TheRedArchive needs help
With 700,000+ posts and 16,000,000+ comments archived, and new Red Pill content being added every week, keeping TheRedArchive alive and discoverable to everyone is starting to become very costly. As a 20-year-old student who just moved out and is living independently for the first time, keeping TheRedArchive alive is beginning to cost me much more than I thought.

Therefore, if you appreciate the website, have gained a lot of knowledge and insight from it, and want to show your appreciation, you can do so by donating any amount that you want via the options below. The money will be used on the expensive monthly host bill and any future maintenance of the website.
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful 2021 and a good luck with achieving your goals and dreams!

Best, /u/dream-hunter

Is there something like "lifting weights" for your soul?

Reddit View
Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Copy link
PDF EPUB TXT PNG
Gruss_p
January 30, 2019
84 upvotes
askTRP

I just love simplicity of lifting weights. It helps with everything physical - strength, endurance, fat loss, balance, frame... It's indescribable excellent and I love it so so much. But I wonder, is there any similar concept I can do for my mental health? First I thought it could be meditation but I don't think that's it... Because when you meditate you don't progress, there are no obstacles, you can do it whole day... It must be something else...


Post Information
Title Is there something like "lifting weights" for your soul?
Author Gruss_p
Upvotes 84
Comments 136
Date 30 January 2019 09:37 AM UTC (2 years ago)
Subreddit askTRP
Link https://theredarchive.com/post/210488
Original Link https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/alb3ta/is_there_something_like_lifting_weights_for_your/
Similar Posts
Loading Loading

Red Pill terms found in post:
framelift
Comments

[–]SKRedPill42 points43 points  (7 children) | Copy

For your mind, you must do something that pushes it beyond it's limits.

So here's a starting point. Do something that will help you, that your mind doesn't really like to do - like getting up early. At some point you must face hardship as it is, otherwise your mind doesn't grow.

Keep a mental diet of thoughts that aren't so negative and reactive to everything that happens. Practice awareness of presence to strengthen your intuition. If you could watch all the thoughts in one day, you'll see that 80% of them are repetitive noise - hardly 1 of them even translates into real action or results. No really, tens of thousands of thoughts - maybe a few actually result in something moving.

Develop observation and situational awareness.

Study as hard as you can. If the subject ain't "fun", you have to generate your own energy.

Keep your smartphone, internet, netflix, youtube, TV, alcohol, drugs, and all anesthesia aside for a few days. Notice that restlessness feeling - that might threaten to drive you crazy without mental stimulation? That's the voice of the devil. Boredom, restlessness, neediness -- this is where most of your mind's energy is going. Face it.

Learn how to stay present especially when your day's full of bullshit.

Tried running an ultramarathon? Do you know how mental that is? It'll dissolve your limiting beliefs.

Do a mental ultramarathon. Read something with zero distractions (ZERO), taking only a break for mental rest and silence. Do it for a week and see what you're capable of. This is much harder than you can imagine.

Try to read an entire subject in 2 weeks (I'm not kidding, but the numbers would tell you that no one spends longer than that on any one subject).

Improve your memory. Try to make sure you never forget anyone you see, even if you see them only once. I've seen people in their 90s recall stuff that happened as a child.

Do brain training games. But make sure to apply the principles in real life also, otherwise they won't work. That's the part everyone forgets.

Do stuff you have no damn idea about - deal with the unknown as often as you can. You'll thank me later when challenges come left and right.

Get exposed to fresh air, natural ground, lots of sunlight (as long as your skin can take it, we tropical guys can stay out all day, all year) - reduce artificial light . Feel the sky and space, and it's vast presence. Drink water out of glass or metal (no plastic, that's one thing killing your T).

[–]AloofusMaximus2 points3 points  (3 children) | Copy

I think a lot of what you have to say here is great advice. I'm certainly going to try what you talked about with keeping track of your thoughts.

Strangely enough, I almost feel like my "inner dialogue" with myself is much much less than it used to be.

[–]misterpoopycaca0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy

That's a good thing, at least you're not identifying with your thoughts as much. It's that identification that kills our soul, and stifles it.

