Yes I think you should continue, don’t give up!
Let me ask you, are you also using Bruce’s CDs (or the MP3) that go with the Guidebook? If not then I highly suggest that you do. I find his voice so soothing and it easily puts me in a relaxed enough state necessary for the exercises even though Bruce doesn’t use Hemi-Sync.
Have you tried Hemi-Sync? If not you may want to try it. Try it regularly for a while and see if you’re able to fall under the effects of the altered states. For a lot of people hemi-sync is a great kickstart in teaching your consciousness it’s ok to let go. Then when you listen to Bruce’s CDs you will probably have an easier time with it.
I’m not saying that the hemi-sync is a must, it’s just a suggestion. Bruce’s techniques do work, and they work well on their own without supplementing with hemi-sync. But I completely understand when you say you have that “monkey chatter” going on. I get it too. It takes work and discipline to learn how to quiet the mind, which is why regular meditation practice is so critical. For me personally, when I watch a lot of TV or spend a lot of time on the Internet, it really does add to the “clutter” in the mind, making it harder to just have a clear, quiet mind when you want to.
I think the monks knew what they were doing! If I could just quiet my life and meditate more I’d have an easier time of this nonphysical stuff myself.
Hey, check this out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJDR5orfew8I think these videos might help. There are several of these of Bruce explaining things and answering questions AND you get to see me in some of them
I'm sitting in the front row on the left-hand side. I love hearing Bruce in person. It helps so much to really hear him personally explaining things as he's such a good teacher.