Jing conservation / sexual balance

[ganjaboy]

Hello. As I mentioned in another thread, I am a 19 year old male seeking answers, particularly related to sexuality and problems it causes within my life. I should preface this post by saying that I do not know a lot about Tao practices. The little I do know I have gathered through my own reading, and I have never received instruction.

 

Like most men my age, I have a very high sex drive. Around 14 I became conscious of the energy that the desire itself possesses, and experimented with masturbation - all very normal behavior. There seemed to be scheduled a balance to the buildup of tension and the release afterward. At 17, however, I began to have trouble. It was a very stressful time of my life due to some serious changes within my life and family, and I began to doubt myself. Subconsciously, I assumed that more release would relieve the stress, and I gradually began to masturbate more, until at one point I would be up to 9 orgasms a day.

 

This is when my life fell apart. Though I was getting more "release" than ever before, something seemed to be missing, and there was no sense of satisfaction. For many months I was "dry", with no ejaculate whatsoever, and was concerned for my health. The act became little more than rote for me, and I felt compelled to orgasm a certain number of times per day and would panic if I failed to do so. This uncertainty extended over into other areas of my life, as well. Previously an excellent student, I began having a hard being motivated to complete my studies or get good grades. Additionally, I was feeling driven physically. The appearance of mybody and my fitness became of utmost importance to me, though when I considered why this would be I never could come up with a logical answer. I became crabby and irritable, and had difficulty concentrating on abstract concepts. Formerly a fan of classical and downtempo, I was unable to listen to any music other than fast-paced, loud rock. My bizarre behavior alienated a few former friends and nearly cut me off from my family.

 

It has only been recently that I have attempted to make changes within myself. It started when I head someone say the famous phrase "it's not the destination, it's the journey". While a now-tired sentiment, it resonated deeply within me. When I realized how applicable it was to my life, I broke down in tears. I was spending every day merely waiting for the next day, for no reason that was apparent. The way I eventually broke out of this behavior was by recalling some of my early experiences with sexuality. I remembered that release had more meaning when it was not careful and not at a whim all of the time. Around this time I also learned of the concept of "jing", which I understood to be indicative of human "essence" and energy, which, by some beliefs, I was needlessly expending multiple times a day in the form of semen.

 

Gradually, I began to masturbate less, and began experimenting with retention. I did Kegel excercises and performed "edging" as often as I could in effort to hold in my semen. After the first week, the effects were already becoming apparent. I had a great deal of energy instead of my previous lethargy, found myself having idle conservation again, and began to feel more relaxed. My grades picked up. I stopped exercising like a manic, and while I still worked out, I did not feel compelled or anxious about doing so. The girls and women in my life seemed more drawn to me, and while I could not perceive the specific affect that was causing this, they obviously did.

 

The problem I encountered, however, was balance. I felt myself sinking into a trap of excess sexual energy.

My masturbation became more and more "kinky" by conventional standards. Though I am straight, I found my sessions would have a predominately anal focus as if my penis did not provide enough stimulation. I feel that I would have sought increasingly bizarre sources for pleasure the longer the period between emissions. All the while, I avoided ejaculation, fearing the depression and self-doubt that I had come to associate with it. Though the means were polar to my previous behavior, I felt that I was still finding myself unable to be satisfied; with ejaculation or without.

 

Which leads me here. Again, I am new in the philosophies and methods conveyed here, and will appreciate all and any knowledge. What is a good starting point for me to balancing my life again? What are the basics I need to learn? I am desperate to sort these problems out, and while I am stable for now, I fear my quality of life degrading again. Thank you for your input.

Edited June 29, 2012 by dhiggs

[spiraltao]

I am not poking fun, but I just have to say NINE times a day and continued until there was NO ejaculate? Whoa, you have to be a very very persistent man.

 

Search "masturbation addiction" on here for starters.

 

I think that one could pose this question on a more appropriate forum.

Edited June 29, 2012 by jaysahnztao

[ganjaboy]

I am not poking fun, but I just have to say NINE times a day and continued until there was NO ejaculate? Whoa, you have to be a very very persistent man.

 

Search "masturbation addiction" on here for starters.

 

I think that one could pose this question on a more appropriate forum.

Thanks for your input. I think your first point illustrates the fact that I do need to re-evaluate my way of thinking!

 

If desired, I can remove this topic and seek help elsewhere; I posted it in the "general" sub-forum as it is less related to specific practices. Though I believe some of those who are experienced may have at least some valuable input.

