SgtPepper

There's no right or wrong answers. To overcome this you have to change your neurotic mindset and view of decision making etc. I recommend a book "Feel the fear... and do it anyways"

write music with lyrics like nick drake. Does Mastery mean one can't have a hobby?

As Leo says, it sounds like you just haven't mastered the skill. I recommend reading books about mastery that help can you express your journey.

misunderstandings... misunderstandings... edit: The author could check out Pan-entheism or Baruch Spinoza's rational interpretation. I know he has a background in occultist stuff and new age, but it's also possible he misinterpreted the teachings of New Age's inspiration - Hinduism/Buddhism. how about this verse John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." ? When Oprah is talking about "energy" or "life force", I believe she is referring to the Holy Spirit. I don't find the video belieavble, but despite it, I can still appreciate Christians love for Jesus. I get it. From what we know, Jesus appeared to be a perfect being, so much so that he died for his message and gift. He did die for humanity in a way because he spread his message, and because of the power behind the message... He is a critical example of how one man can change the entire direction of the world.

I like PanENtheism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panentheism to OP, Yes. there is nothing else besides God. all is manifestation of God, for God, by God.

so what if they're showcasing their activities. Isn't that the point of snapchat? do you not do the same thing to others? maybe not through snapchat, but maybe you'll hit up your closest friend and tell them about an excellent book you got or whatever. It's like the same thing. If they're not really your friends then yeah I would probably leave the group chat; otherwise they could just be sending you those videos to coax you to come out with them which is something you should decide. As long as you do not participate in the activities of the group, then naturally yeah, the connection between you and your friends will slowly dissolve. It is up to you what kind of connection you want to maintain or keep. Some require more frequency and others can be like meeting a particular friend once or twice a year to keep up with each other's development in life. That's my experience anyways so good luck ?

the value of a relationship is connection.

you are more than ready. Psychedelics can certainly be your next step, but that is up to you.

Also important to point out that there are different kind of strains of weed that give different effects. Weed has so much healing potential. If you have access to sativa vs indica strains you will notice clear differences between them and you can actually use whichever strain depending on your situation. Indica is great for relaxation and sleep. I love vaping before a good yoga/stretch session with a strong focus on cultivating body awareness and taking deep breathes. I feel that it is a lot easier to get into the present moment. Sativa is great for high energy activity and creativity. Another thing people do not mention is the dosage. Yeah you can get blazed or you can take 1 hit of dank sativa and then hit the gym with the extra creativity and energy pulsating through you. It is habit forming though.

I think its like that scenario where you've lost your phone and you go around looking for your phone for like 10 minutes with no success. And you're just like damn where the hell is my phone, only to realize you were holding it in your hand the whole time.

Thank you. Your answer was helpful. To reiterate. Maya is illusory because it uses itself to create depth or the appearances of depth and complexity, but in actuality that depth and complexity is a creation, created to appear a particular way when really it is just Maya. Like an object that can shapeshift into anything, but when you really stare it, its illusory because it lacks any real definable characteristic besides illusory? I know its one thing to understand something conceptually and another to become conscious, but I have had glimpses of this stuff. I hope one Leo can make a video about it. I will definitely look into maharishi's work/practices.

why isn't appearance a sign of existence? Sure Maya is constantly changing, but its Maya, its there, its distinct, it's part of reality. For example, If I internally feel my hand. I can become aware of the sensation that is visually associated with my hand. Yes this sensation is rather fleeting, but its still in my present experience. There appears to be realness to it. is it that in comparison to consciousness, it is illusory because consciousness is the realest due to the unchanging experience? I ask this because I notice many people on this path become nihilistic and depressed when they start to think their bodies, ideas, and mind are illusory, but to me they feel (<-- part of Maya) real and as a manifestation from consciousness. Why is that in high consciousness states I feel like I am my body AND consciousness of body?

@winterknight You said previously that Maya cannot be said to exist or not exist. So why do you keep saying it's an illusion? Also doesn't enlightenment (the unchanging) and Maya ( the changing) indicate duality. Truth vs Illusion. seems confusing. How do you go about seeing everything as one and yet make the distinctions between Maya and consciousness?

yep.

