Some of what I experienced sounds similar to “jhanas”
“That sounds like a jhana” was my first thought when reading your description. Especially the bit about the feelings becoming self-sustaining and self-strengthening after a certain point. The intensity of that feedback loop scaring people out of the jhana is also a common experience.
Some people’s minds are more naturally inclined towards jhanas, especially if doing loving-kindness practice; it’s certainly uncommon to hit a jhana that easily, but in my experience also definitely not unheard of.
“That sounds like a jhana” was my first thought when reading your description. Especially the bit about the feelings becoming self-sustaining and self-strengthening after a certain point. The intensity of that feedback loop scaring people out of the jhana is also a common experience.
Some people’s minds are more naturally inclined towards jhanas, especially if doing loving-kindness practice; it’s certainly uncommon to hit a jhana that easily, but in my experience also definitely not unheard of.