Epiphany_Inspired

If I think back to my entire lifetime (so far), what immediately stands out are drastic, risky, (even dangerous, lol) *Adventures That Empower*.... especially ones where others told me "you can't do that", "be realistic" etc,..and I achieved my dreams despite silly nay-sayers....(concrete example: driving a 40ft caravan across all of Canada...ENTIRE country...through winter storms, sleeping in ultra-freezing temps, etc, to work in my chosen career) Now, since I have begun personal development work, I'd say it's similar to the above, but the internal version..... challenging my own nay-saying (lol).... busting my own limiting beliefs, etc,... daring to be brave in the face of internal fears, not just perceived external danger...(concrete example: realizing that many of my fears are irrational concoctions, that I am capable of dispelling them, that I am supported by the universe, etc)

@Jcent totally thought of you/ this.... your concept that your pain = your growth...I was reading "super brain" by Chopra/ Tanzi (talking about neuroplasticity after injury to brain) it says: "To heal and to evolve are intimately linked".... so true! So far (I'm only at the third chapter), the gist is: to get your consciousness to harness your brain power for personal growth, you must perpetually keep yourself on your toes (going different routes, learning new activities, etc) and reduce stress, negativity, and bad habits/ beliefs ....this is all stuff we've learned from Leo, etc.... but I hadn't put two and two together to realize how drastically those "bad things" can diminish brain function as well... beyond the other obvious effects on our lives....I will keep you posted if I learn anything else concussion recovery related, and hope you will do the same!

Thanks so much @Arman , @WelcometoReality@Deep...those were really great answers! @Deep Yes, I can now see how actualizing my purpose would automatically help to increase that love frequency! @WelcometoReality I see what you are saying, I will not avoid fearful situations unnecessarily, and focus on desire. @Arman That was an incredible response. I now see that perhaps I was looking for a "short-cut" assuming that I could surpass fear just by gaining enough love...like shining light into darkness...I know you are right though, those mountains must actually be climbed, fear accepted and truly transcended. That is the third time today someone has mentioned my internal realm needing a map, far from coincidence...lol...! So, are there specific meditation practices, or are you speaking of a type of mindfulness? Is the sustainable practice different for everyone? Maybe a step by step process to learn in "Letting Go"? Perhaps simply using what you are saying here: mindfulness for awareness of negative emotions as they come up, plus committing to accept them, learning from them, plus committing to finding ways they can evolve your life for the better? What is the best way to keep this sustainable?.... the personal commitments you mentioned? I initially made this post because of a few recent meditation experiences I had that were like visions, (definitely not thought stories), that included incredible energetic sensations centered on love. It felt like, if I could hold it forever, even if I was the only person on earth at that frequency, it would actually improve, even to a minor degree, some of the fucked up shit on this planet. Regardless, if I anyone could hold that eternally or not....it seems true that the more we can be at that level, the better off we are/ the world is. Thanks Again!

I just had a realization that may help you @BeginnerActualizer .... Our brains are currently wired to jump into the past and future...(it just happened to me with this conversation....lol)......so, maybe....the next time that you "replay" a conversation or interaction in your head after and think:...."I could have said....I should have done" etc..(to be more compassionate)..instead go to the present, and without regret, send (mentally/ energetically) what you do want for that person, out through the universe (like a prayer, but not like the Madonna song, or a religious repent)....lol....a true heartfelt wish.....I know it sounds flaky, but I've had enough personal evidence to know it works....and being in the present moment as much as possible will help too....

@OhHiMark I love this....I think this is every un-enlightened human (me too), "Welcome to EGO-land"...lol..(picture a nightmare-ish Disney-style- land of roller-coasters glorifying self-absorption.)...lol... BUT ***You noticed it!!! That means you are becoming the watcher....and are on a path to personal evolution for sure!