[–]QuickFlex 1 points [recovered]  (1 child) | Copy

I’m confused. By inner dialogue you mean speaking to yourself in your mind? And it’s not good to identify with those thoughts? How come?

[–]SKRedPill0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Inspired, intuitive and creative genius works only when you've gone beyond that inner monologue. You don't get brain dead, but think about what happens to athletes in the zone - sometimes it's like in God mode. The moment you interrupt that flow with your own thoughts, the inspiration's gone.

You might not know, but your brain's so fast that in the split second gap between a question and an answer, it's already understood and framed the answer before the first sound emerges from your vocal cords. If you could make yourself aware of the silent language of intuitive knowing, you can actually get such stuff to work for you.

Depression and stuff like that becomes common the stronger your monologue becomes. Most of that thought is just pure noise and BS and conditional stuff - it's not based anywhere in reality. Your mind only really works for you when you're in an inspired state and you start getting ideas and insights. Otherwise it's all noise and emotion and agitation.

[–]-Mosbius-Designs0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Thanks for this

[–]Pycal0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Thank you so much

[–]BurnieSlander0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Or just do psychedelics.

[–]Rp997121 points122 points  (18 children) | Copy

There is progression in mediation. Meditation is the lifting equivalent for the mind.

[–]kogsworth30 points31 points  (13 children) | Copy

Agreed. I've been using the Headspace app daily for the past 6 months, and it has really helped my ability to concentrate and be more in control of my emotions. Would highly recommend picking up a meditation app and finding a way to fit it into your routine. I like doing a meditation during my commute, or before a gym session/Martial Arts class.

Edit: if you can do meditation the whole day without finding it hard or feeling like there are obstacles, you're probably doing it wrong.

[–]DamiensLust13 points14 points  (1 child) | Copy

Edit: if you can do meditation the whole day without finding it hard or feeling like there are obstacles, you're probably doing it wrong.

This 100%. Meditation isn't easy, OP. People say stupid shit like "looking after my fish is my meditation", "walking in the park is my meditation" as if meditation is some catch-all for not doing anything in particular and not a specific and very challenging activity.

[–]User-31f64a4e5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy

This is because they are mistaking meditation for being lost in thought, or lost in sense contact, or lost in the feeling tone. In actuality, these are almost the complete opposite of meditation.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (4 children) | Copy

during your'e commute omg im anxious as a mf during my commute. props

[–]kogsworth1 point2 points  (3 children) | Copy

I generally have a 45 minute bus ride in which I can do a meditation session (15 or 20 minutes). After a few months, I started being able to do it on the days where I'm driving instead of busing. It's definitely not as easy, mostly because I can't close my eyes, but it's super helpful to not get irate when stuck in traffic, and to help stay longer in that mode when I'm done and the world assaults my senses again.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (2 children) | Copy

wow. mediation is something i just cant pull the trigger

everyday, you should mediate blah blah blah dont end up doing and then i feel depressed the next day becasue i didnt :(

fuck

[–]kogsworth1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy

When I started I couldn't do more than 5 minutes a day. It took a while to be able to do 15-20 minutes. Just showing up is half the battle. One bit that helped me was remembering that there's rarely such a thing as an unsuccessful session, just showing up and flexing that mind muscle is helpful, no matter how much of a bad monkey my mind is being.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy

good to hear thx :)

[–]User-31f64a4e3 points4 points  (2 children) | Copy

and it has really helped my ability to concentrate and be more in control of my emotions.

Which is well and good, and in some ways beside the point.

The purpose of meditation, at least according to Buddhist teachings, is to become familiar with your mind.

When you meditate, thoughts will arise. This is not to be regarded as a problem; rather, you notice them and let them go. You neither focus on them, nor try to repress them.

You will have funky and pleasurable states or experiences (nyams in Tibetan) - again, not the point, and to be neither pursued or avoided.

