If you could come back to life, would you?

Michael Moore3 said:Well, you’re the one who decides how your life unfolds, isn't that right? The question of returning isn't really about wanting to jump back into your current circumstances, but rather whether you'd choose to return to this dimension and its freedoms in general.
And since we have the agency to shape our own lives, I can't help but wonder why you've allowed yours to settle into a shape that doesn't suit you; why not just shake things up and take some decisive action to change it?

Is it actually possible for someone to be this naive?

ironharbor8 said:Is it actually possible for someone to be this naive?

I find myself wondering if you truly possess such immense wisdom and mysticism that you feel compelled to question me so condescendingly in front of everyone, as if you’re trying to signal to the room that your intellect somehow towers over mine.

Perhaps it would be best to check that ego at the door, come back down to earth, and if you really think you have a better interpretation, feel free to share it with me—or with the rest of us, if you’re feeling particularly eager to point out a supposed "error" in my thinking.

Michael Moore3 said:I find myself wondering if you truly possess such immense wisdom and mysticism that you feel compelled to question me so condescendingly in front of everyone, as if you’re trying to signal to the room that your intellect somehow towers over mine.

Perhaps it would be best to check that ego at the door, come back down to earth, and if you really think you have a better interpretation, feel free to share it with me—or with the rest of us, if you’re feeling particularly eager to point out a supposed "error" in my thinking.

I don't see anything derogatory about that question. I'm not sure why you took it that way, but I won't dwell on it. That's your business.

As far as the public is concerned, this is a forum—unless you haven't quite grasped that concept yet. Where exactly do you expect to go for answers? I still maintain that anyone believing they have total control over their own destiny is being naive. You can claim we shape our own lives, and I can just as easily claim that view is delusional. Neither of us has provided a single shred of evidence to support our stances. That said, if you actually want to make a point, I’m all ears if you care to share your reasoning.

Michael Moore3 said:I find myself wondering if you truly possess such immense wisdom and mysticism that you feel compelled to question me so condescendingly in front of everyone, as if you’re trying to signal to the room that your intellect somehow towers over mine.

Perhaps it would be best to check that ego at the door, come back down to earth, and if you really think you have a better interpretation, feel free to share it with me—or with the rest of us, if you’re feeling particularly eager to point out a supposed "error" in my thinking.

Since we’re already discussing the sheer scale of egos, let’s take a look at your opening statement: "Well, you choose how your life turns out all by yourself."

By framing it that way, you’re essentially declaring your position as an absolute fact. That kind of phrasing doesn't exactly invite a counterargument; it just shuts the door. To be blunt, it comes across as a bit arrogant, wouldn't you say? That’s precisely why my previous comment took the tone it did. I intended to be provocative, sure, but not dismissive. My goal was to spark a real discussion, not to belittle anyone. If you still insist that my remark was an attempt at disparagement, then by all means, feel free to call me out in front of everyone. 😉 My apologies.

Since we’re already discussing the scale of egos, you probably realize that what we notice most in others is usually just a reflection of what exists within ourselves.

Regarding my explanation, I would first like to hear the basis for your conviction that we possess the agency to choose our own destiny. Furthermore, please clarify whether you are referring to the period before or after incarnation, or perhaps both. Once you have provided that context, I will be more than happy to elaborate on my own position regarding this matter.

Quincy:

ironharbor8 As stated by: You could just as easily claim that we’re the sole architects of our own lives, though I suspect calling that view naive might be more accurate. Neither of us has actually put any real weight behind our positions yet. I’d actually love it if you felt like sharing the reasoning behind that perspective..

So, I’ve been labeled as naive, though you won't say why, yet you somehow expect me to sit here and defend my insights to you. I can't help but wonder if you truly believe I have nothing better to do with my time than try to win you over to my way of thinking. Everyone experiences their own version of reality, and I'm not quite sure where you get the authority to claim mine is naive—though it's clearly just a label used to dismiss me. If you actually thought my perspective was flawed, you would have backed it up with real arguments, but since you didn't, calling me naive is really just a redundant way of stating an opinion rather than making a point.
Quincy:

ironharbor8 As stated by Michael Moore3: Since we’re already discussing the sheer scale of egos, take a look at your own opening statement: "well, you choose how your life turns out all by yourself."

