Aaron

Hello Everything, He's channeling alright, it's not an act, but the thing he's channeling isn't benevolent. From what I experienced last night and saw in his face, there's a darkness there. I can only say that I don't believe his teaching are meant to be for the greater good, but there's another purpose behind them. He would not be someone I would want to get close to either. Whatever is within him could touch me and the environment around me from wherever he was, if that says anything. If you check hard enough, I think you'll find something sinister below the surface. Aaron edit- He may be ignorant of all of this, who knows? Still no reason that others shouldn't be warned.

Everything, When I began watching this video, the light bulb above me went out and a chill passed over me. I realized right away that this man isn't channeling anything good. I looked at him closely and I could see the dark thing that hovered in his face. When I got up to go inside to reply to this thread a sharp pain seared through my back in spasms (my heart chakra to be exact). This man has nothing to offer you but sadness and grief. Steer clear of these teachings, they will only lead you down a dark path. Take my words as the raving of a madman or as practical advice, it's up to you. Aaron

Daggerfall was insane. The size of the world was astounding. I remember spending hours on that game. It really has come a long way. My favorite RPG back in the day was Pools of Radiance though... that one kicked butt. Ahh... the good old days. Remember Dungeons and Dragons on the Intelivision? Also, shounen/martial arts aren't the only type of anime out there, in fact the drama and comedies are some of the best series to choose from. I recommend you guys broaden your horizons and start looking at some of the other choices. I finished Mushi-Shi and it was EXCELLENT! Not very flashy, but it engaged me from beginning to end. I hope that it's got another season ahead, because it was well worth watching. If you want to watch a non-shounen series, then that may be good start. If you want something a bit more flashy, perhaps you should start with Ouran High School Host Club or meet halfway and watch Noein which has fight scenes, but is really story driven. Anyways, just a suggestion. Remember, you should be watching (anime). Aaron

I quit smoking after 15 years and then picked it up again when I quit drinking. Like most addictions it's difficult to quit, unless you have a sincere desire to quit. When you've suffered enough, that's when you will be able to quit. My recommendation is to remember the problems cigarettes cause you, shortness of breath, sinus, etc. and keep that in mind when you have the desire to smoke again. Remembering the money you spend also motivates, but I never found it to be strong enough on its own. Cigarettes are more addictive than heroine, so don't expect to not have some withdrawals, but you can do it, millions have. Don't give up. Call someone and talk about it if you feel like you're going to smoke and also try to stop doing things you associate with smoking. For instance, if you smoked with your coffee every morning, don't have coffee anymore, have tea. If you always went outside after dinner to have a smoke, then instead spend that time doing something else, make another ritual to replace that one and any others you might have picked up. Also it's oftentimes the littlest things that can set you off, you're cat could die and you're fine, but you step in some gum and suddenly you want to smoke. Be aware of this and don't let your guard down. Admit that you're addicted and that you can't smoke just one cigarette. Remember that and don't forget. If you can do that you will also be able to quit easier. I actually used the twelve steps to quit, but most people don't seem to feel that the amount of work it takes to go through the steps is worth it to quit smoking. You may want to check it out, but I'm sure if you are vigilant with a good support network you can quit on your own. Best of luck. I've quit for the second time for three years now and haven't picked up a cigarette in that time. I'm sure you'll do fine, you quit once already, right? Aaron Note- I do smoke cigars, but they are like night and day, sort of comparing tea drinking to espresso.

Hello Sunimyeyes, I'm sure there will be a big culture difference, but they are in need of teachers so I have a faster chance of being able to find a job (my selfish reason) and also I will be able to help others who might need help (another selfish reason). Someone told me recently that any act of charity is selfish, because it helps us to feel better, but that doesn't mean it's bad, we just need to be aware of our motivations. I've been helped a great deal by people here. My brother used to make fun of me because I called you all friends and I'd never met any of you in person, but I knew that wasn't true. You are all my friends, even those whom I might have differences of opinion with. The fact of the matter is that we're all drawn here for the same reason. We are very much alike, even though we have our differences. I was grateful for this community, even before I received all the help I have, because it was a place where I could talk freely about things most people scoff at. I could say something here and people could see it for what it was without pretense. That's a beautiful thing. Anyways back to the Georgia. I know there's risk involved, parts of the country are currently occupied by Russia and there are conflicts in the north, but I am certain that if I am doing something out of compassion, then whatever happens, good will come of it. Nothing wrong can come from compassion, unless we choose to see it as wrong. May peace be with you, Aaron