Over time, you begin to notice how your mind works - the nature of those thoughts, how they arise and fall away, etc. You will have little flashes of insight, although again, these are not to be pursued. You will notice the "feeling tone" accompanying thoughts, the rising of attraction or aversion, the reification of concepts, all sorts of other things.
You can read about all of them in the teachings, and while that is not necessarily bad, it is
a lot like trying to understand what sex is like from reading a book. Experience is really the only teacher.

-==-

Your edit is an excellent point! If you don't find it difficult, and encounter no obstacles, then what you are probably doing is daydreaming or some other form of thinking.
When thoughts arise, let them go and return to the breath (or to just being, if you are attempting formless meditation).

This is all quite easy to say, and quite difficult to do.

[–]kogsworth1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy

Agreed that it's not the 'main pursuit' of meditation. But it's a bit like saying "The point of lifting weights is not to gain the ability to lift heavy things, be physically attractive, alleviate medical conditions brought on by a sedentary lifestyle, etc. The main pursuit is to be fit". Being physically fit would be useless if it weren't for the 'collateral' advantages that it brings you, right? What would be the point of knowing your mind if you couldn't use that knowledge to create distance between your feelings and your responses, to raise the acuity of your bodily sensations, etc. Even if you're not a cloistered monk spending all your energy into the pursuit of enlightenment, there are pragmatic reasons to pursue meditation, even if they're not as beautiful and esoteric as simply knowing yourself fully.

[–]User-31f64a4e1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

You're not wrong.

It is a paradox.
If you mediate with expectation of benefits, they will be difficult to obtain. If you simply follow the instructions and let go of expectations, possibly benefits will accrue. Possibly not; you might wind up shaving your head and moving to Burma, or get a horribly inflated ego (look up rudra some time), or some other unpleasant consequence.

Final note is that it is said the path of awareness is difficult, but that if you undertake it, it is best to follow to completion rather than getting off. I use the phrase "it is said" because, well, not so far along myself.

[–]Melanoma_man1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

I need to try that app. I find it hard to meditate in public tho. Easily distracted

[–]BluePig77 1 points [recovered]  (1 child) | Copy

Do you use the paid version of the app?

[–]kogsworth0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Yeah. If you do the trial pack every day, you get a nice discount on the yearly fee.

[–]BusterVadge4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy

The Mind Illuminated is a great book that helps with progression. It lays out a plan and gives you actionable steps with feedback along the way to measure your progress. Highly recommended.

[–]SpiderAlpha332 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy

Agreed, and if you practise mindfulness throughout the day, it greatly enhances everything you do. For me, my meditation progress boosts every other activity I do.

[–]BrodinsOats2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy

This. Check out The Mind Illuminated for a detailed guide with progressions and goals that you can apply to your meditation practice.

If you want to go really deep, try doing some neurofeedback therapy. It'll cost ya, but it will rapidly accelerate your progression in meditation.

[–]2INNASKILLZ2K1851 points52 points  (5 children) | Copy

Yeah...go and experience really tough shit. Adversity, challenge and pain. Come out the other side.

Otherwise meditation. Look up 'Core Transformation Therapy' if you can do it, it will raise your level of consciousness. It is phenomenal

[–]Gruss_p[S] 5 points6 points  (2 children) | Copy

That was actually first thing that came up to my mind: intentionally putting yourself in conflict situations and every day (or week) rasing the bar. But you would probably end up with doing bad things to other people which is not in the spirit of stoicism.

[–]2INNASKILLZ2K189 points10 points  (0 children) | Copy

Nah, I don't mean direct conflict. I mean just life challenges. 'Back Against the Wall' stuff. Like, you can read about stoicism, but to actually go through events where you either become stoic, or give up.

It's tough, but do things that challenge you. Set lofty goals, and focus on the processes. Stuff that builds dedication, determination and persistence.

[–]Herculius0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Set yourself difficult challenges and goals that appear that they could be worth it in the end.

Voluntarily confronting suffering and responsibility to the best of your ability is good for the soul. Having a meaningful goal and working towards it is good for the soul. Work is good for the soul. Being dependable and a person of respect is good for the soul.

