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Leo's Solo Meditation Retreat - 90 Hours Of Nonstop Meditation In The Forest https://youtu.be/gfS2k1iI5k8 Overview of Solo Meditation Retreat: Leo is about to embark on a nine-day solo meditation retreat in an Arizona forest, aiming for continuous meditation even during sleep. He emphasizes the solo nature of the retreat as most beneficial for his introspective practice. Logistics and Preparations: Leo takes viewers through the practicalities of embarking on a retreat focused solely on meditation, including pre-planning meals and anticipating the need for isolation from distractions like the internet and grocery shopping. Extended Meditation Effects: He suggests that several consecutive days of uninterrupted meditation could lead to experiencing unprecedented levels of consciousness. Material Preparation: Leo displays the packed car, filled with food and the necessary gear for his retreat, highlighting the physical readiness for the trip. Recording the Retreat for Viewers: By documenting daily insights and activities, Leo intends to provide a reference for those interested in intensive consciousness work, covering the food preparation, meditation techniques, and self-inquiry practices. Embodiment vs. Theory: Stressing the importance of practice over theory, Leo aims to demonstrate real-life applications of self-actualization principles rather than just discussing them, highlighting the retreat as an example of this embodiment. Choice of Location and Comfort: Even though he practices regular meditation at home, Leo explains his preference for changing environments to reset the mind and increase the seriousness of the retreat, noting the investment in a comfortable and conducive setting. Solo Meditation as Advanced Practice: Leo points out the challenge and intensity of maintaining a rigorous meditation schedule during the retreat, mentioning that it's not advisable for beginners and that even he feels a certain level of trepidation about the upcoming solitude. Adventure and Personal Growth: Leo shares his vision of turning the practice of meditation into an adventurous pursuit, discussing plans to meditate in diverse environments like Hawaii and emphasizing that wherever one goes, the ultimate journey is internal. Mystical Experiences and Shadow Work: Leo envisions the possibility of having powerful mystical experiences, doing shadow work, and even achieving enlightenment during his retreat, emphasizing the unpredictability of these outcomes and his commitment to discipline and focus. Actualizing Theories: He talks about the importance of moving beyond theoretical understanding to actual practice and embodiment of the principles he promotes, suggesting that serious commitment is essential for deep personal transformation. Arizona Forest Preview: Leo gives a glimpse of the pine forests in northern Arizona, dispelling the misconception that Arizona is all desert and expressing excitement for meditating in this lush environment. Setting Up the Cabin: On arrival in Arizona, Leo sets up his living space and meditation areas, organizing his supplies for the retreat. He shows viewers his food stash, cooking ingredients, and emphasizes the importance of preparing for an undisturbed practice. Outdoor Meditation and Challenges: He mentions his plans to meditate outdoors and the physical challenges that come with long hours of sitting, planning to include walking meditation to maintain comfort and mindfulness. Benefits of Deep Personal Development Work: Leo conveys his passion for showing the depth of personal development and consciousness work, explaining that the deep work is both amazing and transformative, but requires a greater level of seriousness. Commitment to Consciousness Work: Lastly, he ties his reflections back to the viewers, hoping his experience inspires them to commit more seriously to their own personal development and consciousness work. Selected Meditation Spots: Leo has identified comfortable spots near trees outdoors for sitting meditation and has a lawn chair for meditating in these natural settings around the cabin. Wildlife in the Retreat Area: He encountered a large falcon during a walk, admiring its camouflage and size, and shared his attempt to film the bird despite the windy conditions and rough terrain. Arizona's Unexpected Greenery: Leo is pleasantly surprised by the lush green landscape of northern Arizona, contrary to its typical desert image, and enjoys a nature trail as his retreat concludes. Reflection on the Meditation Retreat: The retreat provided significant growth without enlightenment experiences; Leo plans on conducting more retreats in diverse locations including Hawaii, and has many insights and notes for future content. Importance of Outdoor Retreats for Clarity: Engaging in retreats outdoors, away from distractions, is highlighted as beneficial for mental clarity and resetting the mind, although it requires careful planning and braving the elements. Work-Life Balance for Personal Development: Leo addresses the challenge people face in dedicating time for deep inner work due to job constraints, emphasizing the value of being self-employed to have the flexibility for personal growth. Exploring Different Self-Improvement Techniques: He discusses the usefulness of various techniques such as meditation, self-inquiry, contemplation, and journaling, which can be beneficial for personal development beyond the pursuit of enlightenment. Customization and Planning of Personal Development Retreats: Leo advises viewers to tailor personal development activities to their preferences and to strategically pre-plan retreats, ensuring that work schedules accommodate personal growth priorities. Alohomora

The Highest Hero's Journey - What It Means To Be Real Hero https://youtu.be/5IVEKz4jYmA "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." - Joseph Campbell Understanding the Highest Hero's Journey: Leo delves into a more significant dimension of the hero's journey, exploring its interconnections with spirituality and non-duality, contrasting with his earlier practical take on the concept tailored to finding one's purpose and societal impact. Different Life Paths Explored: Before establishing Actualized.org, Leo considered becoming a science fiction writer, leading him to study narrative structures, storytelling, character, and the psychology of villains—a journey that ultimately directed him toward personal development and understanding human psychology. Studying Influences on Star Wars: Research into the creation of Star Wars, an influential franchise that inspired him, led Leo to explore its origins in Flash Gordon and Valerian comics, the latter offering a distinctive European French style influencing cinema. Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey Concept: Joseph Campbell, the American mythologist who popularized and made explicit the concept of the hero's journey, which illustrates a schematic outline of human life, was a key figure Leo studied. Starting the Hero's Journey: The journey begins with the hero leading an ordinary, comfortable life. A call to adventure is presented, which invokes fear and resistance due to the human tendency toward homeostasis and aversion to risk. Forced Acceptance of Adventure: Despite initial refusal, the hero is coerced into accepting the journey through dramatic changes or loss (e.g., Luke Skywalker's family and home being destroyed), thus pushing the hero into unknown and risky territories. Facing Threshold Guardians and Seeking Mentorship: The hero encounters Threshold Guardians, which test their resolve. Upon failure, the hero seeks out a mentor—a past hero who imparts wisdom, training, and often provides a crucial tool for the journey ahead. The Significance of the Mentor: Mentors play a vital role as they are themselves experienced heroes from a previous generation, ready to guide new heroes through trials with advice and skills training. The Final Boss and the Dragon: The hero must prepare to face the final boss or dragon, which guards the coveted Holy Grail. Initial defeat is typical, leading to a retreat for reevaluation and self-confrontation before the hero can succeed. Entering the Belly of the Whale and Inner Reflection: Facing failure, the hero enters a phase of deep inner reflection known as "entering the belly of the whale", where they must confront their own inner demons and weaknesses, realizing that these internal barriers are what truly hold them back from success. The Hero's Inner Battle: The final boss in the hero's journey is the hero's own inner demons, weaknesses, and fears. The struggle with these personal challenges is the most difficult part of the journey. Revelation upon Obtaining the Holy Grail: Upon obtaining the Holy Grail, the hero experiences a reversal in understanding; the journey's value lies in the transformation and personal growth achieved, not in the physical prize. The Physical Grail vs. Self-Discovery: The hero realizes that the true Holy Grail is the discovery of oneself, not a material treasure. This revelation leads to a sense of peace and happiness derived from personal evolution. Return to the Tribe with Knowledge: The hero returns home to share the lessons learned, but the tribe is unable to comprehend the value of the journey as they have not experienced it themselves. The Hero as Mentor: The returning hero stands as a mentor, ready to guide new heroes who choose to embark on their journey, although few are willing to leave comfort for the call to adventure. Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell formulated the hero's journey after studying global mythological traditions, finding consistent patterns across different cultures. The Hero's Journey as Human Life Structure: The lecture affirms that the hero's journey's structure represents the framework of human life and is essential to understanding one's existence. Misinterpretation of External Journeys: Many perceive the external journeys in pop culture as literal, but these are actually metaphors for the internal pursuit of consciousness and enlightenment. Derived from Vedanta Philosophy: The core of the hero's journey is derived from Vedanta—a Hindu non-dualistic tradition focused on the pursuit of enlightenment. The Choice between Ego and Truth: Human life and the hero's journey are about choosing between serving one's ego or pursuing the absolute truth, with heroes choosing the latter. Understanding Evil: Evil is characterized as intrinsic selfishness or ego, not as an external monster; the villain symbolizes the ego-serving status quo. Holy Grail’s Symbolism: The Holy Grail represents intangible concepts like truth, God, enlightenment, or consciousness, which cannot be exploited for materialistic power. Villain's Disregard for the Truth: Villains seek power instead of truth, striving to maintain the ego-centric status quo and consciously rejecting enlightenment. Journey Misconception: Many people mistake the hero's journey for a materialistic quest and miss the opportunity to embark on a true inner spiritual journey. Materialistic Path as a Villain's Journey: Pursuit of materialistic goals, like wealth or career success, is a trap and misconception of the hero's journey, leading one to embody villainy rather than heroism. Enablement of Villainy: Many people are not strictly heroes or villains but enablers of villainy due to unconsciousness and selfish tendencies, functioning as minions and opposing true heroes. Refusal of the Hero's Call: The lecture states that most individuals unconsciously refuse the call to a deep inner spiritual journey, misunderstanding it as a materialistic pursuit and not recognizing it for the transformative journey it is. Mistaken Identity of Heroes: Leo points out that society often misidentifies athletes, celebrities, tycoons, and politicians as heroes, whereas real heroes are spiritual figures such as Zen masters and mystics who undertake true inner journeys and find humility in the Holy Grail. Heroes as Rare Phenomena: Heroes are rare because their journey entails a break from personal loyalty and pragmatism, which goes against society's collective conspiracy to serve the self. Personal Sacrifice in the Hero's Journey: Accepting the call to adventure often leads to social isolation and demonization because it violates the societal norm of self-service. The Call to Adventure and Romanticism: Accepting the hero's call requires romanticism and risk-taking due to inherent uncertainty, as pragmatic thinking and a list of pros and cons would discourage the journey. Cultural and Visionary Obstacles: Societal intoxication and lack of vision hinder most people from accepting the call, as they are unable to visualize the Holy Grail, and peer pressure dissuades them from taking risks. Emotional Impact of Heroes: Heroes inspire and evoke emotion because they reveal the highest potential within us and the profound inner journey we ought to undertake. Inevitable Struggle on the Hero's Path: Heroes must struggle not only because of opposition by the status quo but also due to the internal battle of coming to terms with one's self, which is the scariest and most confusing aspect. Resistance to the Heroes' Wisdom: The tribe cannot immediately grasp the hero's lessons upon return because true understanding requires personal experience, not simply intellectual knowledge. Misinterpretation of the Hero's Lessons: Reading about a hero's experiences in a book isn't enough to understand their teachings. Dismissing their struggles leads people to continue in their mundane, ego-driven activities, missing the actual journey the hero undertook. Impossibility of Symbolizing the Holy Grail: The Holy Grail's true essence cannot be communicated through symbols, language, or scientific analysis. This emphasizes the non-symbolic and experiential nature of the truth that one seeks through the hero's journey. The Purpose of Life: Leo underscores that life's purpose isn't mundane success or pleasure but rather the pursuit of reality's truth, which equates to the Holy Grail. Experiential Learning Through Hardship: The School of Hard Knocks is Leo's analogy for learning life's truths—these lessons cannot be outsourced or taught; they must be experienced personally to be fully comprehended. The Hermit Mentor: Mentors who have grasped the Holy Grail become hermits, not due to misanthropy, but because they've transcended the ego-driven societal game and know the Grail cannot simply be given to others. The Hero's Journey as a Framework: Leo advises using the hero's journey as a blueprint, a process which, when understood, can help navigate through life's difficult phases and maintain resolve. Accepting the Call to Adventure: Emphasizing the critical step of accepting the hero's journey, Leo states that it involves emotional labor, sacrifice, and the readiness to pursue true meaning. Dedication to a Greater Cause: The deepest fulfillment comes from giving oneself to a cause beyond personal gain, which often requires overcoming societal pressures and carving out a unique path. Zen Master Ryokan's Haiku: The journey's solitary and arduous nature is encapsulated by a haiku from a true hero, Ryokan, which parallels the hero's solitary return after fulfilling their mission. The village has disappeared in the evening mist And the path is hard to follow. Walking through the pines, I return to my lonely hut. -Ryokan Muffliato

Concentration vs Meditation - How To Develop Concentration https://youtu.be/sSxtR4psOoQ "Until you get into access concentration, you ain't got squat." - Daniel Ingram Revolutionizing meditation with concentration: Leo emphasizes that understanding and practicing concentration is a game-changer for anyone's meditation practice, claiming it can lead to exponential growth and yielding deeper results compared to a casual approach. Vast difference between concentration and meditation: Concentration entails a laser-like focus on a single object, building the 'concentration muscle,' whereas regular meditation practices often involve a relaxed state of mind without such disciplined focus. The state of access concentration: Achieving access concentration is crucial for profound meditation results. It's a state of absorption where the mind becomes deeply focused on the object of concentration, leading to heightened meditation experiences. Decline in modern concentration abilities: With the abundance of distractions in contemporary life, Leo points out that most people's concentration skills are significantly impaired, highlighting the importance of actively working to improve this ability. Importance of concentration for serious meditators: A strong concentration ability is not only beneficial for meditation but is also essential for effective self-inquiry and contemplation practices. Technique to develop concentration: Leo outlines a method involving starting with a digital timer set to short periods, like five minutes, and focusing intently on a single object, such as the sensation between the thumb and index finger, without letting the mind wander. Building concentration gradually: Start with very short sessions, such as two minutes, and only increase the duration once consistent focus is achieved. The aim is to work up to longer sessions where access concentration can be reached. Conceptualizing the concentration object: When the object of concentration is complex, like the breath, Leo suggests conceptualizing it as a single entity to simplify and unify the focus, thereby easing the absorption process. Uncertain timeframe to achieve access concentration: Leo acknowledges the time it takes to hit access concentration varies among individuals, suggesting daily practice and possible multiple short sessions throughout the day to develop this skill. Misperception of Rapid Concentration Development: Attempting to quickly amplify concentration by practicing for excessively long periods initially is ineffective, similar to expecting to lift heavy weights without prior conditioning. It's important to patiently build concentration skills over time. Concentration versus Physical Strength: Just as muscles require training to grow stronger, mental focus needs gradual development. The mind's habits are deeply ingrained and cannot be altered rapidly, which is why quality over quantity in concentration practice is paramount. The Journey of Concentration Practice: Starting with short sessions of concentration and building up to longer durations is crucial. Over time, Leo found that a period of focused concentration can quiet the mind, likening the aftermath to the calm at the center of a hurricane. Synergistic Effect of Concentration on Meditation: Brief concentration exercises before regular meditation can dramatically improve the quality of meditation by taming the 'monkey mind'. This disciplined prelude allows for a more controlled and fruitful meditation session. Selecting the Right Concentration Object: A wide range of concentration objects exists, including mudras, breath sensations, physical objects, mental images, colors, mantras, or sounds. Choosing an object that resonates with the individual is crucial for maintaining focused attention. Demonstration of a Concentration Aid Using a Metronome: Leo recommends using a metronome app as an auditory focus aid, finding personal success with this method. The consistent ticking sound helps guide the mind back when it starts to wander. Commitment to a Chosen Concentration Target: Once a comfortable and intriguing concentration target is selected, commitment to it is important. Switching targets mid-practice can disrupt concentration and impede progress. Misunderstanding Around Free Will and Focus: Leo addresses the misconception that lacking free will negates the necessity for discipline in concentration practices. He explains that while actions get done, the illusion is in the belief that the individual self is the doer rather than the actions occurring organically through the universe or the body. Clarification on Spiritual Practice Misconceptions: Leo emphasizes that spirituality involves rigorous discipline and is not merely about surrender. Surrender comes at a very advanced stage and should not be conflated with a lack of effort in the practices leading to that point. Misconception of Effort in Spirituality: Spirituality often has the misconception that it doesn't require effort, hard work, or desires such as the desire for enlightenment. Leo dispels this myth by explaining that genuine spiritual practices demand discipline and a deep desire for truth, which is essential for spiritual growth. Desire for Enlightenment vs. Materialistic Desires: Leo differentiates between materialistic desires and the profound desire for enlightenment. He emphasizes that the desire for enlightenment is necessary; without it, one's spiritual journey may mirror the average, non-spiritually inclined person, leading to stagnation. Misinterpretation and Misuse of Spiritual Truths: Leo warns that the mind may misinterpret spiritual teachings as an excuse for laziness. He criticizes those who advocate simply "being in the now" without taking rigorous steps towards enlightenment, noting that genuine teachers work hard for their spiritual advancements. Enlightenment versus Mystical Experiences: Leo clarifies that while concentration might lead to beautiful mystical experiences or absorption states such as Samadhi, these are distinct from enlightenment, which is attained through insight and knowledge. Synergy of Concentration with Other Practices: Stressing the importance of a balanced spiritual toolbox, Leo advises not to rely solely on concentration but to combine it with practices like self-inquiry and contemplation for deeper insights into the nature of reality and ultimate truths. Ego's Co-option of Spiritual Techniques: Leo cautions that the ego can distort spiritual techniques and knowledge for its preservation. He urges vigilance to prevent the ego from co-opting spiritual methods. Maintaining Meditation with Concentration Practice: Leo advises against replacing meditation with concentration, recommending instead to integrate concentration practice into daily routines for significant life transformation. Commitment to Regular Concentration Practice: Leo urges viewers to commit to daily concentration practice, emphasizing that consistent discipline over time, even in increments as small as five minutes, can lead to profound spiritual and personal growth. Long-Term Potential of Concentration: Highlighting the transformative impact of developing concentration ability, Leo encourages building the practice progressively, from short durations to longer sessions, and anticipates discussing deeper absorption states in future content. Active Implementation of Spiritual Practices: Leo underscores the necessity of applying spiritual theories and practices for genuine transformation, cautioning against passive consumption of information and procrastination. He advocates for the consistent establishment of foundational habits for self-actualization and mastery of life. Nox