Hi guys, As some of you may already know, I've had to deal with getting burnt (literally on my right hand) awhile back and I'm just getting over that, now, because I haven't been able to find a job, I'm looking at being homeless as of Saturday. I was given a 3 day notice today and I don't have the money to pay rent. I'm currently spending the last money I have on a plane ticket for washington state so I can be closer to my family. Of course none of them have offered to let me stay with them, but they are still my family. I'm not stressed out about this, crap happens. We should accept the good with the bad, if we're going to accept something as good or bad to begin with. I am going to be traveling with my brother who has a little money saved up, so hopefully we can get into a cheap hotel or motel while we look around for work. I'm not writing this for sympathy, none needed. I am fully at peace with what's happening. I will survive, either by soup kitchen, finding a warm place to sleep near a vent or crashing on my sister's couch. Life will go on, whether I like it or not, so I can either live it or not. I like the first alternative much better than the latter. My biggest problem before, when I thought I was going to be evicted, but ended up finding a way out at the last moment, was finding a place for my cats, but now that's not such a big deal. I wish them well, but they don't need me to survive. I will find them a good home, keep them alive in my memories and move on to what I need to do. As a result of all this, I may not be on after this week for a very long time, possibly months. If you want to get in touch with me before I move, you can do it by message here, my phone is in the process of being turned off. Aaron

Hello Folks, I wanted to thank everyone who has been kind enough to help me out by giving me money. I noticed I never mentioned money in the previous comments on this thread and perhaps it was because I felt a little shameful for having to accept help. That seems silly to me now, so I will say it to you all, thank you for the money you have given me, it has helped me more than you can know. I went from having $17 in my bank a few days ago to having enough to have a serious shot at a future off the streets. I wanted to also update everyone on my situation, because I think you deserve to know what's going on since you've invested in my future. A kind member of the Tao Bums has offered to let me stay with them for awhile. I will be staying where I'm at to sort things out until my lights are scheduled to be turned off, then I will head out from here and start my new life. My brother has also offered to give me a couple days work next week, which will also help. Hopefully with the gifts I've received and the money I'll make next week, I'll be able to have enough to keep me afloat and pull my own weight. For those interested in my pursuit of teaching jobs overseas, I really want to go to Georgia (the country) and teach English to children and adults in the rural areas. I think I could really have an impact on the people there and help them have a brighter future. The pay isn't much, around $450 a month, with $50 going back to the family for room and board. I will also tutor the family for a few hours each week. This is fine by me, since it will help me to get experience teaching and also the idea of helping people who might not receive it any other way, appeals to me. Also Georgia is as close to a sure thing I can get, since most people want to make a bit more money and visit more exciting locals. In order to teach I needed a passport, FBI Criminal Background Check, and a copy of my medical records, i.e. a physical that states I'm capable of working in that capacity, which I have no doubts I will be. I've gotten the passport and Background check out of the way and I hope to see a doctor about a physical next week. When I can get this all together, they should be able to place me within a month. In the meantime I will use the kind donations I've received to help me survive and also look for work on the side. Mandrake, I have a Bachelors in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on English and Psychology. Essentially a double major, but the school I went to, The Evergreen State College, only gives out Liberal Arts degrees. I have worked in sales, modular furniture installation, and e-commerce consulting (I help people set up eBay Stores, online stores, and Amazon stores, as well as train them in managing inventory and keeping their stores competitive. So that's about it. Thank you all again for everything you have done. I love you all, Aaron

I actually love Ramen noodles, but you're right a few weeks of ramen and they lose their appeal. Aaron

I got five days of work and was able to pay my rent. Ended up not paying all the next months rent and it came to a head this month. Things are crappy all over, but apparently in Orlando they're extra crappy. Aaron

I started watching Mushi-Shi tonight. Very good series, especially for the Tao Bum type interested in the Eastern view on spirits. I think if you watch Mushi-Shi and Ghost Hound, you'll get a very good course on how the Japanese view the spirit world. Oh yeah, for those who like a bit of martial arts thrown in the mix, don't forget about Corpse Princess. Aaron

It's not a lie. It's really happening. I wish it wasn't. Thanks for your concern and compassion, Aaron

