Break the Cycle of Addiction - Ram Dass

The Love Serve Remember Foundation (LSRF) is dedicated to preserving and continuing the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. The foundation facilitates the continuation of these teachings through online courses, blog content, films, podcasts, social network channels and collaborative projects with conscious artists and musicians. To learn more or support, please visit www.ramdass.org/
Ram Dass (born Richard Alpert; April 6, 1931 - December 22, 2019), also known as Baba Ram Dass, was an American spiritual teacher, guru of modern yoga, psychologist, and writer. His best-selling 1971 book Be Here Now, which has been described by multiple reviewers as "seminal", helped popularize Eastern spirituality and yoga in the West. He authored or co-authored twelve more books on spirituality over the next four decades, including Grist for the Mill (1977), How Can I Help? (1985), and Polishing the Mirror (2013).
Ram Dass was personally and professionally associated with Timothy Leary at Harvard University in the early 1960s. Then known as Richard Alpert, he conducted research with Leary on the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs. In addition, Alpert assisted Harvard Divinity School graduate student Walter Pahnke in his 1962 "Good Friday Experiment" with theology students, the first controlled, double-blind study of drugs and the mystical experience. While not illegal at the time, their research was controversial and led to Leary's and Alpert's dismissal from Harvard in 1963.
In 1967, Alpert traveled to India and became a disciple of Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba who gave him the name Ram Dass, meaning "Servant of Ram," but usually rendered as simply "Servant of God" for western audiences. In the coming years, he founded the charitable organizations Seva Foundation and Hanuman Foundation. He traveled extensively giving talks and retreats and holding fundraisers for charitable causes in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. In 1997, he had a stroke which left him with paralysis and expressive aphasia. He eventually grew to interpret this event as an act of grace, learning to speak again and continuing to teach and write books. After becoming seriously ill during a trip to India in 2004, he gave up traveling and moved to Maui, Hawaii, where he hosted annual retreats with other spiritual teachers until his death in 2019.

[@SofoArchon]

“Addiction is not a choice that anybody makes; it’s not a moral failure. What it actually is: it’s a response to human suffering.” ~Gabor Maté

[@melissajon2011]

💗

[@ronaldvanraay1133]

Nice .suffering is the it

[@Tammissa]

Exactly.

[@TheDamianvain17]

Great quote! Thanks!

[@MadameJoWellness]

Love this.

[@UnschoolingCOM]

“The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain.” ~ Gabor Mate

[@ron1836]

Life is pain. Especially when you are doing it wrong. It's all a wave pattern up and down. Your life In general. Drugs will counter act a low dip. But after the great high spike. The next dip will be even lower. And so on. Other risky behaviors will contribute to the same thing. And things get much more painful and extreme the more you get yourself out of wack. I was good at somehow handling all this and holding things together. Finding the strength inside my body and mind to work and do hard labor even if I haven't slept for days and have been up doing drugs and not eating... Something about pushing myself to extremes and getting through something I didn't think I even could was almost part of the reason I did drugs. Getting older now and still on and off messing with substances. My body I notice just doesn't have what ever reserve it used to tap into to push far passed typical. Anyways what I have found is it's all about being stubborn and hyper conscious and tuned into your body and feelings. If you want to bring your crazy drug fueled turmoil of a life back to a calm place start small. Eat something you know your body just reacts well to. Drink more water. GET SOME SLEEP. Gradually do little things and over days and weeks you will see things add into something larger. Return your drastic ups and downs slowly to a closer to balanced wave pattern. Life is a cumulation of large amounts of tiny things. Make the effort to place "seeds" of your desired goal into this when and where you are able.

[@Jakob.Hamburg]

@@ron1836 Life is not pain. Pain is a part of life.

[@classygary]

For me it’s because the world is filled with idiots and I even have to breathe, let alone the same air .

[@classygary]

@@ron1836 Some are just too far gone to achieve what you’re postulating assuming it’s even the whole case which I personally don’t think it is .

[@tomrhodes1629]

"Why the pain?" This is the greatest secret in this entire Universe. But it has finally been revealed. This lecture by Ram Dass is superb, and illustrates the process of suffering that was CAUSED by our Original Error (which is known to many as the original "sin"). We fell into ignorance, which caused guilt (because we thought we had done something to deserve punishment, though we know not what), which causes all fear, which causes all problems and suffering. Because, fear keeps us from desiring - and thereby discovering -Truth. And when you discover the greatest secret in this Universe, which is the reason why we fell into ignorance and limitation, this all makes perfect sense. Even men like Ram Dass and Alan Watts and Paramahansa Yogananda didn't have this secret. But it has finally been revealed and published. Click and ye shall find. Elijah has returned, as prophesied.

