Help with ADA

[GiftedPotato]

I have been practicing ADA for a good few weeks now. Right when I think that i've got the hang of it, I don't. I sometimes manage to keep awareness on what I'm doing for like 10 minutes but then I drift off with my brain being worn out. It's the challenge of focusing on EVERYTHING that you're doing that's very difficult with me. Would there be any...easier way to practice ADA? Right now I'm dedicated to lucid dreaming but this is really difficult. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[Kraom]

Well, if you're dedicated to ADA, then honestly, the only thing you can do is keep trying and practicing until you get it more and more. But I feel like, starting out, there are better techniques that you could try using. For instance, when I was starting out, well when I first joined the site I should say, I had really great success with SSILD. I just think that there are easier methods, that don't require as much focus. Don't get me wrong I think ADA is a great method, if one can master it. But, that would take quite some time. So, if you want more immediate success, then I would advise switching to a different method. But, like I said, if you really like the idea of ADA, then keep on practicing it. Also, a note from when I used to practice ADA, focus on one aspect of your environment instead of trying to be aware of everything. For instance, I would always study shadows. It may sound strange, but, shadows have very particular aspects to them. So, anyways, if you want to continue with ADA, that's what I would recommend. Good luck, and if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

[Bobblehat]

My problem with ADA is that the idea "Focus on EVERYTHING" isn't a tenable idea once you've asked yourself, "What exactly is meant by EVERYTHING"? It isn't possible to focus on everything. There's a limit to attention. A compromise has to be struck somewhere. More questions than answers with ADA.

[VagalTone]

I agree with Kraom. One should narrow focus to a particular thing, like gravity or memory and practice at intervals, using prospective memory. To focus on everything is hard and requires balance, and it is more of a meditative accomplishment. And it is crucial to incorporate critical thinking into ADA, that is, your purpose is always to know what reality you are in. There are easier methods to begin and build motivation at the beginning. For instance DEILD with alarm, with or without FILD as reentry method. That's enough to have daily lucids after some adjustment, for most people. And it is effortless. Then one builds more and more motivation to progress and can use that motivation to achieve higher goals. To DEILD with alarm, just set an auto snooze alarm to ring for 2 seconds after at least 4 or 5 hours of sleep, in intervals of 15 or 30 minutes. If you wake up from a dream you can use FILD technique to keep your awareness intact while you are drifting off again. But many times, you won't notice any awakening. Check this thread if you want http://www.dreamviews.com/attaining-...-lucidity.html

[apsinvo]

ADA isn't about trying to focus (concentrate) on everything - it is just about maintaining awareness throughout the day. If you try to concentrate on everything your mind will get very tired very quickly

[VagalTone]

ADA isn't about trying to focus (concentrate) on everything - it is just about maintaining awareness throughout the day. If you try to concentrate on everything your mind will get very tired very quickly That's a nice way of putting it, love it !

[GiftedPotato]

What IS keeping awareness? What exactly do you need to do? I kind of understand what you're saying but I also don't, it's weird... Do you pay attention to certain things?

[VagalTone]

You know there is a distinct feeling between being attentive to present moment experiences and being lost in thoughts and daydreams, which is usually an obsessive habit. It´s natural, normal and perhaps needed to some extent - but we can cut a little bit. That´s just it - you know that you are aware, not too much, just enough to keep your self grounded and in touch with the moment. You cultivate the habit of paying attention in a balanced way, and you have to check regularly how your mind is doing, so as to adjust.

[GiftedPotato]

You know there is a distinct feeling between being attentive to present moment experiences and being lost in thoughts and daydreams, which is usually an obsessive habit. It´s natural, normal and perhaps needed to some extent - but we can cut a little bit. That´s just it - you know that you are aware, not too much, just enough to keep your self grounded and in touch with the moment. You cultivate the habit of paying attention in a balanced way, and you have to check regularly how your mind is doing, so as to adjust. Thank you! This is definitely helpful

[Bobblehat]

You know there is a distinct feeling between being attentive to present moment experiences and being lost in thoughts and daydreams, But you can be mindful of those thoughts and daydreams, thus still be practising ADA, yes?

[VagalTone]

Good question Bobblehat ! Awareness of thoughts is, in meditation schools i have explored, something necessary to be practiced, specially after you have used your senses. I would recommend you to read The Joy of Living, by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, chapter 12, if you can find it somewhere, or Allan Wallace's books. They have very clear instructions, just don't bother if you find some metaphysical stuff. They are still suitable to lay people if you forget that. Libgen library has many free ebooks. Edit: so, in short, yes, but it's more challenging, and also more rewarding in terms of insight.

[Spyguy]

It is important to be constantly aware of your environment, but that doesn't mean you should notice everything, because literally noticing everything is nearly impossible. What matters, is the awareness itself. Don't forget, ADA also mentions being aware of your own blinking, breathing, etc. This makes you yourself a part of 'the environment'. The fact that you are constantly aware of your environment, yourself, and how you interact with your environment, is what will make you lucid. This will make you notice more of what's happening around you. However, the fact that you didn't see the brown spot on the stone which was kicked underneath the grass 50 feet away from you will not prevent you from getting lucid. It is the constant awareness that counts.