Kyle

I'm currently a junior in college studying computer science. I'm fully aware that learning this material will greatly help me out down the road. If I don't become a programmer, I'll have at least learned how to solve very advanced problems. However, for some reason, I can't get motivated in any of my classes. I have been successful in life at setting my own goals by myself, but I have a really tough time doing things because other people tell me to do (such as homework). I always find myself slacking on assignments and zoning out in class. I'm getting by with Bs, but I know I could be doing better and I feel as though I'm squandering this opportunity to really get the most out of my education. Does anybody have any suggestions for what I should do to overcome this? Any input be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I guess it depends on how the session went. If it was frustrating, then probably not. But if you had a good session, then definitely, in my experience.

@Hardik jain I had this same problem with this meditation before. Something that's really helped me is just remembering that there's no way to do this wrong. Just keep watching the thoughts the best you can. If you watch them without trying to stop them, they'll stop on their own. If you forget to watch and get caught up in believing them, then that's okay too. Just remember that your primary goal is to simply observe the best you can. If you 'mess up', then that's just a lesson you can grow from, and that in itself is great for becoming more focused. If you're in a long term slump, then you will have even stronger focus and will be much more appreciative of your newfound focus when you recover. So really the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all, and it sounds like you've got some good momentum going with your practice!

What is the relationship between the Graves stages of development and enlightenment? Is the realization of non-duality somewhere on this scale? Does this scale even have to do with enlightenment/can anyone from any level be enlightened? Some stages like turquoise and yellow are said to have only existed in the past century or so, but enlightened people have been around for thousands of years. I'm curious to see what people have to say about this.

@Cookiesliyr Interesting. Never really thought of this perspective. I'm an ENTP/INTP depending on the day. I test pretty heavily as a P, which kind of supports the idea of going off on my own.

About an hour ago, I was sitting in the park doing self-inquiry work. Then, about 20 minutes in, I started to become really aware, and as I was looking at the grass in front of me, it didn't even seem like grass anymore. The lines between everything started to blur and I didn't see concepts anymore. This lasted about ten seconds. As I came back into duality, I felt intense fear. I realized I previously knew nothing about enlightenment. I never knew the degree to which I abstract everything. Now I'm starting to calm down and I feel a deepening sense of peace coming over me. I now fully understand how the self is an illusion and that everything I thought was real was just an abstraction. The only thing I still know is that I exist and I experience some sort of reality. I'm not saying I'm completely enlightened, but I made a big step. The thing I have a hard time letting go of is being able to relate to people. Someone on this forum said that this won't be easy anymore. I still want to have meaningful connections with the people I love. Is this still possible if I'm enlightened? And has anyone else gone through something similar?

@step1 Check these out http://www.actualized.org/articles/how-to-become-enlightened https://www.youtube.com/user/fredsdavis

@step1 I've been meditating 40 mins a day (two 20 min sessions) consistently for a little under 2 years. Started self-inquiry for an hour a day (two 30 min sessions) last week. If you want this to come fast, then definitely do self-inquiry and check out that post on here that's a list of enlightened teachers. Find a teacher who you can really understand. My personal favorites are Eckhart Tolle and Fred Davis. Also, I would guess that other self-actualization habits play a huge role in this (eating well, gym, reading, etc.). Make sure to stay on top of those as well.

@Leo Gura Thanks for the feedback. Just watched the video. It gave me some clarity and insight into this problem. For now, I definitely see my greatest gift as producing music. As far as class goes, I figure I should try to see the assignments more from a music producer's perspective and pay attention to how they would help me outside of programming. Luckily I currently have a good amount of time to do some deep thinking about how I can eventually get to do what I love as my career. I'll also need to sharpen my music production skills and gain more knowledge and wisdom. I know I'd hate myself if I ever let the safety and comfort of a programming job take me off my purpose. That's why it's more important than ever to stay focused.

Here are a couple small things that have helped me: - Take good notes. I prefer to handwrite and color-coordinate my notes because it helps me retain the info better. Also re-read them later. - If you're working for a long time, take a 5 minute break for every 30 minutes of work. Also have a snack and water handy. - Get out of your normal surroundings. Maybe go outside, to the library, or to a coffee shop. - Type "focus binaural beats" into Youtube. You'll get a ton of videos. Just listen to one of those with headphones on in the background while you study and your focus will improve.

Name: Kyle Age: 21 Location: Boston, MA Occupation: Student (Computer Science major) Marital Status: Single Kids: None Hobbies: Making and listening to music, meditation, reading, journaling, basketball, weightlifting, hiking, art I first officially got into self-development about 2.5 years ago with the aim of improving my social skills, especially with girls. I soon learned that beyond this one topic, there was a whole world of info out there for me. I started to watch videos (this is how I found Actualized.org) on pretty much every self-development subject and applied what I learned in real life. Since then, I've made major leaps in all of these areas and have gained a lot of wisdom along the way. I've made habits of meditating, reading/audiobooks, working out, and journaling daily. I'm amazed at what self-help has done for me in just the small amount of time I've been involved with it and I never plan on stopping. Personal Challenges I've Overcome: Social skills, such as confidence, authenticity, not caring what people think of me, not seeking attention Lost 60 pounds and gained muscle Started to take on good habits and morning routine Ended toxic friendships and learned that you and the people in your life should bring each other up Learned how to produce music What I'm working on now: Finding an amazing girl for a relationship Issues of procrastination, and indecisiveness (trying to become more of a leader) Cutting out bullshit food, TV, alcohol, marijuana Trying to figure out how to combine my computer science knowledge with my love of music Increasing awareness even more (trying to eventually become enlightened)

Some pretty dedicated people I see. Mine looks like this: - Wake up - 20 minute exercise routine (can vary in length depending on the day, but at least 20 mins 6 days a week) - Shower, shave, brush teeth, deodorant, get dressed, take vitamins - 30 minute meditation - Get coffee and breakfast - 10 minutes of self-reflection in a journal. Usually consists of things I need to be doing better, things I think I'm doing well, insights, negative thought patterns I've noticed, habits I want to pick up or drop, and so on. I just set a timer for 10 mins and write as much as I can, trying to be as honest with myself as possible about what's going on in my mind. I try to keep electronics to an absolute minimum (also important before bed), although I will listen to an audiobook while eating and music while working out. Also, as a side note, I like to switch up the order of my morning ritual from time to time while still doing the same main things. This seems to help my mind stay fresh and focused.