Started by mistygull16 · · 👁 11 views · 214 replies
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Benjamin Taylor6 said:Expanding circles?
It really ought to be circles that contract. That with every revolution around God, you get closer to Him.
Not further away.
Ryan Wilson2 said:I occasionally feel as though I am brushing against another dimension entirely. If only I could trigger those encounters more intensely, precisely when I choose to.
As for everything else, I find myself becoming a harder, colder person. My faith in humanity has eroded; I’ve become less tolerant, less soft, and far less inclined toward spiritual philosophizing. Nothing in this life is inherently "meant to be"—it is simply what we force it to become. I have grown deeply skeptical of most spiritual practices and movements, as I am convinced most of them operate solely through the placebo effect, mere delusion, or fear—some sort of hardwired psychological mechanism within the brain.
To most self-proclaimed spiritualists, I would simply suggest seeing a licensed psychologist instead. It would save them both time and money, given that the results are functionally identical to anything promised by "spiritual growth."
Wisdom, tolerance, and knowledge are ultimately futile when the world is governed by the law of the jungle.
The only real path to change lies in the physical evolution of the human race into something else entirely—a being liberated from the primal urges of greed, reproduction, and mindless hedonism. Those who claim to have transcended these instincts likely just lack the resources to indulge them, relying on self-delusion or autohypnosis to elevate themselves above the harsh realities of this world. And when all is said and done, people always fall back on the concept of reincarnation just to justify the injustices they've faced.
Ryan Wilson2 said:I occasionally feel as though I am brushing against another dimension entirely. If only I could trigger those encounters more intensely, precisely when I choose to.
As for everything else, I find myself becoming a harder, colder person. My faith in humanity has eroded; I’ve become less tolerant, less soft, and far less inclined toward spiritual philosophizing. Nothing in this life is inherently "meant to be"—it is simply what we force it to become. I have grown deeply skeptical of most spiritual practices and movements, as I am convinced most of them operate solely through the placebo effect, mere delusion, or fear—some sort of hardwired psychological mechanism within the brain.
To most self-proclaimed spiritualists, I would simply suggest seeing a licensed psychologist instead. It would save them both time and money, given that the results are functionally identical to anything promised by "spiritual growth."
Wisdom, tolerance, and knowledge are ultimately futile when the world is governed by the law of the jungle.
The only real path to change lies in the physical evolution of the human race into something else entirely—a being liberated from the primal urges of greed, reproduction, and mindless hedonism. Those who claim to have transcended these instincts likely just lack the resources to indulge them, relying on self-delusion or autohypnosis to elevate themselves above the harsh realities of this world. And when all is said and done, people always fall back on the concept of reincarnation just to justify the injustices they've faced.
| As for everything else, I suppose I have become a somewhat diminished version of my former self; I find myself possessing much less faith in the human race, feeling significantly less tolerant, and lacking that soft, easygoing nature I once held. Even that certain spiritual, philosophical inclination I used to carry has largely evaporated. It seems to me now that nothing exists in its ideal state by default; rather, things are simply shaped by our own hands and intentions. I’ve grown quite skeptical regarding most spiritual practices and various belief systems, as I am increasingly convinced that the majority of them function merely through a placebo effect, simple wishful thinking, or perhaps some other psychological mechanism hardwired into the American psyche. |
I often find myself suggesting that most clergy ought to consider trading their pulpits for a therapist's couch, if only because it would save everyone an immense amount of both time and money. In my estimation, the psychological breakthroughs one achieves through clinical counseling are virtually indistinguishable from those sought through various paths of "spiritual development." It’s much like how someone might spend years studying ancient philosophy to find inner peace when a simple session with a counselor in downtown Chicago could yield the exact same clarity in a fraction of the time.
