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@Natalya Keep in mind, I am speaking of this mask concept in a cultural sense. Individuals have their own individual biases, and cultures as individual groups, so to speak, have their own culture based biases.

Hmm, boy I honestly wish I could say, but I definitely do not consider myself an authority. However, with that said, I know fully well the power that the mind can have over the body. A doctor friend of mine once told me that during medical school, the whole class came down with some kind of skin condition after spending one to two weeks dealing with and studying only that particular skin condition. Take away what you want from what I just said, but as far as the experience I had, let me just say this: I achieved this experience right on the tail of a horrendously shitty few months right before that moment. After reaching the absolute apex of that shittiness, I had some deep personal revelations about myself not really existing, how society is completely intertwined, and also the metaphysical nature of money. The day after these revelations, the experience began and peaked that night. I was completely alone and once the rollercoaster started, it was a hell of a ride. And I would close by mentioning that anyone out there who enjoys recreational substance use would be making a good choice to switch over to yoga with a focus on their first Kundalini awakening.

Well at first, I had to psychologically fight back against some fear, but shortly after came a sort of tipping point where I began to experience incredibly strong rushes of intense, euphoria

Around February 2014, I had quite an experience after heavily delving into deeper meditation practices and the studying of Kundalini. The awakening was hands down the most incredible thing I have ever experienced. And I have experienced some stuff before, make no mistake. It often feels ego driven, but I have spent the last two years attemping to replicate that experience or find something better.

It might be worth mentioning that humans have been using intoxicants for thousands of years. I have personally spent quite a few hours meditating on that fact. It seems like a paradox. Most people can easily point out why intoxicants are bad, but at the same time there does seem to be a deep seated connection between human cultures and the use of intoxicating substances. Regardless of whether we are talking about food, drugs, sex, games, films, shopping, or something else, I think the big question is how much control something has over you and your life.

I have not even seen the course material, so I honestly have no idea. I found this forum through the various YouTube videos, which I have been thoroughly enjoying. You might want to step back for a bit, try taking a break, and looking at your situation. Posting your questions here is probably your best bet. Also, in all honesty, various meditation practices can be extremely helpful. Mindfulness, understanding where your emotions are coming from, all of these things, are definitely helpful.

I have mixed feelings about it. Drinking can definitely be fun, but I have really noticed how it instantly lowers my intelligence. The effect obviously wears off once you sober up, but even a couple drinks can start altering your perception and judgement making skill. That does not mean that drinking is wrong or a bad idea. Just some thoughts on what I have noticed.

Is there any way you can be more specific about what you are afraid of?

I think Leo has an excellent point. Spot on, in fact. With all of that said, and in the spirit of having a seemingly positive discussion about polyamory, I am going to go ahead and play devil's advocate here. A number of the posters here seem to support this concept completely. Some of them seem to feel that it brought satisfaction to their lives. I personally cannot provide any personal experience regarding this subject, but I heard polyamory worked out pretty well for this guy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad%27s_wives *** DISCLAIMER *** I am not promoting or insulting Islam, or any religious group. I want to make this very clear right now. I am also not promoting or insulting the entire subject of polyamory. I just would like point out that the concept has been employed throughout history, and I would like to spark some interesting discussion.

It seems to me that the things I previously wanted to forget, actually contained the most important lessons in them. Rather than avoid the discomfort, I am finding the best path to be simply jumping straight in and examining these former(or current) habits, hobbies,experiences, thoughts. Talk about self revelations...

I think I understand what you are saying and I found myself doing this constantly after moving to/living in a foreign country. At first, I found it extremely disturbing, but lately I have began to move past it. Can you explain more of what you are specifically dealing with?