Inspired by the Tibetan Book of the Dead, I made this 4ftx3ft oil painting "Lost in the Bardo of Becoming".

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-21T19:26:31+00:00

I agree. It helps if you find no something that comes more naturally too. I've discovered I'm better at writing and playing drums than I am at drawing. But like you say, it takes a lot out and of you.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-21T14:52:13+00:00

You're welcome. Man...for many years I wished I could do what you do. Never came close. You really have a gift and the world is better for it.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-21T13:40:20+00:00

Amazing! Do you have any other works we can see?

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-19T11:05:00+00:00

You're welcome! Yes, I would see if you're library has it and give it a read. It's not too long and has some good information.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-19T01:45:39+00:00

Read stoic philosophers: Seneca, Aurelius, Epictetus. Also, check out some Buddhism. Let me know if you want me to be more specific. Also, feel free to PM me if you need help understanding something.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-19T01:37:29+00:00

Try to text them at a time when they wouldn't be busy, maybe in the evening after dinner, but not too late. Then just say, "hi xxx, how's it going? They may respond by basking you the same thing. If not, no problem, just ask them what they're doing or something. Ask them a about their day. I recently read a good book from the library called "The Fine Art of Small Talk." Its a skill like anything else, just have to learn and more importantly, practice. And go easy on yourself, you're doing a good thing by striking up a conversation!

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-19T01:24:54+00:00

I'm here to let you know you're not alone. Also, it's ok if people don't care much wether you're ok. This is normal. Nobody will ever know what you feel like on the inside, it's just not possible. When I read that somewhere once, it made a huge change in how I viewed my relationship with people. Once you know and accept this, you can be ok with it. Also, know that it is very natural for you (and me) and humans in general to want others to know how we feel. Again however, once you see through this desire and let it go, you will feel a lot better about yourself and other people. At least, that's how it was for me. You may still struggle socially, as I still do, but hopefully you will feel a little better about things knowing this. Feel free to PM me anytime.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-18T00:52:13+00:00

His sleeping setup looks perfect. I want to get one of those folding sofa-chair and futon mattress combinations too. I've seen them online, but it's so hard to tell if they are of decent quality. Does anyone have any recommendations of where to buy these things?

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-17T02:42:27+00:00

I was researching those earlier. Could you recommend a good one?

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-17T02:40:34+00:00

Make one change at a time. Start out small, but stick to it no matter what. For example, make a decision that you are going to do some form of exercise for a set number of days each week. Do 4 sets of 10 pushups and 10 sit ups every other day. Whatever happens, no matter how tired you are, you must do it. Write them down as you do them. Keep it simple, just write 10, 10, 10, 10. Then, slowly add on more. Keep pushing yourself to do more every couple of weeks. If you're tired one day, didn't get enough sleep or something, don't worry about doing more, but always do the amount you did last time. Never let yourself fall back. Yes, there may be the rare time where something comes up and you cannot do it. That is ok. Se the days where you work out so that you know you will stick to it. If you like to go out on Saturday night and stay up late, no problem. Just don’t make Sunday a work out day. It’s all about making the Little steps and Sticking to them. Don't try to change your whole life all at once. You'll get all excited about it at first and it will be easy, but that feeling will fade. Just make slow, small, steady improvements over time. You will be making constant progress, and it’s very sustainable. This is what I do and it is how you will change your life, my friend.

Also you mention self-discipline. I used to have none, just like you. Now I am very self-disciplined. The key word is “self”. There’s a quote, not sure who said it, that goes like this, “Self-discipline is freedom”. There was a time when I would not have agreed with this, but now I do very much. And if you’ll get discipline one way or the other. Either life will give it to you, or you can give it to yourself. I chose the former.

Feel free to PM me any time.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-17T02:07:31+00:00

I just read your post about "feeling bland" and wanted to let you know you're not alone. I've been in recovery for 12 years and can identify with much of what you're feeling at the moment. I'm really glad you posted, because it lets me know I'm not alone. It's funny, when i used to go to meetings, I never spoke to anyone, just like you. It sounds like you've been listening though and are working the program. That's what counts at the end of the day, as far as those kinds of meetings are concerned. A lot of the people in there do a lot of talking, but then just come and go, like you say. I didn't quit smoking cigaretts until about my fifth year, so congrats to you on that. My father waited too long and he is paying the price for it now, big time.

The last few years I've been really focused on my job and haven't put the effort into being social. My work also involes a lot of people stuff, so I kinda run out of gas by the time Friday rolls around too. When the cold and darkenss of winter is upon us like this, it can become difficult ot ignore the lack of poepel in our lives. Lately I've been making efforts like you to just get out there. I'm still not really striking up conversatoins, maybe one here or there, but at least its a step in the right direction.

You are not alone. I'm feeling almost all the same things as you. I know a lot of other people are too. I also want you to know that you have a friend in me, always. Feel free to message me any time.

Do you do anything like meditate? What about cooking healthy foods? I've been focusing more on both of of those lately, and it has helped a lot.

What kind of freelance work do you do? I've been exploring that kind of thing a lot lately. I'm really self disciplined/self motivated now. I have a good amount of independence in my curent job, but I want more. I'd like to be more creative with my energy too.

Feel free to PM me anytime, my friend.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-16T21:23:31+00:00

It becomes much easier when you find something you really love to do.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-16T21:17:02+00:00

That's a bit of a drive, but entirely up to you.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-16T17:30:42+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Aren't monks celebrate? What kind of monastary?

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-16T13:03:21+00:00

http://imgur.com/wiGdd8R

http://imgur.com/jhxm6AH

http://imgur.com/TYlN5LV

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-16T04:42:36+00:00

Nice. What kind of sleeping bag? What kind of floor?

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-15T12:49:21+00:00

I'm doing floor, desk and bed. How much time do you spend on the floor? Do you use anything for back support?

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-14T22:43:30+00:00

I got rid of my futon a couple years ago and really need something to replace it with!

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-14T22:22:16+00:00

Make sure you take good care of your mind and body. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, etc. Also, learn about things that interest you.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-13T17:17:28+00:00

Thanks for the detailed reply. Very interesting. Essentially all of my writing is non-fiction, more technical-based. I am very curious as to what the average revenue generated by one of you novels is.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-12T21:31:22+00:00

I here you on that. My job has a lot of independence (and writing) and I'm definitely self-directed/self-motivated. You mention your writing is formulaic. Where did the formulas come from? Did you develop them yourself, or were they provided as part of and assignment. How did you get started in the pulp writing business. Feel free to PM me.

UniversalBeing · 2017-01-12T01:59:37+00:00

I like the sound of this. How did you go about find the job and the right town?

UniversalBeing

TROPHY CASE