Epiphany_Inspired

@Emerald Wilkins @Leo Gura @Deep @Arman @Maorice , Thank you all so much! @Maorice I really, really, really appreciate having a *Tibetan*, female role model, THANKS!!!...the image is also gorgeous! I adore Tibetan art! @Leo Gura @Deep Thank you so much! I understand that eventual embodiment of a Mystic Sage would have some gender differences, but would be attainable by anyone ...but what I was actually wondering is...Is the learning process itself, (to become a Mystic Sage), different for women? If so, Leo, will you attempt to show both sides of this process (even if you are currently less familiar with any "feminine ways")? Yes, I can seek out, feminine and other personalized ways too...and if anyone can recommend specific women teachers that have attained Mystic-Sage Consciousness, Please let me know, Thanks! @Emerald Wilkins Thank you, Truly! That was an incredible story that explains a lot! You've brought up a very interesting concept at the end too, I am enjoying pondering this potentiality, but now I have even more questions...lol....

Warning: If you are super religious (Jesus based), you may prefer another thread. I have no intention to offend anyone, just explore my unique perspective. Of the 12 Spiritual Temperaments, Mystic-Sage definitely seems to rank at the top as the ultimate personal goal, surpassing yogi etc. That said, I agree with Leo, that there may be certain personalities that are more naturally inclined/ suited for one of the other 11 embodiments. Personally, I currently resonate more in the frequencies of the Cynic, Communalist/ Hermit (back and forth), Ceremonialist, and on occasion, the Sensual Ecstatic. I do not resonate with the Devotee, or Dogmatic Believer at all. As for my aspirations, I'm tentatively "sold" on Mystic Sage, with incorporations from a few other temperaments that naturally suit me. My limited research seems to show a rich history of women's capacity to be receptive to this inner understanding. I will admittedly encounter some ENORMOUS personal challenges with studying the history of many of these Christian/ Catholic (Jesus faith based) ladies. I LOVE everyone, of all faiths, but I was raised by an Atheist and a Pagan. They had a rule; that I would never be subjected to any religious ideals, so I was free to develop my own understanding. I have had a number of traumas related to individuals from Jesus based religions trying to convert, manipulate, degrade, or harm. My unreligious upbringing also allowed me to clearly see the unnecessary suffering in/from these religions, as well as the cult like brainwashing that often occurs since childhood. Although I've always believed in a universal energy source, I thought of it more like an "anti-religion". It would be a massive undertaking to re-wire my brain to allow these two faiths to intertwine. I am also confused about the differences in this path for female vs male future Mystic-Sages. In most cases, personal development is a pretty asexual endeavour. In this pursuit though, the distinction seems like it may be imperative! I obviously do listen to, and read from, other teachers, but so far, there is honestly nothing more "palatable" to my resistant nature than Leo (is that the greatest and most ridiculous endorsement ever, lol. sorry Leo, I'll say something more awe-inspiring next time...lol). I would normally say anyone can learn almost anything, from almost anyone, with little bias, but intuitively this seems like a more gender-specific goal. Is there any basis to this perception? If so, I hope Leo will approach this with his "feminine side" too, so that we can all benefit from this illumination! (P.S. Hilariously, the first thing my ego came up with to discourage me was "you'd have to wear a tacky robe all the time", I pictured bad robes the whole video..lol)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Leo Gura and Martin Ball, that said, I am truly concerned about what comes off to me as continued "anti-hippie" rhetoric. I already hear enough of this dogmatic self-deception from my friends that identify as "punk" or "anarchist". Besides the extremely limiting nature of stereotypes, it is also extremely close-mined to put this stigma onto "hippies". The people I've met recently that are the least judgemental, the most open-mined, the most willing to follow their passions, the least self-destructive, the most compassionate, and the most dedicated to Nature; ARE what one might deem "hippies". Hippies are often at least a stage green in Spiral Dynamics ,and have surpassed the orange need for wealth, status, etc. These are incredible people to surround yourself with (even if you are afraid they will smell like patchouli, lol)! The things deemed "new age", and therefore flaky, are often the very things we are perusing here in this actualization community. As someone that could be labeled with almost every alternative stereotype, I have been called a hippie, (as I have been involved in environmental activism since the early 90's/ before it was "cool", and have long hair, etc). It helps mainstream people function, to label things. It only becomes potentially harmful when we attach a stigma, and say things like Martin did: "Hippie Bullshit" to signify flakiness, or only an ignorantly whimsical capacity for non-duality...or whatever.... Obviously, there are some people labeled as, or that identify as "Hippie" that totally fit the stereo-type; with little personal care, major self-destruction or laziness (smoking pot all day and accomplishing nothing), etc. That said, most "hippies" that I have met recently are on the opposite end of that spectrum. Please do not let these comments in the videos keep you from exploring the conscious, vibrant, creative culture and community that is deemed "hippie". Thanks for listening!