So, who exactly gets to decide what your life looks like? Is it your mother, the government, or maybe some higher power up above?
It all comes down to personal choice, really... though I suppose the trouble is that people are always hunting for any excuse to dodge responsibility, finding comfort in the idea that they aren't actually the ones making the decisions.

ironharbor8 said:I don't see anything derogatory about that question. I'm not sure why you took it that way, but I won't dwell on it. That's your business.

As far as the public is concerned, this is a forum—unless you haven't quite grasped that concept yet. Where exactly do you expect to go for answers? I still maintain that anyone believing they have total control over their own destiny is being naive. You can claim we shape our own lives, and I can just as easily claim that view is delusional. Neither of us has provided a single shred of evidence to support our stances. That said, if you actually want to make a point, I’m all ears if you care to share your reasoning.

Since we’re already discussing the sheer scale of egos, let’s take a look at your opening statement: "Well, you choose how your life turns out all by yourself."

By framing it that way, you’re essentially declaring your position as an absolute fact. That kind of phrasing doesn't exactly invite a counterargument; it just shuts the door. To be blunt, it comes across as a bit arrogant, wouldn't you say? That’s precisely why my previous comment took the tone it did. I intended to be provocative, sure, but not dismissive. My goal was to spark a real discussion, not to belittle anyone. If you still insist that my remark was an attempt at disparagement, then by all means, feel free to call me out in front of everyone. 😉 My apologies.

Since we’re already discussing the scale of egos, you probably realize that what we notice most in others is usually just a reflection of what exists within ourselves.

Regarding my explanation, I would first like to hear the basis for your conviction that we possess the agency to choose our own destiny. Furthermore, please clarify whether you are referring to the period before or after incarnation, or perhaps both. Once you have provided that context, I will be more than happy to elaborate on my own position regarding this matter.

I truly understand that perspective, though I’d argue what we’re seeing isn't ego, but rather a sense of certainty—a distinction that can be quite subtle since they often look identical on the surface. If ego were actually at play here, the statement would have been designed to tear someone down or hoist myself above the rest, but that simply wasn't the case; it was merely an observation of a fact I happen to be aware of, made without any desire to disparage anyone or pretend I'm somehow superior.

Quincy:

ironharbor8 As stated by: I’m throwing this out there to spark a conversation, not to be inflammatory, though I realize it might come across that way. If you still feel like my point is purely meant to disparage, then by all means, feel free to call me out publicly. 😉) My apologies.

If you actually wanted to have a discussion, you would rely on arguments, seeing as a real debate is supposed to be an exchange of logic aimed at uncovering facts; however, I haven't noticed anything from you besides your own subjective impression which doesn't qualify as an argument
Furthermore, please spare me the formal apologies. Your words already reveal whether you actually care or how much you regret what was said, but if you're truly concerned about how others here perceive you, then feel free to express your remorse however you like...

ironharbor8 said:I don't see anything derogatory about that question. I'm not sure why you took it that way, but I won't dwell on it. That's your business.

As far as the public is concerned, this is a forum—unless you haven't quite grasped that concept yet. Where exactly do you expect to go for answers? I still maintain that anyone believing they have total control over their own destiny is being naive. You can claim we shape our own lives, and I can just as easily claim that view is delusional. Neither of us has provided a single shred of evidence to support our stances. That said, if you actually want to make a point, I’m all ears if you care to share your reasoning.

Since we’re already discussing the sheer scale of egos, let’s take a look at your opening statement: "Well, you choose how your life turns out all by yourself."

By framing it that way, you’re essentially declaring your position as an absolute fact. That kind of phrasing doesn't exactly invite a counterargument; it just shuts the door. To be blunt, it comes across as a bit arrogant, wouldn't you say? That’s precisely why my previous comment took the tone it did. I intended to be provocative, sure, but not dismissive. My goal was to spark a real discussion, not to belittle anyone. If you still insist that my remark was an attempt at disparagement, then by all means, feel free to call me out in front of everyone. 😉 My apologies.