[@itskeagan3004]

“The Body Keeps The Score” and work by Gabor have helped me address my trauma. I’m 3 years sober this year after reading Bessell’s work from a jail cell in 2020.

[@mreneal5835]

Amazing bro! You are an inspiration, keep going!

[@YouKilledFritz]

Today is my millionth day one, but this time it feels different in a way that’s impossible to describe. Congratulations on 3 years! That’s absolutely incredible.

[@itskeagan3004]

@@YouKilledFritz I relapsed hundreds of times over 10 years but learned a little new about myself each moment of sobriety in those 10 years. I was 32 and it finally stuck, understanding who I was and why I had become that way was valuable to my process. Work by Bessell, Gabor Maté, Jordan Peterson and others have helped me immensely. God took away my depression/PTSD so I no longer take those meds either (2 years). You can do it I truly believe that. Don’t give up on yourself and keep trying new things when one isn’t working. Replacing bad habits with good hobbies was key for me as well. Thinking of you bro, we’re in this together!

[@lalanipearson3319]

Today is also my millionth day one. I pray one day I can be sober entirely.

[@itskeagan3004]

@@lalanipearson3319 hang in there. I felt the same way, I couldn’t stop. God has helped me immensely! You can do it, I’ll stay sober with you tonight.

[@TheSelfCenter]

I love this... I think we're all addicted to something, whether we like to admit it or not. Sugar, Dopamine, Electronics, etc... We could all benefit from hearing this... 💯💯

[@youbetyourwrasse]

So what are you giving up tomorrow? No internet or phone for 24 hours? No food for three days? No talking for 24 hours? Which? All?

[@TheSelfCenter]

@@youbetyourwrasse Why so aggressive? And why not focus on yourself and what you can give up instead of someone else?

[@leifpeterson4850]

@@TheSelfCenter you did leave a generic ass comment lmao

[@ADUAquascaping]

How about playing music? You can always tell when someone doesn't play music because they don't mention it as a form of meditation. Nothing compares or even comes close to playing music. Yes, I am biased and have tried many hobbies and many activities. There is nothing quite like playing music. Do you want to be saved? Healed? Enlightened? Then play music!

[@TheSelfCenter]

@@leifpeterson4850 It's just a comment on the internet... No need to get so worked up over it, Leif.

[@DominikPavel-fk2wb]

I started drinking alcohol since my teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. Also suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. This is something that really need to be use globally to help people with related health challenges.

[@Cate-sn2km]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@Bastianbishops]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

Hey! Yes Dr.alishrooms

[@CristiandlfDeval]

I'm really happy for you that your friend decided to help you...I hear about alot of family members or so called friends shutting an addict out of their life, which since most addicts do it to mask emotions to me is the worse thing someone can do to an addict.

[@Iiisslogan-co6np]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@betterchapter]

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.

[@suxcesss]

Oh After Skool, you are a treasure of humanity and my life.

[@AfterSkool]

You are so welcome. That truly means a lot.

[@christofabsurd]

^^ It's true. You're hard work and dedication to this channel is truly helping make this world a better place. Thanks for sharing your talents with us all.

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

breaking out of the loop of addiction in the first week is the hardest part. Once you claw your way out of that mental prison you slowly start to see just how much of a slave you had become to it, mental clarity returns and it gets easier and easier. Remember you don't control your addiction, it controls you!

[@musiclife7251]

This 100%. We become a slave to it. People don't truly understand unless they have succumbed to it. Best Wishes

[@musiclife7251]

@@umpin3 Well said my friend. God bless you and your loved ones

[@honghong3153]

Living in a condo is like a jail cell right.

[@lynnfisher3037]

If that's true then exactly how did you manage to free yourself ?

[@kelvinpiazza]

Sobriety offers me clarity daily, and my decision making is getting better daily.

[@UnschoolingCOM]

“An alcoholic is someone who can violate his STANDARDS faster than he can LOWER them.” ~ Robin Williams

[@lynnfisher3037]

Poor example since he hung himself

[@strongblackcoffee9573]

Ram Dass, Krishnamurti, Alan watts, Eckhart Tolle, B Alan Wallace, Rupert spira, Jack kornfield, etc have all helped me so much... Most people have no idea who any of them are 😕

[@ADUAquascaping]

Just play music

[@spencerk4077]

Really? I feel like Ram Dass and Eckhart Tolle are at least somewhat mainstream. I could be wrong though

[@0neIntangible]

There must also be some female influencers, as well... in so far as, what my better half keeps trying to get me to believe.

