Jodo

One of older favorites: Current one: https://nimetu.bandcamp.com/album/vroju

Music is a really strong tool. A friend forwarded this to me via a DMT related forum - it is highly peculiar. I used the Bandcamp link.

Abandon fear and you'll be fine... Being torn apart, reconstructed, etc. is not a bad thing... always remember - I took a substance, this shall pass in 10 minutes and breathe. When you go beyond fear, even the difficult experience can become useful or even pleasant. Also it sounds like "hyper-slap" - you were probably doing it too often... continue that way and you might end up in even more difficult situations that will teach you thinks, but not in a pleasant way. Insectoid aliens are a thing - I don't know what - not negative in my book, just very tangible and "real"...

I think this forum is as good as any place to ask that question. In some very deep states / trances / psychedelic trips you can get very "smart" - everything is known to you, you UNDERSTAND it all, you ARE everything, some say - they are GOD, etc. You are above the "game", you see through, there are no problems, nothing to worry about, just love and the ineffable (which is known while the experience lasts) infinite. But when we return we don't keep that. We don't remain super smart, we cannot just learn any language we want in an instant, we don't suddenly start playing instruments at high level or develop AI code for Deep Mind, etc. and we even forget most of the feelings and knowledge we had during the trip. Yet we KNEW while in the trip and maybe even managed to keep a bit of that insight or at least the FEELING of it. Maybe the latter is confusing - because I see people claiming all sorts of things - but they are still just "ordinary" people, even if they had an insight beyond the conceptual mind. Yet they still write on forums, do the same old jobs, possess the same skills as before... maybe a little bit changes and the FEELING, but not the actual content of the mind/body's skills/content. As I see it - if you have such an experience - it can amplify what is already there from the consensus reality - if you are a chemist you might discover some new compound, if you are physicist, you might develop a new breakthrough theory, if you are an accomplished composer you might write a specially inspiring composition, etc., but if you can't achieve skills you didn't work on in the ordinary reality, even if it feels you did while in the trip. Also the sense of being omniscient or even exceptionally intelligent or insightful seems a bit illusory - it works while in the experience, you know things, you understand reality, but when you come back, you have this vague sense of oneness, the void - when you read Zen ideas you know what they meant, but I can't choose to suddenly speak Mandarin or Arabic or run 100m in 8 sec. or play the violin like Paganini. A lot of people also met alien entities in NN-DMT trances (myself included), but we only got a "hello, we exist" or some very vague and abstract ideas - no one came back with a blueprint for some alien technology, or learned something they couldn't have known themselves, etc. What are your thoughts on the realness of those "intelligence" increasing experiences and how do you keep more of it after the psychedelic session? I only managed to enhance some things in my field, I got better in some interesting ways at my work - which is great and I am thankful for it, I also lost any fear of death, but I can't keep the knowledge I supposedly have while in the "enlightened" state. I can't influence the fabric of reality much more than before. (I am OK with this, just wonder how others do and how to tell delusions from the actual working stuff)

So back to "Who am I?" ?

That's what I mean... Even if we are... we are not. While we are alive, embodied, filtered out - we are part of "God" or call this Everything whatever label you want, but we are not IT. We don't possess its "powers"... it's like a molecule becoming aware that it's a molecule maybe? Even if we are really... we still exist separately with some kind of reason, agenda to do here... whatever it is... Don't get me completely wrong - I am also amazed that psychedelics work at all like they do... That there are certain compunds that in microscopic amounts react in such a way with our nervous system... This is astonishing... And the complexity of it all... I just wonder how to keep more of it "real"... To use it in everyday life a bit more. I guess I wish to bring more back from the hyperspace... for regular others who don't partake in this orgy of the mind. You know, it is fascinating that there are also things called art, culture, technology that people explore and construct. There seems to be this whole layer of intricately simulated reality that is somehow superimposed on all this... There is obviously some need or idea to have these biological systems evolving, procreating... I don't see a way to reconcile all of this just yet. Some good ideas thrown around here, too. Also some weird ones. But hey - that's this fucked up reality.

