Competition is for losers 🙃

[@samourchris946]

People who used to be fellows become competitors , competitors become enemies , and enemies become alike... what a quote @Accepting the Universe

[@BasedBrothers]

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” -Lao Tzu

[@frv6610]

ye

[@TheArchitect93]

Thank you for a bit of LaoZi there. It's been a while since I've read him and I should probably pick him up again having lived in his home country now for more than 5 years. Absolutely, as a martial artist now of 15 years with a healthy dose of Stoisim recently, a healthy dose of Cynisim from Diogenes, there's a time and a place to compete, in the gymnasium for the Greeks, in the gym and such in our sparring sessions, in say, an actual competition. But in our daily lives? For example: Oh! I'm smarter than you because I've embraced real modern Chinese culture and I know exactly how Confucianism has taken root and blah blah blah. Pathetic ego flexing. I see it a lot and simply smile and nod and challenge it a little with my words when I'm faced with these sorts of situations "Oh, you're reading Homer? Ah yes! You're a primary school teacher it makes sense. Homer is like Shakespeare for kids!" This was genuinely the words of a high school biology teacher. Amusing point of view, I was happy to take the hit in this case and smile and nod. Our conversations are entertaining as as an ESL teacher, it's good to hear a refreshing perspective.

[@aeronhocking]

These videos are one of a kind. I’ve never found content like this before, truly meaningful and beautiful.

[@mabaker]

Handsome host and a dog. Name a more iconic duo for lonely women online.

[@nenyeo6090]

⁠@@mabaker you don’t know that the OG commenter is a woman but go off incel😂 pretty woman and her feet. Name a more iconic duo for an incel male.

[@Harmony_of_Life_Rus]

My over four decades of life, I had tried to fit in, be like everybody else, do the right thing, do what others expect me to do... I had been so miserable! Now I live a simple, frugal, reclusive life. I avoid interactions with other people as much as possible. The few friends I have are online ones; I've never met them in real life and never will. My best friend and companion is my dog! People might think this is a very lonely life. Not at all! I've discovered I can truly be myself only when I am alone! It's a beautiful and peaceful life!

[@SaulEmersonAuthor]

You've mastered Solitude. Even when we're in conversation, we're kind of always waiting for our turn to speak (in a way too - by definition). So - we may as well spend more time conversing with 'I'. I can say this because it's just a comment on a KZbin comments thread - but at 50, I've realised that there's no-one more interesting (to me) than me. I suspect that you may've realised this about yourself too - hence the hermitisation route. To remind - this is Solitude - _not_ loneliness. Folk get married, find 'the love of their life' - then one of them dies first, & then the other dies of loneliness. So futile, in a way - living 'anchored' in that way. We are born completely alone - & will die that way in essence. I've decided to figure this game of Life on those fundamental terms. It's actually awesome - because it's exciting to be me, there is no-one like me, & I get to meet myself every day. And - while it's apparently the case that humans need human interaction for full mental health - this _doesn't_ have to be 'friends', or partners - it can simply be chatting to the postman, ordering a pizza & speaking to someone, even getting fuel, or anything - allows enough interaction to assure our psyche that we are not literally alone on the planet. (Lest I paint an incorrect picture - I'm simply excited to be alive on Earth in this particular Epoch of human development - I will learn & read about the history & development of the microchip, I use a Kirby vacuum cleaner every day, just to be able to interact with a real machine, I will pause & listen to my little Toyota diesel - because it's a symphony & marvel of engineering - even a simple wheel bearing is. I love being at a computer - because even an optical mouse & the screen is stupendously awesome technology - & so it's amazing also for me to interact with a computer. I even find the sheer phenomenon of _vision_ exciting - that I can see, _anything_ - is just awesome. Literally - awe-making. And don't get me started on the marvel of the human body & that I get to pilot one for a while - it's amazing that the physical, electrical, biological & chemical symphony of the body works _at all_ . I don't know if there _is_ anyone out there equally excited by interacting with the technological marvel of the computer (& mouse), or the stupendous fact that we are all astronauts on a ball floating in space - so - I've also chosen Solitude.)

[@SierraGax]

This competition happens even with our loved ones. When we perceive that someone we care about has hurt our emotions, we may instinctually react by trying to make them feel like they “made” us feel. If we give in to this first impression then we may, in a sense, try to “out-hurt” them. In turn, the other person will do the same and this is how arguments grow. A competition of hurting the other as a defense of one’s feelings and one person’s perceived transgression giving way to the other’s and so on. Recognizing this pattern can be powerful if we are wise enough to then pause, take a breath, and see our loved one not as an enemy or competitor, but as an ally who you are trying to work together with to resolve a common issue. Easier said than done, surely.

[@knusperkeks87]

Tell a poor man that money isn't everything, a sick man that health isn't everything, a 40 year old virgin that female validation and sex isn't that important ... It's useless. Only those who have had some success in life can give it up. Everyone else will always strive for these "worldly things" - and maybe realize that they aren't THAT important when they finally get them. But only then they will realize. Trying to convince a beggar or a sick man with reasonable arguments that being poor, being sick, being ugly isn't that bad, is not only useless but destructive. Read Nietzsche.

