Gabriel Antonio

Interesting. I just don't like the word "fighting". You can't end war with more war. Btw - remember to not turn "facing your demons" into a paranoia trip.

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Not necessarily. Everybody here is saying it's all normal and everything. But sometimes it isn't. If these experiences get too intense, stop your spiritual practices (or at least take a break). Don't bite more than you can chew...

You need therapy, a support network, and very likely medication.

Just don't talk about it. I used to talk about spirituality hell of a lot. And looking back in retrospect, I looked like a religious person who only talks about Jesus... "My family hates when I'm a Buddhist, but they love me when I'm a Buddha." -- Jack Kornfield

Human bonds is the key.

Sounds like New Age conspiracy theory...

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Yes, you are. Get help!

Bingo!

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it." -- W. C. Fields

--------- No. "Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water." -- Zen Proverb

Presence should come naturally. If you try to be in the moment, you are not in the moment. This idea of being in the present moment can become very neurotic.

Well, then maybe you should try to find a new psychiatrist, whom you can feel comfortable telling what’s going on.

Tell him that ?‍♂️

I’ve been there. I thought I was awakening to the ultimate reality. Long story short, at some point it got way too intense and I ended up having a psychotic break. Took me months to recover...

Your brain. I’m not saying it will go nuts; I am saying it can go nuts. Just be very careful.

Be careful! Kundalini energy is a very tricky thing. If you release it too much, it will get out of control and can make you go nuts. It’s hard to find people who have experience with Kundalini. If you can’t find someone who can help you, it’s better to stop your practice.

I agree with this.

I have heard that thing before a thousands times: "Get out of your comfort zone" etc. Typical orange self-help type of thing. But anyway, our will power is like a muscle. If its used too much, it will get tired. So it's important to pick the right battles. Also, I'm not sure I like the "become obsess about it". This can make us blind and too individualistic. If any feedback is given to us, we disregard it. So in a way, if we're way too focused on our vision, we can become stubborn. And sometimes our vision can lead to an abyss.

I personally wouldn't do those "Laughing meditations". I think laughter should come out naturally. Maybe that could happen in one of those sessions. But it's not something I'm drawn to. I have tried in the to force my smile, because they say endorphin is released, even if you fake it. But I don't do it anymore. It's inauthentic and my smiling muscles get tired after a while. What has really helped me is to have a friend who I can be myself as authentically as possible. This requires intimacy, cultivation, and trust. I have had many experiences where I was feeling very negative, and I allowed myself to feel that way with a close-friend, and suddenly I felt good after a while. Of course, sometimes I still fake smiles/put on a mask, especially when I am around people I don't really know. But it's not something I do to "get in the mood". It's just a social strategy. In fact, if I have to do it too much, I will get drained. So, basically I would say the best way is to hang out with someone who you naturally have affinity with. I don't think that would be healthy. Negative emotions are there for a reason! You can't only have positive ones. Here's some food for thought: Happy 2019!

Yeap, it’s really impressive. They have highly developed equanimity. Equanimity (Latin: æquanimitas, having an even mind; aequus even; animusmind/soul) is a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind.

@LastThursday ??

"You can think your way into right thinking, but you can't think your way into right action." -- Bill Wilson