Epiphany_Inspired

I remember Disposable Hero's of Hypocrisy. Sweatshop Union is good too...

@Neuroknot... we need to be careful with fire too, yet isn't it amazing?... and... interesting how children can often understand things "beyond their years", often beyond expected human understanding; through some sort of intuition or resonance ... yet they are so often patronized... and how they crave those PG13 or R-rated movies... if you warn children something is "advanced" they often hunger to learn it, ravenously... so, while I may simply be shovelling more dogma-crispies down my gullet, or viewing Leo as my own anime-enlightenment-warrior... I like to remain receptive to every possibility for comprehension ?I loved your post @Gnosis

@Akemrelax My answers will be straight up; honest In no particular order (and, although I have extensively evolved, this is could be the same list I might have wrote 5 years ago, only they're to a far lesser degree now, lol): 1. Unrequited passion 2. Perfectionism 3. Procrastination 4. Distraction 5. Limiting Beliefs 6. Attachment to "this reality" 7. Efficacy issues 8. Buckets of various neurosis 9. Fear 10. Survival

@Applegarden Loved all of your responses, wishing you the best too ???

@DrewNows I couldn't read all of what you wrote in that epic novel (accident = screen/ vision injury), but I loved what I did read, especially the open questioning! Thanks! Somehow it reminds me of a hero's journey... only a "choose your own adventure" version of that journey for each of us, lots of gratitude! I will come back to it ?

@Flowerfaeiry @DivineSoda, @LfcCharlie4, @TrynaBeTurquoise, etc. It seems there is somewhat of a consensus that the most relevant theories have to do with censorship/ freedom. Though there also appears to be a perceived division here between the spiritual path folks and the freedom/ rights folks... from a meta perspective perhaps they are different views of the same coin/universe. Like various religions, are all ONE LOVE. Perhaps caution is warranted if our ability to undertake our ego smashing rituals and access crucial wisdom may at present be hindered. One thing which keeps coming to mind is Leo's bear hike: be cautious/ prepared not fearful/ in panic. As actualizers, we have the benefit of extensive training in the the overcoming of our fears of death and uncertainty THANKS LEO!!!. So, how does an actualizer remain cautious and prepared, regarding our freedom/ rights, without succoming to fear of oppression, harm, and distraction?

@ all potential leavers, I wish you a beautiful life no matter what, and would respect any choice. I struggle with reading and writing on screens after a car accident (so this is tremendously challenging/ I get it)... that said, it is also a great blessing to have access to the wisdom (mixed in with a bit of trolling etc). Before you may go completely, (maybe?) consider visiting once in a while as I do, at least for the following reasons: 1. The Unity of our individual expressions coming together on the road to consciousness (community) 2. Other perspectives help keep our minds open 3. A great way to serve the universe is by helping other human expressions... and this is an incredible platform for that... most here actually want to evolve 4. You can continue to Journey with Leo, etc

I think I would choose them all: 1. I like to hermit out. I like the "shaken to awaken" philosophy and lean toward optimism. 2. I can see this in a non-dual way, and am in a low impact area where not much has changed on the surface. 3. I enjoy physical touch and close personal heart connections, would like this to return to our culture soon. 4. I only experience this in relation to my daughter, I want her to see both parents... my related fears have been not getting her back with the travel restrictions etc.

@Hugo Oliveira You can evolve to some degree without enlightenment, for some that's as far as they want to go... but with all of that life passion, you may as well aim for the stars! Please, don't procrastinate your evolution! I've always had an intense passion too, but decades of conceding to my neurosis (perfectionism, etc, I have em all) has only put up stronger self-inflicted-roadblocks. If you are young, as the other member guessed, use that! You have more time to jump feet first into passion. Once the neurosis are engrained for further decades, actualizing is not impossible, but it becomes a lot more challenging. Whatever it is, do it now, and work on yourself along the way use the force

The typical *above the surface* tool is usually building new healthy habits (that you can learn to appreciate)/ replace the addiction based ones. Once the new habits become established for long enough (30-60 plus days), then, in theory, they can take over. That said, the new habits may not be sustainable if you have not gone *below the surface* as well, to find the ROOT CAUSE of the addictions. This is crucial regardless

@Adodd if you use the search feature on the forum you will find many posts on this. I have talked about my rad experiences with them and I'm sure others have too. I remember Leo, (I think, it's been so long) believes that they can be a good tool if not used as a crutch (as in, you cant meditate without them). The one thing I haven't read about, or discussed, is the potential negative side, such as if they can be used for control or have any physically harmful effects... personally, I use my intuition with them, I can usually tell right away if the frequencies resonate with me, or feel they will give me a headache etc... Sound can heal (like purring cats), I believe this is a powerful tool ??

