Epiphany_Inspired

@Mrkvn8 Maybe consider: instead of thinking about it as "ways" to have fun...as in specific activities (although @ajasatya has you covered with those, awesome)...you could alternately think of it as "THE way YOU have FUN" as in: allowing yourself to have: the wonder of a child, the bliss of truly savouring, and the freedom of truthful, joyful, expression, etc

I think all of the low/no sugar, exercise etc ideas mentioned here are awesome....I struggle with this issue right now too (severe overwhelm that totally depletes).....Anyway, one thing not mentioned that could potentially blow all of the smaller practical ideas out of the water is: getting ridiculously stoked on your life purpose!!! when I think of those I know with the most energy...it's because they have a reason to be energetic, their passion is the highest octane fuel imaginable...yours could be too !

@Sevi At first I used this video to glorify the joy of my hermit-dom...then I went a little overboard with live musical socializations, etc ...because the coin has two sides...(or at least mine seems to have a darker one, lol).... for me...it's best to respect, enjoy, and revel in my intentional-rainforest-isolation, most of the time...mostly to grow...but, I also wish to maintain the awareness of the supposed need for some human connection "biologically" and respect that too, for sanities sake (but then I wonder about those reaching enlightenment rather than going crazy, with epic isolation, etc)....Also, to be aware when solitude is "for the wrong reasons" at times for me....and have firm mindfulness, when I leave the sanctuary of solitude, that I make every effort for like-minded, conscious hangs, rather than debaucherous chimpery, drama, etc....but even more importantly...mindfulness in using solitude for evolution not more distractions (that are worse or equivalent to pointless chimpy interactions just to avoid "lonliness") ....I have no idea if that was remotely coherent, sorry...lol....

@Lynnel& @Revolutionary Think I thought this is the video for you guys immediately, undoubtedly... because it's a revolutionary video, that's also an actual "how to revolutionize"... from the inside out.....of all of Leo's video's if I had to pick the one that would be most suited to you two specifically it's this one! (for all I know, Leo might have made it just for you...lol...)

Re: Leo's new psychedelics and psychedelic safety videos I think these video's are incredible. I adore that Leo had no issue with sharing bathroom details (especially because they truly illustrated his experience). I can't wait o experience that same level of eternal love at some point on my journey. There was one thing that stood out to me as potentially limiting though, what are your thoughts: The idea that psychedelics should always be done alone, or in small numbers, and never at music festivals for actualization work.... There are festivals known as "transformational" that feature workshops on consciousness/ enlightenment etc. They have harm reduction teams on hand from leading research institutions that specialize in helping people use psilocybin etc. for personal growth. These festivals are known to evoke a sensation of collective consciousness (with or without substances), and often strive to embody the divine type of love Leo felt. Transformational festivals also showcase music that is less about "rocking out in a drunken escape", and more like fun, dance-able, and entrancing frequencies etc. Do you believe that (with the interconnected-ness of the universe), a "collective consciousness" exists with humans that can become more apparent when sharing a psychedelic experience at a venue conducive to this? I have been to a number of these festivals, and some are all about debauchery, others are of a higher consciousness. I have to agree with Leo that this is often not safe, a man just died at one of these festivals by accidentally walking off a cliff (another reason burning man is in the desert). Anyway, I will be volunteering at one of these festivals next month. I will not be taking psychedelics, but I will be attending a high quality harm reduction training class and similar workshop with a major medical research team. I will add a post about my experience to this thread when I return....thoughts?

@el_duderino I loved the end best too, especially the swearing at selfish dodo's...(tears of truth loving laughter)! @Leo Gura Thanks, amazing! So much gratitude for your truth, courage and bold revolutionary ideas! Perfect timing as usual. If any of us temporarily have to participate in a particular distorted system (before we can begin to change it), is the best path to go forth considering as many different perspectives as possible? @Lynnel & @Revolutionary Think, this video is for you guys! @Pallero Subconscious programing and mirroring likely, but I agree If you are working on your life purpose, this video is also for you! Luckily my purpose fits this model (I just need more action/mastery/etc). I'm still pretty green, have been for so long....but this video gave me hope to move up! I already do so many of these things (just not to that extent yet). I'm super solutions oriented (drives other women crazy), very "long-term picturing" (also drives gratification-ers nuts), can see so many possibilities could be this, this, this or this etc (puts others in a whirlwind of overwhelm)....from my experience this isn't always as positive as the video makes it out to be. For example, these awesome mechanisms are often hijacked by negative passengers in my mind (coming up with all of the negative potentials, etc)...or I become ridiculously indecisive with all of the options I can imagine,(choices can be almost infinite) etc...how do you develop your systems thinking further/ more holistically inclusive, etc, while at the same time, taming some of the mechanisms that help it function?

