Hi David

Spiritual practices, practiced without guidance can lead to issues such as psychosis, chi sickness, Shen / the mind breaking -whatever your prefer to call it. My advice, stop whatever practice you are doing. Seek a mental health professional for advice. When you are recovered seek a teacher so that you can practice safely.

If you are taking any mental health medication or have withdrawn from it that could explain any electrocution sensations. Then again, these sensations could be related to whatever is going on. Visiting a TCM practitioner might be a good idea too if you feel that your energy is out of balance.

Hi JemJem

I’m sorry to hear that you’re in a sticky situation.

I have a question. It sounds like Emma and Tara have been friends for a few years. Why is it now bothering you to the point of ending the friendship with Emma. I’m curious as to what changed?

You mentioned telling Emma about Tara’s bullying. Did you ever directly ask her to stop seeing Tara and explain how uncomfortable their relationship makes you?

I think the answer to these questions might give you some idea about how to handle the situation.

Hi Ivygrl!

Sorry for the extreme delay in the reply. I was taking a break from tiny buddha. I don’t really use social media, apart from imgur. My username for that is: usernamealgorithm

I understand what you mean about stress and burn out. I think managing this is a lifelong challenge. It is okay to take breaks when you need them. Taking the time to do relaxing activities is important. It sounds like you are trying really hard! Things will still be okay if you scale back the effort say 10%. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes and that is okay. Making mistakes is part of learning. When we make mistakes we can reflect on it and recognise what isn’t working, what is and then we try other things which can lead to success.

I think your dreams are very achievable. I’m sure that you will go to college and do things on your own. You are already writing so I definitely see you pursuing that as a career. Travelling to South Korea sounds amazing.

The only thing that I would add is that it can take a while to become a professional writer. So it’s important to have an additional career plan for saving up money in the meantime.

What steps do you think you will need to do to begin to work towards your goals?

As someone who has actually been raped.

Don’t feel bad for this guy. At any point he could have just worn a condom like a responsible adult.

Hi Nova

Have you spoken to your fiance about love languages? Lots of people show their love in different ways.

Some love languages include; words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, touch, quality time. I’m curious what your fiance’s love language is?

With my husband, initially I had some expectations from what I wanted at first regarding romance. Discussing love languages helped because had a chance to explain the different ways that he shows his love. Afterwards, I would pay attention through the day for the things he described as his love language. This helped me appreciate his style of love language.

What does intentional quality time look like for you?

It sounds like your fiance might experience some sexual dysfunction. Perhaps a doctor might be able to help? This is a very sensitive subject for men, but it is very common, even in young men.

It’s good that he has come around and is trying to please you now. I hope that he will continue to learn about this subject, perhaps it is something romantic that you could do together?

I do agree that it is a good idea to cultivate some of these feelings in yourself.

I hope you guys work things out. But I understand that these issues are very daunting. I would imagine that sometimes he feels more like a friend because of the chemistry issues.

Apologies for the formatting issues, for some reason the edit function is no longer working.

These dark nights sound similar to depression. I don’t wish to discuss my experience of depression but I’m happy to share my exploits to recover from it.

I remember the first time I felt happy. I was walking my dogs, the same as any other day. Watching the same beautiful sunset that I’d often ignored. Instead of my thoughts being painfully present, they had eased. I was simply present and enjoying the moment for what it was.

My recent foray into Buddhism has taught me to become more aware of triggers. I’m doing my best to watch and sit with the feelings. This does not mean feeding the feeling or allowing it to carry me away as before. A book described thoughts occurring after the initial feeling as a lie. So rather than think about it, the goal is to sit with the feeling, the energy and allow it to dissipate in time without forcing it.

I don’t concern myself with trying to get rid of my ego. Masterful monks have egos. They just recommend being aware of it and not allowing it to blindly lead us around.

I think one difficulty with depression etc is that it is comfortable because it is what you know. There is a trap of safety. There is guilt that comes with this, it is hard to admit. And fear of the unknown. But by repeatedly subjecting myself to my fears and allowing myself to experience pain, I have become somewhat desensitized to it. This has helped me develop confidence in my ability to overcome challenges. I still feel overwhelmed and stressed sometimes, but it is good to acknowledge that and allow it to pass.

Lastly, working to soothe my nervous system has been helpful.

What is the point of life? Or capitalism? Or purpose?

We are animals, reproduction and propagating the species is an evolutionary goal. This is our environment, we exist within it. Purpose is what we make of it. My purpose is to take care of myself, my loved ones, my pets, my home, learn, help others and enjoy my experience to the best of my ability.