Thanks @Leo Gura @Epsilon_The_Imperial @Martin123 @Key Elements @Alex4 ! You've renewed my confidence in OPEN MINDED actualizerz! In it's roots, Hippie Culture produced a lot of positive change (personal/global), it helped people surpass materialism, explore psychedelics, etc... Maybe "becoming total hippies" like Leo said, is exactly what we all need right now....

I tried some of the "digital drug" beats, out of curiosity. They are totally different than the meditation ones. I doubt if they are "harmful", for meditation purposes, perhaps the ones considered "drugs" might be helpful in physical body awareness sessions.

I haven't watched the video, but here's my perspective. Don't worry about playing any roles. Ladies only seem to like assholes. Assholes use tactics on venerable women (such as diminishing their self-worth) to get their affection. Think of a dog that is beaten as a puppy, then tries really hard to get love from that human. Even if you could get girls that way, would you really want to be that person? Wouldn't it feel better to be your authentic self? The type of confidence that comes naturally as a side effect of self-love is the most attractive... so consider focusing on yourself.... first ask yourself why you would want "thousands" of women... you'd be pretty likely to get diseases with that many.... lol..

Hey @Jcent , I have had post-concussive syndrome for over a decade now, but that is extremely rare... don't worry, that won't be you! For most people, apparently, it can take up to 3 years to fully recover from a serious concussion.... so just keep being patient, that's awesome!.... As for supplements, the things I find most helpful are: fermented cod liver oil, Empower Plus (true hope), and peppermint oil for headaches. What do you find helps you? There is a special rose coloured tinting you can get in glasses that also helps a bit. Taking lots of breaks when you have tasks with a lot of focusing/ reading helps...I love that you are so tuned into the positive aspects in your life as a result. I still think too much about what I've lost, and how it sucks having dizzy nauseous headaches all the time... So, to follow your positive example...For me, a benefit is that my almost OCD cleaning habit was immediately gone, mess doesn't faze me now... and that I am now content to "go with the flow" at times, instead of my previous preference for *always* pre-planned adventures...I guess I'm just more chill.... although not really compared to someone with a truly chill personality, lol......

This discovery was like heaven to me! It takes meditation from being "chore-like", into a fractal-licious living dream... more energy based. As a visual thinker, and somewhat of a beginner, I have had to force meditation, (somewhat dreading it at times). For the approximate year that I've been meditating, I've had turn my mind into a sky, and treat my thoughts like clouds... It's exhausting! Binaural beats make meditation pleasurable, am I experiencing this "digital drug" phenomenon? I love them, I am perhaps even addicted, in the sense that meditation without them is like eating an unripe, hard, flavourless mango, compared to a melt in your mouth, juicy, sweet, euphoric mango... lol...

I meant, I "80%" think Martin is the real deal, lol. This old punk song has always seemed about higher-self vs ego to me (from the higher perspective), and reminded me of a lot of the things Martin was saying, especially the last line. Here's the lyrics and song by the amazing NoMeansNo, (they just retired, but are looking into animatronics to keep the concerts happening): http://www.metrolyrics.com/what-slayde-says-lyrics-nomeansno.html

The main hallmarks of purpose are passion, and skill in that field...the fact that you are still searching, doesn't mean you won't find your niche, and be talented in this endeavour...I understand that it's a risk to give up your comfy incomes...that said, I think approaching this from a different angle will help...instead of worrying about "what is a good idea", try this trick...I think it comes from Leo...make 2 lists, one of everything you love to do (especially real passions, like protecting nature)...and another list with everything you are good at...then find the top passion and try to match it with your talents, all while keeping "green" in mind...the best green business idea is one that doesn't exist yet, one that is created by, and meant for, you!