If anyone else has this issue, I think I understand more now: Creativity, even when it's distracting, is never actually the monkey mind directly...but because it's divine and powerful, the monkey mind can hijack creativity for it's nefarious distraction purposes.... Also, it was only the last line that Leo wrote that "burned my nostrils" lol...I was not offended, but it kind of rubbed me the wrong way....I contemplated why: Personally, I don't feel that anyone's creativity is ever "lame"....or that creativity is dependant on strength (beautiful work can come from vulnerability or weakness too). Creativity is tapping into source consciousness/power/ the universe / a higher calling/ divinity...etc.... Reduction in monkey mind may assist focus, and concentration...it may eventually completely free the flow of creativity...but discipline doesn't make creativity less lame/ better (discipline is totally beneficial for other reasons though: mastery, etc) ...distraction may hinder creativity....but creativity is Omni-present/ Omni-resilient/ and Omni-infinite....and that is likely a universal truth.... If you too have a super-creative mind, maybe respect the distraction potential, but consider remembering that this is also a sacred gift...despite the Omni-presence of creativity, some of us naturally tap into and connect with that divinity in more powerful, wonderful, and Devine ways on a level we are more conscious of...enjoy this blessing...even if it makes things like meditation more of a struggle...it's likely egotistical to believe your creativity is superior (we've all met that guy...lol) but respecting the ultimate divinity in all creativity, including yours, is likely worthwhile...

When Leo spoke about issues with the creative mind, my first thought was that it sounded just like one of my anti-meditation excuses (even though Leo is a meditation-super-hero and my meditation is pretty pathetic for the most part)...luckily he explained that...and I look forward to the creativity video... Anyway, what I'm wondering is: Have I been going about meditation all wrong? Is there a totally different way to meditate that is better for creatives? I just got 2 new books on the subject last week, neither seem to mention the creative mind (in headings anyway)...I was already feeling confused before Leo's new video/vlogs...considering my creative mind....regular meditation is actually a form of torture for me...whereas on the occasion that I have a binaural-beat induced energetic visualization it's absolutely incredible...powerful and universally unifying...these are not like visualizations for goals...it's as though I am energetically able to tap into my higher-self and become/absorb, and even send out energy...(lol...i'm just realizing that it may sound totally crazy if you haven't experienced this...lol...)...but I can actually see this in my minds eye....this is obviously not as common for me as fending off monkey mind...There are obviously many things that I don't know, or understand....any thoughts are appreciated, thanks! p.s. yes, my child needs less ipad...they all do...

@alyra For some reason, there is usually a thread on the forum that serendipitously corresponds to my current audio book. It hasn't answered your question yet, but perhaps it will, I'll let you know... (maybe you'd like to do your own research on how cellular memory works?). So, I don't know....my memories always feel super legit, unless, "or was that a dream"...lol...but...There are a few things that come to mind that might help you: Do you know how sometimes you, and your friend, can remember the same event differently? This is because you are both looking through your own "lenses" (perceptions based on your cumulative past experiences and effects). See Bruce Liptions Epigenitics/Biology of belief. Lenses effect our perceptions of our memories on the subconscious level, sometimes on the conscious level, and even on the cellular level (for example if you perceive something "bad" as "tolerable", it will encode as "less negative" into your cells). Also, did you know that you can change your memories? For example: I've done a Teal Swan technique (Please see her work if interested, don't follow my description in practice)...Anyway, it seemed really fucking flaky before I did it, but it works. Basically, when you experience an emotion strong enough to know it has a traumatic root, you can keep going back until you find the first memory associated with that feeling...usually in childhood, but not always...you can then bring your current self there to improve the memory (provide comfort, or take fearless action to make it a better memory). The only other thing is, don't worry as much about the "details" in memory. It takes numerous positive memories to counteract a negative one on the cellular and emotional levels. So, the most important thing you can do is to try to shift your perception to get more positivity out of the good times, and reduce the extremity of difficulties.

@Leo GuraI'd like a thread or section to discuss Leo's insights (am I missing one?)....there's usually at least one thread started after each video....but the insights seem to go unacknowledged.... @ technical wizards: white screens hurt my head, I'd like the forum to be a different colour.... @ everyone: I wish myself, all of us, in general, really savoured being on here....(but not for too long) @Simon Zackrisson I like the time-ban idea, but perhaps "mindfulness reminders" if anything... (see edit): edit: I thought about it (as I fell asleep, weird I know...lol), and a time ban would take away the element of learning self-discipline ourselves (plus, I was just replying to Leo's comment, saying that I'd put more effort into that exact endeavour...lol)....Also, some people have limitations such as second language.... It should be up to us to find a positive balance online/ offline, helping others/receiving help, etc....it may, or may not, be good to have "mindfulness reminders" such as a timer up in the corner, that comes center screen every 20 minutes, or a log in notice that shows the number of days this week that you've signed in....but again....this should be our responsibility......not the forums....