Since we’re already discussing the scale of egos, you probably realize that what we notice most in others is usually just a reflection of what exists within ourselves.

Regarding my explanation, I would first like to hear the basis for your conviction that we possess the agency to choose our own destiny. Furthermore, please clarify whether you are referring to the period before or after incarnation, or perhaps both. Once you have provided that context, I will be more than happy to elaborate on my own position regarding this matter.

And? It seems you're quite busy spotting specks in other people's eyes while ignoring the massive log in your own.

ironharbor8 said:I don't see anything derogatory about that question. I'm not sure why you took it that way, but I won't dwell on it. That's your business.

As far as the public is concerned, this is a forum—unless you haven't quite grasped that concept yet. Where exactly do you expect to go for answers? I still maintain that anyone believing they have total control over their own destiny is being naive. You can claim we shape our own lives, and I can just as easily claim that view is delusional. Neither of us has provided a single shred of evidence to support our stances. That said, if you actually want to make a point, I’m all ears if you care to share your reasoning.

Since we’re already discussing the sheer scale of egos, let’s take a look at your opening statement: "Well, you choose how your life turns out all by yourself."

By framing it that way, you’re essentially declaring your position as an absolute fact. That kind of phrasing doesn't exactly invite a counterargument; it just shuts the door. To be blunt, it comes across as a bit arrogant, wouldn't you say? That’s precisely why my previous comment took the tone it did. I intended to be provocative, sure, but not dismissive. My goal was to spark a real discussion, not to belittle anyone. If you still insist that my remark was an attempt at disparagement, then by all means, feel free to call me out in front of everyone. 😉 My apologies.

Since we’re already discussing the scale of egos, you probably realize that what we notice most in others is usually just a reflection of what exists within ourselves.

Regarding my explanation, I would first like to hear the basis for your conviction that we possess the agency to choose our own destiny. Furthermore, please clarify whether you are referring to the period before or after incarnation, or perhaps both. Once you have provided that context, I will be more than happy to elaborate on my own position regarding this matter.

In other words, you don't actually have a stance of your own, but rather you're asking me to present mine so you can use it to construct yours.🤣
That isn't going to work.☕
You called me naive, so by all means, explain why using actual arguments.

It’s all just a massive fireworks display to mask your insecurity... purely because I find your convictions naive. Honestly, why should you care what my opinion is if you’re truly that certain of your own expertise? If you actually possess the knowledge you claim, why bother defending your image? If you were truly confident, you wouldn't feel the need to maintain the facade. You know the truth, don't you? Or are you just pretending you can't be wrong? And in the end, who is actually feeling wounded by my statement? Is it the ego, or is it the being?

I am certain of nothing except my own existence. Everything else remains subject to scrutiny. My ego, its perceived scale, and even whether it truly exists at all—it is all up for debate. The existence of free will, too, and exactly how much agency we actually possess over the trajectory of our own lives. It’s all open questions.

Your claim that you have more important things to do was thoroughly debunked by this marathon of a post, where you spent your time pointing fingers at my supposed flaws and shortcomings. I suppose it was all for my own education and spiritual enlightenment. How thoughtful. 🙄

Well, here I am again. Apparently, I have nothing better to do with my time, so I might as well dive back into this discussion for a little while longer.

I wanted you to lay out your arguments first since your statement preceded my general observation; that way, we’d actually know what we're debating. But it isn't strictly necessary. You did manage to toss out a few facts, though, so we might as well start from there.

Michael Moore3 said:Quincy:

ironharbor8 As stated by: You could just as easily claim that we’re the sole architects of our own lives, though I suspect calling that view naive might be more accurate. Neither of us has actually put any real weight behind our positions yet. I’d actually love it if you felt like sharing the reasoning behind that perspective..

