Getting what you want

[Angela]

Originally Posted by LostMyMap

Stolen! Now in my sig...

Ha! I just noticed Indiana's quote there -- LOVE IT!!!

[Firefly101]

Originally Posted by LostMyMap

Damn you, now I have that stupid song in my head. Was that Night Ranger? Must...listen...to...other...music....to....overco me....

If I....could save time....in a bottle.....

Does that help?

[LostMyMap]

Originally Posted by Firefly101

If I....could save time....in a bottle.....

Does that help?

Yes! Very nice!

[Angela]

Well, you sure gave it to me! "I've been around enough to know.. you're the one I wanna go... through time with..."

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by Angela

I suspect Solipsist has reasons for not yet responding to the question, and I'm quite sure he has some very interesting thoughts about it -- a whole different model of the world than one in which "getting the results you want" figures. I'm looking forward to reading!

My apologies for not responding sooner. Had to work, what with rent, and such.

Originally Posted by Angela

Solipsist mentioned this the other day, and made a follow-up quip or two, and with his permission, I am opening it up for discussion. (And by the way, I refer to you as a him, have I got that right?)

Yes, I've been eager for this thread, and had the very thought today that if it wasn't started by the time I revisited the board, I was going to start it, myself. I was going to call it, "Surrender vs. Getting What You Want." More on this forthcoming.
[/quote]So, Solipsist, what is the "getting what you want" thing and why does it scare you that I do it?[/QUOTE]To be fair, neither you nor the concept really scare me (as in, "Oh my god, it's Angela, the 'get what you want woman!! Run for the hills!!' ). The concern is more like what daffy says here--

Originally Posted by Daffy Duck

Hmm. I don't know any of the context, but perhaps the idea of "getting what you want" sounds dangerous because it could be taken as, "I'll get what I want, even if it hurts other people."

I'll expound further with testimony of sorts.

I moved into my current domicile with a friend about four years ago. We both thought it a fairly viable proposition--we were fairly compatible as friends; it provided him with the space that he needed to expand his business; and it provided me with a cut in monthly rent.

About a year after living here, he actually convinced me to watch "The Secret," which, as many of us are aware, treats of the Law of Attraction, and how to use it to "get what you want." To be fair, it changed my life completely, and spurred me on to study further what this LoA thing was all about. I'm an avid reader when I'm so compelled, and I read book after book, not just on LoA, but of all things treating of the concept that, basically, "you are that which you conceive of as God." I even "manifested" catching a foul ball at a baseball game (a long-held desire).

Since then, my roommate and I have both changed significantly. While I have gone on to practice that which I come to understand, he simply latched on to the "getting what you want part," and, well, basically, has become an a**hole. I don't mean to judge him harshly, here, but while I have been surrendering my fears and desires (including my fears of him), he has done everything in his power to manipulate every situation that comes his way to his advantage, which has even included attempts to manipulate me. He has forgotten everything that The Secret purports, save one--to him, it's all about "getting what you want." Sadly, I no longer even consider him a friend, anymore, and so I've resolved to move to the peace and solace of my own place again early next month.

This is what "scares" me about the concept of "getting what you want," and what makes me wary of anyone advocating such a purpose. To me, it is fundamentally egocentric, whether you apply the LoA to it, or not. Indeed, it may make you happy, but my own ultimate pursuit is inner peace, not happiness, and I have known too many individuals in my lifetime who have walked all over people in the pursuit of their desires.

What I have come to understand, is that there is a higher purpose, at least for me, and that purpose is to surrender everything, including all desires, for the sake of the greater good.

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Solipsist

What I have come to understand, is that there is a higher purpose, at least for me, and that purpose is to surrender everything, including all desires, for the sake of the greater good.

I loved your post up until here, Solip. I get the concept of surrender, I do. But surrender desire? If I surrendered desire, I'd never have made a record, I'd never have gotten better at singing. I would never become a teacher. I'd sit here and wither away.

Maybe you can better explain what you mean here. Do you plan to surrender the desire for everything, including, I don't know, the desire to eat food? Take a shower?

or do you mean... surrender to desire?

[Angela]

First of all, I'm sorry things went south with your friend. I know how that can hurt.