Look into the "saviour complex"... And work on it if you recognize it... First step - realise you are not here to change and help all the people, but explore and co-exist... And yes - as one friend once said upon meeting my then girlfriend - "Ah, a bit neurotic, huh, good sex, right?" It is true - edgy, wild, a bit "crazy", etc. is very attractive to some of us - but you can find that appeal mixed with some balance included, too. I have a couple of good friends who really suffered because they got involved with very sexy girls with too much troubles - usually stemming from childhood abuse, etc. Rather informative articles: https://www.psypost.org/2020/06/men-are-drawn-to-borderline-personality-traits-in-physically-attractive-women-study-finds-56961 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/11/style/men-are-crazy-for-women-who-are-too.html For me it took an especially devastating experience with a lot of "life and death" situations with a particular girl that probably had borderline personality disorder, but was sexy and horny as hell, liked wild sexual practices, was very imaginative, creative, into witchcraft and psychedelics... Sort of Teal Swan kind of girl, very smart, sexy, but messed up completely deep within. The ups and downs were monstrous... After experiencing this I think I had my share of "wild girls" for this life-time. Don't push against this attraction, acknowledge it, but put your focus elsewhere... don't connect with such persons if you feel the burden of interaction... if it becomes messy... it is very difficult to get out of such a relationship if you are not strong enough. Amazing kinky sex is not worth all the torture or even crime, death or emotional suffering. You can get sucked into a weird vortex. Stay away! Also don't take things personally. Realise that ups and downs are her condition, that it has nothing to do with the reality. Stay balanced. It can ruin a man, I have seen it with a few friends and almost experienced it myself - got out at the last moment. Find balance, rather be single, have affairs, casual sex - one night stands if you have to, but don't go deeper into relationships with such persons. It can literally kill you. There are "normal" girls who are interesting and easy to be around and healthy to co-exist with. If you have realised this focus is not OK, you are already on the path to liberate yourself from that fixation. You don't owe anything to anyone. You are not here to save them, even if you had great moments with them in the past. Recognize the traits, stay away, even if you start fantasizing about having sex with them. Shift focus. Don't establish communication. It can escalate quickly.

Flirting and dating is not rocket science... it's an art, a game, also - communication. Presenting yourself in a good light is not dishonesty, except if you really pretend to be something you are not - then you will blow it all eventually, anyway. Honesty is really liberating, I don't know how you all define it, but if you have no need to hide your opinion, your demeanour, your background - if you are transparent to yourself first - then there is no need to be dishonest and manipulative... That also doesn't mean you have to be awkward, insulting, vulgar, etc. If you feel "I am horny and I want to fuck you!" - this is not something you need to communicate in that manner... You can hint at it, show it, flirt more obviously, don't pretend you want to hold her hand and smell the roses together... but saying to a girl - "You sexy, me wanna fuck!" is not honesty, it's stupidity. Chill guys, be comfortable with yourselves and you will have more success in getting sexual or relationship partners. It helps if you look half-decent, but even so - you would be surprised what a bit of humour, relaxed and easy going attitude can do. Most girls want to feel amused, safe/comfortable and admired. If they get nervous, uncomfortable and bored in your company - then you have to worry about other stuff than honesty... Honesty is a good trait - don't confuse it with stupidity or saying out loud anything that comes of the top of your head. Filtering out what you communicate with others is decency and tact, not dishonesty... I can think very conflicting thoughts and choose what to say to a person. Not with a wish to manipulate, but to have an appropriate communication. Communication is art, too. Real dis-honesty burdens you, can make you nervous, insecure and always careful to remain "in the act", "in the character", unless you're not a psychopath who can believe their own bullshit... If you have to hide things it will eventually show, it will make you and your (potential) partners nervous, suspicious and not at ease in the situation.

This is a very important advice. ? I got intrigued to join here by some videos - 2c-b and 5meo respectively - the first one I really liked - had to suspend my initial gut reaction and prejudices to make it through the intro part, but the story and insights got good till the end. I had mixed feelings over 5meo video... I can understand where the criticism comes from - the less tolerant, more ego driven people, who share similar reaction. But don't let any affects in. It drains you. It did seem a bit megalomaniac to me, too, but I let it be... I only felt - man, you're not alone, many share that experience, many don't talk in such terms, though. I could see many people would get good advice and life changing ideas from Leo's videos but also many will be confused, misguided or lost... like in any system. Some get crazy from yoga... ? I feel even more like that about Teal Swan - she had revelations while not yet resolving her issues, and she can deeply disturb more feeble followers or seekers who stumble upon her ideas and videos. She can lead into "darkness" and insanity, but also help. I feel similar about some of what I read and watched here. So this answer is a really good one, for anyone confused. When we go deeper, there is a thin line to "insanity", delusion and getting lost in the utter weirdness that everything is. First stay firmly on the ground, balanced, strong, fearless, then take the plunge into the abyss... Also be transparent, honest and don't cling to affects... don't attach to fighting for any idea, just observe the interaction and explore...

