The No-Big-Wow Club (continuation of Turtle Log conversation)

"If I say that "No, my A&Ps aren't that intense" what's to say I'm even talking about A&Ps? Isn't it all too easy to use the same term and yet be describing completely different experiences? For instance, the other day, in the middle of my sit, I came across a pleasant flow of energy through the spine that usually I would call an A&P. "

Good point. What I actually meant to ask with the A&P question (and which most people answered anyway, so I didn't say anything) was "was there a noticable A&P >event< that seemed to mark your getting the insight of the A&P during first or second path". I'm curious about whether "the event" is a common occurance for people along the path, even for members of the no-big-wow club.

In my case, I had lots of A&P symptoms, leading me to think I had cracked it -- but then there was a distinct event that seemed to mark the end of the fascination with A&P symptoms. It stands out as an exception to my membership in the no-big-wow club

I'll throw my hat into the ring here and answer the four questions:

1) Are your A&P(s) mind-blowing? --My very first one was (when I was 19, a spontaneous near-death experience). Subsequent A&P's from meditation have been characterized by a lot of kriyas and a few lights, plus extremely rapid and fine vibrations. Not at all mind-blowing.

2) Was your first and second path followed by a significant bliss wave? --Yes, both times.

3) Were you aware of post path cycling on the cushion? Off the cushion? --Not so much on the cushion as off. Off cushion there were lots of mood swings that seemed like cycling.

4) Did you experience many post path review fruitions? --No, neither time, or if I did, I didn't recognize them as such. There were blip-outs in meditation after second path that felt as if I'd nodded off a bit, but they weren't what you'd call decisive.

"So what I'm curious to hear from others is...

1) Are your A&P(s) mind-blowing?
2) Was your first and second path followed by a significant bliss wave?
3) Were you aware of post path cycling on the cushion? Off the cushion?
4) Did you experience many post path review fruitions?


"

So here is my contribution great thread!

1. My first defiantly was as I got it on ayahuasca. I got rid of some of my deepest garbage. Was waking around with a big grin on my face feeling immense gratitude for 3 months afterwards. Loving everything and everyone. Has anyone else had the afterglow of an A & P last this long? The ones I had on retreat afterwards when I started meditating have also been very, very blissful and lots of love. Not visuals though. Almost a bit manic the feeling that you can take over the world. Spiritual ego manic Practicing at home they can be mild But almost always some bliss around third eye, crown and heart.

2.First path Yes very much and immense gratitude and a feeling of now I can go home and leave the retreat, mission accomplished. Second awaiting....

3. Yes I was on retreat with 5 days left. Can't say I experienced it in every sit though felt like two cycles happened in two days completing each day. Now at home I'm a bit confused because I can't recognize them clearly. Feels like I either start directly at a & p or equanimity with some random dukkha thrown in to some sits. Can follow Nick and Owen and and Clayton riding the arc though. And can will myself to ride it as well but then I call them up.

4. Yes on the retreat they kept happening the remaining five days. Often many following in the same sit with a few minutes in between. At home I think I had a few but they are so mild compared. Actually have a craving for the big ones again and feel a bit frustrated that I can't call them up.

One thing I want to ask if anyone else have had the feeling that the fruitions where familiar? Like you've experienced them before? I got this strongly. Have no clear memory though of when it can have happened. There are some periods I can think of though when I was practicing very intensely.