Aetherous

This is where spirituality becomes a problem. You should be able to earn a living and have fun with your wife while being present. You are present all day when you are working, or whatever...so how is it any different? Disidentification is escapism, not presence. Sitting on a cushion for hours in order to achieve a state of bliss and transcendence is simply attachment. To each their own...

Aha! Really cool idea.

I personally focus on the exhale, then allow a natural inhale when the body wants to breathe. I don't push into my belly with the breath (anymore). If I am cultivating awareness, it is generally awareness of awareness.

Thumbs UP!

Thanks, I am back to my old self completely now (formerly known as Scotty). It was actually a great learning experience...which I wouldn't wish on anyone.

That's a decent practice, it seems. Got the DVD a while back... How I was taught the kunlun practice, there isn't flailing about. We were instructed to maintain a very small circling from the waist, and to aim for stillness rather than motion. In other words, it wasn't taught (at least to me) as a spontaneous body movement practice...like it was at the seminars. We were also taught to do it cross legged once the leg channels were more open, so there isn't the shaking happening which contributes quite a bit to other movements. A few other details make it different as well... One thing is that I was taught to only practice it until I felt something...not for an hour or whatever like the book says. A while back when the kunlun forum was open, Max said something to the effect of: "our art is like making tea, if you steep it too long it becomes bitter". Feel a little of something, then let the results go! Sifu Jenny teaches it as spontaneous movement, and her DVD is really well done. To be clear: hers is called yigong, and Max's is called the kunlun practice. Levels 2 and 3 aren't included in Kunlun Nei Gung anymore, since other practices achieve those things.

Me, although I've been on a break for about 6 months now, and just restarting practices again. Energetic openings for sure, leading to minor abilities, which are simply natural expressions of consciousness. Healing occurs primarily with exercise, in my opinion. Bliss comes and goes. I prefer breathing to cultivate positive feelings, as well as reflecting on or doing good things. Yup this is definitely me, but I also like kuji-in hand postures sometimes. I like to explore other systems, too. We have to know exactly what it is, what the signs are, and what it would be like, before we know that we've achieved it. And once you achieve it, what then? Ha, well I gave it up a couple of times. Once, when I was practicing the kunlun practice (kunlun level one in the book) intensely for like 7 months, and started getting detox-like symptoms. For one thing, I wasn't exercising, having a healthy diet or drinking enough water. Another thing is that I didn't know cold showers would be useful. Then just like 6 months ago I had to give it up, due to experimenting and practicing the methods in a dangerous way, and having a 'qigong psychosis' type thing happen.

So funny.

I used to do this...really good for you. It also keeps the human emotional-vampires away. Anyway about mosquitos...just construct a thing in the woods. It's easy to find scrap wood, make some plaster type stuff, put a screen where you can enter and exit. Or wear longsleeves and pants during practice.

That sucks! Of course meditation will be off, and you'll be unable to let go. It's because during times like this you're supposed to be hanging on, and clawing your way back up out of this hole! If I were in Florida I'd lend some space to a fellow bum! Best wishes for you in getting more income.

Nah, I don't believe in that. There may be periods of bad luck, but nothing is set in stone. We shape our fate by personal action. There are other ideas on how to start bringing people into your life...personally I've been hanging out every few days at a cafe...the baristas get to know you a little, and you can have small talk. Join yoga and martial arts classes. Join a band if you play an instrument. Find meetup groups of various interests. Join dating sites (even though it sucks). You're in Austin TX...that's big. Lots of people with various interests. Look for Taoists. Meditation groups? You could even start a basic class. Anyway...it's not easy to make friends. But it can be easy to have a decent time with random people. It can be easy to start an activity where other people are involved. Those are the beginnings of friendships.

I like to be center-ed. Also, it's like a command or a reminder: CENTER. So just reading it sort of triggers something. The Japanese maple leaf in my avatar was symbolic for me a while back, for a few reasons. Showed up synchronistically, and seemed helpful during a challenging time.

Also, there is definitely something about energy/charisma/attraction... Earlier in this year, I was going through quite a new energetic experience, and for a few weeks, anywhere I went, I randomly gave girls orgasms. Just by my presence. To be honest...it was amazingly awesome, although sort of embarassing at times. The key to world peace, maybe? Wish I knew how to recreate the experience!

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a good book. When I was reading it and implementing the ideas, this girl who was totally out of my league asked me out.

Sweet, thanks for the updates.

Wow, really interesting. Do you have a link to more info? At least personally when I am feeling conflicted, the only thing that really unites the conflicting aspects of myself is "moving forward". For instance, having a plan and implementing it. Just taking action, with no-mind...simple.

Simple solution - self massage. Starting at the scalp and working down, out the extremities. Do it a few times per day.

I don't think these things are actually problems. It's good to do what you love. There are so many opinions out there about health, and most aren't true. One that is true: exercise is good for you. At least personally, at times in my life when I jogged everyday for like 45 minutes, that's when I was the most healthy.

Gives a whole new meaning to "boob tube".

I find this interesting. Immortal4life, do you have an opinion on the true origin of human beings?

I wasn't saying any of that. I was just saying, you're hung up over this "virginity", so do something about it. Or don't...it's not a big deal. Know exactly what it is you want.

You're just stumbling over yourself, and it was a suggestion to help you move forward in your life. It's better to just get it over with, since it obviously bothers you. Love comes later, when you actually get to know a girl and like her (for a good amount of time). But first things first! Take care of yourself (especially your self perception and beliefs about what you're capable of).

The Hangover II comes out on the 26th, so obviously God is not going to let the world come to an end.

Of course there is. Pay for a prostitute so you can finally get over this stupid mental block. It's all in your mind, man. Virginity is just a label that you're continually casting upon yourself.