Pooping on purpose storiespo

Credit to u/SpacePaladin15 for the NOP Universe.
Hey, I hope everyone's doing well!
Today we return to the namesake of this fic, an actual lesson about animals. This one focuses on Koalas! One of Australia's most recognisable critters. I hope you enjoy.
It's hardly worth mentioning, seeing as I'm an infrequent poster at the best of times, but I'll not have another chapter out for a few weeks due to limited free time and devoting most of my writing time to an upcoming ficnapping. Be sure to look out for that!
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Memory transcription subject: Rysel, Venlil Environmental Researcher
Date [Standardised human time]: 8th September 2136
“Koalas!”
Bernard’s energised voice boomed through the air as the classroom's monitor flickered into life, images of this paws lecture topic popping up one after the other until the entire screen was filled with a collage of furry quadrupeds.
Squee! I’ll never get tired of this, it’s all so cool!
As usual the sight of something new stirred immediate discussion, hushed murmurs swelling into vibrant discourse in little more than a heartbeat. Most of the class swiftly huddled together into small herds to bounce ideas around while the rest opted to stick to the solace of their own thoughts as they took in the display.
I’d be quite happy in either situation, though seeing as Sandi had already sunk into deep concentration and Kailo had peeled off to talk with Ennerif and Solenk, it seemed the decision had been made for me on this occasion. Wasting no more time on idle inspection of the people around me, I focused my full attention forward, eager to form first impressions before the lesson began in earnest.
Now then, time to make some educated guesses. What traits does this animal have? I wonder if I’ll get any right this paw?
Professional assumptions went paw-in-paw with the lectures, examining and coming up with hypotheses about the specimens was only natural. Recently however, I’d started to make a little game of it to make things even more interesting than usual. A veritable bonfire of ideas had been set ablaze within me, fueled by my newfound knowledge of Earthen wildlife. Every flash and spark of the flame was a fresh theory I could try to apply to the lectures. It was an invigorating exercise that further stoked my unceasing wonderment.
So far I’d only done this once during the previous class and, to my disappointment, I’d not done too well.
I was right when I guessed that chickens were omnivores, but wrong in my assumption that they could fly. And that red thing on their head, the um… what was it called? The comb! Yes, the comb. I thought that was to attract mates, but it regulates body heat instead. It’s fascinating. Oh! Stars damn it I’m rambling!
I bapped my tail against my leg, the soft thud being just enough to snap me back from my runaway thoughts before I went completely wall-eyed. I was becoming more and more accustomed to getting lost in my own head while remaining conscious of the fact; it was happening so frequently now that it was pretty much impossible not to. Now I was able to pull myself back to the world around me without having to rely on someone else shaking me out of it. Most of the time anyway.
Sandi still keeps an eye on me, and Kailo even decided to help out once without being too snide about it. Anyway where was I? Oh yeah, Koalas.
Glancing at the furred animals, two things immediately stood out. Firstly, their eyes were in a more central position on their face. And second, all the images showed them being on or close to trees. There were other noteworthy observations of course, such as the Koala’s prominent nose and rounded features, but they fell to the wayside as I honed in on these points first.
Hmmm… ok. I already know to discount the idea that they’re predators just from eye position, so let’s get that thought out of here. Maybe omnivorous? Herbivore? Agh no, I can’t just guess that for the sake of guessing, that’s the same problem! Hrm, it’s tough making these assumptions now that everything I thought I knew has been turned on its head.
Nevermind, I’ll focus on the other thing. All the trees make me think they’re arboreal, that seems to be a reasonable assumption. I wonder what else they-
Clearing his throat, Bernard broke my concentration, his call for attention silencing the murmuring conversation and redirecting everyone's focus to the lecturer's podium.
His gaze panned across the room as he waited for everyone to settle, a beaming smile lighting up his face, “As ever I’m delighted to see you all get so into the subject matter from the get go. I’m looking forward to hearing what you were discussing should you wish to share. For now though, how about we get started, hm?”
A chorus of merry bleats rang out from across the audience, ears and tails flicking happily in agreement. Bernard's grin grew in tandem with the class's fervour, clasping his hands together enthusiastically as he launched into the lesson, “Excellent! Then let’s get started.”
The pictures on screen dissolved away until only one remained, enlarging to cover the entire monitor with the fluffy grey face of a Koala peacefully reclining in the crook of a tree.
“Ah, there we are,” Bernard’s baritone timbre drifted through the room as he looked up at the image, his own tone reflecting the relaxed attitude of the animal on screen, “He looks so comfortable doesn’t he? Perfectly at peace with the world, not too surprising considering they sleep almost 20 hours a day. A full paw!”
A wave of beeps and gasps rippled through the herd, punctuated by a single yawn-dressed comment from Rova, “A full paw? Hwuuu… jealous.”
Her drowsy remark elicited several whistling giggles from the herd, Bernard's own jovial chortle joining them as he turned to face her, “Late evening Rova?”
I twisted a little in my seat, panning an eye in Rova’s direction just in time to see her bleary eyes bulge open and her ears shoot up, now intensely aware of the fact she hadn’t been as quiet as she thought she had.
Sitting up abruptly, she hastily tapped down errant tufts of wool that’d flared in surprise as she composed herself, though her nervousness at becoming the centre of the class's attention was still plain for all to hear, “Uh- I um… achem, a little bit yes, um- …sorry. Lokki dragged me out to a movie viewing in the rec centre. It went on pretty late.”
A melodramatic bray from the other side of the room drew everyone's ears away from Rova to the now aghast Lokki, paw splayed across his chest in faux indignation, “Dragged you? Well excuse me for trying to broaden your horizons with human movies. That’ll be the list time I- …Ahaaaa…”
Lokki’s theatrics were cut short by a heavy yawn of his own, a swell of whistling laughter rolling through the herd as vibrant bloom lit up his snout, a sight that elicited a particularly amused bleat from Rova.
Turning away from the duo I looked back at Bernard, pleased to see that he was chuckling along with us. Behaviour like Lokki’s would never have been tolerated in my school and university days but, in stark contrast, Bernard revelled in it, the liveliness of his students fueling his own bombastic style of teaching. It was a pleasant change of pace having a teacher who let us all be ourselves in class; provided we weren’t too disruptive to the lesson plan.
Speaking of which.
His laughter still rumbling through the air, Bernard clapped his hands to pull everyone's focus back to him, “Ok, ok, let’s get back to it then shall we? Rova. Lokki. Hopefully the two of you can stay awake long enough until you can grab yourselves a coffee.”
As the class settled down and the last few giggling beeps petered out, Benard pointed a hand to the screen, “So, the Koala. Let’s start simple shall we? They are herbivorous marsupials native to the eastern and southern coasts of Australia. Easily recognised the world over, they are a well known and beloved symbol of their homeland, along with other animals such as the Kangaroo and the Emu. The former of which you might remember from one of our earlier lectures.”
Indeed I did remember, along with how angry Bernard had gotten after some speh-head had derided the Yotul after he explained how he held specific disdain for such attitudes.
Uuuggghh… I never want to see him angry again. So chilling.
I shook my ears in an effort to dismiss the unpleasant memory, panning my eyes back to the monitor to try and distract myself by inspecting the Koala’s physical appearance once more. Thankfully, by some Star's blessed intervention, Bernard had the exact same idea.
“Koala’s are rather squat in stature, ranging around sixty to eighty-five centimetres in length and weighing little more than fifteen to sixteen kilograms at their full size. As you can see, the fur of this fellow before you is a lovely silvery grey, but their fur can also sport a chocolaty brown hue as well. Arguably the most distinctive part of their appearance is their head, being rather large for their body size and having rounded ears, a large nose, and a pair of small eyes. These are often brown but variations do occur.”
It didn’t slip past my notice that Bernard didn’t bother to point out that the Koala’s eyes were forward facing. I didn’t think he’d simply forgotten, so perhaps he just felt it wasn’t necessary given that he’d already stated it was herbivorous. Either way, no one stuck up a paw or tail to question him.
“Now this will hardly be surprising considering how long they sleep, but Koala’s are largely sedentary and it’s rather easy to see why when you have a look into the contents of their diet.”
With the press of a button the Koala on screen was replaced by images of vibrant green vegetation. Soaring trees and flowering shrubbery weaved together across landscape framed pictures pulled admiring trills from the herd, the diversity of the plant life being shown standing as a reminder that it wasn’t only animal life that flourished on Earth.
After giving everyone the chance to take in the picturesque scenes, Bernard casually hammered that point home, “This is eucalyptus or, more accurately, a choice selection of more than 700 plants belonging to the eucalyptus genus, though the Koala itself favours 30 of them in particular.”
700!? Stars…
Realising that my ears had drooped in my momentary awe, I twisted them back to tune into the lesson, only for them to splay out in shock at the next words to come out of Bernard's mouth.
“The leaves of these plants are the primary food source of the Koala and there are a couple things worth mentioning when talking about these plants. For starters they do not have much nutritional or caloric value, leading to the Koala’s low-energy lifestyle. Additionally, they contain toxic compounds.”
A shiver instantly ran through the herd, ears flicking rapidly in confusion and alarm followed by a few quizzical whispers. It didn’t take long for someone to decide to give a proper voice to the murmuring.
“Excuse me Doctor. Did we hear that right? Their diet is made up of toxic flora?” Vlek’s grumbling incredulity cut through the herd's mutterings with ease. Until Kailo’s recent change of heart, the fifty something rotation old blonde Venlil had been a close second in terms of scepticism. Mercifully his rebuttals had always been relevant questions as opposed to ranting diatribes, so he at least remained on topic if nothing else.
Bernard nodded in confirmation, smiling back at Vlek while absentmindedly twirling the end of his moustache, “You heard me right, they do indeed consume plants that are toxic. Just not to them.”
Any worry or uncertainty still clinging to the herd was swept away by the provision of the glaringly obvious answer, leaving me chuckling inwardly at the oversight.
Ah of course! The plant might be poisonous but they’ll have evolved to deal with that. Stars… I’m so used to expecting the unexpected with Earth that I didn’t even consider the simplest solution.
“I see, thank you Doctor,” Vlek replied, a tinge of interest still audible in his tone, “I assume they’ve developed some adaptation to become immune to the harmful effects?”
The question immediately evoked a smirk from our teacher, but he hurriedly suppressed it while bobbing his head, “They have indeed. There are several factors that aid in their digestion of eucalyptus leaves without succumbing to the plant's baleful properties. The first is a part of the intestinal tract called the cecum. It contains a microbiome that allows the Koala to digest the eucalyptus. Coupled with this is an enzyme in the Koala’s liver that helps them break down the toxins. They are also capable of sniffing out the plants with the least amount of toxins, ensuring that they ingest as little as possible.”
Pausing for a breath Bernard looked back at the screen before turning to face us, another grin curling at the edges of his mouth as he continued with his explanation, “This is mostly for adult Koala’s, because while their young also possess these same adaptations, they don’t just go straight to munching through foliage right after being born. No, they need a little help making that jump and getting a stomach full of all that good gut bacteria. It’s nothing bad, but those of a sensitive stomach may wish to prepare themselves for this next part.”
Bernard’s assurances did little to assuage the concern that his warning had foisted upon us. Having been exposed to so much of the weirdness Earth had to offer everyone always ended up on edge whenever Bernard gave advice like this, even if he did say it in jest.
What strange nonsense thing do Koala pups do then? Judging by the way he’s acting it probably isn’t something as simple as drinking milk from the mother. Hmmm…
“So,” Bernard began, snapping us from our pensive stupor, “Young Koala’s, known as joeys, have a gestation period of thirty-five days on average, which is approximately forty-two paws. Once born they travel from the birth canal to a pouch in their mother so that they can continue to develop and grow. In the pouch the joey finds and latches onto one of two teats and these provide the newborn with a steady stream of nourishing milk. It spends the next six to seven months growing in the pouch, its eyes, ears, and fur all developing as time goes on.”
Okay, interesting. But this is exactly how I thought it’d go. What’s different?
The unexpected normalcy of the Koala’s birth and growth cycle had calmed everyone's nerves, only to be replaced with an air of suspicion as we waited with rapt attention for Bernard to drop the other claw and upend our expectations like he always did.
Not wanting to keep us in further suspense he forged ahead, the tempo of his voice picking up as the smile started to crease his face once more, “Now to make the switch from milk to eucalyptus, the mother also feeds the joey a substance called pap. It comes from the cecum I mentioned earlier, and contains all the gut bacteria required to help the young Koala in making the switch to eucalyptus.”
He stopped and looked around, searching us for a reaction to what I felt was a rather bland statement of fact. What was it he was saying without actually saying? Koala pups drink milk to mature and then include this pap substance so that they can start eating plants. I don’t see what-
The cecum is part of the intestine.
I blinked.
I blinked again, the intrusive interruption scouring my brain clean of any other thought bar the one it’d just implanted itself in the forefront of my mind.
Oh stars. They-
“They eat their own poop!?”
The shocked bleat shattered the peace of the room to reveal that most if not all of us had come to the same tail curling conclusion. As the hall filled with unrestrained vocalisations of disgust, an ‘Ugh’ over here and a ‘Blegh’ over there, Bernard’s own bellowing laughter joined the throng of voices.
“Ha! Everytime! Each and every time. Clearly it doesn’t matter if my students are Human or Venlil. Whenever someone learns about the Koala’s dietary development the reaction is the same!”
Pleased with himself beyond reason, Bernard chuckled away while the rest of us grappled with this ghastly reality. While there were plenty of animals that feasted on things that ranged from simply unappealing all the way to the stomach churningly grotesque, I’d never heard of an animal that actively consumed the excrement of its own species. Benefits aside, the prospect of having to do that to survive to adulthood sent a shiver of revulsion down my spine.
Ewww… Stars, I hope I forget this feeling by 2nd meal. They’re serving sturen and magamroot stew later. I was really looking forward to it.
With the herds mood beginning to temper Bernard tapped the podiums controls, removing the verdant collage of eucalyptus to display several similar yet distinct environments, still chortling merrily to himself in the process, “Ok then, with that little foray into their diet complete, why don’t we look at their habitat in more detail? As you might imagine given their diet and arboreal nature, Koala’s live in forested regions, and can be found in tropical and temperate zones. About a century ago they were classed as a vulnerable species, however efforts were made to turn this around and increase their numbers. Sadly the largest factor in their decline was human activity, as the fertile lands that gave rise to their bountiful forests were coveted farm land for our settlements.”
It was strange to hear Bernard so matter of factly admit to humanity's negative impacts on other species. He’d alluded to such things in the past but always with an air of caution, carefully pawing the line between honestly answering a question while not painting humanity as uncaring and destructive. AKA, the ‘predators’ we’d all initially expected them to be.