[@lansvance4870]

Very true. Everyone is in their human right to strive for the whatever it is they deem worthy. People who do have those things and think less of them are in their right to feel that way, but their perception is their life experience. It’s self violence to give up on something just because someone else has it and doesn’t think it’s worth it, we deserve the right to determine that for ourselves.

[@kasiagierelo3643]

The last two days after listening to this message, wherever i went a thought was with me: «i am complete. I do not need anything». It caused so Much peace. I realised again that i go through life feeling constant lack. Lack Of things people have. I am so grateful for this video as it describes the story Of my life… i was a little girl growing up in an unstable house and i remember brawsing some pod German fashion catalogues, with happy families… i believe i made then that connection, with happy families being only well dressed, quite wealthy… that the financial side is the only way to being happy…. So sad really… but happy i have been slowly Waking up from this way Of thinking… on my therapy we speak a lot about ego… and super ego… but this is a new take on this topic that i relate so Much to… it feels like the description you give here… step by step … how we feel the hole and how we try to fill it with thibgs others have… this resonates so Much with me… as i see so Much Of myself in it. Really appreciate this 💕🌷🌸

[@ijustwannabeatpeace]

Better than Therapy.

[@elbatoullahmidi]

Is this man even realizing how much of an impact he has!! How unique his vids are ! Im so grateful im one of these ppl here

[@Christina528-b6h]

I wish everyone thought this way, what a beautiful world it would be! ❤

[@caty9995]

Absolutely!

[@GoWithDaFlowMo]

❤😊

[@samuellourencojacob4358]

The light in the eyes of humans will keep shining due to channels like this. Thank you for your work and all the best.

[@Mattman0106]

Man I was feeling extremely low recently. Finding this video/this channel a few days ago, might have saved my life.

[@henrikwakman7776]

This one video really changed my outlook. It made me a different man. Thank you.

[@lizaa_sarkar]

Competition is such a never-ending process, that literally can detach one from depth ness & living life to the fullest Thank you for another insightful video💚

[@esthergebel5256]

Thank you so much for showing your true humanity and for teaching us about retaining our virtues. To reach out to other humans, as well as animals, is what fills that missing piece that we search so hard for. Two days ago, I was too late with my visit to a friend. As I called, they were waiting on the coroner. Right now, I am praying for our beloved granddaughter whose Mom committed suicide. She now has this hard task of walking into a hospital to say goodbye forever. Life is so precious. There shouldn't be competition. Love and peace need to start in our own hearts and homes. Only then there is Hope for a world without war.

[@esthergebel5256]

I would like to add one more, this time shorter comment. I have read many books in my lifetime. If I had to choose only one to keep, it would be The Art of Living, the Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness by Epictetus. I am giving them as gifts to people. Thank you for recommending this little teasure.

[@anshpradhan1954]

A message right when i needed, the universe does really work in wierd ways

[@what.sub_yt]

The universe is such a gift

[@MikoCempla]

Hey lovely people watching this! I feel like it's not super random if you happen to be watching these videos and enjoying them. Something about your urge for inner growth, self-examination, and a peaceful, not-imposed way of discussing life made you want to watch our friend from Milwaukee (and Leila, of course). I guess it's slowly taking a shape of a community. As much as I value online connections, though, there's nothing like a real person-to-person interaction. How about we tag our cities in the comments and if anybody would like to meet, and have a real conversation about Seneca, or about life in general, we could do that over a cup of coffee or meet in a park for a walk? Just an idea! Finally, hi and thanks a lot to the author. I love your videos and the fact they trigger thinking rather than coach or babysit people. We all need this. As a filmmaker and a dog owner, I also feel quite close to you. Any chance you know Herman Hesse's books? All the best from Kraków, Poland! Miko

[@acceptingtheuniverse]

I just finished reading Siddhartha and quite enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@MikoCempla]

@@acceptingtheuniversecheck out Demian, it’s absolutely stunning

[@Englishroserebecca]

Daily self examination, conscious awareness and desire for truth seem to be the way to go. Philosophy helps me so much.

[@lawrencegordon8137]

I found out the spiritual cause of ego and narcissism comes from the spirit. They call Jezebel This year is going to be a good year I am sincerely grateful for your videos THANK YOU GOD BLESS

[@petter9078]

07:45 is such a great reminder. I found my values through really hard work while looking for the truth to the world. It has been what you typically would describe as a challenge, but in fact I must say it has been an amazing journey.

[@TheOakenwulf]

I have a slightly different perspective on the ego. The way I see it, ego is simply an identity or boundary to differentiate this from that. To provide contrast. Ego is not inherently problematic, but the improper expression of the ego can result in problems. We are not our identity. We are the awareness of identity. The ego is not our master. We are the sculptors of our character/personality/personal reality. Very good video. Thank you for the wisdom.

[@abigailgeorge2683]

Your videos have changed my life. Thank you for your wisdom and insights. They have filled a void in my life. I binge watch these videos. Watching on repeat. In the mornings, I get up very early in the morning and spend that time in quiet reflection. I no longer feel negative about the future. I have found a tribe, an inner circle of people who have likeminded views online. I now see and understand negativity as "trivia". It no longer influences my thinking and mindset. Your videos introduced living a life of intention to me. I am grateful that life wasn't fair to me early on in life. I am now a writer, determined to write nonfiction. Thank you for introducing meaning again in my life, intention, truly successful living, self-improvement and personal development. I never miss a video.

