I’m feeling strong and resilient. I don’t care about setbacks because I know what I’m doing and I will continue moving forward. I’ve decided to go a bit harder on the dopamine detox this week and take a break from all online communities, mostly Reddit, but including this journal and forum. I’m sick of reading opinions of randoms, and that’s in reference to Reddit, not this forum. It probably won’t hurt taking a break from it all though and I’d rather read some good books for a while instead. If all goes to plan, I’ll report again next Sunday.
How does it feel btw to be off caffeïne for such a long period? I have been off caffeïne for I think 2-3 months, but was missing the productivity and honestly the high.
It seems to be getting better as time passes but to be honest, since quitting, I’m yet to feel as good as I did when I was drinking coffee every morning. The main thing that keeps me going is the satisfaction that I’m no longer dependant on any drugs.
I may as well update while I’m here. I was pretty busy the past week. The Phoenix is giving me a lot of dreams and working on me. I’m not sure exactly what it’s doing but I nearly cried once, while also experiencing a feeling of joy and relief.
The dopamine detox continues, although I have had some slip ups here and there. I can really notice the emotional instability that the abstinence / indulgence cycle creates. I’m back on strict mode and feeling better each day. I put the radio on one day in the car and was shocked how intense it was with the presenters yelling, the loud offensive advertisements and even the music, were all increasing the tensions in my body. I used to drive around blasting that at high volume all day.
It still feels like I’m finding a balance between Phoenix and digital detox. It’s a tough combination but I still believe I am onto something. I’m keen to add another sub but I’m not sure what to run. I’d prefer it be an upgraded one, but I don’t think I’ll go back to New Emperor, although it was good. The redone PCC, sounds interesting. I mostly want to be more stoic, disciplined and fearless (or at least have the courage to do things I fear). I still have Chosen in mind if it gets an update, I think that’s an alpha sub that would gel better with my personality than Emperor.
Taking an early washout so I can start a new stack on Monday 1/1/24.
I still don’t have words to explain what Phoenix is doing, but it’s working so good as life is running smoothly and I’m not as affected by other people’s toxicity and by those things that are out of my control.
I bought myself a Christmas present which was two books by the daily stoic, 366 meditations on wisdom plus the accompanying journal. So I’m going to make that a habit too starting the new year, to do a morning and evening written reflection on the question of the day from the daily reading from the book.
I’m learning more about myself and my impulsive nature from the dopamine fast. I read more and realise how butt hurt some ppl get over the term dopamine fast, so I could call it an unnatural and excessive stimulation fasting. I’m thinking the worst ones are anything digital that is repeatable, like checking social media but also porn and masturbation. I can feel the drug like rush from that after abstaining, so maybe nofappers have the right idea.
I’m thinking I’ll run a stack of Monday and Friday: Phoenix & TWTP, then on Wednesday: New Emperor. Taking weekends off and also every 3rd or 4th week’s Friday listening day. Hopefully that makes sense, I’m feeling a bit touched by the sun right now
The goals though are to be focused and disciplined, face fears and also to lose weight and improve athleticism and physique. I’ll make a new log and try to keep it for the whole New year. Also the excessive stimulation fast will also be a big part of the plan.
Hey man, yeah still working on it. I’m doing my best to cut down on overstimulating activities. It hasn’t been perfect and I’m learning as I go, learning how to find an optimal balance between overstimulation and depression. If I take away too much I’m miserable, if I allow too much I’m miserable.
I didn’t end up running my planned stack. I started to feel a bit lost during washout and didn’t know if I’d run subliminals again. Then I started to consider trying Genesis again, so I’ve checked the forum and everyone is talking up Primal, so I’m doing a loop right now. Not sure if I’ll run a cycle or not. I’ll see what I think of the loop.
Hmm, let me share some wisdom and personal experiences regarding switch stacks. I believe it’s important to avoid looking at forums when considering subs in that context. For example, when I recently checked out the product page of Black Khan, my mind quickly thought it was a good idea while I was actually practicing Celebicy. Don’t do what the forum is doing, do what you need to do
Yeah that’s over-exposure 101 combined with recon. My advice, don’t change your stack because it’s actually working. Look what you typed a couple of days ago;
There are many moments in your journal where you discuss feeling strong with Emperor. By the way, if you’re experiencing intense dreams, that’s usually a sign of listening to too many loops. Have you reduced your listening time to, let’s say, 3-5 minutes? That can work wonders.
The ZP files are incredibly powerful. Sometimes, they might be too potent for many people (including myself). It’s important to take it slow, avoid switching, and take as many rest days as you need.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom. It gives me much to think about. I have tried shorter loops, but I felt like 15 minutes work better, but I could have taken extra rest days here and there if I listened to myself more.