So, I’ve been labeled as naive, though you won't say why, yet you somehow expect me to sit here and defend my insights to you. I can't help but wonder if you truly believe I have nothing better to do with my time than try to win you over to my way of thinking. Everyone experiences their own version of reality, and I'm not quite sure where you get the authority to claim mine is naive—though it's clearly just a label used to dismiss me. If you actually thought my perspective was flawed, you would have backed it up with real arguments, but since you didn't, calling me naive is really just a redundant way of stating an opinion rather than making a point.
Quincy:

ironharbor8 As stated by Michael Moore3: Since we’re already discussing the sheer scale of egos, take a look at your own opening statement: "well, you choose how your life turns out all by yourself."

So, who exactly gets to decide what your life looks like? Is it your mother, the government, or maybe some higher power up above?
It all comes down to personal choice, really... though I suppose the trouble is that people are always hunting for any excuse to dodge responsibility, finding comfort in the idea that they aren't actually the ones making the decisions.

I truly understand that perspective, though I’d argue what we’re seeing isn't ego, but rather a sense of certainty—a distinction that can be quite subtle since they often look identical on the surface. If ego were actually at play here, the statement would have been designed to tear someone down or hoist myself above the rest, but that simply wasn't the case; it was merely an observation of a fact I happen to be aware of, made without any desire to disparage anyone or pretend I'm somehow superior.

Quincy:

ironharbor8 As stated by: I’m throwing this out there to spark a conversation, not to be inflammatory, though I realize it might come across that way. If you still feel like my point is purely meant to disparage, then by all means, feel free to call me out publicly. 😉) My apologies.

If you actually wanted to have a discussion, you would rely on arguments, seeing as a real debate is supposed to be an exchange of logic aimed at uncovering facts; however, I haven't noticed anything from you besides your own subjective impression which doesn't qualify as an argument
Furthermore, please spare me the formal apologies. Your words already reveal whether you actually care or how much you regret what was said, but if you're truly concerned about how others here perceive you, then feel free to express your remorse however you like...

And? It seems you're quite busy spotting specks in other people's eyes while ignoring the massive log in your own.

In other words, you don't actually have a stance of your own, but rather you're asking me to present mine so you can use it to construct yours.🤣
That isn't going to work.☕
You called me naive, so by all means, explain why using actual arguments.

It isn’t just your mother who dictates the trajectory of your life; your father plays an equal role. I assume you grasp the significance of the genetic material you inherit. It determines your biological sex, your physical build, your predispositions, and your susceptibility to certain diseases. Even intelligence is largely an innate quality. It isn't something you manufactured through sheer willpower, nor is it something you can significantly alter. Given that cognitive ability is a primary tool for navigating life's challenges, this is a critical factor. For instance, if someone is born with a condition like cretinism, their intellect won't be a strength—which effectively strips them of any meaningful agency over their own destiny. That is just one blunt example to illustrate the point.

Furthermore, the social circumstances you find yourself in are entirely beyond your control. For instance, a father might commit an act of violence against his child, leaving behind a massive trauma that shapes their entire existence. Or, that same father could serve as a pillar of support and a source of wisdom. Neither scenario is something you have any say in.

I recently came across some data suggesting that children raised in lower-income households tend to have lower IQ scores compared to those born into more affluent families. The takeaway was pretty grim: the chronic stress these kids face from such an early age significantly impacts both their cognitive development and their long-term success in life. It’s essentially a biological tax on poverty.

It is a mistake to ignore how a rough upbringing can bake negative beliefs into a person’s psyche, effectively sabotaging any hope for a productive or creative life. Of course, you will find outliers—individuals who somehow claw their way out of impossible circumstances—but most people spend their entire lives held hostage by their own environment. This isn't a lack of willpower; it is a lack of capacity. I have personally witnessed countless attempts at self-improvement that yielded little to no results despite Herculean effort. I am not claiming change is impossible, but the success rate is frankly discouraging. It all comes down to perspective. While a small victory might feel monumental to one individual, the reality is that we are constrained by an overwhelming number of external factors. To suggest that we are purely masters of our own fate is a fallacy. We don't simply choose our paths; the path is often chosen for us.

You could attempt to backtrack now, claiming your argument about our ability to shape our own lives only applied to the era before we were born. However, there isn't a shred of evidence to support that, which effectively renders this entire debate moot. But by all means, if you insist... we can continue this little game, or you can simply sit there feeling insulted. That choice is entirely yours. Or not. 😁

If I were given the choice?