? I am not Jodorowsky if you thought that. Thanks for the best vibes from Spain anyway! ✌ Yes, I like combinations over single style, also the retentions are important. You might be interested in Tibetan Tsa Lung practice, too...

You describe Ujjayi pranayama - deep "noisy" inhale and exhale... Yes, it is deeply relaxing and focusing...

13 ujjayi 42 Bhastrika Breathold on inhale, "vase" lock 69 Wim Hof Breaths Breathold on exhale Deep inhale , 15 sec. breath hold relax and.slowly begin another Ujjayi round REPEAT the whole sequence as desired and how capable/comfortble you are... 3 times at least... (ca. 20-30 minutes, more than that repetitions for "psychedelic" intensity ?) You're wellcome! P.S. You can find technique explanations on youtube... This routine, though... just check it out...

I guess it is a bit difficult to tell around here. ??

I only had limited experience with polyamory... I was in a situation when I really felt free and happy with what I became in life and this fulfilment of mine seemed to attract women, too. My libido was sky high and one particular sensual girl opened up what I could only describe as "tantric" sex. No special rituals or anything, just intuitive, out of this world love-making, seeing things, "getting high" from sex, feeling energy flowing, connecting, her having very long (like 10 minutes and more of whole body shaking and twisting) orgasms, I had whole body orgasms, sort of "energetic" ones, etc. We also really felt connected and at ease with each other. A very deep and respectful interaction was going on. I tried to make sense of it all and found it all written in books on Daoist, Tantric, Sex Magick and similar sex practices, but there they mentioned practices and exercises to achieve that, while we somehow tapped into it intuitively. I also had zero need to "possess" her, no jealousy, she also expressed her wish to experiment with another female friend of hers, she was attracted to one of her old friends, who was gay, but she thought they could have sex anyway... and I encouraged her to be free, to experience it all, it takes nothing away from what we had... but - when I look back - I was not really in love with her - not deeply - I loved her as a very good friend, I was attracted to her sexually, but never imagined us becoming a monogamous "couple"... Yet the feeling of the moment was really liberating - like we could experience whatever we want, respect and love each other and everyone involved - it was very fresh and special. We had a few months of out of this world romance, also some "ritualistic magic" sex ordeals with some cannabis edibles, psilocybe mushrooms and not leaving the house for the whole weekends, only having crazy sex for several hours through the days and night, some resting, sleep and sex again, mutual bathing, food, wine, psychedelic journeys, music... all merging into one incredible sensual journey beyond reason, morality, shame, prejudices, where everything was allowed, everything tried out, us being completely open, transparent in our desires to each other, completely unhinged lust, even transforming into animals in visions - making love like a lion and lioness, making love as Shiva (archetype?), experiencing complete surrender, flow, sexual organs were shape-shifting into different forms and ways of connection - like my penis was "travelling" inside her body energetically, becoming longer, thicker, filling her deep, then becoming leaner and snake-like moving through her, triggering intense sensations of pleasure, bodies merging into one another ... all of that even increased that "tantric" kind of experience. It was not just sex, it was "witchcraft" and I really wish everyone alive can experience that. There's so much more possible in lovemaking than the ordinary sex. But there came the time when she had to go to Berlin and I had to go to have some workshops and lectures with other people and we were separated for a while. I was still in that special energy - feeling completely free and open, everything allowed, no jealousy, no possessiveness, I even joked with her on email if she managed to have sex with her female crush and how was it... and I genuinely wished that she had and that she experienced that. But she only wrote to me about how she misses me and about the plans where to go on holidays together, which I was looking forward to, also. While I was with other people there was one particularly nice friend, and as open as I was, she became attracted to me and I felt desire for her. It felt so innocent, so pure, nothing bad meant for anyone, only passion unhinged. We kissed almost by accident one day, the tension becoming too high and we had a wild "affair" in the hotel, the room was shared with some other attendees of the seminar we were at, so we even sneaked onto a balcony at night to have sex, once also got "caught" by one friend, who just left the balcony and we were so lustful that we continued "fucking", knowing she won't come back... We were shameless, joking with our unhinged desire - we talked in dirty words about our lust, being a cocky bastard, she liked to be a "whore", bitch, wanted me to watch her, doing all kind of "depraved" sexual acts with full intensity, we "fucked like rabbits"... she was even squirting - which I experienced for the first time. But there was absolutely no negative emotion, no shame, no jealousy... I also felt deep appreciation and affection towards her. Like finding another special person with whom we can connect on deeper levels. It was a real feeling of bliss on Earth. Freshness, freedom, love, sexual energy! I felt I need to tell my other lover about that, I thought, wow, we have something special going on - everyone is so open, sensual, we can have such a special time on this Earth, enjoying so much together, no one "owning" anyone, all sharing affection and sensuality... and then - blackout... she was devastated to hear I had sex with another woman, she obviously only pretended to be open and free and wanting to experiment with others, while I really felt this openness and freedom... Then I started thinking if all this was wrong - if I hurt people... was I morally wrong? Selfish? I still felt honest and free, but I witnessed hurting others with my unhinged actions... All of us stopped communicating (they didn't want to hear from me). Then another crush of mine contacted me. A very sexy, but timid girl, who didn't know what she wants - she was very horny, single and not able to make connections to any man for several years, because she was too hurt in the past relationships. We met and (because I seemed to be so open and it somehow translated to others) she overcame her shyness and invited me for a massage (she was doing some training for a massage therapist) I agreed. Of course it turned into another otherworldly love-making session... I discovered that obviously that first girl (or our interaction) opened something in me - some sort of "sexual initiation" and that from now on I had similar experiences with all the lovers who were also surprised and discovered a new way of love-making in our "sessions"... The trick was, though, that it also triggered some sort of possessiveness, they wanted to keep that only for themselves, despite declaring free spirit and openness before. It only complicated things way too much. Everyone getting hurt, me feeling like a "gigolo" asshole in the end. We talked about these things, but none of them could feel the same way, even though they contacted me, wanted to establish communication again, but ignoring the other girls, like they don't exist... I think it is very difficult to have those dynamic relationships and maintain some balance, so everyone is happy and friends with everyone else... At that moment none of them had other partners, so I couldn't test how I would REALLY feel - because it was only hypothetical - maybe I would also become jealous or sad or felt cheated... Anyway - we managed to come to terms later and remain (distant) friends and I connected with another girl later, felt deep love for her, a sense of belonging and it felt like a very deep connection, so we "formed a couple" and live together now. I understand this feeling of openness and freedom, but I really don't desire more partners now. I am happy with my "wife" and we develop and grow together. Maybe some of you will find a way to remain in such an open relationship in which everyone is fulfilled and happy, but my experience was as I wrote in all the detail to paint the complexity of the situation (it was even more messed up and tasking). I have no prejudices either way. Do what feels right and makes you function and grow better in this world. Be honest and loving to other people in any way you function with them. But even with all good intentions, you could end up hurting others. Also - really be honest about your actions - having more partners to whom you lie and hide others, is not polyamory, Complete honesty and transparency is needed and then you will see if everyone is really happy in that "arrangement" and if it works.

Until you really deeply fall in love... Then you'll probably feel a bit different about the concept of monogamy... I am sure there is not only one "perfect match" and probably you could have that kind of connection with several people on this planet... But, once you connect, there is not much need to add anything... I don't know what's a "solution" in general. Be honest. Follow your heart, but don't hurt others on the way. Be honest about what you wish, before you seduce them... if you are in an open relationship and it works, why asking for opinion... No need for validation if it works... I have no idea if it is "deeper" or not - I have been in a situation when I understood and felt this complete openness, possibility to (romantically) love more people, to be intimate with more people, open relationships, freedom, polyamory, etc. but it turned out that it is more of an temporary illusion... couples form naturally and it just isn't possible. People get hurt. Unintentionally. It is not so easy, it seems... Maybe you belong to a younger generation and it all changed for you. Anyway, If it works for you - great! Don't overthink it, just enjoy it. Live.

Very good!

