Gabriel Antonio

Good luck with that...

Is that a good thing?

Agreed!

In our culture, that does not work very well. Yes, there are moments where we can share silence with another person. But in most cases, it just becomes an awkward silence. In my opinion, it's better to practice small talk. The Wikipedia entry is pretty interesting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_talk Well, to me, the key to interacting well with others is all about how much you can relax into the moment. Not always easy to do so. And forcing yourself too much to say something, be relaxed, etc. is counterproductive.

Unfortunately, I still struggle with SA. I wish I had completely overcome it, but that's simply not true. But anyway, I think I get your point. Many people get heavily identified with their mental health condition. They become the condition itself. I have depression > I am depressed > I am depression But in reality, the person is much more than his disorder... Thanks for your input, btw!

Good!

Good! CBT is much better than NLP (which is basically a repackaged version of hypnosis). I've struggled with SA since I was 11. I'm not sure if depression caused my social anxiety, or the other way around. They probably feed each other. One thing that really stands out for me regarding SA is physical discomfort. I tend to accumulate so much tension that when I'm interacting with others my body is really stiff. When I'm not in a, let's say, SA crisis, my body naturally feels more relaxed. So it's key to find ways to connect with your body through singing, yoga, doing a sport you like, etc. Here's a really nice journal on this forum that you might resonate with: All the best, and good luck =)

I love that type of crying <3 It's very healing-ful. You're a really good writer. I'd totally buy a book of yours... Btw, fear is a bitch. Wow... Don't worry about that. There's nothing more inauthentic than fake positivity... “The desire for a more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.”~ Mark Manson (The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck) This is a really good book. More quotes at: https://www.movemequotes.com/success-quotes-from-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-fck/ That is so sweet. I think it's better not to force to say I love you. I don't know how old you are, but I guess you're in your teens. Don't beat yourself up for not being able to express your love to him. Not to blame your dad, but he is the one who was supposed to show his love to you... Here's an interesting concept that came to mind: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_personality Btw, I don't remember if I ever asked you that, but do you go to a psychologist or psychiatrist? They can be VERY helpful. Also, you've inspired me to write more! Thanks for that. All the best, and thanks for keep updating us! ✌

Nature. Meh... This sounds too metaphysical to me.

Good! There cases of people who are emotionally unstable and/or have psychiatric conditions who freaked out during a Vipassana retreat. It doesn't look like that will be your case. Sure, your mind will go crazy at times, but it will hopefully be at a manageable level. Another thing is physical discomfort. I myself am pretty unflexible and my core muscles are quite weak. So sitting for 10-12 hours daily produces so much discomfort that meditation becomes an enduring pain challenge... I just read the following article: https://www.ndoherty.com/vipassana/. Even though he does sound a little whiny, it's pretty interesting. At the end of the article, you can find a few articles that might interest you. From what you've told me, I would say that yes, the retreat will probably be beneficial to you. Naturally, the mind will come up with many excuses, but question them to see if they are really valid. Also, be careful not to get a little neurotic on reading too much about other people's experiences.

Your internal world is a product of your imagination. The external world is not.

Stop attacking the mind.

Well, first of all, enlightenment isn't a very good word in my opinion. It's not as if you become "the chosen one". That being said, enlightenment work isn't for everyone. I myself don't do any practice. Instead, I focus on more basic stuff, such as my physical and mental health. I don't believe "life is a dream", as many non-dualists say. Nor do I think it's helpful to say "There is only the Now", as if it's a hidden thing. Many people in spiritual circles are obsessed in accessing this so-called Now and also in understanding the "Truth"... Anyway, I really like the following Zen saying: "Before enlightenment chop wood and carry water, after enlightenment chop wood and carry water." Focus on basic stuff... All the best

Bingo!!! Do you have the booklist? There are many hidden treasures there as well

Read the instructions on their website very carefully, and during the retreat follow their instructions to heart, with a “beginner’s mind”. Forget everything you know about meditation. If you’re struggling with something, talk to the teacher. Do not try to figure things out by yourself. You are allowed to ask questions once after the daily talk, and you can also talk in private with the teacher for 2 minutes. Yes, it’s not easy. But don’t preoccupy yourself with that. After the initial few days, you’ll probably start to enjoy the practice. Questions: 1- How’s your emotional life going? 2- Do you have any psychiatric condition?

R-e-l-a-x... If you are in a state of relaxation, you will automatically improve many skills at once, effortlessly. If you aren't in that state, you won't progress in any area, despite how much effort you make.

Careful not to turn yourself into a polical correctness police type of person. Middle path is the best...

To put it simply, we are different drops of the same ocean. So in a more profound sense, we are all water.

The real low consciousness thing is to label dark humor as "low consciousness",

Take a break from enlightenment work, and seek professional help. Looks like you're suferring from depression. I hope you get better!

This types of comments really piss me off. Many times psychiatrists are needed!

Zen masters are still human beings, dude...

Your emotional life is like a garden... don’t expect quick fize

Very good question. There are many analogies we can use to understand emotional life. One of it is emotional bank account. If the balance is positive, you can deal with stressful situations. But that is like taking money out of the account. Then, you have to do something that will be like a deposit so that the balance is positive again. Another way to see it is a garden. Don't expect quick fixes, such as doing a breathing exercise that will allegedly make you feel on cloud nine. I'm not saying these techniques don't work, but it is not enough to have a healthy emotional life. To me, using the body playfully and bonding deeply with friends are far more effective than any yogic technique. It's tricky. I ain't superman, so sometimes I take a break. For example, if I am in a stressful meeting, I go to the toilet and pay attention to my breath for a while. Some people can do that mindful observation in-the-moment, but I prefer to go somewhere quiet.