Insightful27

Recently I've been working on becoming less materialistic. The easy part was detaching myself form things that I only had to gain approval from other people, or things that only produced hedonic pleasures. But I've found it extremely difficult to detach myself from things that I use to Self-Actualize (i.e.. Self-Improvement Books, Nootropics, Psychedelics, Notes & notetaking software, etc.). How do I detach myself for these things when they help me work toward my goals and guide me on my Self-Actualization journey? How do I become okay with losing all of my notes and all of my tools?

@Mu_ I just don’t know how I can be happy when I’m unable to do self actualization work effectively. Do you have any advice on how I could stay happy even if I were to lose all my notes and self help resources?

By detach I mean to be happy without. Right now I can't be happy or feel fulfilled unless I have these tools and I am able to develop myself with them. I want to be unconditionally happy, and be okay without these things.

It depends on your mindset about it. There is a certain point where building muscle becomes pure ego, but doing it to be healthy and fit doesn't need to be about ego.

this is a great TED talk

@Proclus balance seems to be a very common theme in these types of discussions.

Is it possible to be passionate about a hedonic activity or would that just be a addiction? What are your thoughts?

@neovox I have a large variety but video games was the main one I wanted to seek advice on. I would say I play for about 1-2 hours most days (normally with friends), some longer and some I don't play at all. I would say it can be compulsive but most of the time I notice it and for that reason do something else instead. I try and use it as a way to relax and connect with friends while at the same time doing something I'm intrigued by.

Didn't Leo say that Tom was the one who got him into self improvement? Even if he has flaws doesn't change the fact that he can inspire and help others.

@Keyhole yeah that's what I'm thinking. Maybe in moderation but as a full out passion I don't know if it would work.

@Aquarius would it still be better to avoid those types of hobbies and activities though?

Thank you for explaining it that way that makes a lot of sense

Is seeking enlightenment for the sake of happiness the wrong way to go about it? I’ve heard a lot about seeking Truth for Truths sake, but at this point in my development I don’t see a reason to do anything other than for the point of happiness and joy. Not in the sense of hedonistic happiness that is mainstream now, but in a deeper sense. In a way that’s all I see self-actualization being about, reaching the deepest and most profound forms of happiness.

That's exactly how I feel at this point anyway.

NF is a truly inspiring artist.

@snowyowl yeah exactly, it took me a long time to learn that.

yeah that's what I'm hoping will happen.

Recently I have started to take a deeper look at what brings me happiness and I’ve found that having things (all my notes and keepsakes) as well as others validation ranks high on the list. My question is what is the best way to move more toward doing and being happiness? How do I become okay with losing all of my notes and sentimental things I’ve collected over the years?

During this quarantine, I have been trying to find new high consciousness hobbies and habits to start practising. Does anyone have hobbies that you enjoy? I'm just looking for ideas of things to start doing besides the normal Self-Actualization stuff (Meditating, Journaling, Reading, Contemplating, etc.) I'm open to any new ideas!

@Leo Gura what practical steps would you recommend I take towards letting go of all the "stuff" in my life?

When something bad happens in the past that we had control over, isn't it worth it to ruminate on it? That way in the future there will be a phycological pain attached to it so that its not repeated? In that sense you could use the past as a means to make the future better.

Recently I was involved in a biking accident that left me with 3rd-degree road rash (there was no skin left). Obviously, it was excruciatingly painful. I have tried to be mindful of the pain and worked toward accepting it. As well as taking time to detract myself with other things. But it continues to be really hard to get my mind off of and to move on. Does anyone have any advice or has been in a similar situation?

Same! I'll normally play with a few of my close friends.

Thanks man

I'm in an 8+ month relationship with a girl who takes her beliefs after her parents. She is open-minded and wouldn't be put off by the idea that enlightenment and self-actualization are true. However, she still believes more in Jesus saving her and "God" having a laid out life plan for her rather than meditation, ego, psychology and things like that. I'm beginning to see the dating pool of self-actualized and truly spiritual people is very shallow. Is there anyone who would have advice on how to handle this? Or who is currently in a serious relationship with a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist etc. Will, I just need to be prepared to not marry a self-actualized person?