WARNING: This experiment may cause temporary madness.

[loose id]

If I am an even remotely recognizable character on this message board, then I am probably most notorious for being a touch off the wall. Believe it or not... I don't care which you do... There is usually some sort of method behind my madness, and now I'd like to pass a little of the madness to all of you.

When I was in my teen years I had a dream where I met a bespectacled rabbit who approached me in a wooded winter scene (although the temperature can be described as very comfortable). The rabbit spoke to me with an eloquence most humans envy and few possess. I asked him how he became so intelligent, despite the fact he was born a rabbit. He said that he had learned to avoid even the simplest states of altered consciousness, including sleep, and to induce them on his own. I was impressed with this until he started humping my leg. This is where I will end the narrative.

For years I have ignored this rabbit and engaged in various states of altered consciousness: drugs, alcohol, nicotine, Simpsons, orgasm, holding my breath till I pass out... etc.

The following experiment is a three part, three level, three month process (I've always liked things in threes). It will begin on January 1st, 2005, and I'm hoping we can set up a blog/thread/forum or some sort of support center for this. This will be very trying, yet I hypothesize it will be very beneficial.

Before I explain the three steps, I will explain the theory behind it:

One of the things we stress over and over again in the pursuit of lucidity is the individual's sense of self control IRL and how it may carry over to their dream life. With intent and high levels of self actualization, it is incredible what the human brain can create and visualize. So my theory is, what if we learned to take the wheel, and to control as many aspects of our daily life as we can? It is true that we can't control everything, but it is often surprising how much we can control... but alas, we don't.

Although there doesn't appear to be a strong segue into the following topic, if you have been following closely, you will understand where I'm going with this. Nietzsche's concept of sublimation is the theory that when certain energies aren't released in their usual fashion, they are channeled elsewhere. His theory circled around sex and if one were to deter their sexual energies somewhere else... say, writing literature, they would find an extra "oomph" in their writing. Sort of the ideas surrounding gnosticism, but that's a whole different ball of wax.

My theory is thus... our everyday lives (mine included, so don't feel I'm judging or pointing the finger) is surrounded by a series of weak release valves and hinderences to our energies. Our physical energy dwindles with every inactive day and every sugar snack. Our sexual energy is carelessly expended with partners who make love mechanically, or during impromptu masturbation sessions in the shower/at the computer/in front of the television. Our goal oriented energies are qualmed by a fast food meal, a blunt, or several servings of alcohol. Our energies for individual self-actualization are hampered by the desire to just kick back with a few "pals" and let them entertain us and direct our thoughts/opinions.

Granted there are hundreds of different "energies", this is just a term I use to describe a fire, or a drive, that all of us have... but sadly, some of us are kicking its coals, looking for some sort of warmth.

On January 5th, 2005 I will begin the following process, and if anyone wants to join, they are more than welcome.

PHASE I (1/1/05 - 1/31/05)

DIET MODIFICATION

Everyone's bodies are different, and there are too many factors involved to have a general and specific diet for everyone to follow. Suggestions and articles surrounding diet and how certain foods effect the brain would be greatly appreciated.

Thus far, I have made the following plans, and I am currently in the process of eliminating (or drastically reducing) the following from my diet:

1) Refined Sugars (Fructose, Sucrose, and maybe Sacchrine)
2) Dairy Products
3) Alcohol
4) Caffeine
5) Preservatives (hoping to start an organic food diet)
6) Sodium
7) Salts
8) Saturated Fats (Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated are somewhat good for you I understand)

I intend to increase the intake of the following:

1) Fish and shellfish
2) Chammomile Tea
3) Water
4) Blueberries, grapes, and other foods rich in antioxidants (suggestions welcome)
5) Rice
6) Water

Drug and nicotine use has been eliminated as well.

PHASE II (2/1/05 - 2/28/05)

BODY AND MIND EXERCISE

Once again, I have already begun work in this area, but by February I hope to be consistant in my practices.

