Rara

Hey everyone, What do you think about this? Would you say it depends on who you are? I've tried many diets in my life but whenever I drop things such as bread, pasta, rice, oats etc I struggle with my energy levels. Such things replenish me (along with meat and veg of course) Also, I drop weight very easily as well, people recently have been commenting on how much weight I've lost. I'm eating 2500-3000 cals a day with so many grains and less healthy things (pizza, ice cream) going into my body yet I'm trying so hard to stay aboove 145 lbs (I'm 5'10" and small boned, though) I'm essing off on the sugary stuff again now, but still, I'm curious to know what you guys are eating and what your body types are. Thanks!

Doesn't boiling water kill the lemon's properties?

So I have a friend that I met years ago on a job and I have always kept him at arm's length due to his rage. He has some good qualities though, and we have a few interests in common, but having a friendship with the guy comes at a cost. The guy wants to message me a lot, every day. 90% of the time he is moaning, complaining and doing the whole victim thing for everything. 10% of the time he throws me some good funnies and cool stuff. That part is all fine. I learnt to mute notifications and respond in calm, constructive ways when I have time in my day or eve. But yesterday, silly me decided to respond at 11:30pm, in which he then decided to message back with more aggressive nonsense and talking about how he's considering suicide. I really haven't got the patience for all this, because it's just another case of attention seeking. I'm a bit fed up that I've allowed this guy to get this far, but classic me always has a soft side that just lets these types of people in. I'm looking for advice as to how to handle this. I always have two sides to me, either super nice or super-brutally horrible. I'd feel bad for shutting him out, as we all need a shoulder to cry on, but quite frankly, I just want to tell him to STFU, man up and go away.

Thanks dude. An update on this...I got the usual message of how the new job was a problem and that his anger kept arising etc etc. So I put it straight to him in a 5 minute whatsapp voice message. I said similar things about how I'm noticing a cycle, and I also mentioned how it was all starting to affect me. I then turned my tone and suggestions into more of a "motivational speaker" style, and offered ways on how to convert the energy into a drive to succeed in the job and start playing to win. I compared life and passion to that of a successful football (soccer) manager and that seemed to work. He felt more upbeat and interested in embracing the challenges. Let's see where this goes.

Yes exactly. No difference to a tribal war dance or bioenergetics imo

Yes, I like this lot very much. Saw them live twice last year Metal is good - moshing or screaming at the top of your lungs is good therapy.

I'm not into weapons so much but the ones you're talking about should be taught after you obtain your black sash. I didn't get there myself, but I know a few people that did. Otherwise the pole form should apply to weapons which are "extensions of the arm", like batons or knives. Use the principles you apply to both hands and transfer them onto one.

Sorry to hear. Thanks for all your support.

It's been a while. I should indulge.

He's just been sending messages about the world cup. Seems to be distracted from the idea right now. I'm letting things stay as they are as all seems safe, but keeping a watchful eye.

I always have seen the Tao Te Ching as a rational text over anything else.

Hi Wu Ming Jen. Other than the hats that define the taoist monk, people from other religions may still posess the qualities that you have described. May someone still be a Taoist if they still consciously follow another major world religion? I would say no, but only because of one core principle: the god concept / having a creator (I believe Buddhism is one exception to this, but they still have a "prophet", of sorts) Whether or not religious taoists have gods/immortals, the Tao Te Ching mentions nothing of creation nor rules to follow in order to go to heaven (or reach nirvana)

I did read The Kybalion and nodded my head all the way through. Whether or not I am technically a Daoist, I practice what I feel is important universally: interfere as little as possible with other people, be kind to both them and nature. With this, I do not introduce myself to anyone as a Daoist. Why should they care anyway? If people really want to know about me, I mention the Tai Chi and liking the Daoist philosophy and and then see where the convo goes. 95% of the time they will then go on to talk about themselves and their teachings. Good for them

This is a very good question. To my mind, those from other philosophical or religious backgrounds still have SOME common grounds with Daoism and Daoist ways. And if I call myself a Daoist, I can assure you I still do many non-Daoist things.

It's not as if Laozi or Zhuangzi were Daoists...but they followed the Way.

I know of many dudes that I could call "Daoist" and yet they probably don't know what one is. Maybe it's forgetting one's self that defines it

Yes, in fact, when I wrote the OP, I had been quite tired the previous day and having got a string of messages just before bed, it shook me up a bit. With all the advice given, some space and rest, I feel a lot better in myself about handling this. As predicted, no mention of "it" last night. Just a string of World Cup updates.

Yeah, it doesn't say it specifically, but something about giving chances and if after two you get nowhere, roll up the sleeves and throw them out. But I'd need to find this actual quote and get back to you, in case I have it wrong.

This is one of the big things about him. To him, everything sucks. He keeps quitting jobs, temping, everything is always the fault of others or immigrants or something and I just don't support this nonsense. Everyone else has to get through life, and I had to learn that the hard way. I used to whine like a bitch about this and that, went on meds with "depression" yadda yadda ya. At the end of the day though, there's only one way out and to take accountability and sort it out.

That is my knee-jerk reaction. Where's that line in the TTC though, something about giving a few chances but if not getting anywhere then give up and move on...?

He did say that he has "some things to do first", which makes me feel he's just playing the fool. He also idolises Chris Cornell though, and is saddened by his suicide. You never know though, it could prove to be a strong influence here. I agree. Yes, and that's why I have given him the time of day so far. I have felt in places of lonliness and sadness and he has been there in part before. The difference is though, I encounter an issue, get over it and move on. He doesn't. Well I suppose there is no harm in seeing how he is when he is quiet and to go from there. But as I said, he is stubborn and doesn't want to get help. He "doesn't see the point anyway"...

I think so too. If he's spending all this time on me, he's clearly mot talking to too many other people about his issue. Unfortunately, he does feel like one of those that needs to sap the energy out of those willing. So I've taken your approach so far, I guess I just have to keep strong and not cave in to constantly entertaining his messages because as soon as I respond with one, I get five back. I feel sorry for him, because he is lonely to an extent, but he has also made himself this way.

I know how much I can give, but it's like he doesn't get the hint. I've told him to get the help that is needed, and I will support him all the way. I guess I'm just fed up with him comong back with more moans having not taken the advice.

Thanks, I'll follow this advice. I have been feeling a lot more anxious lately, aggressive at times. I have managed to control it (thanks to persisting with cultivation) but it would be nice to feel better either way!

I've come to accept that even as a 6 or 7 year old kid, I had insomnia. If I went to bed at 8pm, I'd be wide awake for 2-3 hours and start singing to fill the time. When I was 18, I had a really bad time with it, going some nights without sleep...and it got worse from there. Even if I don't have anxiety, I then have an overactive mind. I was explaining to a friend the other day, I was lying down, had an active 16+ hour day and was yawning and ready for bed. I lay down, calm as anything and by definition, was in a perfect position to sleep. But I just didn't. Then after an hour I got agitated and of course this made things worse. I got up, went and had a joint and as if by magic, I went upstairs and was asleep within 15 minutes. I won't use it during the day because I don't want to. I have all this energy and want to put it into things. The trouble is, my body and mind aren't very good at recognising when it's all over. Even Tai Chi is stimulating for me (of course, less so than other things, but it is still an activity after all) So in light of what others have said, each to their own. If it sends you crazy or demotivates you, then leave it alone. That's how I feel about TV...that's the drug that I'm allergic to I literally cannot sit still and watch other people doing things.