Epiphany_Inspired

I've seen them work...especially with handwritten snail mail letter's...and I don't just mean in the 1920's....I mean today too....and maybe modern versions of that too?...like making a card to email...sending a hilarious movie staring yourself...etc...

@Joseph Maynor stoked for you! Super awesome! I've made a bunch of progress...but really, we are never truly free unless we go full-on-cave-monk! It's everywhere...you see a bus go by...WTF? did it really say that, with that graphic? When I'm watching PD videos on youtube, the adverts pop up that are often pretty disturbing in their materialism or distorting perceptions, etc... Cave monk sounds more and more appealing everyday...lol...

@Simon I've also heard what you are speaking of referred to as WIIFM (What's in it for me?) by the author in an audio book (beyond willpower)...anyway....I see it everywhere too...in myself and others...but, we can only control ourselves...also, I do remember that the author had some awesome advice about living in compassion rather than WIIFM...

...and I wanted a section to discuss Leo's insights...(that last phrase should be read in my whiny-est voice...lol) ...so, the issue is... if another section was added, we'd all probably want something different...i'm pretty sure we could find ways to integrate our unique perspectives into the existing framework...that said, apparently the universe is infinite and ever-expanding...

Connecting self to higher-self (energetic, visual, moral, etc)...

Hmmm...well, yes, neediness is something best to overcome...From my personal experience, you may have a few options.... #1. Do the work (self-love, etc) to surpass the neediness... #2. Distract yourself by diverting focus to other passionate personal projects, and foster the detachment you desire within yourself ... #3. Develop acceptance....she has said she doesn't want a relationship....there is no point in dwelling on an impossibility... #4. realize that you don't need anyone....but if you want someone...there are 7 billion people in the world...you can find others that want to be with you too

@Shakazulu Just came across it randomly, sorry I don't know...perhaps non-duality & non-attachment work could also be helpful? wishing you the best!

@Zane are you back in school soon, or done? Perhaps... either finding a smaller niche, or opening up your potential options to a broader spectrum or related work might help? @TJ Reeves gave you an awesome roadmap! From my antiquated experience, my persistence and uniqueness are usually the only ways I succeed when there is competition for work/ housing/ etc.....for example, is there a way you can stand out (not in a scary way, but a remarkable way)? .... Sending best wishes for your success!

@Moreira I'm going to guess both yes and no....perhaps quitting music that induces negative thought spirals, perpetuates depression, or is opposing your current/ desired resonance would be a good thing....that said, if I didn't occasionally indulge in darker music (black metal etc), I would potentially need to find a more destructive outlet for my negative emotions....and I have friends that get over break-ups faster by being with their sadness and listening to sappy tear jerking tunes....so, perhaps the choice could be based on emotional needs as well as intellectual needs?...perhaps dark, angry, or sad music can have healing qualities?....I don't know....here's a hilarious song to illustrate the idea:

maybe helpful? https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/reflection-on-passion-desire-and-the-life-of-the-spirit-karen-johnson/

to photoshop, or not to photoshop....it's a choice....as a filmmaker you'd have the rare and glorious opportunity to share whichever version of a given reality that you choose to project....and it would be viewed differently by each set of lenses that each viewer wears....in an industry where anything is possible, imposing perceived limitations is likely futile

@Visitor I guess I'd shift into that alternate dimension then...it sounds so peaceful, safe & calming.....almost magical.....

Authenticity!

I totally have not watched the above video yet....not even one second....sorry...so maybe I shouldn't comment...but I will anyway ....because it's fun to be brazen... re: making an impact....it seems... perhaps... that it may be more important to serve the universe than concern ones-self with the result (or impact)....even if your intention is to impact humanity, or impact restoration of nature, etc...it is the process, effort, passion, etc that you put forth to create positive change that could be the central focus...maybe, impact is a potential bonus outcome...I don't know....

so....apparently you are supposed to limit the time you spend on a particular visualization at first....I believe it's 5 minutes...until your mind is fully trained....the rationale being that monkey mind creeping in can negatively effect the process and result....I'm honestly not very sophisticated with anything...(although I can raise my pinky when I sip tea in a delicate cup & I do like antique handbags...lol.)...anyway, the best results I've had with visualization so far came as a result of practicing a repeated set of words with corresponding images that I used in mala bead meditation...also, the visualizations Leo does where you imagine the horror of a cruddy life continuing through various intervals into the future....so...those with a really powerful impact, or those that are repeated seem most effective...perhaps sophistication comes with mastery....?

@PetarKa Your thread tittle may as well be my nickname...lol...but I'm not really feeling very philosophical today....I'm in survival mode...so you just get the basic no flowers attached version of my response...of course, present moment = savour + explore+ presence...but life is rather empty without dreams for the future....we all know the expressions about not dwelling in thevpast or future....but, if one can dwell in the present and dream of potential delights to come as well, that seems ideal....we all have to brush our teeth...perhaps sometimes the sensation of the bristle massage, the rythmic sound, and boldly envigorating minty-ness fully captivate you (paste advert, lol...)....perhaps other times, it's a subconscious task that can be performed without conscious thought offering you some time to dream of amazing futures....maybe someday you will master both in unison...does it matter?