Physical -
I have concluded that exercise is an important element because physical energy is a peculiar instance in which be expending it one not only observes increases in mental accuity, but also experiences an influx in energy. I have noticed that when I am on a regular exercise program, I actually have more energy than when I am spending my days in front of a computer/television. I also think of a proverb that "All great ideas come from walking." Physical exercise is integral also because it is one of the hardest things to motivate oneself to do. Why would I want to run or lift heavy shit if I don't have to? By choosing to exercise it is the mind asserting its control over the body. My goal is to do aerobic exercise everyday, and to do applied exercise (weightlifting, martial arts, sports, yoga...etc.) at least four times a week.
The next part in this phase is what will make or break most people. No orgasm. That means no sex and no masturbation. This is perhaps the hardest, but I have found to be the most beneficial. I have on several occasions tried to see how long I could go without an orgasm. My longest thus far is twenty-eight days. However, after day fourteen I noticed a remarkable increase in my physical energy, dream recall, creative abilities, and emotional stability. Granted, for the first week I was a wreck, I noticed a fluidity in my mind and body I have never had before after that. For those of you with significant others I don't really know what to say. Its a personal sacrifice for your individual growth, and I hope that you and your partner both see it that way. Maybe it would be a test of what type of relationship you really have. For others, this won't be nearly as hard as I make it out to be.

Mental -
Turn off the damn tv. Try to use the computer only for reasons you feel as cognitively beneficial.
I am going to try to learn another language (most likely French, and I'm going to try to learn how to read Latin) because I have learned that language comprehension is directly related to the growth of gray matter in the brain. Expanding your language is vital, but not just in the spoken sense. This can be done by learning another computer language, learning new maths, studying and understanding physics, designing your own language, writing literature, reading hard books...
Whatever will maintain your attention, but at the same time, challenge your brain to comprehend its surroundings in a new manner.
For those of you who have succesfully quit drinking in the first phase will be surprised at how easy it is to pick up some of these things. Scientists have shown that when alcoholics quit drinking they report a drastic leap in cognitive response. They have found that this is because the brain has started repairing the brain cells and growing new ones (they are just as capable as older children to grasp new concepts. they have yet to do a comparison between drinkers who repent and those who never drank).
Another reason why this phase includes the learning of a new language or concept is because it teaches us to conciously recognize how certain ideas are encoded into our memory. Some consider dreaming as a consolidation process. If we understand what codes and formulations are necessary to help the mind function, than we can recognize these as they are occuring in our dream state.

PHASE III (3/1/05 - 3/31/05)

EXPANSION AND ASCENTION

This may or may not be the most trying phase. I don't know because I have never gotten this far. The idea is to introduce a higher plane of existence and mental functioning into our lives. Perhaps the first two months could be considered preparation for what awaits us in this phase.

The focus this month is to create. Take what we are learning, what we have seen, what we are feeling, what we have done... and make it what we want it to be. It is my expectation that during this period we should be dreaming lucidly fairly consistantly, and that our dreams have shown us a little more about ourselves than we had previously encountered. Now is where we try to either make sense of it, or accept it at a personal or spiritual level.

There are two things we will be doing during this phase.
1) Conditioning ourselves for polyphasic sleep. I will be setting up a series of links to show what polyphasic (or uberman) sleep cycles are. Their benefits include more vivid dreaming with an increase in lucidness, increases in mental functioning and awareness, and the opportunity to take control of the most primitive of our habits. This will be difficult for all of us not just because of the nature of the process, but also because it is something that is hard to explain to those who are watching your attempts to evolve.

2) Whatever we feel. Some will choose artistic endeavors, some will make changes to their "careers", some will ameliorate the internal struggles they once had, some will do nothing "out of the ordinary". The purpose of this phase is to affirm to oneself "I am in control. I am truly doing what I want. This is life as I know it, and as I want it to be."

_____________

As I had said before, this is something I will be doing and have already taken the preliminary steps for. I am extending it as an opportunity for any of you to either join me, or laugh at such a preposterous suggestion. I am also looking for suggestions from many of you because the purpose is one of personal growth and improvement of mental abilities... something I know many of you have spent a great deal of time researching. Please, I would love nothing more than to hear your thoughts on this no matter what they may be.

[wasup]

Great post, I will try to put some of these methods into use. I should try to work out more often, or at least go on walks every once in a while instead of rotting my brain (its always nice to be outside for a while and notice how much nicer it is than inside).

Awesome post, I'm going to read it again.

EDIT: You mean "affect".

[insanejester]

don't forget about eliminating sodas.... (one of the worst legal drugs in my oppinion --- caffine)

yeah... this all sounds like a great idea.... i'm already doing most of it myself... also the limitation if not elimination of red meat is also a good idea

[Howie]

With most things in my life that I have tried to refine I find that I have to tackle these things one at a time. Several do in fact fall into the catagories you have described. I would praise anyone who can restructure their lifestyle to such a degree. Good luck with the procedure. I myself do not think I can persue so many efforts at once.

