Self-help

Self-help

So, self-help—it’s a term that has been having quite the moment lately. You hear it everywhere: Louise Hay, José Silva, Autogenic training, NLP, self-hypnosis, creative visualization... Is it all just pseudoscience, or is it a legitimate branch of psychology? Here is my humble take on the matter, kept brief.

It all kicks off the very second an individual realizes they aren't actually who they want to be. It’s a bit like an identity crisis or a midlife crisis, though I don't personally suffer from those because I've been battling that exact same feeling since I was fifteen. Of course, back then, I viewed my problems through a much different lens—one filtered by mysticism and the occult. I saw myself as a wizard, initiated into great secrets, three times greater than anyone else, blah blah blah... Fast forward ten years, and I view all of that from a much more mature perspective. Even back then, however, I knew what my core issue was. My character—the underlying programming that runs my being—was driving me in a direction I didn't want to go. I realized and accepted that fact early on: I am UNREFINED. Since that realization, "re-refining" myself has become my primary obsession.

Everything comes down to control. We are all governed by various subconscious algorithms, programs, sub-programs, patterns, and habits; these are the psychological elements that steer our lives. And honestly? We aren't the ones truly making the decisions. We are all slaves to these forces; that is the profound truth that leads to true freedom. However, even this grand truth is merely an idea that can remain false until an individual begins to believe in it. For an idea to manifest its miraculous power, it must be embraced; one must have faith in it. Ultimately, we become what we believe ourselves to be. Transforming one's character is a monumental task, but in a world where people are nowhere near aware of how fundamentally important self-refinement is, this might be the only path to freedom.

Everything starts at that specific point where a person finally recognizes they are a SLAVE.
Realizing this requires getting to know oneself deeply, which demands a high degree of objectivity and critical thinking. This necessary contemplation—this deep dive—is a process that forces an individual to face some very uncomfortable truths. That is precisely why one must remain objective. You need a period of introspection to observe your thoughts, emotions, reactions, and general psychological procedures. Know yourself, and you will know the world. Some people do this alone, while others seek help from a therapist; it doesn't really matter. What matters is how thoroughly you examine the material.

Developing discipline is the logical next step. Therefore, an individual should draft something akin to an action plan. This plan should work over time to instill new habits, new patterns, new algorithms, and a new program within the person. We encounter plans in our daily lives all the time; however, this particular plan should be written down on paper.

To start, let's write down three big questions: Where am I now? Where do I want to be? How will I get there?

Question 1
What am I good at, and where do I fall short? What are my talents and my flaws? What can help me achieve my goal, and what might block my way? What knowledge, skills, and qualifications do I already possess? What am I standing on?

Question 2
What do I love doing? What brings me joy and inspires me? What fulfills me? What can I gain, and what might I lose? What is my ultimate goal?

Question 3
How will I make it happen? Which methods or techniques will assist me? How can I stay motivated? How much am I willing to give? How much, and what, am I prepared to sacrifice? How will I measure my progress?

The best way to organize this entire project is to set short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Doing this makes it much easier to track progress, and those small victories along the way will provide the motivation needed to keep pushing forward.
Establishing various daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines and rituals is also essential, as this is how we build new habits and patterns. Furthermore, these routines serve as reminders to help us stay focused. For similar reasons, another vital element emerges: keeping a journal.

It would be incredibly beneficial to construct an "Avatar"—a fully realized persona that serves as a blueprint for your potential future self. Think of this Avatar as everything you aren't right now; it represents everything you aspire to become and, ultimately, the person you are destined to be.
Achieving this requires immense patience. You’ll need deep commitment, courage, unwavering faith, and a willingness to make significant sacrifices if you truly want to conquer your own limitations.
That's essentially my take on it.

Now, I’m eager to hear about your own experiences with this concept. I am interested in your theories, of course, but more than anything, I want to hear about your practical, real-world applications—if you have them.

I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

So, this is really my main question—is there a way to do this that feels more effortless, more natural? Over the years, I’ve managed to kick some bad habits, overcome social anxiety, and all that stuff. I’ve also successfully adopted new ways of thinking; my whole perspective has shifted. On the 🙂 flip side, the peace I currently
feel regarding the future... it almost borders on indifference. I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing, because my future is still uncertain—financially and in just about every other way. I've reached this point where I simply don't worry anymore, which leads people to think I'm cold or heartless. I don't know, it's like an inner voice is constantly telling me, "Don't worry, everything will work out. Fear is unnecessary; anxiety is just a burden." And honestly, it's like watching a bird fly—it just happens: my basic needs get met without any real struggle. Actually, maybe the word "indifferent" should be replaced with "carefree," because indifference sounds somewhat depressing, almost suicidal. And for me, depression is a completely foreign concept. I've been through all the states: angry, empty, lost, hopeless—but never depressed. I guess I'm just one of those irritatingly positive people.

