Water flows effotlessly though obstacles, does not force. When the circumstances are right it moves.
Fire jumps for point to point consuming and pushing further and further. It is a stressed movement that can burn out at any moment if fuel is not available.

Fire and Water can be equally as powerfull.

What do you see being the philosophy of your meditation system: Fire or Water or something else?

How about Stone? Seed?

when i think meditation. i cease all thought or at least attempt to do so by focusing back on the breath. am i supposed to have a philosophy? imagery in meditation for me is a distraction

the above may or may not relate to the topic

Water does force, and fire does flow.

I have no "system". I think you have been reading too many pop culture books on "mysticism".

in meditation you dont force a thought you go to a place if you want to within your own mind, meditation is a place not asleep and not awake, to meditate properly you need to be aware of your surroundings, but not in the same way as if you where awake.

I don't have a philosophy or system - I just meditate. :)

I meditate everyday. I don't try to hard tho, feel my breathing, expand and contract with it. After a while its like im floating in emptiness and i'm aware of my surroundings but not the physical, i try to notice the emptiness around me and then it starts feeling like my breathing is in harmony with the emptiness around me along with my body, , me and the darkness seem to be one, expanding and contracting, we're pusling, im the heart and the dark is the body ...
i dont know if that makes sense but i tried

after awhile when im in the rythmn , things start to change, i start coming back to reality only to feel my head pounding my chest thumping , my sping tingling. I pay attention to them one by one until everything is one. Then i start to float to outerspace...

Water does force, and fire does flow. I have no "system". I think you have been reading too many pop culture books on "mysticism".

It is a philsophy of meditation. Straight out fire pushs past points and levels forcefully. Water gently flows when the time is right.
It is just the style and amount of effort used. Traditionaly in Taoist water meditation you only use 70% of your effort. While Fire you use 100% and force yourself as hard as you can.

when i think meditation. i cease all thought or at least attempt to do so by focusing back on the breath. am i supposed to have a philosophy? imagery in meditation for me is a distraction Some people use sounds, some imagery and some feeling. Its your meditation.

I personally prefer the water method.

Points, levels, and numerical values? Dude, you're entirely missing the point.

What is your point then Adam?

Forget about points, levels. systems, and percentages. Perhaps go and dig some holes and fill them in again.

Are you talking about being disatached? Becoming bound to a certain way of doing things?

Cause I am talking about technique.

Please elaborate further I'm not getting your meaning?

I am saying that being concerned with systems, methods, percentages, levels, and points will not do anything for you. Many people find that mind-numbing labour removes all conscious thoughts such as your normal daily concerns and fears and more, and leaves the mind in an empty or "void" state which is pretty much what you will get from any "system" of meditation. But don't go out there and dig and be thinking constantly "Am I there yet? Is this it?" because you'll never get there. Just dig.

Or perhaps you already do reach that state now and then, by this system of yours. If so, congratulations.

I am saying that being concerned with systems, methods, percentages, levels, and points will not do anything for you.

I agree. I think you missunderstand what I mean by Fire and Water and why I bring it up.

Taoist Fire meditation: Neo-Taoism- Forcefull breath, muscle contractions..... Ridged thoughts, more of a structured system, master disciple relationship.

Taoist Water Meditation: Hakuna Mattata!!! Relaxed thoughs, Relaxed body, Relaxed focus, Relaxed buddy buddy teacher relationship...mellow

The systems are really just combinations of techinques. The Water system is more "Mieh what ever works for you".

Many people find that mind-numbing labour removes all conscious thoughts such as your normal daily concerns and fears and more, and leaves the mind in an empty or "void" state which is pretty much what you will get from any "system" of meditation

I see a big difference from being mindless and being still. Mindless is to have your focus numbed. Being still is to be empty while mindfull and aware.