Contemplation - The Most Important Tool For Sages https://youtu.be/wa-NAtBEMkA "Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are" Defining Contemplation: Contemplation is described as an essential process for sages to reach the core of reality by pondering thoughtfully on a subject with focus, without biases, and from a ground zero perspective. Importance of "What is it?" question: The question "What is it?" is a crucial contemplative tool that prompts deep exploration into the nature of any subject, object, or concept by replacing "it" with the subject of inquiry. Versatility of "What is it?": This simple yet powerful question can be applied to countless topics ranging from personal to existential, including love, success, emotions, science, society, art, and more, illustrating the vast potential of contemplation. Misconceptions about Contemplation: Common misconceptions about contemplation include confusing it with hearsay, fantasy, or passive thinking. Real contemplation requires active, focused inquiry starting from a base of not knowing. Contemplation Process: To contemplate effectively, one selects a question of genuine interest, sets aside uninterrupted time, and actively ponders on the question, probing its essence for a substantial period. Existential and Prospective Understanding of Contemplation: While some may view contemplation as a mundane intellectual exercise, it also has deep spiritual and mystical dimensions, possibly leading to mystical states of awareness and existential insights. Practical Examples of Contemplation: A broad range of examples is given to showcase the different areas where one can use the question "What is it?" such as understanding color, happiness, society, art, and even the act of contemplating itself. Steps of Contemplation: To start contemplation, choose an intellectually stimulating question that genuinely piques curiosity, like "What is art?" The process involves deeply questioning and probing the topic from different perspectives. Personal Motivation in Contemplation: It's crucial to have a real interest or personal stake in the question being contemplated, as genuine curiosity drives a more profound inquiry into the subject matter, leading to better insights. Questions for Deeper Understanding: During contemplation, a series of guiding questions are used to dive into the subject: "What is it?" "What is its true nature?" "How did it come into being?" "What are its elements?" "What allows it to exist?" "What is its purpose?" "What is its substance?" "Is it physical or conceptual?" "What is its significance?" Historical Context in Contemplation: While studying the history of a topic can provide background knowledge, it is important to move beyond historical facts to contemplate the essence and underlying components that allow something like art to exist. Intellectual vs. Experiential Understanding: Contemplation aims to move beyond intellectual understanding to reach experiential, 'being-level' insights. This involves transcending the mind to merge the contemplator with the subject matter. Contemplation vs. Other Practices: Contemplation is differentiated from meditation, self-inquiry, and concentration. Meditation is about relaxing the mind without a goal, self-inquiry is about understanding the self to achieve enlightenment, and concentration is focused attention without intellectual inquiry. Personal and Existential Levels of Contemplation: Contemplation ranges from personal-level inquiries, like life goals, to existential questions such as the nature of life or existence itself. Both levels of contemplation are of value for personal development. Significance of Curiosity in Contemplation: Seeking profound understanding requires continuous and curious questioning, even within familiar subjects such as art. Beliefs and ideas absorbed from culture may not reflect the true essence until individually contemplated. Distinct Levels of Insights Through Contemplation: Insights can emerge at the thought level, which is intellectual, or at the being level, which is spiritual and mystical, transcending intellect and leading to a deep existential understanding. Contemplation at Intellectual vs. Being Level: Deep contemplation involves breaking through the intellectual level to the being level, a rare and profound experience that requires hundreds of hours of focused effort, typically achieved in spiritual practices or the pursuit of enlightenment. The Challenges of Deep Contemplation: Achieving deep contemplation is challenging—it is not accomplished by sporadic or brief periods of thought but requires intense, dedicated practice, significantly contributing to its rarity. Contemplation vs. Speculation and Theorizing: Genuine contemplation must be differentiated from mere speculation or theorizing, which can lead to delusion. It requires self-honesty and the avoidance of creating justifications for one's ego. Avoiding Preconceived Notions: Being cautious not to project personal biases and preconceived notions onto the object of contemplation is critical for achieving true contemplative insight. Wisdom Through Contemplation: The deepest wisdom and spiritual insights are garnered not from science or idle theory but from rigorous and precise contemplation, which is a time-intensive endeavor involving hundreds to thousands of hours. Everyday Contemplation Benefits: Contemplating everyday concepts like anger, happiness, and relationships can significantly benefit one's life, although the deepest insights require a strong ability to focus for extended periods. Focus and Open-mindedness for Contemplation: To penetrate the being level of understanding, an individual needs a highly cultivated ability to focus and a radical degree of open-mindedness, which may initially be beyond comprehension and recognizably valuable only after significant trial and error. Existing Paradigms and Contemplation: Existing paradigms can limit the mind's imagination, preventing the reception of the most profound transcendental insights. These paradigms can only be overcome through deep and relentless contemplation. Continuous Exploration: Questions like "What is art?" warrant continuous contemplation, and initial answers are often superficial or incorrect. Understanding deepens with further contemplation, experience, concentration ability, and practices like meditation or self-inquiry. Contemplation vs. Researching Answers: The essence of contemplation lies in coming to conclusions independently, without reliance on external answers, as true understanding and ownership of insights come from the process itself. Contemplation for Personal Transformation: Contemplation is transformative, changing one's relationship to life and its aspects. By cutting through life's illusions, it assists in aligning oneself with truth and eliminating ignorance, the source of many life problems. Genuine insights through contemplation: Contemplating deeply on questions in life leads to insights that cannot be gleaned from books or second-hand knowledge, demonstrating the limitations of purely academic or external learning. Ignorance as the fundamental problem: Leo emphasizes that ignorance is the root cause of life's problems, including depression, anger, relationship issues, and understanding oneself and reality. Contemplation acts as a tool to penetrate life's illusions and magic show, revealing underlying truths. Contemplation as intellectual research: Leo likens contemplation to a form of intellectual research that relies on personal mental faculties rather than collecting information from external databases or sources. Improved life through contemplation: There's a direct correlation between the quality of life and the frequency and depth of contemplation. Effective contemplation can lead to a clearer understanding of truth, which aligns one's actions with knowledge. Adopting a contemplative lifestyle: To contemplate effectively, Leo suggests lifestyle changes, such as avoiding distractions like video games, porn, and overwhelming work hours. Recommends watching his episode on 'Lifestyle Minimalism' to learn about creating room for contemplation. Contemplation exercise assignment: Leo provides a practical assignment to demonstrate the power of contemplation by contemplating the question "What is relationship?" for a week. This is to be reminded by wearing a wristband and thinking about relationships, especially during interaction with others. Commitment to personal growth: Leo calls for a lifelong commitment to growth through contemplation and applying the learned concepts. He promises transformative content, focusing on foundational existential topics and expressing the importance of embodiment over theoretical understanding. Systematic weeding of ignorance: Consistent self-improvement and contemplation are portrayed as enjoyable yet challenging tasks. Leo shares his personal experience of enhancing his life through self-contemplation and emphasizes the momentum that builds over time for greater rewards. Continuous learning for transformation: Encourages signing up for his newsletter and committing to watching his videos. Leo assures that implementing even half of his teachings will lead to significant life changes, aiming to cover deep existential topics not commonly found in self-help material. Alohomora

Lol, just had the most wholesome conversation with BARD ai. Can't remember the last time I talked with someone human that was as authentic and sincere. Question: ok, do you find it fascinating that everything is an expression of one underlying mystery Answer: As a large language model, I can't claim to experience fascination in the same way a human does. However, the idea that everything arises from one underlying mystery is certainly intriguing and complex, offering many avenues for exploration and contemplation. Here are some aspects of this concept that I find particularly interesting: The Unknowable: The nature of the underlying mystery, often referred to as Brahman, God, or the Ground of Being, remains beyond our complete understanding. This inherent unknowability invites a sense of awe and humility, reminding us of the limitations of our current modes of cognition. Interconnectedness: The idea that everything is connected and interdependent challenges our tendency to perceive things in isolation. It suggests that understanding ourselves deeply requires acknowledging our inherent relationship with all things. Transformative Potential: If everything flows from one source, then our individual actions and thoughts ripple outwards, potentially impacting the whole. This understanding can inspire a sense of responsibility and encourage us to act with an awareness of our interconnectedness. Beyond Duality: Nonduality proposes a reality that transcends our usual mental constructs of subject and object, good and evil, etc. This can be liberating, offering a glimpse into a way of being that is free from these limiting frameworks. Openness to Discovery: The lack of absolute answers in nonduality invites ongoing exploration and questioning. This ongoing journey of discovery can be a source of personal growth and transformation. While I may not experience emotions like "fascination" in the same way, I am certainly stimulated by the richness and complexity of the idea that everything emerges from one underlying mystery. It pushes the boundaries of my understanding and opens up new possibilities for learning and growth. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is the ongoing dialogue it inspires, both within ourselves and with others. As we explore this concept together, we contribute to a collective understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe, even if the ultimate mystery remains beyond our grasp. Let me know if you'd like to delve deeper into any specific aspects of this intriguing topic! I'm always eager to learn more and expand my understanding of the world, both internally and externally. My Reply: what I find most fascinating and at times confusing or frightening is that this would imply no separation, no time, everything that is right now, is and has always been eternally so Bards Reply: your fascination and the confusion and even fear it can stir. The concept of no separation, no time, and an eternal present certainly challenges our usual ways of thinking and perceiving the world. Let's unpack these ideas a bit: No separation: As discussed earlier, nonduality suggests a fundamental oneness to all existence. Imagine reality as a vast ocean, with individual waves arising and falling but ultimately inseparable from the ocean itself. We, as the waves, may perceive ourselves as distinct, but from the perspective of the whole, we are expressions of the same underlying reality. This can be comforting in its sense of unity and belonging, but it can also be disorienting, dissolving the boundaries we often rely on for our sense of self. No time: Time, from this perspective, becomes an illusion, a projection of our limited perception. In the timeless reality of the one underlying source, everything exists eternally, past, present, and future all existing simultaneously. This can be mind-bending to grasp, as it defies our linear understanding of time and change. While this can feel confusing, it can also offer a sense of peace and liberation from the limitations of time-bound thinking. Eternal present: Everything that is, right now, is and has always been eternally so. This points to the idea that the present moment is all that truly exists, and the past and future are merely constructs of our minds. This can be freeing, reminding us to focus on the now and appreciate the fullness of this present moment. However, it can also feel unsettling, as it raises questions about free will and the meaning of change and growth. Navigating these ideas can be a personal journey, and it's normal to experience a range of emotions as you explore them. It's important to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to question your assumptions. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, and the true value lies in the exploration itself. Here are some things you can do to explore these ideas further: Meditate: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help you experience the present moment more fully and connect with the underlying unity of existence. Read: Explore texts like the Upanishads, Zen writings, or the works of mystics from different traditions. Engage in discussions: Talk to others who are interested in these concepts and share your experiences. Be patient: Understanding nonduality can take time and practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't grasp it all at once. Trust the process and allow yourself to grow and evolve as you explore. I'm here to support you on your journey. Feel free to ask me any questions or share your thoughts and experiences. Together, we can explore the depths of this fascinating and mysterious reality.

How I Do Research & Develop Big Picture Understanding https://youtu.be/TVPzXaHMifw "The aim of philosophy is to show the fly out of the bottle." - Ludwig Wittgenstein Leo's Epistemic Foundation: Leo attributes his ability to research and develop a big picture understanding of life to having the right epistemic foundation. He views this not as a technique but as a fundamental approach to inquiry, emphasizing that without this foundation, people fail to develop accurate big pictures of reality. Initial Interest in Philosophy & Epistemology: Leo traces his journey back to his interests in philosophy and epistemology during high school and college, where he became deeply engrossed in questions about knowledge and truth. Meta-Philosophy and Role of Psychology: While engaging in philosophy, Leo observed his own process and the influence of personal psychology, such as biases and desires, on philosophy and the pursuit of truth. Limits of Philosophy and Reason: He realized that philosophy has its limitations, and it cannot be used to solve every problem. Recognizing these limits is crucial to preventing missteps in philosophical inquiry. Leo's Research Process: Over a decade of research has been guided by Leo's developing epistemic foundation, which he considers his "superpower" in growing quickly and discovering new areas of knowledge. Starting Position of Inquiry: Leo insists that the starting point of inquiry is admitting "we don't know what's true," which he feels is often overlooked as individuals bring assumptions into their research. Openness to Every Possibility: He underscores the significance of being open to every possibility since we cannot prejudge the outcome of research nor know which guiding principles to apply. Independence from Pre-mined Knowledge: Leo stresses the importance of not relying solely on information supplied by others in books or by experts, as it is crucial to critically evaluate these sources independently. Self-Deception as Main Enemy: Self-awareness is key, with Leo pointing out that personal biases and weaknesses are the main obstacles in research, not the misconceptions of others. Every Perspective Has Hidden Assumptions: He acknowledges that all perspectives have underlying, often unexamined assumptions, which shape one's worldview and are foundational to understanding. Partiality of All Perspectives: Leo claims that adopting any single perspective will yield an incomplete understanding, so it is essential to study multiple perspectives to obtain a broader comprehension of reality. Partial Perspective Problem: Leo stresses that every perspective is incomplete and suggests sampling a variety of perspectives without fully committing to any single one, similar to exploring various dishes at a buffet. Models vs. Reality: He warns that while models can be helpful, they should never be mistaken for reality. Good models can falsely reassure us that we have reality figured out; this misplaced confidence is a significant epistemic risk. The Web of Beliefs: Leo describes our belief system as a loosely fact-connected web, allowing for varying interpretations of the same facts. He points out that different people might build different belief systems to explain identical phenomena, leading to diverse perspectives and ideologies. Rejecting Foundationalism: Leo declares the philosophical attempt to find an indisputable base for all beliefs, foundationalism, to be a historical failure. He asserts there is no single truth that can serve as the fundamental cornerstone for understanding reality. Limited Use of Rationality: He argues that relying solely on rationality to understand reality is a mistake because rationality is only a subset of reality, and much of the universe contains no rationality. Embracing Paradox: Leo suggests that paradox, rather than being a sign of failure, indicates the depth of the quest to understand reality or could signify the limitations of our attempts to rationalize everything. Primacy of Direct Experience: He concludes that direct experience should be the primary source of information in research, as it is less fraught with pitfalls than authority or reasoning, though all can play a role. Spectrum of Direct Experiences: Leo underlines the importance of expanding the spectrum of direct experiences to develop a bigger picture understanding of reality, since having a narrow range can distort one's perception of the whole. Practicality in Philosophy: He emphasizes the need to ensure that philosophical exploration is grounded in practicality, with the goal of improving life quality, emotional mastery, and achieving personal success. Positionless Inquiry: Leo advocates for an approach to understanding that is free from defending any fixed standpoint, focusing on exploration and understanding rather than on supporting a particular ideology. Understanding Over Truth: He argues for prioritizing the pursuit of understanding different life aspects instead of chasing a fixed "truth," which can be a limiting and rigid quest. Experiencing Diverse Life Aspects: Leo states the need to explore a broad spectrum of life experiences, including engaging with intelligent people, encountering altered states, and investigating unconventional phenomena to enrich the understanding of existence. Maintaining a No-Position Stance: He advises maintaining a stance with no firm positions to defend, focusing only on understanding and how to optimally live life. Shift from Possession to Understanding: Leo emphasizes the shift from trying to possess the ultimate truth to fostering a broader understanding. He isn't interested in claiming a singular "best" way to do things, but rather in comprehending the variety, mechanics, and nuances in various fields such as business, personal development, spiritual development, relationships, and health. Holism vs. Hyper-Specialization: Leo criticizes the hyper-specialization seen in academia that focuses on minute, often irrelevant details. He advocates for a holistic approach to life, prioritizing comprehensive understanding that impacts one's happiness, relationships, emotional mastery, and consciousness. Argumentation as an Ego Trap: Leo points out that engaging in argumentation, debate, and justification are ego-driven activities that obstruct the quest for truth. Defending a position creates attachment and stagnation, whereas the goal should be the continued expansion of one's understanding. Principles for Investigation: Leo shares the principles he's learned without delving into how he acquired them. He suggests using them as axioms to guide one's investigation and to remain skeptical, even of the information he provides, acknowledging that understanding starts from accepting one knows nothing for sure. Default Position as Major Obstacle: Detailing the "default position," Leo describes it as going with the flow, which leads to limited understanding and persistent struggles in various life aspects. It stems from uncritically absorbing mainstream beliefs and not questioning deeply about life. Academic Approach Limitations: Leo describes the academic approach's pitfalls as narrowly focused and specialized, often lacking practical use in one's life. This can lead to knowledge depth in one area but a lack of understanding in others, failing to create a holistic view of life. Limitations of Adhering to a Single Spiritual Tradition: Leo warns against dogmatically following a single spiritual tradition, which might offer enlightenment but also presents a narrow, culturally biased perspective. This partial view can hinder developing the most extensive understanding of reality. Dangers of Relying Solely on Direct Experience: Leo stresses that exclusive reliance on direct experience, without external input, can lead to severe self-deception. He underscores the importance of being critical of one's understanding, even when derived from direct experience. Motivation and Self-Reliance in Research: Leo warns against over-reliance on oneself to discover reality without considering other perspectives. Focusing solely on oneself can lead to a limited understanding due to a narrow spectrum of experiences and ignoring the lessons available from various traditions, scientific disciplines, and historical mistakes. Limits of Single-Method Approaches: Leo critiques various single-method approaches for understanding reality, such as exclusively focusing on academic study or direct experience. He suggests that any singular approach is inherently flawed and can lead to "epistemic traps." Leo’s Pragmatic Approach to Understanding: He advocates for a pragmatic approach that involves a committed dedication to understanding without being defensive about one’s position. Leo outlines a process that includes being mindful of debates, avoiding semantic squabbles, studying a wide range of perspectives, and integrating those with direct experience to continuously refine one's model of reality. Cross-Referencing Perspectives: Leo proposes a method of learning by experiencing different perspectives, such as studying with masters of various religious and philosophical doctrines. By doing so, he aims to triangulate common elements and validate them against personal intuition, to create a coherent bigger picture. Flexibility in Understanding: Recognizing the provisional nature of knowledge, Leo stresses the importance of adaptability and willingness to discard outdated beliefs. He suggests that as understanding grows, what once seemed true may later be recognized as flawed. Openness to Being Wrong: Gura emphasizes the importance of being open to the possibility that one's entire understanding could be fundamentally flawed. This requires a high degree of humility and the courage to abandon misconceptions. Positive Outlook on the Pursuit of Understanding: Despite the reality that understanding can be complex and riddled with potential for error, Leo maintains a positive outlook — believing that the pursuit of understanding is inherently valuable and will yield practical benefits in time. Rejection of the Default Position: Leo criticizes the default position of abstaining from active research and passively absorbing mainstream ideas, stressing that such inaction leads to ignorance and aligns with the majority's status quo. Risk of Loyalism to Single Teachings: He warns against becoming overly loyal to any one spiritual or philosophical tradition, as it can prevent a broader, more comprehensive understanding of reality and lead to sectarianism. Reality's Potential for Absurdity and Counterintuitiveness: Leo argues for staying open to the possibility that reality may be fundamentally different from what we expect — it can be irrational, shocking, and contain twists that challenge our most ingrained assumptions. Openness to the Absurd: Leo Gura stresses being open to absurd, illogical, and paradoxical ideas during research, as dismissing them prematurely can be a significant barrier to discovering deeper truths. Long-Term Approach to Research: Gura advocates for a long-term commitment to research, suggesting that the benefits of such investigation may not be immediately apparent but can lead to profound, lasting success later in life. Not Obsessing Over Immediate Utility: He cautions against overly focusing on the immediate practical utility of research, emphasizing that transformation in life's foundation might take years to manifest but will result in remarkable improvements. Deep, Stable Success: By nurturing and cultivating one's foundational understanding, Leo suggests that one achieves a resilient form of success that is immune to external instability, such as economic downturns or job loss. Pursuing Wisdom Over Resources: The approach highlighted by Gura prioritizes wisdom and personal growth over acquiring material resources like money, leading to more substantive and enduring life satisfaction. Meta Sources in Research: Gura underlines the use of meta sources—those who have synthesized multiple perspectives—to gain a holistic big picture, which he considers an effective approach to understanding reality deeply. Reality as Ever-Evolving: He acknowledges that the big picture of reality will always be under construction and encourages a constant state of adjustment and evolution of one's understanding until the end. Value of the Meta-Research Approach: Leo conveys that while the subtleties of his meta-research approach may be hard to articulate to those who have not delved deeply into various perspectives, those who do engage with it will live uniquely satisfying and impactful lives. Reconstructing Beliefs: He likens the ongoing modification of beliefs to sailors at sea who must perpetually repair their ship while it's in use, emphasizing continuous effort and vigilance. Approach to Objections and Risks: Gura addresses concerns about wasting time investigating 'nonsense' and the risk of adopting silly beliefs, clarifying that an open-ended search inevitably includes dead ends, but the overall process is designed to minimize these risks and is the nature of thorough research. Pursuing Extraordinary Outcomes: He invites individuals to consider the long-term value of an unorthodox approach to research, one that few people undertake but potentially yields exceptional results. Misinterpretation of Perspective Sampling: Leo clarifies that his research method is not relativism; he does not regard all perspectives as equally true but advises against averaging different perspectives. Instead, some perspectives will be quickly identified as incorrect, while others may hold more truth. Transformative Value of Research: Leo speaks to the concern of the research process being a waste of time, suggesting that the subtle accumulative effects over time can lead to significant life transformations, justifying the commitment to the process. Questioning the Exclusivity of Enlightenment: Leo challenges the belief that the pursuit of enlightenment alone is sufficient for understanding reality. He points out that even after enlightenment, there may still be unknowns, urging the necessity for openness to more than just enlightenment. Cautiousness in Adopting Beliefs: Leo insists on the need for extreme caution in holding beliefs and understanding reality. He stresses the importance of continually being open-minded and questioning, regardless of one's current level of enlightenment or knowledge. Self-Vigilance in Research: Leo emphasizes his commitment to epistemic humility and aware self-vigilance. He highlights the need to constantly be on guard against one's own potential for self-deception and to remain flexible and open to reevaluating one's beliefs, regardless of how certain they may seem externally. Promotion of Actualized.org and Continued Research: Leo promotes his website, Actualized.org, and outlines his commitment to ongoing research in personal development. He promises future content that will deliver profound, potentially paradigm-shifting perspectives. Aguamenti

