I agree with many others in this post. You have just not found out where and how you click with energy just yet. Work with what you can and try to keep your frustrations to a minimum because you are learning, and growing, and trying. Be easier on yourself and be forgiving.

However, don't neglect things like self-reflection either. Spiritual growth can only be aided when you're not afraid to look at yourself in the mirror and learning where your flaws lie. No one is perfect and you shouldn't expect yourself to be perfect either.

You can do it. Don't give up!

Lokakisa wrote:Thanks, I will check those out!

I think when you read this books it will do the same things that happened to me when I read them A long time ago.

1. Immediately gained a greater sense that I was on to something
2. Found the explanations very plain and clear.
3. Began testing to some of what I read, which was simple just like siting in a chair for a while
4. Suddenly say (in a relaxed manner) a much wider field of thought had always been in my mind and right then in a gentle way was saying "Hello!"

Caiyros

Bookmarked the thread so I can check out these books when I get the money, Caiyros, thanks.

Also, there is a the possibility for everyone to not be bored, and this type of "gentle push" really is a wondrous thing...

Caiyros

Lokakisa wrote:I just looked them up on Amazon and see a lot of good reviews. Affordable copies too. Added to my wish list!

I have those books.. read them years ago.. If you lived closer I would let you borrow them

Zero wrote:One of the biggest discouragements for people who start practicing is comparing themselves and their progress with others.

I see how that can happen when joining a community like this; people are constantly sharing their experiences (which is really great!) but it also lends to some becoming disheartened when they start comparing. I've been solo in my journey up until now, so I never experienced that which I now feel is a blessing in disguise.

Celene wrote:

Zero wrote:One of the biggest discouragements for people who start practicing is comparing themselves and their progress with others.

I see how that can happen when joining a community like this; people are constantly sharing their experiences (which is really great!) but it also lends to some becoming disheartened when they start comparing.

Yep, just like studying at school. Some students would be disappointed by looking at the score rank announcement. It can be a motivation, or a demotivation...

Yeah, when I was a solo pagan (pre-internet at that!), I was satisfied, not knowing what I was missing.
Then I joined a temple and became jealous. Finally I couldn't stand the secrecy, strictness, and other annoyances anymore and left to explore the wider world of paganism and spirit-work. Of course the internet leads to more jealousy. And people just talking out of their a$$ to get attention, and the holier-than-thou types.
This path has led to nothing but unhappiness, because I can't have what others have.
Someone once said that we can't all be priests, shamans, spirit-workers, etc. There will always be ordinary people around. At the time I thought he was being insulting. Now I wonder.

Hm.

Could I have internalized what some people have said, that I "can't" do this? Because then they wont be special snowflakes anymore if everyone realizes their own abilities? (outside of the CH forum of course, no one acts like that here, thank the gods)

Lokakisa wrote:I just looked them up on Amazon and see a lot of good reviews. Affordable copies too. Added to my wish list!

If you search Max Freedom Long pdf or Max Freedom Long Download or Max Freedom Long eBook, you will find free access to many of his books. My library does not have them, so I looked for alternative free sources. 1ey

Aw shucks, lol, well I ordered used copies and waiting on them to arrive. ;P

I think though, that I had the misfortune of meeting the wrong people on my journey.
I wish that I had found this community first so I would have been encouraged rather than discouraged. Because you guys have been great for keeping spirits up. *ba dum tish*