[@productanalysis5291]

I'm literally at the minute 2:28 and I already feel like that I should thank you for your sharing your wisdom with us. Philosophy is a blessing.

[@violinistbutterfly2005]

Please, is it the same thing for me . I left a place of studies, and I also had a scholarship in order to study what I liked, so some of my family members got mad and stopped asking and caring about me . Did I give up on them ?

[@draganapasti_]

Sincere , honest , endlessly prudent speech as usual. Whenever I felt "the scent" of competition, I perceived some sort of "lie"which made me distance myself from competitors. As you 've already said I had a feeling of losing myself. It would be a ferocious way of being spiritually dead. So, I see competition as unnecessary, suppressing, far from humanity and virtue. I deeply enjoyed your precious words of wisdom. So generous and true. Not that we hear it every day. Thank you so much for your peculiar thoughts & support! 💫

[@MichelleFillipini]

Your videos brings me so much ease and comfort. Thank you for sharing your love, wisdom, energy, and voice 🤍✨

[@elkeelisabeth5665]

Thank you for this special video that really touches my heart. I completely agree with you and kept nodding while watching your video. I decided to withdraw from people after everything I've experienced - and I've met great people too, absolutely - but most of the experiences weren't really great (to put it nicely) and I am the happiest and live in peace, without people - I love being alone, being by myself, spending time in nature, spending time in peace. Withdrawing from "social life", as it is called, was a conscious decision and that's how I'm doing well, that's how I'm happy. To be honest, I don't understand most people and sometimes I wonder if I really belong to the same species. I've heard since I was a child that I was "different" and I never understood why people said that, it hurt me a lot - now I'm happy that I'm "different" and it doesn't matter to me anymore what others think or say about me. I am and remain compassionate, warm-hearted, honest and true to my values, but I keep my distance from people - without bitterness - and I am happy and grateful for this peace.

[@lindsandkev]

Thanks for not having ads every 2 minutes, I like 😊

[@carlosromanmunoz949]

Friendly cooperation> fierce competition Loving community> competitive individualism Truth and Integrity > Rarity and Performance

[@carbonfootprint3635]

The mindset youve chosen to adopt is priceless. A breath of fresh air. I you actually live what you present, then its an utter privilege or those who engage with you, whether human, animal or plant. Thank you Most High and Almighty Creator for precious souls who sharr precious truths in whichever form that raises our world

[@foozito]

"why are we neglecting ourselves and the ones we love for the things that are external, not in our control, and for the things that we are not truly responsible for"

[@IIlllllIIIllllIIIlIllI]

2:30 - No, you can rely on other people and be complete. Being complete does not necessarily have anything to do with whether you rely on other people or not 7:25 - Unconditional love does not exist. If you keep sitting on a pillow filled with tacks, at some point you will learn to stop sitting on that pillow 7:50 - Nothing wrong with this. As a human being you will always be in relation to other people, so it is only natural that you study the desires/skills of other people. If you didn't, you wouldn't look at how people who know how to do things do things. For example, if you want to learn art, you study artists. This is comparison and competition, and there is nothing inherently wrong with it. All of the things you mention are the same desires as learning 8:40 - This isn't necessarily the case, but just like with everything, you can do it well in moderation. Or not at all or too much. This depends on you as a person, but doesn't make competition itself wrong or unwanted 9:30 - Again, a misuse of competition. There is cooperative competition, which you might have with friends, where you compete in a way that uplifts the other person, gives them motivations and goals. It is again up to you to do things properly 10:30 - At this point I'm thinking that you think of competition as an extremely specific thing, but in the title you generalize it for some reason. Just for clickbait? 11:00 - Again, competition isn't and doesn't have to be evil, there is literally no reason for this other than a rigid mindset 11:45 - Not necessarily, but again, if you have no desires or goals, it is generally good to look at what other people are doing. Once you gain understanding in a certain field, you'll have a lot more ideas on how to progress 12:00 - Here, you almost got it. But again, the issue isn't competition, but how competition is done. If your title was something along the lines of "toxic competition is for losers" the context for this video would make a lot more sense 13:50 - Again, I don't understand why people are generalized so much. There are definitely other reasons to lie than just because someone lied to you, and not everyone would justify it because of that. So no, that's not what everyone says 15:00 - Once again, this is not because you entered into competition. This is because you have no integrity as a person 15:50 - Nothing wrong with wanting things, there are good and bad ways to obtain the desire itself, and there are good and bad ways to achieve the goals 16:40 - You say it right here, the issue is with integrity, not competition 18:30 - Not true. If all of the things you want to achieve are reliant on a single person person doing what you want them to do, there is something wrong with your plan. There are different ways to achieve things, and one needs to be open minded on how they go about them 19:10 - Once again, competition is not necessarily "whatever it takes". It's only because of a lack of integrity that it would become "whatever it takes". So maybe "lack of integrity is for losers"? 20:30 - Once again, competition is NOT necessarily fighting 21:10 - Nope, competition doesn't make everything ugly. If utilized correctly, it can be very beneficial to you and those you compete with 23:00 - Once again, enemy != competitor 23:30 - Exactly, it IS about these things, but these things don't really have anything to do with competition done correctly 25:00 - If you did truly reject all of these things, you probably wouldn't get a haircut (external), wouldn't style your hair (external), wouldn't shave (external), because you rejected all of that have found all that is inherent and internal. Clearly, that is not the case, because you want to participate in society, be a human being. This includes looking like a decent human being, which is inherently competition. Is there anything wrong with it? Of course not, but you need to realize competition is much more than just "me want money, status, etc". Competition is the betterment of the self via cooperation with others. You saw someone else have a cool hairstyle, let me try it, let me ask them who their barber was, how they got it, then you put your own spin on it to see if you can make it better. That's competition, and this is why pretty much everything is as good as it is today. It's not you breaking into their house and giving them a buzzcut while they sleep. Imagine if people thousands of years ago said nah living in huts is fine, let's not make anything better and stay as we are. Let's not learn, let's not improve, we have everything we need already. Oops what's that, my son cut his hand and died a couple days later? Ah oh well, I'm internally fulfilled lol (we have no idea what infections are) I think overall there are good intentions for the video, but there seems to be a lack of reflection on what competition actually is, and only the toxic side of it is talked about. This is the same as saying art is bad because some people take it to the extreme and end up dying. And just because a lot of people do something in a certain way, that doesn't mean that the something itself is bad. I think you could have looked at this video post recording, then recorded a 10 minute summed up version after having done a bit more critical thinking. Really dislike the clickbait generalization

