Thread: When you fall asleep too easily and cannot do any technique

Yep. My technique is for my mind. You can get ideas from it, but by copying it 100%, you will never be able to do what I do 100%. You can only do your own thing 100%. Ssild is a good way to start with practicing falling asleep, but you should still do something for recall, something for awareness, and keep a good sleep schedule. Ssild is a helper, but without prior experience or work during, it is useless. Try to break something down in a way that makes sense to you and lose what doesn't make a difference to you. Search for the feeling in between asleep and awake, not a technique for it. The tech will guide you to the feeling.

Originally Posted by Avalokiteshvara

What are some ways of keeping yourself awake enough to control drifting off into sleep? My usually favorite techniques of SSILD and WILD are not working these days because any lapses in an intention to keep myself awake will cause me to fall asleep within a minute or even 30 seconds. First I lose focus very quickly, then I just sleep. It's as if that just before sleep state overpowers my intentions no matter what.

Other people have had this problem on this board too. What are the solutions?

I would just like to add one thing--often your body will give you cues that you are about to fall asleep. For instance, I always notice my breathing becomes deep and regular, even if I feel wide awake. At this point I know sleep is imminent, even if it does not feel like it. From here, for instance, I may decide to drop my mantra (if I am MILDing) and allow it to continue in the background (sort of like an echo) and allow myself to fall asleep. But I may also decide to rouse myself, and do another cycle of affirmations if my intent (and my echo) feels too weak. If this is too much, psychologically, to handle, I may try to WILD. But this is an example. Basically, this:

Originally Posted by Sensei

The tech will guide you to the feeling.

This statement alone needs to be stickied.

Sensei has given you the best advice possible, which is to take these techniques and make them your own, and to let them act as guideposts. Your insight about meditation is absolutely correct. No experiential knowledge can ever be taught; you have to experience it and make it work for yourself. This is the basis of all esoteric practice You have been very active on these forums, however, and seem dedicated to getting it right. I'm sure you'll be successful. Just keep practicing and asking questions.