I don't mean to be harsh, but I feel like being blunt....and hope you respect that....this addiction is extreme....comparable to alcohol/ drug addiction....if you don't feel like you can even cut down to less than 8 hours/day, on your own, and it is negatively effecting your ability to function....then...please consider getting some rehabilitation assistance to help you surpass this phase.....nobody wants you to wither away, you are an awesome person....and the fact that you posted this, means that you are ready to move on! I have been looking into re-hab for a friend of mine with a severe alcohol problem, and every place I called for her (she's deaf) does not allow any "screen time", it is well acknowledged now in the re-hab community - the addictive effects of the web.....there are some rad facilities that work with you in an actualizing style....I don't know where you live....here in Canada even the public ones can be totally transformational for those who are ready! The purpose is to find the emotional ROOT cause of the addiction.

All I can offer is my own (far from enlightened) opinion... I can easily Imagine, if you asked your questions to someone like the Dali Lama, what he might say....something like: "True compassion is always self-less, not self-ish"....and this makes a lot of sense to me...if compassion evolves beyond perceived motives, and into real of genuine caring, then it would be impossible for hidden agendas to lurk behind the scenes....that said, this may be another "fake it til you make it" scenario..... where we evoke our compassion regardless of our intentions, and eventually the power of compassion will overtake us, and any of our former selfish-ness...maybe think about serving the universe, and everything in it, instead of just humans, it might help you be more receptive to the true potential?....I don't know.... your non-duality question is for Leo, I have no base for perception...RE: intuition....mediation is important, but I truly believe anyone could tap into their intuition, separately.....it's more like mindfulness if you want a meditation connection....it is a matter of tapping into the awareness....you intuition is always speaking to you,,,,we just supress it....to hear what your intuition has to say, you have to become open to listening...start by listening to your emotions and notice how your physical sensations correspond...for me the most powerful intuitions are when something is a really strong "YES", or "THAT'S RIGHT for me", "I was meant to discover this insight", etc...(I get VERY obvious chills down my arms, but the sensation differs for everybody)...I personally still struggle with the opposite, things that are "not right" etc (because my fear levels are so high, I get confused with the other side of intuition).....but that side is almost universally felt in the pit of the stomach "I had a gut feeling that I should not move into that house"...etc....It sounds like you are heading in the right direction....enjoy your journey!

I'm looking for specific meditation techniques....(I understand that being more compassionate, eating healthy food, etc are all helpful too)

@Debil Great topic! I find Teal Swan also has some good perspectives, likely because her childhood was so extreme. Many of her videos discuss raising children inadvertently to show how our subconscious has become so fucked up....but you can also use that knowledge as a parenting guide... Personally, I am pretty disappointed in my inability to evolve myself enough to be a more awakened parent. I am going through a toxic separation, and I want to be better equipped to rise above the effects of my situation. My daughter is 3, pretty similar age...yes, this is the formative time. I will check out, Shefali Tsabary...I need all the help I can get...lol....thanks so much for sharing!

@Martin123, @Frogfucius, etc...OMG, This thread turned into Mr. Toad's wild ride! I couldn't read all of it, because of my brain injury, and because it went into a strange realm. First to Martin, I'm sorry if I perpetuated the getting off topic thing (I'm a sucker for emotional crisis and Frogfucius seemed really upset). To Frogfucius, I hope one day you will see how much Leo does, and that so much of it is for FREE, and gifted out of genuine compassion for others. I laughed about the Sages being sexy part, just because my silly ego pictures a sage in bad "moo-moo-like" robes with too many bad scarves draped around them acting really pretentious...lol...I want to become one not to be sexy, but for the personal internal benefit... To everyone else. I have no idea if this thread became pointless or productive...but what I can say is.... if you read the posts with an open mind, you may expand or evolve your own perspectives....I understand that debating is very egoic, that said, I've always appreciated it, simply because it encourages thought, communication, and the exchange of ideas! (Yes, no more name calling! Please work together to encourage self-love in members of this community, LOVE you all!)