[@ImRefraction]

Dont forget Papaji and Mooji :)

[@ZeeRR717]

They are all mainstream../

[@ReynaSingh]

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world… as in being able to remake ourselves.”

[@youbetyourwrasse]

The chant of every serial killer?

[@gratefulkm]

​@@youbetyourwrasse Remake ourselves means nothing to do with words Therefore your Chant is In a left behind concept called the cortex That pharse means, A killer is a detached person , due to no Oxytocin release this killer can be taught or guided to an oxytocin release and at that point they are no longer detached , and therefore do not kill You really need to stop calling the far more important lower brain the "Horns of the beast! " or people that actually know and understand lower brain activity as "devil worshippers" Or do you BELIVE that religion is about imaginary people in the sky and a thought process after death or ghosts !!!!!!!

[@scottmckenna9164]

This is a key true point of life. If you try to rule the world you cause misery.

[@erko78]

@@youbetyourwrassethat supposed to be funny? Corny.

[@kelvinpiazza]

Yes, yes!

[@AddictionToAwareness]

I DID break my addictions!! And I forgive myself for all the terrible things I did to myself and my family.

[@recall2880]

@Vlad V sleeping with his mum

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

I love that look you are sporting, ie your eye-brows, hair colour and style; it's my fantasy Sci-Fi dominatrix look

[@jichaelmorgan3796]

Awesome!

[@ksed3956]

God bless

[@28russ]

@@PSYCHIC_PSYCHOGeez, creepy much. You're just psycho not psychic.

[@777Bviews]

I am no longer addicted to the internet and it feels awesome. Nature is my friend. 🌴

[@lulabell79_31]

You say in the comment section under a KZbin video ON THE INTERNET. I'm not sure you understood the assignment. 🤔

[@777Bviews]

@@lulabell79_31 That's where you're wrong. I didn't say I quit using the internet i clearly said that I was not addicted to the internet anymore.. 30 minutes a day max is all I'll consume I'd rather produce content. Nature is my friend 🌴

[@lulabell79_31]

@@777Bviews Have fun with that. If you're trying to earn money with your content, you might want to rethink your strategy. Good luck.

[@mamandapanda185]

@@lulabell79_31 Nature can be your friend too

[@mrnobodyz]

Funny because I no longer find replying to stupid comments addictive.... just thirty a day.😂

[@james7550]

If you’re reading this I want you to know I am proud of you and I love you. Keep going. I struggle with many addictions and have lost my life since 14. I am better than I was before but still fighting the demons. One day at a time. I al right there with you. Thank you Lord for putting this video on my FYP. Glory be to God

[@anthonybrown8686]

Everything else is fleating, only God endures

[@ConvergingPerspectives]

I think that the consumer culture we are in today pushes us to be passive consumers of content which clogs the human need for soul's expression which is a fundamental need of human beings. That's why singing mantras, dancing, writing, meditating, etc., are so good for us.

[@AfterSkool]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@MIOLAZARUS]

Yeeees!!!!❤❤❤

[@kelvinpiazza]

I hear you 📽️

[@Tammissa]

As a recovered addict this man hits the nail on the head. I totally understand what he’s saying. He’s exactly right in my situation.

[@3sotericcompassionist1976]

Bless you ❤️. .#livingvegan

[@jayv82385]

I’ve been in recovery and I relapsed recently, losing Almost everything I worked for. Lost a good relationship where I was living with my ex, lost a great job. It’s hard to find the motivation to get back into recovery. Like I’ll never be able to get back to where I was and it’s all a futile effort.

[@Gearhart.]

No it's not a futile effort. It's an effort that's worth making. A better way of looking at is... Your life and the legacy you leave behind are worth the effort!

[@jayv82385]

@@Gearhart. thanks. That’s a great way of looking at it. Reframing things. And even though I’m in a pretty dark place mentally these days I don’t want to die in active addiction of an overdose.

[@Gearhart.]

@@jayv82385 I realized a long time ago that it takes a very resilient individual to indure addiction. Look at it this way... What your going through is a right of passage. No one can tell you otherwise. You know what addiction is and what it does. Now do your best to use that experience to help others around you make better choices. You can be a bad influence or you can be a good influence. Be a good one! It'll change your life.