Perhaps his comfort in making such admissions was a reflection of the class's comfort with him, for no one so much as batted an ear. Even Kailo, who I would’ve expected to jump at the chance to use this as a prime example of predatory danger, only flicked an ear in stern yet silent concern.
A cough from Bernard drew my attention back, a new picture on screen that showed a forest from a bird's-eye view. Drawn across the image were around a dozen ringed areas, some bordering one another while others overlapped to some degree. It took me a moment, but I soon recognised that what I was looking at was a map, the rings representing what I assumed to be territories. And it didn’t take much effort to guess who each one belonged to.
“From habitats we move onto behaviours, so let’s start with territories. Koala’s are solitary animals. Yes, despite being herbivores. Considering they’re only awake for roughly four hours of the day I can hardly blame them. Lots to do and not a lot of time to do it. Jokes aside, once they mature they are quite independent, carving out a little slice of land for themselves, as displayed in this example, called a Home Range. That is not to say they go it alone and leave everything else behind however. Rather, as shown in the map behind me, they live in their own space while still being part of a larger social group.”
With another press of his pad the picture was updated to show one of two symbols in each segment, along with a key to the side of the map displayed in helpful Venlang. A quick glance told me that the symbols were representing whether the territory belonged to a male or female of the species.
“As you can see there is quite a bit of overlap between different Koala’s territories. It is in these areas that most of the socialising takes place between neighbours. The trees in these locations represent the few areas where intrusion across territories is acceptable for the sake of social interaction. Outside of that the Koala’s stick to their own territories for the most part, with the exceptions of Koala’s who are passing through, attempting to become part of the social group themselves, or dominant males who sometimes go off into another Koala’s range. But how do they know where one range begins and another range ends you might ask? Well, this brings us onto the next part of the lecture. How do Koala’s communicate?”
Wiping away the map from the monitor, Bernard loaded up a video of a Koala sitting in a tree and pressed play. Head held high, the Koala’s body shook as it belted out a reverberating call into the wilderness that could only be described as a garbled combination of a car engine failing to turn over mixed with the hiccups of someone with a particularly sore throat.
That’s how they sound? Oof that must be rough on the lungs.
I clearly wasn’t the only one to share such a thought, because I clocked Sandi tracing a paw along her neck as the noise went on, ears fluttering in discomfort at the noise.
Bernard himself cleared his own throat as the video came to an end, minimising it and replacing it with another image of a tree with a Koala rubbing up against the bark, “I think they’ve got me beat on who’s got the deeper voice!”
His joke garnered several amused beeps, a rare reaction that caused a beaming smile to shine across his face at lighting speed, “Oh you’re too kind. I’ll be here all week. Now where were we? Oh yes! Communication. As you’ve just heard, Koala’s are capable of loud low pitched bellows that can carry over vast distances. These express everything from ‘Hello I’m over here’ to ‘This is my turf, stay away’. Bellowing is more common in the males than the females, opting for shouting matches as opposed to outright fights when it comes to asserting dominance. Other vocal expressions include grunts, wails, and snarls if they’re acting particularly angsty. Mother and joey pairs also communicate through gentle clicking, squeaking, and murmuring sounds. And there’s one more thing worth mentioning. Something they have in common with Humans and Venlil when it comes to emoting.”
Really? They do something we do?
Curious, I pressed myself against the desk, straining as close as I could to once more scrutinise the Koala’s features. Not a lot stood out to me at first, the grey marsupial not sharing many similarities with a Venlil that I could identify.
Ok think. We show emotion with our ears, tails, and our wool on occasion. They don’t have tails so it’s obviously not that. Wool standing on end is more a reaction than a conscious expression. So it must be the ears then.
To my quiet satisfaction, my hunch was soon validated by Bernard, “As well as their vocalisations, Koala’s are very emotive through their facial features. Just like humans, they use their mouths and lips to show how they feel, but these tend more towards the aggressive side of the scale than what you might see on a human. Regarding yourselves however, Koala’s utilise their ears in tandem with their mouth movements when showing strong emotion.”
I was delighted to hear that my assumption was correct, a little happy flick twisting out through my tail and bapping against my chair with a muted thump against the plastic.
Hehe yes! Got one right!
“Now then, we are getting close to lunchtime so I’ll finish this segment off with something I think you’ll find particularly interesting. Diplomacy.”
Perplexed mutterings followed in the wake of the bizarre inclusion to the lecture, my own thoughts being dominated by bewilderment as I tried and failed to make sense of how the two could possibly be related.
Why would Koala’s, or any animal for that matter, be linked to diplomacy? Hmmm...
I could understand dispatching exterminators to deal with a predator issue as a show of goodwill, that at least includes animals, but Humans aren’t like that so I think I can safely scratch that off the list.
Maybe the humans who live in that region benefited from Koala’s in some way. Could they have gotten something from them? But what?
Hopefully not what the pups get from their mothers.
Agh no! Begone awful intrusive thoughts. Blegh! I don’t need that in my head.
As I wrestled with the short-lived revulsion inflicted upon me by my Star's damned subconscious, Bernard placed a new image on screen, one that was decidedly different from all that had preceded it.
On screen were more than a couple dozen pictures of humans. Some were pictured alone while others congregated in large groups while cameras surrounded them from all angles. Across all the images, I noted two common themes. First of all, a solid majority of the humans were wearing formal wear similar to what I’d seen worn by UN representatives on TV. If the gaggle of journalists in the background of the photos didn’t already confirm my suspicions, then it was this similarity which made me conclude they were all people of some importance. Likely politicians judging from context clues.
Secondly, each of the individuals was interacting with a Koala in some form. Some cradled one against their chests while others were feeding it eucalyptus leaves or pellets of some kind. One of the assumed politicians had become an impromptu bed for a snoozing bundle of fur, a gleeful smile spread across their face as they lovingly gazed down at the sleeping Koala in their lap.
As I continued to stare at the assorted photos something clicked into place, a sudden spark flickering into life. A burgeoning light of comprehension that flared and swelled with every wide-eyed breath I took. Some things still escaped me, things I hoped would soon be explained, but in staring at all of the humans happy smiling faces, I was struck with an instant of pure understanding.
If someone, say a Nevok for instance, offered to gift me a creature that was common to them but which might exotic and breathtaking to a Venlil, how could my feelings not be swayed? How could I walk away from that encounter and not have grown closer to them as a result?
“Koala diplomacy,” Bernard waved his hand up at the monitor, a slight reverence in his tone, “My favourite kind of soft power diplomacy. Where political leaders take photo ops with Koala’s and, on occasion, the Australian government loans Koala’s to other nations for a time to bolster positive relations. It certainly helps that Koala’s are a beloved animal worldwide, drawing large crowds and revenue for countries fortunate enough to host the adorable critters.”
The truly alien concept predictably sparked instant discussion in the herd, two polar opposite schools of thought swiftly cementing themselves as the most popular opinions. Simultaneously, I heard one voice trill excitedly while another scoffed at what they clearly saw as a ridiculous and offensive notion.
“Squee! That’d be so cool! I’d love to get the chance to see a Liri from Coila. Remember the Rainbow Boa? Think of that shimmering effect and colour but put it on a bird! Ah! I’ve only heard their song on video. It’d be a treat to hear it in person!”
Ooo! I’ve read about them! I’d love to get up close to one.
“Loaning. As if animals are property to be hoarded and traded? Pugh! Another predatory trait the humans don’t want to acknowledge for what it is.”
Ugh, typical. Jump right to the worst possible option.
However, despite my dismissal of their disparaging fumings, an uncomfortable thought pressed upon my mind. While it was plain to see how much humans cared for the Koala, it didn’t change the fact that humans did keep animals as property just as the scornful herd member had said.
This begged a rather important, disquieting question. Aside from keeping some animals as cattle, a stomach tightening minefield I had no desire to step a claw onto right now, how else did humans keep other creatures. And how did they treat them?
Before I was fully conscious of doing it my paw was in the air, the question primed on my tongue.
Noticing my elevated paw Bernard pointed at me, smiling warmly, “Yes Rysel? What’s on your mind?”
Sorry Bernard. I hope this one’s not too awkward for you to answer.
Flicking my ear in appreciation, and waiting for everyone to settle enough so that I could be heard, I voiced my concerns as neutrally as possible, “Thank you Doctor. I uh, just had a thought. We know that humans keep certain animals for… particular reasons, and we know why. From how you’ve spoken about Koala’s I think it's fair to say that the same cannot be said for them. However, this makes me wonder, what other reasons do humans have for keeping animals and how do you treat them?”
A flash of surprise blinked across Bernard's eyes but vanished so quickly that it felt like I’d imagined it. Had he not expected such a question? Maybe he was just shocked that it’d been me who’d ended up asking it?
Stars, am I so predictable that no one expects me to ask difficult questions?
Unfortunately, a quick glance at my deskmates seemed to prove that to be the case, as both Sandi and Kailo were looking at me with differing degrees of astonishment flapping in their ears.
Well speh.
“A very good point Rysel, certainly one that’s worth raising. Yet another example of you all anticipating what I have to say before I can bring it up myself.” Bernard tapped the podium, switching off the monitor before returning his focus to me, “We won’t be needing that. I’ve nothing prepared that I can show you and we’re heading to lunch in a few minutes anyway. Still, that’s plenty of time to give you a bit of an answer.”
A bit? What does he mean just a bit?
Made even more curious by Bernard's preempted admission that he wasn’t going to fully answer my query, I dialled both my ears on him, fixing him with an inquisitive stare as he started to explain with a tone that was noticeably more nonchalant than any of his previous explanations.
“So, animals in captivity for reasons other than what you already know. Honestly I would love to delve into other reasons regarding why we keep animals. However, I have a lesson plan in the works that I hope to share with you all in the not too distant future. Some of it touches upon this very topic and I’d quite like to bundle it all together. That said, I can tell you how animals in captivity are treated. In short, the answer is very well. There are a mountain of laws both on private and public interests that govern the standards and ethical treatment of animals, and breaches of these laws are quite severe even for relatively minor infractions.”
While I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed by the vague answer to what was really the bulk of my question, I was at least satisfied by Bernard’s assurances that animals in captivity, such as the Koala, were well looked after. Considering the barely subdued grumbling coming from some corners of the audience it was clear that several of the herd didn’t believe Bernard outright, but I trusted him to be honest. Additionally, the mention of an upcoming lecture focused on humans keeping animals caused quite the buzz.
I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation at exploring the topic further. He’d pretty much confirmed we wouldn’t be talking about cattle farms, for which I was relieved, but that still left a huge amount of uncertainty in what was to come.
Humans keeping animals as cattle was a forgone conclusion. As horrifying as that reality was, it was one I could understand from a detached and strictly clinical point of view. Being predators they ate meat and therefore they kept cattle. But the concept of keeping animals for any other reason baffled me.
What could be the purpose? The diplomacy thing makes sense now that I have context, but what other reasons could they have.
The class's discussions were interrupted by the recognisable ring of the break bell, the shift in attention eliciting a change in conversation from confused hypotheses to peppy conversation on how everyone was planning to spend their break and what they had in mind for 2nd meal.
“Well I can see everyone’s excited for lunch, and who am I to disappoint,” chuckling Bernard waved us all up from our seats, pocketing his pad from the podium and heading to open the classroom door for us, “Enjoy your break, get a good rest along with a hearty meal, and I’ll see you all back here at the usual time.”
As everyone else filed out I stayed behind, waving at Sandi and Kailo as they left, and pawing over to Bernard once he and I were the only ones left in the room.
Ears folded down and with an apologetic tinge in my voice I greeted him as I sidled up to him, “Hey Bernard, I uh… sorry if that last question was unexpected.”
Chortling in reply, Bernard waved a hand through the air in a sign I’d come to understand meant ‘not a problem’.
“No need to apologise Rysel. It was a good question and most certainly not a problem.”
Heh, called it.
I sighed, allowing tension I didn’t realise I’d been holding to relax itself from my shoulders, “Phew, that’s a relief. I’m glad. I’m curious to hear what this new lesson is you’ve got in store for us by the way.”
Bernard wagged a finger at me, throwing up his eyebrows in mock amazement, “Oh are you now? Well I’m afraid you’ll have to remain curious for the time being. It’s going to be quite the surprise if all goes to plan. But…”
He trailed off, glancing at me before looking to the door like he was making sure no one else was around.
Wait, is he going to tell me? Oh please yes let me know now!
Stopping myself from jumping on the spot in excited anticipation, and trying my damndest to stop my tail from wagging in equal measure, I stared up at Bernard as he stewed in his thoughts before turning back to face me.
“I can’t tell you the specifics, but I’m working with Alejandro and Tolim to get something together. A trip that’s not a trip as it were. And when it happens, I’m going to need a few of the more accepting members of the class to lend me a hand. I’m hoping you and a couple others will be able to help with that?”
A trip that’s not a trip? What does that mean? Agh who cares about that right now! Bernard’s relying on me to help out!
Still trying not to keep myself from bouncing around with pup like glee I swished my tail and nodded my head in joint agreement, happy to help with whatever Bernard had in store for us, “Of course! Anything you need I’ll be there to lend a paw. You can count on me!”
A broad warm smile lit up Bernard's face, a hand patting me on the shoulder in appreciation, “Thank you Rysel. I knew I could rely on you but it still warms my heart to hear it. And, as thanks for this and for the many times you’ve shown your support, the surprise includes a little something special I think you’d appreciate the most.”
If my earlier enthusiasm had been at a nine, then the implication of a supposed gift sent it rocketing all the way to a hundred in a heartbeat.
“Wait… WHAT!? What do you mean? What are you doing?”
As impossible as it seemed, Bernard's grin grew even wider as I almost lost myself in wool shaking exhilaration, “Call it my own form of Koala diplomacy. But I’m afraid that’s all I can say for now. Wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise even for you!”
“Oh you ass!” Whistling jovially I bapped my tail against Bernard’s leg in fake indignation, evoking a barking bellowing laugh from the man himself.
Still laughing, the two of us departed the class and made for the canteen, my rumbling stomach leading me on while my mind spun with fantastical thoughts as to what Bernard had prepared for us.
And what specifically he had in store for me.

