FV and FVP Forum > FVP Question
Isn't that close to the original FV question, "What do I want to do before I do x?"
August 17, 2015 at 10:55 |
nuntym
nuntym
nuntym:
No, I don't think it's in the least bit close to it. It's almost the complete opposite.
No, I don't think it's in the least bit close to it. It's almost the complete opposite.
August 17, 2015 at 11:57 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Yes please let us know the results!
I find this fascinating. I've found that even little "mental nudges" (applying the ideas in your Dotting Power blog post) can make a big difference.
I find this fascinating. I've found that even little "mental nudges" (applying the ideas in your Dotting Power blog post) can make a big difference.
August 17, 2015 at 14:51 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Very interesting!
I understand "want to" and "should" as opposites, because I have always experienced them as bitter rivals. Of course there is mostly overlap between what I want to do and what I "should" do, but the things that don't overlap caused real stress in AF1. (Not in FVP, because I never have to weigh a "want" directly against a "should." There are always options that are both wanted and shouldful.) (I can't think of the word that I mean for "shouldful.")
But because the two questions are practically opposites, I wouldn't expect the "should" version of the question to be much more or much less effective than the "want to" version over a long span of time. Don't you need both of them to get the full benefit? I can imagine them making a powerful team if you alternate them periodically - when you've been using one for a while and feel the need for a change.
Personally, I find that "should" feels pushy and triggers my resistance. As far as I know, that's just me. Maybe I was bullied by a "should" in my formative years. Or maybe I'm resentful because "should" always seems to be trying to pass itself off as "have to." In any case, I want to neutralize this unwanted effect of "should" without ignoring the things that I really ought to do for my own good, but am not required to do and don't want to do. Like scheduling a dentist visit, calling Customer Support, or eating broccoli.
On the other hand... maybe it's not a terrible idea for me to indulge "should" once in a while with a "should" question. I've encountered a lot of counterintuitive effects in AF1, DIT, and FVP. Maybe taming the "shoulds" will be the next one.
I understand "want to" and "should" as opposites, because I have always experienced them as bitter rivals. Of course there is mostly overlap between what I want to do and what I "should" do, but the things that don't overlap caused real stress in AF1. (Not in FVP, because I never have to weigh a "want" directly against a "should." There are always options that are both wanted and shouldful.) (I can't think of the word that I mean for "shouldful.")
But because the two questions are practically opposites, I wouldn't expect the "should" version of the question to be much more or much less effective than the "want to" version over a long span of time. Don't you need both of them to get the full benefit? I can imagine them making a powerful team if you alternate them periodically - when you've been using one for a while and feel the need for a change.
Personally, I find that "should" feels pushy and triggers my resistance. As far as I know, that's just me. Maybe I was bullied by a "should" in my formative years. Or maybe I'm resentful because "should" always seems to be trying to pass itself off as "have to." In any case, I want to neutralize this unwanted effect of "should" without ignoring the things that I really ought to do for my own good, but am not required to do and don't want to do. Like scheduling a dentist visit, calling Customer Support, or eating broccoli.
On the other hand... maybe it's not a terrible idea for me to indulge "should" once in a while with a "should" question. I've encountered a lot of counterintuitive effects in AF1, DIT, and FVP. Maybe taming the "shoulds" will be the next one.
August 17, 2015 at 23:28 |
JulieBulie
JulieBulie
Last week I used:
But first...
Today I'm using these variations of the new question Mark is trying out:
1. But first I should...
2. But right now I should...
3. But now I should...
4. But before that I should...
But first...
Today I'm using these variations of the new question Mark is trying out:
1. But first I should...
2. But right now I should...
3. But now I should...
4. But before that I should...
August 18, 2015 at 1:51 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
So far, number 2 is working best.
