eyes vs mind

[Zenit]

I have a theory, and if its already been touched upon sorry for not searching thoroughly enough =)

I have noticed a tendency that when images start to materialize I can only hold them lucid for a few moments after becoming aware of them. As soon as i realize whats going on, they just disappear.

Similarly I have noticed when lucid dreaming, as soon as I become aware that its a dream, I start focusing on how real everything appears. It all looks so astonishingly real. But after a few moments the pictures literally seem to melt away (another freaky thing is when i start focusing on people they actually morph right in front of me!).

My theory is that as soon as these visual queues start I switch from observing them with my mind (or conciseness) to trying to perceive them with my eyes. My attention goes from the actual image to what my eyes are seeing (the back of my eyelids). So Keeping the images is then a trick of not using your eyes, but just your mind. Or rather, not switching back to your eyes when you become aware.

Another reason i came up with this theory is this: A lot of times when i was seeing things the most vividly i always felt a pressure on my eyes. It felt although I was crossing them (trying to look at my nose) and i was always worried about why i had to strain my eyes to do this. I know believe its because straining your eyes actually cuts off what your seeing with them. It helps you "de-foucs" them, and so heightens the focus on the images mentally.

If there is any validity to this I think I can be used in the following way. If someone (like I) has a strong tendency to switch to his eyes when getting those first glimpses, maybe visual noticing is not the best way to go. My be auditory noticing is better method (listening).

I have been using the noticing technique for a while now, and I have been making some progress, but i'm going to try a new approach, listening. From what I can conclude, its not about the actual sense you use, its more about how you shift your focus from what it is your sensing to whats inside your mind.

Any thoughts?

[Lionheart]

 The key is to become "aware" of them without putting total focus on them. This is very hard to do, but gets better with a lot of practice. In this PDF, the gentleman uses a three-prong approach to noticing. #1 is hypnogog imagery #2. Astral sounds and #3. focus on breathing. He shows you how to do all 3. I personally liked the idea, because I find it hard to just stay on one too long. Here is the link, it is a great read. Ignore the title though. 
   http://www.psychedelicmeditation.com/

[Zenit]

That was a good recommendation! (thanks for the warning about the title haha). Using the 3 part approach almost doubled my time in meditation. Havent finished the read but will probably do so this week and see whats what.

[Xanth]

Frank posted about this very thing.
http://unlimitedboundaries.ca/2010/09/03/astral-projection-problems-the-eyes/

[embrace]

This is interesting. I think it's not the noticing how things are real makes the dream fall apart, but the emotions involved into noticing. Usually when we get excited in a dream/astral projection it leads to awakening. Try to avoid going like: "woooow, it's soooo awesoooome, yahooooo!" in your dream and just quietly observe everything.

[Contenteo]

You touched on two important maxims with this theory.

1. The importance between differentiation between sight and perception.
      The difference is like you explained. One is with your eyes, the other with your mind. The later is the greater understanding of any situation.

2. Keeping your disposition neutral to everything.
      When one is neutral, they can receive, info and react in an unbiased manner. I like the brevity of Musashi. He said to keep you spirit from be too over-excited or under-excited, both are weak. This goes for projection and strategies in life.

Hope this helps.


Cheers,
Contenteo