for about an hour now i’ve been getting almost stabbing like pains in my upper side by my stomach and ribcage. my chest and back are also hurting.
i initially thought it was trapped wind but whenever i get that it’s always in my abdomen…never this high up.
i actually feel winded and it comes in like spasm waves. the rest of the time it’s just a minor dull ache across my back chest and stomach/ribcage. i can’t burp so don’t know if it’s just trapped air but my god i’m so uncomfortable.
i swallowed a ton of air on purpose earlier as i’m trying to get video evidence of my no burp gurgles for a specialist i plan to see, maybe that?
i’m gurgling a lot and sorry tmi farting and im pooping normally but not much
i’m hungry and not nauseous like my stomach is growling and i’ve only eaten 2 tiny brownies today so i know i’m probably not sick but wow it’s making me scared. i hate feeling bad so much :(

The cursed zaan: https://imgur.com/a/89917pq Timestamp: https://i.imgur.com/kdLPywS.jpeg
So this zaan may be cursed... I posted it the other day and withdrew it shortly after posting. I got lowballed on it and decided to wait until the next knife arrived in the mail to choose if i should sell. Apparently the knife gods didn't like that. The next day I carried it to work and somehow some pitting appeared on the blade.
I work at a bar so I have no idea what could've caused this. I use my knife mainly to cut open liquor boxes, and i certainly dont purposefully expose it to chemicals or acids that could do this to magnacut. I can't for the life of me pinpoint what moment this could have happened.
I know I took it out of my pocket at one point in the shift and saw a black stain on the blade. I went to wipe it off and most of it came off minus this spec, which I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't rub off. "Surely some flitz will take care of that" I thought, as I put it back in my pocket and didn't pay it mind. I got home and hit it with flitz only to realize it wasn't something stuck to the blade, but rather there's two tiny pits formed in the metal.
Hopefully this is something CRK could cover in their warranty services.
So here it is again, at a reduced price to reflect this, to appease the knife gods.
Knife is a drop point Umnumzaan in Magnacut with a 06/27/23 DOB
Upgrades include a Pop's custom deep carry clip, geared backspacer from fastlt1nos on ig and vapor honing performed on the clip, scales and backspacer by Tom Jordan of Chris Reeve Knife Mods on Fb.
Condition other than the blemish discussed above is good. Knife was carried regularly for the past 2 months but barely shows signs of it, a few snails on the pocket clip. The edge was mirror sharpened prior to my ownership, and I have stropped it sporadically to maintain the edge but it can use a touch up if you want it razor sharp.
I disassembled to clean and lube everything including polishing the washers which has resulted in fantastic, broken in action.
Includes box, papers, stock clip, extra stock hardware, loctite and grease but no rag.
Price: Asking $400 OBO shipped to CONUS.
PayPal F&F with no notes.
No trades Please.
Kindly reach out with any questions.
If no one takes it at this price I will gladly keep it as a poop knife.

So I got her (half staffy half amstaff) on Saturday, absolutely adore her and she’s a great girl, the only major issue I’m having is when I leave her in her crate at night. She’s approximately 12 weeks old, and she’s very clingy, and will only fall asleep if she’s on my lap. The second I put her in her crate, boom, she’s up.
Each morning since I got her I wake up to go downstairs and she has pooped in her crate, and since she bangs/scratches on the cage to get out, it smears on the crate, and all over the floor surrounding it, so it’s been a nightmare to clean each time.
Last night I did a bit of an experiment with her, I purposely stayed up until the early hours of the morning so I could do this. Before midnight, I tried I tried to keep her awake so she could poop on her puppy pad before bed. Tried for an hour and she never did, even though last time she pooped was about 6 hours prior.
I then let her fall asleep on my lap, and put her in her crate, sneaking out of the room as to not wake her. I purposely kept my bedroom door and the living room (where her crate is) door open so I could hear clearly when she woke up. She woke up 10 minutes later, as soon as I heard her crying I ran down, boom, pooped in her crate. Cleaned up, got her asleep again, repeated the process.
Another 20 minutes later, hear her wake up, go down, pooped a second time. And this also happened a third time. I wake up this morning, again. Poop everywhere because she’d had time where I was asleep to smear it all over the place (so that makes 4 times total in the space of 8 hours)
I did try feeding her meals two hours earlier hoping she would then go poop BEFORE bed but this didn’t seem to do anything. Is it possible she has a bowel problem? I also did read somewhere that puppies can poop because of anxiety too. I’ve read that they can poop around 4/5 times a day. She will poop a couple times during the day, but it seems to mostly be at night when she notices I’m gone.
I’m considering moving her crate up to my room. Cus on a different night when I stayed with her downstairs til 5am there was no pooping in her crate (until I went to bed at 6am and came down at 9am) she would just wake up, scan the room, saw I was there and go back to bed. All my friends who are dog owners advised against this as they insist she has to sleep on her own or she’ll develop long term separation anxiety, but I’d rather get advice from a professional.
Please help. Any advice would be appreciated. I don’t know if it’s anxiety or if it’s an indicator of potential gut issues.

Hey everyone, I posted here a couple months back on some cleaning product recommendations for trim and tires. I've experimented a bit and done some research so this is what I currently use and it's under 100$ overall.
Chemical Guys Tire Shine Kicker -Good for tire and trim it makes it nice and black but not to wet or shiny which I enjoy. It requires a spong pad but I use the dollar store one and haven't had any issues. It's water based so paint shouldn't be affected. I have noticed that it stays on pretty good but I reapply every wash which is generally once every 1-2 months.
Chemical Guys Mr Pink -Very foamy and cleans up pretty good. I'm looking into adding a ceramic wash on top Hydro Suds Ceramic since I live in a pretty dry and hot area (CA valley) so there's plenty of dust, polenta and bird poop.
I hope it helps those who may not want to fork over 100$ for some soap or product that may permanently impact your baby.
I'll post some before and after pictures when I do the next wash. Any questions or comments drop em below 🤙
Edit: I forgot to mention I use Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant. I didn't really notice much impact on shine or anything but it definitely cleaned up so dust and crud that built up. I'll be trying Nonsense All Purpose Cleaner and VRP Protectant as well as some leather cleaners in the future tho so I'll update then.

So this is partly just a funny story, but I’m also curious as to why this happens or if it’s happened to anyone else.
This happened to me twice when I was younger. Once, I was in the restroom and I guess I didn’t do my courtesy flush (I was like 12), and the toilet got clogged and then poop started coming out of the shower drain 😂😂😂
I thought this was bad, but then one day I was at my friends house 😅 I had to drop a big one and I was in there for a while. He called me the next day and said his shower drain had poop 💩 come out 😅🤣😂💀💀💀
Why does this happen? How can I do this on purpose at one of my enemies houses? Has anyone else ever laid such massive turds? 😅😄

Want to know why health insurance is so expensive in the US? It's the fast food industry, energy drinks, sugar added to everything, all purpose flour, salt added to everything, fat portions, a dozen chemicals that are illegal in most other Countries. It's about the greed and the subsidized beef & dairy industry, Corporations on welfare. Did I mention Greed? People make record profits off of you eating like crap, and you let them do it.
How to make cheap health insurance? EASY, don't cover lifestyle disease and illness, if you are going to treat your body like poop then you pay, and you pay a lot more. Easy.
Remove the beef and dairy subsidies and people will automatically start eating better because they can't afford an $18 Big Mac. Easy.
And you guys all worried about a flat earth and UFO's

We've been in our new home for about 3 years now from day one our neighbor pulls into our driveway all the way in to back in his car but the thing is if our car is parked there he can still back in no problem. We've started to think he is doing on purpose and this happens 4-5 times a day.
And he has two dogs that are always off leash and pee and poop in our yard. There are so many other things like this that we've putting up for 3 years and did not said a word about it until now. He acts like he owns the entire street
We finally told our neighbor we'd appreciate it if we did not use our driveway in a very polite way. He became very hostile and said "oh i pull in maybe 2 feet what is the problem if you want to live on this street you need to make sacrifices"
Can you please help me with your thoughts? I am afraid he'll become more hostile and do things behind our backs.
Thank you

I have been doing research before I am able to see a HCP. Most of the topics I discuss below have been life long conditions that I thought were normal or at least non-detrimental. I am male, 27 years old, and wondering if anyone else has experience with the below conditions:

• Involuntary twitching when erect / stimulated. A few partners have commented on it in the past, and it's been a life long thing that I assume(d) is normal. When stimulated I feel myself kegel constantly and I can't stop it. On one occasion I was able to "tire the muscles out" by purposefully contracting repeatedly, which made it difficult to finish but I don't think it's healthy to do often.
• I think due to this constant contraction I am usually not able to last long in bed. I've had a handful of times were I can last or not finish at all and I think these are times when I dont really feel my pelvic muscles engage much. These are rare though.
• I have an slight forward posture, where the weight is primarily distributed towards my toes. My shoulders are more inline with the balls of my feet instead of my heels. This is something I've had for a long time (+10 years, maybe life long). It's subtle so no one notices.
• I've noticed that I have trouble urinating immediately. When I go to the bathroom it feels like there is "a foot on the brake that is hesitant to let off." Starts as a hesitant stream before I feel my pelvis relax and fall allowing me to pee normally. When I am done I have a strong urge to kegel once or twice.
• I can do very easily do strong kegels and differentiate between the muscles between my butt and my groin. But I have difficulty doing reverse kegels, and tend to engage my abs a lot when trying. After practice I can feel my sphincter muscles push outward but am not sure about my pelvic muscles.
• Recently noticed that immediately after masturbating I have a strong urge to poop that passes after a minute or two.
• When pooping I never feel "empty" and after "pinching one off" I will involuntarily kegal a few times.
• I am a generally anxious person which I believe contributes to the tightness of my pelvic muscles.
• No pain or discomfort in the area.

I plan on visiting a PT in a few months to evaluate my pelvic floor. In the meantime I have been doing breathing and general flexibility exercises for my own peace of mind. Do these symptoms fall in line with PFD? Has anyone else had these symptoms and been able to find improvement? Thanks and apologies for the long post.

