17yo wondering when to start proper spirituality after Leo's Blog Post

[Magnanimous]

Leo was talking about how most people - including those with massive material success - don't wake up because they're unserious about existence and busy doing tangential stuff, even if they're doing it at a world class level. https://www.actualized.org/insights/actualized-quotes-182

I want to be world class at something too (or at least 10,000 hours) but I also want to be serious about existence as well. Currently for the duration of a year I'm trying to apply the Power of Now in my life, then steadily the Conversations with God trilogy. However I don't think Leo would call that serious spirituality because that is not taking psychedelics. (I don't think he'd deny the value of integrating those books but again they're not proper spirituality.)

I'm 18; What's the perfect time to start proper spirituality? I was thinking of doing it concurrently while doing LP, or maybe after I hit 10,000 hours (and burned enough karma)

[Leo Gura]

49 minutes ago, Magnanimous said:

the Power of Now in my life, then steadily the Conversations with God trilogy. However I don't think Leo would call that serious spirituality because that is not taking psychedelics. (I don't think he'd deny the value of integrating those books but again they're not proper spirituality.)

That is fine. Reading books has it's purpose. Every project requires some degree of theory. Don't feel guilty about reading some spiritual books.

Quote

I'm 18; What's the perfect time to start proper spirituality? I was thinking of doing it concurrently while doing LP, or maybe after I hit 10,000 hours (and burned enough karma)

There's various ways to go about it. Just depends on your goals, values, abilities, and situation.

You can do light forms of spirituality while you work mostly on your career/life purpose. Then you can ramp up into more hardcore forms as your career gets solidified and stabilized. Even people with a career can set aside a few weeks a year for hardcore retreats. Or not. It depends on what you're doing and how ambitious you wish to be.

Don't feel guilty for working mostly on your career. That's legit and proper at your age. Everyone needs a carer.

Edited May 8 by Leo Gura

[Breakingthewall]

2 hours ago, Magnanimous said:

want to be world class at something too (or at least 10,000 hours) but I also want to be serious about existence as well

Both things are one. If you have a spiritual focus from a young age, you approach your path in a much more intuitive way, leading you to places that are more conducive to continuing to evolve in that direction. If you don't, and at some point you realize that your entire journey has been in the opposite direction, everything is much more difficult.

[Terell Kirby]

2 hours ago, Leo Gura said:

There's various ways to go about it. Just depends on your goals, values, abilities, and situation.

Makes the path more complex..as it should be 

[kbone]

4 hours ago, Magnanimous said:

Leo was talking about how most people - including those with massive material success - don't wake up because they're unserious about existence and busy doing tangential stuff, even if they're doing it at a world class level. https://www.actualized.org/insights/actualized-quotes-182

I want to be world class at something too (or at least 10,000 hours) but I also want to be serious about existence as well. Currently for the duration of a year I'm trying to apply the Power of Now in my life, then steadily the Conversations with God trilogy. However I don't think Leo would call that serious spirituality because that is not taking psychedelics. (I don't think he'd deny the value of integrating those books but again they're not proper spirituality.)

I'm 18; What's the perfect time to start proper spirituality? I was thinking of doing it concurrently while doing LP, or maybe after I hit 10,000 hours (and burned enough karma)

When reading spiritual literature, be sure to read between the lines as much as possible, keep a box of Occam's Razors in your pocket, and wield them when necessary. You're working toward simplicity if you're truly trying to SEE what they're pointing to (at least the better readings), not collect a bunch of speerchal ideas. Using psychedelics is potentially useful, though it can often become part of an escape, rather than an aid in piercing through the veil of mind. Be clear of your intent, or clarity may not emerge from the endeavor.

When's the perfect time to start proper speechuality? Too late, IT has already chosen NOW; the very question exemplifies the mind is already questioning. Someone once said, "There's no time like the present." They were right about that, hehe.

May I ask why your mind is drawn to this quest at this point?

[Mannyb]

@Magnanimous

I really appreciate how sincerely you’re approaching all this — the desire to be world-class at something, while also staying deeply rooted in what matters most: life itself.
 

That’s already rare.

And honestly, the Power of Now is serious spirituality when it’s lived, not just read.
Presence is the gateway. Conversations with God may not be “psychedelic,” but its energy is profound — it reorients your relationship with life, and that’s no small thing. 

 

Leo’s path is intense, yes — but remember, “proper” spirituality isn’t a fixed formula. Psychedelics can crack open the door, but integration, humility, and presence keep it open. And you’re already doing that at 18. remarkable.

 

The perfect time to start “serious spirituality” is now, just as you are, with whatever calls you most deeply.
Let your path unfold with trust.
Mastery in the world and awakening in the soul aren’t mutually exclusive — in fact, when done right, they feed each other.

 

Let your devotion be your discipline, and your joy be your compass. You’re already on the path.

 

Edited May 8 by Mannyb

[kbone]

14 minutes ago, Mannyb said:

@Magnanimous

I really appreciate how sincerely you’re approaching all this — the desire to be world-class at something, while also staying deeply rooted in what matters most: life itself.
 

That’s already rare.

And honestly, the Power of Now is serious spirituality when it’s lived, not just read.
Presence is the gateway. Conversations with God may not be “psychedelic,” but its energy is profound — it reorients your relationship with life, and that’s no small thing. 

 

Leo’s path is intense, yes — but remember, “proper” spirituality isn’t a fixed formula. Psychedelics can crack open the door, but integration, humility, and presence keep it open. And you’re already doing that at 18. remarkable.

 

The perfect time to start “serious spirituality” is now, just as you are, with whatever calls you most deeply.
Let your path unfold with trust.
Mastery in the world and awakening in the soul aren’t mutually exclusive — in fact, when done right, they feed each other.

 

Let your devotion be your discipline, and your joy be your compass. You’re already on the path.

 

You have a very clear expression that exudes empathy and authenticity.

"Mastery in the world and awakening in the soul aren’t mutually exclusive...."

"To be in the world, but not necessarily of it", once realized, does make the room get brighter, don't it? 😃

Edited May 8 by kbone

[Mannyb]

@kbone
 

Absolutely—it really does. That subtle inner shift can light up even the most ordinary space.

It’s like the moment you stop resisting life and start seeing it—not as something to conquer, but to dance with. 🕺 

Mastery, then, becomes less about control and more about attunement. 🎻 

Thanks for your kind words—feels like we’re both tuning in to something timeless. 🌊 

 

[Thought Art]

Man, at that age focus on skills, careers, networking, and experiences that grow you. 
 

Stay away from pop smoking, binge drinking and drugs. Stay motivated. 
 

Spirituality is gonna be done best once you’ve made your foundation. 

[Mannyb]

@Thought Art

Absolutely—laying that foundation is key.
Skills, discipline, real-world experience—that’s how strength and clarity are forged. 🔥 🛡️ ⚔️ 

 

And when spirit flows through that structure, it’s unstoppable.
Every action becomes intentional, every choice aligned. 🧘‍♂️ 

 

Keep rising—brick by brick, breath by breath, power by presence. 

🙏