I would choose to return, not merely because the country—pardon me, I mean the universe—is home to such breathtakingly beautiful vistas, but because I have always been drawn to vibrancy. It isn't just about the colorful wildflowers in a meadow; it is about the kaleidoscope of souls I encountered during my lifetime. I was fortunate enough to experience true love and grace, to read, hear, and witness countless magnificent works of art, and to feel a profound sense of genuine well-being a million times over.

But even if I do not return, it truly matters not. 🙂

Michael Moore3 said:Imagine a moment where you’re facing your own end, fully aware of the finality of it all—everything you’ve built, everything you’ve owned, and the entirety of your physical existence on this planet...
And then, with that heavy realization, you’re asked a single question: Would you choose to return to an Earth like this one? You’d start over as a completely different person, free from the baggage and anxieties of your previous life, beginning from scratch with the absolute freedom to design a life exactly how you want it. The only thing that carries over is your core essence, the fundamental "you." Would you actually opt back into a material existence like ours?"

So, would you take that deal? Yes or no, and what’s the reasoning behind it? 🙂

If I don't remember anything, then "I" don't exist anymore. That version of me dies with the body. So, honestly, it wouldn't matter to me.

Now, if I were born again and—after getting through that helpless baby stage and the chaos of adolescence—I actually realized, "Oh, it's me," and understood that I had returned... then yeah, I think I’d do it. It sounds incredibly stressful, but I think I would.
There is just too much work to be done on this planet. If there were continuous cycles where I could return, remember my past, and essentially upgrade myself through experience, that would probably justify most of the suffering we go through.
Though, after a few hundred years, I might get bored. I might just get tired of the whole grind.

Michael Moore3 said:Imagine a moment where you’re facing your own end, fully aware of the finality of it all—everything you’ve built, everything you’ve owned, and the entirety of your physical existence on this planet...
And then, with that heavy realization, you’re asked a single question: Would you choose to return to an Earth like this one? You’d start over as a completely different person, free from the baggage and anxieties of your previous life, beginning from scratch with the absolute freedom to design a life exactly how you want it. The only thing that carries over is your core essence, the fundamental "you." Would you actually opt back into a material existence like ours?"

So, would you take that deal? Yes or no, and what’s the reasoning behind it? 🙂

First off, I guess I feel like calling it a "material life" isn't quite the right way to describe the existence we're given. This life isn't strictly material, but it isn't non-material either; I suppose it's just whatever we perceive it to be, and everyone experiences it through their own unique lens. I think in 90% of cases, people might label it a "material life," but that's not necessarily true since so many people see it differently. As for your question about whether people would come back to America, I imagine the answer would be a "yes" for a lot of folks, mostly because it’s the only thing they know for sure—it's familiar ground they've already walked on, which provides a certain sense of security, I guess. Everything else is unknown, and people tend to reject the unknown out of fear.
As for my own take, I think I'd definitely want to come back, because I feel like what we have here on earth is pure art—it's the creation of our own lives in exactly the way we want them to be. This life can be heaven or it can be hell, it can be anything, really, depending on how you shape it; it's all up to the individual, and having that choice, those endless possibilities... well, I think that's just pure love. Honestly, there’s really only one word for "life," and that’s just "life"—there aren't any modifiers needed. To me, this life is just absolute perfection!!!

Do you honestly believe everyone is just out there architecting their own destiny? You realize that by saying that, you're basically dismissing every ounce of human suffering in history and pinning all of someone's misery squarely on their own shoulders, right?
Life is nowhere near as perfect as that sounds. I don't know what part of the country you're living in, but take a look around you.

placidjackal36 said:Do you honestly believe everyone is just out there architecting their own destiny? You realize that by saying that, you're basically dismissing every ounce of human suffering in history and pinning all of someone's misery squarely on their own shoulders, right?
Life is nowhere near as perfect as that sounds. I don't know what part of the country you're living in, but take a look around you.