This last week I took care of pets (dog walks for the two dogs & drop ins for the two cats).
TL;DR: I walked dogs and took care of two cats for a guy who was gone for a week. The animals were friendly but looked like they could use some basic vet care (shots, de-wormer, flea treatment). But the apartment was NASTY. How do I leave a review for this person/experience?
The Long Story: I did the initial Meet & Greet and was appalled at the apartment (pungent, unpleasant smells - animal smells), dried no-telling (cat vomit?) in various places on the furniture and carpet, kitchen was a mess... then he opens his refrigerator to show me the dog food and it's horrifying - sticky, brown goo on a lot of stuff, meat in a package that is leaking and hasn't been cleaned up... literally the nastiest home I've ever been in. I felt dirty just being in that apartment.
I met the dogs, who were together in the same kennel in a bedroom: a smaller husky and a corgi/blue heeler mix (corgi body, heeler color). He let them out so I could meet them and the corgi mix was excited, friendly, jumping on me (ouch, claws). The husky was very shy and timid and wouldn't let me touch her. The client said he'd only had her a few months and that he thinks she was abused because she's so scared around people.
This person was going to be gone for a week. The dogs were to stay in their kennel while I wasn't there; meanwhile, remember he's only booked me for one 30-minute dog walking session per day. I expressed my concern that the dogs would be locked up in their kennel for 23 hours a day and suggested he board them, either with a Rover sitter who does that (I cannot) or with a boarding service. He wasn't interested in that, and finally mentioned that the did have another friend who would be coming over in the afternoons to check on the dogs. He was like, "I have to keep them in the kennel while I'm not home because otherwise they'll pee and poop on the floor. I tried keeping Jade (corgi) just free in a room but she did this to the door" then proceeds to show me a door that was, and I am not exaggerating here, half a door. Dog had (supposedly) completely destroyed the bottom half of the door, up to like the doorknob. So dog(s) aren't house trained and also appear to be bored/anxious when the owner leaves. Great.
He couldn't tell me how much I should feed them. I asked, he showed me their food (some kind of special refrigerated fresh food subscription thing), canned wet food, and dry food. He just said, "Whatever you think" which is weird, folks. It's weird. He finally said he is trying to put weight on the husky (she was super skinny) and so he just feeds them however much they want. Just... idk.
I asked him about his vet, to which he replied he just "goes to whichever vet is available" when he needs something. I asked if the dogs were spayed, he said no. He also mentioned they had had shots a year ago (I'm guessing just the corgi had had shots a year ago, since he'd already said the husky he'd only had for a few months), but that he hadn't gotten them to the vet yet this year for their yearly shots.
Initially this person contacted me to just do dog walks (which I'm realizing now he probably should have booked me as drop ins and asked me to walk the dogs? I'm not really sure...), but I notice he has two cats as well. I asked him if he intended for me to take care of the cats. He was like, "Oh could you? That would be great." I said I could but that I would charge for that, which he was okay with. He asked me to show him how to add the cats to the dog walks and I had to walk him through how to even get to his profile on Rover on his iPad. He offered the iPad to me to let me navigate and I refused to touch it - it seemed as nasty as the apartment - crusty. I asked about litter boxes and he said "Oh don't worry about it, it'll be fine for a week" - it's two cats (I didn't find the second litter box until the last day I visited, so thought it was just one litter box the whole time), and that also seemed off to me. I did scoop the one litter box I knew about a few times just because I felt bad for the cat.
In my M&Gs, I always get the person's actual phone number but tell them that this is only for emergency purposes, if the Rover app is down or if I can't get a hold of them through the app, and that I always use the app to communicate. I told that thing to this guy. Who then proceeded to just text me stuff throughout his absence. I said something to him once about communicating through the app but he never would so I gave up. He would ask me to do things from time to time, from normal things like "Hey can you check to make sure the AC is on?" to odder things like "Would you turn on my playstation?" and "Would you make sure the hexagon lights are on?" smh
I probably shouldn't have taken the booking, but I did, and after the second day maybe I noticed what looked like worms in the dogs' stool. The corgi was very itchy, so I'm assuming fleas or something. I wrote messages every day after the dog walk and the cat drop in and mentioned the worms and the possibility of fleas and suggested, nicely, that he get them to the vet when he return. Long story short, the animals seemed loved and mostly cared for, but it seemed like either the guy didn't know how to care for animals or... I don't know. I kept thinking to myself, "They have a better life here than in a shelter. They have a better life here than in a shelter."
The rainbow in this horrible experience: the husky, initially extremely scared of me, started to trust me and show me her real personality and was an absolute doll the last few days I was there. I loved gaining her trust!
My main question is: How do I, or should I, leave a review for this person?

I am grateful to the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva for offering me this precious opportunity to share my experience of practising Buddhism with you.
I am 62 years old. Today, I can eat, sleep and walk like a normal person. However, did you know that I once was a paralyzed woman who could not even get up from bed, had difficulty turning over, and could not take care of myself? Through practising Buddhism and reciting Buddhist scriptures, I have completely freed myself from the misery of hell. I want to tell you with hard facts that practising Buddhism and reciting the scriptures has not only given me a second life, but has also benefited me immensely. I want to share with you how I transformed myself from paralysis to health within four years without undergoing any surgery! May my presentation plant the seeds of bodhi in your hearts, so that more people will have faith in Guan Yin Bodhisattva who has boundless supernatural power, and recite Buddhist scriptures as soon as possible to be free from suffering and gain happiness!
1. When I was young, I opened two bars so I created bad karma, and karmic retribution is right on my heels!
I am the eldest daughter of my family and the eldest daughter-in-law of my in-laws family. Both my mother and mother-in-law are Buddhist practitioners and urged me to practise Buddhism as well. However, because of my youthful ambition and good fortune, at the age of about 36, I ran two bars and enjoyed the pleasure of earning money, not bothering to practise Buddhism at all. By then, I was young and foolish, in the bars I gained filthy money by means of woman’s charms, which invariably created a lot of bad karma. How many people lost their morals and conscience for my sake of monetary gain? How many families have been broken up behind the scenes? How many people have done many things against ethics and morality under the paralysis of alcohol? I hereby express my deepest repentance to Guan Yin Bodhisattva! Karmic retribution is inescapable. I planted the evil cause so I reap the evil effect. The bad karma I created within two years of running the bars has brought me a tragic retribution 13 years later! (So, dear fellow practitioners, please take this as a warning!)
In 2010, I was 49, my predestined 369 calamity arrived. One day in July, my karma exploded. I suddenly collapsed at home kitchen while stirring frying vegetables. In an instant, I felt that the sky was falling, and I had nowhere to turn for help. An otherwise healthy me entered a life of hell on earth from then on. Every day, I ate, drank, pooped and peed in bed, had difficulty turning over, couldn't wash my hands and face, had trouble swallowing, so it was worse than death. I was paralyzed in bed from then on. The doctor said I had a herniated disc in my lower back. All the bones in my back were misaligned. Both knee bones were necrotic and so swollen. I have visited all the local city and provincial hospitals, big and small, to seek medical care. I almost spent all the several hundreds of thousands of RMB I had gained from my bar business. However, the condition got worse and worse.
2. Since encountering the excellent Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, I have been practicing Buddhism hard to overcome any obstacles on the way and finally achieved a new life.
Perhaps it was the blessing from my family members who had been making offerings to the Buddha and practising Buddhism for years. Thanks to the mercy of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, I finally encountered the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door in 2012 when I was in the most desperate situation in my life. The person next door to my bar heard that I was sick and came to see me. She brought me Buddhist scripture, recitation device, Buddhism in Plain Terms, counters and many other Dharma gems. She told me the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door was very efficacious, and asked me to try it. Although I could not move on bed, I listened all Master Lu's recordings like a thirst. I was pleasantly surprised to hear cases of patients who had been cured of cancer and serious illnesses by practising Buddhism and reciting the scriptures. The recordings of Master Lu's programs were like a bright beacon in the darkness, bringing me hope for life and giving me great encouragement. I felt I was awakened by a powerful energy, stirring up my strong desire to live. I told myself: I must survive; I must save myself! I started to practice Buddhism and recite scriptures as if I had grabbed a lifeline.
I am illiterate, so I had to lie in bed every day and learn to recite word by word with the recitation device. Due to the heavy karma, there was no virtuous and the high-minded practitioner around to teach me how to burn the Little Houses in a rational and lawful way. I foolishly took an ashtray instead of a plate to burn the Little Houses, which resulted in the ashtray blowing up. In order to eliminate karma quickly, I was foolishly reciting the Heart Sutra and Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra after ten o'clock at night, which resulted in the light bulbs breaking several times (Here, I sincerely remind my fellow practitioners: Master Lu enlightened us not to recite the Heart Sutra and Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra after ten o'clock at night. Please make sure to read the Introduction to Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door carefully in order to avoid practising Buddhism irrationally). Therefore, we must follow the instructions of Master Lu, and never do what the Master does not allow us to do. The whole process of reciting Buddhist scriptures to eliminate karma is very bumpy. It is really easy to create karma, but very hard to eliminate it! However, I firmly believed that the Bodhisattva is infinitely powerful. As long as I diligently practised Buddhism, my fate would definitely get changed. Hence, I relied on the blissful cases in Master Lu's recordings as my spiritual support. I kept persevering, not afraid of any difficulties, and recklessly recited Buddhist scriptures.
Since I ate, drank and pooped in bed, my aura was very bad. As I could not get up by myself, so I had to lie in bed to recite the sacred Buddhist scriptures. I felt guilty and torn, wondering if this was the appropriate way to recite the sacred Buddhist scriptures. Will it affect the effect of the recitation? Gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for Her compassion, and I dreamed of Master Lu that night. Master Lu who was dressed in a black suit smiled at me and kindly comforted me: “don't worry.” After I woke up, I was very grateful for Master Lu's compassion. Master Lu knew about my special situation, so this is a sympathy and a condolence to me. After I recited Buddhist scriptures 4 to 5 months late, my neck and head were able to turn significantly. Such a Dharma blissful change thrilled me. All the trials and perseverance I had gone through in the past had not been in vain. Guan Yin Bodhisattva has boundless supernatural power, which had given me a glimmer of hope for recovery! (Here, I sincerely remind my fellow practitioners: In the absence of illness, recitation of Buddhist scriptures must be respectful. A point of respect harvests a point of benefit.)