August 18, 2015 at 2:21 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
I have to admit I was a bit stumped with what Mark said about the two questions being opposites until I read what JulieBulie said. LOL I can be slow sometimes >,<
I agree that how the question is phrased can affect FVP profoundly, and small changes in the question can have surprisingly big effects. That is what I was driving for in the thread "Question Conundrum". In fact, I am surprised with the effects of the recent change I made in my own FVP, which consists of focusing in "starting" instead of "doing" in Questionless FVP.
On the topic, I agree with JulieBulie that maybe it is good to once in a while change one's question from "should" to "want". This is the spirit of the "Dotting Power" blog post, after all.
However, I wonder if there is a single question that can change in context, ranging from "want" to "should" depending on how it was asked, like if the word "need" was used.
I agree that how the question is phrased can affect FVP profoundly, and small changes in the question can have surprisingly big effects. That is what I was driving for in the thread "Question Conundrum". In fact, I am surprised with the effects of the recent change I made in my own FVP, which consists of focusing in "starting" instead of "doing" in Questionless FVP.
On the topic, I agree with JulieBulie that maybe it is good to once in a while change one's question from "should" to "want". This is the spirit of the "Dotting Power" blog post, after all.
However, I wonder if there is a single question that can change in context, ranging from "want" to "should" depending on how it was asked, like if the word "need" was used.
August 18, 2015 at 2:32 |
nuntym
nuntym
Hi, everyone. Hi, Mark.
This is my first post. Apologies in advance for mistakes, but English is not my native language. I had been following Mark's posts and books for several years. He makes an incredible change in my life, in particular with "How to make your dreams come true" and the AF-FV-FVP series.
This "question" item and its successive changes gives me the idea of using different questions depending on time, necessity and opportunity. I started with the standard question "What I want to do before doing X?". This pushes me toward the firsts items in the list and it has a good "energy" against procrastination. The problem starts when the fist item is very difficult. My subconscious mind preselects a lot of items before that, so the list, as Mark says, turns very rigid.
Then I used "What I want to do more than X?" As Mark says, this "want" is less specific, so allows my mind to preselect tasks on a more free way. I think the "no question" variant goes more on this idea of allowing the mind to select tasks on a subconscious way. This makes the process much quicker.
So I started using different questions regarded the situation I was. The "No question" when I have time to work and the more specific questions when I need to work through the list in a more focus way.
I'll now try the "should" question. I think this will be on a more "duty" focus.
This is my first post. Apologies in advance for mistakes, but English is not my native language. I had been following Mark's posts and books for several years. He makes an incredible change in my life, in particular with "How to make your dreams come true" and the AF-FV-FVP series.
This "question" item and its successive changes gives me the idea of using different questions depending on time, necessity and opportunity. I started with the standard question "What I want to do before doing X?". This pushes me toward the firsts items in the list and it has a good "energy" against procrastination. The problem starts when the fist item is very difficult. My subconscious mind preselects a lot of items before that, so the list, as Mark says, turns very rigid.
Then I used "What I want to do more than X?" As Mark says, this "want" is less specific, so allows my mind to preselect tasks on a more free way. I think the "no question" variant goes more on this idea of allowing the mind to select tasks on a subconscious way. This makes the process much quicker.
So I started using different questions regarded the situation I was. The "No question" when I have time to work and the more specific questions when I need to work through the list in a more focus way.
I'll now try the "should" question. I think this will be on a more "duty" focus.
August 18, 2015 at 4:39 |
Pablo
Pablo
Pablo:
Welcome to the forum! It's my favorite forum on the planet.
Welcome to the forum! It's my favorite forum on the planet.
August 18, 2015 at 5:21 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
Hi, Pablo. I think this "questions" topic is going to go on for some time, because there are a lot of ways to phrase the question! I like your observation that "before doing X" pushes us toward the first item in the list. I hadn't thought of that (or I probably read it but have since forgotten it.) I haven't been using "before" questions at all, but I will (I "should" and I "want to"!) try one soon.
August 18, 2015 at 15:50 |
JulieBulie
JulieBulie
Pablo wrote:
<< The "No question" when I have time to work and the more specific questions when I need to work through the list in a more focus way. >>
That's pretty much the same thing that I do -- I think it works great.