Edited June 29, 2012 by dhiggs

[spiraltao]

Glad u "felt" my post, fella, for real. I was honestly saying to maybe take this question to a more "heady medical" forum, but I got to thinking there is probably no where else where you could air this out.

 

So do what resonates with your heart my friend.

 

 

 

I am still just a beginner, trying to help. I think you are sincere.

[spiraltao]

Glad u "felt" my post, fella, for real. I was honestly saying to maybe take this question to a more "heady medical" forum, but I got to thinking there is probably no where else where you could air this out.

 

So do what resonates with your heart my friend.

 

 

 

I am still just a beginner, trying to help. I think you are sincere.

[spiraltao]

Glad u "felt" my post, fella, for real. I was honestly saying to maybe take this question to a more "heady medical" forum, but I got to thinking there is probably no where else where you could air this out.

 

So do what resonates with your heart my friend.

 

 

 

I am still just a beginner, trying to help. I think you are sincere.

[idiot_stimpy]

Had the weirdest thought just then

 

"Vampires be sucking on your cum cuz"

 

The only thing I can think about this is astral parasites?

[RiverSnake]

From what i understand of this thread your basically asking for a way to bring more balance and quality to your life?

 

Practicing Chi-Gung has helped me do both of those things. The style i practice is Gift of the Tao, though there are a variety to choose from, find that which resonates with you best and commit yourself to practicing it daily.

 

-My 2 cents, Peace

Edited June 29, 2012 by OldGreen

[Brooks]

Well, I'm also a beginner around here, and the whole question of Taoist sexual practice has been something I've been very curious about as well... and am still in the process of learning. I've had trouble finding the details of sexual practice with regards to any specific Taoist lineage, but for starters I did find some descent general info in the book The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity by Daniel Reid (others on this forum had mentioned it).

 

Having said that, the basic notion that I've got from reading posts on this forum so far is that at a beginner's level you want to just start out with a more moderate approach. Don't worry too much about trying to retain semen for long periods of time until you are older and more advanced in a spiritual/energetic practice (and under the guidance of a qualified teacher).

 

It sounds like you kinda went extreme in one direction and then bounced back to the opposite extreme. That's ok, sometimes you need to take it to one limit and then the other. We're all susceptible to addictions and stuff like that so don't let any feeling of guilt arise. Just start setting goals for yourself that aim at moderation. Try to only ejaculate when you really feel like you need to (not from any sort of addictive urge), but don't force yourself too hard and strain yourself trying to hold back from it for too long.

 

The fact that you're only 19 and looking into Taoism is great. Just think how well you'll do for yourself if you start disciplining yourself and training now. Beginning a meditation practice can really help to balance you out and let old addictions start to fall away. Slowly but surely start committing yourself to moderation, healthy diet, meditation. You need to find inspiration. Read some good books on Taoism or other practices that interest you. Search for a good teacher, get inspired and start training under proper guidance. You can take some initial steps, but if you're interested in this Taoist stuff you really should find a teacher.. that's kind of the step I'm at currently.

 

Just remember - there really is no problem - we create all these addictions and dilemmas for ourselves. Sometimes it takes time to ease out of them, but with persistence you will prevail.

 

Wishing you the best....

[Gjeken]

Stop "edging" it's really bad. Stop masturbating entirely for a couple of months to reset your body. Use the extra energy you get from that to improve your life.

Edited June 29, 2012 by Gjeken

[ganjaboy]

Thank you to everyone who has replied: I sincerely appreciate for your input from the bottom of my heart. The prospect of improving my focus, quality of life, and happiness is something that fills me with joy and inspiration.

 

To OldGreen: I shall look further into Chi-Gung (or Quigong), as I have done some light reading on it in the past but have not yet committed. The physical benefits, as well as those to the mind, are what attracts me.

 

Brooks: You hit the nail on the head when you said that I shifted between extremes rather quickly! Unfortunately, for the past few years, this has been the sort of person

I have been; unable to handle moderation in an all-or-nothing fashion. With some research, as you suggested, and some time to re-evaluate myself, it is my hope that

I can become a new person spiritually and return to the balance that I once knew and now crave. It sounds intimidating, but this is an implied balance in EVERYTHING:

not just sex, but relationships, socialization, diet, exercise, work, play.....it is a list which exhausts all human action that I know of.

