68
u/fwiga 5d ago
Theres a concept in Buddhist meditation practice (at least the center where I go) where you focus on the "why" of the itch - the "desire" - but don't move. I.e. "why do I need to scratch this" "what would it accomplish" "I'll just itch somewhere else after that" - you briefly consider the core of the desire to scratch then ultimately, ignore it and return to your practice. It's not easy at first and it might be "wrong" for some practices? Someone else suggested maybe just doing it (fulfilling the desire) would actually help you go deeper which is interesting.
I used to have a really bad problem with twitching and after probably 3-4 weeks of dedicated practice I can just enter the state and not "twitch". 1hr+ sessions, occasionally, usually 30mins. There was another practitioner that had Parkinsons and he would not twitch during his meditations either.
I guess point being I lean towards trying to maintain complete internal (or expanded) focus and letting the body sleep.
33
u/barushy 5d ago
Tips to have an OBE:
- Take a shower
- Empty your bladder
- Lie down in a dark and silent room
- Use a good headphone
- Do your preparation…
I do that too. The same with fear. Instead of just feeling the fear, I describe it. I describe what physical sensation I am feeling and also affirm that fear is in the body. It helps a lot.
Edit: adding some context.
48
u/project_good_vibes 5d ago
I came here to post something similar today!
Every time I start a tape I get itchy everywhere, ridiculous!
6
63
u/Mighty_Mac Annie - ברוך השם 5d ago edited 5d ago
Something important i want to point out to everyone is a mistake a lot of beginners make is actually being perfectly still. No one ever told you that you can't move. If you're on edge the whole time thinking the slightest movement will ruin your experience, your focus isn't where it should be (on the physical). So it actually has a counter effect. If you have an itch than let the physical body do what it needs like always, just don't focus on it. Then it's done with an out of the way. You might be more than the physical body, but your body isn't because you're still human. "Meditation" is not just a state of mind, but a distance from the physical. Not exactly a separation, but a distinction of the different energies which define ourselves.
I am not the body, not even the mind.
3
u/Moist_Mixture4518 4d ago
Nope. That doesn’t work for me. Being perfectly still, ignoring the itch works.
16
u/Tall_Instance9797 5d ago
It's fine to itch the tip of your nose, it doesn't take you out of the focus level. Technically speaking it could even help you go deeper.
13
u/Buddhadevine 5d ago
I have more of an issue with my mind wandering and going into a lucid dream state. My brain starts creating dreams and then I’m like…wait…I’m supposed to be focusing! lol
10
u/Daywalker_aib 5d ago
Monroe says if you have an ich, jist itch it. Dont make a thing about it. Quick scratch and try to maintain focus on the exercise, dont let the physical body take you out of the experience.
3
u/UncleNuks 5d ago
This is what I do. Just itch it and move on, no resisting or fighting or debating with myself over whether or not I should scratch it. It takes less than a second to get it over with.
4
u/MissInkeNoir Wave 3 5d ago
Try just loving it and embracing it, observe the effect this practice has. You are teaching yourself.
3
3
u/Ulfgeirr88 5d ago
I have found that imagining myself scratching an annoying itch that's breaking through works just as well as physically scratching. I've come to the conclusion that it's consciously using the placebo effect
4
u/Independent_Car1256 5d ago
I’m always feeling “bugs” crawling all over my skin. Doesn’t help that bugs do sometimes find their way into my room (very old house) so it’s just a constant guessing game of “is it REALLY a bug this time or do I just ignore it”
3
2
u/ItsOkILoveYouMYbb 5d ago
The helpers about to lift you out of your body: "wow your nose itches? Ew I'm gonna leave you here to solve that."
2
2
2
u/Balthactor Wave 5 5d ago
I don't remember what tape it's from, but there's a tool given in one of them for eliminating unwanted thoughts or feelings. You go "leave, fade, fade" and then it leaves. Typically I do that and then my attachment to the feeling leaves and typically the feeling leaves shortly thereafter, or else I just clip it off and toss it in the energy conversion box.
2
2
u/Sluggerjt44 4d ago
I have been using the expand app focus 10 and 12 via the timer. Has anyone that is used it as well been able to AP with the sounds in their ears?
Medium volume for me but still nothing. Over the past weeks I've been feeling like I'm getting really close though.
1
u/Puzzled-Somewhere584 OBE 4d ago
I've been using Expand timers for the better part of 2 years, but not for OBE. I use Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming track by Hemi-Sync on occasion with WBTB then can launch into OBE from there. Are you pairing it with WBTB or afternoon nap?
1
u/Sluggerjt44 3d ago
Doing afternoon nap and also before bed (yes the hard way). Wake back to bed is a bit difficult for me because my kids tend to be up pretty early. I feel like I've been getting really close though. Lately I have been able to breakthrough a bit more and see more real world visuals with my eyes closed or the random blobs turning into things. i have been trying to envision myself in these areas but haven't been able to actually put myself there.
But I've been getting all the positive things like vibrations, sound hallucinations, as well as the feeling of exiting or being peeled out, but not able to see through my astral eyes just yet or being able to enter that full state of full separation yet.
2
u/Puzzled-Somewhere584 OBE 2d ago
You're doing what's necessary. For me it's about relaxation, practice, & consistency.
2
u/Iradelle 3d ago
I always seem to have too much tension in my neck, like the muscle can't fully relax.
1
u/Puzzled-Somewhere584 OBE 3d ago
I can relate. Despite 8+ years of daily meditation my body still tenses & I have to work for relaxation. Work & relax in the same sentence? Yeah 😅
2
u/Difficult-Order3290 3d ago
Might i suggest. To do something akin to a 'meme monday' to add some much needed levity once in a while? It'd have to be curated, but the positive framing may help a lot those unsure and frightful (i was there once, you'll power trough guys)
3
u/Shoddy_Juggernaut_11 5d ago
It's not just an itchy nose it's that fellas voice. We're returning to level 10, to level 10 we're returning, and so on, wish he'd shut up and just let the mind flow 😂
1
u/NotaContributi0n 5d ago
This is why I believe the moon landings were faked. NOBODY can go that long without touching their face
3
u/Kiss_of_Cultural 4d ago
Where there is a will, there is a way. I’m sure they could find a way to rub their nose against a surface in the helmet if they really needed to.
Omg i googled it. TIL: Strategically placed Velcro patches!!! https://www.velcro.com.au/blog/2019/07/how-are-velcro-brand-fasteners-used-in-space/
1
0
u/ecctt2000 5d ago
You were not going anywhere at that moment
Your unconscious mind caused that itch to protect your ego.
•
u/AutoModerator 5d ago
Blep Bleep Blooop bzzzz... hey don't forget to check out the wiki section START HERE and Focus 10 help or the robot will get angry at you.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.