[@kramnam4716]

Remember, with stopping addiction you are not losing a friend, you are destroying an enemy that has been a parasite sucking the life out of you. You are not making a sacrifice or losing anything. If you get the thought “I want X” make your next thought “I’m not actually dependent on X, thank goodness I don’t have to do that anymore! I’m free!” 🙏🏼💚

[@stageiiwappie950]

But life is short just take what u enjoy hehehhee

[@mrnobodyz]

@@stageiiwappie950Drugs are okay... it’s just people like me who give them a bad name.😂

[@DuceBurns]

I put marijuana down 2 days ago. It is very difficult. This has been inspiring. Thank you

[@akhilshriram9441]

And still down?

[@bp4826]

Stick with it, a week or two into it you will feel more normal and able to eat. Good luck and take care

[@mrnobodyz]

It’s usually the tobacco... usually. Sometimes even the act of smoking is more addictive than weed. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

I used to be so strongly addicted to pot, I couldn't imagine life without it. Then I realised it was making me weaker and weaker so I gave it up and it was way much easier than nicotine, in fact it doesn't create any physical dependency, it's just mental.

[@mrnobodyz]

@@LuxInfinity-ul5hw If you mix the two then the nicotine was to blame for the physical discomfort. IMO Coffee is more addictive than weed. We are all by nature creatures of habit.

[@eriyul]

I’ve been practicing meditation and manifestation for the past couple months and I feel my inner self starting to shine through. Im finding myself having more gratitude and expression my appreciation for all that surrounds me. It’s helped me continually practice yoga and sharpen my mentality. I’ve cut back on smoking and have the power to hold off when I’m feeling anxiety. I definitely believe practicing spirituality and becoming more in tune with my inner self has lead to greater happiness and the bad habits start melting away. ❤

[@erinsuzy613]

Can I ask what your manifestation technique is?

[@joec1920]

it's ironic that my addiction is watching youtube videos

[@nicolasalvarez-gartner2072]

I'm still reading Be Here Now, and I already plan to restart once I finish. It's the type of lecture that never ends. Thank you Ram Dass

[@terryrusso2295]

❤❤❤

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

I'm reading it for the second time. 🤗💖🙏

[@AlistairStevenson]

Love this guy. Thank you Ram Dass.

[@baxtertheboss8743]

This man pulled me through one of the hardest times in my life, I am forever grateful to whoever put all his lectures on Spotify, they sparked a warmth inside of me and a shift of perspective that made life beautiful again. THANK YOU for posting this.

[@fungdark8270]

Micheal Sugrue, Alan Watts, and Ram Dass are all brothers of mine that have helped me greatly

[@DTinkerer]

What are thay called

[@vannamarie8430]

That was beautiful! I am 1 year sober and this video made my eyes tear up in a good way! Inspired me, thank you! 🙏🏻❤️

[@quazstarnight]

The next message is everywhere you are is my favorite

[@andresvillasenor]

Such wisdom! I feel like all addiction is self medication to express what we fail to express. It is a convenient way to express suppressed drives. If we reconnect with our bodies, we find ways to properly express those same drives, and there will no longer be a need for the addiction. I love the content, Mark! Keep up the good work. Your contribution is beyond worthy ❤️

[@nightmareTomek]

Your comment sounds like poetry, but certainly not like wisdom.

[@andresvillasenor]

It takes wisdom to understand our body. What I said is exactly the same as the video, just in my words. But I get it, I don't expect you to understand. Self-actualization or christ conscious, however you put it, is foreign to most, but it does include a mind-body connection. I don't think you should be critiquing what you don't understand, but if that makes you feel better, by all means. You might learn a thing or 2

[@nightmareTomek]

@@andresvillasenor I have no illnesses whatsoever, neither mental nor physical. I had a chronic pain that I healed on my own without visiting a doctor. My mind became so indestructible that I don't understand anymore how a person can get depressed at all. I can't even be heartbroken because I just see it as a beautiful experience instead. But if you think you know enough due to christ, then by all means, don't listen. Just keep preaching that I can't possibly understand anything, but only you can and you do. Preach it your whole day, if it makes you happy! It doesn't make me mad, it makes me laugh. See, what I discovered is that people beyond a certain intelligence threshold can't adapt their body anyway. All they can do is fall into the illusion that they adapt.

[@andresvillasenor]

@nightmareTomek Very wise of you, and I'm proud of you for overcoming that. I also suffered from illness, two autoimmune diseases, in fact. I reversed them without medical help as well. I fast often, exercise to failure, and eat strictly grass fed meat. I know what it feels like to come out of the pits of hell through worthy sacrifices. I, too, adapted to pain, so I understand you. It truly is a beautiful thing to only see the beauty in harsh situations, but neglecting heartbreak as painful may be the reason you fail to emphasize with the depressed. You don't let yourself feel pain, so you judge those who victimize themselves in avoidance of pain. Avoiding pain also synonymously comes with avoiding love as well for love can be painful. Avoiding or suppressing your feelings for sure is the root of addiction and disconnection of mind-body. Preaching does make me happy, I'm not religious, but I do believe in its merit. I know most people won't grasp most of what I preach, but if any great trilogy has taught me anything, it is that there is always hope no matter how outsized the battle may be. And even so, if I'm merely creating an illusion for myself, it is a mighty meaningful illusion in comparison.