If I'm understanding you correctly, and I am high on theraflu so please bear with me, when you hear me talk about "getting the results you want," it reminds you that ....

Originally Posted by Solipsist

I have known too many individuals in my lifetime who have walked all over people in the pursuit of their desires.

...and so you think I am at least indirectly advocating walking all over people, or enabling that, in pursuit of our desires?

.....my own ultimate pursuit is inner peace....What I have come to understand, is that there is a higher purpose, at least for me, and that purpose is to surrender everything, including all desires, for the sake of the greater good.

How is your ultimate pursuit of inner peace and your purpose to surrender everything, not a result you want? Are you saying you don't want the greater good?

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Angela

I would say that if you use the perspective that ANY tool, NLP or anything else, is the only thing standing in your way of your happiness, that tool is probably not going to make a huge difference for you.

The choice to use the tool could be made in a perspective of being at cause for getting the results you want, but simply choosing a tool does not mean one is using a perspective of being at cause in one's life.

This forum is a good example of such a tool. Like NLP or any of a myriad other tools, it can be an excellent tool, but just accessing the tool doesn't mean one is being at cause in the matter of generating the results you want.

When you are being at cause, you're like McGyver -- you can get results from ANY and EVERY tool.

You've lost me, woman.

I thought you said that through TIME techniques, Landmark, and your sessions, one has the ability to make an instantaneous breakthrough. I guess in my mind, I was equating the "breakthrough" with becoming a more joyful, less anxious person. Like how you went from being shy to being free and connected.

So, wouldn't it follow that in order to become that joyful person, I'd have to use those tools you mentioned? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what you're trying to say, because you seem to be contradicting yourself.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

You've lost me, woman.

I thought you said that through TIME techniques, Landmark, and your sessions, one has the ability to make an instantaneous breakthrough. I guess in my mind, I was equating the "breakthrough" with becoming a more joyful, less anxious person. Like how you went from being shy to being free and connected.

So, wouldn't it follow that in order to become that joyful person, I'd have to use those tools you mentioned? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what you're trying to say, because you seem to be contradicting yourself.

I'm by your sion. No, it doesn't follow that because I present some tools for generating breakthroughs like becoming a more joyful person, you'd have to use those tools if you wanted to become a more joyful person. They're really great tools, but they're not the only ways to generate more joy for yourself. Where do you perceive the contradiction?

[SatvikBeri]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

You've lost me, woman.

I thought you said that through TIME techniques, Landmark, and your sessions, one has the ability to make an instantaneous breakthrough. I guess in my mind, I was equating the "breakthrough" with becoming a more joyful, less anxious person. Like how you went from being shy to being free and connected.

So, wouldn't it follow that in order to become that joyful person, I'd have to use those tools you mentioned? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what you're trying to say, because you seem to be contradicting yourself.

You can get cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. But you do not have to go to the Cheesecake Factory to get cheesecake.

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Angela

I'm by your sion. No, it doesn't follow that because I present some tools for generating breakthroughs like becoming a more joyful person, you'd have to use those tools if you wanted to become a more joyful person. They're really great tools, but they're not the only ways to generate more joy for yourself. Where do you perceive the contradiction?

Oh. I don't know, I was getting the impression that you thought those tools were the only way to do it.

Do you think part of being at cause means finding out what tools work best for you?

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

I loved your post up until here, Solip. I get the concept of surrender, I do. But surrender desire? If I surrendered desire, I'd never have made a record, I'd never have gotten better at singing. I would never become a teacher. I'd sit here and wither away.

Maybe you can better explain what you mean here. Do you plan to surrender the desire for everything, including, I don't know, the desire to eat food? Take a shower?

or do you mean... surrender to desire?

I don't think that the passion that drives one to do the things that you have done is necessarily desire, but rather a calling. As in my own calling to pursue Truth and to surrender desire, yours is a calling to play, record, and perform music. Music is your gift, in my eyes. When I speak of desire, I'm referring specifically to those desires of the ego (like, wanting a Lambourghini, or visualizing $100,000 checks).

And as for surrendering the desire for everything, yes. If I am compelled to wander off into the hills, and surrender this body to starvation or exposure, then that's what is going to happen. In fact, something like that has happened to me once before. I'm that devoted.

