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@RendHeaven Yeah sorry if I hammered home the addiction point, it just sounded like from my view you at least had an unhealthy relationship to games from your original post, sorry if that wasn't the post, I just think the way you described games as having a 'Choke Hold' on you sounded quite serious, that's all. Sorry if I misinterpreted it. Maybe I used the word addicted in a poor way, I just meant to the extent these games are seriously harming you in other areas of life, for example not working to play Video Games, not developing relationships, etc, etc. I don't know that much about that kind of gaming community in terms of LOL and the like, except a lot of 'typical' gamers end up playing for hours and hours, so I can, of course, see your concerns. By the way, I'm not denying the average person gets lulled into 'Unconsciousness' which I guess you mean relatively speaking 'lower consciousness' as watch any streamer and you'll see that's the case, but I have a HUGE issue with your last 'Meta' point as it seriously misunderstands embodying awakening, and I would class that kind of message to any seeker reading this as highly dangerous actually. 'Committing to Consciousness' which by I guess you mean committing to awakening does not mean you HAVE to give up all of your hobbies and interests, while for a period of time this may be essential, to help you on the path, full Self-Realization is then followed up with full integration of this understanding into ALL areas of life, so in fact 'meshing' spirituality with things such as Cooking, Novels, Relationships is INCREDIBLY important and I can't stress this enough. # Spirituality isn't some separate pursuit in which Enlightenment means all you now do is meditate and do nothing ever again, it is simply the realization of the truth of your own being, and the realization of The Absolute as EVERYTHING, including this laptop, games, food, etc, literally EVERYTHING that exists. Therefore, integrating this understanding of Truth, Love and Happiness is integral to embodying true awakening. If you make spirituality some separate pursuit, to me that is a huge mistake and you then run the risk of falling into the seeking trap and feeling you need to do hundreds of hours of every practice under the sun to have even a chance of awakening, which some people may need, who knows. True awakening means actually embodying the understanding in all areas of life such as relationships, activities, the food you eat, the lifestyle you lead etc. Yes, for a while you may need to drop certain activities such as Gaming, but it doesn't mean you can't return to these to use your terminology in a 'Higher Consciousness' manner and play the games without 'lulling into unconsciousness.' Just for example's sake I will show how to 'mesh' these activities- Relationships- Embodying the understanding that the so-called 'other' is literally YOU, and embodying your understanding of Love into relationships is key and will help you deepen and develop all relationships in your life significantly. Someone could certainly 'teach' about relationships from a 'Non-Dual' perspective. Cooking- This one is obvious, firstly, basing your food choices on foods that nourish your body and make you feel good, this is a clear form of Self-Love, to take it further, I would argue since you now know ALL living beings are YOU, you would at least limit the number of animal products you eat, to help minimize the exploitation of these beings. You could certainly teach nutrition and healthy living from a 'Spiritual' vantage point. Novels - Again, if you were a writer you would simply use your understanding to permeate the core messages and stories in your books, to tell one that expresses Love, Happiness and Joy throughout. Funnily enough, a lot of stories do this anyways, as true creativity comes from The Absolute, and therefore, is filled with the inherent values of The Absolute. For example, Harry Potter's core message is Love is the strongest force in the Universe and will always be more powerful than evil in the end, is that not a incredible spiritual message? You see the understanding of your true nature is only the beginning of this journey. You then have the rest of your life for this understanding to permeate in all areas, and to express this understanding in a way that is unique to you, whether that is through being a Spiritual Teacher, through health& fitness, a therapist/ relationship councillor or a writer, or even a Coffee Shop worker who serves each customer with Love and treats everyone in a friendly manner. The most important aspect is where the motivation is coming from, and the consciousness behind the work. Activites/Relationships etc are no longer a source of happiness, but simply a means to express this happiness and love, and it can be done in infinite ways! Sorry if I came across harsh, I'm really not meaning to, it's just such a common misunderstanding that things 'aren't spiritual' when in reality EVERYTHING is The Self, everything is THIS, it is simply about 'upgrading' our desires and motivation behind this actions and then expressing this happiness and understanding in all areas of life. Once you are completely happy, at peace and fulfilled what is left but to express this in your life, and help others also understand this? Just so you know, I am not saying MANY shouldn't stop playing games, I did for a while, as it wasn't helping on my own journey, but post-awakening I have began playing again and merely see it as a fun way to have some fun! I no longer rage and scream like when I was 14 LOL, and simply enjoy the game. I mainly play sport games when I can't actually play sport (thanks Corona) and have some fun with friends! Remember, life is to be enjoyed and fun It doesn't have to be a spiritual struggle!