<< The "No question" when I have time to work and the more specific questions when I need to work through the list in a more focus way. >>
That's pretty much the same thing that I do -- I think it works great.
August 18, 2015 at 17:51 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
I have been experimenting with What am I resisting less than A, and so far it has been working beautifully for me... I might give the should question a try, but Shoulds tend to really put me off.
August 18, 2015 at 21:34 |
Nenad Ristic
Nenad Ristic
Welcome Pablo!
August 19, 2015 at 1:23 |
nuntym
nuntym
I really like focusing on "starting" instead of "doing" in my Questionless FVP. Here are the observed advantages:
1. Since it focuses me on starting a task, not on finishing it, "starting" brings in the "little and often" hammer a lot.
2. But since it focuses me on starting a task, "starting" also forces me to be more careful in doing my tasks. That is, now I make sure that I lay down a good foundation and safety nets everytime I do a task so that I can safely terminate my work anytime and get back to it later. For example, now that I am answering a post here in markforster.net I have an open text file so that I can quickly copy-and-paste my reply in case I have to do something else. And as a side-effect, I love how I have not lost a post recently because of misloading, since I now always copy-and-paste before I click on "Create Post".
3. Resistance has gone down a lot. I have found that it is the thought of not being able to finish the task that gives me a lot of fear in doing something. Focusing on "starting" bypasses the fear.
4. "Starting" supports the "divide and conquer" paradigm: if the task is too big, divide it into smaller and even smaller tasks until you are able to do them. If I come to a very difficult task, I simply ask myself "what else do I need to start before I can start this task?" and whatever answers I think of I write in the FVP list.
There are of course disadvantages, but they are easily surmountable.
1. It can make simple tasks more complicated. However, the great advantage of laying down solid foundations and safety nets before starting a task easily trumps this.
2. On the other hand, it can make me think too much before starting a task that I can do fast. That is why I now use a criterion suggested in GTD: I ask myself whether I can do the task in two minutes or less. If yes, I just do it; if not, I lay down foundations and safety nets first.
1. Since it focuses me on starting a task, not on finishing it, "starting" brings in the "little and often" hammer a lot.
2. But since it focuses me on starting a task, "starting" also forces me to be more careful in doing my tasks. That is, now I make sure that I lay down a good foundation and safety nets everytime I do a task so that I can safely terminate my work anytime and get back to it later. For example, now that I am answering a post here in markforster.net I have an open text file so that I can quickly copy-and-paste my reply in case I have to do something else. And as a side-effect, I love how I have not lost a post recently because of misloading, since I now always copy-and-paste before I click on "Create Post".
3. Resistance has gone down a lot. I have found that it is the thought of not being able to finish the task that gives me a lot of fear in doing something. Focusing on "starting" bypasses the fear.
4. "Starting" supports the "divide and conquer" paradigm: if the task is too big, divide it into smaller and even smaller tasks until you are able to do them. If I come to a very difficult task, I simply ask myself "what else do I need to start before I can start this task?" and whatever answers I think of I write in the FVP list.
There are of course disadvantages, but they are easily surmountable.
1. It can make simple tasks more complicated. However, the great advantage of laying down solid foundations and safety nets before starting a task easily trumps this.
2. On the other hand, it can make me think too much before starting a task that I can do fast. That is why I now use a criterion suggested in GTD: I ask myself whether I can do the task in two minutes or less. If yes, I just do it; if not, I lay down foundations and safety nets first.
August 19, 2015 at 1:24 |
nuntym
nuntym
After further use, number 1 from the list above is working best:
But first I should...
But first I should...
August 19, 2015 at 1:57 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
@Mark Forster:
You posted at http://markforster.squarespace.com/fv-forum/post/2532623#post2534198
<<This just shows how different people react differently to the same thing.>>
Could this "FVP question" thing be another manifestation of the same observation?