[@nightmareTomek]

@@andresvillasenor See, you compliment me, and then you proceed to make more assumptions about me, that are incorrect. Like 90% of people are doing this, instead of asking "do you avoid love to avoid pain?", you just go straight ahead and answer it for me: "avoiding pain comes with avoiding love, period". Changes your compliment immediately into just some hot air. Same with "the reason you fail to emphasize with the depressed". You actually don't know anything about my empathy. I would stay here and talk with you for a month and share all my knowledge if it would help you. But I expect you and other people to simply not listen, that's society nowadays, they see something working and when a person describes how they made it work, they refuse to listen with all their might (unless it's work related, but for anything else, especially mental, psychological or behavioral, they don't listen), as if I were to expose them that only as victims they get any attention. I'm criticizing the use of language here. When you blatantly say "you fail to emphasize", you're either trying to isolate yourself against potential help, or you're using way too imprecise words to describe things. Language is a tool and it looks like you're using a hammer to saw through a tree. Same with your initial comment, which used nice phrases to describe life in the most inefficient manner. Language that sounds good and belongs into a novel, but is way too imprecise for a real situation and it suggests to me that you actually don't understand what you're talking about. I dislike this impreciseness, I try to be as precise as possible since I think it's the only way to correctly address a problem and solve it, including problems of the mind (I repeatedly solve mine this way). And I also see a connection between mentally ill and those who are using language in such a dreamy way. The video is the same and attracts those who report to have mental illness or addictions. I'm wondering if those actually prefer to stay that way, since, as said, they refuse to listen.

[@JTguitarlessons]

I have a junk food addiction, fast food and processed snacks. I am fighting to get out of it. Sometimes I'll do great for a few weeks, and then I fall back into it. I can't believe how strong that urge is in the hunger/gratification part of the process. It is insane and ridiculously intense. I am fully conscious of it, and I am really trying to wrap my head around breaking out of it. I know I can do it, I'm having such a damn hard time with it

[@tnt01]

Fill your fridge with fruits and vegetables.

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

Start meditation and start cooking: it's a lot of fun! Prepare your own snacks and take them with you. Start with something simple first that you enjoy like a steak with a salad or, if you prefer potatoes, boil them first and then fry them with very little oil: delicious and much healthier than french fries!

[@calayajwilliams6567]

I met Ram Dass in college at age 16, followed his teaching...still.

[@GlitterOwl1]

powerful message and beautiful animation. thank-you.

[@nujim.8061]

Unfortunately the world has not realized its global suffering as this has trickled down to the self medicating through substances. World healing and truth is deeply needed!

[@morris9524]

Always love the Ram Dass episodes, sometimes I feel like we got caught in negativity and us vs them thought patterns. Ram Dass always goes beyond speaking from a place of loving awareness

[@judylandry302]

Contentment is achievable and it's consistent gentle flame will allow you to see through the shadows of life, to find the joy of that simple, peaceful feeling of warm light on your face and the sparkle in your bright eyes.

[@MrJohnDocHolliday]

A story all about YOU ! The story of David and Goliath, as depicted in the Bible, is often interpreted as a metaphorical battle between good and evil, HUMANITY.. ( YOU ) with David representing the underdog , the anti hero... the person that doesnt know that christ is inside him\her............fighting against a formidable opponent. When exploring this story through a Kabbalistic perspective and incorporating Neville Goddard's teachings, we can delve into a deeper understanding of its spiritual significance. In Kabbalah, the concept of God is often portrayed as an infinite and transcendent force, encompassing all of creation. The false gods mentioned in this context refer to any limited or distorted beliefs or concepts that humans may idolize or worship instead of recognizing the true divine essence within themselves and all of creation. These false gods can take various forms, such as material possessions, ego-driven desires, or societal constructs that promote separation and illusion. David, in this interpretation, symbolizes the Christ consciousness or the divine essence within every individual. He represents the recognition of one's inherent divinity and the willingness to align with and express that divinity in the world. Goliath, on the other hand, represents the false gods or illusions that obstruct the realization of one's true spiritual nature. Neville Goddard, a prominent teacher of New Thought philosophy, emphasized the power of imagination and the creative capacity of the human mind. According to his teachings, our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and by consciously directing our thoughts towards the realization of our desires, we can manifest them in our lives. In the context of David and Goliath, Neville Goddard's teachings can be seen as a reminder of the transformative power of our inner consciousness. David's victory over Goliath can be understood as the triumph of divine consciousness over the illusions of the world. By aligning with the truth of their divine nature and using the power of imagination, individuals can overcome their personal Goliaths, the false gods that inhibit their spiritual growth and fulfillment. This interpretation suggests that the battle between David and Goliath is not an external conflict between two individuals, but an internal struggle within each person's consciousness. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging the false gods or limiting beliefs that hinder one's spiritual evolution and the realization of their true potential. In summary, when examining the story of David and Goliath through a Kabbalistic lens and incorporating Neville Goddard's teachings, we can perceive it as a metaphorical representation of the eternal battle between the Christ consciousness within us and the false gods or illusions that separate us from our divine nature. By cultivating a deep understanding of our inherent divinity and harnessing the power of our thoughts and imagination, we can transcend limitations and manifest a life aligned with our true spiritual essence.