[loose id]

Originally posted by Howetzer
I myself do not think I can persue so many efforts at once.

That's why I am starting this stuff now. That way I have gotten most of it out of my system when I actually start Phase I. It gives me a chance to falter before I fly.

[Howie]

Originally posted by loose id+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(loose id)</div><!--QuoteBegin-Howetzer
I myself do not think I can persue so many efforts at once.

That's why I am starting this stuff now. That way I have gotten most of it out of my system when I actually start Phase I. It gives me a chance to falter before I fly.[/b]

This is a good way to approach your Idea. I wish you luck. :D
A Getting things out of my system method never worked for me. I have to be ready to rid myself of that particular obstical when I am ready. Otherwise I tend to fall back into it harder, A particular habit that is.

[dream-scape]

Originally posted by loose id
4) Blueberries, grapes, and other foods rich in antioxidants (suggestions welcome)

Anything with Lycopene. Lycopene is said to be one of the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidants. Minor sources of Lycopene include watermelon, pink-grapefruit, and tomatoes; the richest source of dietary Lycopene is processed tomato products because there is something about it being much easier to absorb from a tomato when first heated/processed (sauce, juice, soup, etc).

[Gezus]

Are strawberries, raspberries, etc... basically all the berries good? Because I'm incredibly picky when it comes to fruit and vegetables, the only thing I volontarily eat are berries, and I drink bananas.

[Negaigoto]

admirable goals. i wish you well, and would like to see the results. myself, i do a fair number of the things you're mentioned, having aquired good eating habits at an early age and due to stomach problems, my diet improves. keep and eye on your vitamins and etc, though, there are a great deal of things that you never realize you're dependant on... but i'm assuming that's alerady in a lot of your prep work.

wasup: you said you want to do this, which is all very well, but considering your age group, u have to remember that u really have to go out of your way for that kind of diet, and u'll need parental permission if not outright help. just something to keep in mind; the caffine and chocolate and so forth is easy, but u'd be amazed at what's in something that looks totally innocent...

as stated above, good luck to everyone who tries this... i'm gaining my control slowly through my series of experiences, myself, and i take pride in slowly evolving my consciousness... it works for me.

[Jammy]

Great thread here. Really interesting reading. Ive been in and out of many of these excersices. But maybe i join for full in three months. It would be an awsome project to press oneself to do this. Only thing i got to add is maybe a meditation/visualisation excercise under phase 2-mental.

[lord soth]

4) Blueberries, grapes, and other foods rich in antioxidants (suggestions welcome) [/b]
LOTS of ketchup... :mrgreen:

you also have water on your list twice, was that intended?

i am not with you on the sleep cycles, i dont watch alot of TV and i think that the computer is actually "benifitial" to human survival... yea... but good idea, i guess i could find a better diet. :wink:

[incognito]

This is the first thread I've come across that deals a lot with diet relating to dreaming, etc... so I'll just post this rather vague question here... and maybe somebody will direct me to a thread that has much more to do with it then disturbing this particular research project.

Seriously though, how can what you eat possibly have any effect on your mental state or ability to lucid dream? This almost seems to me like a .... placebo of sorts though I know that's not the word I'm looking for. Some measure of self control that really serves no biological purpose but simply performs a pyschological one. You believe it should help, therefore it does.

[Howie]

Originally posted by incognito
This is the first thread I've come across that deals a lot with diet relating to dreaming, etc... so I'll just post this rather vague question here... and maybe somebody will direct me to a thread that has much more to do with it then disturbing this particular research project.

Seriously though, how can what you eat possibly have any effect on your mental state or ability to lucid dream? This almost seems to me like a .... placebo of sorts though I know that's not the word I'm looking for. Some measure of self control that really serves no biological purpose but simply performs a pyschological one. You believe it should help, therefore it does.

Our administrater, Seeker is coducting an expierement simiar to these lines.
Does what you eat each night brfore you go to bed effect dream recall:

http://www.dreamviews.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8261

Check it out. Along with some of the other interesting research going on :D
As far as tha placebo affect .....I feel that can apply to several areas of lucid dreaming.

[Dylan]

I really like the idea. In fact I will probably join you. I'd probably want to add a few things as well though, meditation being one of them, and spontaneity being another. I mean, this is an experiment of course, but I think an important thing here is to not let your life get repetative and routinelike.