I think perhaps...the only way I can think of....that your purpose could be found in another, could be: that person is like a role-model or mentor...showing you, the spark of a dream that was secretly lurking inside yourself ....and by witnessing another that has achieved harmony with a very similar purpose...you find what it is that you are meant to do....or maybe not....maybe it must always come form within, without influence...I don't know for sure...but I agree with the others, the situation you speak of now is not Dharma, it's dysfunction...you can find a much better way to serve the universe!

The white lies part was hilarious, too true! It would be lovely if humanity evolved beyond being so easily offended, and deceptive social considerations were no longer expected (today please). I discovered, (more deeply), that this is something one needs to experience for themselves. That watching a couple of youtube's related videos showing other's external experiences isn't really helpful (not the best use of my time either); one would need DIRECT, INTERNAL AWARENESS. I have never read the comments below a video before, but this one tempted me. The post that stood out in my quick scroll, was a lady that said something about having no interest in drugs, but this video had opened her mind...For me, it was interesting to observe my pre-conceptions...my mind tried to convince me that because of Martin's mannerisms, word choices, etc that there must be some deception...when the most likely deception was within myself. When I saw his eyes, when he said he would never be imprisoned again, I connected on a level beyond what my ego could manipulate...It became obvious Martin is the real deal...

@Siim Land I think I was actually making excuses on some level...I think I just got mixed up by the tittle; for me it roughly translates to "go the negative route", but everything you are saying is wise, and helpful! Even if I got the definition "kind of right", it's just my silly ego being afraid of the "negative" when that is simply a part of life we need to deal with, and not supress with our desire to have everything be - sunshine and rainbow-unicorns...lol... As far as physical stuff goes, I'm going bigger...the 6 bags of clothes I gave away (yes, I know that's ridiculous, you don't want to know how much I still have) wasn't enough...I'm selling my first car (kept as a collector), and other BIG crap I don't need...the mental crap is trickier...and intertwined with some of the physical crap...but I'm on both the Negativa and Positiva paths, thanks for sharing!

You likely haven't met EVERYONE at your school yet. Your will meet more awakened people as you continue on your journey. Keep your senses open for signs from the universe, maybe a poster for a conscious workshop, or something...

@Siim Land In theory, I love this, I have been working on this...I need to do more of this..i have way too much material/ mental crap that I am ridiculously attached to!...but for me this may not be the best route...I don't do well with focusing on the "bad/ negative stuff"....for me it might be better to focus on what I DO want, and allow what I don't want to begin to fall away , like a snake shedding it's old skin, and emerging like a fresh phoenix...What do you think? Love the video!

@Aamir King I had a really hard time with getting an account in the first place...and since then, I've even had it used as a weapon against me by a corporation...but still, I keep it for networking... when I post, I do so to point out the negative effects FB has on us, I try to empower others to bring social media to a higher level, etc.. surprisingly, it does seem to help a little...to inspire vision and revolution to a degree... I will admit that although I've managed to avoid the extreme addiction, I have used it for distraction at times too...that said, you can't deny the amazing networking capabilities...For example, I was just able to invite over 150 friends to my upcoming 40th birthday in minutes, accomplishing that on the phone would be intense...lol...just try to limit your passive browsing...

I really liked the tittle of this thread! These buildings are stunning!

@AlldayLoop I don't know definitively, but I would assume that is possible if you are using it for sedation. You could try three different calming oils and rotate them every few days...that said, I've been using peppermint oil for my headaches for decades with no tolerance issues, tea tree oil is always anti-bacterial regardless of how often it's used, etc...

Hey, just wondering what some of your top tools to dissolve stress include...in particular, overcoming stress-based reactions to unavoidable long-term triggers. I am looking for both surface based coping solutions, (like specific breathing techniques etch), and deeper root/resolution based methods. Please also include any insight you may have in preventing physical harm caused by the stress reaction. I have an enormous amount of gratitude that you've listened, and any suggestions you can provide are incredibly appreciated, thank you.