[@brianrasmussen4840]

This was exactly what I needed to hear today... Ram Dass was an amazing human being.. Love This!!!

[@ElementalSynchronicity2023]

Such a wonderful reminder of how we land here on the planet in physical form coming from the heart and we quickly move towards adapting to what we are being taught and shown as we grow. The separation described and our desire to return to source is spot on. Wonderful share for sure.

[@Justineyedia]

What about those who find a distorted comfort in pain.? We can become addicted to suffering. Stress. Emotion. People, places and things can alter our minds and moods. Therefore, we can become dependant on them as well. Most awakenings spring from pain. The purpose of pain.

[@jimbeauprez8235]

June 30th will be 5 years since I've had my last drink. I have a quote on my wall that I hung up back in the early days when it wasn't just one day at a time. Often it was one minute or one second. "There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility is being superior to your former self." -Ernest Hemingway

[@lj823]

TY! This is the closest expression I've heard to my own experience with alcoholism. The harder I tried to give it up, the harder it was. All the advice I recieved to be honest, willing, open - failed. I failed. Then I quit trying. I gave up. Eventually, I quit drinking. I question the reality of how it "felt," because it felt as though the addiction was taken from me, rather than anything I did to conquer it. I don't know what caused what: If stopping drinking gave me back a sense of belonging in the world, or if working towards a sense of belonging broke my attachment to alcohol. But I'm left believing it's a reinforcing feedback loop: One I'm grateful to be a part of and currently stuck in today. Many have told me that exploring their past has helped them find a cause for their addictions and a way out. I respect their experience. I am happy for them. For me, I think I simply had fun drinking, and took it way too far, for far too long. I crossed a line into not being able to see beyond my next drunk; a place where I couldn't see anything else. If pressed to claim a leap of faith, it was in knowing for me, even absolute nothingness was better than the life I was living. The chance to find out has been amazing and I'm humbled, and confused why I couldn't grasp it all along. I'm also enjoying exploring confused humbleness.

[@YouKilledFritz]

🙏🏽💕

[@koubenakombi3066]

That's why a city is never the way to get better regarding addictions... pure concrete, no nature... people are trapped... in a few minutes you are back to your old-bad-self. Great illustrations! Thank you, Mark!

[@Life_42]

I'm addicted to learning!

[@JD-ko6bu]

Addictions are not good. You need to get that addiction under control.

[@danherrera2014]

I've struggled with addiction. Thank you for this video

[@linnh940]

So much easier said then done. I thought i could break my eatingdisorder cycle more easy, but here i am, 6 years later and still in the same cycle. I still haven’t got that fire in me to be able to break it.. it’s really difficult but i never give up tho! 😤

[@mysecretspacelol]

I believe you can do it, just never give up on a life that was given to you

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

Sister, meditation really helps a lot. Change things and situations in life that bring you down and do things you love. Express yourself, write a diary, draw and sing. Love yourself because you are an expression of the Divine ! 😘😁🤗

[@tammyburke9453]

Mark, great job! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@xome9694]

We miss you Ram Dass

[@noahhuguenin3848]

It's been many years since I watched your first video... I didn't remember your channel being so spiritual, nor so resonant with my own interests. But since around 2020, I've been enjoying it more and more. Thank you deeply for bringing to us these great pieces of knowledge, deepened by such beautiful drawings!

[@AfterSkool]

Wow that genuinely means so much. Thank you.