[@kevinnc4943]

This past few years I’ve been gradually losing all my friends, now I understand why...this video marks a turning point and feels like a real gift. Thanks a mil for this big contribution you make to us day to day with all your content.

[@dianali7289]

Your thoughtful videos are profoundly deep while remaining easy to understand and approachable. That.is.ART! I'm going through a very challenging period in my life, and your videos are helping me on my philosophical/spiritual journey. I really can't thank you enough~

[@NorthernPear]

wow, this might be the most important message you’ve relayed to us. Eradicate competition and people are forced inward. Very passionate video. Lots to contemplate. Thank you. (And great title.)

[@JonDingle]

An interesting video. However, I disagree with some of what you say. Especially in looking for a model person or people that are complete. Below is true and accurate account of my life today. I live on my own, except for my German Shepherd Dog. To become complete, one must learn how to live a solitary life, on a basic income if that is all you have? and in whatever home you can create. The Rules of Complete Living 1. Self sufficiency. 1a, Learn to cook. 1b, Learn to wash clothes. 1c, Learn to build (This can be a location or a carboard box somewhere), somewhere dry, reasonable, warm and comfortable to sit, eat, and sleep. 1, d Find work and earn money to build a base to become self sufficient. 2. Let go of the past and things that make you unhappy. 2a, Embrace this as your most difficult stage. 2b, Let go or accept personal failures and take the blame to move on. 2c, Learn to pray to the God within yourself and accept that only you have power to change your life, even if it means becoming homeless for a time. 3. If you can, go self employed. It doesn't matter what you choose to do so long as you are good-great with a skill, it will pay off. 4. Build a solid network. Build a network that pays to know not one that looks good on social media. 5. Accept that the road ahead will be difficult and at times lonely, convert the latter into being alone and not lonely. Your faith in your own God within you (NOT someone elses) will protect you from anxiety and worry so use that faith when "butterflies" or in my case rattle snakes awakened me in the night as those nerves were jangling loudly and I felt physically sick. It's not nice, but a simple prayer written by yourself to your God within does work, I have done this myself. Indeed, even writing this, I am sharing something I have never shared before, let alone on the internet. For the record, I am homeless and live as per No 2 of this comment. I sleep across two chairs in a sleeping bag in a room 6ft by 11ft in an old building with no heating. It is dry and I have a gas bottle. 6. Always be grateful to your inner God for everything. If you find a penny, a pound, win some work, get paid, have good weather, be grateful for things bigger and beyond you are listening. But of course, you don't need to believe me, because at the moment you are comfortable with life. When your comfort goes out the window, money is tighter and hard to keep and the road of life rises up against you, only then will you do one of two things. 6a, Take on the challenge and change. 6b, Be the author and conductor of your own demise. 7. You will find yourself within weeks. It gets easier because you get acustomed to your new life. 8. Seek out something that gives no answer back, unconditional love, joy, protection and a sense of duty, that for me is my German SHepherd Dog. I did six unhappy years in a rented house without a German Shepherd Dog after my last one died shortly after a catastrophic event screwed up my life. As soon as I could after moving out, I got my current GSD and what an uplifting and great decision I made to leave that house. Things are slowly moving back towards the surface if the sea I am currently under the surface of. 9. Solitude is a sanctuary and not a sin or bad thing, it is where self belief and self empowerment grow! P.S. I am in my late 50's so if I can do this, you can too! Good luck on whatever journey you choose, choose life, choose solitide and let yourself prevail!

