VOM

["Martin <martincosgrove@...>" <martincosgrove@...>]

Hi everyone,

When I was preparing tonight to do my vacancy of mind meditation, I 
realized that it seems to be a combination of the two previous 
exercises: you have to focus intently to block out any distracting 
thoughts, and you have to passively allow any extranuous thoughts 
which do arise to come and go... having realized this has helped a 
little, but I'm still finding the VOM exercise to be a lot more 
challenging than the other two mental exercises (not that I found 
those easy at all!). With this exercise more than the other two, I 
find it difficult to stay focused and aware. I end up drifting into 
a dream-like state and 'coming to' half an hour later (not exactly 
falling asleep, more of a hypnogogic state). Obviously the fact that 
I am almost always tired by the time I have a chance to practice 
doesn't help... I need to find a way to stay alert mentally, yet 
also permit my mind to become vacant... any suggestions, tips or 
comments would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot.

Martin