 

In regard to jing / semen conservation: I admit that it probably is too soon to start into this yet as my brain and body need a chance to re-order themselves. As you have

said, I think that in healthy, moderated practice I could see short-term benefits. The main struggle for me is in re-channeling the sexual energy successfully; I have already found that it takes conscious discipline to control arousal and fall into trivial, frequent stimulation. This said, it seems easier to control the less time elapses between ejaculations....so conceivably I could begin with a shorter period (less energy stored) and work forward (more energy stored). Physiologically, the arousal factor seems due to increased testosterone, which peaks on the 7th day without emission, but I know that this is irrelevant to spiritual practice.

 

Gjeken: In response to edging being "bad" - I would love to hear your evidence for this. Mainly I am thinking that it can be difficult to revert to normal thinking and action afterwards if there is no ejac. involved - perhaps with time it could be done.

 

I do not know that I could for a couple months without masturbation. I could attempt it, but at this stage I don't believe I could withhold that long. Short of that, can someone suggest a possible beginning frequency for masturbation and ejaculation, in which I might have an optimum balance of energy / tension / release?

 

Again - thank all of you for your help.

[thetaoiseasy]

My viewpoint is going to be a bit extreme, and people may disagree with me. But I'm going to tell you my opinion based on experience.

 

Masturbation is a very one-sided activity, and you should just quit it completely, along with pornography. If you want spiritual development, this is a basic requirement. What makes it worse than sex is there is no natural feedback from your partner.

 

Edging with porn is definitely a no-no, for you. There is no evidence but simple experience. A very basic taoist principle is that extremes will always push you to the other extreme. If you keep putting yourself in the position where you are 99% to ejaculation, you are going to ejaculate. And once you do, you will want to do it again. I think this is more than intuitive.

 

I do not recommend any taoist sexual practices. They will only get you more attached to the body. Those practices are essentially for advanced practitioners who have already gained control of their body, and who, with that control, seek to transform their sexual energy to higher spiritual frequencies.

 

I do not think you are close to that level. Right now, you should focus on other aspects of your to get some perspective -- life is not all about controlling ejaculation and its frequency.

 

Qigong is a good practice, as is walking; reading books from highly achieved authors with good frequencies will also uplift you. Simple sitting meditation without specific guidance on orbit circulation, I don't recommend: you become too aware of your sexual energy, and it may cause problems for you.

 

I don't think you believe you will take my suggestion immediately, because ejaculation and masturbation is so ingrained in your life. You can't imagine life without it. Many Taoists have given formulas, like

 

Age x .02= ejaculation frequency. Or 20 year old=5-6 times a week, 30 year old= 3-4 times a week, 40 year old= 1-2 times a week. Etc.

 

This is impractical. Some old people have high sex drives, some young people are old men. Furthermore, our modern vision of our sexual needs is so exaggerated that none of these guidelines really work.

 

I suggest simplifying your life, and then following the idea of natural fulfillment. Masturbate when you absolutely need to, when your lower centers are full. The energy will regenerate naturally. Don't rely on pornography or any external stimulants to get you horny. Pornography is simply the worst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who has replied: I sincerely appreciate for your input from the bottom of my heart. The prospect of improving my focus, quality of life, and happiness is something that fills me with joy and inspiration.

 

To OldGreen: I shall look further into Chi-Gung (or Quigong), as I have done some light reading on it in the past but have not yet committed. The physical benefits, as well as those to the mind, are what attracts me.

 

Brooks: You hit the nail on the head when you said that I shifted between extremes rather quickly! Unfortunately, for the past few years, this has been the sort of person

I have been; unable to handle moderation in an all-or-nothing fashion. With some research, as you suggested, and some time to re-evaluate myself, it is my hope that

I can become a new person spiritually and return to the balance that I once knew and now crave. It sounds intimidating, but this is an implied balance in EVERYTHING:

not just sex, but relationships, socialization, diet, exercise, work, play.....it is a list which exhausts all human action that I know of.

 

In regard to jing / semen conservation: I admit that it probably is too soon to start into this yet as my brain and body need a chance to re-order themselves. As you have

said, I think that in healthy, moderated practice I could see short-term benefits. The main struggle for me is in re-channeling the sexual energy successfully; I have already found that it takes conscious discipline to control arousal and fall into trivial, frequent stimulation. This said, it seems easier to control the less time elapses between ejaculations....so conceivably I could begin with a shorter period (less energy stored) and work forward (more energy stored). Physiologically, the arousal factor seems due to increased testosterone, which peaks on the 7th day without emission, but I know that this is irrelevant to spiritual practice.

