LfcCharlie4

@outlandish thank you!! But no I don't snore, I've been doing steam pots, going to the steam room and drinking Ginger Green tea and It already feels a LOT better, oh and have a nasal spray, I'm going to see how it is in a week or so.

Not one to self diagnose, but this has been an issue for a while. Basically, never Ill, but have a kind of blocked and stuffy nose consistently, and then recently have had some tension headaches and dry throat in the mornings. And, it's extremely annoying to have despite cleaning up my diet and lifestyle further this year I didn't think much of it, but my GF mentioned second-hand smoke can cause excess mucus, and a study showed it could be responsible for up to 40% of Chronic Sinusitis (idk if I have that yet). My mum is a very heavy smoker and has been all of my life, and although I don't smoke I think this could be the cause, but I'm not sure what I can really do as I still live at home with my parents, and telling someone to quit smoking isn't as easy as it sounds. Some smokers are so heavily addicted it's unreal. I'm really not sure what else it could be, I'm going to try and book an appointment with a GP this week and get it sorted but wondered if anyone had any tips here for how i can sort this out naturally/ prevent damage from Secondhand smoke. I bought an air purifier and have a Himalayan Salt lamp but it isn't doing much either. I'm open to anything, I know the ideal is either move out or get my Mum to quit, but believe me, I have tried for years and years. The only good thing is it's put me off smoking for life. Thanks for any help guys https://www.health24.com/Medical/Sinusitis/News/how-secondhand-smoke-boosts-sinusitis-risk-20180821

@Red-White-Light That's a great graphic! @PursuitofLight I am on the same journey as you, looking to train for enjoyment and overall health of the body first and foremost, however, I, of course, want to also look good simultaneously, which paradoxically happens when we train to our fullest potential and eat a healthy diet! Training purely for aesthetics will never fulfill you, it's like running a business solely for money. When you operate at a 'higher' level your business (body) still needs money to survive though, so there's nothing wrong with wanting to also look good and build muscle, the issues arise when we train SOLELY for that reason- like me when I was 15 thinking not being skinny would help with girls! However, you have to give Kudos to Bodybuilders work ethic, even the steroid abusers, the work and dedication it takes to build that much muscle is insane! But, also very damaging to the body if your pumping yourself with drugs every day. I would say as well as 'light to moderate' you want to add in heavy compound lifts, not just light accessory work. It's actually dense, wiry muscle that is most associated with longevity and overall health, and doing this will, of course, help build your strength as well. 5x5, Rest Pause Training etc, whatever one resonates most with you! I like your mix, cardio and stretching is essential. I'd also add in some 'group/community' exercise in the mix, don't underestimate the power of socializing. I play cricket for 5 months a year so that's how I get mine, you can try group exercise classes, or join a sports team, whatever floats your boat, but honestly, the social side of Cricket for me makes it 10000x better. # I'm going to link some Ben Greenfield articles who talks a lot about this: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/anti-aging-articles/how-to-look-good-naked-and-live-a-long-time/ https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/fitness-articles/workouts-exercise-articles/longevity-training/ I personally follow a modified Kinobody training program as I like how minimalistic it is, but you can find something you like online! Forgot to add I'm personally vegan for ethical and health reasons, however, if you eat plant-based you're going to need certain adjustments to your diet to optimize it for muscle building.