| It seems rather futile to go around offering up tolerance, wisdom, or even a shred of genuine knowledge when, at the end of the day, the world continues to be governed by the law of the jungle—where the strongest hand always holds the deck. |
| The only genuine path toward any kind of meaningful change lies in the physical evolution of the human species into an entirely different kind of being—one that has finally shed the primal shackles of greed, the drive to reproduce, and that endless, exhausting pursuit of hedonism. It’s almost like trying to outrun our own shadows. I often think about those people who claim they have already ascended past these basic instincts; in my estimation, it’s usually just a convenient bit of self-delusion or perhaps a touch of self-hypnosis used to cope with the fact that they lack the financial means or the social standing to actually command their reality. It serves them well, really, acting as a psychological buffer to help them feel superior to a world they can't quite grasp. And when all is said and done, we inevitably fall back on the concept of reincarnation, don't we? It’s the ultimate cosmic safety net, providing a tidy little explanation for all the injustices we face, allowing us to believe that everything will eventually balance out in some future life. |
Sam Martinez9 said:Daniel Castillo11
You seem to be contradicting yourself a bit.
First, you claim: "...this started happening to me once I let go of all those illusions and self-deceptions regarding the supernatural..."
Only to follow that up by saying: "...but no matter how much I let go or reflect, I am still just a man who cannot break his own nature..."
If you’ve truly cast aside the illusion of the supernatural, shouldn't you have already accepted that you are simply a man incapable of defying his own nature?
Once we strip away the supernatural, all that remains is the human being as a biological entity—a product of nature and evolution, much like a lion is a product of nature and evolution. In that framework, a person's nature is their essence, and there is simply no way to break it.
Ryan Wilson2 said:I occasionally feel as though I am brushing against another dimension entirely. If only I could trigger those encounters more intensely, precisely when I choose to.
As for everything else, I find myself becoming a harder, colder person. My faith in humanity has eroded; I’ve become less tolerant, less soft, and far less inclined toward spiritual philosophizing. Nothing in this life is inherently "meant to be"—it is simply what we force it to become. I have grown deeply skeptical of most spiritual practices and movements, as I am convinced most of them operate solely through the placebo effect, mere delusion, or fear—some sort of hardwired psychological mechanism within the brain.
To most self-proclaimed spiritualists, I would simply suggest seeing a licensed psychologist instead. It would save them both time and money, given that the results are functionally identical to anything promised by "spiritual growth."
Wisdom, tolerance, and knowledge are ultimately futile when the world is governed by the law of the jungle.
The only real path to change lies in the physical evolution of the human race into something else entirely—a being liberated from the primal urges of greed, reproduction, and mindless hedonism. Those who claim to have transcended these instincts likely just lack the resources to indulge them, relying on self-delusion or autohypnosis to elevate themselves above the harsh realities of this world. And when all is said and done, people always fall back on the concept of reincarnation just to justify the injustices they've faced.
Daniel Castillo11 said:When one contemplates the nature of "other worlds," I find myself drifting between two distinct interpretations, much like a sailor navigating between a fog-covered coastline and the clear, open sea. On one hand, there is the compelling argument that such concepts serve as profound metaphors for the creative process itself—those internal landscapes where an idea begins to take shape, swirling in the mind like a storm brewing over the Atlantic before finally breaking into reality. In this sense, an "other world" is simply the vast, uncharted territory of human imagination, a place where we build structures out of nothing but thought and intuition. On the other hand, I have often found myself pondering whether these realms might exist in a more literal, physical sense, perhaps occupying dimensions that our current scientific understanding hasn't quite managed to map out yet. It’s a bit like wondering if there are undiscovered islands in the middle of the Pacific; just because we haven't charted them doesn't mean they aren't sitting there, waiting to be found. So, I suppose my view is a bit of a blend of both—an appreciation for the psychological depth of the metaphor, paired with a quiet, lingering curiosity about whether the universe holds more secrets than we can currently perceive.
Quincy:I have been suggesting for quite some time now that beneath the surface of those self-proclaimed spiritualists and starry-eyed idealists, there actually lurks a deep-seated misanthropy; it is just that the illusion of being socially useful and self-sustaining is far more seductive than any raw impulse to seek out the truth or confront hard facts. Of course, this isn't just an indictment of one specific clique or social circle, but rather a fundamental observation regarding the entire human race. It seems we simply aren't biologically wired to be hunters of objective truth, but are instead designed to simply... exist and live our lives. Most of what we consider to be our decisions, our deepest hopes, or even our most burning motivations aren't really products of free will at all; instead, they are the result of instinctive, unconscious processing within the brain and body, heavily layered with the conditioning imposed upon us by society. Ultimately, everything that has been pressed into us, or resides within us, is exactly what constitutes who we are.