@GrowthPilgrim @Waken Totally! @Shiva99 When one has a passion, it helps... we can wake stoked for our actualization work. That said, even with that drive, not all parts of actualizing may be things that seem enjoyable at every stage of development. For example: I dislike cleaning the toilet, but what would happen if I didnt do it? Our bodies and minds are the same... (coated with shit if not worked on... lol) I am a terrible backslider so, I caution against backsliding... especially if it can become a downward spiral, for example: what if it eventually progressed to not "enjoying" getting out of bed, eating healthy, and brushing your teeth... I am not suggesting you torture yourself, perhaps contentment comes with acceptance here... IDK...

@ZenAlex from my own growth experiences: distraction and escape always equates to stagnation and eventual festering rot.... where as, actually feeling your feelings, and dealing with your shit (although you may hit rock bottom first/ mental breakdowns etc) will eventually lead to movement and growth... Also, one cannot serve the universe in distraction/ escape modes... so, there is very little purpose/ point in experiencing life that way... when I have been in breif relationships with men, and they see me on the verge of a mental breakdown, they immediately suggest distractions and escape, when I refuse those, I have the freedom to battle myself and enjoy both my own victory and defeat; like infinite & unending-beanstalk-poppies sprouting on the battlefield... In essence, I would rather be "a complete wreck", bruised and filthy clambering slowly out of the pit to the contentment of the sunlight above, than a useless fuck that hides in the corner of the pit pretending they are at disneyland all day... But, I cant sleep... i write weird random shit, and I can be a hypocrite at times...

@pluto thank you so much like a lost word on the tip of my tongue... your post illuminated my misplaced awareness and rekindled my allusive feelings... it also revealed some new insights, on a path now in daylight... on multiple occasions, my body has actually started to shake when I have attempted to travel those waves of ascension (like a brutal winter surf that slams your head into a rock)... the resistance I have tried to dispel has greatly lacked both acceptance, and flow with change... thank you

That statement really stuck with me as well. On the one the surface, it seems potentially hypocritical for Leo to teach radical opnmindedness, tolerance/ love for all, and then to make this decision... that said, in context of the forum in particular, and when it comes to ever expanding consciousness, it does seem ridiculous to waste anymore time on bullshit... bullshit can be a blackhole vortex that can suck us all in... to have no tolerance for bullshit is a self-respect technique... monks in a temple wouldnt tolerate bullshit, so why should Leo tolerate it here. Creating the forum was like building a temple, it's incredible and deserves respect.

The notes = Great!@LfcCharlie4 I totally honour and respect your decision@Leo Gura. I felt that same healing potential once too, (though it didnt stick). I would love to experience and/ or learn this healing (please put me on the waitlist) Maybe look into a rad phenomenon where some herbalist can use a herbal medicine without the actual herb present (I think this is similar to your mode of healing). Stoked for the new teaching ideas. Grateful for a little time to catch up on the videos.

@Ethan1 I find it's not just about gratitude practice, but ones level of optimism as well (can you see the bright side, even when it's just a sliver...?)... The CONSTANT complainers I have interactions with seem very pessimistic in their overall outlook on life in general. That said, increasing a gratitude practice, and acknowledging the things that go well each day are proven ways to decrease complaining (positive psychology). Also, keeping ones resting facial pose closer to smile than frown (mouth corners curl up slightly/more) helps too. I agree, that often, when we shine a light into the darkness that others are choosing to dwell in, that it usually upsets them... that said, sometimes planting a seed of appreciation and/or hope can still grow in a constant complainers blackest shadow. I can be a complainer at times too. I have the intention to find solutions, but I still do it. Glad you separated from the behaviour... glad you noticed it

At this chance for constructive criticism, (although it was not Leo who asked) I skimmed others posts with serious insights on the highest teachings and nature of all... BUT only a ridiculous comment comes to MY mind... how much I liked the old video where Leo was outside, explaining a technique, in a purple shirt... I have preferences/biases for outside/colour. Also, Leo & I disagreed on the potential with collective conscious experiences, and with an open mind I still have not switched my stance. It has been years now, so perhaps he is more receptive to the possibilities...