Hello Tao Bums, It's funny how the world works. I was feeling a bit down last night, but today, seeing how many people actually cared about me, I was feeling very hopeful. I had forgotten for a moment that my brother was leaving. When I can home this afternoon I found all of his things packed up. I helped him load his stuff in to his car and then we drove to his new home. He's renting a small room in a nice neighborhood. His roommate is a teacher at a local technical college. He seems very laid back and a nice enough fellow, but I couldn't help but feel a bit of anger towards him. I guess a part of me thought he was stealing my brother from me. When I came home I was feeling very lonely and sad. I called a friend (trying to get the number to another friend) and I found out that he'd slipped off the wagon. I was heartbroken for him. I didn't talk though, I told him I'd call him tomorrow. I know that it's very hard to reason with someone while they're drunk. I think in some ways that things happen by chance, but other times that things happen for a reason. I know that something in my friend's life was causing him great sorrow and that because of that he ended up drinking. I wish I had known what was happening so I could've been there to stop him, but one thing I've learned over the years is that we can rarely stop people from doing things they want to do. I will call him tomorrow and let him know that I'm here for him. I guess what I'm learning is that homelessness, poverty, they aren't the worst things that can happen to you, that sometimes it's not the pain and suffering of the body that get to you, but the pain and suffering of the mind. Thanks again to everyone who's lent me financial support. For those who might want to help me, but can't, I ask that you keep me in your thoughts. If you pray, remember me, if you don't pray, remember me. I will certainly try to remember each and everyone of you. Thank you, Aaron

Hello guys, I want to thank you all for what you've done, it's moved me more than you can know. I didn't expect any help and the fact so many are willing to help me left me speechless. We talk about compassion so much and most of the time it just seems like talk, but what I know now for a fact is that compassion does live within the hearts of men and your selfless giving is a sign of that. I am going to work in a country where I can help children, I want to know that my work can give them a brighter future. I want to teach them not only English, but that there is a capacity for kindness within each of us. Again, thank you for all you've done. I am not gone from my apartment yet, I have a few days left so I will drop in, but again thank you, the help you've given me is more than just money, I'm not even sure if I could express to you how much you've done for my spirit. Aaron P.S. I live in Orlando, Florida, so if anyone knows of anyone who might be willing to offer me room and board in exchange for working around the house or helping with their business, I would be willing to do that. If it's not in the Orlando area I can come to you. I would do the woofing thing, but I have a hernia that prevents me from doing a lot of heavy lifting. Also if anyone needs any help that I can give them, please ask, I'd be more than happy to offer my time and service doing what I can for you as part of my debt to the community here.

Hi guys, I really don't know what to say except thanks for the offers of help. I've turned them down in the past, because I didn't want to take anything from anyone who needed it, and I know that with the economy the way it is, many of you could use it. I'm not too proud to accept assistance, I just don't want people who need the money giving it to me and causing themselves to be deprived. I do have a paypal account and I am willing to accept help, but again, I don't want help if someone can't afford to give it. My paypal email is [email protected] . Thank you for your care and concern. I will try very hard to either return it to you later or help someone else in the same way. Thank you again, Aaron

Hello folks, I never really knew this section was here or I would've posted more of my topics here. To make a long story short, I have lost my battle with the economy. After several months of looking for work, even a minimum wage job, I have failed to find any sustainable income. I have tried to work things out with my landlord, and although they allowed me to pay my rent late for a couple of months, they have told me that if I don't come up with the entire rent on the due date, they will be filing for eviction and charging me an extra $400+ in legal fees for the process. I can't afford to pay that, nor could I come up with that amount before the process is finished, so I'm going to be homeless as of the 3rd of next month. Now I don't start this thread looking for sympathy, but just as a reminder, I have two degrees, a wealth of sales experience and management experience, and I can't find work. The last job I applied for, a position that involved returning shopping carts, had over 200 applicants before I ever filed mine, and that was the day after the job was posted. The economy, at least where I'm at, is dead to everyone. I went to see about a job ringing bells for the salvation army, but they had filled their quota as well. It seems that my chances are slim, so I'm going to spend the last of my money to renew my passport, set up a mailbox and apply for jobs teaching overseas. In the meantime I will do what I have to to survive. I will accept the blame for my situation, I wasn't prepared financially for the economic downturn, nor did I expect it to last as long as it has. I'm not looking for advice, I know what I need to do, but I am expecting some to gloat and that's fine. In the end it is what it is. I will survive I'm sure. I know some people have offered me assistance, but I don't feel that I need to be burden on anyone. I will fix my problem myself. In the meantime, this will be my last week, (for realzies this time) on the forum. I don't see anything, short of winning the lottery, that will allow me to stay where I'm at or find a new place. I just wanted to let everyone know that I enjoyed my time here and that when things start to change and I can make it back, I will, til then I hope everyone can remember that we're all real people and that we should treat each other as such. It's common to view each other as avatars in a cyber world, but when you do that you miss out on the chance to share the human experience that we all have within us. With love and kindness, I wish you all well, Aaron