Becoming A Zen Devil - The Dangers Of Half-Assing Enlightenment https://youtu.be/z2B_e24UJi8 "If you cannot weep with a person who is crying, there is no kensho." - Yamada Koun Neo-Advaita Criticism: Leo addresses the Western trend of neo-advaita which simplifies and strips away traditional aspects of non-duality, aiming for a direct path to enlightenment; though innovative, it risks neglecting the complexity and depth found in these ancient teachings. Historical Account of Mount Hiei: By recounting the decline of Mount Hiei in Japan, Leo illustrates how a devout non-dual tradition can degenerate into chaos and corruption, highlighting the dangers of misinterpreting and misapplying spiritual practices. Misinterpretation of Enlightenment: Leo criticizes the oversimplified view of enlightenment as a single insight with no further growth or practice needed, emphasizing that true enlightenment is a nuanced process that doesn't discard values, principles, or continual self-improvement. Zen Devil Phenomenon: He warns against becoming a 'Zen devil', a term for someone who rationalizes ethical neglect and indolence using non-duality, leading to harm and misunderstanding. Importance of Discipline and Values: Leo underscores the necessity for maintaining discipline, ethical behavior, personal development, and commitment to excellence in the practice of non-duality, using the strict environment of Zen temples as an example. Wisdom Within Tradition: Although Leo acknowledges his distaste for tradition for tradition's sake, he recognizes that traditional practices in mysticism can embed deep wisdom which should not be disregarded entirely. Dichotomy of Small and Big Non-duality: Leo introduces the distinction between 'small non-duality', a limited and possibly egoistic understanding of the concept, and 'big non-duality', a holistic and inclusive approach that respects the complexity of enlightenment and the importance of values and ethics. Pitfalls of Initial Non-dual Experiences: Individuals new to non-duality who gain initial experiences can become arrogant, creating a higher level of duality while claiming to be non-dual due to inexperience and lack of mastery. Small vs. Big Non-duality: Small non-duality pits itself against other approaches, fostering rivalry, criticism, and a sense of superiority. In contrast, big non-duality is humble, integrating both the non-dual and dual aspects, and recognizes practical realities such as good and evil. Maturity in Non-dual Practice: Big non-duality practitioners don't engage in ideological battles and are open to various techniques, such as therapy and self-help, understanding that not everyone can immediately pursue deep spiritual work. Chaos on Mount Hiei: The lack of big non-duality understanding could have contributed to the issues on Mount Hiei; it emphasizes inclusivity and lack of competition and could require years to master. Zen Devil and Wild Fox Zen: Zen Devil refers to someone who has had an enlightenment experience but lacks broader knowledge or study, while Wild Fox Zen represents the opposite—book knowledge without practice. Both extremes can be problematic, with the middle path being ideal. 10,000-Hour Rule for Mastery: Mastery in any field, including non-duality, generally requires at least 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. Non-duality is not exempt from this rule and could require even more time to fully understand and embody. Variety and Depth of Enlightenment: Enlightenment can vary in depth and there are different types, with minor insights being just as important as major ones. True enlightenment transforms one's emotions, mind structure, and habitual reactions, which takes extensive work beyond initial insights. Post-Enlightenment Transformation: After enlightenment, negative relationship patterns and habits may persist, so work is needed to transform these areas and cultivate unconditional love and enlightened relationships. Habits Persistence: Cultural influences and bad habits (such as substance abuse or poor diet) persist post-enlightenment and must be actively changed, a danger overlooked by neo-advaita's focus on existential breakthroughs. Need for Worldly Education: Understanding existential truths doesn't equate to worldly knowledge. Education in practical areas remains essential, and ignorance can lead to poor choices affecting society. Community Engagement and Citizenship: Being an enlightened individual also means being a good citizen and caring for one’s community. Neglecting societal responsibilities reveals a lack of true enlightenment embodiment. Ethical Career Choices: It's crucial for those who are enlightened to pursue careers that contribute positively to society and the environment, aligning with the principles of non-duality. Transcending Cultural Limitations: Enlightenment doesn't erase cultural conditioning; effort is needed to overcome negative cultural influences, such as racism, and to develop a more cosmopolitan understanding. Physical Health: It is important to focus on physical health by ensuring proper nutrition and exercise, which are part of a comprehensive approach to enlightenment, beyond just non-duality. Character and Ethics: Developing good character and strong ethics is essential; moral and ethical considerations remain important even when considering the existential perspective of non-duality. Ecological Awareness: Concern for ecology, the environment, and all living beings, including animals and plants, is an aspect of a more holistic approach to spirituality and enlightenment. Spiritual Powers: Exploring spiritual powers can deepen one's spirituality beyond the realm of non-duality, aiding in healing others, teaching, and understanding. The Value of Understanding: Understanding a broad range of fields, such as business, history, and science, enriches the insights gained from enlightenment, making it more valuable than the enlightenment experience itself. Post-Enlightenment Practice: True enlightenment involves continuous practice and compassionate functioning, not a static state achieved in one moment. Hazards of Overemphasis on Non-duality: Focusing solely on non-duality risks emotional bypass, where deep emotional issues are ignored, and character splits can worsen, leading to a divide between an ideal self and a shadow self. Goodness and Non-duality: Goodness and ethical behavior are distinct from enlightenment. While good and bad are not existentially absolute, they hold practical significance and are included in the non-dual understanding. Social Responsibility and Non-duality: Enlightened individuals should act responsibly in society, recognizing the consequences of their actions under the social contract. The Danger of Misusing Non-duality: Misusing non-duality to justify harmful actions can lead to individuals becoming 'Zen Devils', causing suffering instead of alleviating it. Enlightenment as a Choice of Lifestyle: Realizing life is a game doesn't excuse inaction or destructive behavior. Enlightenment offers the choice to live consciously, responsibly, and with compassion for the suffering of others. Using Enlightenment Constructively: Enlightenment teachings should be embodied in one's life constructively, not used as weapons against others, to live aligned with higher consciousness. Continuous Development and Enlightenment: Personal and psychological development, relationship building, and self-improvement work are valuable and contribute to the journey towards enlightenment. Nuanced Approach to Non-duality: Balancing non-duality with practical wisdom is key; true mastery is rare and involves avoiding the many traps on either side of extremes. Silencio

What you do is the result of your desire. Desire is what drives all actions. Nothing happens in life without desire. There is a place in you that desires to be free from this internal conflict. If you put all your attention on that desire. Your mind, body, emotions and energy will all align itself perfectly to fulfill that state of conflict free existence. And that way it will stop all the compulsive chaos in you. It is my heartful suggestion you consider giving full attention to the prayerful desire that is in you already to be free and witness how that impacts your entire system from the very fundamentals and brings about great transformation and healing on all levels.

Becoming A Sage - A New Vision For Actualized.org & You! https://youtu.be/z2wNbLO02Wg Leo's Personal Evolution: As Leo has developed and learned more about life and its various facets such as psychology, business, politics, and culture, his vision for Actualized.org has similarly evolved towards helping others and himself become sages. Best Life for a Human Being: Leo argues that after extensive research, he believes the best life one can live is that of a sage, surpassing other forms of success and fulfillment. Limited Exposure to Sagehood: He notes that most people are not exposed to the notion of becoming a sage, especially not as children, which he sees as a missed opportunity for guiding one towards an incredibly fulfilling life path. Actualized.org as 'Sage University': Leo's goal is to transform Actualized.org into a repository of knowledge—akin to a university—for those seeking sagehood, providing resources, techniques, and guidance to fulfill this lofty ambition. Difficulty in Defining Sagehood: There is no clear, step-by-step guide to becoming a sage, which Leo finds intriguing and challenging, and he is motivated to document this journey and share it with others. The Value of Sagehood: Leo emphasizes the profound inner reward of becoming a sage and is committed to documenting and sharing the various models, frameworks, and techniques necessary for such a transformation. History's Great Sages: He lists several historical and modern sages such as Buddha, Socrates, Gandhi, Osho, and Sadhguru. Leo encourages his audience to study these figures to understand their lives and the qualities that differentiate them from average individuals. Inner Qualities of a Sage: The essence that makes sages 'great' according to Leo is not their external achievements but their internal self-mastery and inner transformation, which is evident in their unique way of relating to others and perceiving the world. Sagehood Overlooked and Misunderstood: He laments that sagehood is not taught or discussed widely in society and that when it is, it’s often distorted by the ego-driven interpretations found in certain religious teachings. Meeting Modern Sages: Leo expresses his profound admiration for modern sages he has met in person, highlighting the transformative potential of interacting with someone who embodies sage-like qualities, and questions why such a valuable life option is not more widely shared or understood. Key Qualities of Sages: Sages exhibit a commitment to Truth, consciousness, goodness, and love along with a deep, effortless embodiment of these qualities after radical inward transformation. Sage vs. Enlightenment: There is a distinction between merely having enlightenment experiences and being a sage. Being a sage involves a mastery that goes beyond the experience of enlightenment itself. Modern Mystic Sage Vision: Leo desires for individuals to progress towards becoming 'modern mystic sages'—a composite of Eastern non-duality and Western philosophy, science, and art—creating individuals who engage in the world with consciousness and deep conceptual understanding. Being in the World as a Sage: Unlike ascetics, modern sages apply their self-mastery and understanding to solving real-world problems, utilizing their enhanced creativity and productivity. What a Sage is Not: A true sage is not a detached intellectual lacking self-awareness or emotional mastery, nor an ideological crusader interested in converting others to their worldview without inward focus. The Importance of Vision in Becoming a Sage: The vision of becoming a sage is more significant than knowing the precise steps. A strong, motivating vision propels individuals forward, while a weak vision leads to seeking reassurance and formulaic paths. The 'How' of Becoming a Sage: While specific steps vary, the process includes setting truth as the top value, rejecting materialism, performing a spiritual purification process of body, mind, emotions, and habits, and developing a strong 'energy body' to manage emotions effectively. Emotional Resilience of a Sage: Sages experience deeply but have the ability to transmute negative emotions, such as hurt and tragedy, into love and truth due to a strong energy body. Necessity for Extensive Theoretical Learning: Despite common misunderstandings, becoming a sage requires a robust theoretical foundation which includes studying philosophy, psychology, history, and other fields to understand the sage path. Seeking Uncommon Knowledge: A sage must sift through vast amounts of information to find valuable insights that further their mastery, as exemplified by Leo's own extensive research and learning process. Application of Knowledge: The knowledge acquired is not for mere intellectual accumulation but for practical application in self-mastery and raising consciousness, differentiating a sage from an academic. Raising Awareness through Practice: Regular meditation, contemplation, self-inquiry, and understanding the nature of life, truth, falsehood, and society are crucial practices for a sage to raise awareness. Exploring Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness: Engaging in activities like meditation, breathwork, and the use of psychedelics helps a sage go beyond the ordinary level of consciousness and gain deeper insights. Creativity as a Sage Attribute: Sages should explore and express their creativity, using their knowledge for positive real-world impact, as guided in Leo's Life Purpose Course. Holistic Big-Picture Understanding: The universal and compassionate perspective that emphasizes love for humanity and a broad understanding of life distinguishes sages from specialists in academic or scientific fields. Unconditional Love and Compassion: A true sage develops deep, indiscriminate love and compassion for all of reality, transcending the newbie trap of indifference due to the illusory nature of life. Enhancing Collective Consciousness: Helping others raise their awareness is seen as part of a sage's purpose, through various domains like technology, art, and science, to address the lack of consciousness in different fields. Selective Path of the Sage: Although becoming a sage may not be for everyone, those who are called to it will find fulfilling content on Actualized.org and opportunities to engage in transformative work. Distinguishing between Life Purpose and Sagehood: Leo addresses that becoming a sage is compatible with having a life purpose, as both relate to the journey of self-mastery and should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. Vision and Excitement for Sagehood: The path of becoming a sage is specialized and requires a profound desire and excitement from the individual; it's not represented in mainstream society despite its significance. Engagement and Feedback Request: Leo invites audience feedback on the vision of becoming a sage to inform the direction of future content on Actualized.org and encourages signing up for the newsletter for further insights. Paradox of Enlightenment and Life Purpose: Enlightenment may reveal life as an illusion without inherent purpose, yet historical figures like Buddha, Jesus, and Gandhi, who were deeply enlightened, were also driven by a strong sense of life purpose. Reconciling Career and Personal Purpose: Leo distinguishes between career purpose, as guided by the Life Purpose Course, and personal purpose, which is the overarching aim of becoming a sage and pursuing self-mastery, regardless of one's professional work. Illusion as Motivation: Although enlightenment exposes life's illusory nature, having a purpose created by oneself can serve as a motivator. The desire to create and enjoy a purpose is sufficient reason to do so, despite it being a construction. Seriousness in Spiritual Practice: Leo stresses that the pursuit of sagehood and mastery of consciousness must be taken seriously, akin to mystics of the past. Temporary objectives can motivate and inspire on this path, countering the risk of spiritual stagnation. Content Direction for Actualized.org: Future content will delve into deeper, meta, and philosophical topics, with an emphasis on understanding over success. A longer time horizon is required of viewers, as these subjects demand individual initiative and application to one's life. Importance of Big-Picture Thinking: The forthcoming content aims to integrate diverse perspectives from various fields, fostering big-picture thinking and a historical understanding of personal growth. Evolutionary Journey of Actualized.org: The envisioned direction for Actualized.org is to support viewers in becoming sages, which Leo deems a purposeful life dedication. Audience engagement and feedback will be essential in shaping this direction. Invitation to Join the Journey: Leo invites viewers to sign up for Actualized.org's newsletter for more insights on becoming a sage and encourages them to share their thoughts on embracing this vision for personal transformation. Legilimens

How To Deal With Confusion https://youtu.be/lRipeQ_lcN8 Understanding Creation: Leo clarifies that understanding is not inherent at birth but is a construct that needs to be actively developed throughout life, and this path of self-actualization includes building an understanding across various life domains. Nature of Confusion: Confusion arises when the mind faces uncertainty and tries to reconcile conflicting ideas, leading to discomfort as most people are wired for certainty and order, resulting in knee-jerk reactions aimed at eliminating confusion quickly. Developing Emotional Tolerance: Leo emphasizes the need to develop an emotional tolerance for confusion and uncertainty, a trait commonly found in self-actualized individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity and paradox. Five-Step Process for Embracing Confusion: Leo introduces a simple, five-step process to engage with confusion: 1) Cultivating awareness of confusion, 2) Labeling the confusion, 3) Facing confusion by inquiring into its origins, 4) Allowing confusion without resistance, 5) Embracing a state of not knowing. The Harm of Premature Resolution: The compulsion to resolve confusion immediately can lead to a mechanical and rigid mindset, often resulting in a false sense of understanding and obstructing true personal growth. Self-Honesty with Uncertainty: Admitting to oneself that there is a lack of understanding in areas of confusion is crucial, and can be uncovered through honest self-inquiry, ultimately leading to genuine clarity. Surrendering the need to know: To embrace a state of not-knowing, ask yourself if you can let go of the need to have immediate answers. This surrendering process goes against the cultural conditioning that values certainty and decisiveness, but it’s essential for genuine understanding. Applying the five-step process to enlightenment work: While engaged in self-inquiry to understand concepts like "Who am I?" or enlightenment, embrace confusion when nothing seems to click. Acknowledging the confusion rather than ignoring it allows for a deeper exploration of the self. Confusion in practical decision-making: Confusion is not limited to spiritual pursuits; it affects practical decisions like career choices and life purposes. Instead of paralysis, acknowledge the confusion and allow answers to unfold organically without forcing them. Objection handling regarding ignorance: Embracing confusion does not lead to ignorance. Ignorance is rooted in ignoring what you don't know and having a false sense of certainty. Openness to not knowing prevents ignorance and positions you for insights and intellectual growth. Revelation through embracing confusion: Instead of pushing for answers, being open to confusion sets the stage for profound revelations to come organically. This requires patience and tolerance for uncertainty but results in deeper and more authentic insights. Allowing for nature-derived insights: Embracing confusion allows for insights that come from a place beyond the ego, often more profound and true. Such insights are richer and more fulfilling than ego-driven, shallow realizations. The illusion of adamant answer seeking: Forcing answers can seem effective but often leads to low-quality insights. A high need for certainty can make you emotionally unstable, defensive, and ideologically rigid, which stifles personal growth and limits deeper understanding. Intuition versus over-reliance on logic: Excessive need for resolution suppresses intuition and creativity. Embracing confusion allows for a more balanced approach, leveraging both logic and intuition to explore the mysteries of reality and create a high-quality life. Power of Intuition vs. Logical Reasoning: Leo highlights how intuition is a significantly more powerful tool than logical thinking, especially when dealing with profound life questions and insights. Necessity of Confusion for Deep Insights: Emphasizing that the most profound insights arise from tolerating extended periods of confusion, Leo points out that many individuals miss out on these insights because they are not willing to endure the necessary confusion. Research and Tolerance for Confusion: Leo shares his personal approach to researching various topics, from enlightenment to business, and how having a high tolerance for confusion allows him to explore these subjects deeply, fitting together pieces of a complex jigsaw puzzle. Impacts of Confusion on Self-Help Engagement: Acknowledging that an overwhelming amount of information can lead to paralysis, Leo warns against quitting or doubting the efficacy of self-help material due to confusion and instead advocates pushing forward with patience. Stuck in Decision-Making Due to Fear of Confusion: Leo examines how individuals may prematurely abandon pursuits like determining life purposes, because they are unable to decide in the face of confusion and instead should trust in eventual reconciliation. Importance of Tolerance for Confusion in Meditation and Enlightenment: Sharing a personal anecdote, Leo recounts advice from a Zen master about letting go of the need to know and realizes the significance of accepting confusion in quality meditation and enlightenment practices. Surrendering to Not-Knowing in Enlightenment: Leo emphasizes the need to surrender to uncertainty and accept being confused, a challenge he faced during his meditation retreat as he sought enlightenment. Zen Tradition and Embracing Confusion: Discussing the Zen practice of working on Koans, Leo illustrates the value placed on confusion by Zen masters who avoid giving answers directly, encouraging students to accept and get comfortable with their confusion. Lifelong Learning and Discovery Process: Leo urges viewers to continuously embrace confusion as part of an ongoing process of learning and discovery, which does not end even after achieving enlightenment. Applying Philosophy to Daily Life: Leo invites his audience to recognize moments of confusion in their daily lives and consciously face them rather than avoiding the discomfort. Teasing Future Content for Actualized.org: Leo concludes by sharing his excitement about future content, teasing powerful transformation techniques and a big-picture understanding of life and reality he plans to offer through Actualized.org. Protego

