Rara

I've pitched "Silver Chord" to the guys. I hope they like it. It's about as clever as "The Beatles"

This work is really good!

Wow, sweet! Plenty to keep me occupied here!

Absolutely. I have had anxiety ever since I was 17...it is a lot better now but I mustn't let my meditation slip otherwise I get worse. Anxiety (future) is poinless. Easier said than done, like you say! Otherwise I wouldn't need to meditate. I would just click my fingers and be better But future and past are both illusion. All in the mind (lol because of your other "mind" thread)...for the only moment we ever have is this one we're having now

Of course Mindfulness practice can really help you to cope with it and understand it (thus making you feel better) Just don't go sitting in full lotus if you have two sprained ankles etc. Stay comfy!

Hehe, thanks...though it was more a rhetorical question...which is followed by my later post But yes, generally what I was getting at.

Fair statement Although messages of "feeling" still get sent to the brain. So even if you say you can feel in the MDT, the brain has to recognise it for it to, well, happen.

My understanding of the koan is to aid those learning to live in the present moment and to not become attached to what came before/what may happen. Speculation, worry and assumptions are unhealthy components within the Tao.

I've not had time to read the whole thread but I get the jist... May I respond with the following? If I stay away from all media and by some miracle, miss all of the info, are ISIS still tormenting/ terrorizing innocent alternative religious groups in Iraq?

Yes, I was talking to a close friend about this last night. He then came back on the swing to say we still have a mind...because either way, the decision is made. Not "I've made up my brain" or "I've made up my spirit". Therefore, he relates the mind to something that happens within the brain. One feels that he thinks with his head, and feels with his belly (think butterflies in the stomach) The point you raise about psychology's etymology - originally study of spirit. Until it was later acknowledged that there were physical signs that indicated the "psyche" was affected physically. There is has been even more research, even within the last 12 months, that emphasises the brain's role in behaviour. So, mind or no mind, I can't say with any proof that consciousness doesn't route in the brain, because there is enough evidence to indicate that it does. Sure, if the heart stops, we die...but one can still be alive and completely brain dead - unconscious/oblivious to everything around them.

Hi TaoMaster... I will reply eventually, got a very busy 10 days ahead of me but will find time at some point

Good question. Conscious...this means that you are aware of what is going on. The "mind" lacks this more refined definition. It's a word which is often thrown about without much thought - how ironic! The only thing that suggests it being the same thing is if we use the terms mindful/mindless. One is conscious awareness, the other is the opposite. Regardless, there are always thoughts happening, whether we're mindful or mindless, and they affect us emotionally and physically. And they are happening with zero control from us! These physical triggers I speak of happen within the brain... Edit: So I was using the word "mind" very loosely...as a figure of speech: the mind is already made up before we even realise it (conscious of it) So as that completely contradicts what I wrote above, it looks to devalue the term "mindfulness". Back to what I said about "mind" being a very vague term...perhaps we should just use the word "consciousness" instead...

But yes, RIP to the man that brought me Mrs Doubtfire...as a kid, I would watch it over and over. All time classic...as long as that film is still on the shelves, his spirit is still with us

Very good post. Spot on

Hehe, nope, because peanuts and crisps (chips) are the snacks...and ah, America. We don't tip much over here in England haha. I ended up getting a glass bottle of water, glass with ice with lime cordial and lemon slices. Cost as much as a pint of beer but hey, I feel good for doing it.

Oh, I know. Just that silly feeling of getting the free option. Maybe I'll stick some lime cordial in to help them with their water bill.

So if the MCO sorts the anxiety, surely this will help your sleeps... In other words, it doesn't sound like you're aware of what is happening to you...the MCO might well be giving you a good illusion that it's making you better but then you have this problem. Plus the supplements you are on indicates lack of balance. I would put money on the MCO being the culprit (due to no guidance) I suggest quitting and seeing a GP before you do anything else.

Saved it on my phone. It's next in queue haha

Good point. I'm going to the pub later to meet old school friends. I'm off alcohol for now, and I don't want to drink coke/lemonade, plus I've already had a glass of OJ today. What does one choose at the bar?

I like this idea. I would be lying if I were to say Taoist philosophy is 100% absolute for me...

Looks like a skull embedded to me. Nice view either way!

This is what fucks with me. The mind already knows what it is going to do before our conscience knows... But then I sit down to meditate and find that there is me, AND the thoughts. Or is that "me" and illusion? Just powered by the thoughts, thinking I'm in control? Hmmmm.

Microcosmic orbit

There are some regions of the world where people have no choice but to eat meat/fish. And vice versa! The only thing I can't confirm is if either are lacking in anything etc. But yes, if one was dying and all that was left in front of them was an animal, what would be the thing to do? "The thing to do". I deliberately omit the word "right", because I don't want to say either is right or wrong. You could kill it, eat it and survive, or leave it and starve to death. I prefer the former. Also, if one starves, the stomach eats the body anyway. The stomach makes decisions all by itself - it certainly eats meat lol.

Or not doing it at all. He should have a competent teacher otherwise stick to basic meditation (or not) and get the real help that is required right now. He is worried about losing the job. Perhaps he should focus on the job as opposed to these other distractions!