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# RE: Digest Number 286

#### Message 01686 of 3835

- To: <BardonPraxis@yahoogroups.com>
- Subject: RE: [BardonPraxis] Digest Number 286
- From: "Lori V Weber" <lorivw@...>
- Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 15:35:47 -0500
- Importance: Normal
- In-reply-to: <000801c3a23b$4e2bcf50$fba17fd8@ownerbqacdlzy6>

    I have had a difficult time with this exercise. I think of it as
    learning how to be in a deep pool of water without holding onto the
    wall. I liken the one-pointed exercise to entering the pool and holding
    on to the wall or ladder - holding on to one thought. It's nice to
    anchor my awareness in one thought. Well, actually, I should say it
    feels comfortable, secure.

    Then I tell myself to let go of the wall - that I'll slowly drift into
    non-thought. Sometimes I can. I may be able to do this successfully
    for a minute or two. Then I have a eureka! Wow, I think, I'm actually
    doing this, and I instinctively grope for my wall again - a thought.

    I like to think that the wall will be there - I can always return to a
    meditation on "something." But it's a matter of consciously letting go
    of thought and being firm in my willingness to remain there. Some days
    I'm better at it than others. But overall, even this low level of EOM
    has helped me get along in other areas. I think just by virtue of
    practicing EOM, my concentration has improved in the other IIH exercises
    and in my daily affairs.

    One other thing that may be useful - I find that when background
    thoughts seem to want to surface - when I want to flounder for my wall -
    I try not to get too worked up about their presence. Yup, they're
    there. But they're not important. The biggest insight I had was when I
    realized I was jumping onto a train of thought without even being aware
    of it. I was reaching for my figurative wall in the pool and squeezing
    it tightly. A half a minute could go by and I'd just then realize "hey,
    this isn't EOM." Don't beat yourself up over this. Let those thoughts
    drift away, and let go again. Ignore them, without thinking you've made
    a mess of this attempt.

    I know Bardon emphasizes consistent practice, but I find that after a
    few days off, I can come back with renewed vigor. I don't know why.
    But overall, I've found that the more I practice, the more comfortable I
    get with letting go of thoughts.

    Good luck!

    lori

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Rawn Clark [mailto:rawnclark@...]
    Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 1:48 PM
    To: BardonPraxis@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [BardonPraxis] Digest Number 286

    Dear Geoffrey,

    >> If thoughts just popping up and i am not willing or doing the
    thoughts .. they just pop up and create their story without my active
    interference..... is that EOM? or should i willingly shut them off? <<

    That's somewhere between EOM and the passive observation. You're
    getting close but there's one more step to be taken before you reach a
    true EOM state. The difference is that with EOM you turn your mind
    completely away from those under-the-surface thoughts to such an extent
    that they don't register in your awareness at all. This is different
    than willfully shutting them off. This is a matter of *turning away
    from them and completely ignoring them*. Focus your awareness upon the
    emptiness instead of upon the thoughts.

    My best to you,
    :) Rawn Clark
    03 Nov 2003
    rawnclark@...
    rawn@...
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- References:
  - Re: Digest Number 286
    - From: "Rawn Clark" <rawnclark@...>

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