@RendHeaven Sometimes all it takes is planting a seed in someone's mind to get them started on this journey. Also, your case sounds like quite an addictive one, so it is best for you to quit video games for now, for many others they can play for hours all weekend and then not play all week if they're busy. It's a bit like all other 'addictive' activities and substances, some people can have 1 drink and go home, others can't just have 1 drink and end up spending all night in the pub despite needing to be up at 6 am for example. For example, with me I can play some Fifa with my friends occasionally in the evening for a few hours, come off, and then not play for months. Like before the whole Corona situation I hadn't touched Fifa since October, but I'll be playing regularly over the next few months, then once we're allowed back out and summer is here, I'll leave it again. It sounds you're the latter when it comes to Video Games, just like I am with junk food, so I simply don't start with it or ever buy it anymore. Therefore, as you said, at least until you can develop a healthier relationship with games. it's best to let them go and develop healthier hobbies and habits. In terms of @Raptorsin7 plan we've spoken in detail about it and to me it sounds awesome. Yes, the main purpose is around helping people awaken, but even just by getting gamers into things like meditation, mindfulness, healthy emotional expression, healthy living etc, you will create a much more positive gaming community that becomes a way of expressing happiness and having fun, instead of raging and racism every 10 minutes. Like most other hobbies, Gaming can be a healthy way to have some fun, but by most Orange companies these games have been bred to be addictive to maximize profits and in-game purchases, but, as society develops so will these games to focus on creating the best product and not just bleeding their customers dry. Also, such a large proportion of young people play video games, having a business that helps people play them more consciously and develop themselves simultaneously is certainly what we need. E-Sports is a rapidly growing industry with people like Ninja doing advertising with global celebrities like David Beckham! Just like with most things, for the majority we don't need to get rid of Gaming, just 'upgrade' how we play it so it becomes an expression of happiness instead of a way to just rage and screams for hours on end. Teaching young people things like how to express emotions, breathwork to calm their anger, meditation, mindfulness, awakening, etc is extremely beneficial. At first, you may have to water down the teachings, but that's okay because even meditating to help reduce anxiety and anger is an amazing place to start, who knows, eventually it may lead to Self-Realization. I do have to agree though, like I said, that in your case it sounds best to drop the games. Maybe, this is something @Raptorsin7 could think about, in terms of helping people who are severely addicted to games, drop them and develop healthier habits for them, as like you said these games can be incredibly addictive. So I wouldn't say this can't work but of course, ideas can be developed and using Spirituality along with many other things to overcome addictions such as these sounds like a great Branch for this business to have. Maybe you can share how you are doing just this?

@TheUniverseIsLove Yep. You can take action in terms of getting healthy meals and drinks prepared, self isolating for a while, taking care f loved ones etc without the mass panic!

@DivineSoda Yes, that's exactly what we can see it as! A time for reflection and growth on an individual level. All I hope is that globally it helps evolve our social and financial structures but I have little control over that, I have much more control over what I can do in my own life and business, so that's where I put my focus (Although I admit I still watch David Icke from time to time to hear the worst-case scenarios!) @Jkhv1 Trust me!! His courses are half price and just picked his main one up, I LOVE cold showers and the breathing, need to implement the stretching as it's something I've neglected for years.

@DivineSoda Yes, such an amazing post. As well as spiritually, it's a time to 'purify' our bodies, we have the time to exercise, clean up our diets, practice true breathing and Self-Care, etc. There are no social events so no need to drink alcohol and for love of God I hope a disease affecting the lungs makes people quit smoking. We can treat this as a retreat and give ourselves the love and attention we are craving in all areas, as well as showing gratitude for those around us I often feel Body, Health and Diet can be neglected in Non-Dual circles sometimes, but to me, it is a fundamental expression of love to treat our bodies with love and care and give them what they need to function at their best!

@SoonHei Well summarised!

