Adodd

420 views lol. SYNCHRONICITY! jk but still funny. Also yes I did ruin it and it now has 421?

@Shiva The combination of centrifugal force caused by earths spin and the moon and sun's gravity effecting the tides are not a good argument. Once again another poor argument in defense of astrology. I still haven't heard a good one. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/do-other-planets-influence-earths-tides/amp/ Read this link. Carl Sagen WAS right.

@Shiva I am a scorpio. Which means on my birthday (nov. 7) the sun rises through scorpio's constellation, scorpius. That's according to astrology but the thing is, it's false. It did thousands of years ago when people without knowledge of the stars made this stuff up but the sun only shines through Scorpius Nov. 22-29 and it's been that way since 1930. Why doesn't astrology recognize this? Because it is made up. It's a marketing strategy based on Babylonian misunderstandings that are thousands of years old (THIS is why science doesn't like it). Astrology was the best understanding of space back than and to still call it true is to say that our understanding of the stars hasn't evolved since(yet another reason science doesn't like it). It Is still around because "professional astrologers" have found ways to make 6 digit annual incomes with it. There is a reason horoscopes are in the same section as the funny comics.

@Shiva Carl Sagen pointed out that the position of the where the doctors were standing in the room when you were born or the weight of the doctors would have more if a gravitational impact on you than where the stars or planets are in the sky. With the logic of these arguments you would have to take completely into account where certain people were standing during your birth for an accurate horoscope. Astrology is an outdated misunderstanding of astronomy and I have NEVER heard a single logical argument in defense of astrology. It blows my mind how seriously people take it. If you actually research astrology it pretty much debunks itself. It seems to me like a religion for people who aren't religious or don't want to admit that the universe does not care about them individually or care about their egotistical personality which they base their life choices from. Edit: when I say "actually research", I do not mean reading horoscopes or watching YouTube videos by astrologers.

@Germo You are 100% correct. These diets or drinks are pseudoscience fad diets. Nothing more. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.zmescience.com/science/detox-pseudoscience-04233/amp/

+1

I have had my meditation timer set for 23 mins for the last two or three months. 4 days ago was the first day I missed a session. I had just gotten into a unnecessary argument with my significant other. I allowed myself to get so tangled up in emotions i didny meditate. Since than I became aware of the mistakes I made in that situation and bumped my timer up to 30 mins. My meditation sessions since then have gotten so unusually deep to the point where my awareness is on itself solely. I seem to lose the sense of my body. For example; my hands are placed on my lap but I no longer have the sensation of have my hands on my lap. Does that make sense? My hands in my lap, back pain, pressure between my ass and my cushion all become ONE sensation (or lack of sensation, not sure which). I do however have an increased sense of awareness and feeling of contentment. It is almost comparable to the very beginning effects of the first hit of DMT to a less extreme extent. A part of me begins to want to laugh and as soon as it gets intense enough that I begin to smile uncontrollably I lose the momentum. What the hell is this? Is there a way to go deeper? Thoughts or experience PLEASE??

@Eph75 Thank you so much for the ectensive in depth reply! No need for apologies. This is a subject that doesn't always have quick answers and I understand that. That was perhaps the best response I have received on this forum. I will add that book to my book list. It is easier for me to have a physical copy than to stare at a screen.

@Eph75 I am glad you brought this up. Through some freak coincidence I clicked on Leo's video called "concentration vs meditation", in which he mentions reaching this "access concentration". I have been hardcore concentrating on my breath and navel before I reach this state so this term is something that really caught my attention however I'm not sure I really understand what it is. Is it just a temporary mind state? Is it a higher state of consciousness or awareness(this is how it feels)? Is it just clarity through concentrating or just extreme concentration? All of the above maybe?

@steenadrianmr I don't notice any increased heart rate or anything like that but my flesh does feel more "plump". I am probably explaining it horribly. My point about it happening right after an argument is that I thought the emotional almost breakdown happening right before this started may somehow be directly related? Would that make sense?