I remember my early days....when I was first on this forum (it's the only one for me still), anyway, I was still in my elementary school mindset that debating was "fun and cool"....the more PD you do, the more petty and ridiculous it seems...that said, exchanging different opinions opening minds, etc are all great...I guess it's about shifting your intentions and expectations...but mostly realizing, you won't die if you are not "right"....lol....

All of my 18 months of better habits went out the window a little while ago...some shitty backsliding....but there is one thing I still prioritize that may be inadvertently on your list...but potentially deserves its own space...never "blocked in" though....is appreciation and saturation in nature, and full enjoyment of present moments....

@see_on_see THANK YOU! Love you, such great answers, appreciate you so much!

I feel like everyone I know, or meet, regardless of age, is having a mid-life crisis right now....life direction related...especially me...perhaps I should have posted this in emotional problems......lol.......but also seriously (maybe move this?)...anyway, I have some life-purpose questions: Re mastery: if you have been away from your skill set for an extended time, and fallen quite behind...is it best to re-direct with something similar...or suffer through the dysfunction of the loss....? (for me, this, combined with my strong critic, has been killing the vibrancy of any drive, and stomping on the sparks of any passion)....yes, I've watched the perfectionist video more than once....ideas? Re motivation during tribulation: I understand that people have evoked and executed their purposes through great strife...even other creative people...such as those that captured battle with paint after witnessing the horror, etc....That said....there is an element of atmosphere...even vague security that is often needed to create...basic survival mode is effecting my ability to transcend....ideas? Re location: when I ask others actualizing their purposes if location is a component for them, the answer is often yes...but not always....how would I discover what is best for me, and my service to the multi-verse, in this respect? Re reconsilling intense desire to create and share...with insane inner critic, unstable circumstances, and lack of focused direction: how the fuck can I do this when I have developed a perpetual cycle reminiscent of deflating balloons that never reach the sky.... Thiat sounds pretty shitty...sorry....for those without mid-life bullshit....those that are living your purpose...I adore and respect your divinity....and humbly request your assistance.....

@Revolutionary Think This is totally hypocritical ...but I often have little tollerance for intollerance, and I just want you to know I respect you regardless of your choice in this realm...I hope you did not feel bullied for sharing such an intimate quality...anyway.... I also think that some people have made some exquisite comments with the intention to inspire your openmindedness.....and openmindedness is usually something beneficial to consider...on one hand you've shown this uniqueness and diversity that people often keep hidden with a fiery boldness, and on the other hand you've opened a pandoras box of curiosity for some, and judgement for others....as the curious sort myself...i'm wondering if i can ask you a question? If yes, is this an actual value for you at this point?

It might be even worse than sheep....lemmings that follow each other off cliffs and shit.....

I love this @Joseph Maynor ....I wish I could say I've had a *project based* defining moment recently, but I can't....that said....I had a defining moment yesterday...and another one the Monday before...and so on....I mean this in the sense that: in my struggle to create certain drastic, positive, life transformations, I've had to stand up to some hardcore threshold guardian types and such....I guess what makes these events defining is the the knowledge of the choices we have....for example, it would have been much easier for me to back down, to remain silent, or to speak from a place other than my truth and integrity....what seems to make it defining for me, is quite similar to what you said....in making the choice to press forward through bullshit so thick it chokes you, with a torch of illumination, and a truth incantation, you come through the moment with an elevated resonance, a purified heart, and a renewed strength...regardless of the outcome...perhaps....just having that drive is worth any costs of the challenge....or something...

@see_on_see Thanks so much for your super thoughtful & insightful answer....i loved both your words, and the quote....all of it is so very, very, true! .....time management, finishing things, etc have always been struggles for me...mastering either of those things would be a dream come true for me someday! Fantastic perspectives, thanks! ....anyway, a number of "but______" excuses came to mind at times when I read your words...fortunately, I surpassed most of them ...except one ....it lingers....I have already been working for 2 years on most of the things you mentioned, and I have almost unlimited concentration for life purpose stuff....the issue is that my critic is stronger than ever (possibly even growing).... if I feel the work is important, then the work must be of a certain standard which I feel incapable of achieving at this point...I would rather burn shitty efforts than allow them to exist, regardless of the beauty of my intentions....I have the big picture....so many incredible, vibrant, epic, mural like big pictures....but I am unable to execute anything in a remotely acceptable manner at this point....this is like a brutal, smashing steel, style sword battle....it's my intense desire to actually create and serve the universe literally at war with my critic constantly....and of course the critic has been victorious in a maliciously ominipitant overlord type way...SO....of all of the techniques, rescearch, etc you mentioned, which is the most powerful, effective, and fastest blade against this critic? Life is short, the world is crazy and could end any day....I understand I have a lot of personal work to do, I will continue to do it....but I' d really like to work on my purpose at the same time ....if I can find a way...ideas?

I am a couple of weeks behind in videos..but many of Leo's other videos offer awesome insight into raising kids despite the fact that he has none...I'm curious now...but it's likely an interpretation @ThirdEyeSees ....that said...children usually have neurotic fucked up parents...and end up fucked up/ neuroti, and in need of healing/ reprogramming....our culture is also fucked up, and it fucks up both kids and parents...it's all pretty fucked...on the rare occasions, when conscious parents raise Devine kids, with magic bubbles of cultural deflection encompassing them, it's quite incredible....and the world would be pretty boring without kids...we need their innocence and curiosity....their spirit of wonder....their laughter....and their pure bliss!!!