Loving Kindness Meditation Wim Hof Method- Gratitude Journal Do things you enjoy- Sports, Exercise, Gaming, read - Life is to be ENJOYED, go and have FUN Awaken to love

@Inliytened1 Well said as always man Seeking does take us further away, but for many is also the initiation into this work, to realize that the Small I you believed yourself to be was always a huge fiction, and all along it has been The Absolute running the show and The Absolute is of course what 'You' truly are! Just wanted to add you're not Human, but also need to embrace your unique humanity, and are completely free to do that after awakening, it's a huge paradox like most of this work. For example, there's still a personality post-awakening, you'll still have an Enneagram type etc but you KNOW the true nature of your own being and abide as that 'through' this unique expression. And, then life is simply enjoyed in every moment. You get to abide in Non-Dual awareness 24/7 and experience our unique humanity simultaneously and it is the final joy and happiness I've probably butchered the wording and made it sound like a 'Separate Self' exists, which is NOT what I'm saying, there is NO separate self, it is simply the Absolute/God expressing itself through this vehicle and it is the same for every living being alive, just 99.99999% are not aware they are God! Also, I'm in self-isolation at my GFs families house for 30 days, so am free for a call anytime, I'll message you and let me know when you're free!

As the others said, what these Yogis do has nothing to do with Self-Realization really, these methods may help them attain it potentially, but it's not like you have to go fast for a week and do crazy things to be classed as awakened. And, also like others have said, people love states, not just 'spiritual' people but ALL people, or there wouldn't be global Alcohol and Drug problems would there? With seeking what happens is the focus turns from traditional means of happiness and becomes the 'search' for happiness in Enlightenment. There IS an end to seeking and that is the realization of the nature of your own being. Normally called 'Self-Realization' for some it comes suddenly- Ramana Maharshi- for others the realization comes after working with a teacher over a more gradual time period- Rupert Spira, Francis Lucille. My advice would be if there is even a slither of seeking or wanting something more, keep going in terms of finding the truth about your own being. You'll know when you have 'arrived' (shit word I know) at the End of Seeking, and are now simply abiding as The Absolute. In terms of common 'markers' of those fully self-realized teachers things such as them saying- Only The Self/Absolute/etc Exists, No Enlightened Person, No Other, Everything is Perfect as it is among several other things. Also, just because these Yogis can do crazy shit does not mean they are necessarily Self-Realized, of course some will be, but it's the same with Monks, just because you're a Monk/Yogi doesn't mean you instantly awaken, it's not like a driving test where once you get in the monastery you've now passed and are awake. It doesn't matter where you are or who you are, anyone can know the true nature of their own being, whether they're sitting at home in Quarantine watching Friends, or on the Himalayas 7 hours deep into meditation. Also, you have to remember cultural influences here as well. India is a very Spiritual/ Religious culture, for example a typical Hindu path would raise a family, then move into the forest to pursue this work deeper, so where we are brought up idolizing fast cars and famous people. I imagine it's very different in India, or at least used to be pre-commercialization. Like, personally I do not want to become a Yogi/ Monk, but others on here might do Sorry for the rant, I often do this. But, yes Seeking does end, You can realize the truth of your own being and like others have said the Human work never ends though, until you drop this body!

You're already dead

You did what was best for you and bought the console, and right now it isn't a part of your path and that's cool. But, like others said, Video Games can simply be a healthy recreation like many other recreations, when used mindfully and not abused. If you're the sort with a addiction to games best not to play. If you can play for a few hours, then have a busy week and not be fussed about not playing, then simply enjoy the game when you play and it's as simple as that. Life is to be enjoyed after all. With me, I have no problem with Video games, I can play some Fifa with friends for a few hours then not touch it until I have the spare time to do so again, and I work in my room next to my PS4. However, with junk food I know if I have a tiny bit of Ice Cram/ Sweets/ Chocolate etc I end up binging and overeating, so I just don't buy those things anymore. Each of us are unique and part of this work is getting to know ourselves on a human level and finding out what works for us and our own goals in life. Some people just want to play Video Games all day, and while it probably isn't healthy long term if they are a professional player, or a streamer and make a career out of it, then why not. If that's their purpose to entertain and teach through Video Games, I saw go for it. However, for the average player like us who aren't making a living off of games, they should just be like any other hobby and consumed when we have the time for them. And, if we feel it is doing more harm then good, we simply learn to drop the habit as you did- congrats. But, there's nothing inherently 'wrong' with video games, of course some companies make them to be as addictive as possible, so just be careful of that and play games you truly enjoy and it's as simple as that really

@Bruno NuAr Great post man, this is certainly the time to wake up to all our bad habits (on a relative level) and fix them up to optimize our bodies and minds relatively speaking. Like you said, yes this is all a dream/ God's imagination etc, however, while we can unconditionally accept that, while we are living through these vessels and on this plane, to me we need to do everything we can to live the best life possible relatively speaking, why not play the game the best we can?

