Posts by Jeremy Palmer

Edward Flores4 said:Anyone who thinks meditation is going to "smooth out" human emotions—or that it eventually leads to some kind of constant bliss or comfort—clearly hasn't a clue what they're talking about.

Besides... why do you assume only an agitated person can be verbally aggressive? Tolerance isn't a free pass; it’s something you earn. It is perfectly normal, even productive, to withhold tolerance from someone who hasn't earned it. Doing that doesn't require being upset—quite the opposite, actually. It requires calmness, calculation, and resolve. You're completely conflating "political correctness" with "spirituality."

Human stupidity... while it can be fascinating and deeply annoying at the same time, it should only rattle those who aren't expecting to run into it. If you go into the day expecting stupidity, its appearance won't shake you—just like you don't get upset when the sun sets in the evening after having expected it to rise in the morning.

Quincy:

what does meditation mean to you? Because clearly, your definition is a far cry from the standard one.

Krishnamurti describes the problem of meditation perfectly, and it aligns exactly with my own view of the matter.

Meditation is a very complex business. The Word meditation implies both in Sanskrit and in English, not only the brain concentrating on a certain subject, but also it implies a great deal of attention. But primarily meditation means, in Sanskrit, to measure. And also in English etymologically, I believe, it is to measure.
The whole question of becoming is involved in it, which is to measure: I am this, I will be that. I am greedy, but I will gradually become non-greedy, which is a form of measurement, which is form of becoming. Both becoming in the affairs of the world and psychologically becoming. That is the whole question of measurement.
The Greeks were the originators of measurement. Without measurement there would be no technology. And The Asiatics specially in India, said measurement is illusion, measurement means limitation. They didn’t exactly say this, they put it differently. So measurement means comparison, to compare ‘what is’, ‘what should be’, the ideal, the fact, the fact becoming the ideal. All that is implied in meditation.

And also in meditation is implied, the meditator and the meditation. So to enquire into meditation, you have to enquire first not only measurement, but also this constant becoming something, psychologically. Human beings are violent, and the ideal to be in a state of non-violence, which is to become.

So the question is not how to meditate but what is meditation, rather than how. I hope I am making myself clear. And also there is a question involved in that: who is meditating? And most of The Systems of meditation , whether The Japanese , and The hindus, and so on, Tibetan, there is always the controller and the controlled. Right? Are we meeting each other? So there is the controller controlling thought, to quieten the thought, to shape thought according to a purposeful direction. So there is the controller and the controlled. Who is the controller?

Please, all this is implied in meditation, not merely to control one’s thought as is generally understood in meditation, whether it is Zen meditation, or the most complex forms of meditation which take place in India, and elsewhere, there is always the director, the entity that controls thought. SoThey’ve essentially created this psychological split between the one doing the thinking and the thoughts themselves. Because of that, the thinker detaches himself from the actual process of thinking—which leads to this idea that during meditation, there’s some sort of "controller" stepping in to manage and quiet down the thoughts.

It creates this fundamental divide between the controller and what is being controlled. Makes sense, right? But here’s the kicker: who actually *is* the controller? Honestly, hardly anyone ever stops to ask that.
Most people are just thrilled to dive into meditation because they’re chasing a specific destination—you know, things like sudden illumination, total enlightenment, a quieted brain, or just some much-needed peace of mind. But very, very few people actually take a moment to inquire: who is this controller I'm trying to use?

------------------

And hey, if there’s anything else that still feels a bit fuzzy... just ask. 🙂

So, what exactly do you think meditation creates?

Edward Flores4 said:Anyone who thinks meditation is going to "smooth out" human emotions—or that it eventually leads to some kind of constant bliss or comfort—clearly hasn't a clue what they're talking about.

Besides... why do you assume only an agitated person can be verbally aggressive? Tolerance isn't a free pass; it’s something you earn. It is perfectly normal, even productive, to withhold tolerance from someone who hasn't earned it. Doing that doesn't require being upset—quite the opposite, actually. It requires calmness, calculation, and resolve. You're completely conflating "political correctness" with "spirituality."

Human stupidity... while it can be fascinating and deeply annoying at the same time, it should only rattle those who aren't expecting to run into it. If you go into the day expecting stupidity, its appearance won't shake you—just like you don't get upset when the sun sets in the evening after having expected it to rise in the morning.

Quincy:

what does meditation mean to you? Because clearly, your definition is a far cry from the standard one.

Krishnamurti describes the problem of meditation perfectly, and it aligns exactly with my own view of the matter.