You posted at http://markforster.squarespace.com/fv-forum/post/2532623#post2534198
<<This just shows how different people react differently to the same thing.>>
Could this "FVP question" thing be another manifestation of the same observation?
August 20, 2015 at 1:58 |
nuntym
nuntym
nuntym:
<< Could this "FVP question" thing be another manifestation of the same observation? >>
I should think so, yes.
<< Could this "FVP question" thing be another manifestation of the same observation? >>
I should think so, yes.
August 20, 2015 at 11:19 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Here is a hack of sorts I have been using to manage the questions. I just enter a task like Switch to the resistance question, and when it comes up (if it comes up), I start using the new question from then on.
It makes things a little bit more interesting in my experience
It makes things a little bit more interesting in my experience
August 20, 2015 at 22:43 |
Nenad Ristic
Nenad Ristic
The longer the list and the further back in the list a scan is started, the more effective number 2 seems to be from my list of test questions:
1. But first I should...
2. But right now I should...
3. But now I should...
4. But before that I should...
Question 2 differs from question 3 by only one word. In practice however, I've found "right now" creates a faster scan and a shorter string of dots. It seems to tune in with the moment better and the current time and contexts available, allowing for a glide over the tasks as the majority of them are filtered out.
1. But first I should...
2. But right now I should...
3. But now I should...
4. But before that I should...
Question 2 differs from question 3 by only one word. In practice however, I've found "right now" creates a faster scan and a shorter string of dots. It seems to tune in with the moment better and the current time and contexts available, allowing for a glide over the tasks as the majority of them are filtered out.
August 21, 2015 at 7:00 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
First, I’d like to say I really like this forum and all of the ideas that have been coming. It is really helping me think through how to best handle the hundreds of requests I get each week. I do project management and support as an IT professional.
On to the topic at hand.
I really like Michael B.'s idea of of "but first" thinking.
I also like the idea of "starting" only nuntym reminds us of.
Like JulieBulie, I tend to resist the "should" question as it already puts me in a “but I don't want to” frame of mind.
After some thought, I’m going to try “But first I will start….” Using the word “will” gives me a sense of resolve and doesn’t have the baggage of the other words. “Will” also has a nice double meaning of being willing and a commitment. Using “start” allows me to know this isn’t a long commitment.
Thoughts?
On to the topic at hand.
I really like Michael B.'s idea of of "but first" thinking.
I also like the idea of "starting" only nuntym reminds us of.
Like JulieBulie, I tend to resist the "should" question as it already puts me in a “but I don't want to” frame of mind.
After some thought, I’m going to try “But first I will start….” Using the word “will” gives me a sense of resolve and doesn’t have the baggage of the other words. “Will” also has a nice double meaning of being willing and a commitment. Using “start” allows me to know this isn’t a long commitment.
Thoughts?
August 21, 2015 at 17:06 |
Brent
Brent
"Thoughts?"
In a reactive IT environment
- If it needs doing, get on and do it. Fit other stuff around it. Be prepared to shift priorities as situations demand, but don't compromise your commitments in the process
- Communicate even when its not good news, turn it into an opportunity if you can.
- Use a simple list to note where you're up to with things. A spreadsheet offers a simple way to note references, account managers, next actions, commercials, whatever. Keep it as simple as it needs to be to help you with those things, not any more complex where it starts to eat up time itself.
- Identify what needs doing each week and each day up front, and try to finish each day and each week having done them
- Use appropriate tools such as RAID logs for project management, don't reinvent the wheel
Chris
In a reactive IT environment
- If it needs doing, get on and do it. Fit other stuff around it. Be prepared to shift priorities as situations demand, but don't compromise your commitments in the process
- Communicate even when its not good news, turn it into an opportunity if you can.
- Use a simple list to note where you're up to with things. A spreadsheet offers a simple way to note references, account managers, next actions, commercials, whatever. Keep it as simple as it needs to be to help you with those things, not any more complex where it starts to eat up time itself.
