^. Hehe, yeah the more reliable (imo) information in this regard indicates some kind of resistance of obstacles placed in your way should you want to access these abilities should you desire them for very selfish or negative purposes.
It seems that the more pure your intent is, the easier it is, like some sort of safety or control mechanism or whatever.
In many of the (imo) higher quality sources for training and techniques in this regard, like the first book i mentioned in my last post, its made clear that massive focus needs to be placed in developing your character and systematically removing negative or selfish elements of your personality first.
But whats really interesting is that this even seems to be taught not as a moralistic way like some religions might do, or even to keep those who might use these abilities for negative purposes, but rather it seems that perfecting character, intent, wanting to honestly use your "powers" for "good" and in the service of others somehow directly effects your ability to access certain abilities (at least in a easier fashion). Like some sort of universal safety mechanism.
Also as you said "but being psychic, in a modern city? Fuck that shit. ". I agree. Trust me, unless you are prepared, ready and have the fucking balls for it and want dealing with this shit as an almost fully time job, you really dont want to see whats going on "behind the curtain".
Thats why there is a curtain in the first place. Mental institutions are full of people who cant deal with some of this shit through lack of understanding and then made worse by being convinced they are insane by society. Sure real crazy exists, but its a minority % of all those who are considered insane by the ignorant masses and woefully unknowing and inadequate mental health "professionals". The major issue is the total separation of mental health from spirituality imo, which are actually directly related.