@cetus56 I look forward to progressing and seeing where this path takes me! I assume you have had similar experiences?

@cetus56 "Subtle" is a very fitting word and yes! One is told to not "become" or get "attached to" their thoughts or feelings when meditating and it is a similar feeling of disconnect, but instead of a disconnect with mental phenomena it is a disconnect from physical phenomena. I am still aware of the body but I no longer am a part of it? Almost an out of body experience with only my quiet "Inner witness" remaining. That's my best explanation anyway. As soon as my thoughts or egotistical awareness realizes this is happening the experience subsides.

Your brother is old enough to decide what he wants to do with his own body without asking his parents or sibling. If your parents are going to get bent out of shape because he has 1 tattoo at 20 years old than you should be talking sense into them not him. Seems they are the ones not being mature. Is he getting a huge face tattoo or something? I would encourage him to make his own choices. He does not need to consult with anyone but himself and his tattoo artist. Why is it that you consider this an immature idea? Just because your mom doesn't "accept" tattoos? He isn't making HER get one. Sounds to me like she honestly has some acceptance issues that she should work on.

I love you man. Being suicidal is never easy to get past. I mutilated my body (in one way or another)from 9-24 years old. 3 suicide attempts and 2 of the 3 times I should've died. I was saved both times by being freaky lucky. I'm so glad you and I are still here. And never be afraid to seek processional help. So you practice any meditation?

I have been meditating for 6 months now. I started at 10 mins and am at 15. Should I focus on increasing my time or should I start focusing on slightly more advanced techniques? Would I be overloading myself by advancing to early? I am considering doing both by adding a second meditation session for the day. Thoughts? Wisdom? Experience?

I dabble in the occasional dmt or changa trip as well. What is a good source for information on kriya yoga? I have a book about it called, Kriya Secrets Revealed, on my book list.

@Ero Thanks for the input. What other methods do you find most helpful throughout the day?

@silene I am constantly reading and researching these things it seems like. What two methods are you using?

@Girzo I have added ten of his videos to my watch later list. I will probably go through them in 3 or 4 days. Thank you for the wise words.

@Ero What do you mean by "spiritual practices" I research and read about spirituality and meditation and nonduality daily throughout my days as well.

@Nak Khid I do mindfulness meditation. I Also try to make sure I am being mindful throughout the day. I also deleted my Facebook app and replaced social media time with researching spirituality, philosophy and different meditation topics throughout the day.

I plan to respond to all of you individually later tonight. I didn't expect so many responses, thank you all for your time and your words.

@Espaim Thank you for the response !!! I will take this into account and do some research. Why do you think it is so common for people to quickly push aside the idea meditation and being mindful? I feel like every major world religion recognizes the benefits "being in the now", but for some reason everytime I bring it up to someone unfamiliar i get looked at like I'm being crazy. It's an odd thing to be completely close-minded toward.

How do I introduce my friend (who's life is spiraling out of control) to mindfulness? He is not at all religious or spiritual. I'm not sure how to communicate the idea of being mindful or meditating, without making him very quickly uninterested. This is not the only friend I would want to share these things with, but definitely the one I'm most worried about not giving it a shot Thoughts, advice, similar experiences?

First off, never say you "can't"?(you can). You are only going to convince yourself you are right. I am so proud of you for being able to go so long without it! That is an accomplishment! STOP being discouraged about the occasional relapse and instead be proud of yourself for what you HAVE accomplished! Smile about it, you're doing great! (Most people don't even attempt to quit so you're already doing better than most.) Leo has a great video on the root cause of addiction and even gives a useful exercise on how to quit. I highly recommend watching it. Beating addiction is tough. It takes perseverance. You will have good days and you will have bad days. On the bad days, when you are really struggling, is when the most growth happens. Also man, at 20 years old it is a lot tougher. Your testosterone is going crazy and it's tough to control. Keep on going. I believe in you.