As for everything else, I suppose I have become a somewhat diminished version of my former self; I find myself possessing much less faith in the human race, feeling significantly less tolerant, and lacking that soft, easygoing nature I once held. Even that certain spiritual, philosophical inclination I used to carry has largely evaporated. It seems to me now that nothing exists in its ideal state by default; rather, things are simply shaped by our own hands and intentions. I’ve grown quite skeptical regarding most spiritual practices and various belief systems, as I am increasingly convinced that the majority of them function merely through a placebo effect, simple wishful thinking, or perhaps some other psychological mechanism hardwired into the American psyche.
When you step back and look at the actual techniques being used and the tangible results they yield, it all really boils down to a very specific kind of individual psychotherapy. It’s not just about clinical methods, though; it’s this deeply layered process that weaves in substantial doses of philosophy alongside concepts like finding one's purpose, navigating morality, leaning on social support systems, and shaping one's entire worldview. It’s much more holistic than that—almost like trying to tune a complex instrument by adjusting both the strings and the very air in the room.I often find myself suggesting that most clergy ought to consider trading their pulpits for a therapist's couch, if only because it would save everyone an immense amount of both time and money. In my estimation, the psychological breakthroughs one achieves through clinical counseling are virtually indistinguishable from those sought through various paths of "spiritual development." It’s much like how someone might spend years studying ancient philosophy to find inner peace when a simple session with a counselor in downtown Chicago could yield the exact same clarity in a fraction of the time.
I find myself nodding along with that recommendation. I’m speaking from my own lived experience here, really. It becomes particularly vital when you're dealing with someone who has drifted quite far into a state of deep mental fog—someone struggling just to navigate the basic requirements of a normal day. At that stage, it starts to look less like simple stress and more like a profound neurosis, or perhaps something even more complex and heavy.
Quincy:Virtues have always been somewhat abstract concepts to me. In a textbook or some lofty theoretical debate, they seem absolutely wonderful and perfectly clear, but when you actually step out into the real world, those ideals rarely seem to show up on the radar. Not that I’m trying to make sweeping generalizations here—that would be a mistake, as everything truly depends on an endless variety of shifting factors. It can be incredibly difficult to untangle what is actually reality from what is merely fiction, or to distinguish what is genuinely useful from what is just plain useless. Distinguishing between the two requires a great deal of intellect, a significant amount of time, and, most importantly, a wealth of lived experience.
It seems rather futile to go around offering up tolerance, wisdom, or even a shred of genuine knowledge when, at the end of the day, the world continues to be governed by the law of the jungle—where the strongest hand always holds the deck.
Quincy:The core issue lies in how almost every religion, philosophy, and branch of metaphysics has spent centuries idealizing the human condition, essentially worshipping our own potential. They push this narrative of human supremacy—this idea that we possess the inherent power to bend reality to our will. It’s quite obvious, then, that both society at large and the individual consumer are effectively being built upon a foundation of pure illusion.
The only genuine path toward any kind of meaningful change lies in the physical evolution of the human species into an entirely different kind of being—one that has finally shed the primal shackles of greed, the drive to reproduce, and that endless, exhausting pursuit of hedonism. It’s almost like trying to outrun our own shadows. I often think about those people who claim they have already ascended past these basic instincts; in my estimation, it’s usually just a convenient bit of self-delusion or perhaps a touch of self-hypnosis used to cope with the fact that they lack the financial means or the social standing to actually command their reality. It serves them well, really, acting as a psychological buffer to help them feel superior to a world they can't quite grasp. And when all is said and done, we inevitably fall back on the concept of reincarnation, don't we? It’s the ultimate cosmic safety net, providing a tidy little explanation for all the injustices we face, allowing us to believe that everything will eventually balance out in some future life.
