/lit/ - Literature

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

I would recommend exercising your self-control by doing something useful. Try cleaning or working out for half an hour instead of watching a candle burn.

>>15154395
>Try cleaning or working out for half an hour instead of watching a candle burn.
The first thing I do is make my bed and I do my exercise after my morning candle watch.

>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

Meditations-Marco Aurelius, brotha

>>15154319
>>15154385
>>15154394
>>15154410
>>15154411
>>15154413
SHUT UP. SHUT UP. SHUT UP. I'M TRYING TO IMPROVE MY FOCUS BUT YOU FUTURE WORM FOOD HAVE TO JUST COME AND FUCK UP MY THREAD. WELL, YOU CAN FUCK THE FUCK OFF.

I WILL NOT LIVE A SLURRY, SLEEPY LIFE YOU SHITHEADS

>>15154438
How about you focus on deez nuts faggot?

>>15154433
I need a starting strength for me spirtually and mentally fren. I'm weary of Loyola because he's a Jesuit.

>>15154306
>girls when they find out that you watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning to discipline your mind

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154492
>>15154468
>>15154438
>>15154413
>>15154411
>>15154410
>>15154394
>>15154385
>>15154319
This is already fertile ground for a screencap, op. I am sorry.
It's just how it goes.

>>15154504
Just don't post it on r*ddit

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning
I used to do this. I would focus on my breathing and try to create a conceptual "flame" within my own breast to power me through the day. It's a powerful technique anon, good on you for having the discipline.

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

I know this candle thing is a beginer step for a few meditations practices. But I think you are supposed to move the flame inside your minds eye anon after only a few times doing it with a real one.
Don't let yourself be bullied by the others though. They could focus their mind on something for more than 5 minutes.

>>15154306
kek thread
but seriously op learn some better meditation, i just intuitively press few buttons on brain(dissolve thoughts) and heart and feel whole body vibrating in mini orgasms(very pleasurable) ,streams of energy, good focus and non dual awareness bliss. Cant imagine starting any other way also life feels like a personal movie the more present and grounded u are in eternal self.

>>15154306
HASHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306

>>15154306

>>15154306
Oh no no no. You thought this thread would die so soon?

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

This is something someone on /fit/ would do

based candleposter

>>15154306
The virgin mocker
>lives his life in function of avoiding being laughed at
>beta male, tries to please others at all costs
>cowardly, tries to mock others to get praise by women and chad. Fails in doing so
>abandonment issues
the Chad candleposter
>does what he knows is good for him
>no need for entertainment or approval, he just stares to candles
>gives 0 fucks
>eyes so strong he impregnates women just by looking at them
>virgins dare attacking him only online due to the power of his eyes

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15155206
based
I stare at the sunrise for 30 mins every morning, it is harsher training for the eyes than a candle but now sunglasses fear me

>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15154438
YOU LOOK FOCUSED ENOUGH!

>>15154306
Now, watch a candle not burning for half an hour every morning. It changes every thing!

>>15155206
based and wholesome , still laughed a bit at op tho

>>15155632
this

>>15154306
listen at an old whatever sport game for an hour without mind-wandering

>No buddhist bullshit. Interested in monk practices though.

>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

everyone is mocking you, but trataka is a real practice that will significantly increase your concentration. however, it is buddhist/hindu bullshit so you should probably quit

>>15154306
I breathe thru this thread. I focus on my breathing. I am self disciplined.

>OP comes to this board looking for help
>people make fun of him for trying

>>15154306
OP is absolutely based. I bet most of the people laughing at him wake up and masturbate or immediately go on this cursed website

Extreme Ownership? It seems like kind of a corporate-style meme but I’ve heard it’s good.

What about stoicism? I’m sure there are books on Christian asceticism.

>>15154306
burn yourself with cigarette lighters until it doesn't hurt and punch trees until your hand stops breaking

>>15154306
Deep Work

>OP burns his retinas out with monk ritual every morning

this fucking thread lmao

>>15155921
Like You.

>>15155944
This is high level buddhism.