Probably easier just to close your eyes, I wouldn't stress too much about this

Not only does it feel like I'm talking to myself because you are literally The Self as well, but an MDMA experience where I finally didn't feel depressed is what made me think there is more to life! However, the experience is just that, an experience! You're not going to go through life on an MDMA high forever, but true Self-Realization is far better than any MDMA or any high, as recognizing the truth of your own being consequently results in absolute Peace and Happiness. If you think enlightenment will mean you get to never have a 'Negative' (as Nahm said we create the meaning whether something is negative/positive) emotion then you'll be in for a rude awakening. If a family member dies, do you think you won't be sad? The difference is there's no 'Me' who attaches to the thoughts and emotions so instead you FULLY feel it in the NOW, with your whole being and once you've done that you let the feeling go. A famous master once said to his student- 'Enlightenment is fully feeling with every inch of your body, in every moment. So, in actuality, you will feel more not less! However, I think you mean you're currently struggling with some things and want enlightenment to solve all of them, which of course true awakening can help tremendously. However, even post-awakening, there's integration and often shadow work, so if you're suffering with certain issues I would look for more direct solutions simultaneously. It becomes much easier to investigate your true nature without the burden of depression and anxiety, believe me! Also 'I' never become enlightened, there's no such thing as an 'Enlightened Person', there are simply beings who have recognized their own true nature fully, and those who it is currently veiled in. Enlightenment won't make you special, it will actually humble you a lot as you realize YOU and EVERYTHING/EVERYONE are The Self, so all sense of superiority or inferiority are gone in that aspect. But, please let me make this clear Enlightenment is NOT an experience, many on here talk about 'Enlightenment Experiences,' great you had a glimpse of your true nature, but true awakening is the recognition of what you and reality are, and an abidance as that! So, to answer your question, awaken and find out for yourself. More concepts and ideas aren't going to help you much as it seems you're already idealizing an enlightened 'state.' Investigate your own being, is there anyone actually at the 'center' of all of this? Is there a thinker or just thoughts? Is there a feeler or just feelings? Good luck my friend, and if you need some encouragement Self-Realization is the most amazing realization possible, but you can only know that from your own existential 'experience.' (I get the irony in that last word!)

self-Inquiry is a direct form of meditation if you haven't tried that! Natural Pure Awareness Meditation is simply a 'practice' where you allow ALL thoughts and feelings COMPLETELY without doing anything, and if another thought rises about that though you just leave it be, and allow it to be as it wants to be. This is done to allow The Self (Absolute, Awareness etc) to come forward and 'reveal' itself to you, as Natural Pure Awareness unconditionally allows everything. These are the 2 'practices' I recommend to seekers wanting to realize the truth of their own being. I don't recommend these to friends/family who just want to meditate to reduce anxiety or relieve stress, simple Guided Meditations for them, but you said you want to go deep!

@Mongu9719 Wish you the best mate, hope you find a path you can relate more with, and that you get everything you want out of life! If you ever need a friend or anything, messages always open to chat mate

@Aaron p Saying 5MEO CAN be dangerous, and has been known to cause deaths, and point out our brains aren't fully developed until 25 isn't Dogma, it's more saying if you are going to use, do it safely and do research beforehand. I think you mentioned you're only 22, like me below 25, so all I'm saying is just be careful! It's more the 15,16,17 etc that I'm worried could get reckless with this, as I know I wasn't great at 17 with MDMA and many people around me were using WAY too much and way too frequently. The side effects aren't always instant either. So, this isn't anti-psychedelic dogma, I have stated several times I'm a big proponent of plant medicines being used safely and effectively. Do I think a bunch of Under 25s repeatedly using 5MEO alone in their rooms will always fall under that? No. However, if one tests the drugs, uses correct dosage, maybe has a trip sitter for the first few trips, doesn't overuse the substance, then sure it's unlikely there will be many issues. So, see this as more of a 'Be Careful' than 'Dogma,' Also, be careful of endless seeking and the need for more, more, more and something that isn't THIS now, in the end we always have to come back to THIS. Experiences are great, but they are just that, experiences.