3. The unique characteristics of attending the Dharma conference and formally acknowledging Jun Hong Lu as my master allow my physical health to improve with Dharma joy
In February 2017, I befriended a fellow practitioner. She invited me to attend the Macau Dharma Convention together. I thought to myself: “can I take the bus by myself?” “Can I attend the conference?” With a strong faith from my inner heart, I attended the conference via keeping reciting the Great Compassion Mantra on the trip. Unbelievably, I arrived at the conference as I wished with the blessing and protection of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, although my bulky legs could only barely support my body in the seat. I was in tears when I listened Master Lu's wise words and saw the holy icon of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. On the night of the conference, I dreamed of Guan Yin Bodhisattva! Gratitude to Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva for saving me from suffering and giving me a new life. At the end of the Macau Dharma Convention, I instantly made two vows: to be a vegetarian for 15 days per month and liberate 10,000 fish.
Before I attended the Macau Dharma Convention, I had to take a break whenever I walked two steps, and my body was not able to move much. After returning, my legs started to become strong enough to support my body and I could walk on flat ground. Despite they were not very flexible, they were no longer the same as when I was paralyzed like a limp in bed. My whole body is getting better and better in essence, vital energy, and spirit. I was very surprised! Master Lu has enlightened that there are many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas coming to bless attendees at each Dharma conference!
In August 2017, before the Dharma Convention in Malaysia, my fellow practitioners urged me to formally acknowledge Jun Hong Lu as my master. Since I am an illiterate, compassionate fellow practitioners helped me to fill out the application form of seeking discipleship. My fellow practitioners told me that there were so many people wanted to formally acknowledge Jun Hong Lu as their master that I might not be able to reach my wish this time. Then, I had to wait for the opportunity next Dharma Convention. I told myself that whether I could reach my wish or not this time, I would actively participate in Master Lu’s Dharma Convention. Considering my age, it is a blessing for me to attend one more Dharma Convention. To my surprise, one week later, my application for seeking discipleship was approved. Gratitude to Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva!
On the day of seeking discipleship, I was very excited. During the process of seeking discipleship, I heard a voice in stereo that was very loud. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see Tathagata Buddha, and many other Bodhisattvas coming down from heaven. At that moment, I saw that the upper half of Master Lu's Dharmakaya appeared transparent with a huge lotus flower. I was suddenly moved to tears. I was oblivious to the fact that Master Lu had come to my side until the time of issuing the discipleship certificate. Master Lu was very compassionate and empowered me with blessing. Master Lu enlightened, "Because five people opened their eyes during the worship ceremony, they have no lotuses planted in the pure land. But it's okay, when the ceremony is over, you can go to the front and kowtow to ask the Bodhisattva (to plant a lotus)." I then rushed to the front to worship. Before I finished worshiping Bodhisattva, a young fellow practitioner came over. He asked, "How do you feel? Did you see anything?" I said, "I saw Tathagata Buddha." He asked, "How are you sure that was Tathagata Buddha?" I said, "Both my mother and mother-in-law are Buddhist disciples, and Tathagata Buddha has curly hair."
I was grateful for the compassionate blessing from Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Master Lu. When I returned home after seeking discipleship, I made two vows: to be a vegetarian for the rest of my life and never kill (animals). The power of a vow outweighs the force of karma. After I made the vows, Master Lu’s Dharmakaya came to help me heal my legs in my dreams. Once, I saw Master Lu’s Dharmakaya passing by my room while I was half-squinted. Master Lu asked me, "Which foot is uncomfortable? Where is aching?" Instantly I woke up and then I found that my feet didn't feel as heavy as they used to be and I walked more lightly. I excitedly shared the news with my old father, "Master Lu has come to bless me again!" I am grateful to Master Lu for his compassionate care for every sentient being. Every time I dreamed of Master Lu, he would always compassionately endow me with abundance of blessing, and I was always surprised by the improvement in my health.
In a short time, I could not only separate my feet and take turns to walk up and down the stairs independently. Moreover, I could bend back and forth freely with my arms crossed. The bones in my back, which were all misaligned and uneven, were now completely normal again. Previously, I couldn't raise my hands to wash my face, brush my teeth or comb my hair because the bones in my back would pull the nerves and cause severe pain when I raised my hands. In those days, whenever I sneezed or defecated, I felt like to cheat death on pain. In those hellish day I went through unimaginable pain and suffering. Now, however, I can take care of myself completely and move around freely. Sometimes I get a little tired after walking for too long, but I can recover after 10 minutes of rest in bed. Although it is still slightly bumpy while I was walking, if you don't look closely, you can't see it. My family was overwhelmed to see the dramatic change from being paralyzed and bedridden to walking independently since I practised Buddhism. My old father, who was taking care of me at the bedside, complimented me straight away: you have completely changed, becoming healthier and healthier now! I was so excited that I had tears in my eyes. Without the rescue of Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Master Lu, I really wouldn't have the blissful transformation I have today!
In 2019, at the Dharma conferences of Indonesia and Singapore, I pleaded with my fellow practitioners to be merciful to give me the opportunity to volunteer. According to the rules of the Dharma conference, I was already overage. However, I was adamant that I must do volunteer work. Guan Yin Bodhisattva has given me a second life, so I have to serve all sentient beings physically. I am grateful for Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva who helped me out. When I came back from the conferences, I found that I could bend and squat easily and freely, and I had no problem even sitting on the floor. I am grateful to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for compassionately helping me to eliminate my karma at every conference, so that I can obtain incredible blessings and improvement occur every time.
4. The incredible blessing of setting up the Buddhist altar accelerated my health recovery and created a medical miracle.
From the time I set up the Buddhist altar in 2017, I insisted on offering Bodhisattvas incenses morning and evening every day. At first, the body was still straight and could not bend and bow. For two years, in front of the Buddhist altar, I prayed for Bodhisattvas to bless me so that I could recover my health a little better so I can use my own experience as an example to convince sentient beings to gain faith on Dharma and practise Dharma. Gradually, I was able to stand to offer incense to Bodhisattvas, to bend and bow, and finally to kneel in front of the Buddhist altar to recite the scriptures. I was full of Dharma joy! Initially, my back still hurt from kneeling. With the karmic obstacles being removed, my back didn't hurt anymore. Sometimes when I went out with fellow practitioners to set up the Buddhist altar, particularly on the Buddha's Birthday, I could kneel to recite the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance for an hour and a half. My fellow practitioners couldn't keep it up, so I was the only one who kept it up until the end. I am so grateful to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for Her compassionate blessing!
At one time, the doctor at the provincial hospital told me that I had to have surgery to put two steel plates into the bone, but I refused. Because I firmly believe that with the of blessings of Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Master Lu, I am afraid of nothing. Buddha is an extraordinary doctor. The only way to recover completely is to repent sincerely and practise Buddhism. I can now move as freely as a normal person. This medical miracle achieved was completely relied on practising Buddhism, reciting scriptures, being a vegetarian, helping new practitioners to set up Buddhist altars, volunteering at Dharma conferences, and actively propagating the Dharma. To improve my family economic financial, I went out to work on construction sites as a helper, do cleaning and housekeeping!
Those patients who were once slightly paralyzed did not recover as quickly and well as I did, even with surgery.
Dear readers, when you see such a dramatic change in me, what are you hesitating for? Hurry up and pick up the Buddhist scriptures to recite! I am the living example, the ironclad evidence. Guan Yin Bodhisattva does exist, and She is Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate, answers any prayers.
Thinking of the bad karma I created in the two bars when I was young, I feel grievously sinful. I have earned ill-gotten wealth, but the karma was produced, and karmic retribution is inescapable. If one hasn't been retributed, the time hasn't come yet. After I got old, all the retribution came to me. Not only did I use up all my money, but I also had to suffer from physical illness and paralysis. I advise everyone to remember Master Lu's enlightenment: Do not do anything that is evil; Do not fail to do good no matter how petty the deed; Do not engage in evil no matter how trivial the deed. Dear readers, please consider it carefully before earning any money, and don’t commit such deep sins as I did for the sake of monetary gain, or else the consequences will follow you!
Without the merciful salvation and blessings of Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Master Lu, I would not have been reborn today! I made a few great wows: honour the teacher and respect his teachings, live an ascetic life for lifetime, be a vegetarian lifetime, not kill, not eat eggs, not smoke, not drink; transcend the cycle of rebirth for good and attain enlightenment in one lifetime. In this life, I will follow Guan Yin Bodhisattva to cultivate my mind and change my behaviour and never quit. I will follow my benefactor, the Compassionate father, Master Lu, to propagate Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door and never stop! Although I am over 60 years, I will continue using my own experience as an example to convince sentient beings to gain faith on Dharma and practise Buddhism. Together with my fellow practitioners, I will get up early and go home late to help set up Buddha altars for new practitioners. No matter how far and how difficult the trip is, I will always be strict with myself. I will go wherever I am needed. Even if I am eating, as soon as I receive a mission for propagating Dharma, I will put down my chopsticks and set off without delay.
Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door is peerlessly efficacious, and Guan Yin Bodhisattva is Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate, saves beings from suffering, has supernatural power, and answer all prayers. As long as we have a devout heart and we persist in reciting Buddhist scriptures and practicing Buddhism, no difficulty can defeat us! My physical changes are the most powerful evidence! May my true presentation give some inspiration to those people who are still suffering from illnesses, so that they can acquire faith to practising Buddhism, and pick up the Buddhist scriptures to recite. May more sentient beings having affinity with Buddha break free from delusion and attain enlightenment, balance egoism and altruism, and free from suffering and gain happiness.
My deepest gratitude to the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva!
My deepest gratitude to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from ten directions and three periods of time!
My deepest gratitude to the Dharma protectors!
My deepest gratitude to the selfless and altruistic Master Jun Hong Lu!
If there is anything that is not rational or in line with the truth in the presentation, I’d like to seek forgiveness from the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and Master Jun Hong Lu.
I’d also like to seek forgiveness from my fellow Buddhist practitioners.
I, not my fellow practitioners, will be responsible for my own karma!
Shared by: Dharma Practitioner Ganen, Gratitude and Namaste!
Translated by: Frank
Statement by Translator

