Visual glow during meditation

[alan_smith]

Twice recently I've seen a pronounced glow while meditating. This is with eyes closed in a very dark room.

Even without meditating I think it's not uncommon to see "lights" or colored shapes or patterns with eyes closed.

But this seemed different. It was very steady, on for a few minutes, and global, affecting maybe the bottom 3rd to half of each eye. As if someone were holding a lighted cell phone screen below both eyes. Or the top of my cheek bones were just glowing. Again in a totally dark room.

I've read meditation can lead to such things. I'm not alarmed. In fact it seemed very warm and welcoming.

But should it just be ignored or does it indicate something? The obvious guess is that was a "good state"? But I've caught myself since rooting for the glow to come back when meditating, which is doesn't seem like a good frame of mind.

Just wondering what other people's experience has been.

[Matthew]

But I've caught myself since rooting for the glow to come back when meditating, which is doesn't seem like a good frame of mind.

You've nailed it above Alan .. whatever arises is to be accepted with equanimity, yet you are giving energy to craving for this state - that in and if itself will stop you getting there and, perhaps more importantly, exploring what lies beyond ...

[alan_smith]

Thanks that makes sense.

It is very interesting because I never imagined "progress" in meditating could lead to results which could lead to craving which could inhibit progress.

Maybe it is a little like the kid learning to ride a bicycle. And he's doing fine but then *realizes* he's riding by himself and immediately falls. You have to be able to do the thing, but then also be fine with the fact you are doing the thing...