[–]m4t310 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy

Do you have a pdf or ebook for CT therapy, please?

[–]chowtaco0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Interested pm if you got one

[–]wiffofass 1 points [recovered]  (8 children) | Copy

DMT

[–]KobayashiDragonSlave8 points9 points  (0 children) | Copy

Those chimps will rip your dick off

[–]gudboisahir6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy

Hey Joe! when is the Kanye podcast coming?

[–]sleepykient 1 points [recovered]  (3 children) | Copy

or even LSD

[–]I_Dont_Type9 points10 points  (1 child) | Copy

Don’t do too much LSD though

[–]sleepykient6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy

Everything in moderation

[–]Xkirbyx6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy

I second this speaking from experience

[–]icecruzader-3 points-2 points  (0 children) | Copy

You can produce dmt with meditation

[–]LeonardoDiDraperBond 1 points [recovered]  (14 children) | Copy

Reading self help books. The dark, raw truth ones. Read up on emotion control, social dynamics and stoicism for example.

[–]snappyTertle6 points7 points  (5 children) | Copy

Any recommendations?

[–]LeonardoDiDraperBond 1 points [recovered]  (2 children) | Copy

Which subject?

[–]snappyTertle4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy

Social dynamics

[–]Domic4623 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy

I disagree... Reading is great, but it has its limits... What I think would be better is a combo of reading AND Journaling, plus meditation.... Also what could be useful is new experiences and journaling...

Experience>>>>Knowledge

Clarity>>>>> Understanding

Direction >>>>>Speed

[–]Gruss_p[S] -3 points-2 points  (6 children) | Copy

But these are informations and data. It's like reading about proteins and muscle structure instead of simple lifting weights.

[–]LeonardoDiDraperBond 1 points [recovered]  (5 children) | Copy

Thats a terrible analogy.

You want to train your mind. The only way by doing that is by working it out. How do you work out your brain? By digesting information and actively thinking about it. Which is what you do while reading.

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children) | Copy

I don't think soul or mental health = brain or racional thinking

[–]TheStumblingWolf3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy

That's your first hurdle.

Educate yourself, learn new tools, think about how it applies to your past, what you could've done different in past situations (but not tormenting yourself over it), consider how you could use this information in the future.

Basically - get to know yourself really well.

There is no shortcut. It requires work.

[–]LeonardoDiDraperBond 1 points [recovered]  (1 child) | Copy

If you're talking mental health as in happiness and emotional stability, then stoicism is your answer.

For example, something stoicists do is keeping a journal to reflect on your life day by day.

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

I agree that theory of stoicism is great. But I'm looking for some practical tool. Journal seems like an interesting idea, I will be thinking about that..

[–]pleaseprayforkanye0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

The soul is a purely psychological phenomenon and mental health is literally mental. I don't know what you're expecting to achieve with such a repulsive attitude.

[–]horuspill11 points12 points  (0 children) | Copy

Bullshit. You can't do it the whole day. I bet you can't do it for 1 hour.

Pratice free will. To me, the concept of mind is like many different drives that battle inside for dominance over your behavior. We like to think we have free will, but 90% of the times we only do things when they are convenient for us. Even the phrase "I think" is partially untrue. Do you really think? Or you have feelings and drives that lead you toward a rationalization, where you tell yourself "I thought this". In reality, you are completely passive in this process. Meditation is one of the various forms of actually having your free will: Negating your drives, and doing nothing. It is boring, not stimulating, and you will learn to have more control over your drives. You also learn this by simply doing things that you know are good for your long term success, even when you don't feel like it.

By the way, have you ever considered that perhaps the reason you feel so strongly against meditation, might be the reason you need to do it? There is an old saying, I don't remember exactly the words used, but something like this: "Feelings of repulsion and hate towards others tell more about yourself than the objects of them.".

Every reply you gave in this thread was putting down whatever people suggested. Your brain, like every other, wants to do nothing. That is your problem. Next time you feel strongly against something, ask yourself: why? And be honest, and consider that maybe the first conclusion you came to isn't indicative of the objective truth, but jndicative of your tendency to avoid work.