@Heaven I would say while this Virus is around, don't give up on the Wim Hof method, cold shower followed by his 10 minute guided breathing doesn't take long and can help your immune system, it's something I've readded into my routine as a result of this!

@thibault Yep no rules whatsoever! In your own process, allow whatever comes up to flow! If it means testing out polyamory so be it, or if means no more sex so be it. Just PLEASE, don't repress whatever arises, if you still have a sex drive and sexual desires, the worst thing you can do is repress them, it's natural!

Maybe, but I would say more to the point there are no rules and no “this will happen.” Some people go completely celibate like Ramana Maharshi some go on to have wives and families like Rupert Spira, Adya, Francis Lucille, Ramaji& Amanda etc And some may even go on to explore Non-Monogamous relationships, or being more sexually open like you said. Each Body/Mind will be different and however you feel post awakening is what you should then explore, not just be like well Ramana was celibate and so are all them monks so I will be! Remember, each beings awakening is unique, and will have different implications, as I said someone could actually become more sexually active and explorative post awakening. I would say the ONE common denominator is the ability for intimacy increases hugely, not just in Romantic relationships, but all forms of relationships. On a personal note, post awakening I am still sexually active, but keep in mind I’m a 20 year old Male, so it would be unlikely the sex drive would just drop away. The difference is (as with everything else) sex is no longer used to fill a void, or “make” you happy, it is simply a celebration of love, happiness and life between 2 (or more in some cases!) beings. True awakening doesn’t come with a rule book on how to live life, an awakening to the heart will basically give you this “moral code” (morals will be dropped though) “Love and do whatever you want!” Also, if you try and force celibacy or something unnatural you’ll just end up with sex in your shadow which will create even more issues down the line. Look at monks and priests who repress their sex drive. this video with Rupert explains it well-

@Consilience Great points and I thoroughly agree although it does seem some of the most awakened beings are not Vegetarian which is strange to me, maybe it's pure ignorance? Like, veganism is mainly fuelled by younger people, same as 'Conscious' Politics, so maybe there is hope for the future and collectively we are growing. And, yes from the Absolute perspective everything is perfect, however, I find it hard to believe anyone could watch how their meat is made and the suffering one goes through and then continue to consume it, knowing that being is literally them, yet is being tortured for their own pleasure and gluttony. This is the one are I disagree with my own teachers on and everyone here knows how much I love them! I'm going to bring it up with Ananda when I see her next week, as she said recently she doesn't want to consume meat anymore, and I feel actually understanding what goes on is the first step really, as before I was very ignorant as the majority still are, and it's easy to remain in that ignorance as meat is tasty and convenient isn't it?

@Heaven Try and control the next thought or feeling you have. Let's give a very primal example, can you choose to be attracted to someone? You didn't choose your first crush did you, it's not like you went and picked them out like yes I fancy them, it just happens, you can't control your thoughts and feelings can you? You can choose how you respond to that situation, whether you go and talk to that crush for example. The issue of free will dissolves when you realize there isn't a separate entity choosing, it is simply 'God's Will' or The Absolute, and post-awakening 'your decisions' will come from a place of love and understanding of what is best relative to that moment usually. It's kind of impossible to put into words regarding free will, but if there's no separate entity, it doesn't matter if there is free will or not. If you believe there is a separate entity, just be honest with yourself and it APPEARS there is Free Will for this entity, until you realise it was The Absolute that was taking care of everything all along! Never a separate self to begin with, therefore, the question becomes void It's not that the separate self has no free will if we think we are one, then it seems we have free will. However, once you realize there is no separate Self, No-Doer etc, you then could easily ask well who chooses, what's in control? That's where Absolute Freedom comes in, and if you have awakened the heart, it is like The Absolute and Love then becomes the guiding force in all areas of your life. Of course, there may still be bad habits and behaviors but more and more Love and Absolute Freedom are the guiding forces for your life, and life simply becomes a Celebration of this understanding, of this love, of this happiness in all areas of life and you are free to celebrate however you wish and desire to!