 

Gjeken: In response to edging being "bad" - I would love to hear your evidence for this. Mainly I am thinking that it can be difficult to revert to normal thinking and action afterwards if there is no ejac. involved - perhaps with time it could be done.

 

I do not know that I could for a couple months without masturbation. I could attempt it, but at this stage I don't believe I could withhold that long. Short of that, can someone suggest a possible beginning frequency for masturbation and ejaculation, in which I might have an optimum balance of energy / tension / release?

 

Again - thank all of you for your help.

Edited June 29, 2012 by thetaoiseasy

[konchog uma]

taoiseasy, i totally agree

 

dhiggs, why not just try to stop masturbating? if you can't, you're addicted. one more reason to give it up.

 

masturbation is a very depleting, self-defeating activity, and although changing habits can be stressful and challenging, i recommend just trying it and seeing what happens. Don't do it for a day, if you can pull that off, try 2 days. Just keep going. When you can make it a week, shoot for 2 weeks. If you want, i'd say just do it until you have a wet dream, but that can take some building up to for some.

 

i also totally agree with the idea of studying some entry-level energy work, like taiji or qigong or taking up yoga or something similar. Apply your sensual side and love of pleasure to something that will give you long term benefit and increase the quality of life, unlike masturbation

 

and if you take the advice of quitting masturbation, make a careful note of your energies and mental state each day. I have no doubt that as you begin to conserve your life energy you will become more vital and energized in a general way good luck to you!

[Tom Lin]

Cut masturbation + porn period.

 

There will be no need for those two because once you develop your sexual energy again you'll feel the vitality in your life through the build up and not just use your sexual ejaculation to gain pleasure.

 

By abstaining and utilizing your sexual energy in your daily life you will regain a sense of balance in all aspects whether it be social, mental, physical etc.

 

It's going to be difficult because since you've been masturbating for a while you will have wet dreams but it's all about being consistent and persistent with it. Eventually the wet dreams may subside. Let go of all of the shame and guilt that has come along with you doing it so much, just know that the past has already happened and all you can change is whatever is at the moment.

 

You may slip up at times but just remember you have to be aware of each moment so that you will learn as to what is triggering you to want to masturbate, and thats how you learn from your own sexual compulsions.

[idiot_stimpy]

http://www.reddit.com/r/NoFap/

[ganjaboy]

Thanks once again to everyone who has provided advice.

 

thetaoiseasy: I actually realized recently exactly how true your statement about trying to "schedule" releases of sexual energy was; everyone is different and there is really no other way to do it other than to know one's self! Furthermore, I think that society places emphasis on getting as much as possible - far more than is necessary.

The prospect of abstaining entirely, while intimidating, is one that I am heavily considering - I will be eager to see the results. Perhaps this will come sooner than I think, because I (luckily) never became dependent on porn to become aroused. From my experience, this is another result of imbalance.

 

anamatva: I have as of yet found at least one way to divert sexual energy, and that is through exercise (definitely a positive!). Yoga and some of the exercises you mentioned are related practices that I think I would reap benefits from as well, and would like to study further. My other passion lies in the creative arts, specifically music. Any advice on how would I channel "sensual" energies into this? I think that for less physical diversions it may take more concentration.

 

Tom Lin: you say I would not "just" use ejaculation to gain pleasure. Are you suggesting that the build-up or presence itself and the "vitality" are synonymous, and would be found continually as opposed to being goal-oriented? If so I can easily see how that could be a positive motivator in one's life.

 

jconnar: I checked out that link and there is a lot of good advice there. I haven't read through it all but I will post my thoughts once I do.....

Edited June 30, 2012 by dhiggs

[idiot_stimpy]

Edited June 30, 2012 by jconnar

[Tom Lin]

Thanks once again to everyone who has provided advice.

 

thetaoiseasy: I actually realized recently exactly how true your statement about trying to "schedule" releases of sexual energy was; everyone is different and there is really no other way to do it other than to know one's self! Furthermore, I think that society places emphasis on getting as much as possible - far more than is necessary.

The prospect of abstaining entirely, while intimidating, is one that I am heavily considering - I will be eager to see the results. Perhaps this will come sooner than I think, because I (luckily) never became dependent on porn to become aroused. From my experience, this is another result of imbalance.