Hello everyone, Good news, my brother found a room for rent and he can take my cats, so that's two worries off my mind. I, unfortunately, can't join them. It's bittersweet, we're twins after all, and aside for a few years when I was married we've always been together, just another attachment to let go of I guess. He's actually moving out tomorrow, which is probably wise on his part, this apartment has an oppressive air about it now. I wont like spending my last moments here alone, but knowing he'll be fine helps with that. Anyways, my landlord put a notice stating they'll be filing the five day notice tomorrow, which means I have five days left in my apartment, not including the weekend, from tomorrow. I'll probably pop in now and again, but more and more other priorities are taking place. I had sushi tonight, my brother's treat, which was nice. I haven't had a decent meal in awhile. It's nice to take a break from ramen. Good night Tao Bums, I hope life is treating you well. Aaron

That's a very good question, what do you think? I'd love to hear your answers. I'm not entirely sure myself. On the surface, understanding the psychology behind advertising, I understand that most children's programs and commercials are intended to make children into consumerist adults, in other words more apt to purchase on impulse. Lion King, on the surface, seems to teach that impulsiveness isn't a good thing, in fact impulsiveness seems to be the cause of many of Simba's problems, at least from what I remember. I haven't watched the movie since I cared for my niece and nephew in 90s, so my recollection may be off. Aaron

Very nice post. I thank you for it as well. I think we tend to forget the influence we have on our own lives, believing blaming something else for our misfortune will make it easier, but in reality it is only when we accept responsibility that we can ever truly be free from "destiny". In Quantum Sprituality, one is said to create his reality by his own perceptions and that only through viewing reality as it is that we can break free from these shackles. It is by knowing that just because everyone sees something as it is, doesn't mean that it is as it is, that we can ask, "isn't that so?" In my own life I am experiencing great hardship now. I will undoubtedly be on the street in a short time, most likely by the 15th. During the day I am fine with it, I feel very little stress or anxiety, but at night my true feelings arise in my dream consciousness and I find I sleep very little. So for me it is only by coming to terms with my issue, both on the surface and deeper within that I will be able to find peace. Part of this is understanding that my fear arises from my perception of what a perfect life is and not what life really is, imperfect. I will survive, I have no doubts about that, but the fear arises from something that is not according to my wishes. Each day I am finding that I can gather more strength simply by accepting my situation for what it is and giving up my perception of what it should be. I am simply a leaf in the wind, the wind takes me where it wants to go, but perhaps I am more than the leaf, perhaps I am the wind also. In being the wind I can direct the leaf that is me to where it needs to go, but I also have to have faith in that part of me that is the wind. In understanding that I am the wind I must also understand that the wind will often take me where I need to go, and not necessarily where I want to go. It is only by not wanting to go anywhere that the wind and the leaf have their truest freedom. Aaron

I wonder why Disney released the Lion King? I mean it seems to run contrary to what the corporations want people to believe. Anyone have any thoughts?

Lots of great suggestions so far. FLCL is in my top five best series of all time (not just anime). It's so out there and different, I really enjoyed it. I also liked Baccano!, Noein, Ghost Hound, Ga-Rei Zero (Excellent, but gory at times), and of course, who could forget Ouran High School Host Club. Ahh... I really love anime, it's practically all I watch now. I just hate subtitles so it's hard for me to watch something if it's not dubbed well. (All of these are well dubbed.) I'm definitely not into shōnen anime, it just never appeals to me. I think the only shōnen title I watched and liked was Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. Although one could argue Ghost Hound was intended for a shōnen audience, I think the complex character development and unique story makes it something almost anyone can enjoy. Aaron

