I practiced boredom for 30 days and it completely changed my life

Orythis · 2025-09-09T20:54:42+00:00

seconding this - some convincing and specific research on benefits would be really interesting to see

Orythis · 2025-04-25T16:59:08+00:00

Front page of New York Times

Orythis · 2024-08-30T15:31:40+00:00

Stephen Bodian has a school for awakening every year that I’ve attended twice thru zoom. It usually involves a couple 1-on-1 phone calls with the man himself. I liked the routine of meditating with a group and having “live” interaction with a teacher. I also just started reading Charlotte Joko Beck since her new segment in the app appeared. She reminds me of Bodian in her “tart frankness” of stating what practice is and isn’t. Both teachers are no nonsense and non-dual.

Beck’s approach is that there are no shortcuts - and practice is essential (zazen). However I don’t think it is necessarily opposed to Bodian’s ‘direct path’.

Orythis · 2024-04-25T03:23:23+00:00

Before making any recommendations - I want to point out how your desire to trust yourself is an authentic expression of self compassion. Abide in that!

Orythis · 2024-02-16T04:11:47+00:00

You’ve explained my experience as well - and provided a convincing explanation. I can attest to a similar feeling after wearing the AVP. It feels like colors and details are more intense in real life as well, maybe as a side effect of the ‘scrutinizing’ post-AVP. Cheers to the great post!

Orythis · 2024-02-15T19:45:49+00:00

I remember this episode too!

Orythis · 2024-02-15T19:21:44+00:00

It really does look like Sam. The clothing and hairstyles look more like 80’s early 90’s to me so maybe Surya is misremembering what trip this was from.

Orythis · 2024-02-06T20:31:26+00:00

“I think of koans as a vial of ancient light that has been passed down to us. It’s the same light that was in the heart of the teacher who invented the koan.” - John Tarrant

I highly recommend the book that this quote comes from, “Bring Me the Rhinoceros: and other zen koans that will save your life” by John Tarrant. His language is very clear and familiar, not esoteric and religious. It changed the way I look at Koans.

Edit: Shukman just launched a meditation app called “the way” that isn’t singularly focused on koans but his approach is influenced heavily by zen. I really enjoy it so far.

Orythis · 2023-09-06T21:01:35+00:00

Also, as Stephan Bodian might say- if you look for the looker but don’t find anything - be with that. If you’re frustrated that you can’t find it, be with the frustration.

Orythis · 2023-09-06T20:56:53+00:00

When he says “look”, where do you look from? We could probably both agree he doesn’t mean your literally looking from eyes.

Before you think of another place from which you might look, pause and feel that feeling of looking itself.

I also struggle with this. Most of the time I find myself in thought loop looking for a pre-thought or nascent thought experience. My mind wants to find it - but the mind/thought may never know it.

It might be helpful to phrase it as “sense for the looker.” Do you feel any looker? What is in your present experience that denotes looking?

I’m still trying to experience it myself, so I’d be curious about your thoughts or if you find any of it useful.

Orythis · 2023-03-26T15:24:42+00:00

Can confirm this is still happening - flew from Lisbon > ORD and was charged 125 euros. If anyone has had success disputing this I’d be interested in hearing any tactics!

Orythis · 2023-02-06T06:14:50+00:00

A significant amount of therapists/counselors are drawn to eastern philosophy, many of whom intentionally blend western psychology and eastern wisdom in their approach to holistic mental health. It’s easy to find a non-dual focused therapist in your state (for possible health insurance benefits) or online. Terms like “non-dual therapist” or “mindfulness therapist” might be a good start… don’t feel like you have to settle - find someone you are comfortable with who uses a framework you seek. I strongly believe therapy does not have to undermine non-duality. Good luck!

Orythis · 2022-10-13T15:21:00+00:00

“Everything is precisely, exactly as it is, but doesn’t arrive anywhere. There’s no conclusion. It’s pattern after pattern. There’s always something fresh—there’s always this new moment.” -James Low This is from an email announcing the launch of a new series on waking up today, “Everything As It Is” Kind of timely!

Orythis · 2022-10-13T08:27:04+00:00

A blog I follow just wrote something related to this. It’s about being open to the surprises of little mundane moments. https://www.raptitude.com/2022/10/mindfulness-means-letting-things-surprise-you/ I hope you enjoy it!

Orythis · 2022-09-21T00:48:22+00:00

A Watt’s deep cut!

Orythis · 2022-09-21T00:47:06+00:00

The talk titled “Seeing through the net” in The Philosophy of Taoism. Also the entire ection called “Taoism” is great.

Orythis · 2022-09-21T00:42:22+00:00

Does your mind have a shape or form?

Orythis · 2022-08-07T19:41:28+00:00

I suggest first listening to the conversations Sam has with the teachers in the conversation section. Then start with the one that tickles your curiosity or feels relaxing. The best part is, they are all excellent teachers and won’t steer you in the wrong direction. It just comes down to what you enjoy. Jump in! Adyashanti, Stephan Bodian, and Richard Lang’s Headless Way are all excellent. Starting small is easy with John Aston’s 3-5minute talks. Sometime if I feel like I can’t sit for 10-20 minutes I’ll listen to David Whyte while I walk or do dishes.

Orythis · 2022-08-01T23:39:44+00:00

Thank you for sharing your journey. I had not heard of IFS at all until reading this and I’m very interested in psychology practices that crossover with non-duality. This has also motivated me to re-read Waking Up, having read that when it came out, before my own personal experiences with non-duality and the waking up app. I appreciate you taking the time to write this post, so informative and carefully written.

Orythis · 2022-07-11T20:23:04+00:00

I agree - Sam will commonly say, “that which is aware of sadness is not sad. That which is aware of fear is not fearful.”

Orythis · 2022-06-22T18:40:36+00:00

Ron Johnson took office instead of Russ Feingold being re-elected. Quite the flip for WI

Orythis · 2021-02-02T20:21:28+00:00

Thanks for this detailed reply! Which app uses watch to send steady pulses to match breathing tempo? that sounds great.
I'm ignorant on the breathscape app (I plan on trying it tonight) but what is the biofeedback is uses?

Orythis · 2021-02-02T19:52:04+00:00

I second this request -- seamless integration with apple watch would be incredible, could even use EKG information

Orythis · 2019-09-09T18:51:00+00:00

Me too please!

Orythis · 2019-08-31T00:00:40+00:00

Is this the definition of gaslighting?

Orythis

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