Michael,
That lazy afternoon discussion sounds good.
I think you are in a good place, and at a nice level, for what that's worth..
I differentiate between visions and inner vision too. They are different, and one seems more rare of an event. Both can be stimulated or heightened by an ongoing practice of qigong meditation and exercise.
The third eye area is a dan tien, just like the lower dan tien and middle. Qigong meditation and visualizations stimulate that area, just like breathing into the heart(middle dan tien), and working from the heart in level II, stimulates that center, and breathing into the lower dan tien(level I) stimulates that center. We all have three dan tiens, there to be developed...In the Taoist model of how the Universe came into being, you see the Wuchi, the emptiness, out of which emerged the yin and yang, and the five elements(traditionally seen as five stars). What has been interesting to me of late, is something called "the three pure ones", or the "triple unity". They are traditionally seen as three emperors, who happen to dwell in three palaces within the human body. The three dan tiens. What is so meaningful to me, is that, according to this Taoist model, these three pure ones seem to have emerged before the yin and yang, if I am correct... The three pure ones, this very early energy that emerged from the Wuchi, is said to have created those five stars/five elements. Figurative imagery aside, what this tells me, or how this feels to me, is very significant, very primordal, and profound. Those three energies emerged prior to the physical universe's creation, and, they are connected to our being, through our three dan tiens. This is a big deal from my perception. Most people familiar with the yin/yang theory, and the five element theory, don't seem to tune into this concept of the three pure ones. Developing all three energy centers seems vital, and very right to me. As you progress in your practice, your focus will shift to different centers, and you will develop all three. The upper dan tien relates to inner vision, intuition, wisdom, truth, understanding, etc...Stimulating that center activates and develops these things. It is not whether or not we have the capability, it is more a matter of what we activate and develop. Inner vision can strengthen, and, visions can become more frequent. 'That isn't the goal', more of a possible side effect or occurance. Everyone is different, I don't present this as a model. I happen to feel something in common with your experience, so I share it. Longer meditations stimulate this growth. Practice "stilling" the mind, where you are spending time with no 'knowledge' in the head, no thinking. See how long you can sit with no thought. It is not easy! Take that stillness into some simple movement. Keep monitoring your "not thinking". Timing some of your meditations with the cycles of the moon. I just had a heightened meditation this last sunday, as it was a new moon. Perhaps, a glimpse forward, and certainly, wonderful energy, a new cycle starting. I hope you stay with the program , and consider travelling to take level III in Minnesota. I think you would benefit greatly from it.