I want to bring in some light to complete this thread! I understand that my concern was just more fear. Leo assures us the backlash is temporary, so I have no valid reason to conclude that returning to meditation would mean I'd loose my sanity. I was fine with a 10 minute session today, I can work my way back up. This thread allowed me to realize the root of that fear too, it's a fucked up story, but I'm willing to share: In my 20's I had an absolutely lovely, totally sane boyfriend of 1.5 years. He attended an "indulgence party", it triggered schizophrenia. I didn't understand what was happening when we went on a road trip the next week, it turned into a nightmare. He didn't pack any food, blankets, or clothing... only the demonic masks and candles that I found him using in the forest, he started to rape a 70 year old man in front of me, then was taken in by authorities. He frightened and stalked me after that, etc... Despite being eccentric, and having bi-polar friends, I must have been harbouring an extreme fear of insanity related to the above. The extreme emotions and thoughts that can come out in this process were obviously particularly supressed so that I could feel more stable. I am still interested in advice that could help me if I encounter that type of backlash during meditation again (a massive overwhelming load of negative thoughts and images that come in a "hive" too large to handle)...Anyway, I am getting back on track with renewed courage. Thanks so much @Capethaz !

Intuition can manifest in physical indicators, for me, if something is "resonant", "right", a big "yes", just needs to be heeded, etc; I get chills from my shoulders down my arms. What Leo said about tension blocking intuition gave me a huge personal insight, the only times I've ever been truly bombarded with constant intuitive hits is while dancing (not choreographed)... If you don't dance, consider something like a massage, followed by some distraction free solitude (allowing you to feel it, and how it surfaces for you personally)..

Yes, Honesty and Trust are KEY. Control is not a healthy ingredient in a relationship recipe though. Any effort you make to tell her not to go is an attempt at control. You can be honest about your insecurities without trying to restrict her enjoyment of her social life or indicating distrust. Do not concern yourself with any of your perceived judgements of others there ("hate" etc), think only of your relationship with her directly. If the alcohol use at a dangerous level with blackouts poisoning etc, or there are rapes, gangs etc there, then perhaps it's fair to suggest she avoid it. If not, do you think you could get past these issues on your own by placing wholehearted trust in her? Why not go to another event yourself, and have a great time too!

@Capethaz, @Leo Gura I just watched "The Darkside of Meditation" video. Thank you so much Leo (I totally cried with relief)! I can clearly see the ego backlash now, exactly how it worked on me...insidiously! The "bees" insanity is exactly what happened to me, and it came with a full assault team, many of it's brother and sister derailleurs! I want to get back to my meditation practice, but stopping the bees was necessary (after three bouts of insomnia induced mania, stemming from meditation terrors). I feel I am at a crucial crossroads, I don't want to abandon meditation/ my higher path. I also don't want to end up institutionalized or become crazy enough to have my child removed (when I couldn't sleep for days, I'd go into fear spirals like inescapable webs, every thought took a novel to explain, terrible physical illness and I'd even shake). Without meditation, and with Miss Ego-Backlash's lovely suggestion I take up sedating fiction TV again (after a year off of it), I've managed to be calm, rested and stable again. I know how people in AA feel now. How do I get back on the mediation wagon, after about 2 weeks off, in a way that ensures I am still sane and functional?

My daughter and I were drawn to an audio book at the library, "Awakening Through Sound" by Chloe Goodchild (my child loves it!). This author claims that these 4000 year old sounds can help develop the " watcher" (what Eckert Tolle calls the" observer"/ "witness"), basically, our higher self beyond ego. This author uses various scales from classical Indian Music etch... Has anyone tried this vocal awakening technique? Besides being really fun for toddlers, are there any real benefits to integrating this practice? e.g...The book includes a DVD of postures which we haven't watched yet... are specific postures crucial (we've enjoyed listening in the car)?

Yes, totally into it!... Lavender is amazing... you can see proof of it's effectiveness by putting a drop on a fussy baby's pyjamas!... lol...I use mint oil for headaches etch... some really strong oils need to be diluted before applying to skin, but most are fine....and there are a few to avoid in the diffuser... but overall they are quite safe... if you have allergies, floral etch... avoid those oils.... and only use quality, pure, natural products...I like the NOW brand.... you can place a couple of drops in a water mister too... if you can't afford oils, holding a cup of steeping herbal tea is also lovely!