Then there is the psychological hurdle, which I find just as troubling: the human tendency to hunt for the path of least resistance. On one hand, you have people who adopt an extreme, nihilistic outlook, painting everything in the darkest possible shades just to dodge any semblance of actual responsibility or hard work. On the other hand, you see this overly romanticized, hippie-style idealism used as a way to pacify opponents or opposing ideologies, which is really just another clever way to sidestep accountability. In both scenarios, the underlying motivation is rooted in escapism, denial, or self-deception, even when it’s dressed up to look like profound wisdom.
Baphomet, it certainly doesn't look like we're seeing much in the way of biological evolution anytime soon, at least not for another few million years. 🙂
Unless, of course, you're pinning all your hopes on transhumanism or some burgeoning new cyber-religion. 🙂
coastalskipper92 said:🙂 😛
Yes! Thank you, God, for ensuring I am no longer alone in this "dark night of the soul."🙂
The results are tangible, at long last.
Physical—in what sense do you mean that?
Physical—in what way are you experiencing this?
Daniel Castillo11 said:When one contemplates the nature of "other worlds," I find myself drifting between two distinct interpretations, much like a sailor navigating between a fog-covered coastline and the clear, open sea. On one hand, there is the compelling argument that such concepts serve as profound metaphors for the creative process itself—those internal landscapes where an idea begins to take shape, swirling in the mind like a storm brewing over the Atlantic before finally breaking into reality. In this sense, an "other world" is simply the vast, uncharted territory of human imagination, a place where we build structures out of nothing but thought and intuition. On the other hand, I have often found myself pondering whether these realms might exist in a more literal, physical sense, perhaps occupying dimensions that our current scientific understanding hasn't quite managed to map out yet. It’s a bit like wondering if there are undiscovered islands in the middle of the Pacific; just because we haven't charted them doesn't mean they aren't sitting there, waiting to be found. So, I suppose my view is a bit of a blend of both—an appreciation for the psychological depth of the metaphor, paired with a quiet, lingering curiosity about whether the universe holds more secrets than we can currently perceive.
Quincy:I have been suggesting for quite some time now that beneath the surface of those self-proclaimed spiritualists and starry-eyed idealists, there actually lurks a deep-seated misanthropy; it is just that the illusion of being socially useful and self-sustaining is far more seductive than any raw impulse to seek out the truth or confront hard facts. Of course, this isn't just an indictment of one specific clique or social circle, but rather a fundamental observation regarding the entire human race. It seems we simply aren't biologically wired to be hunters of objective truth, but are instead designed to simply... exist and live our lives. Most of what we consider to be our decisions, our deepest hopes, or even our most burning motivations aren't really products of free will at all; instead, they are the result of instinctive, unconscious processing within the brain and body, heavily layered with the conditioning imposed upon us by society. Ultimately, everything that has been pressed into us, or resides within us, is exactly what constitutes who we are.
As for everything else, I suppose I have become a somewhat diminished version of my former self; I find myself possessing much less faith in the human race, feeling significantly less tolerant, and lacking that soft, easygoing nature I once held. Even that certain spiritual, philosophical inclination I used to carry has largely evaporated. It seems to me now that nothing exists in its ideal state by default; rather, things are simply shaped by our own hands and intentions. I’ve grown quite skeptical regarding most spiritual practices and various belief systems, as I am increasingly convinced that the majority of them function merely through a placebo effect, simple wishful thinking, or perhaps some other psychological mechanism hardwired into the American psyche.
When you step back and look at the actual techniques being used and the tangible results they yield, it all really boils down to a very specific kind of individual psychotherapy. It’s not just about clinical methods, though; it’s this deeply layered process that weaves in substantial doses of philosophy alongside concepts like finding one's purpose, navigating morality, leaning on social support systems, and shaping one's entire worldview. It’s much more holistic than that—almost like trying to tune a complex instrument by adjusting both the strings and the very air in the room.I often find myself suggesting that most clergy ought to consider trading their pulpits for a therapist's couch, if only because it would save everyone an immense amount of both time and money. In my estimation, the psychological breakthroughs one achieves through clinical counseling are virtually indistinguishable from those sought through various paths of "spiritual development." It’s much like how someone might spend years studying ancient philosophy to find inner peace when a simple session with a counselor in downtown Chicago could yield the exact same clarity in a fraction of the time.