[@seanfromtheyukon]

Watched 05.29.23 - This is absolutely beautiful! ☀️

[@MrJeffrey938]

4:00 "...the wreckage of your silent reverie. Your in the arms of the Angel..." Very much like what i picture when I hear those words. The most beautifully written song about opioid death.

[@TheTimeForChange44]

This is so precise! You have to first SEE your predicament and why before you can effectively deal with it! Thank you, Ram Dass (and Alan Watts) for making the point so well!

[@singularEVERYTHING]

Being a human is adorable

[@IrieRogue]

No, thank you, good sir. You always provoke deep thought, awakening, and a desire to continue down the narrow path ♡

[@nyrdybyrd1702]

After Skool is the most hippiefied pair of platform shoes on the entire internet. 🌈🥰🌷

[@Tas0228]

Love it! Many thanks and many blessings.

[@Rickpa]

Love Ram Dass!

[@michaelh411]

So ironic that I get this video right as I'm getting ready to stop taking my pain meds. Thinking about addiction and it's roots is the only way I'm going to be able to get off these. Every time I start to get off em, I find myself taking them to help my mood. Then I remember back when I didn't need anything to help cope, but it's a whole new world now, and now I'm going to have to dig deeper into my mind. Thank you for sharing this important video!!!

[@internetfasting80085]

​@ That is an assumption, in a perfect world, sure.....but in a world of poverty & aging, not so much, it doesnt really matter tho, whatever helps you function better without having too many liabilities financially or socially, cuz it aint like anybody who would complain knows your exact physiology enuff to even offer an alternative, would care 4 the right reasons to offer in 1st place, or give a darn about why your age/injury/trauam relat3d coping mechanism exists to begin with. Make money, buy freedom 😂

[@mauimixer6040]

Consider it a blessing. Good luck . You only fail when giving up. Remember that it really takes about 30 days for it to be out of your physical body but after the 1st 3 days it gets much easier! Makes good sense to replace it with a good habit of getting healthier. 🙏😎

[@armandos3022]

Narcotics anonymous is the only way I have found that helps me stay clean.

[@internetfasting80085]

@@armandos3022 Theres plenty of good people in NA/AA, i agree its useful, stay safe, stay sane! 🤙

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

Seek for the cause of your pain. I do meditation, chant mantras and read spiritual books such as Be Here Now by Ram Dass.

[@a.b.8606]

And Thank you for continuing to enlighten our spirits ❤

[@kalynn17]

I love seeing everyone’s stories of sobriety ❤ I’m going on 10 months too!

[@KosmoRedRev]

❤

[@patrickoshea9845]

Ive been given the month off work to deal with addiction and these comments are nice

[@DanielSon123]

This has quickly become one of my favorite channels on YT. Thanks so much for all the value you bring through each video and illustration. Much love

[@AfterSkool]

Thank you! Much love.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks. 😁😁😁😁

[@laniechrisgardnerasl8639]

Awesome message! Conquer from within!

[@leonevos]

thank you

[@abdelrahim5184]

"The next message you need is always right where you are" Ram Dass❤🎉😊

[@jcjs33]

nothing is, immediately, more gratifying than 'delaying gratification'...i've never met a person who wasn't addicted to many many 'things' just like i've never met anyone not married to many 'things'...addiction is doing what i want to do, over and over, again to the EXCLUSION OF WHOLENESS...addictions are, simply, wholesome distractions...thanks 'stop fixing yourself' Anthony de Mello

[@heathercanfield1140]

I cannot tell you how much seeing/hearing this video today has done for me. There are no words. 😮🤯 - Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you so much.

[@zozac7504]

Excellent! Love Ram Dass. Your art makes him even better. Thank you. ❤

[@FormsInSpace]

I was just listening to this lecture a few days weeks ago. and this segment was the best part of the 1hr lecture. I'm glad you did this excerpt.

[@mikekell920]

Thank you Mark, these animations are beyond incredible

[@dicktrickle7608]

Addiction is a reflex reaction to abuse, neglect, and abandonment. When you realize this, and remove the things that trigger it (usually family, friends, environment like school, and a job) the toxic addictions fall away. Keep the addiction, and you will keep your coping skill to deal with your toxic environment.

[@parkerpearce33]

Thank you Ram Dass

[@shalomsims7270]

This in conjunction with "The Endless Fantasy" (as well as a number of self-help books) has provoked my mind into a spiral of thoughts, ponderings, and revelation about myself, who I am, and my addictions. The 'why' behind it has become crystal clear. All that is left is to slowly replace the habit of turning left using knowledge and depending on spiritual identity to instead turn right, and continue living and ever-changing for the better. This mental revelation along with my spiritual beliefs and other personal knowledge go hand-in-hand. Mortality being an experience to help us become more like our Creator, it only makes sense to seek self improvement, to become happier, and to help those around us to do the same (which also in-turn brings happiness to us). This channel is a pillar among many pillars in my life and a mighty strong pillar at that. Thank you so much!