What RAW data? The information "code" that binds the forces that form the atoms in a certain array? Or maybe there is a "layer" beyond this code? And how is that not The Truth? - now you are saying basically the same thing as Leo (and many before him) - Truth is Everything, The idea of illusion is Truth, us making mistakes is Truth, wars and rapes and mutilations are Truth... everything is Truth, but you don't say much with that at an intellectual level... because - to our intellect this looks like a tautology, which it is... Like saying - Everything is Everything! OR "If you want to win, you must not loose! Right! And it is Truth - because it is there and it is beyond discriminations, it encompasses All! It easily "cuts (permeates, Is) through" anything, even the questions like "If God is almighty, can it Kill itself" It is killing (and creating) itself all the time... (and you don't need to call it God, it will "do" its own "thing" anyway...) It is simply this desperate attempt to describe those insights in a language of the mind - a message from a realm of no (particular) mind... It is impossible to do, not without "illogical" use of tautologies, approximations, symbolism, Zen koans, Discordian nonsense, dadaism, etc. So, while I am sure you have some gut reaction against some nonsense somewhere, some hint at misunderstanding, or something, you might look more into the "loop" you are creating for yourself with this "raw data" and "Truth"... I believe we can experience incredible things, all this is weirder than anything we can imagine or fantasize about, but at the same time we are part of it - we are It... Yet for some reason we have this separate existence, the discriminating mind and I am still curious about certain implications. I don't fear death, which is fine, but I ask why is this living from point A to B or beeter - B(irth) do D(eath. Is it really the aim of the Universe to experience itself? But why all this very detailed construction... Just look outside. I have a garden... All those interconnected details - soil, the organisms in it, microbes, worms, moles, bugs, etc. then grass and trees in symbiosis with the mycelium that connects it all, the animals, neighbours with all their stories, careers, schools, picnics, friends, histories, family trees, illnesses, etc., other houses with all the electric installations, plumbing systems, kitchens, electronic devices, curtains, atmosphere, clouds, the Moon, stars, other planets, galaxies... All just in and outside of my yard... How can you not wonder? Why go to all this fine details? And beyond it - the layer of molecules, atoms, DNA, quantum forces, information, pure light... A lot of "raw data". Yes, we have not "arrived", yet. Maybe we never will, but it's a journey. So I choose to experience things, in whatever way they are, illusory or not, maybe I interpret them "wrong", etc. and also to listen to fellow humans, their stories, whether they are "me" or not! I think solipsism is a big trick one might fall in - a nice article that might interest you: https://elizabeth-reninger.com/solipsism-advaita/ My advice to myself that I speak aloud - Forget the Absolute Truth and EXPERIENCE Life! Love, create, bring joy and wonder to the world! It is Truth in Revealing itself in every moment, anyway.

That's what I am saying... I don't know what Truth is... especially not the Absolute one. I know a little something, what all is possible to experience in this existence... it is weird beyond belief, yes. You know it, too... But "Absolute Truth"? Nope.

Well, then it is just a label - you could easily call it "All There Is" or "The Foundation of it All" or "Deus sive Natura" as Spinoza did or "All Encompassing Everything" or "42"... Just names, which are concepts - when we engage the mind - talking, writing on a forum... we cannot not-conceptualize. And the name is a bit unfortunate - if you call it "Absolute Truth" it invokes two concepts - "Absolute" - the fixed - non-permeable, static state and "Truth" means the one and only conception, explanation, a single focused revelation... I think calling something Absolute Truth while meaning God (as in a All is One ineffable something) is equally misleading and can cause misunderstanding as anything else... I prefer to avoid "absolutes" while communicating... "I know that I don't know" (it all) is better to me. Probably I misunderstood you anyway.

Absolute Truth is just a concept, too. How can we imagine we have some "Absolute Truth"... not even raw data... What data? Where is it? What is it? But being beyond the conceptualisation and contextualisation is exactly the aim of some practices that try to silence the mind - the origin of those... To abide in an "open awareness"... Bön Buddhism and Dzogchen have some interesting ideas and techniques to use to get there. (so do the psychedelics - but - "set and setting" - who you are is what you get... )

