In the beginning of May, I was still in Review (of Technical 3rd Path), despite it seeming like it was on the tail end in April. It continued until May 14th, when I had an obvious experience of the first Insight Knowledge. Ron explained that I simply had the outlier experience of a drawn out, six week Review phase.
My main technique this month was constant, off-cushion noting in daily life: mostly one word labels, but sometimes a verb-object combo. I also did a lot of philosophical investigation of the three characteristics. I was pleased to find that Technical 3rd Path had delivered a major blow to my bipolar symptoms. Checking in throughout the days, I noted a dramatically decreased sense of basic irritation.
In the second half of the month, my investigations favored an attitude of surrender and choiceless awareness that would later set me up for Technical 4th Path. I completed the first cycle through the Insight Knowledges of Technical 4th Path very quickly (the 14th through the 19th). Then things really slowed down, and I spent ten days working within the fractal of the first Vipassana Jhana. When I met with Ron again, he complimented me on my mindfulness, and encouraged me to keep going, despite the boredom inherent in Pre-A&P territory. He also discouraged me from switching techniques, as I wanted to go to 2nd Gear. In retrospect, I can see how valuable that advice was; the active approach of noting was a necessary “disembedding” mechanism for me, at this time.
My main technique this month was constant, off-cushion noting in daily life: mostly one word labels, but sometimes a verb-object combo. I also did a lot of philosophical investigation of the three characteristics. I was pleased to find that Technical 3rd Path had delivered a major blow to my bipolar symptoms. Checking in throughout the days, I noted a dramatically decreased sense of basic irritation.
In the second half of the month, my investigations favored an attitude of surrender and choiceless awareness that would later set me up for Technical 4th Path. I completed the first cycle through the Insight Knowledges of Technical 4th Path very quickly (the 14th through the 19th). Then things really slowed down, and I spent ten days working within the fractal of the first Vipassana Jhana. When I met with Ron again, he complimented me on my mindfulness, and encouraged me to keep going, despite the boredom inherent in Pre-A&P territory. He also discouraged me from switching techniques, as I wanted to go to 2nd Gear. In retrospect, I can see how valuable that advice was; the active approach of noting was a necessary “disembedding” mechanism for me, at this time.
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