Thanks so much for this resource! I've found concise advice like this to really speed up the progression from experimenting with "clunky" effortful moves towards fluid reflexes. Something about fitting cleanly in working memory -> easier to access during practice -> deposits more easily into long term recall
After my first couple jhana experiences I'm finding it hard to stay in the state because soon enough, pronounced tingling in my hands and face tend to dominate the experience, including after the initial "glee" of J1 mellows out. I get spit out feeling some amount of worry and bewilderment along with the nicer parts of the afterglow.
Can I ask you for any pointers? I'm finding it challenging to enjoy or embrace the tingling because it's so aggressive and distinct from the sensations that I like to "pulse" pre-takeoff, but is "embracing" the right challenge to play with? Or are there more physical tips to mitigate those sensations?
It’s not uncommon for worry and resistance to show up because of novel physical phenomena (like tingling). I would not advise intentionally trying to make it go away.
Something I find useful is really exaggerating savoring the sensation as if it’s the best sensation in the world, and continuing to savor any new minor flavors of unpleasantness that cascade into experience after the initial savoring you kick off.
Another approach is welcoming the reaction to the tingling. You’re not in any danger, but maybe fear is showing up or some other reaction. And experimenting with the different forms of embracing that reaction can make it more obvious that the tingling doesn’t have to be a problem.
Or you can book a pay-what-you-want call with me if you want further help: cal.com/blissbrah
Not to sound like a broken record, but it's really one of my favorite things ever when people share legible stuff about meditation 😁 so much sharing to do....
I love the simple clarity, Owen. Here's to finding new layers of non-management and the journey of coming home.
Thanks so much for this resource! I've found concise advice like this to really speed up the progression from experimenting with "clunky" effortful moves towards fluid reflexes. Something about fitting cleanly in working memory -> easier to access during practice -> deposits more easily into long term recall
After my first couple jhana experiences I'm finding it hard to stay in the state because soon enough, pronounced tingling in my hands and face tend to dominate the experience, including after the initial "glee" of J1 mellows out. I get spit out feeling some amount of worry and bewilderment along with the nicer parts of the afterglow.
Can I ask you for any pointers? I'm finding it challenging to enjoy or embrace the tingling because it's so aggressive and distinct from the sensations that I like to "pulse" pre-takeoff, but is "embracing" the right challenge to play with? Or are there more physical tips to mitigate those sensations?
Hey, Jay! Glad you’re finding it helpful.
And congrats on having a few jhana experiences (:
It’s not uncommon for worry and resistance to show up because of novel physical phenomena (like tingling). I would not advise intentionally trying to make it go away.
Something I find useful is really exaggerating savoring the sensation as if it’s the best sensation in the world, and continuing to savor any new minor flavors of unpleasantness that cascade into experience after the initial savoring you kick off.
Another approach is welcoming the reaction to the tingling. You’re not in any danger, but maybe fear is showing up or some other reaction. And experimenting with the different forms of embracing that reaction can make it more obvious that the tingling doesn’t have to be a problem.
Or you can book a pay-what-you-want call with me if you want further help: cal.com/blissbrah
Hope this is helpful (:
Not to sound like a broken record, but it's really one of my favorite things ever when people share legible stuff about meditation 😁 so much sharing to do....