I find myself nodding along with that recommendation. I’m speaking from my own lived experience here, really. It becomes particularly vital when you're dealing with someone who has drifted quite far into a state of deep mental fog—someone struggling just to navigate the basic requirements of a normal day. At that stage, it starts to look less like simple stress and more like a profound neurosis, or perhaps something even more complex and heavy.
Quincy:Virtues have always been somewhat abstract concepts to me. In a textbook or some lofty theoretical debate, they seem absolutely wonderful and perfectly clear, but when you actually step out into the real world, those ideals rarely seem to show up on the radar. Not that I’m trying to make sweeping generalizations here—that would be a mistake, as everything truly depends on an endless variety of shifting factors. It can be incredibly difficult to untangle what is actually reality from what is merely fiction, or to distinguish what is genuinely useful from what is just plain useless. Distinguishing between the two requires a great deal of intellect, a significant amount of time, and, most importantly, a wealth of lived experience.
It seems rather futile to go around offering up tolerance, wisdom, or even a shred of genuine knowledge when, at the end of the day, the world continues to be governed by the law of the jungle—where the strongest hand always holds the deck.
Quincy:The core issue lies in how almost every religion, philosophy, and branch of metaphysics has spent centuries idealizing the human condition, essentially worshipping our own potential. They push this narrative of human supremacy—this idea that we possess the inherent power to bend reality to our will. It’s quite obvious, then, that both society at large and the individual consumer are effectively being built upon a foundation of pure illusion.
The only genuine path toward any kind of meaningful change lies in the physical evolution of the human species into an entirely different kind of being—one that has finally shed the primal shackles of greed, the drive to reproduce, and that endless, exhausting pursuit of hedonism. It’s almost like trying to outrun our own shadows. I often think about those people who claim they have already ascended past these basic instincts; in my estimation, it’s usually just a convenient bit of self-delusion or perhaps a touch of self-hypnosis used to cope with the fact that they lack the financial means or the social standing to actually command their reality. It serves them well, really, acting as a psychological buffer to help them feel superior to a world they can't quite grasp. And when all is said and done, we inevitably fall back on the concept of reincarnation, don't we? It’s the ultimate cosmic safety net, providing a tidy little explanation for all the injustices we face, allowing us to believe that everything will eventually balance out in some future life.
Then there is the psychological hurdle, which I find just as troubling: the human tendency to hunt for the path of least resistance. On one hand, you have people who adopt an extreme, nihilistic outlook, painting everything in the darkest possible shades just to dodge any semblance of actual responsibility or hard work. On the other hand, you see this overly romanticized, hippie-style idealism used as a way to pacify opponents or opposing ideologies, which is really just another clever way to sidestep accountability. In both scenarios, the underlying motivation is rooted in escapism, denial, or self-deception, even when it’s dressed up to look like profound wisdom.
Baphomet, it certainly doesn't look like we're seeing much in the way of biological evolution anytime soon, at least not for another few million years. 🙂
Unless, of course, you're pinning all your hopes on transhumanism or some burgeoning new cyber-religion. 🙂
Regarding techniques and their practical outcomes, everything essentially boils down to a form of individualized psychotherapy infused with doses of philosophy—incorporating concepts like purpose, morality, social support, worldviews, and so on...
Ryan Wilson2, it looks like nothing is changing regarding biological evolution, at least not for another few million years. 🙂
Unless, of course, you are placing your hopes in transhumanism or some kind of new cyber-religion. 🙂
Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:Look, psychology is an interesting field, and a truly great psychologist can definitely help someone make personal strides, but there are specific spiritual dimensions that psychology—and psychologists—just don't grasp and tend to ignore entirely.
I believe true strength actually comes from that very tolerance, wisdom, and knowledge mentioned earlier. So, it’s definitely not a waste of time.