 

anamatva: I have as of yet found at least one way to divert sexual energy, and that is through exercise (definitely a positive!). Yoga and some of the exercises you mentioned are related practices that I think I would reap benefits from as well, and would like to study further. My other passion lies in the creative arts, specifically music. Any advice on how would I channel "sensual" energies into this? I think that for less physical diversions it may take more concentration.

 

Tom Lin: you say I would not "just" use ejaculation to gain pleasure. Are you suggesting that the build-up or presence itself and the "vitality" are synonymous, and would be found continually as opposed to being goal-oriented? If so I can easily see how that could be a positive motivator in one's life.

 

jconnar: I checked out that link and there is a lot of good advice there. I haven't read through it all but I will post my thoughts once I do.....

 

 

precisely. The sexual energy that is built up will help you refine your internal being. you will be able to have better insight into various things in your life and therefore intelligence is gained. you will also have more physical energy to do things and if you begin to direct that energy towards calm activities you will be able to gain a more positive/balanced lifestyle.

[konchog uma]

with regard to your musical inclinations jhiggs, I would advise that you don't have to really do anything special for the energy you conserve to empower the other areas of your life. I mean you probably could, and I would bet that there are more complex techniques to channel ones life energy into certain pathways to achieve certain ends. But you don't need to visualize a channel of light from your nuts to your right brain or anything if you ask me, that support and vitalization just naturally happens

 

Once the body has a surplus of energy, it generally just puts it where it needs to go. Life force is like an adaptogen herb, it just goes where its needed. If you make music, it will go there.

 

I will say on the converse that sometimes people have difficulty at first with conservation of life force, it tends to build up in areas as it pushes through obstructions, and can present the practitioner with a degree of stress and tension. So that is why i said be gentle with yourself, especially in the beginning.

 

When my sexual energy gets too high, i draw it up out of my lower body, but i just use intention and some PC/abdominal contractions to do it, so if you aren't familiar with moving energy around, that might not help. Practicing the microcosmic orbit (MCO) can be a BIG help to those who are riding the energetic waves of conservation, so check that out! You'll find a lot of Mantak Chia's info if you search, but i recommend also looking into Daniel Reid's take on it. One of my favorite books is called "the tao of health sex and longevity" and is usually available used on amazon for cheeep

 

best to you

[Dragon X]

i know you have a lot to take in but let me say this you will need a teacher in order to take this advice and not in no particular order (unless the teacher gives you an order.)

 

1) the small microcosmic orbit

2) chi kung

3) the 3 Treasures (San Bao) Jing/Essence Chi/Energy Shen/Spirit

 

semen retention by itself will not work

 

i too love to jerk off altough i can't cum as many times as you can and it's not easy

to just stop what you need is either a good western medical doctor or a doctor who knows both Qigong and TCM .

 

hope you find a solution

remember "it's in the journey, not the destination" (like you said already

 

San Bao

Edited June 30, 2012 by Dragon X

[ganjaboy]

to anamatva: I was able to download that book online. It's interesting that Tao teachings address sex as something as natural as eating (which is one of the comparisons made), and doesn't make it seem "out of the ordinary" or "dirty". Rather, the goal seems to be to improve health and "vitality" instead of merely indulging one's self.

 

Needless to say this is difficult with masturbation because, as suggested earlier, there is no feedback of energy from a partner that can occur. As of now I've abstained completely for 2 days. Obviously not ejaculating at all is not a good idea, but I would prefer to reach ejaculation through masturbation as opposed to a wet dream. Do you think that as an occasional thing, practicing ejaculation control would be harmful to me? I might not try it until I am more familiar with the energy diversion practices.

 

I feel like I over-intellectualize all this sometimes. Still, would there be potential benefits to being aware of all of this at a young age?

Edited July 1, 2012 by dhiggs

[konchog uma]

to anamatva: I was able to download that book online. It's interesting that Tao teachings address sex as something as natural as eating (which is one of the comparisons made), and doesn't make it seem "out of the ordinary" or "dirty". Rather, the goal seems to be to improve health and "vitality" instead of merely indulging one's self.

 

Needless to say this is difficult with masturbation because, as suggested earlier, there is no feedback of energy from a partner that can occur. As of now I've abstained completely for 2 days. Obviously not ejaculating at all is not a good idea, but I would prefer to reach ejaculation through masturbation as opposed to a wet dream. Do you think that as an occasional thing, practicing ejaculation control would be harmful to me? I might not try it until I am more familiar with the energy diversion practices.