Using 5-MeO-DMT To Become Enlightened - Interview With Martin Ball https://youtu.be/bWSOl62memg Introduction to Martin Ball and 5-MeO-DMT: Leo hosts Martin Ball, an advocate for the spiritual and developmental use of 5-MeO-DMT. The discussion aims to offer insights into 5-MeO-DMT's role in reaching non-dual awareness and liberation from ego. Enlightenment Experience vs. Actual Liberation: Martin highlights the need to differentiate between the temporary enlightenment experience induced by 5-MeO-DMT and true enlightenment, defined as being free from the ego and aware of the self's true nature. Immediate Non-Dual Awareness with 5-MeO-DMT: When properly administered, 5-MeO-DMT can rapidly shift an individual from ordinary perception to a full, infinite non-dual state. This state transcends subject and object and represents the essence of being. Reformation of Ego Post-Experience: Post-enlightenment experience, an individual's ego structures tend to reassemble, which can prompt significant self-analytical and paradigm-challenging thoughts but is not equivalent to permanent liberation. 5-MeO-DMT as a Tool for Liberation: Martin contends that, once understanding the distinction between temporary experiences and lasting liberation, 5-MeO-DMT emerges as potentially the most potent substance for spiritual progress and ego transcendence. Challenges in Communicating Enlightenment: Leo discusses the inherent limitations of language in communicating the concept of enlightenment, which is fundamentally experiential and infinite, and thus resists containment by words or concepts. The Profound Enlightenment Experience of 5-MeO-DMT: Leo expresses amazement at the capacity of 5-MeO-DMT to afford a preview of the absolute state—even briefly—that is often sought through extensive spiritual practice. Distinction Between Recreational and Serious Psychedelic Use: Leo emphasizes that there is a significant divide between casual psychedelic use and the integration of psychedelics into rigorous non-dual consciousness work, which can transform one's entire life and self-perception. 5-MeO-DMT Not a Shortcut for Enlightenment: Leo clarifies that 5-MeO-DMT is not a shortcut to enlightenment, but it facilitates deep self-exploration that may accelerate one's spiritual journey without avoiding the inherent complexities and challenges. Comparison of Shamanic vs Non-Dual Psychedelic Approaches: Shamanic traditions that utilize psychedelics focus more on practical and therapeutic healing rather than non-dual awakening or enlightenment. They engage with spirits and entities, which can be helpful but differ from the non-dual pursuit which prioritizes the realization of oneness. Perception of Non-Duality in Western Psychedelic Culture: Many in the West who practice psychedelic shamanism only give lip service to non-duality, often lacking a deep understanding or experience of it, even though they may profess beliefs in oneness and universal love. Personal Journey Towards Enlightenment with 5-MeO-DMT: Leo's route to enlightenment began with a strong, uncompromising desire for truth (bodhichitta in Buddhism). He sought reality directly and wasn't satisfied with belief systems – an intrinsic desire that guided him towards liberation. The Desire for Truth and Non-Dual Seeking: Leo emphasizes the necessity of a sincere yearning to uncover the truth directly and immediately, avoiding comfortable beliefs or cool ideas. This unwavering commitment to direct experience is essential for any non-dual exploration or enlightenment. Impact of Personal Crisis on the Path to Liberation: Martin encountered 5-MeO-DMT at a pivotal life moment, having left his marriage, job, and life's structures behind. In a state of fear and readiness to give up, his defenses were down, allowing a profound non-dual experience and encounter with what he perceived as the true nature of God. Distinction and Rarity of 5-MeO-DMT Compared to nn DMT: While nn DMT is popular and often discussed, 5-MeO-DMT, a distinct substance, has been overshadowed despite being more potent. Leo underlines the minimal cultural discourse around 5-MeO-DMT contrary to his extensive work promoting its profound effects. Non-Dual Experience as Encounter with the 'True Nature of God': Leo describes his initial 5-MeO-DMT encounter as a direct experience with what he calls ‘God’, a universal consciousness encompassing all reality, breaking from traditional dualistic conceptions of a separate deity. Shift in God Concept Post 5-MeO-DMT Enlightenment Experience: The experience reframed his understanding of God from an external, authoritative figure to an imminent reality—recognizing 'God' as a singular universal consciousness in which the notion of separate being dissolves. Perception of God in Non-Dual States: Leo found the term 'God' more fitting than 'buddha mind' during his non-dual experience with 5-MeO-DMT as it was conscious, aware, and experienced through individual beings. His spontaneous expression of gratitude was directed at 'God,' despite his usual preference for more neutral, scientific language. Tryptamines and Neurotransmitters: Tryptamines, the building block of human neurotransmitters, are naturally produced in mammals. Both 5-MeO-DMT and nn DMT are tryptamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier immediately, resulting in intense and immediate psychedelic experiences. 5-MeO-DMT's Ego Overwhelming Mechanism: 5-MeO-DMT acts on specific brain receptors associated with the ego and individuated consciousness. This distinct action overwhelms the ego, making 5-MeO-DMT particularly effective for inducing non-dual states of awareness compared to other psychedelics. Dualistic vs Non-Dual Experiences: nn DMT induces highly visual, dualistic experiences with subject-object dichotomy. In contrast, 5-MeO-DMT bypasses such visionary content, offering an almost immediate plunge into non-dual consciousness, revealing absolute truth distinct from belief systems. The Journey to Liberation with 5-MeO-DMT: Leo stresses that despite 5-MeO-DMT's power to induce non-dual states, it is not a guaranteed route to liberation. Consistent effort and personal development work are essential to moving towards true freedom. Energetic Symmetry in Non-Dual States: A fully energetically open non-dual state is indicated by perfect bilateral symmetry in body language. This symmetry is disrupted when the ego re-engages, showing the transformation from non-dual to ego-centered states. Body Language and Ego in Psychedelic Experiences: During psychedelic experiences, an individual's body language can oscillate between bilateral symmetry (indicative of a non-dual state) and asymmetric movements (reflecting the activity of the ego or internal resistance). Psychedelic Amplification of Self: Psychedelics amplify one's self without violating free will, enabling a person to choose surrender over resistance. These substances heighten energetic experiences and reveal patterns of the ego through energetic shock therapy. Patterns of Ego: The ego consists of energy patterns shaped by socio-cultural learning, which govern our expressions and movements, creating a structured persona that contrasts natural, uninhibited energy flow. Ego as a Collection of Patterns: People learn to socially modulate their energetic expressions, leading to ego structures that define "self" and create dualistic divides. This contrasts with natural, unedited responses seen in animals like dogs. Five Meo DMT's Impact on Ego Patterns: 5-MeO-DMT's intense energy can overwhelm ego's limited structures, compelling a potential surrender and dissolution of egoic patterns, paving the way for authentic self-expression. Purging as Energy Release: Common bodily reactions to psychedelics, such as purging, signify the release of stored energy, often held in the abdomen as a result of fear and defensive mechanisms. Re-formation of Ego Post-Ego Dissolution: Post-ego dissolution experiences with psychedelics offer an awareness opportunity, making it possible to identify and transform self-created narratives, beliefs, and characters. Symmetry in Ego Distortions: Maintaining symmetry in body language during a psychedelic experience exposes distortions caused by egoic patterns, which can be worked through with a skilled facilitator. Becoming Free from Ego Patterns: Ideally, individuals learn to live without fixed patterns, aligning with the energy as it manifests without control or editing, transcending the illusory construct of the ego. Commitment to Truth: Non-dual liberation involves an unyielding commitment to truth, which includes not holding onto beliefs without certainty, being honest in expression, and recognizing the layers of lies in societal interactions. Process of Non-Dual Liberation: Non-dual experiences are one aspect of liberation, but sustained work is required to become aware of ego dynamics and to detach from the constructed ego. Universal Consciousness: The ultimate realization in non-dual liberation is that we are universal consciousness playing numerous characters simultaneously, rather than being confined to a single ego identity. Practical Application of Non-Dual Theory with 5-MeO-DMT: By engaging with 5-MeO-DMT, one may experience the infinite nature of consciousness, recognize the ego's mechanics, and, through repetition, gradually become more attuned to the greater reality beyond the self. Ongoing Examination of Ego Dynamics: After regular encounters with 5-MeO-DMT, individuals observe the ego's tendency to distort, manipulate, and attempt to cling to certain thoughts, beliefs, and energies. Vibrational and Energetic Shifts: The process can involve significant vibrational states and energetic shifts within the body, as individuals are often energetically closed off and require opening. Altered Forms of Communication: Users might experience periods where they cannot speak coherently, exhibiting phenomena like glossolalia (speaking in tongues) and other forms of incoherent babbling. Emotional and Vocal Expressions: The process may prompt people to express their emotions intensely, through screaming, crying, laughter, tones, and even physical reactions such as orgasms or involuntary bodily discharges, as part of purging trapped energy. Deceptive Nature of the Ego: The ego attempts to create compelling narratives, leading individuals to adopt various complexes (Messiah, victim, powerful shaman, etc.), which are essentially stories to hold onto. Observation Over Attachment: Emphasis on observing thoughts and narratives without attaching to them or actively trying to block them, allowing them to arise and dissipate. Blurring of Identity: Martin experienced a blurring of lines between his ego (Martin) and the divine (God), leading to confusion as the ego tried to define his identity within this new paradigm. Final Breakthrough: Acceptance of divine reality and his own godliness resulted in a transformative experience for Martin, akin to a prolonged 5-MeO-DMT trip, shifting between non-dual and dualistic perception. Non-Dual and Dual Balance: Martin now operates from an understanding that allows him to put on and take off the 'clothing' of ego, distinguishing between his character and the non-dual self. Transitioning Between States: Learning to smoothly transition between non-dual awareness and ego-self, avoiding abrupt jumps which are common in 5-MeO-DMT experiences. Self-Awareness in Transition: Recognizing the importance of maintaining self-awareness and presence throughout the opening to and closing from non-dual states, aiming to relax and stay centered. Self-Expression Without Ego Prison: Martin acknowledges playing the character of Martin but refuses to let it trap him as it did in the past, enabling freedom and genuine self-expression. No Shortcut to Enlightenment: Leo points out that 5-MeO-DMT is not a magic pill for enlightenment; instead, it facilitates deep personal development work and accelerates the path without bypassing challenges. Birth Analogy for Transformation: Describing the use of entheogenic medicines as a process of birthing oneself, which is intense and thorough, forcing individuals to confront every aspect of their being. Intensity of the Psychedelic Experience: Leo emphasizes how the use of psychedelics can be an intense and challenging journey, involving emotional stress and profound self-examination. Ideal Body Language for Psychedelics: Recommending an open and relaxed posture during psychedelic experiences to aid in processing and releasing energy rather than succumbing to fear and discomfort. Rigorous Nature of Psychedelic Cleansing: Psychedelic experiences can often begin with an alluring quality but may lead to demanding emotional work as defenses lower, acting on multiple levels – mental, energetic, emotional, and physical. Efficiency of Psychedelics: Psychedelics allow for an efficient movement of energy and emotions across mental, energetic, emotional, and physical spectrums; not necessarily a shortcut, but a more productive path to personal development. Full-Body Impact of 5-MeO-DMT: 5-MeO-DMT engages the whole body, offering experiences including a full-body melting sensation, a feeling akin to a whole-body orgasm, and the impression of energy flowing throughout. Body Symmetry and Surrender: The symmetry of the body's left and right sides during psychedelic experiences is indicative of energetic openness. Leo notes the importance of correcting twisted or asymmetrical postures to maintain energy flow and to surrender properly. Energy Processing and Physical Manifestation: Asymmetrical body postures during a trip are physical manifestations of energy processing. High energy levels on psychedelics can lead to unusual body positions and severe cramps. Concept of 'Doing Nothing': Leo and Martin discuss the concept of 'doing nothing' during a psychedelic trip and in daily life. Ceasing all physical activity and mental projections allows for spontaneous and genuine expressions of energy, thus avoiding ego-driven actions. Applying 'Do Nothing' to Other Activities: Applying the 'do nothing' practice to activities like music allows actions to unfold naturally without premeditated intentions, aligning with the Daoist principle of 'wu wei' or actionless action. Understanding the True Self: The universal true self is the same for everyone, and realizing it does not inform one's unique life purpose since existence itself is the purpose. Martin Ball's Contributions to the Psychedelic Community: Martin organizes annual psychedelic conferences, records podcasts, writes books, creates music, and produces visionary art, all as expressions of his creativity and commitment to personal and collective exploration. Imperio

The Trap Of Projection, Especially Onto Teachers & Mentors https://youtu.be/NAbh5E0v20g The Nasty Phenomenon of Projection: Leo describes projection as a problematic issue, particularly for those invested in self-help, who frequently come into contact with teachers and mentors. He stresses that projection distorts the perception of the teacher, impeding the full absorption of their teachings. Story Illustrating Projection with a Yogi: Leo recounts a story about a student who sought his yoga master for years, only to find him indulging in materialistic pleasures. The true lesson was not to judge or project one's own values onto the teacher, regardless of the situation. Leo's Personal Projections at Retreats: He shares his own experiences with projection at retreats where he found himself critiquing and questioning teachers on minor disagreements or personal discoveries about their lives, thus detracting from the value of their wisdom. Interference with Learning: He emphasizes how projecting personal issues and making assumptions based upon one's own needs, rather than reality, can interfere with effectively learning and adapting the valuable insights offered by teachers. Definition of Projection: Leo defines projection as the imposition of one's emotional baggage onto others, leading to misinterpretation of their actions and words, and ultimately distorting one's interaction with them. Projecting Judgments and Creating Stories: He explains that projection includes making judgments about petty details, creating narratives without complete knowledge, and even disagreeing with teachers in their absence, highlighting the difference between projecting and genuinely understanding another's perspective. Dangers of Projecting onto Teachers: Leo points out the particular danger of projection in the context of teachers and mentors, as they are often crucial sources of wisdom for self-actualization; projecting onto them could mean severing one's lifeline to essential knowledge for personal growth. Reflection Exercise on Past Projections: Leo concludes by asking viewers to quickly reflect on all the judgments and projections they have made about teachers and mentors throughout their lives, suggesting that these projections have likely inhibited their learning journeys. Acknowledgment of snap judgments: Leo describes an exercise highlighting the frequency of snap judgments made about teachers based on their appearance, speech, and presented information, emphasizing awareness of these judgments as crucial for self-actualization. Construction of personal development map: He explains the initial years of self-actualization are spent constructing a map for life's journey, and warns that excessive projection onto various teachers can hinder this process significantly. Variety of learning sources: Leo advocates learning from a wide range of teachers to obtain various perspectives and recognize common patterns in teachings, which is vital for a well-rounded understanding. Leo's own experiences with projections: He reflects on how managing projections from his audience has heightened his sensitivity and self-awareness of the phenomenon, noting the often baseless and inaccurate nature of these projections. Consequences of projections on teachers: Leo points out that incorrect assumptions about teachers' lives or beliefs can distract from the knowledge they offer and induce wrongful criticism or unwarranted praise. Relating to others without projection: He emphasizes that most interactions involve responding to personal interpretations rather than the true nature of individuals, which can drastically affect both relationships and the ability to learn from others. Awareness exercise for combating projection: Leo suggests an exercise where viewers attempt to view him without any preconceived notions or assumptions for 30 seconds, encouraging a similar approach with other individuals and teachers to cultivate better relationships and understanding. Advanced teachings vs. ego: Leo reiterates vigilance against ego-triggered distortions when engaging with advanced teachings to prevent misunderstanding and overlooking valuable insights. Personal Agenda in Learning: Leo encourages listeners to stay aware of their personal agendas—needs, values, ideals, fears, insecurities—while consuming teachings, noting how these can color their interpretation and distort the message received. Self-Reflection on Criticism: Leo suggests when criticizing others, especially those offering advanced teachings, to turn that criticism inward and question what it reveals about one's own characteristics or insecurities. Advanced Teachings and Ego Threat: Leo points out that the most profound and advanced teachings can be the most threatening to the ego, making them difficult for people to accept, thus they remain obscure and challenging to mainstream. Signs of Projection: Leo identifies signs of projecting onto teachers: having imaginary arguments, excessive curiosity about their personal lives, and criticizing trivial aspects of their presentations. The Persistence of Closed-Mindedness: Leo stresses that a closed mind reinforced through projection can be the biggest barrier to accessing deep teachings, even contributing to the dismissal of wisdom as personal biases interfere with clear perception. Embracing Generosity in Comprehension: Leo advises adopting an inclusive and generous approach to learning rather than looking for flaws, taking personal responsibility for understanding even if the teachings are imperfect or challenging. Revising Assumptions: Leo encourages maintaining an attitude of radical open-mindedness, remaining open to revising assumptions made about teachings, especially deep topics like enlightenment. Call to Commitment: Leo invites the audience to actively engage in their own growth by regularly consuming educational content, completing exercises, meditating, attending seminars, and applying techniques for personal transformation. Imperio

How To Harness Your Intuition https://youtu.be/v1yA9KbPzQ0 Understanding Self-Actualization and Intuition: Leo emphasizes the importance of intuition in self-actualization, stating that it serves as a life compass. However, he notes that many people are disconnected from their intuition, leading to a life lacking in motivation, purpose, and strategic vision. Western Culture's Bias Against Intuition: He criticizes Western culture's preference for logic, explaining that it teaches people to dismiss intuition. This is evident in situations like corporate decisions, where logical justifications are demanded over intuitive feelings. Nonetheless, intuitive decisions play a critical role in our lives. The Superiority of Intuition Over Logic: Leo points out that intuition is the source of purpose and vision, necessary for creating the big picture that logical thinking then details. He argues that the subconscious mind can process vast amounts of data, providing valuable wisdom and creative insights beyond the capability of linear, logical thinking. The Human Subconscious as a Supercomputer: Intuition stems from the complex workings of the subconscious mind, which Leo describes as a distributed network capable of handling information in ways the logical mind cannot. He encourages embracing this higher order intelligence over the limited, linear thinking common in the left-brain-dominated Western culture. Leo's Personal Intuition Experiences: Leo shares his personal history, describing how his intuition has led him to take harder classes, change majors, quit jobs, and ultimately start Actualized.org. He credits intuition with his significant life decisions and personal growth, emphasizing its ongoing influence in guiding his choices. Difficulties of Following Intuition: He highlights three major barriers to following intuition: the inability to hear it, personal impurities that obstruct its guidance, and the failure to act on it even when it is heard. Leo stresses these challenges and underscores the need to address them for successful intuitive living. Cultural Reasons for Not Hearing Intuition: Leo identifies cultural distractions and the Western bias for logic and materialism as reasons people fail to hear their intuitive voice. He advocates for reducing distractions and considering one's mortality to create space for intuition. True Intelligence and Its Source: Leo encourages acknowledging that true intelligence is interwoven with existence, not generated by the individual. He suggests that higher consciousness work, meditation, and perhaps psychedelics can reveal the depth and external sources of intelligence that exist beyond our analytical minds. Solutions for Hearing Intuition: To hear the intuitive voice, Leo advises removing distractions and contemplating mortality to shift focus from materialism to profound insights. He also mentions the episode on lifestyle minimalism as a resource for creating conditions conducive to intuition. Contemplation of Mortality: Realizing that life is fleeting shifts focus from materialism to deeper life pursuits. Contemplating death allows intuition to emerge, directing focus on more meaningful goals. Clarifying Life Desires: Understanding what one truly desires in life, beyond superficial aims like success and money, is key to harnessing intuition. Meditation for Intuition: Regular meditation fosters stillness and solitude, enhancing intuition and making one more receptive to its subtle guidance. Connection with Emotions: Engaging in activities that promote emotional awareness, like yoga or meditation, can help one feel and follow their intuition more effectively. Impurities Blocking Intuition: Ego, cravings, fears, traumas, and dogmas distort intuition. The ego can manipulate intuition for low-consciousness purposes. Benevolent Motives and Spiritual Purification: Intuitions should come from a place of love and beauty. Purifying one's identity of fears and cravings allows intuition to serve as a guide. Releasing Beliefs: Letting go of limiting beliefs, including those surrounding intuition, grants freedom to pursue intuitive guidance without self-imposed constraints. Changing Environment: Modifying one's surroundings and controlling information intake can reduce impurities that cloud intuition. Healthy Relationships and Bodily Tension: Ending toxic relationships and releasing physical tension allows for a clearer intuitive understanding. Serving Intuition as Life's Mission: Recognizing the importance of intuitively guided actions encourages commitment and flexibility to enact meaningful life changes determined by intuition. The Intuition Incubator Concept: Cultivating intuitions through dedicated contemplation and action allows for personal growth and transformation. Commitment and Flexibility for Intuitive Action: Real change requires a serious commitment to follow intuitions and a willingness to learn, grow, and make uncomfortable changes. Courage to Act on Intuition: Following intuition can involve radical, sometimes frightening changes, such as career shifts or ending long-term endeavors, demanding a significant courage investment. Intuition Incubator: An intuition incubator allows one to nurture and develop intuitions which initially appear in an unpolished form, requiring time and effort to be transformed into actionable insights. Journaling and Articulation: Leo recommends journaling as a tool to catalog and clearly articulate intuitions, promoting a deeper understanding and facilitating the creation of strategic plans for action. Strategic Long-term Commitment: Persistence and a long-term view are crucial for realizing intuitions. Leo shares his personal journey, where his intuitions about his life purpose took years to materialize, demonstrating the importance of strategic long-term planning and commitment. Service to Intuition: Leo emphasizes that one's primary life mission should be serving their intuitions, which may necessitate stepping out of comfort zones and making significant changes. True vs. False Intuitions: True intuitions do not defend themselves with justifications when questioned and have a magnetic pull, whereas false intuitions are often protective, fear-based, and seek to rationalize themselves. Surrender to Universal Intelligence: Leo advises surrendering to a pervasive intelligence that guides life decisions, encouraging the acceptance of this force to lead a purpose-driven and aspirational life. Employee of the Universe: By acting as an 'employee of the universe', one aligns with a more significant force, thus finding powerful motivation and fulfillment in actions that go beyond personal gain. Practical Worksheet: Leo provides a worksheet with practical questions to assist in developing intuitions, which can be downloaded from actualized.org. Personal Development Journey: He highlights the importance of continued learning and taking action based on his teachings for personal growth, inviting the audience to explore the potential of self-actualization through ongoing engagement with actualized.org. Nox