So instead of a STRICT excersize plan, like "running each morning for 30 minutes", howbout just an "excersize time" where you do different things that you plan the night before. For example "Tomorrow I'll go rock climbing.", or "Tomorrow I'll go kayaking." or "Tomorrow I'll go hiking." etc. You'd have time to make the appropriate plans and preparations for the next day. But of course you won't always have the time for things like that, so I think adopting a "go with the flow" attitude is good with this, which I think you have already done. Martial arts and working out is great as well, I do both, and they're excellent. But I think outdoor lifestyle sports are really important as well. They're fun too, and I believe should be incorporated.

Anyway about the spontaneity thing... perhaps doing something new each day, not just ONE new thing, but trying to do and look at a couple things differently as well. Not so much with an attitude like "Ok, time to be spontaneous... what should I do now.". No, that's not spontaneity, that's just planned randomness. It's more about trying to adopt a more open attitude and trying to... well... be more spontaneous. :P For example, got some work to do? How about biking down to the beach and doing it there... or you know, who knows. Often we get random thoughts like that, but we supress them because we feel that they are wrong. Why not try following some of them, with of course being practical.

Now... since this is an experiment, spontaneity will vary among different people because, well its all relative to each person. But I think it would be benificial? It also exserts this idea of control that you are suggesting.

What do you think? It's an idea.

I love what you're saying about always being productive, and improving yourself. I've adopted this attitude, and have been actually trying a similar lifestyle. I find that it's easy to slip at the same time though. So I also I think that that month of easing into it is a good thing. I found that trying to do too many things at once and being very strict about it is a sure way to set yourself up for failure. Perhaps a step-by-step weekly plan could be introduced? A major major thing as well, is the idea of letting go. You can't be perfect. And people see things too often as "failing"... see it not as failing, but as learning. Thats what I like about meditation... the idea of accepting every time a thought comes into your mind, acknowledging it, and then letting it go.

Also - have you ever heard about the spartan health regime? It sounds quite similar, I think you should check it out. (www.spartanhealth.com (http://www.spartanhealth.com) I believe, if It's wrong just Google it.) It's pretty much a philosophy of eating things the way nature created them, and not the way man has changed them... hmm I really think you should check it out though. The website is kind of a silly advertisement, but there should be a link somewhere on there to download the the first chapter of the book. It's been a while since I've read it, I forget what their overall philosophy is, but their philosophy on food and dieting interests me. I'm definately going to check it out as well, you do the same - tell me what you think.

Cheers,
Dylan

[Khronos]

Nice post m8, I can relate to what you are saying. By taking a 3rd person perspective over all aspects of life, you'll increase both morals and mind, in an overall effect giving you a clear view of awareness and interpretations. I have always been one of those deep drifters who barely holds onto their social life for they see little purpose, my mind was at a complete neutral. But in the last view months I have found determination to balance both physical and mental states, and you are exactly right that it works. Your motives seem a bit drastic, but just remember your main train of thought. Focus, discipline and determination (breathing), cleansing the spirit, and releasing that which is within.

Here are my opinions on your phases:

Phase 1: Don't be too harsh on yourself from the start, actually instead of jumping right into it why not start modifying your diet now. This way it will be easier for you to keep up with your goal, without as much effort.

Phase 2: This is a great idea, ever since I was 14 I've been doing mind and body exercises. I reccommend you research ki and breathing techniques. Aswell I reccommend you take a greater look at your passions and compassions, look inside yourself without reason and purpose and you will see your answers clearly as you find them.

Phase 3: To unlock your surpressed potential, to believe you can do anything for you yourself are your own eternal source, your own god. The 7 powers of intention might help you overcome this, it did for me. Creative, Kindness, Love/Appreciation, Beauty/Truth, Expansive, Abundance and receptive. Repeat these words and find your meanings for them.

Hope this helps. :P

[LordCoreon]

I read this a few times to make sure I got it all. This sounds like a world changing idea to me and I want to be a part of it! for the last month I've been trying to change my diet (It relly helped seeing supersize me) so I'm wondering if i should hold off till january or just go ahead now.

Anyway I want wish the others trying this good luck. :mrgreen:

[LewisM]

Hey, I love the idea and I think I'll implement some of those things into my life.