Exactly—there’s absolutely no reason to be sweating the small stuff or living in constant fear 🙂 because honestly, while we're busy obsessing over what might happen tomorrow, we're just flushing the actual moments that build our future down the drain—not to mention wrecking our health and happiness in the process.

Mhm, I suppose we all bear the brunt of our own mistakes... naturally.

The idea that the world is just some beautiful little fairy tale is quite a stretch... though I guess 😉The Little Prince
isn't half bad either.

Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

Welcome to Life.

That’s why there are harvests meant to feed you once you've been completely exhausted.

Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

That statement makes zero sense.

You can't become any wiser or stronger without actually living. If you can't handle the weight, you don't get stronger. If you don't solve the riddle, you don't get wiser.

Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

No.

If it were simple and easy, there wouldn't be any need to grow wiser or stronger in the first place.
= Inertia

> Evolution = 0

Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

They show up because you asked the question.

The answers are out there, or somewhere else entirely.
It’s your choice.

Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

Then it just means you're still perfecting how you use logic and control.

Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:I’ve been down this exact same road you’re talking about. Look, all this stuff helps—it really does—but man, it is absolutely exhausting. It requires so much constant studying and endless "work on yourself." You end up becoming this wiser, more resilient version of yourself, sure, but at what cost? You’re basically spending your entire life preparing to live instead of actually, you know, living.

Lately, I can't stop wondering if there’s just a simpler way to handle all this. And honestly, ever since that thought popped into my head, it’s like the universe started throwing people and books my way that all talk about the same thing: letting go and just returning to who you actually are at your core. I get the logic behind it—I see the patterns—but applying it is another story. My brain keeps getting stuck in this loop of overthinking and trying to control everything. It feels like once you finally let those gut feelings and raw emotions from your heart and soul bubble up to the surface, everything just... clicks. It becomes easier, more joyful, and somehow more successful. Those old, toxic mental habits just start falling away on their own, making room for something better.

Spot on.

Nicholas Gonzalez said:Self-help

So, self-help—it’s a term that has been having quite the moment lately. You hear it everywhere: Louise Hay, José Silva, Autogenic training, NLP, self-hypnosis, creative visualization... Is it all just pseudoscience, or is it a legitimate branch of psychology? Here is my humble take on the matter, kept brief.

It all kicks off the very second an individual realizes they aren't actually who they want to be. It’s a bit like an identity crisis or a midlife crisis, though I don't personally suffer from those because I've been battling that exact same feeling since I was fifteen. Of course, back then, I viewed my problems through a much different lens—one filtered by mysticism and the occult. I saw myself as a wizard, initiated into great secrets, three times greater than anyone else, blah blah blah... Fast forward ten years, and I view all of that from a much more mature perspective. Even back then, however, I knew what my core issue was. My character—the underlying programming that runs my being—was driving me in a direction I didn't want to go. I realized and accepted that fact early on: I am UNREFINED. Since that realization, "re-refining" myself has become my primary obsession.

Everything comes down to control. We are all governed by various subconscious algorithms, programs, sub-programs, patterns, and habits; these are the psychological elements that steer our lives. And honestly? We aren't the ones truly making the decisions. We are all slaves to these forces; that is the profound truth that leads to true freedom. However, even this grand truth is merely an idea that can remain false until an individual begins to believe in it. For an idea to manifest its miraculous power, it must be embraced; one must have faith in it. Ultimately, we become what we believe ourselves to be. Transforming one's character is a monumental task, but in a world where people are nowhere near aware of how fundamentally important self-refinement is, this might be the only path to freedom.

Everything starts at that specific point where a person finally recognizes they are a SLAVE.
Realizing this requires getting to know oneself deeply, which demands a high degree of objectivity and critical thinking. This necessary contemplation—this deep dive—is a process that forces an individual to face some very uncomfortable truths. That is precisely why one must remain objective. You need a period of introspection to observe your thoughts, emotions, reactions, and general psychological procedures. Know yourself, and you will know the world. Some people do this alone, while others seek help from a therapist; it doesn't really matter. What matters is how thoroughly you examine the material.

