Focusing during active forcing

[Megumi]

My mind tends to wander while I'm active forcing, and it's getting to me because I feel like I'm impeding myself. The typical pattern is that I start narrating, then my mind wanders off, then I get back at it, etc. I have the feeling like I need to get into that mindset better, or maybe open my eyes instead of closing them like I've been doing since the start. I'm also kind of scared that in that way I won't be able to hear when my tulpa does show signs of vocalizing. Does anyone have tips on this particular issue (if it even is one)?

[Etna]

If you focus better with your eyes open, then do that. There are no official rules, only what works best for you to get the results you want.

[Megumi]

I did have a really good active forcing session yesterday for about half an hour. Short, I know, but it was the last session I planned for that day. I'm still not sure but I think we even had contact within the mindscape. And my mind didn't wander off, so apparently it doesn't always happen.

[ringgggg]

On 7/26/2023 at 9:22 AM, Megumi said:

My mind tends to wander while I'm active forcing, and it's getting to me because I feel like I'm impeding myself

The trick is to ignore mind wandering and nonchalantly continue on with active forcing when you realize that you're losing attention.

 

Positively reinforcing your highs is going to get you a lot further than punishing yourself for doing something you can't control. Don't try to brute force focus, because it's a process that will develop with time. I read in a book once that it's like trying to pull a sapling hard and expecting it to grow like that.

 

9 hours ago, Megumi said:

I did have a really good active forcing session yesterday for about half an hour. Short, I know

There isn't any requirement with how long active forcing sessions are supposed to be; the fact that you decided to get up and decide to active force is an accomplishment within itself! Again, don't chastise yourself. It'll make the process disheartening and easy to fall out of.

 

Effort is not the most significant variable; participation is. Don't forget that.

 

By the way, what do you do for active forcing? it's kind of a blanket term that covers just general focusing on your tulpa, so there are a million different ways to active force and none of them are objectively more justified than the other

Edited July 27, 2023 by ringgggg