ADA road bumps

**Draco77100** · 01-25-2013 06:35 AM

So I have a question. Recently I got gung-ho back into lucud dreaming, and had a large amount (6) of lucid dreams in two weeks. Mostly i use MILD and ADA, but I ran into the same block with ADA as I did two months ago. I was able for two weeks to do ADA nearly continuously, and this time it got to where part of my awareness was ALWAYS active, which was exciting. However, one night I closed at my work, and had school the next morning. As a result I only got three hours of sleep, and couldn't handle doing ADA the next day. And ever since then, I can hardly manage ADA for more than an hour a day, whether I split it into chucks throughout the day or all at once. For some reason, it just falls apart. I would really appreciate any advice as to what I can do to get over this block

**Occipitalred** · 01-26-2013 02:45 AM

Hello,

I know what you mean. I also practice ADA and it is very hard when tired because ADA requires constant presence of mind. Recently, I have discovered that if I kneel down and put my forehead + nose to the ground and have my hands touching the ground, I become more aware. The position I am talking of is like the one that Muslims use to pray when they pray on the floor if you know what I am talking about. I am not religious but it is a very enjoyable position of humility and I also take advantage of it to state in my mind how grateful I am for my life and the people that inhabit it. Regardless, when I was doing it, I would find it painful because blood would rush to my head (since my head was lower than my heart). I wanted to ask a Muslim person how they do it without having the blood rush to their head and then I realized that it was the blood rushing to my brain that was making me more aware. All in all, I'd say to try putting your head lower than your heart for a moment and bring it back slowly and it helps gain the conscience of mind that I lack when I am tired. I don't know if it will be useful to you but this is what I have been doing recently and it works for me... for now.

Good luck!

**paigeyemps** · 01-26-2013 10:32 AM

Have you tried 'resetting'? It's what I often do when something stops working for me—be it ADA or an induction technique or dream recall, anything. I basically just give it a few days off. It works for me a lot. When I start to get back into it, it goes back to normal for me

**Occipitalred** · 01-26-2013 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by paigeyemps

Have you tried 'resetting'? It's what I often do when something stops working for me—be it ADA or an induction technique or dream recall, anything. I basically just give it a few days off. It works for me a lot. When I start to get back into it, it goes back to normal for me

It`s always that. I go through phases where I am super effective and then a complete mess. I`m really looking for a way to maintain constant consciousness but it will be a fierce battle if not a hopeless attempt to do the impossible.

**Sensei** · 01-27-2013 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by paigeyemps

Have you tried 'resetting'? It's what I often do when something stops working for me—be it ADA or an induction technique or dream recall, anything. I basically just give it a few days off. It works for me a lot. When I start to get back into it, it goes back to normal for me

This is why I have more than one technique at a time, I feel like unless it is your technique, you will lose it after a while and you will need to reset.

**Draco77100** · 01-30-2013 02:54 PM

Sorry guys, with ridiculous work hours and school, Ive had no free time the past bit.
Resetting was a wonderful idea! It actually worked for me. Ive never heard resetting mentioned before. Is it used for basically every method?

**paigeyemps** · 02-01-2013 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Draco77100

Sorry guys, with ridiculous work hours and school, Ive had no free time the past bit.
Resetting was a wonderful idea! It actually worked for me. Ive never heard resetting mentioned before. Is it used for basically every method?

I have no idea, I haven't really heard it being termed "resetting" before. I just kinda made that up when I replied. I'm sure many people do this though, sometimes even unintentionally when they just give it a rest without really thinking about it. I personally reset every once in a while, when my recall plummets, or basically any method I try that doesn't work out too well.

**VagalTone** · 02-01-2013 12:21 PM

In my humble opinion, it doesn't make sense to strain too much, gentle awareness is enough. when it is so its very relaxing and enjoyable, almost no effort at all. theres a balance between focus and relaxation. focus can create anxiety, relaxation can make you sleep. you have to mix the two with skilfulness. ok, this may not be ADA, but thats how i think of it. therefore, i think ADA and meditation is much the same thing.

if you are interested in this, i recommend you check Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche teachings and books.