1. Story was translated from Chinese into English by meaning, not word by word. If there is anything that is not rational or in line with the true meaning of the Chinese version, I’d like to seek forgiveness from the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors and Master Jun Hong Lu.
   
2. Author Ganen was interviewed by Frank during the translation for the detailed information.
   

Propagation
It would be greatly appreciated if you would forward this presentation to all sentient beings you know, sick or healthy. You will accumulate immeasurable merits and virtues. Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-floor pagoda!
Would you like to change your destiny?
We will show you how to do the Five Golden Buddhist Practices of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door: (1) making vows, (2) reciting Buddhist scriptures (sutras and mantras), (3) performing life liberation, (4) reading Buddhism in Plain Terms, and (5) repenting. You will personally witness how you and your family can achieve physical and mental stability, relief from illness and grievances, wisdom growth, academic progress, career advancement, and family happiness through Dharma. It’s free of charge.
Contact
Buddhist practitioner: Lily
Email: [sunnypurplelily@gmail.com](mailto:sunnypurplelily@gmail.com)
WeChat: HanJing20210820
原文如下:
从瘫痪卧床到行走自如做家政，心灵法门创造了医学奇迹
感恩南无大慈大悲救苦救难广大灵感观世音菩萨摩诃萨！
感恩十方三世一切诸佛菩萨！
感恩龙天护法金刚菩萨！
感恩恩师慈父卢军宏台长！
感恩师兄们！
感恩大慈大悲观世音菩萨慈悲，让我能有这个宝贵的机会与大家分享我的学佛经历。我今年62岁，现在是一个能吃、能睡、能走路的正常人了。但是，你们可曾知道，曾经，我是一个连床都起不了、翻身都困难，生活完全无法自理的瘫痪老人！如今，通过学佛念经，我把自己从地狱的苦海里完全挣脱了出来。我要用铁一般的事实告诉大家：学佛念经不仅给了我第二次生命，更让我受益无穷。我要跟大家分享，在这患病的四年里，在没有经历任何手术的情况下，如何让自己从瘫痪到健康的蜕变！愿我今天的分享给有缘人种下菩提种子，让更多的人相信观世音菩萨法力无边，早日学佛念经，离苦得乐！
1. 年轻时开酒吧造恶业，得现世报！
我是家中的长女、婆家的长媳。母亲和婆婆都是学佛人，都劝我也学佛。但是，由于年轻时好胜心强，加之财运不错，36岁左右，我经营两家酒吧，享受挣钱的快乐，根本无心学佛。年轻愚痴的我经营酒吧时靠女色来赚取黑钱，赚的都是不正之财，无形中造了很多恶业。在这种灯红酒绿中生活，我为了金钱利益，让多少人丧失了自己的道德与良知？背后又造成多少个家庭的破裂？又有多少人在酒精的麻痹下做出多少违背伦理道德的事情？弟子在此向观世音菩萨深深忏悔！因果报应丝毫不爽，种恶因得恶果。开酒吧这两年中我所造下的恶业，在十几年后让我得到悲惨的现世报！所以，请大家引以为戒！
2010年我49岁，正逢“三六九”关劫。7月的一天，我的业障大爆发，在家炒菜时突然间倒下。瞬间，我感觉天塌下来，叫天天不应，叫地地不灵。一个原本健康的我从此进入人间地狱般的生活。每天，我吃喝拉撒都在床上，翻身都很困难，没法自己洗手洗脸，吞咽困难，简直生不如死。我从此瘫痪在床。医生说我是腰椎间盘突出。后背的所有骨头都错位。两个膝盖骨头坏死，肿得很大。当地市里、省里大大小小的医院我都看过了。我几乎把我做酒吧生意所赚到的几十万块钱都花光了。然而，病情越来越严重。
2. 得遇殊胜法门，坎坷学佛路中坚持不懈地修行换来重生
也许是家人一直供佛学佛的福德。承蒙观世音菩萨慈悲，在我人生绝境之时，我终于在2012年得遇心灵法门。以前我开店隔壁的人听说我病倒了，就来看我。她给我送来了经书、念佛机、《白话佛法》、计数器等很多法宝。她告诉我心灵法门很灵验，让我试试。我躺在床上虽然无法动弹，却如饥似渴地把师父的录音听了个遍。听到人们通过学佛念经把癌症、重症都治愈的案例，我惊喜万分。师父的节目录音就像黑暗中的一盏明灯，让我看到了生活的希望，给了我很大的鼓舞。在这个过程中我像被一股强大的能量加持唤醒，激起了求生的强烈欲望。我告诉自己：我一定要活过来；我一定要自己救自己！我像抓住了救命稻草似地开始拼命学佛念经。
我不识字，只能每天躺在床上跟着念佛机一字一句地学着念。由于业力牵引，身边没有遇到善知识教我如理如法地烧送小房子。愚痴的我曾拿个烟灰缸代替盘子烧送经文组合小房子，结果烟灰缸炸掉了。为了抓紧时间消业，我晚上十点后还在念《心经》和《往生咒》，结果家里的灯坏了好几次（趁此机会我诚心提醒师兄们：师父开示，晚上十点后不要念诵《心经》和《往生咒》，请师兄们一定要好好看《心灵法门入门手册》，避免操作不如理不如法）。所以，我们一定要听师父的话，师父不让做的就不做。念经消业的整个过程非常坎坷。真是造业容易，消业难啊！但是，我坚信菩萨法力无边，只要精进努力，一定会得到改变的。于是，我依靠师父录音中的法喜案例作为精神支撑。我一直坚持不懈，不怕万难，拼命念经。
由于吃喝拉撒都在床上，气场非常不好，自己又无法起身，只能躺在床上念经。我内心愧疚又纠结，不知道这样念经是否如理如法？会不会影响念经效果？感恩菩萨慈悲，当晚我就梦见师父了。师父身穿着黑西装，一边慈祥地笑着一边安慰我：不要担心。醒来后，我非常感恩师父的慈悲。师父知道我的特殊情况，这是对我的宽容和安慰啊。后来，大概念经差不多4～5个月后，我的脖子和头也能明显地转动了。这样法喜的变化，让我激动万分。我过去所经历的磨难与坚持都没有白费。观世音菩萨法力无边，让我看到了康复的一丝希望！（作者提醒：师兄们，在没有病痛的情况下，念经一定要体态恭敬，一分恭敬一分受益。）
3. 参加法会与拜师的殊胜，让我的身体不断法喜蜕变
2017年2月份，我结识了一位师兄。她邀请我一起去参加澳门法会。我心想：我能自己坐车吗？能去法会吗？凭着内心坚定的信念，路途中我一直念《大悲咒》。虽然我笨重的双腿只能勉强支撑着身体坐在座位上，但在观世音菩萨一路加持护佑下，我竟然能够如愿到了法会现场。现场听到师父开示、看到观世音菩萨的圣像，我泪如雨下。大法会当天晚上，我就梦到了观世音菩萨！感恩大慈大悲救苦救难观世音菩萨救我于苦海，给了我新的生命和生活。澳门法会结束，我当即发愿：一个月吃素15天，放生一万条鱼。参加澳门法会前，只要走两步路我就要歇一歇，而且我的身体没办法大幅度活动。
澳门法会回来后，我的双腿开始变得有力，可以支撑起身子在平地上走路了。虽然还不是很灵活，但是比起原来像软泥一样瘫痪在床的状态，已经不可同年而语了。我整个人精、气、神也越来越好。我非常惊喜！师父开示过，每场法会有很多佛菩萨来加持大家！
2017年8月，马来西亚法会前，师兄们让我拜师，但我不识字。慈悲的师兄们帮助我代笔填写拜师申请表。师兄们告诉我，这次拜师的人太多，有可能排不上队，得等到下一场法会才有机会。我告诉自己，无论这次能不能拜师，我都一定积极参加师父的法会。我这么大年纪了，能参加多一场法会都是我的福报啊。让我惊喜的是，一个星期后，我的拜师申请通过了。感恩观世音菩萨慈悲！
拜师当天，我激动万分。在拜师过程中，我听到一个非常立体、非常响亮的声音。我睁开眼睛时，我竟然看到了如来佛祖，还有好多菩萨都从天上下来了。这时，我看到师父上半身的法身呈现透明状，有一朵大大的莲花。我顿时感动得泪如雨下。直到颁发弟子证的时候，我浑然不觉师父已经走到我的身边。师父非常慈悲，给我灌顶加持。师父说:“因为拜师过程中有5个人睁开了眼睛，所以莲花没有种上去。不过没关系，等拜师仪式结束后，可以到前面去磕头求菩萨。”我就赶紧跑到前面去拜。我还没拜完，就过来了一个年轻师兄。他问我：“您感觉怎么样？有没有看到什么？” 我告诉他：“我看到如来佛祖了。” 他说：“您怎么确定那是如来佛祖呢？”我说：”我家母和家婆是学佛人，如来佛祖头发卷卷的。”
感恩观世音菩萨与师父的慈悲加持。拜师结束回家我就发愿: 终生吃全素，不杀生。真是愿力大于业力，发愿后，师父又来梦里帮我治疗双腿。有一次，我半眯着眼睛看到师父从我的房间经过。师父问我：“还有哪只脚不舒服？还有哪个地方疼痛的？” 瞬间我就醒了，醒来我发现我的双脚没有了原来的沉重感，走起路来更加轻盈了。我激动地跟老父亲分享：“师父又来加持我啦！”感恩师父慈悲关怀着每一位众生。每次梦见师父，师父都慈悲给予加持，我的身体总会有惊喜的好转。
没过多久，我不仅可以分开双脚，轮流迈开步伐独立上下楼梯。而且，我双手叉腰，可以前后自如地弯腰。后背的骨头原本因为全部错位并高低不平，如今完全恢复正常了。原本我没办法把手举起来洗脸、刷牙和梳头，因为手一抬，后背的骨头扯神经会导致剧烈的疼痛。每次打喷嚏或排泄的时候，都有种痛不欲生的感觉，就像死里逃生一样。这种地狱般的日子让我历经常人难以想象的苦痛折磨。然而现在，我的生活可以完全自理并且行动自如。有时候走太久会有一点点累，但是卧床休息十几分钟就可以恢复过来。虽然走路还有一点点高低现象，但如果不仔细看，是看不出来的。看到我学佛念经以来，从瘫痪卧床到独立行走的巨大变化，我的家人无比震惊。当年在床头边照顾我的老父亲直夸我：现在整个人完全变了，变得越来越健康了！我激动得泪眼婆娑。没有观世音菩萨与师父的大慈大悲救苦救难，真的不会有我今天的法喜蜕变！
2019年印尼法会和新加坡法会上，我恳请师兄们慈悲给我做义工的机会。按照法会规定，我已经超龄了。但是，我坚决一定要做义工。观世音菩萨给了我第二次生命，我就要身体力行地为众生服务。感恩观世音菩萨的慈悲，让我能如愿以偿。从法会做完义工回来，我发现我可以轻松自如地弯腰和下蹲，就连坐在地板上也没有问题了。感恩菩萨每次法会上都慈悲帮我消业，让我每次都能有不可思议的加持，变化。
4. 设佛台的不可思议加持，加速我身体恢复健康，创造医学奇迹
从2017年设佛台起，我每天坚持上早晚香。起初，身体还是直直的，不能弯腰鞠躬。两年里，我每天在佛台前上香求菩萨加持，让我身体能恢复得更好一些，能为众生表法。慢慢地，我从站着上香到弯腰鞠躬，到最后可以跪在佛台前念经。真是法喜充满啊！刚开始跪着后背还是很痛。随着业障的消除，我的后背也不疼痛了。有时候和师兄们出去设佛台，遇到佛诞日，我跪着念诵《礼佛大忏悔文》足足有一个半小时的时间。许多师兄都坚持不下来，唯独我坚持到结束。真是感恩菩萨慈悲加持！
曾经，省医院的医生告诉我，必须做手术把两块钢板放进骨头里，但我回绝了。因为我坚信有观世音菩萨和师父两座靠山，我什么都不怕。在因果面前，佛是大药王。唯有诚心忏悔，学佛修行才能彻底康复。我完全靠学佛念经吃素、设佛台、参加法会做义工，积极弘法度人，才创造了医学奇迹：现在和正常人一样行动自如。我甚至去工地做小工，搞卫生、做家政弥补家用！那些曾经轻微瘫痪的患者就算做手术，也没有我恢复得快，恢复到如此好的状态。
读者朋友们，你们看到我如此天翻地覆的变化，还犹豫什么呢？赶快捧起经书念经吧！我就是活生生的例子，铁一般的证据。观世音菩萨真实存在，并且大慈大悲有求必应啊！
现在回想起年轻时开酒吧所造下的恶业，真是罪孽深重。不正之财赚到了，可是，因果报应丝毫不爽，不是不报，时候未到。在我人到老年时，所有的报应一涌而来。不但钱财全部用尽，还要遭受肉体病痛的瘫痪之苦，因果不空啊！奉劝大家一定要谨记师父的教诲：诸恶莫作，众善奉行！不以善小而不为；不以恶小而为之！挣任何钱财之前都要三思，切记不可为了金钱利益而像我一样造下如此深重的罪孽，否则果报如影随形！
没有观世音菩萨和师父的慈悲救度与加持，就没有我今天的重生！弟子许愿尊师重道、一生清修、终生吃全素、不杀生、不吃鸡蛋、不抽烟、不喝酒；一世修成，永断轮回。今生跟着观世音菩萨修心修行，永不退转。跟着恩师慈父卢军宏台长弘扬心灵法门永不停息！我虽然60多岁了，但是我要身体力行地为大家表法，起早贪黑地和共修组师兄们一起去助缘设佛台。无论路程多么遥远，多么艰辛，我都严格要求自己。哪里需要我，我就走到哪里。哪怕我在吃饭，只要接到弘法任务，我一定当即放下筷子，一刻也不能耽误地出发。
心灵法门灵验无比，观世音菩萨大慈大悲，救苦救难，法力无边，有求必应。只要我们有一颗虔诚的心，只要我们坚持念经修行，没有什么困难可以打倒我们！我的身体变化就是最有力的证据！愿我的真实分享给那些还在受着病痛折磨的人们一些启发，让大家生起学佛念经的信念，捧起经书念经，愿更多的有缘众生能够早日破迷开悟，自利利他，离苦得乐！
我的分享结束了，分享中如有不如理不如法的地方，请观世音菩萨慈悲原谅！请十方三世一切诸佛菩萨和龙天护法菩萨慈悲原谅！请师父慈悲原谅！请师兄们批评指正！我自己的业障自己背，不让师兄们背！感恩合十！
分享人：感恩～全素
2022-02-28
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请转发这篇文章给瘫痪病人及其家属，您会积累无量功德。救人一命，胜造七级浮屠！！！
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The contents of the presentation and answers, including text, images, and other information obtained from Dharma practitioners, are provided strictly for reference purposes. Due to the unique nature of individual karma, results similar to those experienced by the authors may not be replicated. The experiences and advice shared should not be construed as medical advice or a diagnosis.
In the event of an emergency, it is crucial to promptly contact your doctor or emergency services by dialing 911. Relying on any information found in the answers is done solely at your own risk. The translator and answerer bear no responsibility for the consequences. By using or misusing the contents, you accept liability for any personal injury, including death. It is imperative to exercise caution and seek professional medical guidance for health-related concerns.

—Just for clarification purposes, I went to the vet and I’m not seeking medical advice here. I’m just trying to understand how everyone’s else’s cats have acted in a similar situation. As a first time cat owner, I don’t know how normal my cat’s actions or not—
My kitten (6.5 months, female) started leaving very small amounts of poop on the furniture. She does this right after she wakes up. This is day 3 and poop number 4. A week ago, we left her with our friend for 3 days when we had to go abroad. She didn’t eat anything when she was with my friend so she was angry/sad. 4 days after we brought her home, she started leaving these small poops on the furniture. I was very disturbed about this so we went to vet yesterday and she said ‘Your kitten is probably doing this because she is mad at you for leaving her. There’s an extremely small chance that at her age, this is a medical problem’
And I really think she is acting out too so I want to hear from you guys if you ever went through something like this and how long did it last for? I’ve heard peeing as acting out but never poop. And I don’t understand why she would start acting out 4 days after we brought her home? As you can understand I’m very new at it and have no clue what is the norm and what is not.
I’m also thinking if this is happening because she came to the neutering age. Anyone had any similar experience?
P.S: Poop doesn’t get stuck on her fur

I originally posted this one findapath but then someone commented and recommended that I post here. I'm not sure if this will get any action but I just thought I'd try it and see. I feel stuck. I have no idea what to do
I'm currently 19F but I will be 20 next month. This month makes 2 years since I graduated high school and I wanted to go to college but didn't because I didn't have the money nor did I have scholarships.
My parents are both poop so they were no help at all. I went from working at walmart and now I'm at amazon but it's taking a toll on my body. I'm skinny but my bones are bad. My knees hurt, my feet, and my back. I feel like I'm wasting my life away and it makes me sad. Time has been going by so fast so I know in the blink of an eye I will be 30 and feel even more bad about wasting my life away at amazon.
I really need more money as I stay with my grandparents right now because neither of my "parents" have their own place. Sometimes I feel like my life is a complete joke. I'm tired of being with my grandparents because they're old so the way they think is just odd. Plus I feel like a burden.
I want to move out but I don't have the money to do so because last year I was in an accident, totaling my car and so I had to get a new one and start all over with my payments. And my insurance skyrocketed. So now my car payments are $335 and my insurance is $445 plus my phone bill which is $105. So that's already $885 I have to kick out a month when I only make about $2000 a month because amazon doesn't pay that well.
I just feel like my life is so pointless and I will never find my purpose. I don't know what I want to do. I hate waking up everyday just to go to amazon for 10 hours and feel like I want to cry 24/7.
I also think I'm having a crisis because I've been wanting to just up and move to another country. I thought about studying abroad. Idk. I just need something else that could get me more money. I hate being sad every single day. I want to move out. I'm willing to try anything. But I really don't want a job with commission pay. Also if there was a way for me to go to college maybe not for free but for a cheaper price, I would. Though I'm not sure what I would major in.

Preface: After doing some digging, I now see that Rythmia is a very controversial place. And frankly I think some of that is warranted. My intention with this review is not to suggest you go or not go to Rythmia. I don't really care what you decide to do with your life. I just hope this helps someone out there make the decision one way or the other. I think I have a very nuanced perspective and I feel like it's worth sharing for any people - like me - who are researching for their first trip. Thanks for reading this far! I'm going to try to make this as brief as possible, and limit how deep I go into my own personal experience.
My first impressions of Rythmia:

• Pretty nice digs, but I wouldn't call them 5-Star from resort standards. That being said, I'm pretty sure this is the nicest, most comfortable experience out there, in terms of just the facilities.
• Resort support staff are amazing. Leadership seems a little disconnected and culty. The program itself seemed pretty comprehensive and valuable at first. The "medical staff" I met with did not seem like doctors at all. They were extremely pretty, young, tattoo'd costa rican women. But maybe it's different down there? Immediately made me dubious of the whole "medically licensed facility" thing, but definitely nice people. The fact they do any sort of medical screening is probably a good sign.
• The food is amazing
• Immediately gained some insight and value from their classes. But by Monday I was starting to get a little turned off by some of what I was seeing/hearing (more on this below).
• I really thought the Shamans, especially 2 of the 4, did a pretty good job facilitating - all things considered. I will mention, that on the first day my immediate thought was "wow these shamans are really young!". I would have liked someone who seemed a little more seasoned, but I'm not entirely familiar with all of the shaman industry/culture, like some people.
• This place clearly calls out to the sick & hopeless. I expected some of that, but did not realize the extent of both physical & emotional trauma, baggage, and overall bad energy would be at a place like this. I grew to have a lot of love and compassion for the people I spent the week with, but I have to say it was pretty intense at times.
• The group experience, which they promote endlessly, is actually pretty horrifying. I would never do this as a solo person, especially if I was a woman. While I think I would probably come back, I’m definitely bringing a bigger group next time.
• Overall, I had a wonderful experience there with my girlfriend, but I don't think everyone would have the same experience as me. If you are in a dark place in your life, I could totally see this doing you more harm than good.