But, I recognize that not everyone else is, and I'm okay with that. There are also things like Karma and destiny to consider. To me, we all have our own path, but it's just a matter of how long we "want" it to take to get to the same ultimate destination. Moreover, while I exist in this body, I also see nothing that prevents me from experiencing the pleasures that this world has to offer. It is more in the desire to experience them that we cause our own suffering, as well as that of others.

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Solipsist

I don't think that the passion that drives one to do the things that you have done is necessarily desire, but rather a calling. As in my own calling to pursue Truth and to surrender desire, yours is a calling to play, record, and perform music. Music is your gift, in my eyes. When I speak of desire, I'm referring specifically to those desires of the ego (like, wanting a Lambourghini, or visualizing $100,000 checks).

And as for surrendering the desire for everything, yes. If I am compelled to wander off into the hills, and surrender this body to starvation or exposure, then that's what is going to happen. In fact, something like that has happened to me once before. I'm that devoted.

But, I recognize that not everyone else is, and I'm okay with that. There are also things like Karma and destiny to consider. To me, we all have our own path, but it's just a matter of how long we "want" it to take to get to the same ultimate destination. Moreover, while I exist in this body, I also see nothing that prevents me from experiencing the pleasures that this world has to offer. It is more in the desire to experience them that we cause our own suffering, as well as that of others.

Oh God, you speak the truth, my friend. I always enjoy your perspective. All day long I've been sad, thinking to myself, "I want more. Why can't I have more joy? All I want is more joy."

I've been creating a story about myself in my head that I haven't been as happy as I used to be, that I haven't felt myself. But really, I've had so many breakthroughs along the way. I guess I'm just focused on the negative today for whatever reason, and the more I resist the sadness, the harder it comes on...

[Angela]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Oh. I don't know, I was getting the impression that you thought those tools were the only way to do it.

No, not at all. They are very excellent tools in my experience, but certainly not the only way to generate more joy in your life or get breakthrough results of any kind.

Do you think part of being at cause means finding out what tools work best for you?

I think being at cause means using a perspective that the results you get are a result of all the choices you make, both consciously and unconsciously. As far as tools go, I think being at cause means seeing yourself as the cause of the results you get with those tools. For instance, you pick up a screwdriver and you turn it and the screw doesn't go in, instead of saying, "this f*cking screwdriver doesn't work, screwdrivers are ruining my life, why did that assh*le sell me this f*cking screwdriver?!" you might say, "it's possible I could be choosing a different direction in which to turn this screwdriver, or perhaps a different head screwdriver, and get the results I want."

I mean, you could blame the screw, the screwdriver, or the guy who sold you the screwdriver, your mother and father for never teaching you the right way to use a screwdriver, your husband because he's supposed to do the screwdriving around here, or the government for taking so much of your salary in taxes that you can't afford to pay a professional screwdriver operator, for that screw not going in, but if you want to get the best results, you could be at cause for getting that screw to go in.

Being at cause means: be a generator.

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by Angela

First of all, I'm sorry things went south with your friend. I know how that can hurt.

Thanks, Ang. I recognize and appreciate your compassion, which is why I'm not really scared of you.

If I'm understanding you correctly, and I am high on theraflu so please bear with me, when you hear me talk about "getting the results you want," it reminds you that ....

...and so you think I am at least indirectly advocating walking all over people, or enabling that, in pursuit of our desires?

In your case, Ang, advocating, no. I know you better than that.

But in enabling, I'd have to say yes. I say this because, as in the case of the (soon to be ex-) roommate, messages are easily misinterpreted.

I have always been one to question everything, especially motive. I know your motives are beneficial, which is why I've never eschewed (hey, there's that word again ) anything you've written here, or acted against you, and, in fact, agree with and support much of what I've seen you do around here. I have great respect and even some admiration for you. It's just the phrase, "getting what you want" (or even getting the results that you want") that causes me any consternation. It doesn't really matter who uses it.

How is your ultimate pursuit of inner peace and your purpose to surrender everything, not a result you want? Are you saying you don't want the greater good?

It doesn't quite work this way with me, so I can't really answer this with a 'yes' or 'no'.

Inner peace is simply what's left, and what expands as I surrender desires. It's not necessarily what I "want." It reflects more the Buddhist concept of negating the self, not attempting to create another self.