[@peachsharon38]

God bless ❤ ty for your wisdom.I pray safety and love over you

[@JonDingle]

@@peachsharon38 Hi, Thank you, that is most kind indeed. I shall equal that in prayer reflection in your favour.

[@monikabender1024]

Everything you say it's through.Thank you for this channel.All your words are meaningful.Finely there is someone I can lissen too.💚

[@cogyoutube]

Woohoo the ending made me happy! We will succeed 🙏

[@EMartones]

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” Maya Angelou We are guests on this planet for a very short time; the most valuable thing we have in our lives is time, in the end we want to have few regrets about how we spend our precious time and live our lives on this planet.

[@joaq9790]

What a beautiful words!

[@Cy4nSw4n]

LEYLA!! Profound thoughts as always but we all know who the star is today 😊 Lool okay in all srsness, thank you for talking about this. I think you've mentioned before that we're usually influenced into wanting a thing because other people want The Thing. This is probably also why we need to make time to remove ourselves from the crowd, to take these societal wants and challenge them with: "Is this TRUELY what I want?"

[@SethKrier]

The world is so competition saturated that it does not even know it's doing it. So many young people are thoughtlessly being led astray by competition and it is ruining their lives. Thank you for speaking up about this! More people need to know the truth. May God bless you with the Holy Spirit!

[@DLG24]

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. Personally, I avoid competition because it clouds my judgement. Instead, I focus on my own journey, on my own why.

[@AnabreseNeuman]

The test is to stay in integrity with the divine within and not behave as others do. Only ego competes.

[@johnhansen6018]

Great video, thank you. It's a hard lesson to walk away from what you may feel you deserve through effort. I walked away from a few job advancements because it wasn't me and felt wrong. Now, I spend more time on myself and connecting with nature and couldn't be happier.

[@DorMeles]

God I needed this...realizing how I behaved after my breakup...16:50 is pure gold

[@Diya-ht2ue]

Lailaaaaa !! 😍😍😘 Oh my God she is soo big now & how cutely following you☺️. I want you to know that recently, i have started teaching in an NGO called "BORN" besides my job & studies. Earlier i used to be their dance teacher only. But from this month i am going to take their ethics & moral classes. Most of the kids are orphans but they are full of souls..so bright & curious. every sunday I am sharing some thoughtful topics that you've told us here... so i am really watching your old videos & taking a summary notes & translating into my mother tongue & explaining them. I didn't want to share it with you at first but later i thought you should know that you are doing great & helping a lot of people. Thank you. Another great video 😊

[@acceptingtheuniverse]

Thank you very much for letting me know. This is very kind of you. Would love to be updated if there are ever any interesting stories to share. You can always email me via the website. Best wishes!

[@Diya-ht2ue]

​@@acceptingtheuniverse okay. Sure I will . Tc 🙏

[@suzypeace7777]

I’m with you and totally aligned with this sentiment

[@epom9463]

Thank you, this has definitely been on my mind lately. Having "found myself" in a corporate position that I never intended to be in (through circumstance) and feeling that pressure to demonstrate my "value", I've identified the need to step back. It's easy to get swept up in what the group conveys is important, and forget that it's all artifice.

[@Flyingsnow444]

You solved such a big puzzle for me through this video!!! God bless you so much ❤😊

[@Flyingsnow444]

This video healed years of hurt and doubts!! You're a God sent! 🥰 and so happy to see Leyla!! Have a great day!!

[@someonesjournal1]

You pronounce Leila exactly like a native Arab would, amazing!❤️ + competition indeed kills the joy. Thanks for another great video.

[@TobiasRebentisch]

Being honest with myself: I lost all self respect. About 18 months ago i fell in love for the first time (At 22), we spent less than a couple of months together but ultimately it didnt work out. But since than i only exist with the purpose of recreating that feeling. Im not heartbroken over the exact person anymore (i sure was for a few months) but just nothing in life feels of any value to me compared to that feeling (oxytocin hit i guess) of even just existing near a person that you love (im not talking about sexual desire at all btw, rather emotional connection). Since i experienced that mental relaxation that is so intense it translates to noticeable physical relaxation, life without it has lost all appeal. Literally everything else in my life is going great and i couldnt care less. Its like watching an amazing movie while havent eaten in days, you dont care at all and cant appreciate any of it. Every single decision i make revolves around maximizing chances of finding a partner, its the only thing i can think about when any choice arises. From haircut to going out with friends, what to read, what to spend money on, what to invest free time in. No matter how unrelated the topic might be, my mind instantly jumps, is ridiculous. I dont do anything to have fun or treat myself, to be honest i dont even want to have fun alone. Now the worst part: Zero incentive to change that. Firstly because, from an outsiders perspective, this has only lead to me becoming fit, better dressed, more healthy and productive, ironically even more educated about philosophy (And not necessarily less social, as every social event is valued as an opportunity to meet new people which can lead to potential partner) and only from the inside less and less satisfied with my life and myself. And this is especially because i know and read the ancient stoics and know im attaching everything i have to an outcome that is totally outside the realm i can control. Secondly, the walls i built in my mind are so high. I feel like the only alternative would be to completely give up on love (being a very all or nothing person/perfectionist always was a big hurdle for me in many regards) and believe me, my overall lifestyle/circumstances barely creates opportunities to just be lucky and meet someone by accident at all. So the excellence of your content really only makes me feel worse. I deeply understand what you are saying and i deeply understand how much i hurt myself and how im not doing myself a favor, but its not nearly enough to make me change.