It’s hard to view the world in strictly black and white. There are plenty of shades of gray in between—just like there are people who are deeply tied to material stuff and worldly habits, and then there are those who aren't attached to any of it at all.
And honestly, I think physical evolution mostly starts with a spiritual one... a shift in how we think and live our lives.
From everyone I've met, just living a comfortable life isn't enough for most. And really, considering how many questions we ask throughout our lives, it’s hard to argue that we aren't searching for truth. It’s just that sometimes we lose our way on that path and end up putting way too much importance on things that don't matter. I respect your perspective, but I firmly believe we are much more than just the sum of our influences and circumstances. Some individuals prove that every single day.
People have massive potential, in every sense of the word. But by obsessing over control, we actually end up losing it.
Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:Look, psychology is an interesting field, and a truly great psychologist can definitely help someone make personal strides, but there are specific spiritual dimensions that psychology—and psychologists—just don't grasp and tend to ignore entirely.
I believe true strength actually comes from that very tolerance, wisdom, and knowledge mentioned earlier. So, it’s definitely not a waste of time.
It’s hard to view the world in strictly black and white. There are plenty of shades of gray in between—just like there are people who are deeply tied to material stuff and worldly habits, and then there are those who aren't attached to any of it at all.
And honestly, I think physical evolution mostly starts with a spiritual one... a shift in how we think and live our lives.
From everyone I've met, just living a comfortable life isn't enough for most. And really, considering how many questions we ask throughout our lives, it’s hard to argue that we aren't searching for truth. It’s just that sometimes we lose our way on that path and end up putting way too much importance on things that don't matter. I respect your perspective, but I firmly believe we are much more than just the sum of our influences and circumstances. Some individuals prove that every single day.
People have massive potential, in every sense of the word. But by obsessing over control, we actually end up losing it.
Ryan Wilson2 said:Literally. It is akin to the possibility of making contact with natural processes that remain hidden from the human eye.Regarding techniques and their practical outcomes, everything essentially boils down to a form of individualized psychotherapy infused with doses of philosophy—incorporating concepts like purpose, morality, social support, worldviews, and so on...
That is ultimately how it plays out. People simply want to be better versions of themselves; they want to integrate into society and feel they belong to their specific community of spiritualists. But why should wisdom and tranquility be considered virtues? What is the utility in that? Why shouldn't aggression and terrorism be viewed as superior virtues? Overthrowing social orders that stifle the individual isn't achieved through calm contemplation; it requires aggression. Why on earth should I remain composed when the state is "legally" threatening my very existence?
Well, if I keep going down this path, someone might actually come knocking on my door. 😁Ryan Wilson2, it looks like nothing is changing regarding biological evolution, at least not for another few million years. 🙂
Unless, of course, you are placing your hopes in transhumanism or some kind of new cyber-religion. 🙂
We could potentially reshape ourselves. If we want change, there is no other way but to establish a new cyber-religion. 🙂
P.S. As it happens, the day after I wrote that post, I started watching True Detective, and there is a character who describes my exact sentiment far more eloquently:
I suspect I might possess some sort of prophetic ability concerning television series 🤣 because I have experienced similar coincidences several times before. It is a pity I don't dream about winning the Powerball. 😁
Ryan Wilson2 said:I occasionally feel as though I am brushing against another dimension entirely. If only I could trigger those encounters more intensely, precisely when I choose to.
As for everything else, I find myself becoming a harder, colder person. My faith in humanity has eroded; I’ve become less tolerant, less soft, and far less inclined toward spiritual philosophizing. Nothing in this life is inherently "meant to be"—it is simply what we force it to become. I have grown deeply skeptical of most spiritual practices and movements, as I am convinced most of them operate solely through the placebo effect, mere delusion, or fear—some sort of hardwired psychological mechanism within the brain.
To most self-proclaimed spiritualists, I would simply suggest seeing a licensed psychologist instead. It would save them both time and money, given that the results are functionally identical to anything promised by "spiritual growth."
Wisdom, tolerance, and knowledge are ultimately futile when the world is governed by the law of the jungle.