@DLH This is what I'm trying to say! I'm not saying this isn't amazing work, more that it isn't special or unique. It's a unique path that involves different means than the Ancients, but everything he said, has been said for centuries and millenia. I do agree though, a lot of context is needed with these teachings as there are many cultural differences and what not, which is why Tantric (Outward path as Rupert Spira calls it) is likely to resonate most with people, where they can enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life as part of their practice, instead of renounce them. However, eventually Non-Duality = Duality, and the world as it is is seen as this very Buddha planet, so it's not like the embrace of 'duality' won't happen eventually anyways I really appreciate 'old timers' (your words not mine ) on here that can see this, and see this is not new, unique etc, while remarkable, it is not as if Psychedelics are helping people get where nobody else has ever 'got to' (Terrible wording I know!) more that it can help people see the nature of their own being and reality and give insights into it. Whereas, before most ancients went through decades of seeking and practices, or like Ramana, had spontaneous awakenings. Who knows maybe everyone here done centuries worth of seeking in past lives and now it's time to truly wake up! Again, thank you man!

@Consilience If there is the desire to seek further, keep going. 1 insight is not always enough. think about it, we’ve had these habits for years, decades even,. if there is even the slight “need” to continue seeking my advice would be to follow it until you “arrive” home. It will be worth it!

Sorry, I guess I get defensive as I’m very used to people being on the attack against me and having to play defence whether that’s with Psychedelics or Rasa, but you’re right I don’t need to do that. Maybe it’s also a habit from English where we had to use “evidence” to back up our points ? And, yes I agree with you, infinity and deepening of the human dimension is ongoing. I was just trying to say there’s an end to the typical “seeking” that starts us off on our spiritual search. And, I understand what you mean via explanation, I think just was confusing that with recognition and understanding sorry. Ill be the first to admit true integration and embodiment isn’t an overnight event, as Rupert says there is no end to the expansion of consciousness through oneself, and why would anyone want it to end! It gets more amazing every day!

@Nahm no, but awakening is not simply about experiences that’s my point, while they can be great insights and helpful, true awakening isn’t about an “experience.” I do see your point but enlightenment isn’t just simply experiences and peaks. I’m not not denying 5MEO could be more intense, but at the end we realize the same truth of our own being. Everyone is The Self after all. you’re right though, I can’t comment directly on 5MEO until I do it, however my point is all these experiences are great, but are simply experiences and insights. But, abidance as the Self > any experience. https://youtu.be/Un_B_XN9D64

@Derek White let’s just agree to disagree. If psychedelics are your path I wish you good luck And no, Seeking does come to an end, of course in the human dimension there can always be deeper, but once you realise THIS as it is, there is quite frankly nothing left to seek.

@Derek White I have no need to take Psychedelics though, I've taken LSD 3 times post-awakening and maybe I didn't take enough but it made me feel love more intensely during the trip but didn't give any great insights, etc. Once you realize the truth of your own being, all seeking ends and you realize you literally are The Self and EVERYTHING IS THAT also. And, yes Nisgardatta literally states in his book life is a dream, Ramana Maharshi says the world doesn't exist etc as do many teachers, I'm not saying Leo isn't a good teacher for some people, I'm just saying there are teachers outside of Leo that have had permanent awakenings this deep. I've followed Leo for years and appreciate his work, but have also worked with other teachers and from what I see on here, they currently, are a lot more effective at helping people realize full Self-Realization. I can only speak from direct experience, and you're right I have limited knowledge of Psyches, it's more of an observation of this forum. But, like I said the only way to know would be to take 5MEO myself which I don't plan to, and wouldn't want to until I was at least 25 even if I had the desire to anyways. I do struggle to believe Leo is more conscious than the Buddha or Jesus or Ramana, sorry. Bear in mind I'm not saying Leo isn't awake, I'm just saying what he is saying now, is the same/ very similar to what the teachers I mentioned say. It's not new, it's just a new method of getting there, which could be more effective but I'm just pointing out there's other great methods out there, personally I went from struggling seeker to Self-Realization in 9 months, now I have plenty of integration and shadow work to do, but abiding peace and happiness is absolutely beautiful and has revolutionized my life. I honestly, couldn't imagine living any other way now. I am vilifying this from Direct Experience btw, my existential experience is literally what he is teaching, I just didn't use psychedelics to get there, so I'm merely saying you can awaken without them, not saying they aren't a viable option. Just for younger people, or those who don't want to other options are available, that's all. Sorry if I came across as digging at Leo, that wasn't the case, I have great respect for teachers who are trying to help people wake up I'm also big on Psyches being used for healing, I've posted about that before and am glad they are being used! P.S. Just wanted to add Self-Realization isn't special or make me an 'enlightened person' it is simply the recognition of the truth of our own being seen clearly. Everyone is The Self, it cannot be any other way, many are just not conscious of thiS!

