Arman

I'd just like to expand on some of these points, TM does catch a lot of criticism. This is a shame as the criticism is generally oriented towards the organization rather than the practice itself, so some may take it to think that the meditation is ineffective. The main criticism I see is the amount they charge for what people should believe should be free. This is a bit of a touchy subject. I will say that I believe there are good reasons for this. I'll say somewhat controversially, that people who pay for a teaching or practice will be substantially more inclined to stick to it, respect it more, and take more out of it. The fee's also allow TM to grow as an organization and spread the teaching more. I believe they have programs that teach it to certain areas that can't afford it for free. TM and similar mantra meditations can also be profoundly powerful. Mantra meditation can be very energetically stimulating, and part of the fee one gives to learn TM covers these two important bases that are not necessarily viable for someone who learns the practice from outside sources. From the website: There are 4 vital aspects of the teaching that ensure that it will work for you: Given what most teachers charge for basic programs, coaching, or whatever, I'd say a few hundred bucks or a grand is probably worth that kind of service, assuming it is of quality. On the subject of the 'secret' nature of the mantras - I believe there is or was good reason for it. I think it comes down to faith and intention, which can be very important for early students to stick to the path. Maybe the whole 'don't tell anyone' and mystical air they add to mantras is somewhat antiquated (it has, after all, caught them a lot of flack), but regardless of its effectiveness, perhaps its purpose or intention is in good spirits. Regardless of the fact that the choosing of which mantra on behalf of the student is somewhat more arbitrary than we thought, - I would not be so quick to throw the baby out with the bathwater in saying that you can pick any word. It's true that if you pick any word or sound and practice, you will get benefits, but the vibratory quality of certain sounds may be a mysterious and potent thing... the power of vibratory mantras may be a refined technology that those who haven't explored or studied may not fully understand. I believe, that inherent within certain sounds are certain universal qualities. My personal suggestion is actually to stick to whatever they give you.

I made a lengthier post here during the forum update but unfortunately it gone wiped. In short, yeah it's a very effective practice for all those things you have described. It's one of the most studied meditation techniques in the world in terms of research. Has lots of benefits. Check out this video man, a bit long, but it's worth it. I highly suggest you take up TM if you find it interesting.

There's an easier way Circle Circle Select Select Circle Select X Square

Could you reword your post? It's a bit confusing

This brings up an important principle when it comes to having comfort, power and magnetism in conversation and socializing, which is being OK with silence. To understand that it's not actually necessary to converse, and that it is enough to simple smile and acknowledge someone. That's it. That doesn't mean that you won't talk, or it doesn't mean that you are less inclined to talk - but it's a good foundation. When people are uncomfortable with silence, discussions become stilted, forced, and you start to into generic topics like the weather or asking someone where they work. Not that there's anything wrong with those topics, but when they come from a place of discomfort rather than curiosity and openness, then conversations are less flowing. Unless you are OK with not talking, then talking tends to be awkward. Therefore be OK with silence. Be OK with simply being yourself. Good conversations and connection, in my opinion come from a creative free flowing space. This kind of being is unfamiliar to those who are very logically minded. It is a fun, easy and effortless kind of being, and comes more naturally when we feel safe. From this space of being, you can talk about anything, at any time, with seemingly no context, and the energy flows upwards and expands to make you and the other person feel good. A lot of the roots of social awkwardness, in my experience, comes from conditioning which is protecting us from being attacked. The brain will physiologically lock you into a certain kind of meek behavior because it is evolutionary protecting you from staying in your lane and keep you alive. This conditioning says that if you expose yourself or become too energetic, too charismatic or spread your wings, then the head of the tribe will perceive you as a threat and kill you. It says that we must speak in a certain way and maintain a certain conversational curriculum. We think we must behave in a very certain way in order to remain safe. This conditioning is no longer helpful in modern society. In order to show the brain that we will remain safe, you can take action steps out of your comfort zone. You can give yourself exercises such as: Compliment several strangers a day. This is a fun one and feels good. Sometimes the mind can say "but isn't it a bit weird? won't they think I'm strange?" but you can watch how people open up and you make there day better. This lets you see that you can be giving in your energy. Even if someone responds oddly, you will see how you are still safe. You can also pick completely random subjects, the first thing that comes to mind, and open a conversation with a complete stranger. Or - the next time you find yourself in a conversation, pick any idea that free flows to your mind - if you feel stuck, look around you and pick the most random object and start talking about it to the other person. Do you think that might seem random or strange? Give it a go, and see how completely unphased the other person can be, as if it is the most natural place that the conversation was supposed to go.

Nice, I think we lost a few hours worth of posts though. About 1-2 hours ago I noticed the thread I made shortly prior had disappeared, then the last post from all the sections were all from 5 hours ago. It may be gone to the ether, but I'll take it as meant to be

Any position at all is fine. Some people with back issues fully lay down. Might make one more prone to falling asleep though. You can also try sitting on your bed with a pillow propped up against the wall. That's my preference.

Use back support, and/or find positions that don't cause you discomfort. Nobody says you have to be sitting a certain way!

In the face of fear you journeyed inwards thats straight sagely gangsta shit

Yes, when our circumstances are unpleasant, there is some relief in the idea of death, isn't there? Still, this way of thinking is one emotional vista of many. Sometimes it is a leverage point that allows us to raise to a more satisfying experience.

Consider seeing a doctor as well dude.

I have never experienced much pain in the third eye but used to experience a lot of pressure on it years ago, sometimes to the point of discomfort when I was going through lots of shifts. Sometimes it felt like a burning pebble throbbing in my head. What I would do is place the back of my hand on my forehead and stretch my fingers out, and kind of visualised the area opening up to allow it to breathe and allow excess energy to flow outward. Almost like you are 'opening' or 'expanding' the tight space which releases pressure. It would create instant relief for me. Give it a go next time. The pain is likely the result of more energy moving through energy centres as a result of living and practice. I would temprarily avoid interested we pranayamas and focusing on it in meditation.

