When To Apply Consciousness For Pain, And When Use Pain As «check-engine»?

[Edvard]

I'm concerned that the Do Nothing Technique can harm my legs if I'm not careful, especially when I start getting into states of consciousness that reduce pain a lot, which is starting to happen. Could my bones bend, could veins be damaged? Other risks? Any at all? I sometimes feel a lot of pain afterwards ... and I'm still only doing it in bed... So when to apply the «check-engine» of pain, and when not? Advice much appreciated.

Edited October 30, 2017 by Edvard

[Leo Gura]

@Edvard Pain when it comes to sitting is mostly BS pain. Monks sit that way for years, so you should be okay. Sitting pain is good for meditation practice.

Other kinds of pain you will want to use more as a check engine light. Like back pain while lifting objects, tooth ache, head ache, etc.

The only danger I know of when it comes to sitting is screwing up your knees. But that's with very long-term cross-legged sitting. So maybe watch out for long-term knee-aching if you get that from your sits. Numb legs are okay.

You should be able to sit without moving for 60-90 minutes without much problem. Of course, it will take time for you to work up to doing even that. After 60 minutes is when it really gets psychologically frustrating.

[Edvard]

@Leo Gura I've done 60 min several times, never beyond that though. Around 40 mins is where it starts getting really painful for me. But of course, it depends a little on the position I started with. Every day now I'm doing 60 min straight (allowing myself to move sometimes), and occasionally the do-nothing. Are your standards for this technique to sit on the floor or in bed?

[Leo Gura]

@Edvard Yes, for me up to 40 mins is pretty easy. After 40 mins it gets tricky. Usually I make an adjustment or two after 40 mins. But that's for regular sitting (not strong determination).

I almost always sit on my plush couch. It's not ideal technique and I tend to be lazy. But what your mind is doing is more important.