[@Aida-on6mw]

Sometimes you have to accept that your body is part of nature and humans are literally just a body that is controlled by hormones throughout your whole life, because it serves a purpose. When women get into menopause, they may think that they are losing something when in fact they are gaining a new perspective from life and get to be free from their hormonal rollercoaster they used to experience every month. Many of them even feel comfortable again in their skin as menopause progresses, because they finally let go of their constant urge to procreate (libido ups and down during ovulation etc), to look their best and the constant pressure that they need to fulfill the expectations of others (especially men) regarding their body, weight, face,… many even start accepting their face as it is and stop obsessing about the nose job, they would want to do. It’s almost like a relief. If you accept your situation as it is, you essentially stop identifying with your ego, the constant thoughts rushing though your head about what is going wrong in your life, I can assure you that you will find peace and enjoyment in your (love) life. And in fact when you are fully immersed in the present moment, you stop thinking about the past. Because I see that you are talking about the love you have lost, but it‘s your perspective that makes it look like a loss, but in fact it isn‘t. You are constantly in the past, not in the present, and if you try to examine your life from an upper point of view, you will see, that all that matters is the present moment. Nothing else makes any sense. I would highly recommend you the Book - Now by Eckart Tolle. It‘s just lifechanging wisdom and he talks there about the importance of embracing the present. Sorry for my bad English, I‘m from Germany

[@Englishroserebecca]

Maybe one good thing is the fact that you are so self aware of what you are doing and how you are behaving. You’re also aware that some things you hear make sense to you and yet it just makes you feel worse. Is it worth some investigation about why it makes you feel worse. Just a thought that occurred to me when I read you post. I wish you all the very best and a happy future.

[@TobiasRebentisch]

@@Aida-on6mw Appreciate your comment a lot. I definetly thought about it as being something ultimately biological a lot. But when it comes to (lifes) purpose, i didnt really find anything better than following the biological purpose of human life - so i cant get myself to seeing pursuing love as wrong. Its moreso the fact i cant really regulate the degree of that pursue compared to other important aspects. Plus, love, for me, is the biggest shortcut to living in and enjoying the current moment. Thats part of what i was trying to say: I never came close to being so much in the present moment as when i was with someone i loved. Not with meditation, not with other mindfulness techniques, not with people i love in other ways (friends, family etc.). So yes, my ultimate goal is to be present, to experience „The power of Now“. And i know there are „better“ ways to get there (better in a way that you can control the outcome), but after years of dealing with mindfulness/philosophy (what ever you want to call it. Stoicism, Zen Buddhism, modern Mindfulness, Spirituality all try to accomplish the same goal) i feel so far away from accomplishing that, it feels much easier for my current state of mind to pursue love at all costs. I often half jokingly say my Plan B is to become a monk, because i very much believe in the Buddhist interpretation of „enlightenment“, which is just the most pure form of being 100% present, but i feel i personally wouldnt be able to accomplish that without dedicating my life to it. And as i said, in my current state of mind, which is still too dependent on sociatal norms, not something i could get myself to do. One detail you got wrong (doesnt really change the situation, just for completeness): Im not caught in the past, im caught in the future. Its not about the exact past love i had, not about the specific person, its about „sacrificing“ my current life for the chance to get to the desired state in the future. Also: None of this is to say the things you mentioned are incorrect. And The power of now is already on my reading list, sadly as ive said, i already read a couple of books falling into that branch of topics, they all gave me inspiration and helped to make me try and become a better person in general - its just this particular issue they didnt really help. But who knows, maybe this book is the one …

[@TobiasRebentisch]

@@Englishroserebecca I dont know if being hyper self aware and super overthinking is a net positive in my life. It definetly played a huge role in all the strengths i developed, but also creates so much problems where objectively there are none. Also i know exactly why it makes me feel worse: Its a form a guilt. Knowing you are doing something „wrong“ (not living life according to your values/beliefs), but still doing it. And a video where this exact something is being talked about explicitely exposes that guilt. Theres another video on this channel, think its called „you always have a choice“. Basically its a plea for deontology, so always acting in line with your values without thinking about hypotheticals of what act would make the best ultimate outcome. It also talks about finding a „secret“/unintuitive third choice in any yes/no situation, where acting in line with your values seems impossible or very damaging to yourself. I feel like i just havent found that secret third choice yet (but ive been thinking/searching for months so yeah …) Regardless, thanks a lot for your kind wishes.

[@bradgers92]

Collaboration. Parenthood. Custodianship. Service. A lack of resources is a priority.

[@Reflective_Path-vd2st]

“It is not the person who has too little who is poor, but the one who constantly yearns for more”. One who only counts what they have yet to get and never what they already have.” “What is the proper limit to a person’s wealth? First, having what is essential, and second, having what is enough.” -Seneca...The only competition that is worth having, is with the person you were yesterday. Are you striving to be better than that person? Thank you for all your posts.

