11-17-2007, 02:01 AM
I gaze with dry leaves now and then (perfect time of the year for that right now in the northern hemisphere). I never have tried to go for longer than 20 or 30 minutes though because I don't really have the time for that currently.
Something that has helped me with inner silence is, not forcing it. It's nothing but a continual reminding to focus on whatever it is you're choosing to focus on; gazing, sounds, breathing, etc. The point isn't to see how long you can go without talking to yourself. The point is to continually be switching the focus from inner dialogue to your focal point. As soon as you catch yourself talking, gently switch your focus to your gazing. There's no use in becoming frustrated. It seems to me that frustration is only a result of feeling that you should be doing better. I believe that if you are constantly switching from your inner-dialogue to your gazing (or whatever technique you're using), you are in fact doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing and you are progressing. If you continue doing it, you will reach greater levels of silence.
Do it without expectations. Gazing is a joy unto itself, there's no need to look for or expect results. In my experience, expectation is one of the greatest barriers to many things.
Something that has helped me with inner silence is, not forcing it. It's nothing but a continual reminding to focus on whatever it is you're choosing to focus on; gazing, sounds, breathing, etc. The point isn't to see how long you can go without talking to yourself. The point is to continually be switching the focus from inner dialogue to your focal point. As soon as you catch yourself talking, gently switch your focus to your gazing. There's no use in becoming frustrated. It seems to me that frustration is only a result of feeling that you should be doing better. I believe that if you are constantly switching from your inner-dialogue to your gazing (or whatever technique you're using), you are in fact doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing and you are progressing. If you continue doing it, you will reach greater levels of silence.
Do it without expectations. Gazing is a joy unto itself, there's no need to look for or expect results. In my experience, expectation is one of the greatest barriers to many things.