OP a great thread, a wonderfull subject with much truth in it.....
But (lol)... but...
However...
As a long time meditator I have to add something here. I respect the credibility the research has given to what before would be labbeled as Psuedo
Science. What is shown in this research is just western scientists agreeing with teachings thousands of yeras old.
As an early Western real study of these type of phenomina, also some of the lack of awareness of the Holistic or whole subject, gets confused with
other distinct parts of relevant experiences/results.
I had to actually stop one type of meditation for a period last year after the pyschic thing got a bit out of hand. If you have control over it it is
fine, but if it is very very strong and you cant control it it is very difficult to function in the "modern" world and society.
It was taking me soo long to just get into basic concentration as soo much from "out there" was pouring in, that by the time I had I would have been
single pointed (as far as my abilities very little) for 30 mins before, and just finishing.
The problem I was having was that the Pyschic events were actually interfering with my progress or ability to meditate properly.
Now as said I am a LONG term meditator, so I know from personnel experience, teachings etc the differance between "spacing out" and real meditation.
And also the stages, depths and levels of meditation there are. I have (just as you can with sustained practice) gone past certain stages or levels,
or dyanas progressing in my concentration, focus and awareness.
(having said that I am still at a very basic level of true meditation, compared to further "levels" and experiences as experienced by thousands
today and in history.)
Being pyschic openly at a moment in time, and wishing to meditate properly is a bit like trying to swim and smoke at the same time. It is a "Fruit"
or sign on the path that you are progressing, but not the tree that creates the fruit as such.
It is like looking for the entire swimming pool in the water on your body as you dry off in the changing rooms, out of sight of the pool.
So many on the spiritual path get sidetracked by this, and think it is the destination without realising it just scenery on the way.
Like many parks and such like say, "leave this place as you found it"
The same should be said for meditators who are truley striving, and come across this aspect of the mind and reality.
Seeing some nice and attractive inviting, ego massaging studs or babe(whatever you fancy) through the window, on your train ride to your final
destination, and jumping off the train to go and covert, fondle, like in real life be lied to and used etc, as well as loved helped, but then not know
how to find your way back to the station to get ona again, being showed countless wild goose chases etc... well seems a bit foolish.
Especially when the final destination is total bliss. Its so similair to a drunken fumble that costs you your marriage or family.
It is a hinderance unless controlled properly to true meditation.
I have a friend who has reached much deeper states of meditation than I ever have, he has spent a lot of time in retreat, in India, in communities
doing it nearly all day. He though gets no Pyschic Stuff. I am very very open even before meditating to this sort of thing. Since childhood.
This is written about by Yogis and Lamas and Teachers for thousands of years. Some can spend their entire lives in deep meditation and never have and
Pyschic abilities or experiences at all, but still become enlightened.
Some can be very pyschic and have no meditation, or it flows out as a fruit to their practice. They though no matter how pyschic may not reach even a
minute amount of the actual "meditation" as one who has not had any of these experiences.
Anyhow me and my friend recently were somewhere and I had a very very powerfull connection to some things in this place, and upon mentioning it a lot
of "opne" people before me who I had never met or knew had described in exact detail as me the place, and type of enrgy that was there.
Later on my friend seemed a bit disheartened and said as he had not felt and percieved this situation as me,
I never get any of the pyschic stuff or the things you pick up on
Looking deep into his vastly more settled and still and single pointed mind though his eyes than mine I said
Lucky you!
There is truth in this. be carefull what you wish for. You might not want to experince tragedies just before or as they happen. You might get very
freaked out by some of the types of personalities and energies not in the physical. You will if going to deep get your fingers burnt badly. It is not
always good to know what others are thinking or feeling, if you are still operating from an "Ego based" or "mine mine" position.
Imagine being with your best friend and partner, and he starts having really lustfull thoughts towards her, and you are aware of nearly exactly what
he is imagining etc.... but as well that is his thoughts and feelings, that person would probably never ever act on them.
Would you still think it was something to develop if you still operated in a Ego based or normal mind like you and me?
Imagine getting that sort of information and being drunk..... can you handle it?
Do you really want it?
As to visulaising your reality at these heightened times of Pyschic openness, well as far as I can tell that totally would be against the entire LOA
principles, and you would not be focused on your "Intent" but picking up on those of others.
The times deswcribed are great for sitting down, doing basic meditation and opening yoursel up to recieve information or guidance on your journey,
maybe for insight into a person or situation, to ask for closer contacts with guides etc... but as far as REAL meditation goes forget it.
The same for Visualisng the future ( unless you want to carry on what you have been doing all your life, that is create the reality based on OTHER
peoples beliefs they imprint on you, or their wants of their desires)
How can you merge with, be in the act of receiving and having already as such your true desires and wishes (manifestation), if you are in a very open
pyschic mind at that time?
I can see where this might seem as the way by those who have not had too many experiences or knowledge of this, but dont mistake the map for the
actual journey.
Best time to meditate is when you either wake, straight away, the mind is in Alpha, and also the projection to the future, and clutter of the day is
free. same for visualising.
For getting in contact with your pyschic abilities, for asking for guidance, trying to contact your spirit guide etc, as the OP.
Wonderful thread and research, Flag.
Had to add my 2 cents though and I hope some dont blindly make some mistakes I have and seen others do.
Kind Regards,
Elf.