@Nahm All my experience of Psychedelics has been post-awakening except MDMA, which isn't really a psyche, I've tripped on LSD 3 times and honestly it didn't do overloads for me, I just have little desire to try any further unless there was a reason to, such as healing. Okay, create was the wrong word, I guess sometimes it seems like it exaggerates that part in people. Don't get semantic on me Ramaji also says the book is merely a map, just like the 10 Ox herding pictures, or the Seven valleys of Sufism, 5 stages of Vedanta etc, eventually like all other maps has to be tossed in the fire. The map is not the territory. If you actually listen to any of Ramaji's and Ananda's teachings they too say there's no hierarchy, it's usually those who are not fully realized - Mooji, Bentino - that take on the role of the enlightened person and act superior. In terms of charging, they are not monks or aesthetics and need to live. Leo charges for his LP course, Booklist and has a Patreon and before that had Ads on his videos, Rupert charges 100s for retreats, Eckhart and Adyashanti have courses that sell for 100s if not 1000s I believe. People have to live, and in this society, we need money to survive. Ananda has 3 children to support, sorry if you think it's wrong to charge for 1-1 teachings, when people go to private therapy they pay. Yeah, you're right, I haven't experienced 5MEO so can't really comment, but see no need to try. What I was 'seeking' has been realized, I'm more than open to being wrong about 5MEO, I'm just saying from my direct experience of what I've seen on here, SOME seem to think Psych awakenings are superior, that's all.

@TrynaBeTurquoise Exactly, so many people meditate these days that aren't into Non-Duality or Awakening and get huge benefits from it. Of course, it's without them knowing helping them awaken to their true nature but simultaneously helping them reduce anxiety, depression, help them sleep, physical benefits etc Well said! It's part of the reason I still meditate post awakening. P,S. I know you love good ol Ben, but have you ever followed Wim Hof's breathing, I'm thinking of starting it?

@acidgoofy I'm glad, like I said not everyone does. I'm merely here to point out there;s multiple paths and different approaches suit different people

@BETGR164128 Why worry? It's THIS. Dream or not, it's THIS. And, always will be THIS. All concepts need to eventually be burned up and thrown away into THIS eventually, so why not start now?

@VeganAwake Is it bad that I literally can hear that in Eckhart's voice from how many times I listened to the Power of Now

@This Your existential experience is you're own, your awakening will be 'unique' in the sense nobody will experience exactly what you go through. What you speak of is common post-awakening, everyone wants to compare their awakenings to teachers, others etc Sure there are depths to awakening as I often point out and 'pointers' where you can kind of tell how deep ones awakening is, but no 2 awakenings will ever be exactly the same, just like no 2 football games or apples will ever be exactly the same. Post-Awakening, it's ALWAYS best to trust your own direct experience, and not compare yourself to another's awakening. I fell into this trap a number of times thinking well this happened to Ramana, Rupert said this blah blah blah. In reality, THIS IS IT, The Absolute is ALL and It's always Here, Now. However, sometimes we can need a helping hand to see the truth of our own being, and that's where teachers, 'techniques' etc can come in, but in the end YOU are always your own guru.