>>15154306
Dont listen to brainlets in this thread op, 1st anon posted a meme and others just want to be in le epic screencap. As for your question, look into
>Ladder of Divine Ascent
Eastern Orthodox monk book, with fasting, breathing exercises and lots of other stuff focused on gaining peaceful mind

also what
>>15155859
>>15155936
had said

The ignorant make a great effort to practise one-pointedness and the stopping of thought, while the wise see nothing to be done and remain in themselves like those asleep. 18.33

The stupid man does not attain cessation whether he acts or abandons action, while the wise man finds peace within simply by knowing the truth. 18.34

People cannot come to know themselves by practices — pure awareness, clear, complete, beyond multiplicity, and faultless though they are. 18.35

The stupid man does not achieve liberation even through regular practice, but the fortunate remains free and actionless simply by understanding. 18.36

The stupid does not attain Godhead because he wants it, while the wise man enjoys the Supreme Godhead without even wanting it. 18.37

Even when living without any support and eager for achievement, the stupid are still nourishing samsara, while the wise have cut at the very root of its unhappiness. 18.38

The stupid man does not find peace because he desires it, while the wise man discriminating the truth is always peaceful minded. 18.39

>>15155983

its not going to do that, it is just a candle. your cellphone is probably worse

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning.
Fire Kasinas are Buddhist, Anon :^)

>>15154306
I used to do that too anon, don't listen to them. There's better exercises to move onto once you're confident enough with it though.

>>15154306
Someone who has self-discipline wouldn't have a reason to come to 4chan, so wrong place to ask.

>>15156132
buddhists are retarded

>>15154306
https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Way-Life-Spiritual-Exercises/dp/0631180338

>>15154556
Good job

>>15154306
Unironically based
>>15154319
>>15154385
>>15154394
>>15154410
>>15154411
>>15154413
>>15154468
>>15154492
>>15154532
>>15154556
>>15154584
>>15154786
>>15154870
>>15154883
>>15154995
>>15155250
>>15155340
>>15155570
Pure fucking reddit
Desperate to be in an r/4chan post like the pathetic faggots they are

>>15154556
This is great. How do people make Wojack edits? I'm retarded

>>15157037
Bump

>>15157054
This. Tell us anons.

>>15154306
read The Mind Illuminated.
what you're doing is pretty based but you need more information on the nuances you should be looking for and practicing, and that book teaches you all of that.

>>15157037
I just draw with my mouse on paint

>>15157353
Do you have a Wojak template your draw off of? I know how to draw lines, but I don't know how to change the lines that are there

Rosary, liturgy of the hours, St. Ignatius spiritual exercises, contemplation following reading verses of scripture, etc...
Prolonged prayer, and prayer done every day at a specific time, can get quite difficult, but with God all is possible.
All of these can, and have historically been, done under candlelight.
To focus, I tend to pray best outside under a thunderstorm in exposure, something about the physical discomfort assists the process. Pax Domini

>>15156920
You throw around terms like based and Reddit as if you fit in, but the goal of your post is a reversed sincerity, the total opposite of historical notions of those terms you used. You are trying to defend someone who fucking stares at candles.

And if I may make another recommendation, candleanon, lately I’ve been gazing upon a pigeon pea sapling I’m growing indoors, across from my study. I found it to be beneficial

>>15156098
I’m not OP but I’m a Catholic looking for something like this. Thank you.

>>15154438
hey I respect you anon, candle-meditation is a real calm-abiding technique practiced by Buddhists

>>15154306
I don't understand why the brainlets are laughing at you desu, it's no different from meditation. Praying might work too.

>>15155962
This book can probably be summarized in 3 lines of greentext. Would you be so kind?

>>15158314
>isolate yourself and turn off your computers
>getting into flow state is important
>multitasking is stupid, stop doing it

>>15158327
thanks senpai. seems easy

>>15158113
Because it's cringe

>>15154306
Are you retarded

>>15157546
>NOooooooooo don't you get it!!!!!! He's staring at candles!!!!!!!!!!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%C4%81%E1%B9%ADaka
>What do you mean there's nothing wrong with it???? HE'S..... HE'S STARING AT CANDLES!!!!!!!!

>>15159144
Yes

>>15157037
thanks, anon! i use a tablet to draw mine because there’s something kind of fun and relaxing about putting wojaks in elaborate or specific settings.

>>15159200
Why would a tantric practice uprooted from his cultural context and used to "improve concentration" be good? Are you, may I say it, homosexual in nature?

>>15156305
Where should they go instead?

>>15160159
Because it improves concentration
>NoOooooooo you can't do things outside of their original purpose for your own benefit!!!!!! That's chwating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>15157546
People talk about meditation pretty often here. Some people like it, some people don't. Some people think it gives you brain damage. But if you add a candle I guess people go nuts.