That’s my thing, I need to know what I want. Not get caught up in the hype and chase different rabbits only to end up catching none. I think at the end of the day, I only want to find some inner peace. I’ve been meditating everyday and reading the Bible which I think it helping. Also the dopamine detox, despite its up and downs is having an overall positive impact. I wasn’t sure if I need a subliminal right now but perhaps Phoenix was working well for the goals and actions and I should have stuck with it.
As for New Emperor, I did like it for inner strength and the IDGAF feelings but I kind of felt my vibe was a bit abrasive and I wasn’t making good first impressions with people.
First of all, Hallelujah! Seek the kingdom of God first and the rest will be added to you. It’s interesting that you mention I need to know what I want, as this often stems from the ego’s desire to dictate the circumstances it believes it needs. This is a common occurrence when delving into the realm of subliminals. We cannot control reality, and attempting to do so only leads to chaos. Regardless of your beliefs, there is a life force guiding you, determining your path.
Consider this: what if this is the exact moment when not knowing what you want is perfectly acceptable? What if that uncertainty is completely okay? In spiritual terms, this is known as the void, the transition between different seasons. It can be likened to peeling back layers of an onion.
As you can see, an onion has multiple layers. In the book “The Way of the Spiritual Man,” David describes this as the “Layer of Purpose.” Each time we progress through a layer, we move closer to our true desires and deepest longings. When a layer is peeled away, we enter a void. This is the moment when we should refrain from filling our time with distractions. Instead, we should allow ourselves to be open and receptive to new thoughts and purposes. The duration of this process can vary - it may take weeks, months, or even years, and it’s not within our control. Many man find these periods challenging because we feel the need to have a clear goal. It can be perceived as feminine to simply navigate through life without a specific objective.
I personally experienced this void over the past 4-5 years as I underwent a significant healing process. Even now, I don’t always have complete clarity on what I should be doing, but I have peace of not knowing exactly what I want. I trust the process. I sense that it’s gradually unfolding, and I strive to not interfere with God’s plan as much as possible. Even with the subliminal messages, I aim to practice conscious guidance, allowing only what truly belongs to me to manifest. This brings to mind one of my favorite quotes by Nipsey Hussle.
“I want all that is mine, not a penny more or a penny less”
Haha, I had the same issue until I began using conscious guidance and balancing it with NR. That “I don’t give a f…” feeling slowly transformed into “I care, but don’t mess with me.” You start to learn how to assert yourself.
Are you employed by a company or do you run your own business? Emperor and Stark can be challenging when working for someone else because you have the drive to create your own thing.
Anyway, enough from me haha. Excited for the journey you’re embarking on, and indeed take it easy
Thanks for the message, it was helpful and well received.
I think I’ve had objectives and goals for so long, I don’t know how to live any other way. It’s almost like I use this approach of living to avoid some type of discomfort of being. Perhaps it’s the void you speak of that I actively avoid, as I attempt to control reality rather than accept.
Since allowing God back into my life, I have observed many blessings of late. I feel grateful and humbled, ready to overcome obstacles with a new strength. I’m still afraid but it now it feels like I’m no longer walking alone.
I’m self employed, but some jobs I sub contract and work for other companies. I like the work I do. It doesn’t make me rich but it does satisfy me. I do quoting online and in person, meet new people for one off jobs and I just felt less liked and connected during these situations when running Emperor.
I’m still considering a long break from subliminals all together. I know they’re good, but I don’t know if they’re good for me. Maybe they’re another distraction to avoid the void. I could instead remain consistent, continue being my best and allow God’s plan to unfold naturally. I guess I fear that I use the subliminals in an attempt to grasp at what isn’t mine.
“Wow, that’s beautiful man. It warms my heart to hear that.”
I feel you, I also felt less connected to Emperor until I combined it with a more social sub. Each sub definitely has its own advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps in the future, something like HoM or Stark would be more fitting for you?
Oef I’m hearing myself speak here Especially the part about not allowing God’s plan to unfold naturally and the fear of receiving something that isn’t meant for me. I took an 8-9 month break from using subliminals to really understand what God wants from me, and now I’m trying to use subliminals to further enhance that and come closer to God. But it’s a slippery slope, and I need to be very careful of my ego.
If you feel like taking a break, go ahead and take that break
Seek the kingdom of God first and the rest will be added to you. It’s interesting that you mention I need to know what I want, as this often stems from the ego’s desire to dictate the circumstances it believes it needs. This is a common occurrence when delving into the realm of subliminals. We cannot control reality, and attempting to do so only leads to chaos. Regardless of your beliefs, there is a life force guiding you, determining your path.
Especially the part about not allowing God’s plan to unfold naturally and the fear of receiving something that isn’t meant for me. I took an 8-9 month break from using subliminals to really understand what God wants from me, and now I’m trying to use subliminals to further enhance that and come closer to God. But it’s a slippery slope, and I need to be very careful of my ego.