Developing discipline is the logical next step. Therefore, an individual should draft something akin to an action plan. This plan should work over time to instill new habits, new patterns, new algorithms, and a new program within the person. We encounter plans in our daily lives all the time; however, this particular plan should be written down on paper.

To start, let's write down three big questions: Where am I now? Where do I want to be? How will I get there?

Question 1
What am I good at, and where do I fall short? What are my talents and my flaws? What can help me achieve my goal, and what might block my way? What knowledge, skills, and qualifications do I already possess? What am I standing on?

Question 2
What do I love doing? What brings me joy and inspires me? What fulfills me? What can I gain, and what might I lose? What is my ultimate goal?

Question 3
How will I make it happen? Which methods or techniques will assist me? How can I stay motivated? How much am I willing to give? How much, and what, am I prepared to sacrifice? How will I measure my progress?

The best way to organize this entire project is to set short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Doing this makes it much easier to track progress, and those small victories along the way will provide the motivation needed to keep pushing forward.
Establishing various daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines and rituals is also essential, as this is how we build new habits and patterns. Furthermore, these routines serve as reminders to help us stay focused. For similar reasons, another vital element emerges: keeping a journal.

It would be incredibly beneficial to construct an "Avatar"—a fully realized persona that serves as a blueprint for your potential future self. Think of this Avatar as everything you aren't right now; it represents everything you aspire to become and, ultimately, the person you are destined to be.
Achieving this requires immense patience. You’ll need deep commitment, courage, unwavering faith, and a willingness to make significant sacrifices if you truly want to conquer your own limitations.
That's essentially my take on it.

Now, I’m eager to hear about your own experiences with this concept. I am interested in your theories, of course, but more than anything, I want to hear about your practical, real-world applications—if you have them.

Ah, yes... freedom. It isn't surprising, I suppose, that places like Charleston possess such a distinct character—from the very texture of the cobblestone streets to the specific mindset of the people you encounter tucked away in those historic corners. To my way of thinking, there is a certain living art to freedom found there. If you were to ask me, I’d say it is truly priceless; it is the very essence of what it means to be alive. In fact, one might argue that freedom is life itself, if you catch my drift.

Everything, I suppose, begins at that exact moment when an individual finally realizes they are nothing more than a slave.
True insight requires a deep, unflinching dive into one's own psyche, which I suppose demands a rather high degree of objectivity and critical scrutiny. This necessary period of contemplation—this deep immersion, if you will—is a process that inevitably forces an individual to confront some very uncomfortable truths. That is precisely why maintaining objectivity is so vital. One must allow for a certain duration of internal exploration to observe one's thoughts, emotions, reactions, and general psychological patterns. It is a heavy undertaking. I suspect that if you truly come to know yourself, you will eventually understand the world at large. Some people choose to navigate this journey alone, while others seek the guidance of a psychotherapist; frankly, it matters little. The only thing that truly matters is how thoroughly one can master the material of their own being.

I suppose most people in the surrounding area would agree, and even the experts tend to use that term—they’d likely label such individuals as being clinically depressed. 😁 It seems everyone loves to complain about how difficult life is and how unfair the world can be—all that endless whining, really. Yet, they act completely bewildered when an individual actually reacts negatively to a toxic environment. If you ask me, it’s more than just childish; it's a fundamental reaction to reality. It is an objective truth that even those surrounding us—who are, quite frankly, rather immature and poorly raised—must eventually acknowledge. 😍

Developing true discipline is really just the next logical step in the process. I suppose one ought to draft something akin to an action plan. Ideally, this plan would function over a set period to instill new habits, reshape patterns, and essentially rewrite one's internal algorithms—creating a new program, if you will. We encounter various types of plans on a daily basis, I guess, but this particular one should probably be committed to paper.

Unfortunately, speaking from my own rather disappointing experience, I’ve lost my grip on criticality and objectivity. I find myself being more subjective than I ever thought possible. The plans I had previously laid out—which were once quite clearly defined—have become difficult to execute, and now, regrettably, they seem entirely impossible. My sole objective was simply to be an objective individual in the truest sense of the word; to strive toward being an ideal human being. You know, someone conscious, rational, and possessing all those other qualities one might generally attribute to a perfected human ideal.