[@asmaahadir3883]

This is the 4th days in a row I listen to this before sleeping, words of wisdom that act as my reminder to be a better person towards myself and standards

[@JoaoClaro-qz6zz]

I have found your videos to be truly helpful. Thank you.

[@chanaschonbrun6196]

"A happy person is one that is happy with his lot" If you know that god created you just perfict and the world needs you just the way you are ,you are a pure soul in a physical body and there is a special purpose for you in this word that only you can do you will have a happy life and not look at others for your happiness😊

[@parneetsingh3499]

Thank you for this amazing talk! I have always felt that we strive for these external things to fulfill us but once we obtain them we realize we dont have enough and end up in a neverending cycle of pursuit for happiness and satisfaction. The only way to break this cycle is to be self sufficient!

[@GarryBurgess]

Very inspiring! A lot of these sentiments are found in Plato's "Crito". The irony is that your doggie in the background already has the virtue of not doing the competition thing by not seeming to have that capacity.

[@Cheximus]

Is that irony?

[@neginf9818]

​@Cheximus The "beauty of it" seems better fitting ❤ Animals have a true sense of joy and peace from within because they are content with what they have, be it the love of their human parents, eachother, and nature. At times, I feel that all I need is the love of my family, a healthy body, and the nature around me, and I'll be completely content. And that may just be my answer...

[@jrose9378]

⁠​⁠@@neginf9818I believe you mean “content” not “contempt” They are different meanings

[@neginf9818]

@jrose9378 Lol, thank you. It was late last night when I wrote that in bed, and my words got away from me.

[@celeryandcarrots699]

Wherever you’re walking is so beautiful, peaceful and serene, it suits you so well

[@soonaftermidnight]

You should be an actor, friend. You have lots of depth

[@Vincent_Upstate]

I know why I like this guy so much now. He sounds like a jedi.

[@moondive4ever]

Impressive talk. Ty for this.

[@nurturethyself]

Went for a walk and wanted to listen to something valuable meanwhile, and then I found this video. Thank you! ❤

[@arkhivesmoth]

Man you are doing the God work...man can only be free if his mind and soul is clean. Competition is for man who doesn't love what he is doing. Cause true inner love possess no fear and theres no room for competition.

[@Lutalicas]

I like how you break down your thought process. You communicate your message very clearly.

[@winsie_w-m6l]

Remembering God's grace is to remember his presence in every man and woman. This lesson cannot be learnt with hatred, judgement and revenge in our hearts, but with forgiveness, kindness and compassion towards all, especially our enemies. Your wolf Layla is beautiful btw! 🙂

[@Heroicmultiplicity]

Sitting here on my lunch break, opening Epictetus, and then my notification pops up! Fate is a wonderful thing! Thanks for the deep content!

[@bigguy7777]

thank you for the powerful message friend. i wish you well.

[@laurali3905]

This video has brought me to tears. It comes out at such a critical time when the war in Middle East faces a major escalation. I wish all world leaders could watch this….

[@terri2583]

Was thinking this exact same thing. It’s so heartbreaking knowing what is happening in the Middle East. Unfortunately the world’s leaders are full of greed, corruption and ignorance and therefore should not be given such a powerful position. Such a meaningful and powerful speaker as always 👌✊

[@zensvlognotapro]

I always say : why compete when you know yourself. We have also given a gift, skills, talents, strengths. Each of us has a weakness and strength that's why we need to trade- off , collaborate .

[@oisinroche4290]

Common Sense , as an artist it is extremely hard to not fall into the trap of competition, i take each day as a chance to find the place where i can be detached from this, thank you for this insight.

[@Amal-gh6mn]

Oh my god ! All the questions that were running through my head during this month, you answered and talked about them in this video, it's like a miracle!🌟 I'm watching you from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Thank you for this great video 🩷

[@Leo_Nader]

I just want to thank you, once again, for yet another meaningful video. Truly, thank you.

[@ClaireLumiere-n2f]

This man's standards are so high that he makes perfection sound basic.

[@knusperkeks87]

That's because it's all just philosophy, a construct of the mind, nothing to do with real life, real experiences. Real people are poor, sick, lonely, and they actually suffer from being poor, sick and lonely. They live an embodied life, not a life that is a construct of the mind.

[@ClaireLumiere-n2f]

@@knusperkeks87 They do live a life of the mind. It's reactionary, which is psychology- no lesser of an art. Philosophy aims to be the cure, but cannot disembody itself from reality- hence my perfection comment. Belief is not enough to combat fact, but delusion can be used as a powerful self motivator even as it ofyen does not change others.

[@CC3GROUNDZERO]

Alfie Kohn is the one who first articulated for me just what I never liked about competition and competition-addicted people. Competition is usually mutually exclusive with co-operation. His example of that "fun" children's game Musical Chairs and how it can easily be adapted to be a co-operative group challenge is just fantastic.

