Forestluv

Why do you believe the thought that lsd leads to criminal behavior and heartless? Multiple scientific studies suggest otherwise. Psychedelics score very low on harm to self and others (well below cannabis and alcohol). In clinical studies, psychedelics have significantly relieved symptoms of depression, ptsd, addiction etc. Brain scans have shown psychedelic treatment to relax brain areas associated with self reference (the DMN) and fear (the amygdala) while activating areas associated with empathy - similar to meditation.

@Butters In the relative sense, experiences can seem profound and insightful. The mind loves to engage. In the absolute sense, it is simply another appearance with no more relevance than the appearance of bird calls outside my window.

Because you are going against the tide of a looong history of evolution and social conditioning. Your brain has evolved to accommodate a sense of self that is constantly reinforced socially.

@How to be wise The “personality” or “character” has values - which appears *within* conciousness.

Check out the iTalki community. It worked wonders for my Spanish

All and none of them. . .

@Arkandeus Letting go of control can be extremely difficult to the ego. There are so many nuances and subtleties to control.

It doesn’t have meaning and doesn’t not have meaning. Just is.

My personal will is evaporating. Often, there is no reason for my actions. No meaning or purpose. Just doing whatever.

Am I too good to fit into nature? After all, the rain just caused the drowning of thousands of insects. A snake just ate a cute little mouse. A squirrel pooped on the trail. Two birds have conflict over territory. It makes the office look like a love-fest.

How can seeking be selfish when there is no seeker?

@okulele The knowing isn’t like knowing a fact. It’s just knowing. After my sister died, I grieved. I *know* what it’s like to grieve the loss of a loved one. I don’t have to convince myself or anyone else. I have no desire to debate whether I really know what the grieving process is like. When I encounter someone who recently lost a sibling, there is a connection - a knowing. Similiarly, when consciousness/awareness/reality is present, there is a knowing - that doesn’t need to rationalize or debate. Later, my mind may try to interpret it and become confused, but that is expected since it can’t be figured out or understood.

And unlearn

@Key Elements For sure. It’s potent stuff. I’ve met people who are super careful and intentional with psychedelics and others that are carefree and spontaneous. I wouldn’t advocate being careless as it prolly increases the risk of unintentionally harming oneself or others. Yet. those who have a “whatever happens, happens” attitude seem to surrender soooo much easier.

Very nice. You are aware of your stage. Sometimes when I listen to nondual teachers, they say something like “at an early stage, the self may appear as. . . “ And I think “Omg! That’s right where I’m at!!”. It’s cool being somewhere others have passed

Really? I stumbled my way into my first trip. I messed up measuring on the scale and took about 120mg of 4-Aco-Dmt (about 6X a normal dose). It was the most profound experience of my life.

The character appears and disappears within consciuosness, just like everything. The character has no more relevance than an apple that appears in consciousness. Why give the self character any more relevance than a character that appears in a movie?

BINGO!

@Frylock Sounds like judging and assigning value. They are being, just like you are being and adyashanti is being

Hard to define. . . I’d say it is the character with a story that appears within consciousness

Notice how retreats describe finding inner peace, love, joy and serenity. Sunsets and butterflies. Why don’t retreats ever describe losing self control and going into full-on panic, terror and insanity. It’s all part of the deal.

My ego fought like hell and still does to some extent.

For me, psychedelics are the #1 tool. The only thing the ends The Story

@Lexonn Figuring this stuff out seems really important. Yet, it has no more relevance than watching a movie.

The ego lives in opposite, such as good / bad. So of course it can be”good” or “bad”. That’s how the ego loves to frame the conversation!