The most effective way to organize an entire project is by establishing short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. In this manner, it becomes much easier to monitor one's own path, and those small victories along the way serve as the necessary motivation to keep pressing forward.
Implementing various daily, weekly, monthly, and annual routines and rituals is also essential, as this is how we cultivate new habits and patterns. Furthermore, these routines act as anchors to help us maintain focus. For similar reasons, I would suggest that journaling is another indispensable element.

Yes, precisely. Now, while navigating a crisis and facing a lack of options, I have noticed just how vital rituals and routines truly are... they are absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, if I were a perfectly sound individual, perhaps I wouldn't have even realized this until today. But for now, it is my only way to hold onto those fleeting moments of concentration I’ve managed to scrape together over the last few years. Consider this my attempt at responding to this topic—your text is more than merely interesting; I might even say it is logical and coherent. I am actually quite glad I woke up at 3:30 AM to find you had something sensible to write about.🙂

It would also be beneficial to create an Avatar—a detailed mental construct, somewhat like a potential future version of oneself. The Avatar represents everything I am not; everything I desire to become; everything I will ultimately evolve into.
One requires patience; one needs immense dedication, courage, faith, and significant sacrifice to truly conquer oneself.
In short, that is all.

I suspect psychologists and their ilk might call that the superego... at least, that is how it strikes me. From what I know of myself—well, from what I thought I knew in the past—I believe I was quite heavily influenced by it; it guided me through most of my life. Or so I thought. Lately, however, I haven't really been feeling "alive," and I suspect it’s due to a rebellion of the Ego in an attempt at basic survival. To put it bluntly, the Ego simply lost its temper and decided, "From now on, we do things my way." My apologies to those around me, but I simply don't have the strength to break down. The Ego says, "Don't go crazy; I still have work to do." Just wait and see.😁

Now, I am curious about your experiences regarding this subject. I am interested in your theories, but above all, I am interested in your practical experiences, if you have any to share.

Practical experiences... personally... they were excellent. No drugs, no alcohol... ugh... for the entire duration of that period (about thirty years)... a very, very good experience, quite vibrant😁... despite the highs and lows, I would gladly live through it again. That state of consciousness remained somewhat obscured by the distractions of modern society, yet it was always there. At the time, I didn't realize how easy it could actually be. If I had known what awaited me, I might have fled from all the absurdity and trivialities of life long ago, but I suppose it's easy to play the general after the war is over.😁

Theoretically speaking... well, I haven't written extensively on it. I spent most of my time contemplating and drawing conclusions internally. I regret that I wasn't more conscious of it back then; instead, I arrived at realizations only spontaneously or through bits of information gathered from my surroundings.

I believe people who still discover themselves and the world simultaneously—that particular combination of words feels most accurate to me—are still pioneers. It would be interesting if it could remain that way: for every individual to travel alone, unburdened by the pressures and influences of society, save for the natural world.

warning: I wouldn't exactly recommend this kind of practice if you're living in an unstable or "toxic" environment... I was fortunate enough to grow up in a relatively stable family and a more or less harmless surroundings... if I hadn't been... given what I've had to endure as an adult, I don't believe I would be standing here in this state, neither mentally nor physically ☕

These kinds of trips—which, in my opinion, are essential for expanding consciousness and individual development—are things I wouldn't suggest to people who lack control over their own lives... whether they happen to be PhDs or starving artists; if they aren't prepared to lose their minds along the way, it’s probably better not to play games without boundaries 😉

May you live a hundred years... hats off to you, maestro... ugh... long live the internet! ... and now, where did that morning Xanax go? 😍

Nicholas Gonzalez said:So, this is really my main question—is there a way to do this that feels more effortless, more natural? Over the years, I’ve managed to kick some bad habits, overcome social anxiety, and all that stuff. I’ve also successfully adopted new ways of thinking; my whole perspective has shifted. On the 🙂 flip side, the peace I currently
feel regarding the future... it almost borders on indifference. I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing, because my future is still uncertain—financially and in just about every other way. I've reached this point where I simply don't worry anymore, which leads people to think I'm cold or heartless. I don't know, it's like an inner voice is constantly telling me, "Don't worry, everything will work out. Fear is unnecessary; anxiety is just a burden." And honestly, it's like watching a bird fly—it just happens: my basic needs get met without any real struggle. Actually, maybe the word "indifferent" should be replaced with "carefree," because indifference sounds somewhat depressing, almost suicidal. And for me, depression is a completely foreign concept. I've been through all the states: angry, empty, lost, hopeless—but never depressed. I guess I'm just one of those irritatingly positive people.