[–]linkster3963 points4 points  (2 children) | Copy

Have you actually tried meditation?

[–]ChemicalGiraffe7 points8 points  (3 children) | Copy

For me lifting weights is the best for mental health

[–]User-31f64a4e0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

This is actually true, from a medical perspective.

Physical activity affects your body in a huge number of ways - hormone balance, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter levels, etc.

Humans evolved in an active environment marked by physical labor; even the rich were extremely active, as they spent their time developing martial prowess and dueling skills.
Sitting at a desk is something for which a tortoise would probably be much better suited (if it weren't for the whole IQ thing, and for the language barriers ...)

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy

I agree, it really helps me too. But it's more like a "side effect". It's similar to feeling physically relaxed when you have done some challenging focused mental work on your project or something.

[–]plenty_of_eesh0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Volunteer to be an after school math tutor to underserved or troubled kids.

It will exercise your compassion, your patience, your authoritativeness, your understanding of math, improve your social standing and expand your knowledge on how others live.

[–]MegladonBass7 points8 points  (3 children) | Copy

Jesus🤞☝️

[–]Vikingcel-3 points-2 points  (1 child) | Copy

Jesus is the equivalent of crossfit

[–]BrodinsOats1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Haha. There’s plenty to criticize, but it works for some.

[–]Vouch33r6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy

What about Buddhism and Zen Philosophy? Somewhat connected to Stoicism

[–]MR37902 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy

Sometimes the weights lift you

[–]downvotesanimals2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy

Reading books, playing music and crossword puzzles are what float my boat.

[–]Bilskee11 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Stoicism. Marcus Aurelius meditations is where I started. Read a few pages every morning or pick up the daily stoic.

[–]someonesopinion69691 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy

yeah, read some books. mental tasks

[–]someonesopinion6969-2 points-1 points  (0 children) | Copy

that's called education moron-

[–]aanarchist1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

philosophy. an amoral soul is a sick one.

[–]supersonic-turtle1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Volunteer. Do some service work and don't tell anyone. See how that feels.

[–]LeDolceVita1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

deep breathing

[–]SalporinRP1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

This might not be the answer you're looking for but my mind/soul has become so much more healthy since I took up boxing a few years back.

If you're actually training to fight, boxing or any combat sport builds up immense discipline and mental fortitude.

Oh you don't like getting up in the morning and running 4 miles 5-6 days a week? Too bad.

Oh you don't like getting punched in the face? Too bad get better.

Oh you don't feel like getting up after taking a hook right to the liver? Too bad.

I know this is a very specific example but it has worked for me. I do meditate as well but boxing and the connections I've made from it have honestly made me the man who I am today.

In an individual sport once you're out there, all you have to rely on is yourself. No one can come in and bail you out.

[–]maljo241 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Turn off the computer and go outside.

[–]dtyler861 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Start a business. Really. The fear, the hard work, the confidence, the pride, the freedom. Nothing compares once you’ve learned you CAN kill it.

[–]finally_a_free_man1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Creativity. You can lift weights, study your engineering courses all you want, but it is truly the arts such as dance, music, or painting that tickles the mind in that feel good way.

[–]RedKepler1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Well it’s a meditation sort of. You can plunge you mind back into your memories, so for example something which upset you or frightened you.

Basically keep replaying what triggers you the most, and hopefully it’ll trigger a response in you in some way. It seems very counter intuitive and possibly blue pilled, but they do this in therapy, that when someone has suffered a traumatic experience (PTSD, rape) that they heal an incredibly lot faster, but facing what they’re trying to hide from and letting it wash over them until they’re shaking with anxiety.

It’s horrible but it’s like dreaming, and how that works through your emotions, experiences and thoughts. Mind you it is very extreme, but taking yourself far away from any possible interruption and having a good cry once in a while can really break sometimes that weight we carry around.

It’s worked for me and other people I’ve talked to, so I’d give it a go. I know emotions, feelings, etc is incredibly blue pilled, but red pill is also about freeing yourself up and being generally more happier and open, if you can get in touch with them I believe it helps open you up to experiences and leave behind burdens.