Meditation is a very complex business. The Word meditation implies both in Sanskrit and in English, not only the brain concentrating on a certain subject, but also it implies a great deal of attention. But primarily meditation means, in Sanskrit, to measure. And also in English etymologically, I believe, it is to measure.
The whole question of becoming is involved in it, which is to measure: I am this, I will be that. I am greedy, but I will gradually become non-greedy, which is a form of measurement, which is form of becoming. Both becoming in the affairs of the world and psychologically becoming. That is the whole question of measurement.
The Greeks were the originators of measurement. Without measurement there would be no technology. And The Asiatics specially in India, said measurement is illusion, measurement means limitation. They didn’t exactly say this, they put it differently. So measurement means comparison, to compare ‘what is’, ‘what should be’, the ideal, the fact, the fact becoming the ideal. All that is implied in meditation.

And also in meditation is implied, the meditator and the meditation. So to enquire into meditation, you have to enquire first not only measurement, but also this constant becoming something, psychologically. Human beings are violent, and the ideal to be in a state of non-violence, which is to become.

So the question is not how to meditate but what is meditation, rather than how. I hope I am making myself clear. And also there is a question involved in that: who is meditating? And most of The Systems of meditation , whether The Japanese , and The hindus, and so on, Tibetan, there is always the controller and the controlled. Right? Are we meeting each other? So there is the controller controlling thought, to quieten the thought, to shape thought according to a purposeful direction. So there is the controller and the controlled. Who is the controller?

Please, all this is implied in meditation, not merely to control one’s thought as is generally understood in meditation, whether it is Zen meditation, or the most complex forms of meditation which take place in India, and elsewhere, there is always the director, the entity that controls thought. SoThey’ve essentially created this psychological split between the one doing the thinking and the thoughts themselves. Because of that, the thinker detaches himself from the actual process of thinking—which leads to this idea that during meditation, there’s some sort of "controller" stepping in to manage and quiet down the thoughts.

It creates this fundamental divide between the controller and what is being controlled. Makes sense, right? But here’s the kicker: who actually *is* the controller? Honestly, hardly anyone ever stops to ask that.
Most people are just thrilled to dive into meditation because they’re chasing a specific destination—you know, things like sudden illumination, total enlightenment, a quieted brain, or just some much-needed peace of mind. But very, very few people actually take a moment to inquire: who is this controller I'm trying to use?

------------------

And hey, if there’s anything else that still feels a bit fuzzy... just ask. 🙂

A truly steady mind—one rooted deeply in its own being—remains calm regardless of what’s happening around it. It doesn't get to pick and choose when to be verbally aggressive and when to be tolerant; it stays consistent through thick and thin. What you're describing sounds more like typical human reactivity. We tend to cloud our judgment with selectivity, pre-judging every situation before it even unfolds. We often convince ourselves we have some sort of right to lash out at others just because, in our opinion, they "deserve" it. But let's be real: verbal aggression is always aggression. And if it isn't a heat-of-the-moment outburst, but rather something calculated and planned? Then it's nothing more than plain old sadism.

Edward Flores4 said:Anyone who thinks meditation is going to "smooth out" human emotions—or that it eventually leads to some kind of constant bliss or comfort—clearly hasn't a clue what they're talking about.

Besides... why do you assume only an agitated person can be verbally aggressive? Tolerance isn't a free pass; it’s something you earn. It is perfectly normal, even productive, to withhold tolerance from someone who hasn't earned it. Doing that doesn't require being upset—quite the opposite, actually. It requires calmness, calculation, and resolve. You're completely conflating "political correctness" with "spirituality."

Human stupidity... while it can be fascinating and deeply annoying at the same time, it should only rattle those who aren't expecting to run into it. If you go into the day expecting stupidity, its appearance won't shake you—just like you don't get upset when the sun sets in the evening after having expected it to rise in the morning.

Quincy:

what does meditation mean to you? Because clearly, your definition is a far cry from the standard one.

Krishnamurti describes the problem of meditation perfectly, and it aligns exactly with my own view of the matter.

Meditation is a very complex business. The Word meditation implies both in Sanskrit and in English, not only the brain concentrating on a certain subject, but also it implies a great deal of attention. But primarily meditation means, in Sanskrit, to measure. And also in English etymologically, I believe, it is to measure.
The whole question of becoming is involved in it, which is to measure: I am this, I will be that. I am greedy, but I will gradually become non-greedy, which is a form of measurement, which is form of becoming. Both becoming in the affairs of the world and psychologically becoming. That is the whole question of measurement.
The Greeks were the originators of measurement. Without measurement there would be no technology. And The Asiatics specially in India, said measurement is illusion, measurement means limitation. They didn’t exactly say this, they put it differently. So measurement means comparison, to compare ‘what is’, ‘what should be’, the ideal, the fact, the fact becoming the ideal. All that is implied in meditation.

And also in meditation is implied, the meditator and the meditation. So to enquire into meditation, you have to enquire first not only measurement, but also this constant becoming something, psychologically. Human beings are violent, and the ideal to be in a state of non-violence, which is to become.

