Aetherous

I've read that Tibetan Buddhists consider these types of movements a deviation of the wind element...

This is a very valid point. Spiritual reflections do help people on a deep level, I think, but does it really matter without taking care of basic needs? Maslow's heirarchy!

You are changing the mind at a deep level, and that is interfering with the flows of psychic energy in the body. If you "let go" more, the body will not move as much. I think what you're doing is a good practice.

Nice orb. Some say it's dust, or water particles interfering with the function of the camera. You can emulate this by being near a waterfall, or by hitting a pillow and then taking a picture. But why do orbs appear a lot for more spiritual people? Maybe due to their personal magnetics, it causes these things in the air to change their state... Or maybe it truly is spirits making themselves known, due to the nature of digital cameras being able to capture frequencies of light slightly beyond the visual range. Who knows!

Only living fish take the bait.

If you have problems with a particular study, can you explain what they did wrong? How wasn't it real science? We shouldn't just take your word for it, of course. That would be repeating the repeaters. What about the other studies? That German study is only one, out of at least 10...

Sweet, there's a Kindle version. I will read this, and once done, perhaps get back to this enjoyable topic.

Nice post, TM. 1) So most or all smokers/those who tend to become addicted have this stress-mediating weakness before they begin smoking? Where do you get this information? It doesn't seem scientific at all...just something made up to support your view. Not necessarily made up by you...possibly by someone else? Is the source legit? In my opinion, it's a weak argument. 2) If there are studies showing this, it's entirely possible that both smokers and non-smokers began with basically the same levels of stress, and smokers started losing dopaminergic pathways in favor of nicotinergic? I know you mentioned that tobacco strengthened the dopamine receptors, but is there somewhere you got this information? You should really add sources if you want to debate like this. I know it's a big hassle, but what you're saying doesn't seem accurate to me...seems very biased. 3) Yes, stress does kill us slowly, but there are other healthy ways to prevent it. Exercise, deep breathing, etc. You're not saying that tobacco is the only option for chronically stressed out people, are you? Because it's simply not. 4) You're making the argument that tobacco is okay for these stressed out people, but in saying that you're not saying that cigarettes are what they should smoke. You're saying they should roll their own with pure leaf. Just making that clear for everyone, in case someone wanted to go buy a pack of camels tonight to unwind. 5) Something sort of unrelated to what you said: is smoking the best option for administering nicotine? If the nicotine is the key thing, and smoking is potentially harmful, then people taking it medicinally should use it in another way. Sorry if you think I didn't read your words, Taomeow. This is the best I can do. I went over them a few times before replying.

Same here. I love this place for that reason. Has taobums helped me? Yes, in my quest for knowledge. But it's up to me to help myself with that knowledge...and not simply spend all of my time taobumming.

Taomeow, I kinda see your point. I like what you said about tobacco helping with constipation. I think many would be interested in learning the potential medicinal uses of tobacco...whether traditional medicine, shamanic or Western. At least personally, I'm not interested in brainwashing/cult ideas. To make your argument you're taking the side that says smoking tobacco is actually healthy...that is something I find impossible to agree with! ...I must be brainwashed, right? Anyway, for those who are interested in getting in touch with what tobacco really is, order some ceremonial tobacco (I wonder if there is a good season to order it so that it's more fresh...probably summer). Smell the leaf, look at it, feel it, chew on it, light it and smell the smoke. It is very uplifting in a unique way. I think all things can either be medicine or poison depending on how they're used.

Likewise.

I know exactly what you mean. About the middle finger touching thumb, I do a lot of stuff involving that...am interested to hear more if you're willing to share.

balance., I picked up that book...really great so far! Thanks for the recommendation.

Interesting. Man that's a lot of money for a photocopy version of the book...but it's good that you're so dedicated.

Oh another thing: geneticists say we're all from Africa anyway, so that counts too!

Also, because my ancestors lived in parts of Europe, I can't just call N America my home.

I put "other", because wherever I travel I have lived there and have fond memories of it. Every place I have gone, I can return to and feel a sense of home.

Alwayson, Is that book worth it? I like khechari, but I'm not sure if I should spend the money.

NO!! I'm enjoying the sweetness of doing nothing!

This is really the key, for everyone.

TM, Most of that info is regarding second hand smoke. We're talking about smoking first hand here...

Man...

Why?