- Identify what needs doing each week and each day up front, and try to finish each day and each week having done them
- Use appropriate tools such as RAID logs for project management, don't reinvent the wheel
Chris
August 21, 2015 at 23:36 |
Chris
Chris
Brent:
“But first I will start….”
Good one. I'm adding this to my test list. Using it for the rest of the day. Thanks!
“But first I will start….”
Good one. I'm adding this to my test list. Using it for the rest of the day. Thanks!
August 22, 2015 at 3:41 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
I responded to Chris' post by starting a new thread here: http://markforster.squarespace.com/fv-forum/post/2535088
August 22, 2015 at 6:09 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
After trying the "but first" question I finding, that I do better with this:
What will I do or start next? if I'm simply scanning and looking for standouts and dotting if needed
and "What will I do or start before x" if I feel the need to compare against a dotted item.
Brent
What will I do or start next? if I'm simply scanning and looking for standouts and dotting if needed
and "What will I do or start before x" if I feel the need to compare against a dotted item.
Brent
August 22, 2015 at 16:24 |
Brent
Brent
Additions:
6. What will I start first?
7. What should be done first?
8. What needs doing first?
9. What needs starting first?
10. What is in my best interests first?
11. What's even better?
12. What's even better right now?
13. What can be started first?
14. What could be started first?
15. What first?
16. Anything before that?
17. And before that...?
18. What would stress me out more?
19. What would stress me out more than X?
20. What's more stressful than X?
21. What's worse?
22. What's worse than X?
23. What's more urgent?
24. What's more urgent than X?
6. What will I start first?
7. What should be done first?
8. What needs doing first?
9. What needs starting first?
10. What is in my best interests first?
11. What's even better?
12. What's even better right now?
13. What can be started first?
14. What could be started first?
15. What first?
16. Anything before that?
17. And before that...?
18. What would stress me out more?
19. What would stress me out more than X?
20. What's more stressful than X?
21. What's worse?
22. What's worse than X?
23. What's more urgent?
24. What's more urgent than X?
August 23, 2015 at 6:55 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
I've gone back to "no question" FVP!
August 23, 2015 at 9:17 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
I am always so surprised how a simple variation about the question can make a so huge difference in my brain. I also tried many questions and the result was also different acirdibg to my feeling and miod at the present time.
Now since a few month I went back to GTD the reason is that I have so many tasks that FV became overwhelming and stucking. Anyway even if i kept the GTD contexts adapted to my activities I still treat the list like an Fv - Af way with the no question system.
I noticed that my mind problem about gtd was that I Considered the list as a ought to list.
Ie i felt engaged on doing. Now i consider the list as a may be list. It is just a collector organised in contexts and so I just have To choose at the right time depending on my feeling what I must or feel to do. The stand out way is crucial in this process and has a real effect on my work and results. I use OMNIFOCUS for this because paper finaly was un able to righly do the job.
Now since a few month I went back to GTD the reason is that I have so many tasks that FV became overwhelming and stucking. Anyway even if i kept the GTD contexts adapted to my activities I still treat the list like an Fv - Af way with the no question system.
I noticed that my mind problem about gtd was that I Considered the list as a ought to list.
Ie i felt engaged on doing. Now i consider the list as a may be list. It is just a collector organised in contexts and so I just have To choose at the right time depending on my feeling what I must or feel to do. The stand out way is crucial in this process and has a real effect on my work and results. I use OMNIFOCUS for this because paper finaly was un able to righly do the job.
August 23, 2015 at 10:22 |
Jupiter
Jupiter
Mark Forster wrote:
<< I've gone back to "no question" FVP! >>
Three cheers for Dotting Power! :-)
<< I've gone back to "no question" FVP! >>
Three cheers for Dotting Power! :-)
August 24, 2015 at 1:53 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Don't know if anyone's mentioned this, but what about "What are you resisting more than x?"
August 24, 2015 at 14:42 |
Paul MacNeil
Paul MacNeil
Paul MacNeil:
I don't think I've mentioned it, but I've certainly tried it. Not for the faint of heart!