One practical example of why I have come to agree with the importance of direct experience was several times coming to places of great pain and confusion. Taking the modern new age path, particularly with the internet these days, often means being bombarded and oversaturated with many ideas, practices, ideologies, techniques, etc; as opposed to historically when I think most people were only exposed to one or two paths at most. Sometimes I would feel so mixed up. 'Why am I struggling so much?' - then I would try to figure out what I should do. Create? Simply be mindful? Act? Pray? Or how about consider one of any ten million teachings! I felt confused and overwhelmed with options. I was always trying to figure out what was the 'right' choice without necessarily considering my direct experience (aka what is right for ME) with all these paths and hadn't considered on a very basic level what has been effective and what hasn't. My ego was attached so many methodologies that perhaps were not right for me at that time. When I came to this realisation I decided to strip as many beliefs as I could and simply do what was giving me relief in the moment and not which ideas 'should' work because my ego says they are correct, useful, holy, or any other number of attributes. Direct experience led me to what worked.

Try contacting Leo

You could apply the same argument to meditation itself, or any activity. There are risks inherent in anything we do. Exercise willpower. Try, fall, try again.

Sorry if this is slightly off topic, but what's that been like? It is satisfying? enjoyable? challenging?

happy birthday, may you experience much happiness <3 <3 <3 <3

Well as Ram Das said, we're all God in drag.

Yeah had a similar experience years ago on acid. Decided to playfully see if I could move energy through the body and it resulted in an experience similar to what you described. It happens. Not to worry.

Nice content brother. Seems much richer than a lot of fitness content I see. I'm going to implement those daily exercises you recommended. Thanks for sharing.

No, people may meditate for different reasons. Some meditate for improved energy and vitality, some meditate for health concerns, others want to gain leverage on bad habits. Some meditate because they want to experience out of body experiences, etc. Some are not necessarily seeking peace, but rather insight into the nature of reality and who they are. What you described is a common ideal but it's not a prerequisite nor is it shared by everybody. Personally I don't concern myself with achieving continuous peace in all experience. I'm not even convinced I want continuous peace (or maybe I'm I just tell myself that) - but right now I do know that I enjoy its various benefits and that it helps me be more effective and happy in general. I think the goal of 'continous peace of mind', as you put it, is an admirable endeavor for some and that it that could keep them motivated. For others, it can be a point of confusion and frustration, especially without proper context because they may practice for years and despite tremendous gains, may be disheartened and feeling like they have hardly put a dent in their pursuit. Sometimes the important of why you choose to meditate is only relevant to the point that it gets you to sit down and do it, because I suspect that regardless of what you specifically aim to achieve, in time the benefits accrue towards all endeavors/goals.

Hi Carlos. You may find some relevant information in this similar thread:

Depends on a variety of variables from physiology, psychological make-up, emotions and energies suspended within the body, dedication, having a lifestyle that facilitates growth, etc. Some may also say it is because of karmic propensities or energetic predisposition. Just think of physical exercise - consider the reasons why two people doing the same practice might achieve different or similar results. Could be because of big weight differences, hormones, even attitude can effect gains despite doing the same amount of time and exertion. Sometimes we can change a tremendous amount but not realize it because we are still focused on what we don't want as opposed to what we have gained, or shed. It may be useful to decide ahead of time why it is that you want to meditate, and what gains you hope to achieve. Then you can look at those aspects of your life and be honest about it. Journaling and writing can help. Then over time, you simply start to be aware and note shifts. It is important to occasionally take time to sit with yourself and not necessarily meditate, but reflect and once more look into yourself with honesty. Some shifts will be obvious and undeniable, and others will be subtle. It is easier to notice that you are getting less angry vs being closer to achieving spiritual goals you may have. Don't worry about improving as a mediator. A good mediator takes the time to sit. The rest takes care of itself.

Well, worrying about thoughts will only compound upon the issue. So it is counter-productive. What you're describing is not uncommon. Mindfulness is a good practice to learn in order to ease the abrasive nature of thoughts and allow their roots to unravel. You're on the right path, and things will improve. Sometimes they get a bit worse before they get better. Even after years of personal development and much growth, I too sometimes become overwhelmed and fall back into what you describe. The difference being, that it doesn't last as long and that I can still maintain some perspective through it, even if it's only a glimmer. Maybe I will be overwhelmed for a few days, instead of a few weeks, or maybe I will be overwhelmed for an hour or two, instead of all day. Instead of trying to get rid of thoughts in their entirety, perhaps it would be advantageous to consolidate small, regular gains through practices you enjoy, and through living a healthy lifestyle. You're doing well, better than you think. Keep exploring, meditating, and engaging in healthy practices that resonate with you.

You're confused in thinking that acceptance = resignation. At least this is what you're making it sound like to me. You can accept something and then take action upon it. So it's as if you're implying that if your girlfriend cheats on you, acceptance would mean being OK with it and then staying with her. What happens after you accept it is up to you. You may accept the situation, then dump her. Acceptance is just looking at the situation without reserve, without judgment and allowing it to be as it is without the need to distort, reason, justify, etc, and not denying responsibility. Or can also choose not to accept something, then take action anyway. This leads to being less effective because unless you have accepted something, then you are in resistant to it, so you can't see it clearly or act without further attachment to emotions. In actuality, when we can't accept something, then we are usually locked when it comes to options and actions to take, or none of the options seem particularly desirable. When you fully accept a situation, then the right action to take usually becomes clear and obvious and presents itself as an opportunity for growth.