Seduction teaches us how to interact with women and men alike. It teaches us how to get laid, yes, but the principles of attraction are universal: authenticity, giving value and having a purpose in life. In the end, seduction teaches us how to be better men.

I've been studying Buddhism for the past few months. I don't ascribe to being a Buddhist, but I appreciate the philosophy and practices. It is as much the same way with seduction: I am no PuA, but the principles and instruction are invaluable. In studying the teachings of those I see as buddahs (Siddhartha and TofuTofu, respectively) I have gained a better understanding of my life, the lives of those around me and the workings of this world. In learning both philosophies there is one underlying principle that runs like a vein through their body of knowledge. In seduction it is called value-giving; in Buddhism it is called compassion.

Why is it then that both these philosophies promote improving the lives of others when they are founded on the idea of self-improvement? How does improving others existence improve one's own?

It is because giving value / having compassion / loving is a reward in itself.

This is a hard concept to understand without experiencing it yourself. For me, the light bulb clicked on when I was at a music festival earlier this month. It was a trans-formative weekend for me. I let go of my apprehensions, became 100% authentic, and gave as much value as I possibly could. I was the happiest and most at peace that weekend as I have ever been.

As you can see above, a lot has happened since my last FR. I've been working on myself and have been happier and more fulfilled because of it. I'm really starting to conquer my social-anxiety and I am in a non-exclusive relationship with a wonderful girl (and the sex is INCREDIBLE ohmygoditssogood).

With all that's happened, there's still so much holding me back. My anxiety was really only the first barrier I had to cross. It still needs work, but after dealing with it for over a decade I'm finally over the hump. I took Tofu's advice from Part 1 of his guide and am removing everything from my life that is a hindrance. As such, I'm doing a "Straight Edge Summer". On July 1st I am going to cut out the following for the entire month:

  • Smoking (Nicotine and Weed)
  • Drinking
  • Caffeine
  • Unhealthy food (Sticking to Paleo)
  • Videogames
  • Reddit

Most of these I'll incorporate back into my life after July in some aspect, but each is getting in the way of something I want to do: I want to finish my novel; I want to record an album; I want to be healthy; I want to find a new job. Everything in that list has stopped me from doing something I want to do in one way or another. The idea is that by removing these things for a month I can form new habits. Once those habits are formed I won't be hindered by the inclusion of the above in my life.

That's the idea anyway. :3

Thanks for reading. I'll have another update in August.

You can find my first FRs here and here. TL;DR: I'm recovering from being an obese dude with social anxiety disorder. These FR are as much my journey of personal improvement as they are about meeting women.

If you are interested in learning more about Buddhism, I suggest starting with this book. It's a solid introductory primer from a guy you can relate to, especially if you like punk.