So the question is not how to meditate but what is meditation, rather than how. I hope I am making myself clear. And also there is a question involved in that: who is meditating? And most of The Systems of meditation , whether The Japanese , and The hindus, and so on, Tibetan, there is always the controller and the controlled. Right? Are we meeting each other? So there is the controller controlling thought, to quieten the thought, to shape thought according to a purposeful direction. So there is the controller and the controlled. Who is the controller?

Please, all this is implied in meditation, not merely to control one’s thought as is generally understood in meditation, whether it is Zen meditation, or the most complex forms of meditation which take place in India, and elsewhere, there is always the director, the entity that controls thought. SoThey’ve essentially created this psychological split between the one doing the thinking and the thoughts themselves. Because of that, the thinker detaches himself from the actual process of thinking—which leads to this idea that during meditation, there’s some sort of "controller" stepping in to manage and quiet down the thoughts.

It creates this fundamental divide between the controller and what is being controlled. Makes sense, right? But here’s the kicker: who actually *is* the controller? Honestly, hardly anyone ever stops to ask that.
Most people are just thrilled to dive into meditation because they’re chasing a specific destination—you know, things like sudden illumination, total enlightenment, a quieted brain, or just some much-needed peace of mind. But very, very few people actually take a moment to inquire: who is this controller I'm trying to use?

------------------

And hey, if there’s anything else that still feels a bit fuzzy... just ask. 🙂

No, I think Krishnamurti does an excellent job here of describing what meditation is NOT. If you just read your quote without any context, you might walk away thinking he was actually against meditation. What meditation truly IS, however, is described right here:

As Krishnamurti once said:

Meditation is essentially the moment when thought finally comes to an end. It’s only once that noise settles that you can actually step into a different dimension—one that exists entirely beyond the constraints of time.

A truly meditative mind is defined by silence. I’m not talking about the quiet you feel on a calm evening or the kind of stillness you can just imagine; I mean the profound silence that occurs only when thought—with all its constant stream of images, words, and perceptions—completely stops. This meditative mind is The religious mind – The religion that is not touched by The church , The temple or by chants - Meditation is One of The Greatest Arts in Life – perhaps The Greatest.

Meditation is truly one of life's finest arts—honestly, maybe even the greatest. The best part? You can’t actually learn it from anyone else. There’s a certain beauty in that. Since there’s no specific technique to master, there’s no authority figure telling you you're doing it "wrong." It really comes down to self-discovery. If you can just observe yourself—watching how you walk, how you eat, the things you say, or even those little moments of gossip, resentment, or jealousy—that's where it starts. Being fully aware of all that within yourself, without judging or trying to pick and choose what to feel, is a fundamental part of meditation.

Meditation isn't just about sitting still on a cushion. It can happen anywhere—whether you're riding the bus through downtown Chicago, strolling through a sun-dappled forest, listening to the local songbirds, or simply catching a quiet moment while looking at the face of your spouse or your child.

- It is fascinating how vital meditation truly is; it feels as though it has no starting point and no finish line. Think of it like a single raindrop that feeds all the winding streams, massive rivers, oceans, and roaring waterfalls; that one drop sustains the entire planet and everyone on it. Without it, the world would just be a barren desert. In the same way, without meditation, the human heart turns into a wasteland.

- Let's be honest, meditation is actual work. It requires a very specific kind of discipline—not the kind where you just follow the crowd, imitate others, or obey rules—but a discipline born from staying constantly aware, not just of your surroundings, but of what's happening deep inside you.

- If you haven't built a foundation of integrity in your daily life, meditation just becomes a way to run away from reality, which makes it pretty much useless. Living with integrity isn't about sticking to social etiquette; it's about finding freedom from envy, greed, and the hunger for power—things that only ever create conflict. You don't get free from those things by trying harder with sheer willpower; you get there by becoming aware of them through genuine self-knowledge. If you don't understand how your own ego operates, meditation just turns into a form of sensory stimulation, which doesn't really mean much.

- Meditation is truly extraordinary. If you don't grasp what it actually is, you're a bit like someone who is blind living in a world full of vibrant colors, shifting shadows, and dancing light. It isn't some purely intellectual exercise. But when the heart truly connects with the mind, the mind changes entirely; it becomes limitless—not just in how it thinks or acts effectively, but in its ability to feel like you are part of a vast, interconnected space where you belong to everything.

casualmaker13 said:Long live all kinds of drugs, especially that Portorož stuff!!!😂

Well, damn.😘

🙂 casualmaker13
Kids might get the wrong idea
but I've made it very clearly understood that it's a NO

As for adults
well, sure, why not
just in moderation
every once in a while
but seriously
only occasionally
and strictly just to set the mood
a little cannabis
specifically an indica strain

That’s just how things work in my universe.
😉

Richard Walker79 said:Research isn't objective—it’s all a lie funded by Big Pharma. If you want an actual objective look at the connection between psychedelics and spiritual experiences, check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK0RRTG2WWY

If you were paying close attention, you probably caught what she was saying at the end. She made it clear that these substances are strictly prohibited. They were only used during this experiment under incredibly controlled conditions, with every single participant being closely monitored. It’s worth noting that some people in the study actually experienced fear, anxiety, hallucinations, and other nasty side effects.

