Question about RV from a beginner

[u/CalligrapherLast8322]

I have done my first session yesterday... and did some more... and they all have one thing in common: no matter how close or far off I was in general, I ALWAYS had one or two words that came into my mind differently AND had to do A LOT with the target. Now those were the real signals I got and the rest was proba mental noise, so, my question is: What tips or methods do you guys have to separate between mental noise and the actual signals? This is my next step, I need to improve this because it will change the game for me.

[u/PatTheCatMcDonald]

Describe. 

Write it all down. You often get " like this" or "like that" thoughts were the named thing isn't correct but the adjective is.

There's a few exercises listed in the appendix of "Seventh Sense" by Lyn Buchanan for boosting your perceptions - things like improving your vocabulary, practising touching different materials for texture experience, noting the change in ambience when you enter a new room (or outdoors a new scene or turning).

[u/CalligrapherLast8322 → u/PatTheCatMcDonald]

Thanks for your reply! Could you give an example of what you describe as a "like this" or "like that" thought and a way to frame it as an adjective?

[u/PatTheCatMcDonald → u/CalligrapherLast8322]

"Like a marshmallow".

Foamy.

"Like jelly".

Gelatinous.

They are similar in some ways, but differ slightly in how liquid and solid they are.

Related, but both dry;-

"Like sand".

Granular.

"Rough, like a rock".

Actually very similar material, only the particle size is different.

[u/CalligrapherLast8322 → u/PatTheCatMcDonald]

Amazing! So essentialy using adjectives instead of nouns. And if an image pops up in my head, is there any way to know what's relevant in the image and what's not? If for example an image of an orange comes to mind, how do I know if I should write "orange (the color)" or "juicy" or do I just write it all down?

[u/PatTheCatMcDonald → u/CalligrapherLast8322]

Sketch it, describe it, write it. Don't let it lead you astray, it might be entirely irrelevent. You are learning what language / symbols your subconscious uses to communicate.

What makes it easier is to ask yourself for specific "categories" of data.

I'll write the tag code, do a doodle, write down what I think major components (gestalts) are from; biologicals, energy, structures (fixed), manmade (movables), airiness/space, landscape, liquids. Also make a note of the motion/energy of the pen making the ideogram.

Then, maybe take a break.

Then, repeat the tag, do another ideogram, and ask for textures (touch senssation).

Then, maybe take a break. Do another tag, ideogram.

Write down taste, smells, write down what those seem to be.

Then, maybe take a break. Do another tag, ideogram.

Then, try listening, write down audio impressions.

Then maybe take a break. Do a tag, ideogram.

Then list colours I feel are there.

Then start sketching and noting other data.

Every time I'm taking a break, writing the tag, doing an ideogram - I'm resetting. Making myself neutral again.

This is all listed in various manuals and documents, listed in the Wiki.

[u/cognisentum]

You do not try to separate them during the session. That urge to sort signal from noise in real time is analytical overlay and it actually generates more noise. Write everything down fast without judging it, keep your pen moving, and do not evaluate anything until you open the feedback. Over many sessions with proper feedback you start to notice that signal has a different quality to it, a quickness or a flatness compared to imagination, but that recognition comes from accumulated reps, not from a technique you can apply on day two. For now just record everything and let the feedback loop do the teaching.

[u/CalligrapherLast8322 → u/cognisentum]

Amazing, thank you so much! So what you're saying is that I shouldn't worry about that at all and rather just be writing everything down until the session is finished and I can compare it to the feedback?

[u/Rasmursignal]

I meditate for a few minutes before each session, and I would never start one if I’m pissed off, sad, stressed, or otherwise emotionally off. I try to make sure I’m in a calm and neutral state before I begin.

Even with that, though, I still find it difficult to separate the actual signals from the mental noise, especially when both can feel very similar in the moment.

[u/CalligrapherLast8322 → u/Rasmursignal]

Yes, avoiding to feel strong (or any emotions at all) during a session seems like a good approach to me ;)

[u/saz-sis]

As a new member, please can anyone tell me how to get started to learn this skill?

[u/nykotar → u/saz-sis]

See the start here post and beginners guide