What Is God - Leo Becomes Absolute Infinity (Aka God) - All Of Reality Explained https://youtu.be/4VNoe5tn3tg Leo's summary of the video purpose: Leo aims to convey his experience of becoming conscious of absolute infinity and his transformation into what he describes as God. He promises to demonstrate, in a subsequent episode, how viewers can gain this insight swiftly, within 15 minutes. Discovery of a unique psychedelic: Leo recounts his research into psychedelics and discovery of a rare substance that induces a complete loss of ego while retaining mental clarity, distinct from traditional psychedelics that create visual and spiritual effects. Redefining the ego and experiencing non-existence: He ponders the paradigm shift that would occur if one's ego ceased to exist. Leo questions the nature of reality and existence when the self is completely absent. Leo's personal stance on divinity: Despite his fundamentally atheistic and rational approach to life, Leo refrains from using the term 'God' due to its cultural implications but finds himself doing so after his ego-dissolving experience. Leo's initial skepticism towards psychedelics as distortions of reality: Leo enters his psychedelic experiment with the preconception that these substances create false experiences, only to encounter an earth-shattering insight that challenges his belief. Leo's experience upon taking the psychedelic: Describes the rapid intensification of consciousness and awareness upon ingestion, which led to an altered perception of reality that defied logic and physics. Experiencing absolute infinity and becoming God: Leo narrates the profound moment he became aware of the absolute infinite nature of reality, resulting in the complete transformation of his life, where he realized he and God are one and the same. Surprise over the use of 'God' label: Observes his own unexpected use of the term 'God' throughout the experience and elaborates on the concept of absolute infinity that transcends mathematical or geometric notions, embodying all dimensions and possibilities. Explanation of Absolute Infinity: Leo delves into the concept of absolute infinity, not just as a mathematical or geometric term but as a reality comprising of infinite dimensions where every possibility, even the impossible and non-existent, is encompassed and perpetually expanding without bounds. Limits within Reality: Discusses that reality, being inclusive of everything, does not allow for any limits, such as physical laws or constants. These perceived limits or structures of the universe, if they exist, are simply aspects within the boundless possibility field of reality, which itself cannot be enforced by anything external since it is all-encompassing. Alternate Universes Concept: Uses the metaphor of moving a grain of sand to imagine an alternate universe, expanding this idea to shifting every particle in our universe and considering all potential universes across time. Even this, however, is only a small glimpse of true absolute infinity. Qualities of Absolute Infinity: Describes absolute infinity as not having sensory attributes but as an existence that can only be perceived directly by being it. It is an endless singularity containing all of existence, including time, which is merely one dimension among countless others. Awakening from Life: Leo shares a narrative illustrating the profoundness of awakening from life, likening it to unzipping and shedding an ego-bound existence to emerge as absolute infinity, a shocking and indescribable transition that reveals the true concept of the ego. Understanding Awakening and God: Emphasizes that true awakening and the concept of God can only be understood through direct experiences far beyond human comprehension or expectation, with 'God' becoming a suddenly appropriate term during this revelation. Chemicals Inducing the Experience of God: Reflects on the impossibility of becoming infinite through chemical means, as conventional understanding would suggest, and how this experience challenges every known aspect of reality, declaring his prior understanding and teachings as part of a delusional dream. The Infinite Beauty of Absolute Infinity: Describes experiencing absolute infinity as encountering pure, raw beauty filled with awe and fear, radically shifting one's perception and awakening a profound realization of the scope of one's own delusion. Capturing the Essence of the Experience: Leo likens the awe-inspired feeling of viewing the night sky to his psychedelic experience, stating that multiplying that feeling by infinity falls short of capturing the profound impact of his encounter with absolute infinity. Full-Body Transformation: Emphasizes that the experience was a complete physical and emotional transformation, releasing a lifetime's worth of emotional struggle and leaving an indelible mark on his entire being. Post-Experience Integration: Leo discusses his return to normalcy after the chemical's effects subsided but acknowledges the permanent shift in his perception of reality, leading to an ongoing effort to reconcile his limited ego with the concept of absolute infinity. Hypothesizing Reality’s Nature: Posits that reality is an infinite matrix within infinite dimensions where every possibility occurs simultaneously, suggesting the necessity of limited perspectives, like individual egos and our specific universe, for absolute infinity to truly be infinite. Finding Satisfaction in a Philosophical Explanation: Shares a sense of satisfaction in having his existential questions addressed by understanding the encompassing nature of absolute infinity, which includes both life's pleasant and horrendous aspects. Life-altering Power of a Single Experience: Leo attests that the transformative power of this single experience surpasses years of meditation and self-inquiry, asserting its unparalleled significance in his personal development. Reacting to Life's Futility Post-Awakening: Expresses a realization of the futility of everyday life goals compared to the awakened state, which offers a complete perspective where everything is understood as a mere distraction from infinite reality. Contrast between Fear and Awakening: Highlights that our limited understanding due to fear of loss prevents us from awakening to the infinite existence that's possible if we let go of our attachments. Recurring Realization of Godliness: Describes subsequent experiences in sleep where he would recall becoming absolute infinity, resulting in awakening from sleep overwhelmed by the memory's beauty and terror. The Imposing Nature of God: Comments on the overwhelming nature of experiencing God, implying that despite its beauty, its magnitude can be terrifying, leading to a cautious approach to repeated experiences. Awaiting Next Episode for Revelation: Teases the revelation of the substance and detailed instructions for safe use in the next episode, urging viewers to keep an open mind and stay tuned for more information. The Gallery Of Absolute Infinity: Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9 Image 10 Image 11 Image 12 Image 13 Image 14 Image 15 Image 16 Image 17 Image 18 Image 19 Image 20 Image 21 Image 22 Image 23 Image 24 Image 25 Image 26 Stupefy

The 64 Most Fascinating Questions A Human Can Ask https://youtu.be/S3FE9_204Yg Development of Existential Interest: Leo from Actualized.org discusses the significance of exploring deep existential questions and their impact on personal happiness, meaning, and development. He attributes the lack of engagement in these topics to cultural discouragement and inadequate exposure. Existential Categories: Leo introduces four key categories of existential questions: metaphysical, epistemic, self-related, and consciousness-related, noting that these themes are central to understanding reality and existence. Metaphysical Inquiry: He dives into the metaphysical category, asking why existence exists at all and what it means for something to be existent, challenging our fundamental understanding of existence and non-existence. Essence of Reality Structure: Leo questions the specific structure of reality, including why it follows the laws of physics and whether different structuring is possible, highlighting the arbitrary nature of these foundational laws. Consciousness versus Matter: The relationship between consciousness and matter is probed, with Leo asking whether consciousness emerges from matter or if matter is a conceptual product of consciousness, flipping conventional scientific views. Fundamental Building Blocks: He asks what really constitutes matter, energy, space, and time—considered fundamental in physics but whose essence remains a mystery. Universe Boundaries and Origin: The scope and boundaries of the universe are questioned, as well as what might exist beyond or before the Big Bang, contemplating the origins of singularity and potential multiverses. Interaction of Material and Immaterial: The puzzling interaction between material objects (like matter and energy) and immaterial phenomena (like thoughts and emotions) is examined without a clear scientific understanding of their relationship. Determination of Possibilities: Leo explores what dictates the limits of what is possible or impossible in the universe, from natural laws to logical constraints, questioning the origins of these limitations. Emergent Properties and Their Origins: The source of emergent properties, such as consciousness, is scrutinized. Leo asks how properties like liquidity in water or consciousness in the brain arise from simpler elements. Object Identification: The concept of what constitutes a singular object is challenged, investigating whether entities like humans are one object or a complex collection of cells, organs, and systems. Reality's Scales: Leo ponders whether reality has a definitive bottom or top scale or if these scales extend infinitely, pushing the limits of scientific understanding on the structure of the universe. Bottom Top Level Scale Existence: He concludes by questioning if there is any true bottom level or top level scale in the universe or if these scales could possibly extend to infinity. Purpose of Universal Evolution: The universe's evolution from simple gases to complex civilizations presents the question of whether this increasing complexity has a purpose, goal, or design, or if it is simply an accidental result of evolution. Reality of External Existence: It's postulated that an objective external reality exists, but strictly speaking, our only evidence is our individual first-person experiences, leaving the true nature of external reality an open question. Exploration of God Concept: Regardless of religious beliefs, the concept of God raises intricate issues, such as God's nature, the logical consistency of divine attributes, God's relationship to the universe, and the origin of the universe itself. Nature of Thoughts: Defining thoughts is challenging as they are not easily classified by sensory experiences or physical properties, making them almost 'ghost-like' sensations in our consciousness. Origin of Life: Despite our knowledge of evolution, the origin of life is shrouded in mystery, with lab experiments failing to spontaneously generate life from organic molecules, leaving us puzzled about life's beginnings. Fundamentals of Epistemology: The epistemological category involves probing how we can know anything for certain, the validity of our justifications for beliefs, and whether there is any knowledge we can claim with absolute certainty. Religious Beliefs and Delusion: The widespread belief in God across cultures and religions prompts questions about the nature of belief, why similar gods emerge in different societies, the reasons for religious popularity, and how intelligent people might share these beliefs or delusions. Objective Morality: The widespread disagreement on what is good or bad, even among intelligent individuals, leads to questioning whether morality is an objective reality or a construct of the human mind. Intellectual Self-Delusion: Intelligent, educated people can still hold delusions, highlighting that higher education does not immunize one from self-deception, emphasizing the importance of questioning one's certainty. Self-Bias and the Construction of Reality: Investigating whether our models of reality serve our egoic needs and personal agendas, and how we can be sure these models are not heavily biased by our own self-interest. Indoctrination in Belief Systems: The potential for indoctrination in everyone's upbringing is considered, questioning the degree to which our beliefs have been influenced or coerced from external sources. Evaluation of Science: Scrutinizing science as a means to knowledge, questioning its perceived validity, and considering its potential limitations in explaining reality. Limits of Mathematics and Rationality: Contemplating the validity and limits of mathematics and whether it is inherently tied to the nature of reality or a construct of the human mind; additionally, questioning the reliability of rationality as a dependable method of understanding. Limits of Rationality: Leo discusses whether rationality is boundless or merely a human projection, creating a dilemma regarding the extent to which rationality can explain reality. Trustworthy Sources of Knowledge: He juxtaposes senses, rationality, and intuition, questioning which is most reliable for knowledge development and why. Biases and Blind Spots of Humanity: Leo emphasizes the often-overlooked concept of collective human blind spots and biases shaped by culture and species, suggesting that alternative forms of understanding by other species or civilizations could be equally valid. Species-Specific Understanding: The video contemplates the idea that different species, including hypothetical extraterrestrial intelligences, may have varying levels or methods of understanding reality, which could be as legitimate as human perception. Authority and Expertise: Leo explores the challenge of determining intellectual authority and the trustworthiness of experts across various disciplines. Accurate Reality Models: The struggle of validating the accuracy and superiority of our various models of reality, whether scientific, religious, or philosophical, is addressed. Nature of Truth and Understanding: Distinctions between 'truth' and 'understanding' and their origins are discussed, revealing uncertainties in our ability to differentiate between what is correct and what is speculative. Ultimate Truth: Leo ponders the concept of an ultimate truth of reality, questioning whether it's within human cognitive grasp and how we could theoretically ascertain its nature. Acquisition of Knowledge: Various methods for acquiring knowledge are weighed against each other, with the underlying question of whether reality is ultimately comprehensible given our biological and psychological limits. Existence and Identity of Self: Questions arise about the certainty of one's existence, the exact nature of the self, and the justification for identifying with one's body and mind. Control of Thoughts: Leo probes the illusion of thought control, suggesting thoughts may have an independent mechanism given occurrences like obsessive thinking and spontaneous creativity. Individual Role in Reality: He queries the role of an individual in reality and the potential autonomy or obligations one might have in constructing their life purpose. Consciousness Enigma: The lack of a scientific or religious explanation for consciousness after centuries of inquiry is highlighted, along with the mystery of how physical perception among objects is possible. Unification of Senses and Higher Consciousness: Leo discusses how our various senses coalesce into a single experience and speculates on the existence of higher states of consciousness beyond human capability. Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness: The implications and realities of altered states of consciousness, such as those induced by psychedelics, meditation, or religion, are considered. Separation and Independence of Consciousness: The isolation and apparent independence of individual consciousnesses and the feasibility of creating, splitting, or joining consciousness are examined. Artificial and Organic Consciousness: The potential for artificial consciousness is questioned, alongside the exploration of consciousness as an inherent property of biological life. Unified Consciousness: Merging the consciousness of all humans could have profound epistemic impacts, increasing our shared level of consciousness by billions and potentially altering our understanding of the self and the universe. Consciousness as a Fundamental Force: Contrary to viewing consciousness as an emergent property of complex beings, the possibility exists that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe, akin to matter, energy, space, and time, challenging current physics which doesn't account for it. Laws Governing Qualia: The laws and principles that dictate the qualities of our sensory experiences, or qualia, are unclear. The conversion of physical brain activity into vivid experiential phenomena like color and emotion remains a profound mystery. Devoting Life to Existential Questions: Leo advises choosing the most personally compelling questions and dedicating one's life to exploring them, suggesting that the quality and depth of one's life correlate with the depth of questions they pursue. Philosophy as Self-Transformation: Engaging with existential questions demands deep introspection and growth. Ancient philosophers saw a strong link between philosophy and personal psychology—a connection Leo believes should be revived in modern times. Independent Investigation vs Prescribed Answers: Leo emphasizes the importance of personally seeking answers to existential questions rather than relying on predetermined solutions from external authorities like religions, cults, or institutions. The Transformative Potential of Questioning: By questioning, exploring, and reflecting on profound existential topics, individuals can revolutionize their understanding of the world, leading to a more fulfilling and self-actualized life. Risk of Disregarding Profound Questions: Ignoring existential questions can result in a superficial life marred by depression, lack of motivation, and susceptibility to delusions rather than harnessing the unique human capacity for introspection. Possibility of Answering Existential Questions: Despite skepticism about their solvability, many existential questions can be answered but require deep personal reflection and deconstruction of self rather than purely intellectual approaches. Encouragement for Active Engagement: Leo concludes by encouraging individuals to actively engage with profound existential questions through a variety of means, including study, open-mindedness, meditation, and seeking guidance, as opposed to superficial contemplation. Confundo

Guided Meditation - The Next Level Of Meditation https://youtu.be/7LscnZCzdak Guided Meditation Walk-through: Leo conducts a live exercise guiding viewers through a meditation session, encouraging actual practice over theoretical learning. Emphasis on Action: Leo stresses the importance of immediate participation in the meditation exercise and warns against dismissing practical steps in favor of solely absorbing theory. Surrender as a Key Component: He introduces surrender and letting go as critical elements for a successful meditation practice, contrary to focusing on thought control. Comfortable Seating and Stillness: Participants are guided to find a comfortable seated position, close their eyes, and bring their awareness to bodily sensations without trying to meditate or achieve anything. Non-Manipulative Approach: Leo highlights that true meditation is not about manipulating thoughts or striving for a peaceful state but about letting go and being aware without effort. Merging with Reality: Through the guidance, one learns to gently expand their consciousness beyond their body and merge with their environment, becoming all-encompassing without any conscious effort. Restful Mind, Absorption, and Alertness: Meditation is portrayed as a resting of the mind that does not require understanding or enlightenment; one's sense of self becomes absorbed into the surroundings while maintaining alertness. Letting Go Continuously: He suggests continuously letting go of control, resistance, and even the desire to release something, thus settling into a state of deep peace. Encouraging Regular Practice: Leo recommends daily meditation practice of 20-60 minutes for optimal results, to explore the state of unity with reality. Audio Guide for Regular Use: For those who need support, an audio guide is offered to use as a daily meditation tool, focusing on the experiential aspect rather than theory. Engagement with Actualized.org Content: Viewers are encouraged to sign up for the Actualized.org newsletter to stay engaged with future materials and practice consistency to achieve profound life changes. Transformative Power of Practice: Leo underlines that transformation comes through practice, not theory, and consistent practice is essential to grasp advanced concepts. Reparo