I don't think I've mentioned it, but I've certainly tried it. Not for the faint of heart!
August 24, 2015 at 17:37 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
It was mentioned as an alternative to FV: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs004/1100358239599/archive/1109665733134.html
But I don't remember it being discussed yet for FVP.
But I don't remember it being discussed yet for FVP.
August 24, 2015 at 19:31 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Seraphim:
I happened to be reading Evagrios the Solitary in the Philokalia this afternoon (as one does) and it struck me that a good question would be "What would bring me more stillness than x?"
I happened to be reading Evagrios the Solitary in the Philokalia this afternoon (as one does) and it struck me that a good question would be "What would bring me more stillness than x?"
August 24, 2015 at 21:20 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
The Philokalia!!
I have been looking for an ebook of one for YEARS! Maybe I should buy a paper book but maaaaaaan that's expensive.
But anyways, yeah nice question Mark :)
I have been looking for an ebook of one for YEARS! Maybe I should buy a paper book but maaaaaaan that's expensive.
But anyways, yeah nice question Mark :)
August 24, 2015 at 23:17 |
nuntym
nuntym
August 24, 2015 at 23:25 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
These questions seem to be gravitating towards describing a state of freedom, where nothing burdens you, all tasks that should be done are done and there is no sense of missing anything. "What, more than x, would carry me closer to nirvana?"
Chris
Chris
August 24, 2015 at 23:31 |
Chris
Chris
Chris:
<< These questions seem to be gravitating towards describing a state of freedom, where nothing burdens you, all tasks that should be done are done and there is no sense of missing anything. >>
Yes, that's a good summary of what I have always been aiming for. Though it would be a dynamic rather than a static state.
"What, more than x, would carry me closer to nirvana?"
As I understand it the word nirvana means "blown out", "extinguished". It's an extinguishing of individuality in the divine ground of existence. That would certainly not be what I would be aiming for.
I'm happy to be corrected by those who know more about it than I do.
<< These questions seem to be gravitating towards describing a state of freedom, where nothing burdens you, all tasks that should be done are done and there is no sense of missing anything. >>
Yes, that's a good summary of what I have always been aiming for. Though it would be a dynamic rather than a static state.
"What, more than x, would carry me closer to nirvana?"
As I understand it the word nirvana means "blown out", "extinguished". It's an extinguishing of individuality in the divine ground of existence. That would certainly not be what I would be aiming for.
I'm happy to be corrected by those who know more about it than I do.
August 24, 2015 at 23:41 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
along similar lines, my last pass through the list (usually I'm questions) was guided by, "What will reduce my base anxiety level?" :^/
August 25, 2015 at 16:23 |
Sarah
Sarah
<< These questions seem to be gravitating towards describing a state of freedom, where nothing burdens you, all tasks that should be done are done and there is no sense of missing anything. >>
This sounds more like Stoic eudaimonia than Nirvana, to me, a "good flow of life".
This sounds more like Stoic eudaimonia than Nirvana, to me, a "good flow of life".
August 25, 2015 at 17:13 |
Ryan Freckleton
Ryan Freckleton
Hi, Mark... Hi, friends:
Ryan wrote:
<<
<< These questions seem to be gravitating towards describing a state of freedom, where nothing burdens you, all tasks that should be done are done and there is no sense of missing anything. >>
This sounds more like Stoic eudaimonia than Nirvana, to me, a "good flow of life". >>
I agree. At the same time I'm working through "How to make your dreams come true" again, I'm reading and making some experiments with stoic philosophy, and found some interesting elements that connect this two fields. Maybe Mark has more oriental philosophy in mind, but I think this is because already exist connections between classical philosophy as a way of life and oriental philosophy (i.e.: Buddhism and taoism).
For those with interests in this field, the books and studies by Pierre Hadot are on the first line, and another work very interesting is "A guide to the good life - the ancient art of stoic joy", by Prof. William B. Irvine.