And no, I don't "want" the greater good, as the greater good is going to happen, regardless of what I want. It's more like simply accepting what is, than trying to create or foster something else.

To be clear, I still have desires to surrender. I'm still learning (or, "unlearning", if you will), which is the very reason I joined this board, and the very reason we're even this discussion. Although I may come off as such, I'm not so arrogant to assume that I know everything, and tbh, I may wake up tomorrow with a completely new outlook on the "getting what you want" thing, and may even apply it to my own experiences.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Solipsist

I don't think that the passion that drives one to do the things that you have done is necessarily desire, but rather a calling. As in my own calling to pursue Truth and to surrender desire, yours is a calling to play, record, and perform music. Music is your gift, in my eyes. When I speak of desire, I'm referring specifically to those desires of the ego (like, wanting a Lambourghini, or visualizing $100,000 checks)..

Ahh, I see. Did you read what I wrote earlier about hearts' desires? I think of the hearts' desire in a similar way to how you think of as a calling. A higher purpose that calls to you, draws you to generate it, and when you generate it, it's not just for you, it's also for the world.

But I don't see anything wrong or bad about what you call the desires of the ego.... I just see them as sort of.... speedbumps.

[Angela]

Thanks for the kind words, Solipsist. I guess I am an enabler of egoic desires, in that I don't care to stop them or interfere with them, even if it means someone gets "stepped on." The experience of getting stepped on is usually an illusion anyway, a story one tells one's self, and it's a learning experience. I wouldn't have wanted anyone to prevent me from having the experience of being "stepped on" so that someone could get what they wanted -- by which I mean an experience of losing so that someone else can win.

That experience has given me tremendous insight and opportunity for growth!

And what I am "called" to is: doing what I can to help people distinguish their hearts' desires -- their calling -- and generating that. The window into that hearts' desire is often what you call the egoic desire -- so even the egoic desire has a positive purpose. Once you go through that window, I think we would agree, the things 'n stuff you once wanted often look mighty different -- like junk.

[Angela]

I can't believe I wrote all that high on theraflu. I hope it made some sense.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by SatvikBeri

You can get cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. But you do not have to go to the Cheesecake Factory to get cheesecake.

ohhhhh, have you had the tuxedo cheesecake? LOL-boy turned me on to that, and it was a breakthrough for me. (I didn't think I liked cheesecake until that moment.)

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Oh God, you speak the truth, my friend. I always enjoy your perspective. All day long I've been sad, thinking to myself, "I want more. Why can't I have more joy? All I want is more joy."

Actually, I've been suffering much pain lately, myself, and whenever I'm in pain, there is, of course, little joy, if any at all (though oddly enough, I still find myself laughing at things). Thing is, I know why I don't have as much joy as I did just yesterday--because right now, for whatever reason, I'm in pain. This is where acceptance comes in, as you explain beautifully here--

I've been creating a story about myself in my head that I haven't been as happy as I used to be, that I haven't felt myself. But really, I've had so many breakthroughs along the way. I guess I'm just focused on the negative today for whatever reason, and the more I resist the sadness, the harder it comes on...

Said it before, and I'll say it again, Space, you are way wise beyond your years.

Originally Posted by Angela

I think being at cause means using a perspective that the results you get are a result of all the choices you make, both consciously and unconsciously. As far as tools go, I think being at cause means seeing yourself as the cause of the results you get with those tools. For instance, you pick up a screwdriver and you turn it and the screw doesn't go in, instead of saying, "this f*cking screwdriver doesn't work, screwdrivers are ruining my life, why did that assh*le sell me this f*cking screwdriver?!" you might say, "it's possible I could be choosing a different direction in which to turn this screwdriver, or perhaps a different head screwdriver, and get the results I want."

I mean, you could blame the screw, the screwdriver, or the guy who sold you the screwdriver, your mother and father for never teaching you the right way to use a screwdriver, your husband because he's supposed to do the screwdriving around here, or the government for taking so much of your salary in taxes that you can't afford to pay a professional screwdriver operator, for that screw not going in, but if you want to get the best results, you could be at cause for getting that screw to go in.

Being at cause means: be a generator.