>>15160304
>using practices outside their broader cultural context for utilitarian reasons
peak bug

>>15154438
>>15154306
:^)

Seriously though, good on you for trying anon. It's legitimately an effective entry in meditation (mirroring >>15154572 >>15154695 and >>15156297 )

Here are book recommendations:
>The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa.
It has a reputation as a highly pragmatic, plain language, and research-based approach to mindfulness (if this counts as monk practices).
To fully disclose, the author did cheat on his wife with prostitutes in a publicized way after publishing the book.
However, the approach to teaching meditation actually works and have helped improved my life (e.g. how to set up a regular daily routine, how to focus on a particular task while keeping situational awareness).

>>15155936
>Extreme Ownership
I read Extreme Ownership. It's highly effective; it explains why and how to avoid micromanagement when delegating tasks, and for taking responsibility for your life (versus blaming your boss, your history, circumstances, etc.).
Even if things truly aren't your fault, by taking ownership and acting like it is, you're more empowered versus feeling victimized.

>Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
You can also try Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson, in addition to reading the Enchiridion and/or Meditations by Aurelius.
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness specifically mentions mental exercises to avoid being wrapped up in emotion.

If I had to prioritize two books for your situation right now, it would be The Mind Illuminated and Robertson's book.
Good for you for taking responsibility on improving your life.

Why don't you do something more beneficial while increasing your self-discipline, e.g. exercising, fasting, regulating your sleep schedule, eating better? All of these lead to improvements in your health that will significantly improve your life. Or you can learn a skill or get a second job. You're not going to improve much of anything just by watching a candle burn.

>>15160444
I would also add BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits to Culadasa's and Robertson's books.
To add reasoning, each of the three books offers exercises and trains you to develop mental skills.

So, you can use Fogg's book to learn how to break bad habits and substitute them for better ones.
Culadasa's book teaches you to be consciously focused on what you're doing, potentially all the time, while also avoiding hyper-focus.
Robertson's book teaches you how to avoid getting swept up by emotion.

You will have to revisit these books from time to time, but they have helped me through some tough times.
I also feel good writing this out, as I've been in a depressive funk lately due to friendship issues despite a really productive 10 months.
I feel almost normal again, and I also plan to review these to return back to my old routines (potentially creating new ones).

>>15160148
What app on tablet? Is there something for desk top?

>>15154306
Sertillanges

>>15160670
the app is called Procreate, but on desktop i just use paint. i’m very fond of Procreate bc it’s quite intuitive.

>>15160444
>To fully disclose, the author did cheat on his wife with prostitutes in a publicized way after publishing the book.
wtf I love Culadasa now?

>>15160715
If you want to get redpilled on this, read:
>The email at https://www.reddit.com/r/streamentry/comments/cspe6n/conductcommunity_culadasa_misconduct_update/
>A discussion on the scandal at https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/10/16/is-enlightenment-compatible-with-sex-scandals/

>>15157546
Life would be boring if everyone were the same or lacked eccentricities.
Nothing wrong with spending your free time doing what you like, as long as you're not hurting anyone.

>>15161112
boring > """fun"""

>>15161137
NPC

>>15161112
doing what you like in your free time is reddit

>>15161287
very boring post
+1

>>15160683
Good rec

>>15161981
Thanks for highlighting, that got buried. A good one is:
>The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning

>>15156920
No, Reddit would be supportive of a novel discipline exercise. It's 4chan that wants an opportunity to act like this

Not that it isn't funny

>>15154306
Wouldn’t that hurt your eyes? I candle in my peripheral vision starts to strain my eyes, although I’m quite light sensitive.

>>15163081
How the fuck do you manage to exist in a world where the sun exists?

>>15154306
>Currently, I watch a candle burn for half an hour every morning
Absolutely based.

>>15154306
Sleep on the floor -- despite having a bed, I sleep on the floor and have been for about 5-6 months now. Withdraw from some pleasures. It will harden you and make you less needy.

>>15154306
I know everyone is jumping on le epic bandwagon but there is no qualitative difference between meditating/praying with your eyes closed versus being open-eyed but fixed on one point.

>>15156650
>>15160683
dangerously based

Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon and Concentration by Mouni Sadhu are good for this.

use nicotine pouches

>>15163657
Isn't that bad for your health

>>15160287
Wrong place to ask.

>>15163291
I close my curtains? I also mostly go out at night if I can help it.

>>15160312
>Some people think it gives you brain damage.
huh?

>>15154306

>>15166320
BASED BASED ABASED PUT ME IN DA SCREEN CAP FOR R/ROASTED AND R/4CHAN AND R/LIT MEMES KEKEKEKEKEKEKEKE