Ryan wrote:
<<
<< These questions seem to be gravitating towards describing a state of freedom, where nothing burdens you, all tasks that should be done are done and there is no sense of missing anything. >>
This sounds more like Stoic eudaimonia than Nirvana, to me, a "good flow of life". >>
I agree. At the same time I'm working through "How to make your dreams come true" again, I'm reading and making some experiments with stoic philosophy, and found some interesting elements that connect this two fields. Maybe Mark has more oriental philosophy in mind, but I think this is because already exist connections between classical philosophy as a way of life and oriental philosophy (i.e.: Buddhism and taoism).
For those with interests in this field, the books and studies by Pierre Hadot are on the first line, and another work very interesting is "A guide to the good life - the ancient art of stoic joy", by Prof. William B. Irvine.
August 25, 2015 at 19:43 |
Pablo
Pablo
Pablo:
<< Maybe Mark has more oriental philosophy in mind >>
I don't. The Philokalia (Love of Beauty) is a compendium of texts from ancient Christian writers. The one I referred to, Evagrios the Solitary, was a Christian monk and ascetic, one of the desert fathers, who lived 345-399 AD.
Evagrios and the other desert fathers would have regarded "stillness" not as an end in itself but as a necessary removal of worldly distractions from attaining communion with God.
<< Maybe Mark has more oriental philosophy in mind >>
I don't. The Philokalia (Love of Beauty) is a compendium of texts from ancient Christian writers. The one I referred to, Evagrios the Solitary, was a Christian monk and ascetic, one of the desert fathers, who lived 345-399 AD.
Evagrios and the other desert fathers would have regarded "stillness" not as an end in itself but as a necessary removal of worldly distractions from attaining communion with God.
August 26, 2015 at 0:05 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
@Mark Forster:
Thanks for that Mark! PDFs are unwieldy for smartphones but it's better than nothing. Besides, it's free.
@Everyone
Anyways, to add to this interesting discussion, the "stillness" and "peace" found in Christianity can be misleading. Peace in Christianity is more characterized by "harmony" rather than "quiet": it is characterized by "the union of the different movements of the heart," as said by St Thomas Aquinas. It is when all of inside you only wants one thing, without any hesitation. Christian peace is less likened to quiet as more to power.
A man of peace is likened to a river, its surface deceptively calm, but underneath its currents cut through the earth and carry everything inexorably towards the sea. His heart is like fire in a furnace that converts anything and everything given to it into heat and power, enough to move ships or power cities. He is like a car in top shape, all its parts humming and purring and ever ready to race towards its goal.
Thanks for that Mark! PDFs are unwieldy for smartphones but it's better than nothing. Besides, it's free.
@Everyone
Anyways, to add to this interesting discussion, the "stillness" and "peace" found in Christianity can be misleading. Peace in Christianity is more characterized by "harmony" rather than "quiet": it is characterized by "the union of the different movements of the heart," as said by St Thomas Aquinas. It is when all of inside you only wants one thing, without any hesitation. Christian peace is less likened to quiet as more to power.
A man of peace is likened to a river, its surface deceptively calm, but underneath its currents cut through the earth and carry everything inexorably towards the sea. His heart is like fire in a furnace that converts anything and everything given to it into heat and power, enough to move ships or power cities. He is like a car in top shape, all its parts humming and purring and ever ready to race towards its goal.
August 26, 2015 at 0:49 |
nuntym
nuntym
I completely forgot to add the following about Christian peace:
It would seem that Christian peace seems similar to, let us say, a desperate man who has nothing to lose.
The main difference between a man of peace and a desperate man is that a man of peace is joyful. Peace, St. Thomas Aquinas said, is the perfection of joy, and joy is achieved when you have what you want.
It would seem that Christian peace seems similar to, let us say, a desperate man who has nothing to lose.
The main difference between a man of peace and a desperate man is that a man of peace is joyful. Peace, St. Thomas Aquinas said, is the perfection of joy, and joy is achieved when you have what you want.