Facilities
Won't say much here, but from what I've seen, Rythmia has the best lodgings, food, etc. It's pretty expensive, even for what it is, but I rationalized it as you are paying for the safety. Which, at the end of the day may or may not even be true. I've read those stories too. But it definitely gives off a safer vibe than some of the more rustic scenarios. This is, obviously, a totally subjective and personal decision on what you would want more - modern or rustic. I personally thought Rythmia was a good first time location.
Staff/Leadership
All the support staff were wonderful and extremely helpful. Most of them had experience at the top resorts on the coast.
The specialty staff - massage therapists, breathework coaches, healers/shamans, etc. - were all equally amazing. I had amazing experiences with each of these people and I felt very deeply that they were there to help me be a better person. They really cared and it showed. Again, some of them seemed very young, but since I'm so new to this type of stuff, I felt like I really got some value from them. This includes the medical staff, but I just want to reiterate, none of the medical staff seemed like any doctor I had ever met. In fact, I didn't feel like 1 person I met the whole weekend was really skilled or experienced in dealing with crazy people or any real health concern. But, there were plenty of hands on deck at least.
The leadership, I have to say, was not impressive. For starters, half the people they brag about being involved in Rythmia, you never get any contact with. You're essentially guided through the program by the same 3-4 people, plus a few special guest speakers they have. I felt like leadership was fairly cold and uninterested in actually facilitating healing. Which makes perfect sense. They see 80 new people every week. But for whatever reason, the support staff are able to get it right, and these people can't. The only person who appeared to care was the 1 woman they have on staff (don't want to say her name). She's the only one that truly mingled with, and gave up her time for the residents. A lot has been said on this reddit about leadership, and I can't really confirm any of that, but I did come away feeling like they were a bunch of self-centered, ego-driven people.
Program
Like I said, I initially thought the program was amazing. You stay 7-8 days, 4 days of aya, and every day is full of classes. It just seems like there are so many resources at your disposal. I think, on some level, this is probably a good thing. I've read a lot about the more rustic experiences and people just having 0 tools to go into this process. So I think they've obviously put some effort into it, which is nice.
That being said, I think most of their classes ended up being pretty redundant for me, and borderline cultish. There were a lot of "hype" stories, including the owner's story, which I found to be an incredibly arrogant creation myth. You never hear about him actually making amends with all the people he apparently was terrible to in his previous life. He just ran away to Costa Rica. A lot of the leadership gave off vibes that they’re running from something. Idk, I just found it all kinda odd and it sort of hit me wrong.
For one, their intentions, and all the advice they give is necessarily vague and not really that helpful at giving context to the situation we are all about to experience. Beyond that, I really felt strongly that they were pushing the whole trauma thing a little heavy. Having heard a few different experiences from other people, I was shocked to not hear a damn thing about finding self love, acceptance, or a higher power in these required classes. It was all about how fucked up this journey is about to be, and you guys better strap in and face your fears head on. I just feel like this was a very iresponsible way of preparing a bunch of clearly traumatized people. They also REAAALLLY pushed consuming a lot of the medicine. The basic rule is, don't think, drink. Sounds like some weird frat rule. I feel like they are so focused on pushing people to the edge, just to induce this vague "miracle" they keep talkiing about. Anyways, didn't like that aspect.
By Tuesday night after my experience, I decided to stop going to the classes/meetings and just spent that time relaxing and integrating my experiences from the night before. After reflecting on it a bit, I really feel like the program is sort of dangerous for certain types of people - anyone who is highly unstable as it is. I just feel like it's not really the setting to have a highly unstable person (of which there seemed to be a handful) do 6-8 cups of medicine or whatever... I feel like it’s just asking for bad things to happen.
Last thing I’ll say is that it was abundantly clear to me that this program was meant to be some cookie-cutter thing. They don't have any real 1-on-1 support available. I talked to the "integration specialist" and it was a joke - just sat there and tried to sell me his books and shit. If you have a bad experience, I think you will be lucky to get any real help on that front.
Shaman Quality
I'm very torn about this aspect of the trip. I will say that I really felt like these people were there for the right reasons. There was only one head shaman I didn't care for out of the four nights (yage night, night 4). Overall, I got pretty good vibes from all the groups and saw numerous people make amazing connections with some of the healers that helped them throughout the week. That being said, all but 1 of the shaman groups seemed to have a lot of trouble keeping watch over our group. And we only had 45 people, rather than the usual 70-80. The thought of having that many people is terrifying to me.
Both night 1 & 2 got very hectic, and included them shutting down the "bar" early in the night. Multiple staff commented on how "fucked up" we must be the next day. I just felt like the shamans lost the rooms on those days. However, Day 3 - the divine feminine night - was absolutely amazing and the energy was entirely different. Some of the shares from that night were just incredible.
I've read reports on what is going on with rythmia and the shaman "industry" and how they've pushed out a lot of good ones and now it's all inexperienced people that don't really have a connection to the lineage. I could definitely see that. I do feel like they did a great job at other aspects of the ceremony though, like cleaning up and just responding to people that needed help. I'm not sure they always knew how to help but the vibe I got was that they were there to genuinely help.
I also felt very connected to the shaman's approach to the medicine - which seemed to differ immensely from Rythmia's approach - and I was saddened by the fact we don't really get to interact with the shaman or healers much throughout the program. Only when we are in a fucked up state at the end of the night do we get any sort of real wisdom from them. That side was a little disappointing. I wish the shaman were more involved in the program itself.
The Ceremony
There were parts of the ceremony I loved and thought were really cool, but overall I would say it was ruined by the number of random, traumatized people you're forced to do this with. Love all you guys, but damn that was horrifying at times. I can't imagine doing it with 80 people. The energy in the maloca was so dark come midnight, especially on the male side. I think if you can find a solid group to go with, it wouldn't be so bad, but I would not want to go solo, especially if I was a woman. I can't exactly describe it but there was just a lot of bad energy coming from the male side and the women there seemed so vulnerable. I've already heard one story of sexual assault from the week I was there and I heard of multiple people sleeping together during this retreat, which I just feel like is a terrible idea on something like this. So yeah, that weird sexual energy is there and worth watching out for.
Beyond that, I did actually have a pretty incredible experience. First, I want to say that I was totally into the music. I thought they did an amazing job curating the music and it was obviously very intentional at certain times of the night. I had a tough time telling what was being played live and what was on the speakers at times, but I think that points to how good of musicians they had there. The weird thing is you could definitely tell certain songs agitated the room. The harmonica in particular seemed to rile up the bad spirits. But yeah, overall I really enjoyed the music.
I also really liked the ritual aspect of it all. I thought the shamans really gave it an authentic feel. I’ve obviously never done it with a super legit well known shaman, but it definitely beats doing it in some guys apartment off the freeway. There was something special about the ritual itself. I found myself, throughout the process, imagining being in some maloca in a jungle 1500 years ago, and what that might have looked like or felt. I also felt like they had enough healers/facilitators to manage the room, which was nice. I’d say it was probably 2.5-3:1. If they didn’t exactly have experience, at least they had numbers and overall did a fantastic job given how crazy the scene was at times.
My Personal Experience
I want to preface this by saying I don’t consider myself a deeply troubled person. I have my fair share of “normal” traumas - past drug/alcohol abuses, toxic romantic relationships, parent traumas, etc. But I feel like I’m at a really great point in my life and feel very at peace with many of my past experiences. Also, I didn’t really buy into what Rythmia was pushing as far as their process and approach. Not that I think it was inherently bad, I just didn’t feel like it was right for me. As a result, I think I had a much different experience than most people.
First off, I didn’t really purge on the same level that most people did. Most nights I pooped once, and I only puked once in the 4 nights. They kept the bathrooms surprisingly clean. According to rythmia, I wasn’t “purging my traumas” but for the most part I didn’t have to fight it. I just focused on relaxing and trying to stay calm when I felt sick and most of the time it subsided. And a lot of the trauma stuff I wanted to work on going in, seems so insignificant now.
On average I did 2-3 cups per night. Of course, each night's brew seemed to be different. I had my most beautiful experience on just 1.5 cups (day 2). I didn’t appreciate all the pressure to consume so much, but I suppose it might make sense for some people.
Day 1, I had 3 cups and nothing really happened. I would equate it to taking about 3 grams of shrooms in terms of the body high. And then I just basically had pretty chill conversations with myself all night. Little did I know that most of those conversations would come back up in night 2 with much more significance.
The main theme for me day 1 was just managing my own energy in a room full of very fucked up energy. The energy was DARK and there was a very palpable sense that things were just barely in control of the shamans.
Day 2 was very nerve wracking for me. I was confused and frustrated with my lack of results the night before but I focused on just trying to stay centered in my own energy, and to surrender fully to whatever the medicine wanted to show me. Early in the night I had a mantra - “you are loved, you are protected, you are safe”. I pulled on the unconditional love from my mother and my beautiful girlfriend and this gave me an incredible sense of peace to start out the night.
Ultimately I was able to stay centered and received a full download from the universe that night. It was revealed to me what my purpose was in life, and the meaning/nature of life in general. I was shown my previous life as a healeshaman, and the medicine taught me to focus inward in order to project my positive energy into the world. I had visions about my girlfriend and our relationship. I had the most incredibly spiritual experience, where I felt like I was communicating directly with god (I’m not religious in the slightest). It was honestly amazing. I felt the deepest sense of gratitude and self love I had ever felt in my life.
That lasted probably half the night and then I was bitten by some bug and had to seek help. Through that sequence of events, I ended up connecting with an amazing healer who was working there and she was able to help me break down what I had just experienced and put it into perspectives for me. The last 3-4 hours of the night I just spent outside on a blanket staring up at the stars. Partly because I was called to nature, but partly because the maloca was a fucking horror show and I couldn’t focus on my own shit while in there lol.
Day 3 was interesting. I got no pintas, and no consultations. The best way I can describe it is I got to know myself more intimately and I experienced the most amazing sense of peace & joy. The energy inside and outside the maloca was beautiful. I got some downloads from the universe on how to live my life, and mainly spent the night in a hammock integrating my experience from the night before. I did 4 cups that night and had an amazing time.
One thing I do want to bring up is the number of people that were just calmly walking around outside, staring into nothing, touching trees, etc. I saw such a deep appreciation that night for nature and it was a beautiful thing.
Day 4, again, nothing much happened. It was a slightly more difficult night in terms of the physical discomfort. I also just didn’t feel connected to the medicine at all. I think part of this was the fact they didn’t really play music most of the night and a lot of time was spent on these group blessings which I just felt were kinda useless. By the time they got to me, even the shamans didn’t seem that interested. I was not a fan of how the day 4 shamans ran things, even tho I think they were the most experienced group of the week. Personal preference.
Overall, I’m incredibly happy with my personal experience. It seemed like most of my peers were going thru hell and back, and I felt pretty lucky to have had such a beautiful experience. As much shit as people seemed to be going thru in ceremony, I have to say I could really feel the healing in the room, especially on the 3rd night. A lot of people seemed to have breakthroughs by the end of it, which was a beautiful thing to see.
Final Thoughts

• Rythmia is one of the nicer options out there, but there does seem to be a disconnect between the support staff & healers vs. leadership. I didn’t really care for the vibes of the place, but I do feel like a lot of the healers and what not really did have the best intentions for you.
• I would personally never go here alone, especially if I was a woman. I really feel like you need some sort of support on this journey.
• While I did see a lot of healing going on over the last couple days, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest this for people who haven’t done a significant amount of work before their first ceremony. It just doesn’t seem like the right thing to do if you’re unstable as is.
• I’m very interested in the shaman tradition and what they believe. Just from hearing them talk a bit each night, I could sense they took a little different approach to it than Rythmia. They talked about it in much different ways. I would have loved to hear more from them throughout the week.
• To me, the medicine is about connecting with your true self (not “who you’ve become”). It’s about realizing your purpose, your special gift on this earth. It’s about finally realizing all the small joys we miss out on by being in our head. It’s about connecting to the deepest sense of self-love, peace, compassion, etc. - all of the higher level energies. It’s about forgiveness, not just for others but for yourself. It’s about letting go of this person you think you are and accepting that there is better out there for you. It’s about feeling worthy. It’s about connecting to nature on an entirely different level. It's about understanding what’s sacred in your life and worth fighting for. I can totally see why they focus so much on trauma, but I feel like you miss out on this much deeper experience. But that’s just my perspective…

I’ve made my own pantheon for my upcoming campaign (it’ll be my first time as a DM) and while I don’t plan on the players fighting the gods or being allies with them in a direct way, but I’d like to be prepared. I’ve looked at NPC builders and see things like “Maximum build” or “worst build” but wasn’t sure if there’s an official build for divine beings in 5e. Thanks for the help!
Edit to add: In my world, the divine can & used to hang out on the material plane for poops & giggles but for plot purposes don’t come down to Earth as often. Kind of like how old Greek & Norse myths had the gods just interacting with random people (although there’s no Zeus here lol)

I'm currently 19F but I will be 20 next month. This month makes 2 years since I graduated high school and I wanted to go to college but didn't because I didn't have the money nor did I have scholarships.
My parents are both poop so they were no help at all. I went from working at walmart and now I'm at amazon but it's taking a toll on my body. I'm skinny but my bones are bad. My knees hurt, my feet, and my back. I feel like I'm wasting my life away and it makes me sad. Time has been going by so fast so I know in the blink of an eye I will be 30 and feel even more bad about wasting my life away at amazon.
I really need more money as I stay with my grandparents right now because neither of my "parents" have their own place. Sometimes I feel like my life is a complete joke. I'm tired of being with my grandparents because they're old so the way they think is just odd. Plus I feel like a burden.
I want to move out but I don't have the money to do so because last year I was in an accident, totaling my car and so I had to get a new one and start all over with my payments. And my insurance skyrocketed. So now my car payments are $335 and my insurance is $445 plus my phone bill which is $105. So that's already $885 I have to kick out a month when I only make about $2000 a month because amazon doesn't pay that well.
I just feel like my life is so pointless and I will never find my purpose. I don't know what I want to do. I hate waking up everyday just to go to amazon for 10 hours and feel like I want to cry 24/7.
I also think I'm having a crisis because I've been wanting to just up and move to another country. I thought about studying abroad. Idk. I just need something else that could get me more money. I hate being sad every single day. I want to move out. I'm willing to try anything. But I really don't want a job with commission pay. Also if there was a way for me to go to college maybe not for free but for a cheaper price, I would. Though I'm not sure what I would major in.