Besides, you can't just label a study "subjective" or "biased" without actually laying out the facts. You have to explain exactly why those findings would be considered false and what specific advantage the pharmaceutical industry gains by highlighting the risks associated with cannabis.

Also, Douglas, I have to say—looking back at your writing from about a year ago, things felt different. Your posts used to have this incredible clarity and punch; you were concise, sharp, and your logic was always rock solid. Now, it feels like something is missing. I’m not saying that maybe getting a little high gave you some new perspectives, but I highly doubt it stripped away your drive or left you feeling totally ungrounded. As a careful reader, I can tell a whole dimension of your voice has vanished. It honestly feels like the spirit of hemp has completely taken over your writing style.

Richard Walker79 said:Well, we aren't even talking about "drugs"—we are talking about psychedelic spirituality.
There is no need for anyone to be defensive; we just need to clarify things so there isn't any confusion or unnecessary offense.
The way things are being said right now feels offensive because of the word choice.
Think about it: Christians use wine as a sacrament, but if you told them they were using drugs, they would be absolutely insulted!

Quincy:

It’s not a snake, it’s just a little legless creature crawling along....

I am not against substances because, let's face it, everyone uses something. However, the word "drugs" creates massive confusion and is far too offensive since it brings to mind heavy, dangerous, addictive substances.

Quincy:

Actually, dealing with addiction only starts once a person admits they have a problem, but by then it is often too late, because denial is such a powerful force for addicts....

People usually show physical symptoms of addiction long before they reach the stage of admitting they have one! It is just like admitting you are a witch. A little bit of pressure, some persecution, and a touch of blackmail, and suddenly—presto!—you have a witch.

Quincy:

I notice the forum covers always feature birthday wishes, which makes me realize there are quite a few minors here. Some are only 12 or 13 years old, and they read everything you write. If we all start defending drugs and claiming they are a divine gift, what kind of message are we sending to those kids?.....

And what about the discussions on politics or the adult forums? That certainly isn't for children either, is it?

I am sending these kids a message to THINK for themselves and to EDUCATE themselves about the psychedelic spirituality we are discussing. Isn't that a much better approach than spreading propaganda designed to control young minds?
I treat people like adults, not animals that need to be told what to do. In my opinion, "drugs" is simply an inadequate term; the world should use the perfectly appropriate scientific term: psychedelic.

The psychedelics being discussed can seriously mess with a young person's personality and mental health. Even just recreational use can be risky for anyone under 24, since the brain is still busy building those crucial neural connections, and substances can interfere with that process, potentially triggering psychosis.

Kenneth Peterson5 mentioned the findings from these studies in a few different threads, and I've come across the same data in at least five different places myself. For instance, about 90 percent of young people hospitalized for schizophrenia in major US cities had used cannabis. Once they stopped using it, the symptoms subsided.

So, Richard Walker79, regardless of how much you celebrate cannabis, the scientific facts point in a different direction. Speaking as both a mother and someone with a conscience, I feel I have to speak up to the moderators of this forum:

Richard Walker79 said:I would kindly ask that the thread regarding "(Evil) drug use and spirituality?" be renamed to something more appropriate, as the word "drugs" carries such a negative and derogatory connotation.
My suggestion: "Psychedelic spirituality."

Why are you trying to sugarcoat the word drugs?

And why should the rest of us go along with it? If you think using them is perfectly fine, then the terminology shouldn't bother you so much.

It’s not about being a snake, it's just about calling things what they are...

Personally, I think it's fine for this topic to exist; it caters to the interests of the community and active members here on the spirituality-religion forum. However, changing the title just to soothe people's egos feels unnecessary. No one is calling you an addict, but there is a very thin line that users often don't realize they've crossed. Real recovery starts when someone admits they have a problem, and by then, it's usually quite late because denial is such a powerful force for anyone struggling with substance use.

When I look at the forum homepage, I see so many birthday wishes, and it's become pretty clear to me that we have a lot of minors hanging out here. We have kids who are only 12 or 13, high schoolers, and plenty of teenagers reading everything you post... In the US, kids often try their first joint during high school. If we all start babying the subject—pretending drugs are just "little treats" or divine gifts—what kind of message are we actually sending to those kids?

Thinking back, I can still recall another perfect example—that unstoppable, almost manic passion for art that just won't quit.

A friend of mine has three little kids, but she managed to turn one of her rooms into a full-on studio, painting whenever she could catch a spare second.

With toddlers running around, enrolling in a traditional fine arts program wasn't really an option, so she found this online academy based out of the UK. The setup was actually pretty impressive: they provide structured assignments, reading lists, and mentorship, and then you study, practice, and paint following their specific guidance. You take photos of your work or mail physical pieces to them, and after about three years of hard work, she officially earned her degree.