@The Lucid Dreamer I wrote a whole post about your point on not enjoying things but my WiFi crashed so I guess it was meant to be shorter! I basically went through a similar thing of not enjoying things, but then the motivation and joy from them evolves. No longer looking for peace and happiness in objects, relationships activities etc as I am already absolutely happy and at peace regardless of what happens. Then, life is seen as a means to express this understanding, this happiness, this joy, this love, this fun in ALL areas of life! Life is then a celebration of this happiness and we can express that however we see fit, but no matter what happens we are always completely happy, at peace, and fulfilled. This is the absolute freedom of absolute! Whether it's taking up a sport, deepening your relationships, or going in a cave and meditating, ALL is done as an expression and celebration of this understanding and life is simply to be enjoyed and embraced as ALL is the Divine, All is God, ALL is The Self. Paradoxically, as we no longer put demands on things to make us happy, it allows us to enjoy life even more, as no matter the outcome we are completely happy already, so it is like complete freedom that allows us to simply celebrate this understanding however we see fit I hope you manage to find activities and interests that allow you to do this, it could be anything! But, the main difference is, all of it comes from Love.

Awesome post!

I just wanted to make this post basically regarding meeting people where they are at. A lot of people quite simply are not ready for the true understanding of Non-Duality, and telling them 'You are GOD!' probably won't help them too much In many cases, we need to meet people where they are at in life and help them in that situation, this has been brought to my attention by several things- 1) Several friends going through tough times mentally due to several situations and different reasons 2) Almost instantly after speaking to them I found this video- Basically, it means tailoring the Non-Dual understanding to an appropriate response to that situation. True Non-Duality isn't about simply telling everyone they don't actually exist and their problems don't matter straight away, they may not be ready for this and this can actually do more harm then good. By responding to the situation in a way that meets where they're at and in the way that is most helpful for them, you are actually appropriating this understanding in the best way, in response to a situation. On a forum like this, it's easy to forget 'Normal' people just aren't at all interested in Non-Duality and still see themselves as a separate ME and Ego, while of course EVERYONE is the absolute knowingly or unknowingly, many are extremely unconscious of this and what is most beneficial to them is actually helping resolve their issue in whatever way is best. In this situation, I recommend a YouTuber who had overcome and healed skin issues (Brian Turner if anyone suffers with Acne) and another I did actually remmend Eckhart Tolle (Not someone who I'd recommend most here) as he used to listen to him a lot, and I know myself listening to him can be very healing in getting in touch with the presence that we are. Also, simply talking and being there for someone can help more than you know. Anyways, I've rambled on a lot here, basically what I'm trying to say is that simply saying You Are God! and giving Non-Duality answers right away isn't always the answer, and there's is nothing wrong with things such as Therapy, Lifestyle changes to help depression, Even medication in some extreme cases, to help deal with that particular person's situation. Another example would be if say our families had issues, I know my parents wouldn't have one clue what I was going on about if I started telling them about Non-Duality and RASA Loool, so instead I would sit down and actually listen to my families problems and try and help them in a different way. The funny thing is, this is still coming from true Non-Duality as you are helping people where they are at. I just wanted to make this post for those of you who have similar situations (or are therapists) with friends, family, Gf/Bfs facing situations in their life and they just aren't ready for these teachings yet and say that meeting them where they are is likely the most effective approach. And, then when the time is right, you can get down to the real fun stuff

@DreamScape That's awesome man, keep going! @fridjonk I do 2nd this, after all, all that matters is 'your own' experiential understanding of this

@Nahm Oh wow You fooled me @fridjonk Haven't all these pandemic diseases come from Animals? I was talking about this with someone, maybe we should consider not eating dead flesh anymore I'm not sure if it was a rumor but didn't AIDS start from Chimpanzees also? Maybe it's nature saying- Stop fucking with these sentient beings, they are YOU!

