Even when you go onto the Level 2 Active Exercises you can still practice parts of the Level 1 system, you don't have to give it up entirely.
For instance I believe that Master Lin has said that he still does Small Universe from time to time and that a person at any level of Spring Forest Qigong can benefit from doing it to open the two largest energy channels in the body.
If you practice the Level 2 Standing exercises and you still want to practice Self-Concentration or Small Universe, if you find that they help you go into the emptiness then by all means practice them! You can connect to the Universe and go into the emptiness with any of the Spring Forest Qigong practices, whether you are doing Level 2 standing exercises or Level 1 standing or sitting exercises.
I find that when I am practicing ten thousand invisible hands especially my mind will usually become really clear as I am imagining all of those invisible hands moving with me.
The key to deepening your connection is to practice, practice, practice whether it is Level 1 or 2 or any of the Spring Forest Qigong higher levels.
Best of luck to you,
-Dave
