SgtPepper

and that okay! I wasn't sure I wanted it either for years, and have only come to this strong conclusion 1-2 years ago. It takes time and I have faith you will come to know what is right for you too! I just wanted to reply to this topic because it has crossed my mind before hehe.

I think possession and jealousy are natural aspects of a human being. If I stole or used your phone, car, or computer (possessions) without permission, I am pretty sure you'd be upset with my actions. Then on top of that, I do not value a human being like a phone or a computer. It is possible, I could let go of my need for security and possession, but monogamy is bigger than that to me. It's about creating a secure family system for children as well. It is about respecting what you have with another person. Giving yourself 100% to your partner, building up that commitment and love for each other. I think that is more beautiful than being lustful for other people. OP's point was that it was more natural to be in an open relationships. I am saying it is more akin to my nature to be monogamous because I am naturally possessive and would get jealous. Not saying owning or possession of anything actually exists though in absolute reality. Jealousy and possessiveness is not wanting lose the intimacy and commitment one has with a partner. It is not so much about ME, it is about US. It's also understanding that intimacy with that one partner is very special and valuable, not something to be shared. Sex is different to people. To me it is an intimate connection. Stats on breakup/divorce are 50/50; however, we would have to explore why people are getting divorced. For example, I have read it somewhere, but I am pretty sure the number one reason couples get into fights is financial reasons. In addition, people cheat because their partner are not addressing their sexual needs, hence the couple is not a good fit because they are not communicating well and not synchronizing well. These are, of course, my values. I encourage people to follow what is in their hearts. I mean, yeah, my dick says have sex with everything that moves, but my heart says develop a high-quality relationship an awesome woman. I am biased as well as my parents have been married for 30+ years and I am grateful they provided such a stable family life for me. I want to follow the same path, not because I'm conditioned, but because I see the inherent value of it. EDIT: just be clear, I understand monogamy may not be for everyone. Follow your heart.

Love this dude.

but wouldn't you eventually come back to the ego game? Eat food, talk with family, laugh at jokes, listen to music not because there is anything to achieve, but because it fits ego life. It's all "I" know how to do. During an a non-dual experience, I was playing guitar and as I became more conscious of non-duality, it felt like I knew who I was, but I did not know simultaneously. What was "I" suppose to do at the submission of all that is? I just kept playing guitar with my heart containing feelings of joy and sadness, the only thing my monkey ass knew to do. lol. In my experience, ego resists in the beginning but eventually stops and if anything finds solace in non-duality, but eventually "my mother" is like Hello Sgtpepper, ego just goes ahead and plays along. On the path, there is great focus on dropping the ego, but in my experience, ego is part of non-duality and is meant to be played out. I guess the danger is eventually getting too sucked into ego and identifying with the story too much. Still, I do not want to get over my head. I believe Leo when he says that this field is deeper than we think/see

Breaking the duality forever huh? I have had many non-dual experiences, but I eventually allow myself to slip back into ego because that is the game human life is playing. Is that not what all of you do? What would my non-dual experiences do for "others" if "they" have not experienced it. I am able to move between these levels of reality so to speak on a whim. It is impossible to not see things as non-dual since boundaries are created by the mind and the mind is not the ground, if you feel me on that. And as I do more consciousness work I feel non-duality deepen each year a little more. Not sure if this means I had an enlightenment experience and now I am "maturing" it like Osho says, but if I am wrong, thats fine. I do not imagine its helpful to be neurotic about reaching such a state since I am not in control, but I enjoy meditation and connecting with Being.

In my experience, You have to ground yourself in consciousness. Clarity allows one to see the bigger picture. Ego Life is about growth and moving to a place in the world that resonates with your inner Being, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Unpleasant realities can be part of this growth process. I think during these unpleasant realities, we have to continue having hope and look for solutions to current circumstances, understand that nature is in constant motion. Change is happening every moment. Some people get discouraged by difficult circumstances and this could lead to what Psychologists call "learned helplessness" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness). If we are in bad circumstances, the best way to get through is to be positive, change the way you look at things, see the bigger picture, have hope, focus, grow, and best of all, meditate. In addition, I think psychedelics can be a powerful tool to break people out of any mental patterns. It destroys ego and then builds it up again.

When that happens to me, I feel that it is because I am feeling disconnected from my body, so my advice is to connect with your body, feelings, and emotions. I think physical movements are great for this such as yoga, jogging, or dancing.

IME, psychedelics are helpful with addictions, so taking mushrooms may not be a bad idea. I do not really know how one can distract themselves on mushrooms, not being honest or authentic is difficult.

There are pros and cons to both relationship styles and everyone is different. I much prefer monogamy because I am possessive and jealous which is something author said she struggled with.

Hehe forgive my ignorance.

I personally have not taken 5-meo, but from the research I have done, you should be pretty much be ready to die (not literally), its the ultimate surrender. Previous psychedelic experience may or may not help, so I am not sure it matters. Just be ready for an intense life changing event and let go. Be mindful that other traditional medicines such as psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and ayahuasca can be also be healing and life changing.

Anybody who trips with a genuine curiosity to learn about the self can easily recognize the significance of self honesty, acceptance, and authenticity.

I have listened to music my whole life. I am in love with listening and playing music, but addicted? That is such a strong word. It brings me joy, but not in a neurotic way. Maybe you're just addicted to expressing yourself! Express yourself in other ways.

Bipolar is a serious condition. The only way to truly know whether you fit the diagnosis is to visit a professional. I also agree with others at looking at other possible variables that effect mood.

I enjoyed the video. I do not find him to be crazy at all from an existential place and in fact, it was very humanizing. Usually Leo has a tough and serious demeanor, but in this video he was much more free.