I find myself agreeing that people do shape their own lives, though I think it's more about the trajectory of one's choices rather than specific events. For instance, if a war breaks out, you aren't signing up for the front lines; instead, you might choose to pack up and head to a quieter part of the country with your family. If your environment becomes toxic, you move away; you detach; you refuse to let a problem you can't directly control dictate your existence.
It takes a certain amount of grit to walk away from everything you've painstakingly built, but I've always felt that someone unwilling to tear down their current life to build a better one isn't truly living.
Of course, this assumes a level of intentionality—acting with awareness of the consequences and responsibilities involved, rather than just reacting on impulse.

Michael Moore3 said:I find myself agreeing that people do shape their own lives, though I think it's more about the trajectory of one's choices rather than specific events. For instance, if a war breaks out, you aren't signing up for the front lines; instead, you might choose to pack up and head to a quieter part of the country with your family. If your environment becomes toxic, you move away; you detach; you refuse to let a problem you can't directly control dictate your existence.
It takes a certain amount of grit to walk away from everything you've painstakingly built, but I've always felt that someone unwilling to tear down their current life to build a better one isn't truly living.
Of course, this assumes a level of intentionality—acting with awareness of the consequences and responsibilities involved, rather than just reacting on impulse.

That’s a completely different conversation. Of course we have agency over our lives.
But that's definitely not what those mindless self-help books and generic manuals tell you.

Honestly, just speaking candidly here, I have zero clue how I ended up on this particular rock (Class M), but either I seriously messed up my calculations or my navigation system is totally fried...

I wouldn't dream of heading back to Earth while half-conscious, either. On one hand, you've got the crushing poverty in certain spots, and on the other, you're just chasing your tail in some hyper-tech bubble...

Next time I get reincarnated, I’m definitely going to be more thorough when checking the travel catalog—and actually reading the fine print in those contracts.

The worst part is when someone tries to convince me this is a beautiful planet. Sure, maybe the nature is okay, but the urban sprawl? The sheer ugliness of the architecture is enough to trigger a depressive episode. And if I actually stumble upon something genuinely pretty by accident? Well, then it’s probably a trap and shouldn't even be accessible.

Every time I log on here, I find myself thinking, "Man, why did I even bother coming back?" 😁 And yet, once my time is finally up, I can’t wait to dive headfirst into the next adventure.
Everything just looks different from that perspective.

Of course, what I'm saying is a bit of an oversimplification since all lives are unfolding at once. But since our entire language is built on the concept of linear time, it's nearly impossible to articulate anything outside of that framework.

I think this planet is simultaneously beautiful and a complete disaster. This whole experience of forgetting—this illusion that we have no idea who we are or what we're doing here—is unique in its own way. It's a wild ride. I'll definitely be back... assuming nothing else catches my attention in the meantime. 😁

It's been interesting playing along with you all... 🙂

I’d like to jump in here and add something to what Michael Moore3 was saying.

See, it isn't just about managing how you react to things happening out in the world; you can also manage the decisions happening deep inside your own head. The problem is, most people don't even realize that you can't just look inward with your eyes like you're checking the weather—they don't even know how to start. That's why you have to constantly educate yourself and keep practicing until those new, healthy habits actually stick. Eventually, that subconscious stuff becomes conscious.

@mistygull16
Look, this whole world isn't inherently beautiful, or ugly, or heavy, or depressing, or even sinful... none of that exists until you decide it does and let it become your reality (which really just comes down to whether you've got the tools to steer your own ship or if you're just being submissive to whatever happens). It's all just cause and effect, plain and simple.

Since you mentioned that the absolute worst thing for you is when someone tries to convince you of something, I highly doubt you'll be the one calling the shots on your next reincarnation.

Peter Phillips32 said:I’d like to jump in here and add something to what Michael Moore3 was saying.

See, it isn't just about managing how you react to things happening out in the world; you can also manage the decisions happening deep inside your own head. The problem is, most people don't even realize that you can't just look inward with your eyes like you're checking the weather—they don't even know how to start. That's why you have to constantly educate yourself and keep practicing until those new, healthy habits actually stick. Eventually, that subconscious stuff becomes conscious.