Oh, how I do LOVE a good analogy

Actually, I just realized something--you and I may be saying the same thing, in a broader perspective, but using different terminology. Words often fail to express such abstract concepts as we are wont to express, but where you call it, "being at cause" (which I can understand perfectly), I call it, "acceptance" (which is often confused for "giving up"). I, myself, am quite familiar with screwdrivers, and in younger days, would possibly have simply tossed the screwdriver through the window if I couldn't drive that screw. These days, I can accept what's before me, which allows me to what I have to do in order to drive that analogous screw.

However, (and this is a big however), I'm wont first to question the motive behind driving that screw at all. If it's because someone may be harmed if it's not done, then I must do what I have to do. If it is just to prove that I know how to use a screwdriver, then something's amiss in my thinking. In both cases, I am still "at cause," but in the latter case, where is the greater good?

Originally Posted by Angela

Ahh, I see. Did you read what I wrote earlier about hearts' desires? I think of the hearts' desire in a similar way to how you think of as a calling. A higher purpose that calls to you, draws you to generate it, and when you generate it, it's not just for you, it's also for the world.

But I don't see anything wrong or bad about what you call the desires of the ego.... I just see them as sort of.... speedbumps.

Yes, I can understand what you mean by "hearts desire," in this sense, which is why I often give people the benifit of the doubt when it comes to the expression of such an abstract concept. It is also why I'm okay with people "wanting" things (even myself--today, I really wanted a pastrami sandwich, so guess what I had for lunch? ).

I've otherwise never saw egoic desires as "speedbumps," but I get your point, and won't disagree. It's all a matter of personal perspective, I suppose, and, as it has been discussed in these threads before, it's really counterproductive to view them as "bad" (else, I wouldn't have enjoyed thoroughly my pastrami sandwich ).

Glad we could find some understanding though, with the "hearts desire/calling" connection.

[Angela]

Well, that was easy.

What shall we talk about next?

[st33med]

Originally Posted by Angela

Well, that was easy.

What shall we talk about next?

Sex?

Or Chihuahuas?

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by Angela

Thanks for the kind words, Solipsist. I guess I am an enabler of egoic desires, in that I don't care to stop them or interfere with them, even if it means someone gets "stepped on." The experience of getting stepped on is usually an illusion anyway, a story one tells one's self, and it's a learning experience. I wouldn't have wanted anyone to prevent me from having the experience of being "stepped on" so that someone could get what they wanted -- by which I mean an experience of losing so that someone else can win.

That experience has given me tremendous insight and opportunity for growth!

True, indeed!

It cannot be stressed enough around here, that the challenges we are given in our lives are there for the purpose of our own understanding, acceptance, and love of ourselves.

At the same time, a certain empowerment (a word I've heard you use often) comes with this very realization, that can often be perceived as force. A guy named Roy Masters once said, (and I paraphrase) "when you come to understand the Truth, you're gonna piss people off."

Now, in the case of my roommate, I've been "stepped on" plenty. But I've allowed it (for the most part) for four years in order that he may see that he's stepping on me (which is often my way of being "at cause"). Well, unfortunately, some people just don't get it, and apparently, he's one of those. Thus, it finally dawned on me to move (resolutions like that often hit me on a sudden), which is what I accept as something that I have to do. Love for myself precludes being a doormat.

And what I am "called" to is: doing what I can to help people distinguish their hearts' desires -- their calling -- and generating that. The window into that hearts' desire is often what you call the egoic desire -- so even the egoic desire has a positive purpose. Once you go through that window, I think we would agree, the things 'n stuff you once wanted often look mighty different -- like junk.

Sounds noble enough to me. I've heard you mention Byron Katie before, and though I've never gone into great depth with her stuff, I know of her "Work", as well as those who've benefitted from it, and so do not eschew it (for lack of a better word ).

It's interesting that you suggest that egoic desire can serve a positive purpose. My very initial response to this was negative, but upon further reflection, I can see your point. After all, the catalyst for my most recent transformation was The Secret, which advocates "getting what you want," and admittedly, when I first saw the movie, I was enthralled with the concept, as I truly believed at that time that I could never get what I wanted simply because I'd never gotten what I wanted. You could say, then, that the acceptance of the very possibility of it was the window I had to go through in order to understand Truth on a much, much deeper level than simply "getting what you want". In that, I must now freely admit, my ego indeed served a positive purpose.