@Jcent Yes, Vitamin C is sooooo important too! Having a brain injury means more mental stress load, it equates to physically being a fast-pace police officer... and so we need higher doses of it (see 1950's studies if interested, sorry I can't find the link). Yes, I have been meditating for almost a year, but I recently took a break when I had a few really bad Ego-Backlash experiences in a row. I am ok with it again, if I am using Binaural Beats. These frequencies have been AMAZING for me. They have allowed me to calm more deeply, to meditate with less energy, and even to occasionally have incredible powerful visions accompanied by intense physical energy sensations. A warning though for Concussion stuff...because the occasional visions are so wonderful, I tried to induce them by combining binaural beats with dream machine simulators...it made me super sick from the flicker, even with my eyes closed...I am working on enlightenment, that said, I have had a really traumatic past....so I have many, many, extra neurosis to overcome on my Journey...lol...If you ever need to break from mediation, I suggest keeping it brief, and increasing your gratitude practice threefold... My accident left me with physical injuries too....what I find best for pain is just finding other/ better things to focus on....where attention goes, that's what grows...eh? My days are not rigid. My passions are diverse and creative, I am working on Mastery in the Art/ Storytelling realm....I know what you mean... I remember feeling, for a long tim, a huge loss...my career....my future....but in reality, this experience can't help but be a wake up call for any of us that experience it. I likely would have been miserable if I continued to work 16 hour days on the computer at classical animation studios on OTHER PEOPLE'S PROJECTS! Although I still get really bummed about how difficult it is for me to work on the computer, I love that I now have the opportunity to follow my passion....Thank you too, I really appreciate your positivity...and the fact that you started this thread...there are likely more concussion sufferers that have awakened to this forum, and would appreciate our stories... sending LOVE!

@joegarland I live on the west-coast of Canada, so, as you can imagine I've been signing anti-pipeline/ anti-tanker petitions left, right, and center! What you offer here is a survey, not a petition! I don't know that Leo, or anyone else would respond well to a petition to dictate their actions. I mention this distinction only because I recently got some flack for sort of jokingly suggesting a petition to our Prime Minister, get a tattoo cover-up for his Haida Art shoulder piece, based on his recent actions...lol...."Petitions" inherently invoke a sense of demand, and I have now realized that they need to be taken seriously. That said, I love your post! I love how stoked you are on this direction, and I totally agree that it would be incredible to get a video like that...although what Leo was actually wanting to show us, was the" thoughts inside his head", and that is unfortunately not yet possible (although there are some really cool dream viewing technologies etc)....lol....

@Frogfucius Maybe it was you he spoke of...but maybe not... Leo could have been talking about any of us when he made that comment.... I've probably made a disheartened post at some point too...when we fully absorb how extensive the "illusory nature of our reality" is....it's pretty easy to get frustrated with having to live in this often total BullShit - materialistic, ego-centric realm! That's all he meant (I think)... it's better to keep raising your consciousness and evolve to the point where you can tolerate the BullShit, then to get fed up with it and abandon your progress....As for weather or not taking the Mystic-Sage direction makes this a cult, I don't know...If he wanted us to all become his devotees, that would be a big yes....but so far, I feel his approach is the opposite...encouraging individuality, free thinking, questioning everything, etc....I thought about your "newbie" concern too...it's up to you to determine your own level of consciousness, nobody else is in your head...personally, I'm stoked on being a newbie....all the more levels of consciousness to experience and explore...for me, I will progress beyond newbie, only when I've surpassed a number of my more significant neurosis...lol... @Martin123 I don't know this Anime, sorry....but Howl (Howl's Moving Castle) seems like he could be a Mystic-Sage if he could surpass his lingering broody neurosis, and excessive collections of trinkets (like me)...lol....watching the movie, I've felt almost as if I was in love w/ Howl...lol...and yes, I know that's ridiculous...he's technically just a series of drawings...lol...

@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...