Not exactly something I’d encourage to do everyday, but perhaps every month.

[–]Axon4441 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Reading the bible

[–]Majestic-firebombing1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

It’s called doing shit that you don’t necessarily like but your future self will thank you for. Get really good at that and you can start reaping benefits as you keep pushing more success forward.

[–]xx-Rain_Maker-xx3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy

Learning does that for me. Learn from the books.

[–]luccisanolean3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy

Semen retention and writing

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Yeah it’s called reading the Bible.

[–]TheRedPillRipper0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

For me it’s Altruism. You choose what form it takes and there’s a myriad of avenues to explore.

Personally I grew up volunteering so it’s ingrained but it’s your call. Boys scouts, Youth Centres, PCYC’s... Even here.

If you’ve got value to give; share it.

[–]OfficerWade0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

This is going to be a discussion about Form vs Content. Where are we going and who is going with us. Think back to when you were lifting weights, doesn't it feel good? If thats the case you must be following the right path or whatever it is you subscribe to as NOT insane. So if you're feeling bad, unworthy, judging yourself then you know its your ego and you're listening to the wrong teacher.

​

I think this is why we are so aware of EGO lifting in the gym. Assuming you haven't been working out the last few years you might trry and lift weights your body isn't accustomed to and fail. So you begin to take the little steps using little weights until you are prepared for a bigger lift, the key here is that along the way you are kind to yourself and others.

Indeed, everyone is fighting a hard battle.

[–]OilyB0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy

Try 'Non-violent Communication' by Rosenberg. It's a different way of speaking, you remove any manipulation or blackmail out of your own and other people's speech. Above all, it cleanses your emotional processes of negativity because you can see them coming from a mile away. You start approaching life from a much more positive and productive starting point.

[–]m4t310 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy

Do you have a pdf or epub please?

[–]OilyB-1 points0 points  (0 children) | Copy

No sorry, but if you Google it, there's books about it and workshops where you train certain conversation structures.

[–]alt415100 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Psychadelics. But beware they can be just as dangerous as they are enlightening.

[–]Iceklimber0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Doctor Kawashima's Brain Jogging

[–]CookieAdmiral0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Pot

[–]livear0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Striving towards mastery of an art.

For me it was music.

[–]Eirineftis0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy

If you truly think there are no obstacles in meditation then you are certainly doing it incorrectly. Mindfulness meditation, in my humble opinion, is certainly the weight lifting for the soul. Trying to overcome your mind, get to know your self, and overcome wasteful thoughts is a very difficult task and takes years to master. Would highly recommend revisiting that.

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy

My problem is that meditation is basically definiton of passivity. And where is passivity there can't be any progress. I think meditation can work for someone who needs to relax and calm his mind. What makes sense more for me is "being present" just like Eckhart Tolle is teaching. Walking in nature and not thinking about anything, just perceiving trees, sky, rocks etc. That is great and right now I don't really know why I stopped doing it... But sitting in a dark corner with your eyes closed... I actually felt asleep couple of times when I was trying that

[–]Eirineftis0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

That's the wrong idea of meditation. The type I've practiced is far more aligned with Eckhart Tolle. The meditation I'm referring to has nothing to do with passivism, rather its core focus is self-control, discipline, awareness and mindfulness. Check out some of Thich Nhat Hanh's stuff, that's what introduced me to mindfulness.

[–]pleaseprayforkanye0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Meditate. End of story.

There is an art to learning how to control your thoughts, silence your mind, and invoke different emotional states. And you get better at that by minimizing the time it takes you to change your state, which you get from practice, which you get from meditating regularly.

[–]MegladonBass0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Not talking about religion. You’ve made an assumption!

[–]1ForeverNandrolone0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Divorce and overcoming a really bad bout of oneitis really helped toughen me up emotionally.

[–]treehauz0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

-Act(how long it takes to feel the benefits)

-Semen retention (2 weeks)

-Vegan diet(1 week)

-Cold shower(instant)

These three changed my life along with lifting.

