Emily

I've not read the lengthy original post so this may not be a completely accurate assessment, but from what I have read, I'm sorry to say that if you're having to think of ways to 'keep' a man then you've already lost him. If a guy wants to be with you they'll make every effort to make it happen. If not then move on. Sounds like you may not be right for each other anyway with the game playing, and it's a classic case of wanting what you can't have / thriving on the challenge. I would also take the mod's advice to do some soul searching and contemplating co-dependency, etc.

I've got the Kindle app on my iphone, ipad, mac and work PC, and download books from Amazon. If you don't mind not having a 'physical' book then I'd highly recommend this, as you can highlight relevant sections (in diff colours if you're so inclined!) and as long as you're connected to the internet, it will sync across all devices to the page you're on. So I'll read on the metro (iphone) then when I get a spare half hour at work I'll pick up where I left off on my work laptop. Most the time I'll read a book thoroughly then go back and read my highlights again - more than once if needed. Re concentration, I find it completely depends on the material. Sometimes I literally can't put a book down and read it when I'm stood in queues and everywhere I get a spare few seconds even. I'm currently reading The Book Of Not Knowing though, which is a pretty tough read unless in a quiet room with no distractions. I will persevere though (currently about a third of the way through) as it comes highly recommended

I've worked in public relations for a decade now so obviously the media is a big part of my job. Since I've known I'm getting out of the corporate world though, I've stopped reading the news - or should I say propaganda - which had started to feel more like a chore than a passion. It's actually felt quite liberating not knowing what's going on (or what people want you to believe is going on!). The following paragraph is from The Power (Rhonda Byrne) which resonates with me, as does the statement besides it:

Tangled mess, lol. I've also considered a blog but at the moment not sure where I'd start with it, and it feels slightly narcissistic when I haven't found inspiration re what to say! I will write a book one day though. Yep, born and bred in Manchester, hence the United affinity. Pep is still a sore subject for me and I'm not liking that two of my fave managers (him and Klopp) are at our biggest rivals! I feel this is the wrong forum for a football discussion though...

Interesting perspective. One part of me, as I said earlier in the thread, thinks that using psychedelics to reach enlightenment is kinda like cheating. But on the other hand, just because 'society' says drugs are bad/illegal, that doesn't necessarily make it true. If there's an 'easy' way of experiencing the truth, (however temporary) and it helps you to ultimately become enlightened, maybe it's worth considering. I'd be interested to hear more on what you mean when you say: "That said, I made many unwise decisions after the experience ended because I tried to abstractly apply the insights I received from the higher state of consciousness from a low-consciousness frame of mind, thinking that it would yield good results. For the most part, it did the opposite. Paradoxes will get you every time."

@Marina@Soren Solevad Click on the "@ user" button next to the "+ quote" one

Intriguing subject. I don't have an answer as I've not taken any drugs for years but I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who's had any experience with ayahuasca. I read this pretty interesting article a while back http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18202/why-i-quit-my-job-after-i-tried-ayahuasca-in-peru.html Must say though, the thought of using some sort of chemical substance to become enlightened feels a bit like cheating to me, although I'll keep an open mind!

What are people's thoughts on déjà vu - how do you explain it? I'm pretty clueless on what it's all about so would be interested to hear your views. Do we experience it because of a memory trigger from a past life? Or another universe / a dream? Some other explanation?

Hi Jack! Thanks for the response. Agree wholeheartedly - everything happens for a reason n all that. And I also agree with your sentiment about mistakes - there's no such thing - only lessons in my opinion. And to your point about feeling like your achievements are inadequate.. granted, I don't know your story but it's never too late to start self actualizing. Plus, age is a number and time is an illusion, but that's an entirely different conversation! Well, I've written a diary every day for the past 18 years (since I was 13 - God knows what I must've written about back then!), so they aren't 'structured' journals as such. Yours sound interesting though - will you publish them?! I'm all for living in the present but I'm sure one day when I'm 90 in my rocking chair I'll enjoy reading my life story and reminiscing! Well if someone had told me a couple of years ago about manifesting, I would've called them batshit crazy. But I approach everything now with an open mind, and when you start seeing results it's hard to deny. Energy has always fascinated me and still does. Indeed, I'm hoping it will all change soon. The most interesting friends I have are the ones I met on various travels. Onwards! Ha, yes I do. My guilty pleasure. LVG out! He is worse than Moyes So what's your story? By the way, just clicked on your profile and we have the same birthday! How cool is that!?

Name: Emily Age: 31 Gender: Female Location: Dubai, UAE Occupation: Financial and corporate PR... albeit with higher aspirations! Marital Status: Single Kids: No Hobbies: Traveling, yoga, ontology, actualization, nature, reading, meditation, journaling, MUFC About 18 months ago after being blown out by a guy, a friend recommended a book (The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari) to help change my negative outlook. I’d always been a ‘glass half empty’ kinda person, as I figured if you expect the worst, then you won’t be disappointed. However, the book completely reversed my perspective and I became hooked on spirituality. I guess I've always felt that there's 'something more' and as a kid often pondered some of life's big questions, as well as thinking I was a bit different - potentially somewhat psychic with an ability to see energy. I’ve now read a tonne of other books on various related subjects – positivity; the law of attraction / manifesting; energy; enlightenment... I’m currently living in In Dubai, which is a big ‘fake’, man-made city, where I feel quite isolated at times despite having a solid friendship group. People look at me like I’m from another planet when I talk to them about the stuff that genuinely interests me, and it’s hard to find like-minded people, so I was pleased to hear about this forum. I handed in my notice a couple of months ago and next month will be leaving Dubai and quitting the corporate world – working 9-7 on something I’m not 100% passionate about just isn’t my idea of a good life anymore. I’ll be traveling around the world (again) starting in April and hope to complete yoga teacher training in 'green' surroundings, as well as working on enlightenment. Am also trying to slowly wean myself off meat (it's hard!) and curb my party lifestyle ... Baby steps!

This was the first book of its kind I ever read, and where my 'addiction' began. Some of it can be a bit cringe (for example where it says you should stare into a rose!) but the sentiment is very uplifting and hugely helped me.