Lakshmi

Male

One hour of hatha yoga after waking up. This has been my daily practice since many years. And before going to sleep, reading a few pages of a spiritual book. That is, when I am not too tired.

Replying to the OP, I would consider the Chinese stratagem of using a beautiful woman to undermine them.

Another way to say this is that we are acting from what has been programmed in our subconscious mind. And only when (and if) new knowledge reaches that level can we spontaneously act based on it. And yes, that usually takes time.

I often focus on one of the Hindu goddesses... Guess on which one! And it gives me a sense of peace and harmony.

The world is Brahman's dream... And you are helping him dream it, since you are a part of Brahman. However, while you are dreaming, the dream is real enough to you! I hope that makes sense...

Maybe try to relax in Shavasana while lying on the bed? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shavasana

I can do some Indian classical dances, but no Paso Doble, I'm afraid.

That's beautiful, Everything. Thank you.

I practice yoga and meditate because I enjoy doing these things. It's as simple as that.

It's more about the basic understanding that you are not to try and become something other than yourself. On the deepest level. That is, if you are so inclined. There is no 'need to'. Any insights occur quite naturally when you are ready for them. And when they do, they will be far deeper than any intellectual concept of you being 'this' or being 'that' anyway.

The statement that you are Brahman is more than a concept or a tool. It is literally true. It is also true that you are any entity that you may invoke. This is to say, you are one with them in the universal field of consciousness to begin with. Your act of invocation is just actualizing that identity, to one degree or another. And that's how invocation works. However, your identity with Brahman is the most intimate, direct and indestructable one of all. Now sometimes seekers realize their identity with Brahman or God and become megalomaniac. Trust me, I have seen it happen! I call that ego inflation. That's what occurs when someone becomes aware of their identity with the Divine on the egotistic level only. That is, when they have not sufficiently transcended the ego in order to become truly aware of their greater identity. An identity that goes infinitely beyond the egotistical self. It's as though the individual is merged with Brahma at some deeper level. Understanding this is a reason for deep joy rather than for cocky pride, however. Remember that everybody is one with Brahman on a deeper level. So becoming aware of your identity with Brahman is becoming aware of your identity with everybody and everything else, essentially. Tat tvam asi.

Autobiography of a Yogi, written by Paramahansa Yogananda. I can't tell you how many times I have read this from cover to cover, but I do keep it on my nightstand, it is such an important book for me. It even has a Wikipedia entry of its own: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autobiography_of_a_Yogi

You are welcome. No, not necessarily. Perfect harmony with the universe is equivalent to the realization that you are the universe.

Thank you, Wizz. Glad to be here.