a reply to:
Cypselus
EDIT: It is VITALLY important to have a healthy diet. Cut out refined sugars. Limit your intake of grains (bread, pastas, rice). Eat tons of fresh
vegetables and fruit. If you do this consistently, I guarantee that you will feel energized and empowered within a week's time. A poor diet kills
inspiration almost 100% of the time. A 24 hour fast (consuming only water) is a great way to reset yourself.
I think reductionism can be a very healthy way of looking at things, just don't assume that you ever have all the pieces. Instead, develop separate
models to compare and contrast. I believe everything in life can be reduced to a simple set of principles that have universal application. I have not
determined what all of those principle are, but I know that volition, humility, objectivity, impersonal love, and forgiveness are among the most
important (just going off the top of my head).
Mental barriers are challenging. I struggle with the same exact issues that you raised. In fact, I'm pretty sure we all do on varying levels. I
believe it is an issue of programming/hypnosis. Everything we do as humans is done by choice. These choices can be made consciously or unconsciously,
but they are expressions of the volition of our soul nonetheless.
So how do you leave your comfort zone? Its as simple as CHOOSING to leave your comfort zone consistently with a series of decisions. It is easier if
you look at these decisions as a sort of CHALLENGE or EXPERIMENT. I find that experiments really interest me, so when I try these things doesn't feel
like a chore, but its almost fun or intriguing.
Try telling yourself every morning when you wake up, "Today I am going to build my tolerance for discomfort". Then take an ice cold shower. Don't
think about doing it, just do it. The shower will be very uncomfortable, but it will definitely wake you up, and more importantly, it will prepare you
to build more tolerance for discomfort. While your body is telling your to stop, just tell yourself (out loud if it helps), "The discomfort is merely
an illusion". Do this every day for at least 21 days. I say 21 days, because that's generally how long it takes for your mind to establish new habits.
The goal is not to fulfill a challenge, but to set a tangible benchmark for consistency.
I also find that fasting helps too. Go 24 hours without eating. Its easier than you think. You don't have think about what you have to (or want to)
eat for each meal, you simply know that your goal is to have nothing but water that day. There is no spiritual magic behind fasting, it simply builds
discipline. I find that when I have become locked in a "pleasure rut", fasting is a great way to start from a clean slate. You shouldn't have to do it
to frequently, I simply use it as a sort of reset button from time to time.
Talk to people about subjects that make you uncomfortable. I would say that its best to start in online forums, so that when you loose your
objectivity/patience, you really haven't caused harm to any personal relationships. The goal here would be to discuss ideas that you may have a
cognitive dissonance towards, in an objective fashion. Its not easy to do. You will likely fail many times, but with each attempt, you build capacity
for objectivity.
Look people dead in the eyes when you talk to them...especially in uncomfortable conversations. You will find that many people will subconsciously do
anything to avoid eye contact. That alone should help with social situations.
In conversation, try to maintain a low to neutral vocal tone. This can have a calming and reassuring effect on the people you speak with, and it puts
you in a position where your are leading the conversation rather than following along.
Remember, that you are only responsible for today. You can plan all you want for tomorrow, but there is no guarantee that you will be here to see it.
Don't let that freak you out. Instead, let it take the burden of anticipation off of your shoulders. Just live one day at a time. When you fail, you
can always try again, Lord permitting.
edit on 22-3-2017 by BELIEVERpriest because: added important note
edit on 22-3-2017 by BELIEVERpriest because: (no reason
given)