I have a couple of opinions on the food. Antioxidants are great and all, but there is more to consider. I recently had a nutrition lecture. The main point of the lecture was a to have adequate carbohydrates. Especially if you're going to be doing aerobic exercises every day (combined with dynamics) you will need a lot of carbohydrates to keep you healthy and make exercising easier and more productive. Im not an expert so I dont know much but I know you can get carbs from bread and rice... and a lot of other things.

If you want to cut down on meat, that's great but I think it is a lifestyle choice, not a health choice. A large steak (make sure you cut off the fat which is counterproductive to exercising) can provide one's daily intake of protein in one go.

Water... Most people are dehydrated without knowing it. Scientists and pros say you should be drinking anything from 5 litres to 10 litres a day... but I dont think anyone actually does this. I carry a drinkbottle around with me at school and this reminds me to drink water as well as supplying the water at all times.

[Dylan]

Definately don't hold off until January. What's with people's (including myself) need for sheduled starting dates for things like these. I mean, its good and all and it helps get you excited, but at the same time, it's just another way to procrastinate. What would you do if you didn't have calendars? What's the use to wait a few months to start improving your life? :? It kind of confuses me... because you'd think we would want to start right away. But even me, I've noticed I need to have that "fresh start" the "clean slate". This idea that "everything needs to be perfect before I can begin" is pretty common, on different levels though of course. And it's only ever going to screw you up in the future, life isn't perfect... you (not you, but people in general) just need to let things go more. It's that feeling if you screw up in a workout plan or something "... ah... fuck. well ok, i'll start next week" or "i'll start my new diet tomorrow!" even if you do start tomorrow, that problem is still there, the need for that immediate sudden start.

I say, and I'm still working on this myself, whatever your aspirations are, start them now. Start preparing for them, or doing them now. Whatever. But I wouldn't leave things until later unless there is a specific reason to. Ask yourself whenever you're putting something off "why?". You can come up with pretty good exuses usually, but deep down you'll know what's true and what isn't, so you have to be honest with yourself. This way, you will always be improving. Whats the use in planning to improve later?

Is there ANYTHING but this moment?

Cheers,
Dylan

[Dylan]

Oops :P you posted before I finished Lewis. That last post was in response to LordCoreon, but is general anyway. Lewis, I like what you said about the carbs. Most carbs should be gotten from raw fruits. Very very good for you. Cooked vegetables are good as well, but you've lost quite a bit of the nutrients once they're cooked. But fruits.. VERY IMPORTANT!!!

Dylan

[LordCoreon]

Originally posted by Dylan
bunch-o stuff

I said to start this around january so the people doing this could report there findings all at once and possible set this up simmaler to Seeker's Food and Dream Recall experament.

Btw: please tell me how to get the name to appear with the quote. :oops:

[Dylan]

Ahh... my bad. Regardless, it's still good advice for anyone that stumbles across this post IMO.

As for the quote thing. instead of _________ .. make it [quote] _________ so...

[quote]I said to start this around january...

I think he said he was already starting to improve some things... I think it's probably best to ease into it... because these are major lifestyle changes... the sooner the better. The REAL experiment i think is after that first month in january, when you are finally "prepared" for whatever it is he is going to follow up with.

Dylan

[LordCoreon]

Thankyou for informing the newb! :D

[Torcher]

I've been planning something like this for myself, and was glad to find it here. Having noted myself as being in dire need of habit alterations, this post has awakened me to necessity. I'm in.

[loose id]

Tomorrow is the day I start. Jan 1st is rapidly approaching.

Should we start a thread for this somewhere or stick with this location?


Also, unless the mods have a serious objection, I'm going to make a post in General Discussion to point people here. If [mods] would prefer another type of promotion, please pm me.

[marctheseeer]

Good luck with it!

The hard part will be not reaching orgasm, at least for me. You know, whenever I reach orgasm, I feel like I did something stupid a second later. That must mean something. Again, good luck.

[rotello]

The three steps seems good, a bit drastic in my opinion but good. i just hope it s not some New Year proposal that get dropt.

I myslef starting around september, quit looking at Tv ( only rubbish !), reduced my computer hours, start side activities (doing gym, swim, pick up yoga, painting, some self-improvement ...) but i started them all in a "mild" way. Now after 4 months i still fall in the TV / computer trap sometimes., and my eating is not always so healty, but rest is Ok. Going on is more important to be 100% stricht i think ( expecially when i planned to be on track in 14 months :-)
How many people will get into this self discipline ?

manolo

ps speaking of computer.. i didnt find any tread, but i noticed that too much passive video before going to sleep prevent me to good dream resemblance. is that possible

[Kaniaz]

Originally posted by loose id
Also, unless the mods have a serious objection, I'm going to make a post in General Discussion to point people here. If [mods] would prefer another type of promotion, please pm me.