It's okay dude. I am 24 and I am not perfect either. There is still so much time. Self-actualization is legit the hardest thing one can do. It's pushing and challenging yourself. Every moment is a new moment, every day is a new day to live differently now. I'd say your first goal should be to get yourself to feel empowered using affirmations, motivational books, and speeches. then figure out a way to reach financial freedom. so you have more control about your living situation. For now, decorate your room perhaps so it feels welcoming and positive for you. For example, I have a mandala tapestry hung on my wall with lights, along with a diffuser that helps me bring relaxation. Along with a good stretching and breathing session at least every other day. What is a skill that you would like to learn? that pays well. seriously..? plumbing, carpentry, electrician, maybe you'd like to be a personal trainer or a yoga teacher (a little harder to reach stable income)? construction workers can make over 100k/yr. Or maybe you do want to go to college? It's possible with financial aid, scholarships, working on campus, an RA, or being a research assistant. And there are people out there who do want to help... yeah you'll meet miserable unhelpful people too tho. It may sound difficult from a place of hopelessness, I think everyone on this forum has experienced that. but just begin, take that first step of looking at what vocational skill you can pursue and figure out concrete action plans, step by step. As you do them you will start to feel better and more confident. Check out motivational audio CDs and audiobooks that can help motivate you! I think step one should be to get yourself to feel emotionally ready to pursue self-actualization. Use affirmations too! I am reading a book called "Feel the fear... and do it anyways" I really recommend it in combating fear/anxiety and feeling empowered. Be patient and be kind to yourself.

You're right.

No offense, this is a fascinating topic, but you could easily research this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterculture_of_the_1960s Netflix has a series by CNN called the 60s. I personally learned from just listening to the music, reading wiki, listening to MLK, Malcolm X, JFK, Interviews from popular bands.

The issue is with vegan/vegetarian is there is no natural source of B12. It's all synthetically made. I do not trust synthetic products because it is difficult to re-produce nature. for example look at k2/spice's failure to imitate THC. All the studies on meat are pretty much invalid because they do not study 100% grass-fed meat with individuals who actually take care of themselves and have a healthy diet. It does not explain previous and current cultures who eat plenty of raw meat, fish, and milk who thrive and live long with no health issues. It's not viable for everyone because there are people who do not handle high-fiber diets, people who are allergic to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and more. omega 3 conversion is not reliable either. Also plants ARE creatures. It's fine to still want to be vegan/vegetarian despite this for moral reasons, but a lot of people argue that it is more healthy when that has been unfounded. Plenty people are thin, healthy, alert, strong and eat meat.

I say Just tell them you're not interested. If they ask why or press you, be honest and then provide the reasons you listed here. If they are really your family & friends, they will respect it. Only issue I see arising is that this is how people socially bond around your state. If you do not go hunting, then you may need to compensate for that social bonding through another activity, or just join them hunting, without you doing anything.

I agree with @Mikael89 here. If you don't have loyalty than what good is your love anyways? Nothing wrong with focusing or prioritizing one relationship over another. it's preference, but in the bigger picture, yeah growing our love for the world as a whole is the ultimate goal. But that doesn't mean, I am going to leave or diminish the treatment of individuals who have been by my side through my bullshit, sadness, mistakes, and accomplishments. That kind of trust and loyalty is hard to come by and to me examplifies deep unconditional love.

Agreed! 100%

Block her and get a restraining order? If he has to, kick her ass... visiting children at school without permission is a big cross in boundaries and I'd fight anybody, I don't care if they're a man or a woman who's doing stalking like behavior around my children. Anyways... that's why you don't fuck around and disrespect your family like that. He made his bed and now he has to sleep in it.

That is not true at all. Plenty of people in marriages have great self-esteem. Some people do not want the drama or emotional turmoil of multiple intimate relationships. It can be exhausting just to have one. Also it appears to me that you are speaking from a place of Lust not Love. Marriage is about love, acceptance, and commitment, not about being able to score consistently like some men make it out to be. @Emerald Interesting explanation about men and femininity!

dude, mushrooms are pretty ideal lol. They blow my mind, I get non-dual experiences every time.

I do not. I stay away from all kinds of tobacco. only smoke cannabis.