Do your own research! Much love!

[–]Benny7570 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Yes, there is. Try stoicism. Give Seneca a read. But, like lifting, there is no substitute for raw experience. To get tougher, you do need to experience hardship. Trust yourself. Face the hardship. Suffer. Endure. Prevail. Yea, it can hurt you, can kill you even. But that is the true experience of life. It's a bitter reality check. But if you persevere, and not let yourself become a victim (like most of society seems to be these days), then you will have built your soul.

[–]Extraltodeus0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Practice perseverance. Learn new things. Train your mind. Like for real.

I disagree with meditation. Sitting and closing your eyes is not teaching you what learning code can teach you for example. Going through frustration, long hours of being stuck and yet keeping going.

[–]goodsandwichh0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

read

[–]EnhancedNatural0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

There is no progress in meditation you say? You’ve got it all wrong bro. See if you can attain the first Jhana, there are eight of them.

[–]BitingInsects0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Be nice progressively starting small and watch it lead to bigger things. First thing I put into practice was to stop driving aggressively/offensively and start giving people passes and avoiding or ignoring shitty drivers.

[–]_Benny_Lava0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Meditation.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

PLAY AN INSTRUMENT

[–]1Terminal-Psychosis0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

LSD. No, seriously, try mushrooms first.

As others have said, meditation is good.

Also, don't watch corporate television. Pure, brain-melting propaganda. Choose what you expose yourself to.

Getting away by yourself in total seclusion (as far as possible) for as long as possible is extremely good for your sanity.

Even walks somewhere in nature can bring you back to yourself. A week with zero conversation is a killer reset. Not hearing a word, not saying a word. No media. 3 months even better.

Hike-in camping. or a cabin in the woods somewhere. is nature's therapist.

[–]SwoleyMoleyFrijoley0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Meditation

[–]Red-Curious0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

For Christians the RPChristians sub has content for developing spiritual disciplines much like you're talking about. Check out the 300 series.

[–]Moldy_Gecko0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Meditation has goals and obstacles, that's what you're meditating about. If you have a conflict, you can work through it in Meditation.

Recently for me, vegetarianism. It's a goal-oriented thing and a cleansed body will help cleanse your mind. But I'm also Buddhist, so results will likely vary,

[–]Endorsed ContributorUEMcGill0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Go get a hobby that involves your hands. Small engine repair. Woodworking. Leather craft. Fly tying.

I was at a tough point in my life a few years ago and I added flytying to my skill set. It takes mastery. You progress and become good. Then you can use the fruits of your labor.

A good book to read on this is shop craft for the soul. As men we need to accomplish. Nothing better in this day and age of white collar work than making something with your hands. It's meditation.

[–]Sylvester_Sterone0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Jigsaw puzzles while listening to EDM... especially while leaning out. Makes time fly by.

[–]marksiwelforever0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

DMT. Therapy. Yoga. Pot. Forgiving your mom and getting off the Red Pill

[–]3chazthundergut0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

"Soul" is a somewhat abstract term but I will do my best.

So the world is violent and evil and full of darkness.

We have one foot firmly planted in this brutal world. We are violent, petty, egotistical creatures that want to fuck or kill everything that moves. We are upstanding apes.

But we are also more than that.

We have our other foot firmly planted in heaven. Or the spirit world, or hyperdimensional timespace, or whatever you want to call it.

So this is how you "lift weights" for your soul:

  1. Speak truth in a world of lies
  2. Shine light in a world of darkness
  3. Pull order from a world of chaos
  4. Do good when its easier to do evil
  5. Choose life and love despite living in a world of hatred and death

"Lifting weights for your soul" is about the unrelenting pursuit of your highest purpose

[–]marcus8crassus0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

I always found that taking myself out of my comfort zone forced me to grow leaps and bounds. For instance, say you’ve always wanted to be a better cook. Take cooking lessons, learn to cook recipes from the internet or YouTube. The process of learning a new skill is not just growth for your mind and body but also for your soul.

