Dear RM, >> Through this dialog with you I just had an insight. The VOM and the One Pointed Concentration exercises both have the effect of suspending my sense of connectedness with all the life around me and THAT's what I can't endure. I don't think I would have realized this if it hadn't been for this thread. << Cool. :) So now you know what direction to turn in, yes? I suggest a discipline that is rooted in the earth such as Wicca or Streghe . . . I just want to note that for me, one pointedness and VOM have had the opposite effect of opening me to a greater connectedness. But as I said earlier, not everybody finds their Way along the exact same path. :) In fact, we each carve out our own unique path no matter how closely we adhere to a tradition. The "trick" is to find a tradition that is compatible with your essential constitution and which supports *your* path. Or, of course, trust that where the universe leads you IS your path, traditions aside. My best to you, :) Rawn Clark 08 Aug 2003 rawnclark@... rawn@... http://www.ABardonCompanion.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BardonPraxis http://E.webring.com/hub?ring=arionthebardonwe