@mistygull16
Look, this whole world isn't inherently beautiful, or ugly, or heavy, or depressing, or even sinful... none of that exists until you decide it does and let it become your reality (which really just comes down to whether you've got the tools to steer your own ship or if you're just being submissive to whatever happens). It's all just cause and effect, plain and simple.

Since you mentioned that the absolute worst thing for you is when someone tries to convince you of something, I highly doubt you'll be the one calling the shots on your next reincarnation.

Thanks for adding that. I realized after writing my last post that I neglected to mention my perspective applies to both external and internal events, mostly because it seemed so obvious to me at the time.🙂
In an earlier off-topic thread with ladybug11, we were discussing exactly this—how changing yourself is the prerequisite for changing your reality. In practice, everything you want to shift in your life has to stem from a transformation within yourself rather than trying to force change onto others. For instance, if the country is in total chaos, you improve things by refining your own habits and mindset instead of just pointing fingers at the leadership. After all, those leaders are just individuals made of flesh and blood, just like us, who need to evolve themselves before their functions and actions can improve. It’s a bit like how a fool feels comfortable among other fools but feels out of place among the wise, pushing themselves to improve just to fit in—and the reverse is true as well.

Peter Phillips32 said:I’d like to jump in here and add something to what Michael Moore3 was saying.

See, it isn't just about managing how you react to things happening out in the world; you can also manage the decisions happening deep inside your own head. The problem is, most people don't even realize that you can't just look inward with your eyes like you're checking the weather—they don't even know how to start. That's why you have to constantly educate yourself and keep practicing until those new, healthy habits actually stick. Eventually, that subconscious stuff becomes conscious.

@mistygull16
Look, this whole world isn't inherently beautiful, or ugly, or heavy, or depressing, or even sinful... none of that exists until you decide it does and let it become your reality (which really just comes down to whether you've got the tools to steer your own ship or if you're just being submissive to whatever happens). It's all just cause and effect, plain and simple.

Since you mentioned that the absolute worst thing for you is when someone tries to convince you of something, I highly doubt you'll be the one calling the shots on your next reincarnation.

There’s definitely a lot of outside influence pushing us around, and I usually just call that prejudice. Some of that persuasion can actually be useful, though—since we can't always see the consequences of our own actions, learning from someone else's mistakes is pretty handy. But at the end of the day, my whole spiritual path is about waking up and stripping away all those biases (while trying my best not to pick up any new ones myself). If being too attached to things is what drags us into new incarnations, then I'm pretty sure the next version of this planet is gonna be something seriously gorgeous. Like paradise, honestly.🙂🙂🙂

placidjackal36 said:Do you honestly believe everyone is just out there architecting their own destiny? You realize that by saying that, you're basically dismissing every ounce of human suffering in history and pinning all of someone's misery squarely on their own shoulders, right?
Life is nowhere near as perfect as that sounds. I don't know what part of the country you're living in, but take a look around you.

Well, I guess you could say that everyone has the ability to choose how they shape their lives, and making those decisions is its own kind of creation, so maybe we all have that freedom to act in one way or another. I definitely can't change everything, though I suppose in quite a few instances I can. I don't really want to get into all the specific examples here, but it's something you have to look at through a much broader lens, and I think Michael Moore3 already pointed out that calling things like pain, suffering, or even "evil" imperfect—while assuming only "good" is perfect—is a bit of a stretch. So, by your logic, a life without any struggle or pain would be the only "perfect" one. I personally feel like perfection is such a massive, sweeping concept that it probably encompasses everything, including the bad stuff and the good stuff, the pain and the joy. And honestly, when you start questioning what actually defines "good" versus "evil," or if those labels even truly fit, well, there’s probably a whole other debate to be had there... anyway, hope you guys have a good one!

And how exactly does one get that back once we die?????

Thomas Walker13 said:And how exactly does one get that back once we die?????

Where do you even live, 😕 because they already got my whole return trip sorted out🤷 so you're just gonna have to sit tight and wait for your next shot 😍 can't blame me for that one 😂

One really ought to register with the Chinese Embassy before passing away, given that the Chinese government maintains control over reincarnation.