First off, I would just like to say I love this technique, even though I have only been using it for about a week. I do have a couple of questions though.

At the end of the first week I began experiencing strange effects, such as a kind of rocking head movement and other weird sensations in my body which were so intense that I couldn't focus on anything but the movements.

Then, a few nights ago I had a a pretty mellow meditation session at 7 pm (I didn't have any of the intense head rocking and body twitching i had been experiencing before). But later, when I went to bed at about midnight my body began to start twitching -- first it started in my feet as small pulses and then it became so intense that my feet were kind of kicking..this feeling then moved up my legs and into my back where there was this kind of really enjoyable tingling. It was extremely intense, like literally my body was shaking and I couldn't seem to calm down (I wasn't thinking the syllable either)....naturally this also prevented me from getting to sleep.

So my first question is, is this at all common to have the stress relief effects when not meditating? Also, I'll add that it seemed to be related mostly to having my eyes closed. Is it possible I am not resting long enough after meditation?

My other question is: Is there any way to know whether you are focusing on the syllable too explicitly, or a way to self check and make sure you are meditating correctly? Is it better to err on the side of not focusing enough?

Thanks!

Nina,

"...I began experiencing strange effects, such as a kind of rocking head movement and other weird sensations in my body..."

These sound like normal adjustments in the body, and nothing to be worried about. Whenever such sensations are strong enough to absorb the mind, don't try to think the syllable. Allowing the attention to be on the sensations until they subside will allow the stress to release comfortably and completely. Something very good is happening!

"...when I went to bed at about midnight my body began to start twitching...my feet were kind of kicking...really enjoyable tingling. It was extremely intense, like literally my body was shaking and I couldn't seem to calm down...naturally this also prevented me from getting to sleep. So my first question is, is this at all common to have the stress relief effects when not meditating?"

No, usually all the effects of stress release happen during the meditation session. Again, this sounds very natural, nothing to worry about. This kind of normalizing probably won't happen very often.

"Is it possible I am not resting long enough after meditation?"

Yes, it is possible. A simple experiment will verify this. Take a full ten minutes to rest. Part or all of this time can be spent sitting or lying down, whichever is more comfortable. Do this for several days and then report back here.

"Is there any way to know whether you are focusing on the syllable too explicitly, or a way to self check and make sure you are meditating correctly?"

There are so many ways to meditate incorrectly that it would be difficult to do a self check. It is simpler just to ask someone who has the knowledge to answer your questions. This is one reason we make this forum and email and phone/Skype consultations available to everyone.

"Is it better to err on the side of not focusing enough?"

Absolutely and definitely, yes! There should be no focus at all. The idea of focus should never be part of your meditation practice. Any individual (local) focus interferes with the innocent process of transcending. And too much focus will produce strain, and even headaches. It will be better to follow the instructions in the manual, particularly with regard to picking up the syllable as a faint idea and then taking it as it comes.

In the unlikely event that your sensations continue for more than a week, please contact me to set up a phone or Skype consultation.

David Spector
Natural Stress Relief/USA

Thanks for the great comments,

I have still been having a couple twitches when I am go to bed, but the intense body movements have settled down A LOT, and I feel wonderful as a result.

Also, thank you so much for the clarification on concentration! I have just been letting the meditation happen versus trying to control it and found I have reached much deeper states.

again, thanks!

Nina,

I'm pleased to hear that your stress release outside of meditation has settled down, and that you are now letting meditation happen instead of trying to control it.

Your success is a great inspiration. It shows how important it is to have knowledge of proper technique.

Having some twitches while falling asleep is completely normal. It is okay if these continue, even for a few months. Eventually, this effect will stop when that particular stress has completely dissolved.

David Spector
Natural Stress Relief/USA