Nowadays, she’s actually exhibiting her work, and I see her listed in exhibition catalogs as a graduate of a prestigious academy in New York City (it never mentions it was through a correspondence program). But honestly, the technicality of the diploma isn't the point; what matters is that through her relationship with those mentors, she truly matured as an artist, sharpened her skills, and started selling her pieces...

So, hey, if a mom juggling three kids and a career can pull it off, there’s no excuse for you!

Samuel Phillips2 said:Do what? I'm stuck in Chicago for work four days a week—then I spend the other three back home with family. I can't exactly spend my time off out in the garage hacking away at some firewood.

Of course you can.

It’s like having a long-distance relationship where you only get three days to visit.

If there's any spark left—if there's actual passion, if you truly love it, if your soul just craves the act of creation, and if you're one of those dreamers and artists who feels restless without an outlet—then

OF COURSE YOU CAN

carve out a few hours every single day.
And if you can't make it work during the day,
you can do it at night,
or in the quiet moments early in the morning.

Starting with small steps is how you begin a transformation that could take you anywhere. I know a biochemist who spends her free time painting in her garage. Over time, she developed this incredibly delicate, hyper-realistic style. Then, quite by chance, she met a gallery owner from New York City. He buys everything she produces. Depending on the size, she gets anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per piece. He charges a premium for them, of course—but what she does isn't just a hobby anymore, and she still manages to balance her lab work, motherhood, and running a household.

So yes, you absolutely CAN. You're just getting in your own way.

Kenneth Peterson5 said:Alright, now that things are finally starting to clear up a bit, I gotta ask—who exactly is dropping these "expert" tips in this PDF?
I mean, what’s even the point of this whole board if we can't call out the problems when we see them?
And who here actually thinks they're qualified enough to point fingers at the specific people—or just one person—giving out "professional" advice on serious issues while being totally clueless?

(@Jeremy Palmer, thanks for sticking up for my little rant, but Jerry Green59 is just being himself, and honestly, I've got a lot of work to do to get on your level. What can I say? Maybe I'm just a masochist. 😁)

Honestly, I wish I could just stay quiet too
- Who are these people on this subforum acting like psychiatrists or specialists, trying to run a therapy clinic through their posts?
- Or better yet, who are the ones pretending to be professionals just to mislead innocent users with psychological jargon?
- Does anyone actually know someone who was misled by these "experts," potentially leading them down the wrong path and making their situation worse?

If the original post included actual facts, it would carry much more weight because it would be based on reality rather than just a gut feeling.

Kenneth Peterson5 — I'm not quite sure what to say to you. This woman basically told you straight up that you're talking nonsense and that your comments are getting on her nerves, yet you claim to enjoy her exact way of being... I was really expecting your usual style of sharp, intelligent rebuttals backed by solid logic... but hey, if that's the kind of treatment you're into... 🙂

Jerry Green59 said:First off, there are plenty of ways to tell when someone definitely ISN'T a professional.
(For instance—a licensed psychologist isn't going to be handing out clinical diagnoses on an internet forum;

a legitimate psychologist won't offer a definitive solution based on a single data point or one vague post with zero context;

you should probably try to figure that part out for yourself.)

Talking makes sense.
The "Caution" note is simply a warning against accepting advice that is being presented as "expert" when it isn't.

Yes, you could certainly make a mistake if you followed my advice to avoid seeking professional help through anonymous people on the internet.
That would be incredibly poor, dirty, malicious, and unprofessional advice based on questionable logic.
Please don't take it to heart. You'll be better off without it.

In conclusion, the fact that you constantly (and selectively) wrap up comments with these little summaries annoys me just as much as the following: 🤷 a smiley face.

Where does this obsession with second-guessing everyone else's motives come from?

Wow, someone's being aggressive.
Are you sure you didn't skip out on finishing college?
If you think you're in a position to lecture anyone else... yikes, such a pity.

Jerry Green59 said:Kenneth Peterson5, give me a break.

(And by "give me a break," I mean I see you lurking on every single thread, demanding justifications and deep dives into everyone's motives.)

I rarely find myself browsing this specific forum.

I get it—sometimes people are dealing with real issues but feel too uneasy about seeing a doctor, so they take the path of least resistance by trying to DIY their problems online.

My goal with this topic is actually quite well-intentioned: I want to advise people that seeking help from verified professionals is much smarter than relying on internet advice. In my experience scrolling through here, I've run into plenty of cases where users offer suggestions that aren't just uneducated, but are downright catastrophic—the kind of bad advice that turns a minor issue into a total disaster.

Do you honestly think it’s unnecessary to warn forum users when someone starts "prescribing" medications or treatment plans?

If so, I suppose your stance is that anyone naive enough to follow amateur medical advice should simply be left to deal with the consequences of their own ignorance.

