I'm baaack

[jzdelona]

So I went to a really good 12 step rehab in New Hampshire and stayed clean for five years, but wandered from the program and had a few drinks on labor day weekend . That led to a little more exploration of course. Things haven't gotten crazy yet, I only use periodically but I think I will definitely seek recovery again, there is a Zen Buddhist community here that has awareness of the teachings of Noah Levine, and I think that is the route I am going to pursue. That program doesn't start till December thiugh, and I have an existential dilemma. I have been exploring altered states of consciousness with the knowledge that I will definitely stop on X date. I am in a state of turmoil. I don't know how popular or relevant Bluelight is anymore, last time I was on here was five years ago. I would like to talkto others who nod. Thanks!

 

[herbavore]

Welcome back. You will find a couple of people in the recovery forums that have experience with Noah's program. He grew up in my town and my first introduction to him was reading his autobiography, Against the Stream. His programs in California youth facilities are admirable.

What is your existential dilemma?

Exploring altered states of consciousness is all about integration. If it's trying to escape or circumvent exploration, it's not giving you anything but a temporary good time (or difficult time as sometimes happens?). If that's what you are after, just be clear about it. If you want more from it (like maybe exploring the roots of addiction in yourself) then make it intentional and give yourself time to integrate what may have been revealed about yourself.

Check out the Recovery forums which are an expansion of The Dark Side that you probably remember from 5 years ago.

 

[ComfortablyNumb95]

Hi and welcome

I would say Bluelight is very much relevant.
Probably the most popular drug related forum out there.
Anyway, I'm glad you're choosing to pursue the path of Buddhism.
I'm very interested in Buddhism myself, wouldn't really define myself as "buddhist" (not that it matters anyway) as there are some things I still need to learn about etc. but I definitely regard the Buddha as an extremely wise man that managed to achieve what I and millions of people want.
I think the Path he discovered is the right one for me, and the one I want to pursue.

Do you meditate already? I actually inform a lot of newcomers about meditation, it's such a powerful tool to change out lives for the better.
In conjunction with the Noble Eightfold Path I'm convinced that one can really live the most meaningful and beautiful life possible, and have the best tools to help every being.
Of course it takes practice, discipline and dedication, things that I sorely lack but I'm managing to push through my laziness and meditate regularly.

If you want to learn more about meditation I can tell you a few books that I found really helpful.

Anyway, please feel free to PM me if you need help, good luck and may you and all beings be peaceful.

 

[jzdelona]

I think the term existential dilemma is a selfish term to the core. We all anguish to some degree as a condition of being born. What constitutes a dilemma is a product of our environment and psychological conditioning. As we "trudge the road to happy destiny" we are all beset by the demons that were not only assigned to us by birth, but also the ones we chose and eventually became infatuated with. Do you think we are victims? By virtue of being born, or circumstances?

 

[jzdelona]

I love the term "monkey mind" because I used to work at a primate sanctuary in FL and I can totally relate. I do meditate but often I need guidance, and when meditate with others I feel that resonating deep hum that I don't feel as much when I am alone. We need each other.