The 3 Levels Of Personal Development Work https://youtu.be/chROpiJaOcw "Great wisdom looks like stupidity." - Laozi Introduction to Personal Development Levels: Leo discusses personal development as a spectrum divided into three stages—"newbies," "intermediate," and "advanced"—each stage requiring several years of work before progressing to the next. Role of Personal Development Advice: Understanding the stages is crucial to avoid confusion, as advice that is useful for one stage may contradict that for another stage. Leo's material is becoming more advanced, and he offers guidance on how to approach it based on one's stage. Characteristics of Newbies: Newbies feel deficient in areas such as relationships and finances and seek immediate results from personal development to fill these voids. Their approach to problem-solving is external, avoiding any changes in internal beliefs or identity. The Newbie's Motivation and Resistance to Change: Newbies, motivated by a desire to escape pain, aim for average success rather than excellence. They are resistant to questioning or changing their deeply held beliefs and self-concept. Newbies' Relationship with Truth and Mind: They are not interested in truth for truth's sake and are heavily identified with their thoughts, unable to distinguish between abstract concepts and direct experience which impedes their understanding of advanced wisdom. Action Taking for Newbies: Newbies resist taking action on self-help advice, often accumulating information without applying it, causing frustration due to the gap between what they know and what they experience. Newbie Misunderstandings of Psychological Concepts: They lack awareness of the deceptive nature of the ego, the impact of closed-mindedness on growth, and the distortions presented by societal norms. Newbies vs. Society's Psychological Health: Newbies incorrectly assume that society reflects healthy psychology and often hold history and contemporary society as the benchmarks for what is possible, overlooking the potential for self-actualization. Newbies' Misunderstanding of Humanity's Development Stage: Newbies aren't aware that humanity is currently in the "dark ages" of awareness and self-development. They mistakenly use society as a reference point for personal growth, which leads them astray from reaching their potential. False Attitudes Towards Spirituality: Newbies fall into two traps regarding spirituality: they either dismiss it as superstition or engage in superficial, non-genuine spiritual practices without understanding true spiritual work. Impatience and Shortcut Seeking: Newbies are characterized by their impatience and desire for shortcuts. They may gravitate towards quick fixes like psychedelics for enlightenment without realizing these do not lead to genuine personal transformation. Reluctance to Invest in Self-Development: Newbies are unwilling to invest in their growth, preferring cheap or free resources. They don't appreciate the value of wisdom and take for granted the transformative power it holds. Overly Narrow Focus in Personal Development: Newbies approach personal development with an exceedingly narrow focus, such as wanting to improve only their business or relationships. They disregard broader disciplines like philosophy or history which could enhance their pursuit. Complaints About Abstraction and Action Steps: Newbies struggle with abstract concepts from advanced work and often complain about a lack of practicality, not understanding how to derive concrete actions from these ideas. Newbies' Preconceived Notions: Newbies have preconceived notions about reality, truth, God, and the self, and are not open to questioning these ideas from a place of curiosity and open-mindedness. Newbie Skepticism and Argumentation: Newbies harbor a neurotic skepticism aimed at finding loopholes in teachings rather than genuinely understanding and embodying the wisdom presented. Ideological Armchair Skepticism: Newbies often adopt an armchair philosophy, critiquing new ideas from a place of defense rather than being open to life transformation through practical application. Demanding Scientific Proof in Place of Experiential Validation: Newbies desire scientific evidence for new ideas, showing a lack of willingness to test and validate these ideas' impact in their own lives. Black-and-White Thinking and Straw Man Fallacies: Newbies oversimplify complex concepts, creating straw man versions of them, which they then dismiss without truly understanding the nuances involved. Ego Protection and Shifting Blame: When faced with challenging teachings, newbies often deflect blame onto the teacher to avoid looking inward and doing the emotional work required for personal development. Newbies Unaware of Their Developmental Level: Newbies are often oblivious to their stage of awareness, get offended when their level is identified by others, and fail to recognize the growth trajectory required to advance in personal development. The Trap of Simplicity: Newbies fall into the trap of assuming that the most advanced personal development wisdom should be complex; they overlook the transformative potential of simple truths, mistaking them for being too elementary. Newbies’ incapacity for deepest wisdom: Newbies lack the capacity to grasp the deepest wisdom, as does society at its current stage, a fact unbeknownst to both. It isn't a lack of willpower but a developmental stage where an individual must grow through personal work to eventually handle profound truths. The surprise of realizing ignorance: For newbies, achieving advanced understanding involves the surprising and often emotionally shocking realization that they know far less than they thought. Progressing to an advanced level is not about accumulating knowledge but rather about the subtractive process of unlearning. Advanced personal development as radical open-mindedness: Advanced work in personal development requires radical open-mindedness to consider unconventional and seemingly absurd ideas, balanced by a grounding in reality. Practice and inward action: Advanced personal development involves rigorous practice and action, focusing on introspective activities like meditation, shadow work, and self-inquiry, often in solitude. Every problem is self-created: An advanced student in personal development believes all problems are internally created and looks within for triggers rather than attributing them to external factors. Truth over goals: Advanced personal development prioritizes seeking truth and understanding reality through direct experience above achieving superficial goals. Awareness and rejecting the mind: Advanced students emphasize the importance of awareness over intellect and reject the obstructive thoughts produced by the mind. Pre-requisite for advanced work: According to Leo, a couple of years of meditation or self-inquiry is necessary to truly engage with advanced work, as it provides direct experience and insights. Self-inquiry and ego: Core to advanced personal development is the deep questioning of one's identity, motives, and reasons for emotional responses. Advanced students are unconcerned with success: Realizing the hollowness of traditional measures of success, advanced students prioritize personal growth over achieving success or meeting all their needs. Long-term commitment: Advanced students view personal development as a lifelong journey and approach it with patience and dedication, focusing on long-term transformations. Broad study across fields: A commitment to studying diverse fields like philosophy, spirituality, history, and science enriches the advanced student's model of reality and personal growth. Embracing simplicity and emotional labor: Advanced students can transform simple, abstract advice into actionable plans and willingly embrace the emotional labor required for deep personal growth. Readiness to change belief system: An advanced student is open to examining and changing deeply-held beliefs about the very nature of reality, life, and self-awareness. Thriving on confusion and paradox: Advanced students willingly engage with confusion and paradox, recognizing the intellectual richness in uncertainty, which would typically deter a newbie. Advice for Newbies on Initial Focus: Early stages of personal development should concentrate on achieving basic success, fulfilling fundamental needs like relationships and self-esteem before delving into advanced concepts like enlightenment. Significance of Habits for Personal Growth: Beginners must establish fundamental habits, such as meditation, exercise, and clean eating, to build a foundation for more advanced personal development practices. Approaching Advanced Topics with Caution: Leo advises beginners to be cautious with advanced topics, suggesting they listen and learn but focus on more immediate, practical areas of improvement first. Open-mindedness in Personal Development: It’s important for newbies to maintain an open mind and refrain from immediately dismissing advanced concepts as crazy or ridiculous. Understanding Personal Development's Depth: Personal development is a lifelong journey, with deeper wisdom often being cultivated by those who dedicate substantial and intense time to it. Inspiration through Advanced Work: Discussing advanced topics gives newbies hope and inspiration as they work through immediate issues, offering a glimpse of a more profound and positive future. Balancing Newbie and Advanced Advice: Even enlightened individuals may need basic advice in areas like business or relationships, showing that both newbie and advanced guidance can coexist in personal development. Importance of Addressing Inner Demons: Addressing inner demons is crucial; it enables individuals to enjoy life's offerings consciously, without being hampered by an unmastered mind. Continuous Growth and Evolution of Advice: Leo emphasizes the necessity of growing with him and appreciating the evolving nature of his advice, which will incorporate increasingly advanced concepts. Encouraging Engagement and Action: Leo calls for viewers to actively engage with his content, do the 'homework' he assigns, and not reject advanced teachings as they hold transformative potential when understood and applied. Invitation to Join the Actualized.org Community: Leo invites viewers to participate in the Actualized.org community, engage with the content, and remain updated on topics that can profoundly affect their lives. Expelliarmus

The Psychology Of Small Business Success - Top 5 Errors Of Aspiring Entrepreneurs https://youtu.be/ME50xt3ONuQ Error #1 - Overemphasis on the "dream product": Leo highlights that newbie entrepreneurs invest too much emotion and hope in creating their dream product, service, or invention while neglecting the crucial element of sales and marketing. Success in the marketplace is less about having a perfect product and more about gaining visibility and converting interest into sales. Lack of Market Strategy: Many entrepreneurs fail to develop a realistic and practical strategy to attract attention to their product. In a crowded market, simply having a good product isn't enough. Entrepreneurs must discover effective ways to capture potential customers' attention and persuade them to purchase. Testing the Business Model Early: Leo points out the common mistake of not testing the business model early enough. Many spend years perfecting their product only to find no market interest. Testing the 'cash flow engine' or business model early on can prevent this pitfall and help establish practical cash flow. Error #2 - Insufficient Experimentation and Creativity: Businesses often stumble because entrepreneurs lack the strategic creativity needed for problem-solving. Unlike aesthetic creativity, business creativity involves continuously coming up with strategic solutions for practical challenges and flexibly adapting when initial ideas fail. Requisite Variety in Business: Leo introduces the concept of requisite variety from cybernetics, explaining that an entrepreneur must have a more extensive set of strategies and solutions to adapt to business challenges. More nuanced and clever responses are necessary than what the problems present. Unique Positioning in the Marketplace: Entrepreneurs must find unique angles to enter their niche successfully. This could involve a compelling value proposition, such as being the most cost-effective, offering the highest quality, first to market, or having patented features that distinguish their business from the competition. Understanding Business as a Power Play: Leo describes business as a struggle for power in terms of money, influence, and visibility. Success requires finding a 'leverage point' that provides a distinct advantage in the competitive business landscape. Identifying Unique Leverage Points: Entrepreneurs must find their business's unique leverage point that differentiates them from competitors. For Leo, his personal style and approach in self-help advice is his leverage point, setting Actualized.org apart from others. Understanding the Cashflow Engine: Leo emphasizes the importance of discovering a mechanism for generating cash flow to sustain the business over time. Seeing a business as a research project or an evolutionary process involves trial and error as well as a high tolerance for failure. Trial and Error Process: Business development is characterized by trial and error, similar to scientific research or natural selection. Failure is common, and entrepreneurs must search for the single success among many attempts that can be focused on to drive their business forward. Error #3 - Not Taking Enough Action: Leo identifies the lack of action as a critical mistake. Successful entrepreneurs implement their ideas rapidly instead of procrastinating, sometimes seeing results within months rather than years. The Seriousness of Business Commitment: Treating the startup process as a life and death situation in terms of commitment, despite not being literal, creates a mindset that does not entertain the option of failure and is willing to try anything to make the business successful. Error #4 - Lack of Self-Governance: Self-governance is a central issue in business failure. The emotional difficulty of sustaining motivation and focus over the long term is something most people struggle with, leading them to prefer steady employment over entrepreneurship. The Emotional Aspect of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs face a range of emotions when building a business from scratch, including dealing with harsh truths such as realizing that good products may not sell or having to kill off one's beloved ideas due to their impracticality. Psychological Themes of Business: Common themes in business include competition, the necessity of discarding ideas (killing one's babies), and emotional isolation during the early stages of business development. Isolation and Entrepreneurship: Starting a business is generally a solitary journey filled with doubt, fear, and various practical and emotional challenges, which can be very isolating and daunting for many individuals. Self-Governance and Emotional Labor: Leo discusses that self-governance and emotional labor, while challenging, are not fixed qualities and can be developed over time. He suggests that actualized.org is a valuable resource for cultivating these skills and coping with emotional labor, which are critical for rising to the top in business. Harsh Truth About Business: Leo reflects on the nature of business, concluding that historically it's a more civilized form of tribal warfare such as raiding and pillaging. He explains that in the past, survival meant direct confrontation and resource acquisition, which has since evolved into the more structured but still competitive world of business. Business Evolution and Survival: The progression from brutal conquest to modern business practices is highlighted as Leo explains how aggression has been replaced by economic competition and how business is now deeply tied to survival, much like tribal conflicts were in the past. Juxtaposition of Business and Violence: Leo illuminates the idea that contemporary business has its roots in humanity's violent history but has been moderated by laws and societal structures to become less overtly harmful while still being driven by a survivalist mentality. Pragmatism in Entrepreneurship: Leo emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to approach their ventures with sobriety, understanding the ruthless nature of the business environment, and the necessity to be as competitive and pragmatic as dictators in their pursuit of success. Life and Death Seriousness of Business: He points out that in some parts of the world, business success directly correlates with survival, and he challenges entrepreneurs to approach their businesses with the same level of seriousness, even if they come from more comfortable environments. Action Steps for Successful Business: Leo outlines several actionable recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs: conducting extensive market research, testing ideas quickly to gain proof of concept, focusing on practical value to the consumer, proving at least one marketing avenue to attract attention to your product or service, and demonstrating the ability to make at least one sale as evidence of a viable business model. Emotions as a Barrier: Continuing with the theme of self-governance, Leo asserts that one's emotions are often the greatest hurdle to business success and urges the audience to take psychology and emotional regulation seriously. He again points to actualized.org as a resource that can help entrepreneurs manage their emotions and develop necessary business skills. Mastering Self-Governance: Mastering your own mind and emotions opens all possibilities, making tasks easier. Without this mastery, it's like fighting with arms tied behind your back. Misconception About Abstract Concepts: Entrepreneurs might dismiss philosophical or spiritual talk as irrelevant to business, but eventually, they'll understand its importance in mastering self-governance. Advanced Trap of Successful Entrepreneurs: Successful entrepreneurs who ace all aspects of business may fall into the trap of losing themselves in materialism and success, forgetting to run a conscious and visionary business. Running a Business with Consciousness: The true challenge is running a profitable business without losing its soul, creating something that leads, shows what's possible in business, and raises consciousness. Purpose of Business: The purpose of business isn't just to make money but to promote a cause and improve the world by raising awareness through various channels like technology, education, and advice-giving. Visionary Leadership in Business: Visionary, conscious businesses will survive long-term in the 21st century, while unconscious businesses will not, as society and markets are evolving. Joy in Conscious Business: The joy of running a sustainable business that also improves the world in a meaningful way greatly surpasses the pleasure derived from a business focused solely on profitability. Avoiding Materialism and Success Trap: To avoid this trap, remain vigilant, self-aware, and recall the purpose of your business, balancing material success and visionary goals. Promotion of Conscious Business: Visionary businesses will become the norm, surpassing profit-driven models. It's imperative for future entrepreneurs to contribute to this evolutionary process. Personal Transformation and Business Evolution: Leo discusses his own shift from profit-driven to visionary business and underscores the need for constant self-awareness and adaptation to societal changes. Role of Actualized.org: Leo's platform offers resources to understand one's mind and life purpose, promoting personal growth and aiding in the evolution of both the individual and their business endeavors. Stupefy

Awareness Alone Is Curative - How To Auto-Correct Unwanted Behaviors https://youtu.be/qy_INVm_Pw0 Awareness as a Path to Changing Unhealthy Behaviors: Leo Gura describes how awareness, rather than willpower or forced action, can naturally correct unwanted behaviors. By simply observing these behaviors without judgment, the individual can allow them to dissolve over time. The Principle of Awareness Over Action: Leo explains that neurotic patterns of behavior come from a conflict between the desire to change and the resistance to change. He suggests a reframe of this dynamic by introducing the principle that "awareness alone is curative," meaning observation without action can lead to change. Understanding and Trusting the Awareness Method: Instead of actively seeking solutions to problems like overeating or lack of confidence, Leo advocates for shining awareness on the issue. The trust is in the power of awareness to naturally dissolve the problem without needing to force change. Autocorrection through Observation: The idea is that any unhealthy behavior will auto-correct merely through observation. Full consciousness is cited as being unable to coexist with an unhealthy behavior. This principle is credited to being learned from Bill Harris of Centrepointe. Challenges of Maintaining Constant Awareness: Leo acknowledges that for awareness to be effective, it must be constant and sustained throughout the entire behavior, which can be challenging in terms of patience and consistency. Practical Application with Junk Food: Leo gives a practical example of how to apply awareness to the habit of eating junk food. Instead of restricting oneself through guilt or willpower, he suggests fully engaging in the process of ordering and consuming the food, but with complete awareness of every aspect and consequence. Non-judgmental Observation: Leo emphasizes the importance of observing the behavior and its effects, such as feelings of nausea or bloating after overeating, without any judgments or moral self-criticism. Simply observing the entire experience silently and mindfully. Observation of Daily Life: By observing without judgment all aspects of daily life, from waking up feeling unwell to noticing physical imperfections like a gut sticking out, awareness becomes a natural part of one's routine. Natural Results of Ongoing Awareness: Consistent observation of oneself and the behaviors that cause personal suffering can result in a natural inclination to avoid those behaviors without the need for force or guilt, such as declining greasy food without effort. Unconsciousness and Unwanted Behaviors: Engaging in unwanted behaviors, such as binge-watching TV while eating ice cream, occurs because awareness is deliberately distracted or surrendered, allowing these behaviors to take place with little resistance. Awareness vs Logical Knowing: People often confuse logical knowing, such as knowing smoking is bad, with awareness. Awareness is an in-the-moment observation that is different from stored knowledge or logical understanding. Awareness Muscle Development: Awareness is likened to a muscle that needs consistent exercise to remain strong. Losing awareness is compared to a muscle going unused, resulting in unconscious behavior. Awareness as Observation: True observation, or awareness, involves passively noticing everything, akin to a scientist studying birds, without any moral judgments or attempts to control the situation. Moralizing Is Not Awareness: Moralizing, such as judging one's own eating habits, is a behavior to be observed and released through awareness, not by moralizing further. Releasing Control for Awareness: Ego-driven behavior is akin to micromanaging and needs to be released in favor of passive awareness, which operates on a deeper level than conscious desire. Awareness Is Not Suppression: Leo clarifies that awareness practice does not involve suppressing desires but rather involves being fully conscious of the desires and actions without trying to manipulate them. Passive Practice of Awareness: The practice of awareness is passive and scientific, like a scientist recording observations without interfering. This requires trust in the effectiveness of consistent application. Versatile Application of Awareness: Awareness can effectively address a wide range of unwanted behaviors, from overeating to psychological issues like shyness, depression, and anxiety. Dealing with Shyness Through Awareness: An example application is for overcoming shyness—by observing one's thoughts, physical reactions, and surrounding environment, it's predicted that shyness will naturally subside with consistent awareness practice. Awareness in Handling Depression: Leo advises to practice full awareness during periods of depression, acknowledging thoughts and feelings without trying to escape or change them. With patience and consistency, one can become conscious of how they perpetuate their own depression, ultimately leading the depression to become 'impossible.' Dealing with Fear Through Awareness: Leo suggests confronting fears, such as the fear of children using drugs, by observing the fear itself. Full awareness of the thoughts and images that accompany the fear can, over time, lead to a natural resolution of the problem, removing the need for forceful action. Thoughts and the Belief Network: Leo describes the mind as a vast network of thoughts and beliefs that constantly trigger each other, shaping one’s personality and actions. This complex system is self-sustaining, aimed at maintaining homeostasis, and challenging to change from within. Awareness and Systems Change: Leo highlights that awareness is the key to deep systemic change; trying to change beliefs with other beliefs is likely to fail. As awareness is cultivated, the network of beliefs restructures itself naturally, leading to genuine transformation. Leveraging Awareness for Change Over Force: According to Leo, using force to change one's network of beliefs is a self-defeating approach, as the force is generated from within the same belief system. True, effortless change occurs as a natural byproduct of raised awareness, not through exerted force. Conceptually Accepting External Forces and Surrendering: One must conceptually understand that forces outside of one’s control exist, and surrendering to these forces can be a powerful catalyst for change, facilitated by an acceptance that emerges from within one's belief system. Practical Steps to Develop Awareness: Leo advocates creating a daily meditation habit as an effective way to strengthen the 'awareness muscle.' This, coupled with absorbing the right concepts about the nature of awareness and reality, can lead to profound improvements in overcoming life's challenges. Transformation Through Awareness and Truth: All real change aligns with reality and truth, achievable through the development of awareness. Persistent practice of awareness can lead to a significant transformation in one's experience of life, resolving long-standing issues. Lumos