I had (have) no problem with it. This topic certainly deserves at least one extra thread for "notification." Good luck! :mrgreen:

[loose id]

Today was my first day on this. I did well, but I am going to recommend something to everyone:

Prepare your meals the day before and take them with you. I had gone to lunch with a coworker and it was very difficult to find something low sodium, no sugar, low in saturated fats, not red meat, etc... Fortunately, when I explained my situation to the young lady at the counter, she made a special salad for me.

I'm thinking that I want to implement more rice into my diet. Rice has always struck me as a very healthy substitute for breads and noodles. Thoughts?

[LordCoreon]

Make sure you get unbleached rice because the white kind leeches nutrints from your bones and thats the last thing we want to happen. :( I eat to much bread and so I need to get more rice in my diet.

On another note if anyone has started the exercise part what are you doing and for how long? I just want to compare what I am doing.

[loose id]

Originally posted by LordCoreon

On another note if anyone has started the exercise part what are you doing and for how long? I just want to compare what I am doing.

I do around 20 - 30 minutes of cardio a day. I'll either run for 13 minutes then bike for 10 minutes, or I'll do bike for 20 minutes then jumprope for 2-3 minutes (jump rope is pretty rigorous if you're really pounding it). Outside of that, I'll do about an hour of resistance training (weights, freeweights, nautilus machines, swedish ball...) 4-5 times a week.

The only reason why I'm working this hard is because the more I sit around, the more I want to eat/smoke/masturbate. On the plus side though, I have a lot of energy and I'm starting to look sexy (been at the exercise thing for 3 months now).

[Gortiag]

Originally posted by loose id


Physical -
The next part in this phase is what will make or break most people. No orgasm. That means no sex and no masturbation. This is perhaps the hardest, but I have found to be the most beneficial. I have on several occasions tried to see how long I could go without an orgasm. My longest thus far is twenty-eight days. However, after day fourteen I noticed a remarkable increase in my physical energy, dream recall, creative abilities, and emotional stability. Granted, for the first week I was a wreck, I noticed a fluidity in my mind and body I have never had before after that. For those of you with significant others I don't really know what to say. Its a personal sacrifice for your individual growth, and I hope that you and your partner both see it that way. Maybe it would be a test of what type of relationship you really have. For others, this won't be nearly as hard as I make it out to be.




I don't know about this one. If you are used to having orgasms, and you just "stop", you will only dam up energy that will leak out some other way.
To stop having orgasms you have to have a certain state of mind.
Priests and monks (not only here in the west) have been trying to quit the orgasms for centuries, and not many have truly succeded, and there is a reason for that.

I have also tried to quit the orgasms, but I found that it was too much of a hassle.
After a while, you spend more energy and attention on the effort of not having an orgasm, than you win on not having orgasms.
It's true, orgasms seems to be the largest waste-channel of energy of man-kind. But, you can't just "switch it off" and presume that you can direct this energy to the activites you specify. You need training to do that sort of thing.
I have found that it is enough to lower the frequency of the orgasms to a level you think is approriate.

To think of quitting orgasms as a "personal sacrifice" is pure folly to me. The spiritual road is a very long one and it's supposed to be a joyous experience. When you get to the level when ceasing your sexual activites is a must to continue, then it will not seem like a "personal sacrifice", at all.
As long as we are humans, we are sexual beings.

Also, I would like to point out, that ceasing your sexual activities or lowering the frequency of them severely may cause depression in the long run.
It is not only something that I have noticed on myself, but it is also indicated in the psychological field. Depressed patients does not jerk off, and as they go deeper into their depressions, so does the frequency of their orgasms get lower.

But, if you've found a way to govern your sexual energies, please tell me. :)

[loose id]

^^
In response to the above:

1) Could you please find a source to your claim that "depressed patients do not jerk off"? I would be very interested in seeing some scientific evidence on that because it is directly contrary to much of what I have read/experienced.