I guess you'll be an expert one day too...👎That’s a pretty brutal way to start a post. Honestly, I don't get why you're being so rude to this girl; she clearly knows what she's talking about.

I didn't realize anyone here was posting as some kind of authority figure. It seems pretty delusional to think that someone coming to this forum with a problem believes they're going to find a panel of world-class experts. I have no idea why you assumed people here are presenting themselves as professionals.

From where I'm sitting, I just see real, sensitive people sharing their views, their unique perspectives, and their own personal experiences regarding certain issues.

You're underselling both the people asking for help—by assuming they're too clueless to realize there aren't pros behind these posts—and those responding, by acting like everyone here is just some internet doctor trying to play physician.

Andrew Reed11 said:So, I see people complaining constantly—about this, about that, claiming they’re entitled to one thing while someone else gets another—but it makes me wonder: what have YOU actually done for anyone today? How are you proving to yourself that you're actually a decent human being?
I'll go first. I didn't do anything particularly saintly today, but yesterday I spent a good chunk of time just listening to a guy vent about his problems and trying to help him navigate them.
Then there was Saturday—I headed out to a rally for labor rights and the underdog. I'm not personally struggling, but I went because others are.
And if I'm being honest, something I'm actually proud of: a few days ago, I donated my last fifty bucks to the [Novi Med](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novi_Med) shelter fund for their land development project.
I’d love for everyone here to share something positive they’ve done for someone else—something that makes them feel like they actually matter.
We deal with enough negativity on this forum as it is; I’m genuinely curious to see how much positivity you guys have actually built into your own lives—stuff where you get absolutely nothing out of it except knowing you helped someone.
(Please, if you're just looking for an excuse to be a critic, just stay quiet. Mod, please step in if anyone starts using this thread to lash out or insult people out of pure frustration. In my opinion, it’s people who tear down good deeds that make everyone else indifferent. It's why that bear you saw on the news recently almost starved to death—nobody even looked twice because it's become "trendy" to just ignore other people's suffering and focus entirely on yourself. The news is already drowning in that kind of apathy, not enough good people. So, please, skip the philosophy and just tell us what you did for someone else.) Thanks.

Professor, are you married? Do you have kids?

I'm guessing you aren't...
because a woman juggling a husband, children, and a career simply doesn't have the luxury of sitting around counting all the good things she does in a day. It’s not just that there isn't time between all the giving; it's that the acts are so constant they become impossible to track.

Any mom on here will tell you that most of her day is spent looking out for others. For the vast majority of the time... every single day... all year round... it's just giving, giving, and more giving.

When you get into that rhythm, you start doing it almost by instinct. You find yourself helping a mother struggling with her toddlers on the street, or donating to UNICEF, or answering those charity calls for dialysis machines or snail research. You might drop off some groceries for a neighbor downstairs who relies on social security, or just sit and chat with an elderly lady who has no one else to talk to.

At the end of the day, you either have an open heart or you don't. You either empathize or you don't. You don't really need to turn it into some organized program where everyone tries to be "good" just to feel better about themselves.

Anyway, that's just my take on it, Professor. 🙂

There’s a long-standing idea that Indian yogis use marijuana to help deepen their meditative states.

Beyond that, certain ancient Egyptian priestly texts suggest that if you consume small amounts of cannabis sativa—which they referred to by a different name, of course—specifically when Sirius is in opposition to Earth (roughly around New Year's), it helps facilitate entry into higher states of consciousness.

It’s well-documented that Castaneda relied on various stimulants to reach those altered states—peyote, I believe, among other things—but in his fourth book, John tells him he only had to resort to drugs because he was being a fool; he hadn't realized that everything could be achieved without them at all.

Marijuana has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes since time immemorial, and honestly, I don't think it's any more harmful than drinking wine. However, these modern strains—the high-potency skunk hybrids of sativa and indica—are often laced with other substances and are far more intense than what the hippies used to smoke back in the day. Unlike that milder, "innocent" cannabis, this stuff is dangerous, especially for young people whose neural pathways are still developing. It's been proven that regular users under the age of 25 can suffer psychotic episodes or develop severe neuroses. In fact, one statistic suggests that in the UK, 85 percent of people under 25 admitted to psychiatric hospitals with a diagnosis of psychosis
are regular cannabis users...

Brenda Allen2 said:Thanks, hollowtinker8, you're totally right. It's worth thinking about. I can hear everything in the bathroom, and now I can hear them watching TV and stuff like that too.
And there's always something going on inside the walls, but that's not the point. The issue is when you have a problem, you tend to blow it way out of proportion and obsess over it. Now, I catch every tiny little sound in the city that I used to completely ignore...
and honestly,
it's not like I'm sensitive to light or anything else besides sound. I think I've basically conditioned myself to view this as a massive problem, and now that's how I experience it. It bleeds into everything else, too.
Like, take this morning—I was up at 6 AM.
I haven't slept all day. Some people could crash for 15 hours straight, but I'm already sitting here dreading the fact that I'll be awake again at 6 AM tomorrow. My brain just works that way; I already know exactly what's going to irritate me. That's why I figured I should probably talk to a psychologist—to see if I'm just losing it.

