Comments on: Forcing Presence vs. Allowing Presence

By: Ismaelia

Ismaelia — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:10:27 +0000

Piotr B said,”Nevermind that last paragraph.” Why? Did something change for you?

By: Piotr B.

Piotr B. — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:16:21 +0000

nevermind that last paragraph

By: Piotr B.

Piotr B. — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:44:13 +0000

This is something that I have struggled with for some time, whether it is ok to “force” presence, and if I can’t, then what do I do? I recently asked what I believe to be an enlightened person about this, and he said just notice what is happening, and that you can’t force presence. I guess it all depends on how much “mind” is involved, because if there is little, you can also “do” presence. It was really irritating for a while, because you realize there is a wrong way to be present, one that feels forceful and ..wrong I guess! I think I just needed to calm down.

By the way, what the heck happens when “enlightenment” happens? I know we all say enlightenment already exists, but fine..the change in perception. WHatever it is..in a few months I will be jobless. I hope enlightenment can show me some answers

By: Ismaelia

Ismaelia — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:40:30 +0000

The first exercise feels like work. So much to “do”. The second is just allowing and being. With the second the boundaries between my feet and the floor fade as well as my butt on the chair but I cn still feel my elbows on the desk. I also feel waves of energy flowing through me randomly. It’s interesting because I have always placed a lot of emphasis on my breathing but now see that it is not so necessary for just “being”.

By: Ariel Bravy

Ariel Bravy — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:24:15 +0000

Hey Glen,

You’re right that presence can be difficult when we need to think simultaneously. Conscious thinking is more challenging than conscious presence during meditation, for example.

In my experience, a number of things that have helped are being aware of the background stillness that is present even during the thinking, to ask myself who is the “I” that is thinking, and to totally allow the mind to be as it is, without desire to control or manipulate.

What exactly did you have in mind (no pun intended :)) when you mentioned to “be full involved in the thinking”?

By: Ariel Bravy

Ariel Bravy — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:20:08 +0000

Welcome aboard, Seamus.

By: Glen Allsopp

Glen Allsopp — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:33:14 +0000

I find presence to be difficult sometimes, especially when I need to ‘think’ and plan something out. I think (think too much ) that the best way to get over this though is to be fully involved in the thinking at the time if that is what you are doing?

Cheers,
Glen

Glen Allsopps last blog post..10 Things You Are Not

By: Seamus Anthony

Seamus Anthony — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:41:42 +0000

Hey Ariel, thanks for your "presence" over at Rebel Zen, I've added your blog to my RSS so looking forward to hearing more of what you've got to say :-) Seamus Anthonys last blog post..Are You A Rebel Zen Master?