to the future from here!
That's all for today... maybe I can try again with writing an "actual" log tomorrow, if I get a chance.
I've been struggling with how to accurately describe or log my activities. On one hand, I could probably "describe" a typical meditation session, but it just doesn't feel like my descriptions will really do the experience justice. I'm also questioning the purpose of trying to keep a log in the first place.
Anyhow, I will see if I can't describe some of my more recent thoughts with regards to practice.
I think I am somewhere near the Three Characteristics stage. My muscles on my back and neck were pretty sore these past few days. Practice seems to help a bit, but not completely. Last week I was also dealing with restlessness, to the degree that I didn't want to sit at all. I'd try noting the desire to get up and do something, but a few times I just had to concede defeat. ;) I had more luck this weekend and was able to sit for longer again. I've also been obsessing over posture a bit, even though I know intuitively that it won't make a difference. I'm sure it is related to the muscle soreness (but at a deeper level, it's probably related to this stage of my insight practice).
I have plans to sit again this evening and I'm trying to average at least 30 minutes a day, preferably an hour. I'm happy that it's been fairly consistent. I wish I had a bit more time to devote to practice, but at least for now it'll probably have to wait.
I've also made a few significant changes to my diet. Mainly, I'm switching to a more vegetarian (near vegan) diet. For those who are interested, I found a few interesting programs / lectures about diet and exercise:
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/apr/02/eat-fast-and-live-longer-michael-mosley/ (fasting)
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/apr/08/truth-about-exercise-michael-mosley/ (exercise)
http://lateralaction.com/articles/internet-brain/ (internet usage & brain function)
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/uprooting-the-leading-causes-of-death/ (leading causes of death in the US... related to consumption of animal products)
I'm still working on improving my life habits in other ways, so that includes yoga. It's been an adventure.
Regardless, I'm still fairly hopeful and am actually pretty excited to be practicing at all. I wish I'd discovered some of these techniques earlier. I'm sure I could have avoided some unnecessary suffering.
But as that isn't how everything went, I am forced to just admit that it was all part of the process. I can only look to the future from here!That's all for today... maybe I can try again with writing an "actual" log tomorrow, if I get a chance.
Just a little advice (or alot ). Concentration blocks thoughts so a mild insight practice would be better for studying. Thinking isn't a problem, it's the kind of thinking (especially over likes and dislikes). Secondly, when you are doing some higher computation it will be hard to do that and constant vipassana noting at the same time. I would use something like this to improve your concentration while still being normal:
Pomodoro technique
Time-boxing
It would also be good to do some Myers-Briggs and compare that to learning style.
Learning styles of Myers Briggs type indicators
Eg. Global versus Analytical.
Learning Styles and Strategies
If you want to add as much vipassana as possible (which increases concentration as well) I would recommend noting feeling tones (pleasant/neutral/unpleasant) and perception of likes and dislikes when you get distracted. Basically, don't act on them when they show up and watch the sensations pass away.
I also learned some other things from positive psychology on how the brain likes to go into the path of least resistance. By increasing barriers to addictive distractions (sometimes you need to increase the barriers in a major way for it to work) and decrease barriers to your task you will greatly reduce mental distraction.
Another trick is to purposely create desire and use that in your favor by paying attention to just the positive imaginings related to your goal. Dwelling on the negative is demotivaing.
Lastly, it's known that the amount of hours you spend (more = better) will have a greater success for you. Using time efficiently (like with Pomodoro technique) will help breakdown the goal into smaller parts and make it easier to see progress.
Try the above techinques in whatever combination works best for you.
Hopefully you find something useful.
). Concentration blocks thoughts so a mild insight practice would be better for studying. Thinking isn't a problem, it's the kind of thinking (especially over likes and dislikes). Secondly, when you are doing some higher computation it will be hard to do that and constant vipassana noting at the same time. I would use something like this to improve your concentration while still being normal:Pomodoro technique
Time-boxing
It would also be good to do some Myers-Briggs and compare that to learning style.
Learning styles of Myers Briggs type indicators
• ISTJ were considered natural organizers and saw the world in terms of tangible
facts (Sensing), which they handled objectively (Thinking) through structure
(Judging). Others often considered them aloof and cool (Introverted) (p. 14).
• ISFJ were committed to getting the job done. They were comfortable working
quietly (Introverted) in a structured environment (Judging). They had a realistic
view of the world (Sensing) and made decisions based on interpersonal factors
(Feeling) (p. 15).
• INFJ were considered inspired leaders and followers. They were reflective
(Introverted) and saw life as full of possibilities (iNtuitive). They made
subjective decisions regarding these possibilities (Feeling), which they
implemented in an orderly, scheduled manner (Judging).
