Thread: DawgBone's Workbook

Caenis:

I read through the waking journal thread. Several people reported having success with it. But I'm not sure that a diary-type record, recorded at the end of the day, is the best approach. The idea, it seems to me, is to improve awareness, not just memory. What we want is Zen-like, living in the Now, as opposed to thinking about the grocery list.

I think I will try this:

I'm already using a vibrating wristwatch to remind me to do RCs. I going to add short entries into the waking journal each time I do one of these RCs. I work at a computer most of the day so this will be easy to do. The entries will report what I am doing, hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting and thinking at the time. It will basically force me to Experience the Now several times a day.

I'm pretty sure that the Zen monks don't do it this way, but then they probably don't have vibrating wristwatches …

Originally Posted by DawgBone

Caenis:

I read through the waking journal thread. Several people reported having success with it. But I'm not sure that a diary-type record, recorded at the end of the day, is the best approach. The idea, it seems to me, is to improve awareness, not just memory. What we want is Zen-like, living in the Now, as opposed to thinking about the grocery list.

I think I will try this:

I'm already using a vibrating wristwatch to remind me to do RCs. I going to add short entries into the waking journal each time I do one of these RCs. I work at a computer most of the day so this will be easy to do. The entries will report what I am doing, hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting and thinking at the time. It will basically force me to Experience the Now several times a day.

I'm pretty sure that the Zen monks don't do it this way, but then they probably don't have vibrating wristwatches …

That's a great idea! I like the way you think, sir. Sounds like a good way to RC, improve memory and become more aware! Will you review what you read before you go to sleep at night, or just document what you're experiencing throughout the day? I only have one recommendation: don't rely only on the watch for RCs and awareness. You likely won't have a vibrating watch in your dreams after all.

...Although.... Once it becomes habit for you to RC and become aware when your watch vibrates, maybe you can wear the watch to bed and set it to vibrate when you're sleeping. Does it automatically turn it off? That would be an interesting experiment.

Originally Posted by Caenis

That's a great idea! I like the way you think, sir. Sounds like a good way to RC, improve memory and become more aware! Will you review what you read before you go to sleep at night, or just document what you're experiencing throughout the day?

I plan on reviewing it.

I only have one recommendation: don't rely only on the watch for RCs and awareness. You likely won't have a vibrating watch in your dreams after all.

That's a good point. I'm interested in lucid aids of various kinds: supplements, sleep masks, Zeo applications, etc. But you don't want to become dependent on those things. They should be embellishments of a person's basic skills, not a substitution for the skills.

*** DB quickly does an RC without a vibrating wristwatch ***

...Although.... Once it becomes habit for you to RC and become aware when your watch vibrates, maybe you can wear the watch to bed and set it to vibrate when you're sleeping. Does it automatically turn it off? That would be an interesting experiment.

Now there's an interesting idea! As a matter of fact, I think that there is a bluetooth gadget that you wear like a wristwatch. I can be programmed and used in conjunction with a smart phone LD application. All sorts of possibilities.

Thanks for the feedback, Caenis.