[@Angell_Lee]

You're a beautiful man, I hope you have a great day/life 💖

[@nadiam.k2601]

I listen to your podcasts during my daily commute to the university, they have helped me a lot. Thank you so much ❤

[@Englishroserebecca]

This is one of the best talks you’ve ever given

[@kareemmohammed5270]

loved the park walk with beautiful black Layla. resonates, much appreciated. 💯

[@conniefearnside2279]

Jesus has had the greatest influence in my life. Sometimes that has made me feel like a "loser" because i have no external achievements prized by others. You just put balm on my soul. The world sometimes tramples kindness and goodness. Thank you for this message. Yes, the kingdom of God is within you!!

[@cathypreddie98]

Thank you. I needed to hear this very much. 🙏🏼

[@mayraamaral7267]

There’s a song from Sleeping at Last that says “I don’t know who I am, but I know exactly who I am not” This video reminded me of it. Thank you for your videos ❤

[@Lauren_bex]

I don't want to become someone I don't recognize, I want to live with integrity in all matters of my life. I've been tested many times and still I choose to not lower myself. I'm not saying I haven't been tempted...I am human and I am flawed after all. I like the new channel rendering after looking at it a few times I can see that it is you, very nice!

[@reluctantme5183]

Thank you for sharing the way to be a better person on both a personal and public level. I feel people have the same internal rules and sense of good and bad. But we all look for excuses to be less than what we can be. It takes personal and external work. Have a good one kind sir 🖖

[@heathermariejohnson9372]

I really loved this talk. Thank you! ❤

[@oneyedeagle]

you're so peaceful man, thanks for these videos

[@artisticexpressions59]

I've thoroughly enjoyed watching all of your videos and listening to your views. I find them both inspiring and aspiring!

[@sudhei5604]

oh wow- i got the obvious impression from you that you were upset with something and wanted to share your thoughts on it. And here i am, having shivers throughout your conversation. Regarding to everything that is happening in the world and inside ourselves, it is truly something that people should, with their clear minds, understand, accept and then recognize that it is something evil and it is everything that people throughout history was avoiding to become. We need understanding, and sympathy towards humanity. Only then by our actions we will become something more than what we value externally but become the very thing that everyone is longing for, is to be a part of a family…

[@StellaWembley]

I agree 100%!!

[@AbdulDerh]

I wouldn't say that completeness is total self independence. That is just independence. I like Self Determination Theory to express what completeness feels like: autonomy, relatedness and competence. If I can do what I want to - within reason - then I am autonomous. When I am integrated in a society, I feel related. If I have something unique to offer, I feel competent

[@HiraTweny]

Beautiful man, I listened to it all. May Lord help me follow the knowledge I've learned by action.

[@Unitylovefreedom]

there is a fine line in between, for instance without money you cannot do anything. Neither travel nor live correctly, you have no freedom. While I agree that the need for always more comes from suffering, there are also some absolute necessities that every human should have. Not being milllionnaires, but living well and correctly is an absolute must. Apart from that, a beautiful sharing. :)

[@Djellowman]

Competition is amazing! Everyone loves a good competition.

[@dianaf9997]

I adore you. Blessings

[@creepydani8]

One of the things I hated most was having to enter a competitive environment for a degree in a helping profession. The fact that our society has tangled itself up in profit and capitalism so far that we are now pitted against each other when we want to learn to help is frustrating and disheartening. It's an artificial scarcity that hurts everyone. It also makes schools and universities less conducive to learning and prioritizes those who forsake their health and values to succeed. It's so easy to lose sight of yourself when everyone else is running in one direction and you have no time to consult with your values. There are so many moral and philosophical questions in such a process and I could talk at length about them.

[@kevinperry2865]

This video should be taught to Children in Schools. Thank you for posting.

[@lisahyyppa3360]

Good message. It brings this to mind: paradigm shift (Oxford Dictionary definition) noun: paradigm shift; plural noun: paradigm shifts a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. "geophysical evidence supporting Wegener's theory led to a rapid paradigm shift in the earth sciences" paradigm shift (Merriam-Webster dictionary definition) noun formal : an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way This discovery will bring about a paradigm shift in our understanding of evolution. 🗣️ it is also important to take 🙏📝 that one must actively resist being placed into a power struggle (a coercive & covert attempt by another) that you have no desire to partake. It requires a ‘side-step’ maneuver of transparent & authentic integrity so as to not be party to power struggles… Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Psalm 19 (The Perfect Revelation of the LORD)… 12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

[@girlclassic]

Beautifully said 💙

[@h4zeh]

i've been thinking about this lately, concluding that competition is fine, but without getting angry when loose or feeling extremely good when winning, this is an ego illusion. you have to remember who you are. when you remember, the opponent is just yourself.

[@margaretmcgregor5686]

Good points well made. I think that my reading is coming to fruition when I can anticipate what you are going to say next. The edition of Seneca’s letters that you recommend by University of Chicago Press is a dream to read. So accessible similarly with Marcus Aurelius Meditations - it's easy to read daily when it delivers so much! Thank you again for all you do philosophy man 😊from Scotland.

[@WalkingHome-m6s]

Thank you for expressing this information so effectively. I appreciate the natural backdrop ☝🏼 I’ve always said, I’ve already won by knowing not to compete 😂 the gains from competition are a facade.