@SoonHei Exactly man, well said! @Javfly33 Keep going, The I-Thought can be very pesky! I would say each time a thought arises do this: Firstly welcome and love your thoughts and emotions like you are a guesthouse and they are your guests, even the 'negative' ones, welcome and love them unconditionally. This way they will start to open up to you, and (hopefully) stop rushing around like madmen, as they do you can start to investigate each thought as it arises. Where does the thought come from? What is there at the centre of this thought? Is there an 'I' this thought is about? Where does the thought return to once it has 'done its thing'? Do the same with emotions also, and find out their and your true origin. I would also recommend a Natural Pure Awareness/ Do Nothing meditation, where you do breathing exercises to firstly slow down the stream of thoughts, then simply allow EVERYTHING without any resistance or doing anything at all. The reason you want to do this is this is what The Self/ Natural Pure Awareness is ALWAYS doing, usually in the background though. This allows your True Self to slowly come forward and reveal itself to you. You can also do this anytime in the day, simply take a breath and rest in awareness. Before you'll know it 'foreground', 'background' 'awareness' etc all merge into one, in some kind of 'explosion.' And then, simply put thoughts are no longer a problem! I got this from Ramajis 'No Mind, No Problem' book and it really helped me, and also Shinzen has a YT video on do nothing meditation

@Visionary Yes man, No matter how awakened you get, them good old emotions will still rise up, there just won't be anyone at the centre when you investigate them! No, Some people may want to simply go and meditate and chill post-awakening, and that's fine, it's more of there are 'no rules' that's absolute freedom! However, after awakening to the heart, I'm not sure you could go and work for McDonald's, Corrupt companies etc, but the need to survive can be strong, although poisoning children doesn't really align with Love @fridjonk I hear you man, as much as I hate to admit it City are great to watch when I put my bias aside! And, yes sadly I think that two, maybe Corona will give people more time to turn inwards and realize the truth of their own beings with the lack of entertainment! Be interesting to see how society responds, seen some weird Conspiracies on it also, Twitter isn't only a haven for Left-Wing Politics, but also wild conspiracies, always good fun to read, any truth in them? Guess we will see if Cash still exists post this economic downturn....

@DreamScape Firstly, be grateful you found the path so young, we are so 'lucky' to have found these teachings at such a young age! 1) The question is impossible to answer objectively. You could either still be in the same thought loops in 10 years, or could have realized the truth of your own being, and abiding in the peace and happiness that comes with. My advice would be find a teacher/ teachings you resonate deeply with, stick with that and ideally work with a teacher 1-1 or Via Retreats and get what you can from them. But, YOU are always your own Guru so don't give away your power to such teacher! Also, THIS is it right now, the realization can only HAPPEN now, you can't plan for it to happen in say 2030 on September 5th at around 5PM, it is always Now and it is always THIS. 2) In a nutshell, from mild depression and lethargy to Absolute peace and happiness, and complete Love for life and everything about it. I hate saying things like this as it can set up concepts, but it's like being reborn again and life truly begins after awakening. 3) By 'Milestones' I'm assuming you mean awakenings and experiences, so for me nothing beats realizing the true nature of your own being and abiding as that, and then expressing this in all areas of life. It's basically like it's Christmas every day except you don't need any presents or anything to feel the happiness and peace, as it is inherent in our own being. 4) That I, You, Everyone, Everything, The World, This Laptop, The coffee cup next to me is ALL The Absolute/Awareness/ Divine and that THIS is it, right here, right now and this very 'world' is The Buddha planet itself. There is nowhere to go or get to, it's THIS as it is, yet even saying that is too much. 5) Personally, no siddhis, the realization I mentioned above is pretty mind-bending considering I was a hardcore atheist up until a few years ago, I actually remember watching a David Hawkins (I think that's his name) atheism documentary thinking to myself how smart I was realising there was no God. Who knew hey! 6) Mine were mainly I 'believed' I had to 'deny life' to awaken, and that I couldn't embrace life in all it's glory, and as an Enneagram 7 this scared me a lot! Thankfully, this isn't true and since EVERYTHING is The Self, there's no need to deny anything. I also feared I wouldn't be able to function or couldn't earn money or enjoy sports etc This is kind of why I recommend working with a teacher 1-1 it can really help overcome your own unique blockages and issues, sometimes the questioner in the Non-Dual videos doesn't have the same issues as you! Just one final thing, if you're after truth, happiness, peace and love (promise I'm not a hippie) then you're in the right field, have fun!