For the most part I believe waking and sleeping is the same effort. As I reflect on dreaming, I realize that maybe the same effort that’s involved in waking and sleeping can be a part of dreaming. We realize the place as the place is what is, single-pointed yet inclusive past what can be known. If we see our hands, or travel out of body, the ...
“…where we are sits, stands, and moves beyond doubt.”
Dogen said: “To study the way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self.”
We forget ourselves in our habitual activity, and we also forget ourselves in activity that is generated without any intent. As consciousness takes place, we realize an ability to feel. When our experience of our ability to feel acquires continuity, ...
the breathing techniques..are they supposed to help you achieve a certain state of mind
The point of what I wrote is that sometimes a physical posture or a set of movements can provide those fresh eyes to see things as they are. I walk a lot, and it helps me to get down to empty, so the bigger picture can emerge.
Sounds like you are up against it with family, and friends aren’t much help; I can sympathize with your desperation, ...