You haven't told us everything, but you don't have to, Brenda Allen2.🙂
There are probably other reasons why sleep is eluding you, and the noise is just adding fuel to the fire.
Going to see someone to talk it out is actually a great idea. A psychologist might be more than enough; you likely won't even need a psychiatrist.

One practical tip from my side—whenever I can't sleep, I just get up and start doing something productive. I've always been a night owl, so if I realize sleep isn't coming and I still have energy, I just channel it into a task. Usually, once I do that, the sleepiness hits me naturally, even if it's noisy outside.

Hang in there!🙂

Brenda Allen2 said:Honestly, that's exactly what I'm scared of. It's just... everything gets under my skin so much. I finally manage to calm down and crawl into bed, and then—BAM—I hear something thumping inside the wall, either above me or right underneath me.
It's always something, like someone flushing a toilet in the next apartment or some other random noise. It drives me absolutely insane, and I can't get a wink of sleep. Everyone gives me that same old crap, "Just sleep when you're tired," but trust me, it's not that easy.

Look, let me try to explain my point.

My husband can fall asleep right on the couch with the TV blaring while my friends and I are in the living room chatting over coffee and laughing. Even if someone rings the doorbell or the dog starts barking, he doesn't even stir. A person can pretty much sleep through anything if they really need to.

But in your case, you can't sleep because of those little drips, rustling sounds, or the wind blowing. It really comes down to your personal noise tolerance being a bit lower.

What you might want to consider is whether you're generally this sensitive to other things too. Do you react strongly to light, or maybe an argument, or certain smells?...

I’m just suggesting you look into whether you're naturally more sensitive than most people, or if you're just feeling more irritable lately. Can you tell the difference?

Brenda Allen2 said:But man, don't even get me started—these people have just learned to live with it. There isn't much noise while they're trying to sleep, except for the fact that the walls basically hum and water is constantly leaking through them.
You know that sound when a faucet won't stop dripping? It’s like that, all night long. And once the neighborhood starts waking up around 6 AM, there’s zero chance I’m getting back to sleep after that.

If you're saying they've gotten used to it, does that mean you think you'll eventually just become numb to it too?

Or are you just worried you won't be able to, which is why you think you might need to see a therapist?

Brenda Allen2 said:Look, man, I’m sitting here staring at my collection and realized I’ve actually got three different kinds of caps on hand.
Man, I’ve tried everything. I start with the basic stuff, then I move up to the heavy-duty brands, maybe try some premium stuff from like, Home Depot or something... and honestly? It’s all a wash. Sometimes I get a tiny bit of relief, but nothing substantial. And the worst part? The constant thumping in the walls. You know that sound? Like someone is constantly resetting a circuit breaker or just slamming things around? It’s enough to drive you absolutely insane. Seriously, I'm losing my mind here.

If you're trying to figure out whether the noise is actually an issue or if you're just being a bit too hypersensitive, you really ought to take a look at how everyone else is sleeping.
Is anyone else dealing with sleep issues in their apartment or building, or is it just me?

If everyone else in the building finds it just as unbearable as you do—meaning you're all lying there staring at the ceiling, listening to those noises all night long—then it’s definitely an issue with the building itself.

If you're the only one lying there wide awake, then you've probably got a case of being Hypersensitive.

lonegardener said:Wait, why wouldn't I? I suppose it's because that feels like the better way to live, right? Even so, I haven't escaped the act of valuing things. By making those choices, I’ve already defined and accepted a value system, whether I realize it or not. You don't need to be conscious of your values; you just need to live by them.

For instance, I've realized that my de facto value system places factual truth at the very top. It wasn't some grand choice I made; I never sat down and decided that. Instead, through self-analysis, critical thinking, and reflection, I simply arrived at the objective conclusion that this is how things are. Therefore, knowing what is real is more important to me than, say, chasing pure enthusiasm. After all, you can find enthusiasm much easier by just taking some chemicals. 🤷 And before long, we'll probably be able to fully "realize" our dreams within virtual reality anyway.

Man, that is a lot of excuses for not taking action.
So many reasons to stay stuck...
It feels like you're using all this philosophy just to mask the real issue, which is simply that you lack the motivation.

Look, if you don't feel like doing it, then don't. No big deal. Just enjoy being passive.
But please—don't try to build a whole philosophical framework around it.
The passivity isn't what's actually bothering you...
it's the constant need to justify it.

There's nothing wrong with just being a sloth.

Coffee, my laptop, a warm room,
just me in my pajamas and slippers,
feeling so relaxed...
I could really go for a chat with someone.
My mind is wandering quite a bit.
Keeping myself entertained.