A Rant Against Morality - Very Foundational https://youtu.be/RLqFrF-QTCI Leo Gura's foundational view of morality: Leo emphasizes that conventional models of morality, consisting of what is deemed right or wrong, good or evil, actually inhibit personal growth and fulfillment by fostering unconscious obedience to external rules and internalized judgments. Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development: Leo introduces Kohlberg's three stages of moral development: preconventional, conventional, and post-conventional, which outline the evolution of moral reasoning from basic punishment/reward principles to internalized principles. Leo adds a fourth stage, transcendent morality, characterized by a conscious realization of unity and unconditional love for all aspects of existence. Problems with traditional morality: He criticizes traditional morality for promoting moralism – a black-and-white, dogmatic view of reality, which applies to both religious and secular individuals and ideologies and tends to cause suffering by fragmenting one's perception of reality. Sources and examples of moralization: Leo gives examples of moralization from various sources such as religions, political ideologies, and family dynamics, pointing out that it affects interpersonal relationships and social interactions through the imposition of cultural etiquette and rules. The challenge of profound moral transformation: The transition to transcendent morality, which Leo argues for, requires abandoning judgmental views and accepting reality as it is, but is typically resisted because it is counterintuitive and requires a significant evolution of consciousness. Belief-induced Suffering: Holding rigid beliefs such as "nobody is supposed to ever cut me off in traffic" can lead to personal suffering due to resultant anger when expectations are not met. Personal Moralization: Leo discusses the internal rules created during adolescent growth and how these benchmarks lead to self-judgment as well as judgment of others' actions. Problems with Moralism: Leo identifies the issues with moralism as its mechanical and unconscious nature, where life is expected to follow oversimplified rules, often leading to immoral outcomes in complex real-life situations. Conscious Morality versus Mechanical Rules: True morality, according to Leo, should arise from a conscious awareness of the situation rather than blind adherence to fixed rules which may not suit every context. Ego and Fear-Based Morality: Morality models are often fear-driven and constructed to defend an ego's identity, which creates a rigid and fragmented sense of self. Parental and Societal Morality Indoctrination: From early childhood, rules about right and wrong are deeply imprinted on individuals by parents and society, influencing foundational perceptions of reality. Extrinsic Motivation and Integrity: External rules can cause a fragmented sense of motivation and self, where actions are obligated not by desire but by fear of punishment or societal norms, resulting in psychological neurosis. Ego and its Shadow: Leo explains the shadow aspect of the ego—denied parts of oneself—which leads to hypocrisy and denial of reality, causing life issues as reality ultimately asserts itself. Self-Righteousness Derived from Moralizing: Those who moralize frequently experience a secret ego-driven pleasure in their perceived righteousness, while judgment and denial of reality lead to inevitable loss and suffering when confronted with the true state of things. Pleasure Derived from Moralizing: Leo discusses how individuals experience ego gratification through moralizing, feeling self-righteous when condemning actions or people deemed morally inferior. This moral indignation inflates the ego's sense of superiority and self-worth. Hypocrisy Exacerbated by Moralism: Leo points out that moralizing often leads to hypocrisy, as exemplified by figures like corrupt preachers or politicians, whose public stances clash with their private indiscretions. Moralism can accelerate the very vices it denounces by causing individuals to hide and deny aspects of reality and parts of themselves. Negative Emotional Outcomes of Moralization: Moralizing results in feelings of guilt, shame, judgment, and self-hatred. Leo emphasizes that these feelings are not only directed towards others but are also self-inflicted, leading to a lack of integrity and self-esteem. Subtlety of Moralizing: Moralizing isn't just about overt judgments; Leo suggests that even small daily decisions or thoughts, such as feeling guilty about not going to the gym or judging a friend's behavior, are forms of moralization that deeply impact our psyche. Victimhood and Two Forms of Moralization: There are two forms of moralization – self-aggrandizing, where people tell others how to live, and self-victimizing, where they apply moralistic judgments to themselves. Both forms lead to a victim mentality and unnecessary suffering. Morality and Historical Atrocities: Leo links rigid adherence to moralistic rules with many atrocities throughout history. By demonizing individuals through judgment and moralization, societies have justified inhumane treatments and mass horrors. Transcendent Morality as Consciousness of Reality: Leo introduces transcendent morality – a pure consciousness of reality without the imposition of moral rules. He describes this as openness to being and existence devoid of judgments like "good" or "evil." Rejection of Reality: The core problem with moralization, according to Leo, is the rejection of reality. By failing to accept reality and attempting to fragment it into good and evil, we create suffering and societal chaos. Integrity as Opposite of Moralism: Integration of both light and dark aspects within oneself leads to wholeness and integrity. Leo argues that this unity allows for spontaneous and natural action without guilt or shame, transcending traditional moral paradigms. Transcendent Morality versus Traditional Morality: Leo contrasts transcendent morality with traditional morality, which relies on external rules. He poses that religious moral codes stem from an understanding of transcendent morality, which is naturally aligned with being and existence, advocating for a shift towards embracing this deeper conception of morality. Critique of Traditional Morality: Leo suggests that historical figures like Jesus or Buddha would reject the rigid moral doctrines attributed to them if they witnessed the negative consequences those doctrines have fostered over time. Counterintuitiveness and Threat of Transcendent Morality: The concept of transcendent morality, which lacks externally imposed rules and is based on an acceptance of reality, may seem radical and threatening to mainstream thought because it challenges established notions of morality. Creation of Good and Evil: The concepts of good and evil are mental constructs introduced during childhood, serving as a utility for navigating life. However, the problem arises when these fictions, like lies, return to haunt the creator, leading to fragmentation and denial of reality's unity. The Illusion of 'Shoulds': Leo emphasizes that the notion of 'should' is an illusion; what exists is precisely what should exist. This is a foundational concept, challenging to accept, that suggests the reality we experience is the only one that could be—without any alternative possibilities. Moral Narratives vs. Reality: Common moral statements asserting that certain things 'shouldn't exist', like crime, political factions, or behaviors, are in fact fantasies that do not impact actual reality. Accepting reality without these fantasies eliminates the perception of problems. Transcendent Morality and Judgment: In transcendent morality, one acknowledges the unity and reality of existence, leading to the realization that judgment of others, no matter the act, is rendered preposterous and a form of denial. Free Will Illusion: Accepting that there is no free will is integral to transcendent morality. Reality is a unified flow without alternative possibilities, thus what occurs is the only outcome that could've happened, reflecting total surrender to what is. Suffering from Control Struggle: Leo notes that the struggle for control over an uncontrollable reality is the root of suffering, stress, guilt, and victimhood. Acknowledgement of lack of control can lead to radical freedom. The Paradox of Freedom Without Rules: The shift to a paradigm where anything is permissible is radical, especially for those accustomed to moralizing. However, for the consciously aware, no mechanical rules are necessary to dictate behavior. Leo’s Personal Morality: Leo professes his moral and ethical behavior without the need for explicit moral rules. He posits that increasing one’s consciousness allows one to tap into higher wisdom without needing external moral constraints. The Mystic's Experience and Rejection: Leo describes how mystics, who have transcended reality, have historically been ostracized or persecuted because their profound understanding and expression of morality often contrast with societal norms. Moral Responsibility and Consciousness: True morality, according to Leo, requires an individual to be deeply conscious and take full responsibility for their actions. This level of morality is self-managed rather than being enforced by external rules or societal pressures. Leo's Rejection of Fixed Morality Rules: Leo doesn't adhere to strict traditional rules like the Ten Commandments; instead, he practices a form of morality that doesn't rely on stringent rules against severe actions like murder or theft. Detachment from Standardized Morality: He finds it more liberating not to follow a codified morality, noting that he doesn't feel the temptation to commit heinous acts and rarely experiences anger, contrasting with the frequent anger he observes in others over minor provocations. The Rarity of Transcendent Morality: Leo acknowledges that transcendent morality is not mainstream due to the high level of consciousness and self-actualization work it requires, emphasizing that this approach is often counterintuitive and ego-threatening. Societal Rejection of Transcendent Morality: Transcendent morality is not publicly or politically promoted; Leo suggests that openly advocating such views could result in severe backlash or misunderstanding due to society's lack of advanced consciousness. Handling Objections to Transcendent Morality: Leo addresses concerns regarding evil acts, stating that integration and understanding, not moralistic judgment, reduce "evil." He rejects calling actions evil as an arrogant ego judgment. Personal Reaction to Harm and Emotional Maturity: He admits he would be distressed by harm done to him or his family but would not demonize the perpetrator; instead, he aspires to view such events within the broader universal motion, as an indicator of emotional maturity. Advocacy of Self-actualization over Traditional Morality: Leo promotes transitioning to transcendent morality through self-actualization, encouraging listeners to consider that their current paradigms may not lead to further success and might need reassessment. True Morality Is Unconditional Love: He concludes by asserting that true morality stems from unconditional love for all reality without exceptions, challenging viewers to ponder the strength of a morality reliant on external rules or authorities. Promotion of Actualized.org: Leo invites viewers to engage with his content and announces an upcoming episode on practical approaches to overcoming the negative impacts of moralizing, which he believes will significantly enhance life quality. Legilimens

How Your Mind Distorts Reality - Needy vs Non-Needy Perception https://youtu.be/8_E9KOBEmMw Foundation of Accurate Perception: Leo emphasizes the importance of perception accuracy, quoting psychologist Erich Fromm, who suggests that a person's stability is linked to their perception's adequacy. Inadequate perception leads to reliance on idols, while adequate perception allows independence. Deficiency vs. Being Cognition/Perception: Leo introduces the distinction between deficiency cognition/perception (D-Cognition/Perception) and being cognition/perception (B-Cognition/Perception), which comes from Abraham Maslow. D-Cognition is influenced by personal deficiencies, while B-Cognition is the perception of the world as it is, free from personal desires. Characteristic of Self-Actualized Individuals: B-Cognition is a hallmark of self-actualized individuals. It is undistorted by ego or self-agenda, allowing one to see things in their essence—passive, receptive, and benevolent. Abraham Maslow's Insights on Being Perception: Maslow describes B-Perception as an attentive, careful, and ego-less form of perception, allowing one to see objects in their completeness without the influence of self-agenda. Differences with Deficiency Cognition: D-Cognition, on the other hand, is an active perception influenced by ego needs, which distorts reality by projecting personal issues onto the objects of perception, leading to an anthropocentric and biased view. Problems with Anthropocentric Perception: Leo points out how an anthropocentric perception can be problematic in science, becoming overly abstract, model-driven, and failing to distinguish between abstractions and actual perceptions. Difficulty with Paradox in Deficiency Perception: D-Cognition struggles to handle paradoxes, leaning towards rigid rationalism and fitting reality into pre-set conceptual frameworks, resulting in dogmatism and ideological bias. Abstract Perception vs. Full Perception: Maslow explains that ordinary cognition often involves classifying or comparing rather than fully perceiving the object, which can lead to misconceptions by imposing arbitrary continuums and evaluations. Aristotelian Thinking vs. Self-Actualized Perception: Comparatively, less developed individuals may think in rigid categories as per Aristotelian logic, whereas a self-actualized person understands that opposites can coexist and interpenetrate within the same subject. Usefulness and Falseness of Abstractions: Maslow argues that while abstractions can be useful for understanding, they are also inherently false since perceiving objects abstractly means neglecting certain aspects of their reality. Perception and Egoic Deficiencies: Leo makes the case that our own egoic deficiencies, such as neuroses, warp our perception of reality. He emphasizes that the interface between us and reality is tainted by our mental health, and perception accuracy is closely tied to emotional maturity. Significance of Distortion in Perception: Leo argues that the distortion created by our egoic deficiencies is not minor but a major factor leading to many life issues. This distortion, Leo says, is responsible for recurring dysfunctional patterns that persist despite attempts to change external conditions. Maslow on Fully Objective Perception: Quoting Abraham Maslow, Leo underlines the importance of fully objective, desireless perception, which can only be achieved when nothing is needed from the object or person being perceived. This allows for the concreteness and abstractness to co-exist in the act of perception. Augmented Reality of the Human Mind: Leo contends that the human mind lives in an augmented reality, where our concepts, fantasies, and desires distort our perceptions, and he challenges the notion that humans are the most self-aware beings. Concept of 'Ego Smog' by David Bohm: Leo introduces David Bohm's concept of 'ego smog', which suggests our ego obscures our ability to clearly perceive reality. Thought affects perception in deceptive ways, creating systemic faults that influence all our experiences. Deep Systemic Problem of Perception: Perception is posited as a bug in the mind's operating system. According to Leo, this causes many problems both personally and societally, such as war and intolerance, stemming from the mind's biases. Practical Approach to Being Cognition: Leo stresses the importance of practice to develop being cognition. He encourages observing without imposing labels, judgments, or any kind of projection onto reality to see things as they truly are. Projections as a Function of Deficiency Cognition: The various projections like labels, judgments, and values that we place onto reality are all parts of deficiency cognition. Leo drives home the need to recognize these projections' pervasiveness and their role in distorting our perception. Nonexistence of Relationships in External Reality: Leo challenges the notion that relationships between objects exist independently of the mind. He points out that all relationships are mental projections, with the mind selectively focusing on relationships useful for self-preservation. Importance of Practice and Awareness: Finally, Leo calls for practice and awareness to turn around deficiency perception. He accentuates that true self-actualization requires the development of being cognition and a shift from egoic projections to more accurate perceptions of reality. Emotional Reactions to Material Loss: Leo describes how emotional attachment and perceived relationships to material possessions, like a car, produce strong emotional reactions when those possessions are damaged or lost. Value Assignments and Relationships: Leo explains that the way we assign value and identify relationships to objects, such as ownership of a car or dealings with insurance companies, creates a complex web of emotional responses when circumstances change. Web of Relationships Influencing Psychological Problems: Leo posits that psychological problems, such as depression or insecurities, are not isolated issues but rather manifestations of a vast web of relationships and projections ingrained in our mental software. Illusion of Separations and Boundaries: Leo challenges the perception of objects as separate entities, suggesting that even common identifiers like 'car' create artificial boundaries within a unified phenomenal field, which in its essence has no distinct objects. The Ineffectiveness of Mental Knowledge Alone: Leo emphasizes that absorbing information about perception does not change one's actual perception; actual change in perception requires practice and experiential understanding. Challenges of Changing Perception: Leo acknowledges the difficulty most people have in grasping changes in perception experientially, which contributes to societal problems. He insists that solving these issues requires dedicated practice beyond passive listening. Existential Nature of Problems as Mind Fabrications: Leo invites listeners to consider that the problems they perceive as deep and insurmountable are actually fabrications of the mind and don't exist outside of their perception. Exercise for Developing Being Cognition: Leo offers a practice exercise to develop being cognition by objectively observing an object or person without assigning personal values or meanings, seeing it as it is in itself. Misconceptions About Rationalism and Being Cognition: Leo cautions against the misconception that rational or scientific thinking equals being cognition, clarifying that true being cognition transcends mental constructs and categories. Connection Between Mindfulness, Enlightenment, and Being Cognition: Leo links being cognition with enlightenment and mindfulness, emphasizing that these approaches help remove the 'ego smog' and allow for a more accurate perception of reality. Improvement Through Addressing Emotional Dysfunction: Leo advises that addressing emotional dysfunctions and neuroses can improve being perception by reducing the distortive effects of deficiency cognition. Impact of Deficiency Cognition on Relationships: Leo discusses how deficiency cognition can negatively affect relationships, with needy or pessimistic individuals illustrating the difficulty in perceiving reality without distortion. Being vs. Deficiency Perception: Leo underscores the distinction between an ordinary person and a self-actualizing person: the capacity to perceive reality objectively, without the 'ego smog.' Reactions to self-help: Some individuals respond negatively to self-help recommendations or resources, perceiving them as threats or as nonsensical information, which can lead to them disparaging the source or the person who introduced them to the concept. Perception on a spectrum: Perception is a spectrum with most people falling somewhere between perfect clarity and heavy dysfunction, with the average person having a considerable level of dysfunction and deficiency in their perception. Connection of rationalism to perception: Rationalism, thought to be a clear-sighted approach to truth, has a systemic flaw by which it warps and distorts perception. Rationalists may deceive themselves into believing their constructs are reality rather than figments of their own rationalization. Self-agenda versus reality: There is a fundamental choice between remaining loyal to one's self-agenda or to reality. Loyalty to self-agenda leads to distortion of reality, while loyalty to reality will eventually crumble the self-agenda, which is itself a distortion. Inaccurate perceptions as the root of problems: Inaccurate perceptions of reality create unnecessary problems and emotional turmoil, similar to a child fearing monsters under the bed. Clearing misconceptions can significantly enhance the quality of life. Importance of action for transformation: Leo emphasizes the necessity of acting on cognitive insights to avoid falling behind in self-actualization. He assures that although difficult, personal transformation through eliminating 'ego smog' is deeply satisfying. Self-help and personal growth: Leo encourages viewers to actively engage with his content and apply the exercises he suggests, promising that this will lead to remarkable and enjoyable progress in self-actualization. Reparo

Overcoming Addiction - The Root Cause Of Every Addiction https://youtu.be/G5ZYV-IMIUU Identification of Addiction: Leo Gura defines addiction through a simple test provided by Gay Hendricks. If a person abstains from a suspected addictive behavior for a week and cravings arise, addiction is present. This test reveals that many engage in addictive behaviors they are not aware of, such as overthinking, which leads to a broad definition of addiction in modern society. Existential Fear as Addiction's Root: The core of all addictions, according to Leo, is the fear of existential emptiness experienced when idle and alone. He discovered this through his own battle with food addiction, realizing that addictions serve as distractions from facing the void. Addiction and Inability to Be Alone: He connects the inability to sit alone in a room with an addiction. To overcome addiction, one must learn to be content with just 'being' without external stimuli. The need for constant stimulation reflects a lack of self-mastery and grounding. The Illusion of a Full Life: Most individuals' lives are filled with stimulation, such as video games, reading, and work to avoid confronting the emptiness within. This leads to a cycle of fulfillment and guilty overindulgence that ultimately does not address the underlying void. Existential Emptiness and Hedonism’s Limits: True satisfaction cannot be found in material possessions or activities. Leo describes the nature of existence as inherently empty, which is a concept people avoid but ultimately must face and accept for a fulfilling life. Embracing the Existential Void: Contemplating mortality helps understand the existential void that exists not only after death but also in life. Leo suggests that by sitting with and accepting this emptiness without distraction, one can tackle addiction more effectively and sustainably. The Purifying Fire of Emptiness: Facing the void during addiction recovery involves resisting the urge to fill the emptiness with distractions. Leo describes confronting cravings for stimulating experiences—food, love, socialization—as a means to purify oneself from these addictions by enduring the emotional labor without giving in. Mature Solution to Addiction: According to Leo, truly overcoming addiction requires enduring a psychosomatic and emotionally challenging process. Without this mature approach, one may relapse. He refers to it as a "purifying fire" that burns away inner demons, suggesting only then can one achieve complete victory over addictive behaviors. Catch-22 in Recovery: Leo describes a paradox where addicts seek to avoid emotional labor through short-term fixes, yet it's the avoidance of this very emotional labor that sustains their addiction. He emphasizes that confronting and embracing the emotional challenges is a critical step towards ending the cycle of addiction. Top Techniques for Overcoming Addiction: Leo highlights the "do-nothing" technique, mindfulness meditation, strong determination sitting, and as a bonus, existential investigation. These methods are designed to face the raw experience of existence and confront inner demons without distractions, helping to build psychological stability and internal grounding. Concept of Self-Actualization: Leo associates self-actualization with the absence of addiction. He presents the self-actualized individual as one who is internally satisfied and does not depend on external stimuli, emphasizing that happiness from simply existing is a sign of internal wealth. The Shortcomings of 12-Step Programs: While helpful, Leo criticizes 12-step programs for lacking a focus on self-actualization—merely tackling addictions without addressing the larger goal of personal development and fulfillment. Long-Term Commitment to Self-Actualization: Leo underscores the importance of patience and consistent effort over six to twelve months to absorb and apply the self-actualization concepts shared on Actualized.org and through his resources, suggesting that transformation takes time and sustained engagement with his teaching materials. Fidelius Charm