Hello guys, I'm going through the process of preparing for a teaching career overseas. I have been told that I am a little older than most prefer, but there are places where I can go that don't pay a lot, but need teachers badly. (I mean like $400 a month bad.) To be honest, these are the positions I think I'd like the most, because it involves helping disadvantaged children and adults better their lives. Yeah it would be nice to go to Korea and visit the Buddhist temples, eat Kim Chi and earn a decent wage, but at the same time there's something to be said for charity work as well. I'm a firm believer that you can't take it with you. In the meantime my goal is to try and stay safe and warm. Orlando has a large homeless population, which, believe it or not, isn't a good thing. Apparently the shelter is usually full, so if you don't actually wait there and hold a spot, you don't get a place to sleep. I think it's counter productive really, how is someone supposed to find work, get a job, and crawl out of being homeless, if they can't leave a shelter for fear of losing their bed? Oh well, life is screwy that way. My brother said he wasn't going to help, that it wasn't his responsibility. I must say I got upset, but then I remembered that for the most part he's an angry atheist that follows the Ayn Rand philosophy of life, so I understand why he feels that way, even if it baffles me that he can. His wife called and let me know how much she appreciates everything I've done for them and asked me not to judge him too harshly. Anyways, I'm finishing packing up and storing my stuff today. I couldn't sleep last night and got up at around 5am to start putting things away. I'm sure I'll make it once I get on the streets, my fear is that I will lose sight of what my end goal is. Aaron P.S. Thanks for all the encouragement and sympathy. I haven't received my five day notice to respond, so I think I have at least until next monday before they can kick me out.

Very well put. I liked what he had to say. He seems very grounded, understanding exactly what his tradition is and what does, but also understanding the limitations of it and any other system. +1 from me. Aaron

Moribito is awesome! A must see for anyone interested in shaman practices and how they're perceived from the eastern perspective. Aside from that it was a very touching story. I would also recommend Ghost Hound and Noein. They really touch on the attempt of many Eastern Scientists to explain spiritual practices using Quantum Mechanics and Psychology. Noein, by the way, is like taking a 101 course in Quantum Mechanics. Aaron edit- Simba saw what he wanted to see, which was his father in the clouds. Real men watch Cartoons.

If you desire experience, then there are more beneficial ways to gain experience than toying with spirits and other planes, at least from my point of view, one that is also born of experience. I don't fear spirits or ghosts by any means, but I respect them enough to know that they have a purpose and it's not to coddle my curiosity. When one dabbles simply to satisfy this, then more often than not, they are asking for their own share of pain and suffering. Show me one person who went down that road that didn't experience it. I've heard many say it was a journey that no man should take, but also it can be quite addictive for many, much as adrenaline sports are for some people. You keep going, despite the risk, because of the rush you receive from it. If one finds balance in their life, then there is no need for this rush. I have no doubts I could call a spirit or ghost to me if I wanted, but I also know that doing so is never a sure thing. You may think you're calling a simple kind child spirit, but you may end up calling something much different. Those who have a great deal of experience in this regard may be able to pick and choose, but I can't, so I would much rather not take the risk anymore, as I have burnt my fingers enough times to know not to touch the burner to see if it is on. You have your own views, I just pray they don't lead someone who doesn't have the mental fortitude to handle this stuff into harms way, I would hope that you would too. If you have experienced what you have, I would almost wonder why you would suggest that someone take such a haphazard approach. I'm sure you have your reasons, and I don't doubt you, I just think you are expecting everyone else that comes along to be able to overcome these things as you have, which sadly may not be so. A wise man understands the capacity within others and within themselves. They do not suggest others do as they have done, but rather that they do things as they can do them. Aaron

Hello Seth, Did a spirit actually push you back from a speeding car or was that you being sarcastic? I can never tell. Anyways, I know what you're saying and at one time, when there was no one that actually knew what to do in regards to these phenomena, then I would say, yes we need to explore, but nowadays I have to say that it is best to leave this kind of stuff to the experts. To be honest, I've never understood the fascination. If you ever have to deal with malevolent spirits, I think your fascination will vanish like cold water in a hot frying pan. Are there beneficial spirits? Yes. I've seen them and felt them, but with the effort it takes to find them, there seems to be far more risk involved than outweighs the benefits. In regards to climbing trees, I think most parents in the states don't allow their children to climb trees for the very reason you've mentioned. And think about it, twenty years ago we gave BB guns to eight year olds and told them to go play, you would never do that nowadays. Same thing goes for riding bicycles without helmets. I do however understand your analogy, I just still disagree. As an aside, my friend was stable to the best of my knowledge. She tried her hand at black magic and tried summoning a spirit/demon through the ouija board and ended up contacting something that literally drove her crazy. I talked to my brother about her tonight and I was wrong, apparently she died of a heroine overdose. He said that there were two people involved that night and that the second person was a friend staying the night. That girl claimed to not remember anything that took place (as in amnesia). Regardless it was all very disturbing and I could care less what her mental state was, if she hadn't fooled around with that stuff, she wouldn't have had to suffer from the experience. Aaron