Remember that in using the tapes or CD's, that you are, in a way, doing the meditation or exercise, with Master Lin.
If I go on a bike ride by myself, I have my own pace. If I ride with my wife, which I also like to do, I change my pace to harmonize with hers. They are two different rides, same exercise.
Doing this meditation alone, without the tape, or CD, will be the most harmonious with your natural rythmn. Doing it with the tape, is different. One benefit of the tape, is the literal energy of Master Lin, that comes through. Without the tape, you can, still here his voice in your mind's eye , if you choose, and, connect to his energy, if you choose to.
Also, the points/areas you reference too, are different. The lower dan tien, heart, and third eye, are significant energy 'centers', where as some of the other reference points could be defined as accupuncture 'points'. Some points have multiple characteristics. One might experience a connection to a chakra at a specific point, or experience 'layers' of an area. Those layers might involve a more multidimension experience or view of self.
For instance, at the base of the throat, I might experience breathing into a point that locates more on the front side of me, or it might go deeper in the chakra located there, or it might create an opening that connects the front side with its counterpart on the spine-side, sort of a horizontal alignment. Again, there isn't a right and wrong here, although in general you are tracking or moving on the two main energy channels, front and back, and breathing into a specific 'area'. I like the idea of area over point, it can include more of that multidimensional aspect of self, or benefit more aspects found 'in' the area. Like the kidney area, for me, is larger than the more traditional approach of focusing on the mingmen point, which can be included, as an awareness within the area.
One's 'experience' has no set definition. There are known areas or points, a known direction to moving the energy, a path to follow...but, the 'experience' is not singular. In one sense it is, small universe is small universe. But as one experiences it, it can have its small variances within the directed path and known areas and points. Most methods of small universe, or micro cosmic orbit, which is another name for this meditation, don't breath in, openly , from the universe. This is very powerful, and more unique to SFQ method. Most systems breath in a more closed fashion, tracking the breath in through the nostrils, and through a more tunnelled pathway. As you breath in from the universe, in a state, merged with the universe, open to the universal/spiritual energy around you or coming into you, the energy passes through the body, coming in from all directions. This, in itself, tends to involve alot of the area defined as your body, on each breath. One can also develop a cellular sense of self, as the energy transformations reach all parts of you at that level too, if you bring it there. The energy in nature, universal energy, is balanced. Evidence of this can be seen, simply by looking at a tree or flower, or bird, and how they 'are'. By opening up, you allow this balanced energy of the universe, to come in through your intention, inner vision, and breath. The sounds, bring in spiritual energy, to the same places. That , in and of itself, could be very hard to verbalize or define, in the sense of what that does, and where it does it, relative to an point, center, or area.
love,
gallen
love as well to you