The only real path to change lies in the physical evolution of the human race into something else entirely—a being liberated from the primal urges of greed, reproduction, and mindless hedonism. Those who claim to have transcended these instincts likely just lack the resources to indulge them, relying on self-delusion or autohypnosis to elevate themselves above the harsh realities of this world. And when all is said and done, people always fall back on the concept of reincarnation just to justify the injustices they've faced.
Daniel Castillo11 said:I find myself nodding along with the others regarding the themes of self-delusion and sheer ignorance; if there is any meaningful takeaway here, that is truly it. All those other supposed side effects—the sense of relaxation, those fleeting "feel-good" rushes, or that naive brand of optimism and ambition—they all tend to evaporate once a person actually matures. In my own experience, chasing lofty goals and getting swept up in idealistic fervor only served to breed neurosis within me, creating this obsessive hyper-focus on "higher planes" and "deeper insights." If I’m being honest with myself, it was little more than an escapist compensation for a lack of social standing, a certain passivity, and a deep-seated existential dread.
The only other positive outcome I can recall, now that I think about it, is a reduction in reactivity—developing somewhat healthier patterns of thought, belief, and behavior. Regarding selfishness, one could argue that the fundamental ideal of spirituality should be the diminishment of self-absorption, egocentrism, and constant self-referencing. Yet, looking around, it seems this is precisely what many practitioners fail to achieve. For me, this shift only began to manifest once I abandoned the illusions and self-deceptions surrounding the supernatural, the unreachable, and the purely imaginary. It happened when I started balancing the application of reason with the practice of letting go of attachments. However, no matter how much I meditate or attempt to release these grips, I remain a human being unable to fully override my own nature—that primal instinct for self-preservation which keeps us all essentially trapped within our own subjective perspectives. That said, I do believe this attachment can be loosened, and that is the work I am currently engaged in. To even attempt this, I had to discard the vast majority of my previous convictions. It was only after I embraced atheism that I actually began to practice true spirituality. 🙂
Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:Look, I think the core issue is exactly that—the expectation part. It's much smarter to just make your choices and live by them, period, without obsessing over specific outcomes or wallowing in regret when things don't go your way. That's where you draw the line between intentional action and mere desire—and desire is usually where all that unnecessary suffering starts creeping in.
As for self-interest... well, that would be doing something you don't actually want to do just to snag something you do want. I don't necessarily see that as a "bad" choice, just a different one. Personally, I'd much rather act on what I genuinely want in the moment. Like, if I want to do something kind, I do it because it feels right, not because I'm looking for some kickback later.
Balance is everything here—just like in anything else. You have to observe, learn, choose, act, and then teach. It’s all a continuous loop that allows you to actually move forward.
I generally agree with you, but hey, watch out with those kinds of generalizations. Just because you understand the motives behind why most people gain weight doesn't mean you know what's going on with any specific individual. In other words, someone could be living perfectly in alignment with their teachings but dealing with a physical condition that makes them overweight. Or, though it's rare, there are people who consciously choose their body type.
Ryan Wilson2 said:I occasionally feel as though I am brushing against another dimension entirely. If only I could trigger those encounters more intensely, precisely when I choose to.
As for everything else, I find myself becoming a harder, colder person. My faith in humanity has eroded; I’ve become less tolerant, less soft, and far less inclined toward spiritual philosophizing. Nothing in this life is inherently "meant to be"—it is simply what we force it to become. I have grown deeply skeptical of most spiritual practices and movements, as I am convinced most of them operate solely through the placebo effect, mere delusion, or fear—some sort of hardwired psychological mechanism within the brain.
To most self-proclaimed spiritualists, I would simply suggest seeing a licensed psychologist instead. It would save them both time and money, given that the results are functionally identical to anything promised by "spiritual growth."
Wisdom, tolerance, and knowledge are ultimately futile when the world is governed by the law of the jungle.