You do know you are dreaming in a lucid dream. Try it. It's incredible and a good lesson on how one might deal with waking reality, too. There is even a traditional formal practice in Vajrayana Buddhism - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche has a book on it - Dream Yoga... To survive in the world we use the filters and work within those illusions, for sure... if you jump in front of the "illusory" train, you will end up this simulation or whatever it is... Do you want to? What's the purpose of it? I don't know. I am not enlightened about it... I just know that I am not THAT attached to my bank account, so even if it dries out, I don't identify with being poor or better - I can choose to react in many ways - play the game, do some work to earn money, don't obsess about the new conditions, I just don't panic - I see the bigger picture... No one here and probably in the world at large arrived at any conclusive, finite knowledge... we are only in awe of the ineffable nature of it all... Not hanging around here long enough to really know what kind of ideas are endorsed as a doctrine or whatever, but I guess it is an open minded space... I guess people, when trying to grasp those concepts intellectually, understand them too literally or in a superficial manner - it has to be experiences - Known from within... Sure, you can live the strictly utilitarian way - as you say - a most applicable and practical philosophy, but that is then useful only for "surviving" the life... there are so many layers to this reality and our experience in ALL this... Don't obsess over definitions...

It is wise to be in different environments. Don't rely on words and definitions too much, neither on explanations of anybody. Especially not zealously or defensive. This all drains a person. Seek live action and inter-actions with others, especially if you need it more than an average person, since you lacked it before, as you wrote. Volunteer work, helping others, etc. can be very beneficial... work with the land if you can - garden, etc. Hike in nature. Also try not to understand certain ideas as "solipsism"... this is the same error as some people do, when they think that Buddhist ideas are against life or pro-death and similar... The meaning of it all goes deeper than that... "To die before you die" is not to be understood too literally, also not the ideas of "You are God", "All is Illusion", etc. And I also don't think compartmentalizing and sticking narrow definitions to the states of being and experiencing the world is particularly useful, it can narrow down the bigger picture and make you think in "boxes" and compartments - you know like people talking about astrological signs, like: "Aha, you're a Virgo, mhm, I know...", despite having a very vague idea about astrology, especially not the more advanced kinds, who take in account the accurate astronomy, and even then... They are just convinced they know something by sticking a label to it and ascribe a definition to it. So, people talk - "Ah, you're libertarian, I know...." or "Ah, you're stage brown (or whatever), we know you..." I prefer to practice what in Dzogchen is called an "open awareness" , a state beyond conceptual thought, just resting in a clear and open awareness... That is a problem with our language and conceptual thinking - it can't REALLY convey the direct experience. Maybe it is wise to go off from here if it burdens your mind and adds more questions than solutions. Social media can be rather fatiguing at times.

Exactly. We should carefully apply that scrutiny to ourselves first. Many of us might have had great insights, experience oneness, Void, being beyond conceptual thought, pure white light, unspeakable bliss and beauty, existing beyond form, the mess of experiences, possibilities, ideas, etc. played at high speed until exhausted in a total blissful Nothing. No words can really convey that state of "mind(?)". You can only point and hint or dance about it , yet we find ourselves here "arguing" with others on a forum. Which is also OK - because "chop wood, carry water..."

The "problem" is that "meditation" in the West today is presented as some sort of wellness modality suited to all and for all kinds of purposes - but especially for calming an anxious nervous wreck that many of the people of today have become... And it could not be the right tool for all. Meditation was traditionally used by people that sought out the "dissociation" they write about in the article, the seekers who were prepared to go through ordeals to achieve greater clarity, a new way of being, etc. Also, the "dissociation" is just a stage, a new kind of Love and compassion can infest an open mind after the old "association" or shall we say - "attachment" falls away. People cling to the known, to needy desires, exploitative social interactions, co-dependence in which they (we) feel safe(r). And underestimate the power of meditation, breath work, etc. to shatter the constructs of the mind and with no road map to guide them, they could become anxious. So, if people do it unguided or with misguided expectations, it could be also "detrimental", at least to their expectations and clinging to the status quo of their perception, but most people give up practicing long before that. That is also why you don't go around pushing psychedelics on everyone, because not everyone needs, or is prepared for, such a life-shattering experience. And there are people with pre-existing conditions, mental issues, etc.

Very similar, we wake up around 5:40 (alarm goes off at 5:30 ) with my partner, do a combination of Pranayama and WIm Hof breathing with some additional mindful meditation at the end - the basic observing of the breathing in and out and calming the mind, resting in the clear and open awareness that breath work facilitates, then we do some stretching, basic asanas or basic qigong to wake up the body in the best way, sometimes a cold shower in the morning, but not every day - we usually shower in the evening. Then we feed our dog and cat, prepare breakfast and the day starts... oh, and COFFEE! One addiction I love and intend to keep in this lifetime!