2) It has been almost (probably exactly) 2 weeks since I have "released", and I am finding that I am making better gains in the weight room and my 2 mile time has gone down a full 20 seconds in just one week. It may be coincidence, but it is a very peculiar one at that. Plus, my yoga and my bass playing feels much more fluid and I am not making as many errors.

3) I don't disagree about your statement that you need some sort of auxilary release so your efforts are poured into "not having an orgasm." Thankfully I have many outlets... bass, yoga, resistance training, running/biking, film, and writing... so I don't think that's a concern for me. They may not be what you would consider the ideal outlets, but I hardly think masturbating to an .avi of some girl faking it (or having sex with some overweight girl who's faking it) is either.

[Gortiag]

Depression is when you have no power to do anything. You lie in your bed, too tired to shave or shower. You don't care about anything.
And, I'm sorry, but I cannot post any links or point to any book that proves what I've said, but I've taken courses in psychology, and it is from what I've learned there that I spoke. I'm not making something up, just to screw around.
When you stop jerking off, or do it more rarely, you will notice that you'll get horny less often.
If you start to ejaculate every other day for some time, you'll notice that you'll get quite horny only after 1, 2 or 3 days.
When I made effort to drop the orgasms, I found that it could go a week without me feeling the need to do any sexual activity. And if I started to have orgasms on a regular basis again, I found that I after a while got horny more quickly.
And about the depressions, I'm talking of a long time here, not 2 weeks. I've experimented on this particular thing for a very long time now, and noted the effects and such.
First, you get more energy, and so. But, then, when you don't have orgasms, you're body will start "saving", and you won't get the energy you want anyways.
The sexual power will reduce itself accordingly to the frequency of your orgasms. It is in the "high-points" of the cycles you can extract extra energy from this, when your body is expecting an orgasm and have built up extra energy, but the orgasm doesn't come. Then you'll have a surplus of energy.
But the body "learns" and it won't produce that amount of energy next time.
So, as the distance between the orgasms become greater, so does the rate of speed that the body builds up energy drop.
After a while, you'll notice that you'll get no more extra energy and you won't be horny, either.

The thing is, that the extra sexual "kick" you feel when the body has saved up energy for the orgasm, and it doesn't come, give you a boost in your overall activity - because of the extra testorone you have in your body (running faster, lifting heavier things etc) and (this, researchers have not been able to grab, yet) the "other" type of energy, the "mind-energy" that gives you more powerful meditations, a quicker brain etc. (allthough being able to think quicker also has a connection to the testorone? I'm not sure about this one.)
But it only last for a little while. The body rids of this extra energy quite fast, and starts the rebuilding process once again, according to the time-limits between the orgasms it is used to.
The energy you use to live your life and to read books and to keep your heart beating is not only sexual energy, cause then I'd already be dead, or at least not half as smart as I am today.
Jerking off to and .avi film, or actually having sex both gives orgasms and renews the cycle. Writing, reading or lifting weights does not give orgasms, and hence the body will not continue to build up the sexual energy you benefit from.

We're quite the mammals, really. The body simple wants to breed. 8)

I'm only sharing my own experiences here, of what I've learned and felt.
I'm not trying to "dictate rules", or "tell you how it *really* is", because that I think noone will be able to do, ever.

[loose id]

if anyone is continuing this experiment, or at least following our progress...

i think I am starting to go a little mad. I've been having some nightmares (which is a rarity for me) involving all kinds of frightening imagery (walking across a field of snakes, swimming amongst sharks eating porcupines, my ex-girlfriend playing with a mildew-covered stuffed rabbit...)

My "alertness" is starting to wane a little bit, but I still feel much more lucid mentally than I had before, plus, physically I cannot remember a time when I was in better shape.

Thus far I am not seeing any drastic improvements on my waking life nor in my ability to go lucid, but I am feeling a touch more confident. Its kind of nice to know that you have a certain amount of control.

More to come.

[LordCoreon]

So Just a quick poll who is still doing this?

As for my experiance eating heatly and exercizing has improved my dream recall, the quallity of my sleep and my lucid dreaming ( woo hoo a 700% time increase to 35 seconds). I also have never felt better in my life physicaly and mentaly, once you get passed a recent event in my life that affects my mood a lot. Don't ask :D

Originally posted by Loose id
My \"alertness\" is starting to wane a little bit, but I still feel much more lucid mentally than I had before, plus, physically I cannot remember a time when I was in better shape.

My alertness as also waned a bit and I tend to stare at things but nothing serious.

[loose id]

I was doing this up until about two weeks ago.