August 26, 2015 at 1:28 |
nuntym
nuntym
nuntym:
<< Peace in Christianity is more characterized by "harmony" rather than "quiet": >>
The quality of stillness (hesychia - ἡσυχία) in the Philokalia is not really the same as peace (irene - εἰρήνη). In non-theological Greek hesychia was the opposite of "noise", while irene was the opposite of "war". The Hesychast sees stillness or quiet as a means of obtaining peace, rather than peace itself.
In non-theological terms, leading a life of stillness and tranquility rather than frantic activity will eventually lead one to cease being at war with oneself.
<< Peace in Christianity is more characterized by "harmony" rather than "quiet": >>
The quality of stillness (hesychia - ἡσυχία) in the Philokalia is not really the same as peace (irene - εἰρήνη). In non-theological Greek hesychia was the opposite of "noise", while irene was the opposite of "war". The Hesychast sees stillness or quiet as a means of obtaining peace, rather than peace itself.
In non-theological terms, leading a life of stillness and tranquility rather than frantic activity will eventually lead one to cease being at war with oneself.
August 26, 2015 at 9:40 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
@Mark Forster:
Wow, that sounds like the idea of "joy" in St Thomas Aquinas' writings, which he noted to be the first fruit of loving God and of which perfection becomes peace.. As he wrote: "Now joy is compared to desire, as rest to movement, as stated above, when we were treating of the passions: and rest is full when there is no more movement. Hence joy is full, when there remains nothing to be desired." (http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3028.htm )
Wow, that sounds like the idea of "joy" in St Thomas Aquinas' writings, which he noted to be the first fruit of loving God and of which perfection becomes peace.. As he wrote: "Now joy is compared to desire, as rest to movement, as stated above, when we were treating of the passions: and rest is full when there is no more movement. Hence joy is full, when there remains nothing to be desired." (http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3028.htm )
August 27, 2015 at 10:32 |
nuntym
nuntym
Mark: Thank you for your comment. I forgot that post, and it's just a few lines above!
The discussion here turns very interesting. I'm not so far educated on the classics, so you are opening my mind to a new scenario. Thank you all!
Could it be possible that FVP helps us to attain peace of mind in the everyday life? I think so, but it really helps if one has a philosophy of life.
The discussion here turns very interesting. I'm not so far educated on the classics, so you are opening my mind to a new scenario. Thank you all!
Could it be possible that FVP helps us to attain peace of mind in the everyday life? I think so, but it really helps if one has a philosophy of life.
August 27, 2015 at 13:17 |
Pablo
Pablo
I've reverted back to Questionless, having found that, for me, explicit questions cause a drag effect on the flow while cycling through the algorithm. I think that even in Questionless mode, my mind, whether subliminally or otherwise, is anyway employing an unnamed question(s) of sorts depending on what I feel I need at that moment, which is rather powerful when combined with carefully executed Dotting Power...!
August 27, 2015 at 21:06 |
Neil Cumming
Neil Cumming
Additional guides:
25. Before X I'll...?
26. Before X I will...?
27. Before X I could...?
28. Before X I should...?
29. Before X I must...?
30. Before X I need to...?
31. Before X...?
25. Before X I'll...?
26. Before X I will...?
27. Before X I could...?
28. Before X I should...?
29. Before X I must...?
30. Before X I need to...?
31. Before X...?
August 29, 2015 at 5:29 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
Michael B... seriously? 31 variants of the question? Just get X done!!!
August 29, 2015 at 6:18 |
Chris
Chris
Chris:
It's not 31 variants I use. It's 31 I'm testing. Relax.
It's not 31 variants I use. It's 31 I'm testing. Relax.
August 29, 2015 at 7:52 |
Michael B.
Michael B.
I think the problem is with the question, and I'm very conscious that a small variation in wording can make a big difference in practice.
Currently I'm trying out "What should be done before x?", and so far (a couple of days) it's producing excellent results. I'll keep you informed!