Hi,

I'm having issues with the visualization technique that's a central requirement of the Heisig study method. Students of this process are advised to close their eyes and visualize the stories constructed around the primitives. I have a problem of inadvertently dozing off within 15 minutes, after having just studied 3 characters whenever I'm envisioning the embodiment of primitives, cavorting in my mind's eye. Has anyone else experienced this issue and successfully overcome it?

The only alternative I can think of which is to perform the visualization process with my eyes open just isn't effective at all. Please share your thoughts on my predicament and proffer any possible solutions.

Thanks!

I haven't personally had this problem while studying, but I have something that could possibly help. It's perhaps a bit dangerous, but you could try studying while running/jogging on a treadmill. Just prop the book up, and make sure you can run with your eyes closed. And I suppose if you don't have a treadmill, you could get a gym membership. Two birds with one stone, right?

Otherwise, just do one character at a time and spread them out throughout the day.

[ファブリス]

I think you can definitely visualize things with open eyes. I'm not sure it will help much though.

For what it's worth this is a typical issue that newcomers face in meditation. In meditation you also close your eyes. Sleepiness is a common "obstacle" to meditation in the instructions. It is mostly due to the mind not being accustomed to having less sensory input. It is only temporary though. It seems very real but (unless you really lack sleep), it is a sensation and it will go away eventually.

So you can try focusing harder or simply try to ignore the sleepiness sensation while bringing your attention to the story you are working on. Also just like in meditation, you can work on your posture, for example try to sit erect without slouching in a sofa or something like that as that makes it harder to stay awake

If all else fails don't beat yourself over it. Do it in small sessions of 15 min then, like 5 stories at a time?

Best of luck.

Thank you Sizen and ファブリス for your comments. I've always wondered how I would fare under a bout of meditation and it seems like I found my answer. But I will try making a conscious effort to work on my posture or other elements requiring an active mind in order to stave off sleep. The small sessions also work at this juncture. Thanks again!