• INTI were independent thinkers, who reflected on ideas (Introverted) and saw the
world in endless possibilities (iNtuitive). They translated these ideas and
possibilities into objective decisions (Thinking), which they implemented through
a structured order (Judging) (p. 17).
• ISTP were known for their ability to get things done. They were often difficult to
read (Introverted), lived in the present, and perceived the world in tangible terms
(Sensing). They made objective decisions (Thinking) on the spur of the moment
(Perceiving) (p. 18) 22
• ISFP thought that an individual's actions spoke louder than their words, and
believed that plans and actions should be thought out in an orderly manner
(Introverted). They saw the world as tactile (Sensing) but made subjective
decisions (Feeling). They liked to keep their options open (Perceiving) (p. 19),
rather than corning to a decision.
• INFP had a gentle personality that enjoyed contemplation (Introverted) integrated
with imagination (iNtuitive). They used personal values to make decisions
(Feeling), and they enjoyed keeping things flexible (Perceiving) (p. 20).
• INTP liked to resolve problems by reflecting (Introverted) on the possibilities
(iNtuitive), which was a basis to make objective decisions (Thinking). At the
same time, they were easygoing and adaptable (Perceiving) (p. 21 ).
• ESTP made the most of the moment by scanning the external environment
(Extraverted) and looking at it in a factual and grounded fashion (Sensing). They
used this information to make objective decisions (Thinking) for whatever was
happening in the immediate moment (Perceiving) (p. 22) .
• ESFP enjoyed fun through an outgoing nature (Extraverted) and had a realistic
outlook (Sensing). They made subjective decisions (Feeling) in a spontaneous
manner (Perceiving), and were very flexible (p. 23).
• ENFP were people oriented who enjoyed social interactions (Extraverted) and
were searched for endless possibilities (iNtuitive). They made decisions based on
their interpersonal interactions (Feeling), while keeping their options open
(Perceiving) (p. 24). • ENTP enjoyed the external world of people (Extraverted) and the endless
possibilities of theoretical connections (iNtuitive). These theoretical connections
were objectively filtered (Thinking) but not binding, as they continued to consider
new options (Perceiving) (p. 25).
• ESTJ were natural administrators because of their outgoing and direct manner
(Extraverted), but they saw the world in a practical and realistic way (Sensing).
They used this information to make impersonal, analytical decisions (Thinking)
and implemented them in a structured manner (Judging) (p. 26).
• ESFJ were considered trusted friends who interacted with others easily
(Extraverted). They paid close attention to personal details (Sensing), and used
this information in an interpersonal way (Feeling) through a scheduled order
(Judging) (p. 27).
• ENFJ were natural persuaders who were socially oriented (Extraverted),
considered the possibilities (iNtuitive), and made subjective decisions (Feeling).
They used these attributes in a structured manner (Judging) that made them
excellent at networking (p. 28).
• ENTJ were considered natural leaders with people oriented skills (Extraverted).
In seeing connections and possibilities (iNtuitive), they were able to analyze them
objectively (Thinking) and implemented them in an organized fashion (Judging)
(p. 29).
facts (Sensing), which they handled objectively (Thinking) through structure
(Judging). Others often considered them aloof and cool (Introverted) (p. 14).
• ISFJ were committed to getting the job done. They were comfortable working
quietly (Introverted) in a structured environment (Judging). They had a realistic
view of the world (Sensing) and made decisions based on interpersonal factors
(Feeling) (p. 15).
• INFJ were considered inspired leaders and followers. They were reflective
(Introverted) and saw life as full of possibilities (iNtuitive). They made
subjective decisions regarding these possibilities (Feeling), which they
implemented in an orderly, scheduled manner (Judging).
• INTI were independent thinkers, who reflected on ideas (Introverted) and saw the
world in endless possibilities (iNtuitive). They translated these ideas and
possibilities into objective decisions (Thinking), which they implemented through
a structured order (Judging) (p. 17).
• ISTP were known for their ability to get things done. They were often difficult to
read (Introverted), lived in the present, and perceived the world in tangible terms
(Sensing). They made objective decisions (Thinking) on the spur of the moment
(Perceiving) (p. 18) 22
• ISFP thought that an individual's actions spoke louder than their words, and
believed that plans and actions should be thought out in an orderly manner
(Introverted). They saw the world as tactile (Sensing) but made subjective
decisions (Feeling). They liked to keep their options open (Perceiving) (p. 19),
rather than corning to a decision.