We actually do remember EVERYTHING...it is stored in our cells rather than our minds....this is why memories are often not consciously on the surface....and why it's super important to have/ make as many positive memories as possible, for the sake of our heath (body, mind, and spirit)

@dekoi This is similar to issues with my brain injury.....I can tell you some things that help me, though they may be dysfunctional...I don't know.... For example, with conversations, I used to do that process you described with your dad but quickly and fluidly often converting my mental pictures/ videos to words too, and editing possible offenses etc all at once....If I tried to do that now, nobody could stand to talk to me, it would take forever...so, instead, I actually trained myself to throw away the filters...and put my brain on "auto-pilot"...I often have no idea what will come out of my mouth in advance...it offends people sometimes...but it takes much less mental energy (like how we drive a car using mostly our subconscious rather than our conscious mind). You can also nicely explain that you prefer focus to multi-tasking, and ask that conversations come after if possible. Supplements help (good fermented cod liver oil, vitamins/minerals for mental function, Moringa, Spirulina, etc)....but I'm sill not off caffeine... You can also develop virtual blinders somewhat. I have the focus everywhere thing too...I will hear an amalgamation of all the conversations in the room over the one I'm supposed to be engaged in...etc...but you can learn to discipline your focus more...I use weird techniques...when I need to pay attention to a certain person, I can imaginarily "highlight" them, etc... Don't let this hold you back...the more you push yourself the better it gets...I actually made it through an entire week for a workshop....followed almost everything...it wasn't easy, I was grumpy and blacking out after....but I did it...you can too!

@Yonkon My understanding is that it works best if you detach from specific external results, but learn to trust in the multi-verse and yourself to achieve more general internal results (allowing the universe to manifest that in unique ways). For example, instead of hoping that you will get a new job (because this one brings you unhappiness), you could alternately focus on achieving happiness, thinking only of happiness as something you DO wantyou could visualize yourself happy in your daily life, on your way to work looking excited, etc)....then trust in the mutli-verse...

@OnceMore I just thought of something else...I don't know if it will help....but if you can see those things from your past as lessons, struggles that have evolved your being, made you strong, brave, and awesome...then perhaps you can truly put them behind you...to live in, and savour right *now...and dream of your amazing future to come!

@Leo Gura Thanks, I don't disagree....I can take it...though that was a bit wasabi...lol....but fair enough, we must annoy the shit out of you especially after a retreat like that! it's hard for me to perceive that the cool part of my mind, that can magically hear a diverse travelling song in a metronome tick-tock is also my weak, fearful monkey mind...trying to shift that perception...thanks ....action is another issue altogether... I only seem to have discipline for things I enjoy (but it can be an insane amount of dedication if I love it), sometimes they are mind-numbing repetitive things and the enjoyment of the result is enough...my only more extended meditations were *enjoyable (energetic/ visual adventures)...but I can't have only those...so, I'll either have to find a way to perceive the torture type meditation as enjoyable, or perhaps I'll have to trust in the enjoyment I *would feel as the result of more discipline...(in order to access & build my discipline power)...alternately, I could attempt to learn discipline with no enjoyment from it, ever, but that would be the trickiest.... thanks for your tough love (though I prefer the tender sort when possible), and for your guidance

@Sprite You can feel free to PM me too For everyone that experiences this: you have my ear, my respect, my knowledge, etc. Now, before I say how stoked I will be to get this resolved soon in my own life (with a lot of help), and offer my insights...I'd like to empathize... truly. In most areas of actualization we can either take things to our internal battlefield instead, walk away, or set external boundaries, etc. This is the one arena of life, where we become dependant on external authorities to protect us (longing for the days of sword battles...lol). So, here are some personal development things that have helped me: consider this battle = a "threshold guardian" learn everything you can to grow. In a way, you still have to apply Leo's not caring what others think video (to a certain extent, obviously if something is dangerous - heed that). Also, most importantly, stalkers are like other "energy vampires" and we do not want to have them feeding off of us...So, things that help are: acting indifferent, not giving up our power + standing firm in our strength/ power, and drawing in more power from the multi-verse/ trusting in it. Stalkers like the type we are dealing with, that have a manipulative artfulness are the creepiest in my opinion. Get support wherever you can find it, I literally made over 100 calls to get the help I need to resolve this. Get witnesses, (even if it's just to your reaction to the stalking), use whatever means necessary to get "proof" (us, as the sly and clever fox - your image Sprite- can find ways to totally out wit the big bad wolf...the wolf is just full of hot air, and is destined to go down ....in every tale...lol....)...ultimate wishes for your success, escape, or overcoming!