I’m not sure if you’d call it pure happiness, but
it’s just so cozy... so peaceful...

Brenda Allen2 said:Hey everyone, so I’ve gone and moved into yet another place—this time it’s a tiny 130-square-foot studio on the fifth floor, and let me tell you, it is cramped as hell.
It was cheap, which is great and all, but man...
Every single time someone flushes a toilet, I hear it.
If someone walks, if they shift their weight, if they even breathe too loud, I hear it. All that tiny little background noise just drives me absolutely insane.
And then, to top it all off, at night, water starts dripping right inside the walls. Just straight into the walls! I try to sleep with earplugs and a pillow clamped over my head, but it doesn't do squat. I'm lucky if I get a couple of hours of shut-eye a day.
I have to be up by 6:00 AM every morning regardless of whether I actually slept or not, so I'm basically a walking zombie all day long.
When I try to take a nap in the afternoon, there's no way to settle down. Every little sound and every slight movement from the neighbors just sets me off. I've been taking some Paxil before bed, but honestly, it feels like I'm swallowing nothing at all. What am I supposed to do here? Should I go see a psychiatrist or something?

Did you know that Nikola Tesla could hear thunder from 500 miles away?
He couldn't stand loud noises, bright lights, or even being touched by people.

Did he need a psychiatrist?

No, the man was just SENSITIVE.

All he really needed was silence and dim lighting.

They say his concentration was so intense that he would run his entire experiments inside his mind first. He’d mentally set everything in motion, observe how it unfolded, spot any potential errors, and fix them mentally before ever touching a tool. That’s why his work was so incredibly successful.

To achieve that kind of focus, he needed absolute SILENCE.....

If he hadn't been such a brilliant physicist, he might have ended up living in a standard suburban house with a wife and kids, completely losing his mind trying to deal with all that unbearable noise...

As for how to dial down that sensitivity—whether it's a gift or a curse—you'll just have to figure that out for yourself.

Amanda Edwards said:Just checking in here. I’ve been reading up on anxiety, and honestly, I recognize way too many of these symptoms in my own life.
It’s a nightmare!!!!! As far as marijuana goes, I think that’s actually one of the triggers—it explains why this is happening. On top of that, I’ve always been a highly emotional and volatile person. Check your PMs!

I’ve officially decided to quit weed for good. I’m 25, and about two years ago, my entire world was flipped upside down when I moved away from 622 miles my hometown in Chicago🙂 and got married. Life is objectively good, but I just can't handle being "on my own" like this. My old friends aren't here, and I don't have anyone besides my husband. The loneliness is absolutely crushing me... frankly, everything feels pointless right now and I can't see a way forward. I’m stuck in a loop of negative thoughts; I’m terrified of the future and constantly spiraling over whether I’ll ever be a good mother. I find myself questioning if I’m even sane. I’m perpetually irritable, my libido has completely vanished, and my brain runs at a hundred miles an hour—these intrusive thoughts are killing me. I constantly catch myself having full-blown imaginary conversations in my head... it gets so intense that I end up with a literal headache!!! It's madness.

I literally have to pinch myself and shout "STOP" just to snap back to reality!!! The fact that I can't control it makes everything feel even worse. Last night, I just broke down in front of my husband and told him everything. He keeps trying to reassure me that I'm normal and that nothing is wrong, promising he'll just hold me more.🙂

I don't feel anything anymore—nothing at all. I've lost my ability to feel joy, and it's devastating. I've even started worrying that I don't love my husband anymore... it's like I don't care about anyone.

Anyway... that was a bit of a vent. Sorry if I'm being a burden... I just don't have anyone else to talk to about this. My husband is great, but he can't get inside my head to truly understand what I'm going through.

...I want children, but the mere thought of that level of responsibility paralyzes me!! Even though I love kids so much.

Am I just afraid of independence and responsibility? Am I just spoiled?

I am constantly battling this sense of dread and dissatisfaction. I find myself picking fights with my husband constantly because he didn't do something exactly the way I envisioned it in my head.

😕

Honey, it isn't really clear what you do there 622 miles in your neck of the woods near Washington, D.C.?

If you’re 622 miles living in the Washington, D.C. area, just you and your husband with no friends, no kids, no hobbies, and no responsibilities at 25—which should be the prime years for both men and women—of course you're going to struggle with anxiety and mental health.

You don't need medication or a doctor.
What you need is a life.
You need responsibility, productivity, and to care for people other than just yourself.

Keep this in mind and you'll never deal with mental health struggles:
Selfless people who serve others and work hard with a positive attitude NEVER have mental health issues because they simply don't have enough time to dwell on themselves.

Enroll in college
Have a baby
Get a job
Go to yoga
Start painting
Learn an instrument
Volunteer to help those in need

Just do anything besides being unproductive and self-centered, because that path is a guaranteed ticket to mental health problems.