The only real path to change lies in the physical evolution of the human race into something else entirely—a being liberated from the primal urges of greed, reproduction, and mindless hedonism. Those who claim to have transcended these instincts likely just lack the resources to indulge them, relying on self-delusion or autohypnosis to elevate themselves above the harsh realities of this world. And when all is said and done, people always fall back on the concept of reincarnation just to justify the injustices they've faced.
bluemason3 said:Because a pack of pugs can actually take down a lion.😁
Humans are pack animals. For us, maintaining the community is far more vital for survival than any individual's ego.🤷
Lawrence Torres56 said:Is this whole thing just depressing us a little too much😁 so we can find some comfort in it?😉
We don't need a biological overhaul; what we actually need is a mental shift to break free from this obsession with accumulating stuff and mindless indulgence... Don't you think the reason the "law of the jungle" holds such power is because we've been totally numbed by the values forced upon us? We reduce our entire lives to checking off "must-have" lists and competing with neighbors, without ever stopping to ask ourselves what any of it is actually for. So, really, which one of us is doing the fooling themselves: us, or the people claiming they've moved past it all?🤷
Scott Miller4 said:Yeah, honestly, aiming for the stars while your fridge is empty and your stomach is growling... that’s a quick path to neurosis.
Sure.
But even the fact that you reached out for a spiritual technique suggests there are expectations and desires lurking under the surface.
Self-interest can be pretty well disguised. It doesn't have to mean you're doing good specifically to grab a prize; it could just be the drive to feel good about yourself because you did something good. Which, if we're being honest, is still a form of looking out for yourself. 🙂
Something I can't quite put into words (I'm not really sure 😁), happened to me once while I was translating a sacred text. It hasn't happened since, and it never happened before.
When my translation was approved, they told me I could expect "spiritual blessings." When it actually happened, I was thrilled at first, but then I seriously considered getting a brain scan. Since it never happened again, I'm pretty sure it was just a projection caused by the excitement and the whole buildup about those "blessings."
Give us a little more detail about that other world. 🙂
Ryan Wilson2 said:In other words, an individual's value is measured by how effectively they integrate into the fabric of society.
rustymaker5 said:After spending so much time diving into different spiritual authorities and exploring all the various paths people take toward enlightenment, I’ve come to one inescapable conclusion: all the theory in the world is completely useless if you don't embrace it from the core of your being... if you aren't following it out of a genuine, raw connection to Absolute Love.
So, every single day, I find myself praying to the Absolute Truth—to God—asking for help to wake up my heart, basically trying to pry my soul loose from this heavy illusion that material things actually matter... and as for my mind, I’m working on keeping it in check, constantly trying to steer my thoughts toward doing good for others.
Since I can't really pull any of this off on my own, I just surrender everything to the Higher Will, handing over the reins of my life's chariot to the universe, while I just try my best to follow the Golden Rule and not do to others what I wouldn't want done to me... though, honestly, my success rate with that is still pretty hit or miss... 🙄
All in all, for now, I’m mostly noticing improvements in the physical side of things... I feel a sense of calm more often during situations that used to totally throw me off balance, and I'm finding it easier to keep my anger and rage under control; there's also this growing ability to accept people and circumstances exactly as they are, without that feverish, desperate need to change them or bend them to my will; I'm becoming less attached to people, stuff, and events... I'm more patient, and somehow more peaceful in my daily life... and well, I'm really just at the very beginning of this spiritual journey, so I'm not even sure how far I'll actually get in this lifetime, especially since I'm still struggling with certain desires and passions I just can't seem to shake. 🤷
Zachary Gonzalez8 said:So, I was catching this fascinating documentary on National Geographic last night. Scientists were breaking down how those traits that make males more attractive to females—think flashy feathers or long, flowing manes—are actually driven by hormones that end up being pretty detrimental to their overall health. If you look at evolutionary biology through the lens of humans as biological organisms governed by brains shaped by experience, you can see the mess we get into when we blindly follow those kinds of trends. You see the exact same patterns playing out in our own society.
Anyway, my takeaway from my own spiritual journey is that "seeking" isn't really a thing you *do*. It’s just something that happens. Every bit of effort we make to be "spiritual" is actually just moving us further away from what people call spirituality, though it might be better described as just being natural. Maybe that struggle is useful in its own way, though—like a pressure cooker effect where eventually everything just boils over, you throw up your hands in frustration, and finally, you start living authentically.