Bruce,
Thanks for the information. Slipping was the most odd experience when it first occurred -- or should I say, when I first noticed it. Since then, I have told Frank D. that someone should write a dictionary of nonphysical language, which he seemed to enjoy. It was that slipping point through which I first found myself grappling with the limits of language (physical) to describe the nonphysical aspects. Now, I have been reading the Guidebook with great interest and I found myself likening the "slipping" to the bendy exercise -- the moment in the midst of awarness when you suddenly become aware of the most intricate movement that you simply had not noticed before.
The 3D Blackness. I am so glad you posted that. Because I could not believe how difficult it was to explain to people the idea of blackness with depth. I often found myself telling people that my experience has been that I am suddenly aware that the two-dimensional darkness that I associate with closing one's eyes has suddenly changed (through "slipping") into a deep blackness, comfortable, but with definate depth. You can literally sense that there is a 360 radius around you within the area of awareness that you sit.
The Flying Fuzzy Zone is a new one for me -- at least I haven't matched it to any experience yet.
As to my assessment, Skip I also found interesting in that his questions always forced you to probe deeper for an explanation rather than seeking an association with another's experience.
Yes, she (Laurie) was. Penny, too. I haven't met the other as of yet. I am fortunate to have a part of them with me always. Rosie, Maureen, etc. My life seems very rich when I look at it.
"A perfect example for me that taught me how subtle the shifts of awareness are is one that only happens to those of those who do not sleep alone. I crawl into bed, close my eyes, and if I am awake for more than 90 seconds that is by my standards insomnia. So, I'm laying there after five minutes or so, wide-awake, wondering how long it is going to take me tonight to fall asleep. I am wondering what's keeping me awake. I am wishing I could just fall asleep. And then I feel a gentle jab of my wife's elbow and she says, turnover Hon, your snoring!" This is rather funny. Frank was the first person to mention this idea of hearing yourself snore. Upon my voyage at TMI, I suddenly became aware of the physical and I heard the most awful sound of breathing. I first thought that I had brought back some heavy breather, only to realize in a moment of absolute astonishment that it was ME. I had a single room and I was snoring as well. I think I told everyone about my gaping black hole of a snore because it was such an experience. Of course, I had to apoloize to Frank as well. I also experience time differentials, wherein the passing of what "feels" like a few moments becomes in "reality" the passing of hours. Your explanation matches my experience.
I have found that many people using some of the more visual exercises tend to have more tangible results. I liken this to the idea of doing something. The visual imagery, like in The Visit, for example, takes someone through the exercise step by step, telling them what to do. When you are suddenly confronted with finding your own way, people seem to just wait -- maybe waiting for someone to tell them to do something.
Out of curiosity, when you first began focusing your attention away from the physical, what did you focus on. I mean, did you have an image in mind, did you drift and allow, or did you follow a sort of path or pattern. Of course, I don't want to front load another's experience, so if you wish to reply offline, that will be fine. I look forward to any reply.
E.