Chalk up another paradox.

I'm not sure if I can even define my own calling, except to say that it is to simply be Who I Am. I am often compelled to help people along the way, if they are to be helped, but whatever I do is what the moment dictates, and the expression of Who I Am in that moment.

[spacecadetglow]

Angela, I think I agree with you mostly too, but your terminology sometimes rubs me the wrong way, for reasons I articulate in the Solipsism thread. Not just you, I mean, this is triggered in me a lot--this feeling of, instead of at cause, at fault. Weird, huh? That's how it translates, in my head. I'm not even hearing you, I'm hearing echoes of myself. That's not right. Aspects of my ego. This is actually tripping me out, it feels like I'm going down into some dark, dark cave and uncovering relics.

Complete acceptance is super hard to come by, yeah? It must be cultivated and disciplined.

[spacecadetglow]

Painful birth of awareness is right!

[Angela]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Angela, I think I agree with you mostly too, but your terminology sometimes rubs me the wrong way, for reasons I articulate in the Solipsism thread. Not just you, I mean, this is triggered in me a lot--this feeling of, instead of at cause, at fault. Weird, huh? That's how it translates, in my head. I'm not even hearing you, I'm hearing echoes of myself. That's not right. Aspects of my ego. This is actually tripping me out, it feels like I'm going down into some dark, dark cave and uncovering relics.

Yeah, it's not weird at all, it's something that happens in a lot of heads -- I used to take great pains to distinguish that by "at cause" or "100% responsibility" I don't mean "it's your fault" -- and I haven't done that for a long time, I'm sorry. I wasn't getting that you were hearing me that way until you said so explicitly to James, and I tried to explain as best I could in the Solipsism thread -- where I don't think anyone heard me at all.

I'm trying to learn how to communicate more clearly -- maybe I just need to take more theraflu.

[spacecadetglow]

Originally Posted by Angela

Yeah, it's not weird at all, it's something that happens in a lot of heads -- I used to take great pains to distinguish that by "at cause" or "100% responsibility" I don't mean "it's your fault" -- and I haven't done that for a long time, I'm sorry. I wasn't getting that you were hearing me that way until you said so explicitly to James, and I tried to explain as best I could in the Solipsism thread -- where I don't think anyone heard me at all.

I'm trying to learn how to communicate more clearly -- maybe I just need to take more theraflu.

LOL gettin high off dem medicashuns.

No, you know, I don't even think it's unclear communication on your part, it's just how I hear you for some reason. I'm kind of kicking myself now but it's almost like you said the other day about saying something a particular way--I wouldn't be uncovering all this stuff about myself if you hadn't expressed yourself exactly as you had.

It's just painful stuff, you know? Almost too delicate to share on a public forum. Insightful, and illuminating--realizing how I've treated myself--and then, accepting that sinister part of me and loving it just as much as the rest. I don't really care to dwell here. This stuff has to happen bit by bit for me. My system is sensitive.

[Angela]

I get it. When I was looking at this stuff for myself, I had to shut myself up in my bathroom and lock the door. And I lived alone!

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Angela, I think I agree with you mostly too, but your terminology sometimes rubs me the wrong way, for reasons I articulate in the Solipsism thread. Not just you, I mean, this is triggered in me a lot--this feeling of, instead of at cause, at fault. Weird, huh? That's how it translates, in my head. I'm not even hearing you, I'm hearing echoes of myself. That's not right. Aspects of my ego. This is actually tripping me out, it feels like I'm going down into some dark, dark cave and uncovering relics.

I've experienced similar things with certain people, myself, Angela being among them (which is no doubt where the fear of her oft-used "getting what you want" originates). Although I consider such individuals no more or less "enlightened" than myself, I have often considered them a little farther down the road to enlightenment. They can be a help, indeed, especially to gain understanding of oneself.

Complete acceptance is super hard to come by, yeah? It must be cultivated and disciplined.

As Nisargaddat explained ad nauseum, the key is in one's earnestness.

Originally Posted by spacecadetglow

Painful birth of awareness is right!

It gets easier.

[Angela]

enlightenment, shmenlightenment.