liminal_luke

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About liminal_luke

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  1. Software issues.

    Is the difficulty that something needs to be done with the software but none of the present mods or admin know how to update it? IĀ“have a suggestion. What if we create a way for members to contribute towards a Fix-it Fund and then let a professional computer person make the necessary updates. I would be willing to contribute a modest amount. If we band together, I think we can easily solve this.
  2. Transgender Q&A

    ThatĀ“s fine, Maddie. I suspected you wouldnĀ“t find my point of view useful and perhaps shouldnĀ“t of posted, but in the end gave in to the posting impulse. I wonĀ“t argue the point. LetĀ“s hope everyone remains free to express their authentic selves.
  3. Transgender Q&A

    Many transgender people are understandably shocked and dismayed by TrumpĀ“s recent executive orders. When things seem dark, I think itĀ“s good to remember and hold on to points of light. Some feared things have not happened. Trans folks are not being rounded up by the government and killed. With the exception of those in prison, gender-affirming care remains available for adults. The vast majority of people are happy to call people by whatever pronouns they prefer. (Or at least this seems true to me -- perhaps I live in a magical fairy kingdom?) If a Bum purposely misgenders another Bum here with intent to hurt, the moderators are likely to take immediate and decisive action. No matter what happens politically, we all have the right to affirm to ourselves what we find to be true. I know my gender and nobody can take that knowledge away from me. Reality is reality. Trump doesnĀ“t have the power to change reality no matter what.
  4. It was invented by Jews

    Thanks, Cobie. No worries about supporting me or not supporting me. I am not lobbying for people to respond one way or the other, only passing on what Darius wanted to tell the board.
  5. It was invented by Jews

    IĀ“ve been in contact with Darius and he asked me to post the following apology for him (with permission from the moderators)... I am sorry. I got carried away and wasnā€™t thinking clear. In the heat of the moment, so to speak, I didnā€™t feel like I did anything wrong. The comment by blue eyed snake made me at least start to reconsider tho. Happily, luke contacted me by mail, and told me how I came across while remaining really civil about it, and I realize he is correct. I shouldnā€™t have said any of the things I did. I sincerely apologize to you all. I do not believe anyone are inheritley bad or wrong based on their background.
  6. It was invented by Jews

    It can be wonderfully affirming to read about the contributions people in oneĀ“s in-group (whatever that happens to be) have made to the world. Perhaps this is why many gays get a kick out of watching the "fab five" give clueless heteros makeovers on the TV show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I like the show too, nevermind the fact that my own style is woefully in need of an upgrade. Look at the amazing things my tribe members can do! The downside of public proclamations of fabulousness is that bragging brings out the naysayers. ThereĀ“s always a Yin to take down the Yang (or vice versa if you prefer). Alas, such is the case here.
  7. Everyone post some favorite quotes!

    I had no idea Dostoevsky was still alive.
  8. For Bindi, non-dualists, and myself

    This feels very apropo this time of year when so many of us take stock of ourselves, discover perceived deficiencies, and endeavor to "improve." If I find fault with myself, IĀ“m hardly easier with friends and family who often, in my thoughtful estimation, could use some improvement themselves. What if everything is alright just the way it is? Blasphemy, I know. Ironically, I believe that nonacceptance of the present moment is the biggest obstacle to change. Acceptance is karmic WD40, lubricating the wheels of positive transformation. The more IĀ“m down on myself, the less energy IĀ“ll have to metamorphasize into the thinner, stronger, even-keeled man I hope to become.
  9. For Bindi, non-dualists, and myself

    @Geof Nanto When I first heard about the new AI programs I was determined to stay away. But in the way of so many of my resolutions, that determination fizzled and now I ask Gemini all sorts of questions. I donĀ“t think itĀ“s as advanced as ChatGPT as it just seems to find things on the web that I could probably find myself, but it is an easy and fun way to get an initial take on a question. Anyway, I donĀ“t really have any comments on the actual topic of this thread, but wanted to say that you seem very thoughtful about your use of AI.
  10. Should there be an etnic element to spirituality?

    Cultural appropriation is looked down on in certain circles but human beings have always burrowed from each other. Burrowed stuff is inevitably different from where it came from -- often worse, occasionally better, but always different. Chinese food in Mexicali is served with skillet-fried chiles and limes. Mexican restaurants in the United States, unlike in most of Mexico, serve a lot of margaritas. When my partner wanted to sell paintings at a local gallery here in Ensenada, Baja California he was told to paint pictures of naked women and portraits of Frida Kahlo because thatĀ“s what cruiseship passengers would buy. Yoga classes at my local gym likely have a different vibe than yoga in India. This is the way of things. There will always be traditionalists and innovators. Personally, IĀ“m glad for both.
  11. Transcendence vs Integration

    In old3bobĀ“s defense, itĀ“s been a very long year.
  12. What made YOU laugh today/tonight ?

    The 2024 Haterā€™s Guide To The Williams-Sonoma Catalog | Defector
  13. Transcendence vs Integration

    Back in the day, I used to attend 12-step meetings. People would complain in the meeting about how awful their lives were and then weĀ“d all go to coffee afterwards; IĀ“d dish to my friends about how so-and-so didnĀ“t really have it that bad and just needed to buck up. Taobums is kind of the opposite of that. People come on and say that they have an established spiritual practice, enjoy teaching others, and just generally seem like theyĀ“ve got their lives together. Then we all go out to virtual coffee and dish about how theyĀ“ve deluded themselves into faux-happiness and are actually mired in horrific denial.
  14. Transcendence vs Integration

    The more IĀ“m bound up with karma, the more I have to gain from present-moment consciousness. Being in the present moment is a powerful way to unhook.
  15. Transcendence vs Integration

    Personally, I donĀ“t know what happens after death but I do think itĀ“s possible to have an informed opinion. Is it possible to remember past deaths? Is it possible to be in communication with loved ones who have died or trustworthy spirits willing to fill us in? Is it possible to develop a kind of intuitive knowingness that confers, well, knowledge? I like to think all of these things are possible. This said, thereĀ“s no doubt that, as you say, "what truly matters is what is happening in this moment."