In the tittle are just some of the synonyms for victim. Often they are accurate, that we've been foolish and have not taken proper responsibility for our lives. Especially when victim mentality lingers. Leo's life-changing video on this is incredible! At the same time, I think most of us would agree that while something awful is happening to us (like rape, or beating) that we actually are a victim of a crime at that time (weather we admit it to ourselves, or not). The issue is: victimization is often not a one time thing, stalking is a good example. It can pull a survivor, surpassing victimhood in again, and again, repeatedly. Our culture also has "victim blaming" (where other's say the behaviour was provoked, imagined, or lesser). Additionally, our culture has many extreme bias, such as favouritism for helping victims of direct physical assault, or an unwillingness to listen to or support, etc If one wants to take control of their life, and, if it seems like, they have to involve police, or lawyers, etc to so, that they must be in victim mentality. The police don't have "survivors services", they have "victim services" and lawyers can only seem to help the most victim-eee-est victims... this seems quite in-integral to me. How do those on a path of truth function in this conflicting culture? Are there other alternatives, or at these times, do we have to show off our peacock tails of victim-ness to create positive change in our lives?

As you can tell by my forum name...I am still at the inspired stage (for so long, I know)...not the action stage...despite knowing my purpose...(it's bullshit, I know)....i'm giving myself a deadline to get on this (end of September)...and will change my forum name (in the end only I can hold myself accountable, but you are welcome to give me shit if I take too long)...here's something I found- Matthew Green: Inspiration vs Action Definition of inspiration a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions Definition of action a : a thing done b : the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition Inspiration is a beautiful thing that drives an actionable item. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of inspiration and lose the concept of action. We have to remember to follow through with our ideas. Even if that idea is a failure. Failures are lessons that allow us to create better ideas built off of past experiences. Then we use that as inspiration to start another action. Don’t get caught up in la la land craving inspiration, but scared to take action. At the end of the day it’s an endless cycle and within that cycle there are parts that are harder than others. Things take time and it’s important to remember that while in this process. Inspiration is the fuel that powers actions! Your action can be the inspiration that fuels someone else.

@Dantas Thanks, you are super rad!

@Mike Bison I love Leo's answer....For me it's easiest to think of that type of all encompassing consciousness as vibration/ energy.

For anyone else that is dealing with this, I've realized it's the same with all choices in life, the decision should come from a place of love, not a place of fear...and that the choice that makes you feel most alive, and on track with your journey, is best!

Obviously, the ability to transcend the influence of emotional triggers, or toxic people in a given location is character building and empowering...but, is moving away instead, actually healthier/ more helpful in propelling actualization...or is it just escape? I love my home, when people suggest I move because of trauma here, my response is usually that I would never let another's actions influence my ability to love my home and connect with nature here. For example, I can now wear a big brass and abalone belt buckle that I was beaten with as a child like a badge of my strength and resilience, and fucking love it! Overcoming issues, or energy with a location or object is do-able for me, but it's also labour intensive and time consuming. Does this type of work help with personal development/ is it important, or is it more beneficial to make a bold fresh change? I recently went on a short trip to a magical place I spent a lot of time at in my youth. I had the idea that I should move there and even looked at places for sale. Then I began to question WHY I was looking, is this escape or distraction? If I am settled in a sacred forest, is it in my best interest to stay. How would I discern? Also, I may not be "able" to move, despite it being a short drive and boat ride away...because I have a child, and there is another parent (regardless of their toxicity). First, discern if this move is right for me, then, trust in the universe....lol... Is there a way to find out if a location is more or less dysfunctional than your current one, without going by other people's perceptions alone? For example, can you find out that type of information in the form of statistics? Thanks!

Thanks so much for you responses everybody! @Leo Gura Are you saying time alone "cures" over-creativity in meditation? For example, with a metronome, my mind can't help but hear songs form between/ using the beats (like hearing songs in my windshield wipers, raindrops, cat's thumping tail, etc). Silly question, but can this damage/ supress my creativity long-term? Sorry Leo, I actually have an irrational fear of meditation, I realized that it stemmed from meditation trauma when I was 12. My mom had meditation CD's, I though it must be cool...for some reason thought it was something to listen to in the bath, fell asleep, and almost drowned...I'm always thinking, ridiculously & without warrant, that meditation may be harming me...lol...

This thread tittle made me think of life as a buffet. Imagine standing there with your plate, what could you choose? Do you go to the un-healthy habits section, or chose some goals, values, etc instead...do you add the consciousness sprinkles, or choose slathering in chimpy dressings and syrups...lol....

HIGHER-SELF!!! The most productive, powerful & positive experiences I've had with affirmation/ visualization all surrounded higher-self (with affirmations it's very important to only say things you could actually believe). Visualize living your life as your higher-self (how would it be different)...mostly focus on internal, rather than external...