• INFP had a gentle personality that enjoyed contemplation (Introverted) integrated
with imagination (iNtuitive). They used personal values to make decisions
(Feeling), and they enjoyed keeping things flexible (Perceiving) (p. 20).
• INTP liked to resolve problems by reflecting (Introverted) on the possibilities
(iNtuitive), which was a basis to make objective decisions (Thinking). At the
same time, they were easygoing and adaptable (Perceiving) (p. 21 ).
• ESTP made the most of the moment by scanning the external environment
(Extraverted) and looking at it in a factual and grounded fashion (Sensing). They
used this information to make objective decisions (Thinking) for whatever was
happening in the immediate moment (Perceiving) (p. 22) .
• ESFP enjoyed fun through an outgoing nature (Extraverted) and had a realistic
outlook (Sensing). They made subjective decisions (Feeling) in a spontaneous
manner (Perceiving), and were very flexible (p. 23).
• ENFP were people oriented who enjoyed social interactions (Extraverted) and
were searched for endless possibilities (iNtuitive). They made decisions based on
their interpersonal interactions (Feeling), while keeping their options open
(Perceiving) (p. 24). • ENTP enjoyed the external world of people (Extraverted) and the endless
possibilities of theoretical connections (iNtuitive). These theoretical connections
were objectively filtered (Thinking) but not binding, as they continued to consider
new options (Perceiving) (p. 25).
• ESTJ were natural administrators because of their outgoing and direct manner
(Extraverted), but they saw the world in a practical and realistic way (Sensing).
They used this information to make impersonal, analytical decisions (Thinking)
and implemented them in a structured manner (Judging) (p. 26).
• ESFJ were considered trusted friends who interacted with others easily
(Extraverted). They paid close attention to personal details (Sensing), and used
this information in an interpersonal way (Feeling) through a scheduled order
(Judging) (p. 27).
• ENFJ were natural persuaders who were socially oriented (Extraverted),
considered the possibilities (iNtuitive), and made subjective decisions (Feeling).
They used these attributes in a structured manner (Judging) that made them
excellent at networking (p. 28).
• ENTJ were considered natural leaders with people oriented skills (Extraverted).
In seeing connections and possibilities (iNtuitive), they were able to analyze them
objectively (Thinking) and implemented them in an organized fashion (Judging)
(p. 29).
Keisey
MBTI Types Temperaments Goley's LP Styles
ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ SJ Actual-Routine Learners (ARL)
ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP SP Actual-Spontaneous Leamer (ASL)
INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP NT Conceptual-Specific Leamer (CSL)
INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP NF Conceptual-Global Leamer (CGL)
MBTI Types Temperaments Goley's LP Styles
ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ SJ Actual-Routine Learners (ARL)
ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP SP Actual-Spontaneous Leamer (ASL)
INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP NT Conceptual-Specific Leamer (CSL)
INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP NF Conceptual-Global Leamer (CGL)
Eg. Global versus Analytical.
Learning Styles and Strategies
If you want to add as much vipassana as possible (which increases concentration as well) I would recommend noting feeling tones (pleasant/neutral/unpleasant) and perception of likes and dislikes when you get distracted. Basically, don't act on them when they show up and watch the sensations pass away.
I also learned some other things from positive psychology on how the brain likes to go into the path of least resistance. By increasing barriers to addictive distractions (sometimes you need to increase the barriers in a major way for it to work) and decrease barriers to your task you will greatly reduce mental distraction.
Another trick is to purposely create desire and use that in your favor by paying attention to just the positive imaginings related to your goal. Dwelling on the negative is demotivaing.
Lastly, it's known that the amount of hours you spend (more = better) will have a greater success for you. Using time efficiently (like with Pomodoro technique) will help breakdown the goal into smaller parts and make it easier to see progress.
Try the above techinques in whatever combination works best for you.
Hopefully you find something useful.
Hi, thank you! I will take some time to go through all the material you've suggested. 
I use a variation on the Pomodoro Technique and find it to be quite helpful. It's nice that I don't just tell myself I'm gonna study for 12 hours straight without breaks anymore. Haha.
I hadn't thought about the personality types influencing study/learning habits, but that makes a lot of sense. I'll see if I can't use it to my advantage!
Thanks again... will post again later to let you know more indepth feedback and/or how it goes.
I use a variation on the Pomodoro Technique and find it to be quite helpful. It's nice that I don't just tell myself I'm gonna study for 12 hours straight without breaks anymore. Haha.
I hadn't thought about the personality types influencing study/learning habits, but that makes a lot of sense. I'll see if I can't use it to my advantage!
Thanks again... will post again later to let you know more indepth feedback and/or how it goes.