@Nahm This is one of my main issues with Psychedelics. It creates some sort of sense of 'I'm special, I had the deepest awakening of anyone ever, I'm more enlightened than you!!!' When in reality a true awakening is the complete opposite of this lol. It's realizing ALL are The Self, and all that's happy to you is that you have luckily realized that for yourself, and simply for 'others' it is still veiled and not seen for what it is. It's actually the most humbling experience possible to realize there's NO hierarchy, and that we are literally all the same, hence why sages like Ramana advocated for Non-Violence and equality of all sentient beings including animals, why would you want to harm yourself? Anyway, ended up on a bit of a rant, and if psychedelics help people see this truth of their own being I'm ALL for it. I just see a lot of superiority complex and issues that come with it, but that happens in a lot of awakenings, maybe it's just exaggerated in Psyches as they make the experiences so rich, idk. But saying shit like this, just doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever. People are ready for awakening at their own pace, and as the saying goes when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. That teacher could also be Psyches for sure.

@Arzack You said to me only old souls can recognize their own being. I am saying I have done that, 'liberated' myself (I don't really like that term) and now you're saying I need a chart. If your theory was correct it means I MUST be an old soul, so surely I don't need a chart in this case? Again, not denying the power of Psyches for some people, but to say they're the only path to be is very reductionist and thinking. Also, 99.9% of awakened beings done so without Psychedelics, the greatest recent masters (as I mentioned) all awakened naturally, and I'm sorry but I do not regard the likes of Martin Ball on that level lol. Isn't he also having health and energetic issues as a result of extortionate use of these substances? I'm just saying, your path may not work for everyone, just like I know my path won't

This is common in an early awakening breakthrough to feel despair and fear. It's like visiting the biggest city in the world alone, with no maps, no idea where you are and no idea where you're going. My advice would be to keep going, realize that nothingness = complete freedom, and then allows you to live from a place of absolute love and joy. You can still take action, except it is the universe/absolute working through you, as you ad the SMall I are not the Doer, it is the absolute that is taking care of everything. Paradoxically it frees you up to do whatever you want, and in an even more amazing way as you now have 0 demands on anything or anyone to make you happy, meaning you can actually enjoy them way more than you ever did, as there is 0 fear of losing them, you can just purely enjoy life as it is, here, now.

@Arzack So am 'I' a 'high level old soul' who evolved 'in between previous lives'? I'll prefer to use my direct experience as my main source, and the fact that The Self has been recognized, and that as a result absolute peace and happiness are the side effects of this. I'm not saying these tools can't help, however, promoting them as the only path is complete BS, it's not as if people haven't been doing Ayaschua for centuries. Transmissions have been used for centuries and can also accelerate the process. Your path isn't the only path, like I said there's many ways to awaken, I was simply stating what helped me, and it didn't take decades, I worked with my teacher for a total of 9 months. There is of course still integration, but all forms of seeking have been dropped, for there is nothing left to seek, when THIS is all there is.

Psychedelics can help but you don't need them, none of Ramana, Nisgardatta, Rupert, Francis, Adyashanti, Ramaji etc used them. Bear in mind, most people here have not realized the truth of their own being yet. If you're under 25 I would seriously advocate against serious psychedelic use, your bran is not fully developed yet, so why risk damaging it? I would recommend reading some the greatest recent masters if you're ready for it - Nisgardatta Maharaj, Rupert Spira, Francis Lucille etc I'm biased and too would recommend working with a teacher 1-1 and receiving transmissions, both Ramaji and Ananda Devi are great. It depends how far along you are in your journey though, a good 'theoretical understanding' is useful for sure. Ultimately though you are your own Guru and only you can wake up. Teachers can of course help, but in the end it's down to you. I'd say start with developing a solid meditation habit if you aren't doing it every day, and Self-Inquiry, this video may help you understand that- True awakening isn't about 'experiences' but the permanent recognition of You (and everything) as The Self, and abiding as that. Seeing through the illusion of the separate self, and finding out the truth about your own being. Silence is the greatest of all teachings. No word can be spoken that is true about the absolute. THIS is it, now. Always. Enlightenment is not necessarily extraordinary, for some of course it is, but not for everyone. After all, it is simply the recognition of the truth of your own being. Recognizing this, allows us to recognize the absolute peace and happiness that is inherent in our Self. Have fun