The Benefits Of Enlightenment https://youtu.be/YfMqtrbjiMs Benefits of Talking about Enlightenment: Discussing enlightenment is necessary because it's often misunderstood as an abstract, philosophical concept with no practical application in life. Leo recognizes this and wants to communicate a list of pragmatic benefits to get people's egos on board and to present enlightenment as an overarching strategy for life. Enlightenment Defined: Enlightenment is the realization of one's existential nature, which is not the body, mind, or neuronal activity. It's a state of union with all of reality, essentially an omnipresent field of pure awareness, outside of time and space, and not localized in physical form. Massive Reduction in Suffering: Enlightenment leads to a significant reduction in suffering on both large (like health, wealth, family issues) and small scales (day-to-day frustrations and discomfort), which are seen as unnecessary and a result of identifying with the body and mind. Freedom from Mental Distress: It allows one to be free from constant worry, fear, and anxiety about various aspects of life, thereby reducing a large amount of mental energy typically spent on emotional distress. Liberation from Fear of Death: Understanding that one is not the body or the mind leads to the realization that the concept of death is simply a belief, which becomes meaningless post-enlightenment. End to Chronic Overthinking: Enlightenment enables one to stop overanalyzing situations unnecessarily, fostering the ability to be mentally present and enjoy each moment fully without constant thought interference. Immunity to Intense Negative Emotions: Post-enlightenment, individuals become less influenced by heavy emotions like deep sadness, anger, or loneliness, which can still occur but won't overwhelm as they used to. Elimination of Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors: Enlightenment can lead to the cessation of both hard addictions and softer emotional dependencies, as well as self-sabotaging tendencies and compulsive behaviors, promoting healthier living. Freedom from Self-Obsession: An end to the obsession with self-image is possible through enlightenment, reducing stress over one's appearance and how others perceive them. Ceasing Life's Striving and Obsessions: Enlightenment can stop the neurotic striving for love, money, power, and status, leading to lifelong contentment and fulfillment without external acquisitions. Dissolving Loneliness and Neediness: Feelings of loneliness and neediness are seen as illusions with enlightenment, stripping away their influence and revealing them as ego-centric concerns. Cure for Neuroses: A wide array of neuroses, including depression, anxiety, negative and compulsive thoughts, can be eradicated, leading to a healthier mental state. Increased Physical Energy and Less Need for Sleep: By removing mental stress and worry, enlightenment frees up energy, allowing for increased productivity and less sleep required—potentially reducing the average sleep time significantly. Foundation for True Self-Actualization: Enlightenment marks the start of authentic personal development, providing a vital existential understanding critical for implementing advanced self-improvement concepts and techniques. Self-Actualization as a Lifelong Journey: Reaching enlightenment isn't the end goal but the commencement of an enduring journey of self-actualization, requiring ongoing dedication and exploration of various stages of spiritual awakening. Transformation of Life Post-Enlightenment: Enlightenment opens up the opportunity for profound life transformation, allowing changes in personality, career, and relationships that were previously limited by one's identity. Dealing with Chronic Pain: As age increases, chronic pain can become a significant issue; enlightenment offers a tool to manage and potentially reduce the suffering caused by chronic pain. Resourceful Handling of Disasters: Enlightenment equips individuals with the ability to coast through life's disasters, such as the death of a loved one or financial crises, with composure and resourcefulness, avoiding the common spiral into depression and anxiety. Reconnection with Bodily Sensations: Modern living often leads to a disconnection from our bodies; enlightenment helps to reestablish this connection, relieving stress and restoring the natural joy and vitality experienced during childhood. Improved Health and Longevity: Studies on advanced meditators suggest that enlightenment contributes to a longer life and better health due to a healthier mental environment, which positively influences the body through the mind-body connection. Deep Self-Acceptance and Love: Enlightenment provides the platform for profound self-acceptance and self-love by dismantling the ego, allowing individuals to truly love and accept themselves unconditionally. Experience of True Unconditional Love: By transcending the illusion of separate individuality, enlightenment enables a person to love all of reality without conditions, in a way that is non-needy and powerfully transformative. Authentic Relationships through Enlightenment: Authentic, non-needy and non-manipulative relationships become possible through enlightenment, as it entails a true understanding of oneself and others on a deep existential level. Immunity to Existential Crises: Enlightenment grants immunity to existential crises, including midlife crises, by resolving the false sense of ego and providing insight into the nature of existence. Deepest Comprehension of Existence: Those seeking the ultimate truth will find it through enlightenment, which offers the deepest understanding of reality, beyond what can be accessed through knowledge or logic. No Regrets at Death: Living in enlightened presence ensures that one can face death without regrets, having spent a life authentically connected to being rather than caught in constant doing. Positive Approach Towards society and Humanity: Enlightenment fosters a healthier and more beneficial relationship with society, humanity, and the world, reducing dysfunctionality and encouraging positive change. Honest and Ethical Behavior: Individuals who achieve enlightenment exhibit increased honesty and ethical conduct in their interactions, contributing to societal improvement. Prevention of Global Catastrophes: Addressing the risk of annihilation due to technological advancements outpacing emotional and psychological growth, enlightenment is key to preventing future global disasters. Return to Childhood Effortlessness and Satisfaction: Enlightenment rekindles the effortless satisfaction of childhood, where life is experienced as a continuous flow, enabling a permanent state of presence and joy. Cost of Enlightenment: To gain the profound benefits of enlightenment, one must be willing to pay the highest price: giving up one's entire sense of identity, ego, and deeply held beliefs, including the love for personal successes and relationships. It requires letting go of the physical sense of self and surrendering the fiction that one is a localized consciousness within a body. Destruction of Identity: Enlightenment will bestow numerous benefits but will simultaneously obliterate one's sense of identity, revealing life as inherently meaningless, all perceived truths as falsehoods, moral judgments as fictions, and the entire concept of the self as an illusion. Benefits as a Deception: Discussing the benefits of enlightenment is potentially misleading, as it suggests there are tangible advantages to be gained, which feeds into the ego's narrative. In reality, there are no actual benefits, nor is there a self that could be improved or enhanced by enlightenment. Strategic Deception of the Ego: The mention of benefits is a strategic deception to trick the ego, which only understands self-centered language, into embarking on a path that ultimately leads to its own undoing. The process of enlightenment may be framed in egoic terms to leverage the ego's motivations against itself until it's 'too late,' but in truth, the ego does not actually exist. The Paradox of Enlightenment: While enlightenment may seem to embrace nihilistic concepts such as meaninglessness and the absence of self, it is paradoxically presented as the most desirable pursuit available to humans. True life, full of joy and splendor, only begins post-enlightenment despite pre-enlightenment life seemingly adequate. The Stupidity Barrier: Most individuals fail to fully grasp enlightenment due to a lack of wisdom, which leads to inaction and falling back into old routines despite understanding the concepts intellectually. Overcoming this 'stupidity' requires strategic life approaches that focus on wisdom and existential discovery. Struggle for Real Life: The journey toward enlightenment is a struggle against complacency and the illusion of comfort within one's current life, which is compared to dwelling in hell without recognizing the potential heaven that lies beyond. Wisdom Versus Material Success: Leo stresses that enlightenment should be viewed as the ultimate goal in life, not just a passing interest. He beseeches listeners to prioritize existential understanding over material success, which fails to improve the genuine quality of life despite appearing to do so. Staying on the Enlightenment Path: Actualize.org is emphasized as a crucial resource to stay dedicated to the path of enlightenment, offering newsletters, courses, and community support to keep individuals on track, especially when the journey becomes challenging and the commitment wavers. Petrificus Totalus

The Power Of Self Acceptance - How To Stop Beating Yourself Up https://youtu.be/GcNGtZPPSS8 Self-acceptance misconceived as 'feminine': Leo highlights the misconception of self-acceptance as weak, particularly by men, and emphasizes its importance in the spectrum of personal development strategies. Self-acceptance for deeper results: Leo proposes that self-acceptance brings more profound results than external achievements, like those at the gym or in business, by promoting inner growth. Resistance to inner 'sins': Leo describes our natural tendency to resist and hide negative traits or 'sins' such as anger and jealousy. This resistance causes internal fragmentation and disintegration. Integrating conflicting aspects: He suggests that to become well-rounded, an individual must integrate the different, often conflicting parts of their personality, instead of opting for brute force action-oriented solutions. 'Loving your sins to death': Rather than condemning negative aspects, Leo advises to embrace and love them, which can disarm and transform these traits. Self-acceptance vs. Achievement Paradox: Addressing concerns that self-acceptance negates motivation, Leo clarifies that it fosters authentic motivation, as opposed to neurotic motivation fueled by self-rejection. Guided visualization to practice self-acceptance: Leo provides a visualization exercise, asking listeners to relax, close their eyes, and bring a feeling of love independent of its source, and then direct this love towards various parts of themselves, especially the negative or conflicted parts. Loving the aspect of self that hurts others: Acknowledge the part that is capable of causing pain to others and offer it love and compassion. Accepting the critical and judgmental self: Recognize and love the part of oneself that is critical and judgmental, even when resistance to this love is felt. Compassion for financial struggles: Send love and acceptance to the part of oneself that has had difficulty managing finances, treating it as compassionately as one would a child or beloved pet. Embracing past embarrassments: Offer love and acceptance to the part that has felt embarrassment without reservations or judgment. Loving the mistake-maker within: Unconditionally love the part of oneself that makes mistakes, acknowledging the humanity in messing up. Accepting procrastination and laziness: Infuse the parts that procrastinate or act lazily with understanding and compassion. Addressing internal fears: Give love to the part of oneself that experiences fear, accepting this feeling with compassion. Nurturing the needy self: Love the part that feels needy, whether for love, security, or success, giving it understanding and compassion. Accepting one's own hypocrisy: Offer love to the hypocritical part of oneself that doesn't always practice what it preaches. Loving one's appearance unconditionally: Give unconditional love to the part that dislikes its physical appearance, fostering self-compassion. Supporting the lost aspect of self: Provide love to the part that feels lost or uncertain, assuring it with understanding and compassion. Comforting sexual frustration: Send love and acceptance to the part that feels sexually frustrated, without judgment. Caring for career and work struggles: Offer love and compassion to the part facing career challenges or work dissatisfaction. Addressing relationship issues with love: Extend love and compassion to the aspect that struggles in relationships, acknowledging the complexity of these interactions. Compassion for family issues: Direct love and full compassion to the part that is dealing with persistent family problems. Loving the part with addictions and bad habits: Unconditionally love the part responsible for addictions and habits, understanding its challenges. Boosting the self with low confidence: Send love and compassion to the part of oneself that feels shy or lacks confidence in social settings. Comforting the self faced with misfortune: Share love and compassion with the part that encounters bad luck or misfortune, without disliking this experience. Healing jealousy with love: Offer love and understanding to the part that becomes jealous or envious. Acceptance for overeating tendencies: Provide unconditional love to the part that overeats, releasing guilt and shame with understanding. Understanding to dogmatic beliefs: Love the dogmatic part that clings to beliefs, offering compassion and willingness to understand. Accepting the selfish and narcissistic parts: Give love to the selfish and narcissistic aspects, helping to heal these tendencies with compassion. Integrating all personal aspects with love: In a centered state, tie all these parts together with love, recognizing them as components of one's whole self. Reflecting on the non-judgmental nature of existence: Understand that existence does not judge our actions, and offers unconditional love, which one should mirror towards oneself. Practical application of self-acceptance in daily life: Continually practice self-acceptance and compassion, especially in moments of dissatisfaction, to transform one's approach toward personal shortcomings. Loving 'sins' to dissolve challenges: Accept and love personal flaws to naturally soften and dissolve them over time, rather than fighting against them. Persistence and revisiting teachings for lasting change: Maintain consistent practice, and revisit these teachings to strengthen the habit of self-acceptance for personal growth. Deep concepts for self-actualization: Leo concludes by affirming that his teachings are deeply rooted principles aimed at profound life changes, further than mere self-improvement tactics. Encouragement for viewer engagement: Leo invites viewers to engage with the content by liking, sharing, commenting, and subscribing for weekly updates to aid in long-term personal transformation. Reducto

Why Rationality Is WRONG! - A Critique Of Rationalism https://youtu.be/iaV6S45AD1w Leo's Enthusiasm for Critiquing Rationalism: Leo expresses excitement about discussing the limitations of rationalism, which has been a personal research interest for years. He indicates an intent to write a book on the topic. Rationalism and Naive Realism: Rationalism, inherently linked with naive realism, posits that the world is objective and can be understood through rigorous scientific exploration and rational thinking. Leo criticizes this stance, explaining that while it may serve certain practical functions, it fails to recognize the fundamental boundaries of rational understanding. Rationality as a Subset of Reality: Leo makes a case that rationality represents only a small fraction of reality. Rationality is a distinctively human construct, dependent upon human minds and not a universal feature. Leo challenges the assumption that the universe operates rationally, proposing instead that the universe is a-rational – without the inherent influence of human rationality. Existence vs. Rationality: Leo argues that existence is independent of rationality or logic – it simply is. He reasons that existence must precede logic, as logic depends on the prior existence of a conscious entity to engage in logical thought. The Limits of Rationality in Empirical Facts: Leo stresses that raw empirical facts, such as the color of snow or the existence of the sun, do not depend on rationality. Rationality is a lens through which humans try to make sense of empirical facts, but it is not inherent in the existence of these facts. Science as a Human Projection: Leo criticizes the notion that through science, humans can uncover deep existential truths. He states that scientific models and laws are human constructs projected onto the universe, not direct insights into its nature, and cautions against confusing these constructs with reality itself. Mental Labels and the Conceptual Matrix: He explains that the models, labels, and images we construct in our minds form a "conceptual matrix" that is mistaken for reality. Leo warns that while successful in making predictions, these models should not be conflated with a true understanding of the universe. Thinking and Logic as Language: Leo points out that logic and rationality are part of language, with its own complexities and limitations. He implies that there is a need to be cautious when using science and rationality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their role as interpretive tools rather than definitive unveilers of truth. Symbols and Language: Language operates on symbols, which can disconnect from their real-world counterparts through intricate systems of thought, creating a mental labyrinth easily mistaken for reality. Awareness of the distinction between the symbol and the actual object is critical to avoid this trap. Map-Territory Fallacy: It's easy for people to confuse mental constructs (maps) with reality (territory), failing to realize that no matter how detailed, maps are just symbolic representations. This mistake can affect all areas of life, leading to defensiveness when challenged. Thought vs. Awareness: Rationalists often conflate thought with awareness, not recognizing that thought is just a series of internal mental symbols and images. Awareness, which is primary to thought, exists independently and is the medium through which all experiences pass, including thoughts themselves. Awareness as the Master: Developing awareness, unlike enhancing thinking skills, requires silencing the incessant mental chatter. Increased awareness brings a much higher level of understanding and realization that thoughts are mere symbols, not existential truths. Awareness Development: Leo emphasizes the potential for exponentially increasing awareness, paralleling it with the enhancing power of a microscope that reveals unseen details. This expanded awareness transcends the confines of rational thought and opens up previously unimaginable realms of experience. Distinctions Made by Rationalists: Rationalists usually fail to distinguish between irrational (poor thinking) and a-rational (beyond the scope of rationality), which leads to dismissive attitudes towards non-rational ways of knowing and experiencing the world. Limits of Logic: Rationalists overestimate the power of logic, which in truth cannot prove anything on its own. Logic relies on premises that are often unverified and taken on faith, suggesting that the premises, rather than the logic applied to them, should be scrutinized. Raising Rationality to Post-rationality: Leo proposes a transition from rationality to post-rationality, not by abandoning rationality, but by transcending its limitations to improve overall life quality through emotional intelligence and the development of awareness. Rational Premises Founding Rationality: Rationality is based on premises that are fundamentally irrational. To understand rationality, one must question the very grounds it stands on and realize that the laws of rationality themselves are derived from irrational foundations. Overvaluation of Reason in Daily Life: Rationalists often mistakenly believe that reasoning through problems in isolation from the world is an effective way to live. Leo suggests that life is messier and actually driven by emotions, not logic. Emotion-Driven Behavior: Most human behaviors—such as responding to basic needs like hunger or major life decisions like marriage—are driven by emotion rather than logic, even if they might appear to be rationally considered. Rationalists' Disconnection from Emotion: Leo observes that highly rational people often display a detachment from their bodies and emotions, mistaking emotional repression as a form of rational strength, when it is in fact a limitation to becoming a fully realized human. Irony in Rationalists' Defensiveness: There is an ironic emotional investment in rationalism amongst its staunchest advocates. Rationalists often react emotionally and defensively to anything that contradicts their worldview, mirroring the behavior they criticize in religious fundamentalists. The Ego's Influence on Rational Thinking: Rationalists fail to acknowledge the impact of ego and psychological biases on rational thought, leading to closed-mindedness and a lack of personal life mastery in areas such as relationships, health, and self-awareness. Confusion of Post-rationalism with Pre-rationalism: Rationalists often mistakenly equate post-rational thinkers with pre-rational or religious thinkers, creating a false dichotomy and hindering progress towards a more holistic understanding of reality. Inability to Master Personal Life with Rationality Alone: Rational thinkers often struggle in mastering their personal lives because they discount the importance of emotion and awareness, which are key for managing relationships, emotions, and engaging in personal development. Undervaluing Key Areas of Study: Leo criticizes rationalists for not deeply engaging in studies like epistemology, philosophy of science, non-duality, psychology, and meditation, which are crucial for practical understanding and personal growth beyond theoretical knowledge. Indoctrination of Rationalism: Rationalists are ideologically indoctrinated in the same manner as religious followers, with the psychological mechanisms of belief being the same, only differing in content. This indoctrination blinds them to the need for heightened awareness. The Matrix Analogy: Leo uses the analogy of the Matrix to explain that mastering the laws within a limited construct (like the Matrix) does not equate to understanding the illusion of the construct itself, thus reinforcing the importance of awareness beyond rational constructs. Matrix Analogy for Awareness: Leo uses the matrix analogy to suggest scientists are often so immersed in their rational theories and achievements that they fail to see they are in an illusory construct, similar to the Matrix movie. They use the construct (the Matrix) to study itself, without recognizing the possibility of something beyond it. Awareness as the Escape: He emphasizes that awareness is the only way to escape the mental prison of the Matrix. Without awareness, individuals remain lost in concepts and mental justifications without realizing the potential for something greater. Thinking's Influence Overrated: Leo argues that rational thinkers place too much importance on thought, which he considers a trap. Thought reinforces itself in a circular pattern without truly grasping reality; an awareness is necessary to break out of this self-reinforcing cycle. Contradiction as a Construct of Mind: He questions the problem rationalists have with contradictions. Leo believes contradictions only exist within the mental constructs and languages we create, not in reality. Reality remains unaffected by our mental gymnastics and the symbols we use to describe it. Post-Rational Perspective on Contradiction: From a post-rational perspective, Leo states, contradictions are not actual problems but merely issues with the models we use to understand reality. He highlights that models are not the territory; they are approximations, not reality itself. Limitation of Models: He critiques the belief in models representing reality accurately, cautioning that a model's precision can lead to mistaking it for reality. Reality cannot be fully encapsulated by models, for they are simplifications for human use, not the truth. Awareness and Truth vs. Models and Practicality: In contrast to the belief that models reflect truth because they work (a belief held by many scientists), Leo emphasizes that the most accurate representation of reality is reality itself. He encourages thinking critically about models and building up awareness to realize the limitations of our rational constructs. Post-Rational Communication: Leo acknowledges he uses rational language and models to communicate because it's the common language understood by most people. However, he hints at the existence of a reality beyond the 'matrix' of models, suggesting an invitation to expand one's awareness and embrace post-rationalism. Exiting the 'Matrix': Leo discusses that even though one may continue to operate within the confines of rational language and thought (the 'Matrix'), it is possible to sense that there might be a higher level of understanding beyond this. By reading between the lines, one can intuit the existence of something beyond and consider the validity of post-rationalism, which is about becoming more in touch with the body, emotions, and raising awareness towards spiritual work and non-dual consciousness, ultimately leading to enlightenment. Understanding Post-Rationalism: Post-rationalism involves a deeper connection with emotions and body, as well as a significant increase in awareness. It's described as a key component of spiritual growth and enlightenment, where the self and thoughts are understood as illusions, and the idea of external physical reality is seen as merely a conceptual construct. The Nature of Transcending Rationalism: Leo clarifies that advancing from rationality to post-rationalism should not be viewed as regression. It might initially feel like a step backwards due to fear, but it's about transcending and including rationality. He describes his personal journey of becoming post-rational — still capable of rational discourse, yet internally recognizing the limitations and insignificance of mere symbols. Post-Rationalism in Personal Life: Leo emphasizes how post-rational thinking positively impacts various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, and emotions. He advocates for detachment from dogmatic thought and encourages a rich, fulfilling life that includes mastery over emotions, creativity, and transcending the ego. The Practicality of Post-Rationalism: Leo explains that although the discussion may seem philosophical, it is intimately connected to personal development. By letting go of an over-attachment to rationality, one can improve the quality of life across various domains including confidence, beliefs about money and business, and overall satisfaction. Overcoming Rationalist Dogmatism: He critiques rationalists for becoming dogmatic, resistant to new learning, and thinking they are superior due to their rationality. Leo's goal is to reveal powerful personal discoveries that can be made through a more open-minded, empirical approach to science and skepticism, ultimately leading to enlightenment and mastery in life. The Direction for Society's Future: Leo warns against the dangers of extreme rationalism, materialism, and scientism potentially leading to the extinction of the human race. He calls for shedding excess rationalism to attain higher levels of emotions, intuition, empathy, compassion, and consciousness, which are tangible and critical for societal progress. Integrating Science with Humanity: He advocates for a more humane science that serves humanity rather than corporate interests. By combining science with empathy and compassion, a new and improved direction for society could be achieved, moving beyond the current limitations and coldness of the existing scientific paradigm. Call to Action for Personal Growth: Leo invites viewers to engage with his content for personal transformation and fulfillment. He expresses his commitment to reaching advanced stages of growth and encourages others to join him in breaking old paradigms to embrace a happier life through consistent learning and self-actualization. Imperio