[@peterduckett8384]

The difference between knowing the path and walking it. Thank you

[@kelleeweber3933]

That was GREAT

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

I love Ram Dass too. Thank you Mark, for the outstanding visual interpretation which renders the message so much easier to grasp and keep in our memory. 🤗💖🙏

[@SessleIsosceles]

I love you Ram das !

[@Fake_Robot]

I appreciate Ram Dass’s spiritual perspective so much more than the neuroscience chemistry set version.

[@knuffelmaus7175]

Thank you for this channel and spreading knowledge from people that have already died. Because as long as your wisdom is not forgotten a part of you never dies.

[@DimitarParvanov-nm7bt]

You dont know how much i needed this ! This is one of the most amazing way of explaining addiction and how to break it !

[@FoodTrucksForDummies]

Very helpful teacher

[@zengolf]

Thank you for this! What a revelatory message.

[@DelbertPupkin]

Incredible as always.

[@EndlessProductions]

Thank you for posting this video , this describes so well the process with which addicting takes you through . I know I have been there, it took near death and years of work to get out, but I did and i'm proud of that Anything is possible , anything is doable Set your mind and become your true self !❤

[@TravisHenson777]

Thanks Afterskool; this is a great Ram Dass talk to really showcase some of his more-practical teachings. I think nearly anyone could benefit from hearing this wisdom.

[@dingushatuey5654]

Thank you.

[@ohyea8636]

A higher power called me the same day this video became public. Its a wonderful coincidence that i will never forget. Everything will be okay someday.

[@loveserveascend]

Great video. Thank you. Namaste 🙏🏼✨🌈💚💖💫🌏🤝

[@gturcott1]

I have loved this for years! Such a great way to explain addiction any sort of dissociating

[@zovalentine7305]

Thought create things. Change is the one constant in life.

[@HexproofAnarchist]

Thank you 🙏

[@Drea40]

Your art is amazing Mark

[@bacon_affair4480]

This is exactly what I needed to hear thank you

[@livvlovelaughh]

“Complex PTSD from surviving to thriving” by Pete Walker really helped me out. Gabor Mate did too. The Body Keeps The Score was a good book too

[@vanouellette8031]

I replied him singing at least 10 times so beautiful. Thank you ram dass

[@zakiyasapphire]

I am super grateful for your phenomenal videos and the deep, spiritual wisdoms and teachings that you share. I have been watching your videos with my son for a few years. I have been homeschooling and alternatively educating him from the beginning. These are the kind of topics I have been learning for myself and with my child for many years in many ways. We don't need the education systems that are currently failing our children when life is about learning and there are so many ways to learn and integrate knowledge. Thank you for all the effort, energy and love you put into creating your highly educational, life changing and entertaining videos.

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

Great job, sister! 💖🙏🤗

[@KatiTheButcher]

Thank you, I really needed this.

[@joshsexton]

Thank you for doing this!

[@bairsensei7496]

You guys are amazing

[@annemeredith6037]

Loved this. Explained so well. Thank you.

[@Tara-eh2wy]

Please do more afteskool episodes around addiction and mental health. Love to share these videos with those who are hurting💚

[@wordsofenlightenment3731]

Remember, it's not really an addiction unless it's abnormal. I love one statement of one of the most important people of the West, Alan Watts. He was a drunkard, but he was the man who introduced to the West the most essential parts of Zen and enlightenment. He wrote not as a scholar, but as a master. Before he was dying, he was still drinking and a disciple asked him, "Haveyou ever thought... if Buddha had seen you drinking alcohol, what do you think he would have thought about it?" Alan Watts said, "There is no problem. I always drink in an enlightened way." The question is not what you do, the question is how you do it. Yes, I accept Alan Watts' statement. There is a possibility of a man to drink alcohol in an enlightened way. Enlightenment should not have any limits. And it should not have a particular formula, a particular pattern that you have to follow. Enlightenment should be an individual experience -- the most individual experience, incomparable and unique to everybody. Once this is understood, all the clouds that surround you with darkness start dispersing. Osho

[@ronyrockhound939]

Channels like this (After Skool) are what the internet was meant for. Thank You for all your effort, I am so glad you have an amazing network which you share.

[@RobotsCanDoAnything]

Excellent commentary, thank you for your work.