[–]lordofury00 points1 point  (4 children) | Copy

If you want to increase your mental capacity, you want to try to put yourself in uncomfortable positions. This is the equivalent to new PR in lifting. Examples could be creating new music, website, writing, applications, etc.

[–]Gruss_p[S] -2 points-1 points  (3 children) | Copy

But what if I enjoy creating things? Then that is not uncomfortable, is it?

[–]lordofury00 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

That's the beauty in it, similar to lifting weights, you will only be uncomfortable in the beginning. Once you build the habit of creating content and value, you will learn to love it.

[–]SKRedPill0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Fun and games is fine, but there are huge problems with this down the road. You become dependent on a need for maintaining a "positive feel" the whole time without which you don't get enough motivation.

I think this whole theory of "romancing your work" is utterly BP and it has ruined a whole generation. You may like music you say, but if I make you practice all day, it'll evaporate like water. That's not the love that comes from a lifetime of investment and devotion.

Get out of that. Do something that's necessary but not fun or pleasurable - and do it every god damn day. Without strength, pleasure's just a drug. Strength is what gives you a stable foundation. When the feel bad stuff doesn't feel so big in your mind anymore, you've already found something more important than a dopamine drip.

Accept discomfort as discomfort that's needed for growth. Face it directly, instead of depending on enjoyment to keep you going. You'll learn the difference between pleasure and devotion. Your fear of discomfort is the single biggest thing that's stopping your growth. Stop seeking comfort in the uncomfortable and your comfort zone will start growing.

Resistance to this moment is the biggest source of discomfort. Acceptance of this moment starts to open you up.

You might not know, in Navy Seal BUDS camp, there's something called hell week. If you think in terms of enjoyment, it'll shatter the whole idea.

[–]thrwy754790 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Helping others.

[–]our_winter0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Yoga = science of the mind. Yoga is meditation. There are many ways to do but developing a practice can help you master all situations.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

Read!

Honestly, read books. Not just ones about TRP, but any book you like. It opens your mind to just how diverse and varied life is. When you read suddenly little things don’t mean anything to you and you see the ‘bigger picture’ of everything.

East of Eden is a great book, one of my favourites, maybe start with that? White Fang by Jack London too

[–]luccisanolean-1 points0 points  (0 children) | Copy

Listening to music

[–]JarHeadJoseph 1 points [recovered]  (1 child) | Copy

Fall in love with a girl then watch her get ducked by Chad over and over and over again

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

More like how you can become a cuckold.

[–]mrp_awakening-3 points-2 points  (3 children) | Copy

Caring about your "soul" is shit chicks do man... OP are you sure you're not gay?

[–]Gruss_p[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy

Soul is just another term for "mental health" for me

[–]mrp_awakening1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

Lol... I'm just playing man. I'd double what a lot of people have said... introspection, and reading. Hobbies and lifting are great for mental health, as is a social life. Basically everything you should be doing anyways. Meditation for those who get something out of it.

[–]cluelessguitarist1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy

For mental health brazilian jiu jitsu is the only thing that helps me be in the moment, cant be thinking about distractions when someone is trying to choke you out.

[–]Difficult_Sentence 1 points [recovered]  (4 children) | Copy

Why is it always people look to introspective stuff you’re not going to sit in a room and build soul.

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children) | Copy

Toughening my mental health, that's what I would like to do. I'm reading Seneca but so far I haven't find any exercise for hardening my soul. I understand it sounds absurd but anyway... just looking for something.

[–]sebastian_ramirez051 point2 points  (2 children) | Copy

Have you tried going without eating for 3 days and only drink water. As well as sleep on the floor. Builds character and appreciation for what you have

[–]Gruss_p[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

sleeping on the floor + cold showers, yes.

[–]good-look0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy

second this. learn to fast, its like a super power. try going 3 days without water too if you wanna really test ur mind.

[–]TRP VanguardWhisper-2 points-1 points  (1 child) | Copy

What's a soul?

[–]Gruss_p[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children) | Copy

music genre



You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea.

© TheRedArchive 2021. All rights reserved.

created by /u/dream-hunter