 

I feel like I over-intellectualize all this sometimes. Still, would there be potential benefits to being aware of all of this at a young age?

 

i would like to answer your questions thoroughly but i have to run out the door in 2 minutes

 

no not ejaculating at all will make you craaaazy, i would say, for lack of a better way to say it, listen to yourself, your body, and follow your intuition about what is healthy. Dragon X said you need a teacher to retain and to practice the MCO, and thats good advice. If you can find a teacher of qigong, yoga, martial arts, etc who can help you, you will be better off. And i think overintellectualizing is natural for westerners... just don't take your own mind too seriously, and emphasize practice over thoughts

 

sorry for the crappy response, gotta go

[Harmonious Emptiness]

A good practice to overcome sexual heat and move it to lower dan tien:

 

1) Start with natural deep breathing - but left hand on chest and right hand on stomach to ensure that you are breathing from the abdomen and your chest is not moving up and down. Do this until it feels natural and your sides and back expand a bit as well.

 

2) as you start to inhale, flex the perennium muscles (keegle muscles), as your inhale gets deeper, keeping it natural, the muscles will get more flexed. Don't try too hard as you're doing this.

 

3) near the end of the inhale, use your abdominal muscles to push your lower abdomen back inwards while still inhaling. This will futher flex the perennium and maybe lift it up as well, healthfully massaging the prostate to ensure it is healthy even if you are not emptying it regularly as during retention practices. This can also push the fluid up your spine, conserving it and making use of it as spinal fluid, improving memory and energy, giving you some "back bone" as you feel more vitality.

 

4) relax all muscles with the exhale allowing jing to move through channels and nourish the physical body.

 

5) Repeat until the heat is no longer present, but not beyond about 70% of your ability as you don't want to overly tire the muscles.

 

6) As Seth Ananda says "get a life" - go do something with your energy, preferably physical. Go for a walk or whatever, go somewhere that you will not be able to feed your addiction and where you will also put your lifeforce into action.

 

7) increase awareness of everything: the smell of nature, of life around you.

 

edit: also, though increasing awareness, also practice not seeking all types of information with your senses, such as checking out all the girls, reading all the adds, etc.. regain control over what takes your attention so that you can put your attention towards nurturing your own personal spiritual flame.

 

8) Let your eyes sparkle with a new appreciation for life.

Edited July 1, 2012 by Harmonious Emptiness

[ganjaboy]

A good practice to overcome sexual heat and move it to lower dan tien:

 

1) Start with natural deep breathing - but left hand on chest and right hand on stomach to ensure that you are breathing from the abdomen and your chest is not moving up and down. Do this until it feels natural and your sides and back expand a bit as well.

 

2) as you start to inhale, flex the perennium muscles (keegle muscles), as your inhale gets deeper, keeping it natural, the muscles will get more flexed. Don't try too hard as you're doing this.

 

3) near the end of the inhale, use your abdominal muscles to push your lower abdomen back inwards while still inhaling. This will futher flex the perennium and maybe lift it up as well, healthfully massaging the prostate to ensure it is healthy even if you are not emptying it regularly as during retention practices. This can also push the fluid up your spine, conserving it and making use of it as spinal fluid, improving memory and energy, giving you some "back bone" as you feel more vitality.

 

4) relax all muscles with the exhale allowing jing to move through channels and nourish the physical body.

 

5) Repeat until the heat is no longer present, but not beyond about 70% of your ability as you don't want to overly tire the muscles.

 

6) As Seth Ananda says "get a life" - go do something with your energy, preferably physical. Go for a walk or whatever, go somewhere that you will not be able to feed your addiction and where you will also put your lifeforce into action.

 

7) increase awareness of everything: the smell of nature, of life around you.

 

edit: also, though increasing awareness, also practice not seeking all types of information with your senses, such as checking out all the girls, reading all the adds, etc.. regain control over what takes your attention so that you can put your attention towards nurturing your own personal spiritual flame.

 

8) Let your eyes sparkle with a new appreciation for life.

Thanks so much for your invaluable advice! I have already tried some of the methods you have described, and I am slowly feeling myself coming out of an energy deficit that has afflicted me for some time. I feel that my emotions and thoughts are also coming back under control, and I'm spending more time doing productive tasks - a definite bonus! This is truly a gift to revitalize my life, and I appreciate the help. I'm also spending time reading up on additional spiritual practices and won't hesitate with further questions I have. Thanks!

[konchog uma]

awesome!

 

im glad for you