Man, please, just protect yourself... don't go bragging about it... remember the unrefined and uncivilized environments out there... people like you can be a huge target, and I don't want to make you paranoid, but why limit yourself because of human stupidity? Everything will be fine until it comes down to life and survival... then you'll realize exactly what being uncivilized and reckless means... you'll fall, and your surroundings will absolutely screw you over... sorry for the graphic illustration, but if you are truly in the state of consciousness you claim to be, I imagine my words shouldn't upset you too much. If I recall my own experience correctly, my words shouldn't bother you much, though they might perhaps interest you, since what I'm saying might be slightly off-topic, but I feel a need to share this, unfortunately sufficient experience, in the hope that it might help someone soften the blow, or better yet, avoid an unnecessary loss of energy... mm yes... come on, Xanax, start working already 😢

or find one's own path

you're born a certain way, and that's how you stay

if you were some kind of golden child, your parents probably made sure you were well-fed and pampered. but let's be real, parents can be selfish too; they think they've done their job in thirty minutes, while the kid just absorbs everything and carries it for the rest of their life

during those teenage years, you usually have one hobby that consumes your entire world. schoolwork happens in the background... whether you actually listen to it or not

then there's the messing around—either you're the one goofing off, or you're the one trying to rein it in. that’s where most of your energy goes. because until you figure that out, the nonsense just keeps happening...

I didn't really study; I just had too much energy
Sure, I messed around, but luckily my hobby was strong enough to win out. Under that hobby, what I consider essential is discipline... though I was always a leader. Both in my hobby and in my antics. Even now, in my 30s, I spent last night at a party with twenty young people. They all ended up in the pool... but then there are those people who always stand off to the side. Like I said, you're born a certain way and that's how you end up. And hey, they'll find their own slice of the pie somewhere... maybe even a bigger piece than mine

In America, you don't really have a choice when it comes to working on yourself. Over there, students take gap years. Most of them spend a year traveling the world... that's where groups form, they learn to work together, and that's how they succeed. If you're an individualist, you should have developed leadership skills long ago so you could move the crowd around you without needing anyone's help

I am of the firm belief that every single individual must find One's own path. That journey, without fail, always leads toward true freedom. When a child is born, they are essentially a blank slate upon which their environment stamps its seal. This imprint acts as a sort of programming schema that dictates the very essence of that child's being. I was fortunate in one regard: I realized the profound importance and weight of the concept of UPBRINGING very early on. I grew up first in an unhealthy environment, and subsequently in one that was quite unnatural, which molded me into someone prone to laziness and vices. Today, I find myself locked in a struggle against my own nature. And frankly, if this battle must last my entire life, then so be it—because I will never back down. It is akin to an internal instinct that relentlessly pushes me forward, constantly highlighting my errors and flaws. Those who truly grasp the truth do not live in fear for their lives. Anyone who genuinely believes in something transcends the rest of us through their wisdom; indeed, that faith serves as their point of liberation, the specific perspective through which they perceive the world. In my view, there exists only one universal truth; everything else is merely relative. Who among us dares to dive into the dark depths of their own mind? But we must do so with eyes wide open and ears ready to listen. Then there is IDENTITY—this constant tendency to identify ourselves with what we consume, what we eat, who we sleep with, what we drive, what we do, and what we possess... I am a father, a son, a mother, a boss, a spouse, a driver, a mason, a police officer... But in reality, I am simply a human being. I am omnipotence. Ego is nothing more than an imposed program that our Self (our pure consciousness) uses as an experiential factor. Consequently, Ego is convinced that it is alive, that it is the very man whom everyone addresses by this name or that name. The most precious thing we possess is our consciousness, yet we hand it over for use to either the Ego or to Dominus (as I call him). We are terrified of losing our minds. We operate under the delusion that our physical bodies perish along with our Ego. We strive to be as faithful as possible to an "ideal"—to being a "normal" person, which is actually just a lie birthed from the collective Ego. The collective Ego is the spirit of the times; some even refer to it as culture. It is the only ideal for mediocrity. Does man shape culture, or does culture ultimately shape man?
At the same time, I am a scientist, a guinea pig, an artist, and a medium. Life is vast and serious, yet in the final analysis, life is nothing more than a game. It is up to us to achieve our aspirations and truly become human, because that is the actual purpose of existence—to live it as qualitatively as possible.

Long live awareness! 😉