20% because it is much easier to find a decent amount of actualizing folks here, compared with in person (kindred spirits) 10% because I'm a whiny fuck... lol 10% because I adore learning 30% because Leo's wisdom has helped my evolution more than anyone (other than me) 10% to be heard, like voting, in an arena that I respect & value 20% to help others

On an energetic level it's best to send them love, and offer forgiveness; while simultaneously honoring yourself and all as one. It seems crucial to love yourself enough to acknowledge how unacceptable the bullying is in your life and plan how you will rise above/ move ahead. It's best to have cognitive empathy for the bully, while refraining from emotional empathy (Stockholm type shit). As far as physical/ verbal interactions go I agree with Leo. That said, occasionally, there are situations like mine where there is little chance to step away like Leo suggests (such as dropping the friend, quitting the job, etc). In my situation bravery, plus vigilantly working on emotional mastery are my only options if I want to keep my daughter under my wing while she is young (my bully is my daughter's father and I am court ordered to interact with him to exchange the child etc). I just had to call the police again after her dad was messing around by my car (he has kicked in car doors etc before), plus he did a fake call to child protection just last week. I will make this vow to myself: I will breathe in the calmness of the cosmos, I will maintain an impenetrable energetic shield, I will greet him with stoic courage, I will not engage in games, I will stand like a warrior queen in full armour, I will rise above all fear.

@Jahmaine Wiccan and Pagan groups (though the real ones dont welcome strangers with no connection easily), metaphysical stores, hiking in the forest with ceremonial objects, metal shows/ goth night, herbal medicine workshops, rock and gem shows, snuggling cats, solstice ceremonies or feasts, etc

@Lynneli hadn't even contemplated that... but when I do, the survival aspect is so blatant... I will have to do some inquiry on this for myself, thanks! @Meetjoeblack I dont understand red vs blue pills either, but that's OK... I get what your are saying about meeting people and the beta man plight... I have been with a number of alpha guys, I guess because they are so bold, direct, and talented (usually something cool like fire-spinning, music, or skateboarding)... but I dont think women always want that, especially if it doesn't come with enough humility. I would take a humble sweet beta with the same talent over a pompous type of alpha any day! I too have gone through the younger me phase of attraction to the bad sort of guy, and personally believe if we are attracted to that, then it must be to learn something.... I dont think it's always about the nice guys finishing last, that's far from the case... many women I know only want the most gentle sweet souls they can find... as far as meeting places I agree with Leo and the forum that places where people doing PD work would chill should be good options...

This is an amazing question... though I dont know the answer, I do have some thoughts... What shifts the paradigm to co-dependancy tends to be a lack of healthy-integration.... so: Interdependant: I picture a machine made of two parts each can operate independently and still fully function, but when placed together, some extra magic occurs... the dual-machine increases in capacity and is able to produce miraculous things, beyond its individual parts... Co-dependant: the machine, again made of 2 parts, was cobbled in a scrapyard, the parts never really fit right, but have been jammed together... so enmeshed that they may "fall appart" without each other... so dysfunctional that all products produced are stained and warped somehow.... I think regardless of life purposes that run in tandem, or life purposes that very vastly, in an interdependant relationship the machine would function the same, with the dedication of each individual amplifying the gifts they can bring to the world together.... at least I dream that could happen....

I'm am super introverted to (though people often dont know, even my friends)... there are introverts that are front-people in bands on a stage... it's a matter of forcing one's self, regularily.... I actually have a box of imaginary bravery mints... it's how i force myself to step out of my comfort zone... maybe you can find something like that... I have dated extroverts before... and its rad; they will make sure you meet everyone in the room, etc... but it's also nice to date fellow introverts too and often a better connection.... I dont think it matters as much with online dating... I dont know if you can even tell right away anyway... IDK

I am not a fan of being approached with a compliment if it's something typical or lacking in sincerity... it just screams "hey, I'm a horny (and/ or needy) fucker; will you fuck me (and/ or baby me)"?... BUT... if I was to fall for some charming poetry, it would have to be unique enough to impress me, and very obvious the specific charm was "used on" *no other*... the day DOES seem MUCH better than the night... (the bedroom implications are less obvious somehow) ... if a guy tried to talk to me at a concert (which is the only reason I would be out at night/ in a bar) ... well... unless he was unbelievably humble and rare/ unique, I would be a judgy bitch to myself, while minimally friendly on the outside at best.... I am also apparently on the demi-sexual spectrum so this may be different for other women that dont need some basic connection/ bonding to feel attracted to someone...