I found that although my dream recall and instances of lucidity went way up, I was also a little bit cranky to people. Some of my friends commented that I was starting to act like "my shit don't stink", which isn't me at all.

So then, by accident, I had sex (yes, it can happen by accident) and I kinda fell off the wagon.

I'm not doing the uberman sleep cycles nor the sexual abstinence, but I'm still exercising, following my diet, and abstaining from drugs and alchohol (with the exception of one night last week when I made some blue lotus tea). My dream recall is still up (it takes me 45 minutes every morning to write it down), and I'm averaging at least 4-5 lucid dreams a week (my best ever). However, vividity has decreased slightly since I stopped the orgasm abstinence. I may start that up again.

Plus side - the one friend who commented to me about my condescention has complimented on how much I've "lightened up" the last week or so. Someone's above comments on the necessity of sexual release may or may not be valid. Further experimentation is necessary.

[LordCoreon]

I fell of the wagon too. I've been struggling to climb back on. i think Im gonna start this process over agian this summer if I haven't gotten back on it again.

As for that sexual release stuff I found it I stopped that compleatly after a day or 2 of kinda feeling like crap I also "lightend up" and my focus was greatly increassed in all things. I did experiance a few negitive effects like I was a little to clingy to my "girl friend".

We might have to start a new topic and lead a corse for the others at dream veiw during the summer now that we know a lot of what will happen.

[FMprime]

this seems like a really great thing to do. I've started to do some of the things mentioned here. I hafta disagree with ya about some things in the plan, such as no red meat ( i think someone else added that), no caffiene: a significant cutback is good but some of us won't be able to go without it, I don't really see the harm in dairy products, i guess they are high in saturated fats but i dont think they would really drain your energy.

This looks like it would be pretty good to do most of these things, and i may try to expand the amount of things i do that are on your list. I've already felt the increase in energy from the few things i've already done.

If this experiment has been reposted somewhere else, please let me know.

[XxAphroditesAngelxX]

I also want to try this.. but the whole food thing is a bit of a problem for me at the moment, as I live on a college campus and pretty much only eat at the school cafeteria.. and honestly.. who knows what they put in the weird crap they make. But I recently stopped smoking (not because of these experiment) and my friend and I have been running/biking around the levy out here every night.. and I've already experienced a significant increase in energy..

I want to fully try this experiment.. but I think it will have to wait until July when I get an apartment and can buy and cook food for myself.. thus having much more control over my diet.. I'll have to work on giving up soda as well.. I'm a bit of a diet coke addict.. but replacing that with water and natural juices should cause vast improvements as well.

This experiment sounds great.. good luck with it..

[LordCoreon]

This seems like a really great thing to do. I've started to do some of the things mentioned here. I hafta disagree with ya about some things in the plan, such as no red meat ( i think someone else added that), no caffeine: a significant cutback is good but some of us won't be able to go without it, I don't really see the harm in dairy products, i guess they are high in saturated fats but I don’t think they would really drain your energy[/b]

Your free to modify this stuff and no one can stop you. As for me I just cut down on red meat. And I stopped using caffeine almost completely but that was for a reason out side of the experiment ( the reason makes me a looser so don't ask).

...but the whole food thing is a bit of a problem for me at the moment...[/b]

I ran into that problem a few times I would wait to start this fully but don't stop the exercise or what else you've already tried. It gives your body a chance to adjust more easily and you a chance to "falter before you fly".

Any way good luck to the next batch trying this :D

[Oneironaut]

Great thread. I've already began changing my lifestyle around, getting rid of some of the worst habits I had, and I'm finding alot of people are doing the same as I am, at right about the same time period. Good luck on your path to ascension, and it seems you have a few fellow journeymen with you, myself included.

[LordCoreon]

Good for you!


Also I recently found out that green tea is loaded with antioxidents. Just thought I'd share.

[Canon]

Interesting, i'll have to try this.

[Serkat]

Good post but I wouldn't call it a method. It's pretty banal. I'm seriously wondering how anyone wouldn't think of refining life and self when it comes to lucid dreaming.

[Gwendolyn]

Wow. This sounds like a really big jump in lifestyle. As many others have said, do not jump right in all at once unless you are sure you are ready for that much alteration in your lifestyle. Other than that, I think it sounds like a great lifestyle, though restrictive. I am sure the benifits would outweigh the restrictive parts of the experiment though.