Richard is telling Christopher a Big Game story and The Gilmores and Haydens are making polite small talk in Emily's hallway Richard offers Christopher a Cuban cigar but only if he stays. They all stashed their quail in their napkins and are trying to figure out how to dispose it. Christopher suggests the bushes but they did that in 02 They decide they will throw it off a bridge. Sookie comes over early in the morning with coffee from Luke's and muffin tops since they are Lorelai's favorite part. (I'm with Lorelai on this one) Lorelai wonders why she is there so early Sookie needs a baby sitter for their ski trip because the sitter has Mono. Lorelai says the muffin tops taste like a bribe. Lorelai tells Chris and as long as Sookie doesn't need anything from him he has a good day. He shipped his daughter to Grandma and with Lorelai away he can install the Flat Screen
Sookie is too emotional about the babysitting Chris likes the coffee until he finds out it's from Luke's Rory leaves a note on Lucy and Olivia's door. Chris is ready to install the TV and Lorelai realizes he is using her hair conditioner
Luke is sitting in the courthouse and his lawyer comes up Luke is asking about the case and he is telling him to be quiet. Luke asks Anna if she parked in the garage, Anna is annoyed and acting superior. She says he doesn't paint a picture of a capable father. She accuses him of bailing on Lorelai and got divorced on a heart beat. Anna is just evil
Rory arrives at her and Paris apartment and Paris is planning for them to apply for fellowships and she has a chart
Lorelai shows up at Jackson and Sookie's house Davey is hiding and then excited to see Lorelai Sookie can't figure out what to wear Sookie is getting hysterical about leaving the kids.
Richard has office hours for students and Rory goes to visit him. Richard asks if she is there as a granddaughter or butter him up. Paris wants to know if Richard can set up a meeting with Paris, Rory and the Dean. Richard starts to tell Rory about his plans and he notices she is distracted. He asks what's wrong and she tells him about Lucy and she sent her a letter. Richard says anyone who knows you knows you wouldn't purposely hurt anyone.
Sookie and Jackson return early. Lorelai is concerned because she didn't have time to clean up. Jackson knocked Sookie's drink over and wouldn't let her ski. Lorelai is asking Jackson what is wrong. She realizes that Sookie is pregnant. She asks him about the vasectomy, he said he didn't want it and Lorelai says he should have told her but he said no reason because she was staying on the pill but Lorelai says Sookie went off it last month. He goes inside and tells her she is pregnant and Sookie storms off with Lorelai.
April's lawyer is comparing Luke to the school bus driver. The judge agrees that is a stretch. She implies that he only recently revealed himself. Luke defends himself that April looked for him and he doesn't work in a diner, he owns it.
Sookie is ranting and raving about being pregnant. (I get that he lied to her but she never should have demanded a vasectomy) Sookie says there were less than 4,000 diapers left. Now there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Sookie says all babies are is eat, sleep, poop. Lorelai says babies are cute, and first bath. Sookie says Lorelai is playing dirty trying to make her think having a baby is okay.
Paris is suggesting that they do some volunteer work in March. Rory is looking sadly at Lucy. Paris goes over to yell at Lucy Paris tells Lucy Rory is a great friend and she should forgive her. Lucy forgives her because Rory is Rory. She tried to figure out what she would do in her shoes. She and Olivia tried to act it out and she broke up with Marty.
Chris has installed the tv but Paul Anka says it's not straight. Chris is looking for the level
The judge asks what Anna has done to prepare for April. She is Miss Perfect mother and Luke's lawyer says they aren't contesting that. They are upset that Anna is cutting him out of her life. Luke over-reacts and is defending himself badly. Chris is looking for the level an he finds a copy of Lorelai's letter for Luke. The judge reads the letter Lorelai wrote. She says she has known him for ten years and she never felt alone since they became friends and he has always been there for her daughter. He has been a father figure in her daughter's life. Chris just wants to cry like a toddler
Lorelai comes home and is gushing about the TV. Chris says he read the letter, that sounds like a love letter. Chris asks if their marriage is just marking time. He admits she had deep feelings for Luke. She is explaining it was a character reference. Chris is asking if she still sees him. He says he knows she is not done with him. Chris asks her to say she is not in love with Luke. She says it. Chris says, he should have seen the signs, why she didn't want to move, why she doesn't want the wedding party, why did she hid the letter. He says he can't be her rebound.
Lucy, calls and invites Rory and Paris to go tray sledding. Lorelai wakes up to an empty bed and looks sad, the phone rings and it's Luke to tell her he won thanks to her letter. He gets shared custody, half of the holidays, half the summer and one weekend a month.
Richard is teaching his class and makes a joke about extensions but then he collapses in front of the class. Rory yells for someone to call 911
This is actually one of my favorite episodes in season 7 Anna loses. It is the beginning of the end of Lorelai and Chris and the Paris/Rory scenes are charming.

Correction* My boyfriend’s Lithuanian family disrespected me on my birthday.
I(25)female Latin-American, have been dating my bf(25) male Lithuanian for almost two years. His family is Lithuanian and I am the first foreigner.
I am a very considerate person ,know table manners, was getting along with all of them, went out of my way to care for both grandma and grandpa when grandpa was sick and grandma was alone at home. Made sure she had flowers and a teddy to keep her company while her husband was out in the hospital for surgery. Hand crafted a beautiful personalized candle holder made of clay for her birthday. For his mom, I always push to visit her and make sure I help clean and cook yummy meals for her and her family.
I moved to their country and started learning the language to make sure I could communicate with his grandparents. I have been very respectful, helpful and always making sure to consider their special dates (holidays, birthdays, etc.) His mom has always rejected gifts we make for her on special occasions. On her birthday she declined going out with us or just my bf for diner. Every time I ask my bf what she likes, he can’t come up with an answer because she doesn’t answer or is never happy with his gifts. I tried painting her favorite animal as a gift and she told me her favorite animal was —humans.
A Wednesday Before Mother’s Day (Sunday) I asked my bf if they were going to celebrate because I wanted to handcraft gifts for his mom, aunts and grandma and he said they all cancelled the celebration because grandpa was recovering from surgery.
So we went home on Wednesday and didn’t show up for Mother’s Day (Sunday) and stayed in our city . They ended up celebrating it anyways last minute and expected us to show up. We live in another city and don’t have our own car.
Fastforward to now. Our birthday’s are a week apart. On May 11th (bf’s birthday) we agreed with my boyfriend to throw a party for us with his friends (because that’s when his friends were only available) and celebrate on May 18th (my birthday) with his family. I already made piñatas for each party and bought decorations and spent lots of time preparing for both events. We confirmed with his family to celebrate weeks in advance at the family villa and they all agreed. Two days before the family party, someone decided they couldn’t make it to the family party on Saturday, and because of this without further explanation they all canceled the party. Then on Thursday, they told my bf to move it to Friday instead. We agreed to this, but on Friday morning, we were told they cancelled again because it was after work and too much for them to handle. We agreed to move the party on Sunday. We had no choice. I was already feeling upset because it was my special day and I felt like I was begging people to take it serious. I felt something was off; they always celebrate things even if someone is busy unless someone was sick at the hospital. On Friday his grandma and aunt (big known gossipers) asked him in the morning when he would celebrate the birthday they all cancelled and they all agreed on Sunday including his mom. I was hesitant, but agreed to visit anyway to make sure my bf could meet them before our long trip.
My bf told me it was important for him to visit them anyway before our month trip so I agreed to completely forget about celebrating my special day MAY 18th and visit them instead. I was feeling very sad because my boyfriend’s birthday was celebrated big. We planned to arrive on Friday late evening and leave on Sunday after a morning celebration. Around Friday evening, his mom decided to celebrate the birthday that same day with a few hours of anticipation. they cancelled before because one family member couldn’t make it, and somehow they found a way to celebrate without letting us know even though more family members couldn’t make it on Friday that on Saturday. The point is his mom and family made decisions to celebrate around 6pm on Friday and expected us to be there early. We already had plans to arrive late on Friday around 10pm beacsue we had nothing planned until Sunday. It takes almost 2 hours to get there and some hours to get ready and pack. With the leadership of his mom, They went ahead and threw a party knowing we would arrive late, and celebrated the party without us (the celebrants). We arrived at 10pm and the energy was off. His grandma, aunt and mom gave me the meanest most side eye look ever and even tried to escape hugging me. The greetings were stiff and forced. They immediately left after we arrived and told me some forced wishes rushingly. They walked away while side eyeing each other and whispering gossips in their language. The cherry on top: His mom who decided to throw a party without us at her home had the audacity to approach me right after they left to get a reaction from me by asking if anything was wrong (in a very mocking way). I decided to not show any emotions or reactions and between breathes and a little mocking song she sang “I know something is off, don’t try to lie to me”. All this happens while my bf was busy greeting his other relatives away. I asked her, what should be wrong? And why do you ask? And she said “ I am a woman, I know! She stopped her insistent question when my bf arrived. I tried so hard to play it cool with a broken heart and accepted the left overs she served as food.
But as I wrote this and enter Saturday May 18th (my birthday) with heart broken and still having to undergo two more days with them and wondering why did they decided to disrespect me. I would like to know is this a sign of something? Did I do something wrong? I suspect she blamed me for him not being there on Mother’s Day. But that doesn’t make sense because they told him no one would celebrate and they did celebrate but very last minute.
I told my bf how it broke my heart and how I had a gut feeling on Thursday when we argued that something was off that it felt like they were sabotaging the whole celebration on purpose. It wasn’t enough for them to cancel on us two days before, the next day and the same day, and throw a party for us without us, but to treat me the way they did was just HORRIBLE! My bf came to me an hour later to tell me that he talked to his mom, but that was it. No explanations. No apologies from her side. He heard me talk in between tears about how they hurt me and he tried to defend them by saying that’s how they treated him, too. And since he doesn’t care maybe I shouldn’t. He told me it was normal for the females in the family to be this way. And ended the conversation by saying he was sorry if I felt bad and sorry that I feel that way. He didn’t plan on confronting them but if they bring it up, he said he will explain why they hurt me.
I told him I decided not to visit them again and remove my presence because I felt disrespected. If I ever show up, I will refrain from hugging and or keeping eye contact and will stick to generic conversations. I really won’t show up again until I receive an apology not for cancelling last minute, or celebrating a party without us, but for the way they treated me when we arrived. (I know I won’t get any and expecting one will declare war on them) He agreed to respect my boundaries, but I am afraid his female family members who are well known for gossiping and ganging up on family members they dislike (including their own husbands) will push harder to make sure I am no longer part of the family. Summarized, they went from putting me on a pedestal for almost two years to completely discarding me with no explanation, horrible passive aggressive behavior, (suspected gossip because I have witnessed them do this with others), nasty looks and complete disregard. They had already ganged up against his uncle’s wife on multiple times and his brother’s girlfriend (they broke up) after meeting her for one day.) They discarded her right away while telling me the gossip as to why they didn’t like her (she wasn’t too agreeable as I am and she is well studied) and how difficult is for someone to join the clan and that I was LUCKY TO BE ACCEPTED!
I still hope this was all a prank and maybe tomorrow morning they will show up with a cake and tell me it was all a joke and apologize. I can’t believe they went from treating me with care and speaking good things about me to completely treating me like dog poop, on my birthday. Should I end the relationship? Should I run? Am I overreacting? Is my boyfriend also a red flag? I feel like i was sleeping and suddenly was woken up with cold water.

It's still pretty random and only happens once a day or so, but I can tell it's a social smile and not a fart smile. I was able to record one yesterday and when she woke up every hour - 2 hours to eat last night I just watched it over and over and it made the worst part (for me) of the newborn trenches not feel so bad anymore.
I feel like it must be on purpose that they start smiling around 6 weeks. 6 weeks of not sleeping and feeling like your life is just tears, poop, and bottles and it starts to wear on you fast and makes it hard to enjoy the good parts, and then you get that gummy little smile and the twinkle in their eyes and it gives you that second wind to take on the next 6 weeks lol

Where I'm getting at, the grow old and die, does not make sense, from the perspective of what life is, from the second you were born, no knowledge of anything, expecting to die, and grow old is not really sensible thought to have
But we know things grow old and die because we are a collection of generations, and have knowledge base a culture, of thought.
I was just thinking this, because i was thinking about death, recently, and then i thought about life spans, and like in regards to death or "passed away"
Death is not exactly what happen, growing old and dying is not what is happening.
like when someone say they grow old and died, that could mean they died by cancer, or by heart attack or stroke.
see what i mean.
Another thought im having is, a fruit from a tree, clearly grows old and died, but also leaves a seed to be planted, but im not sure if the fruit is life, but extension of the tree.
by that i mean, we are complex life forms, so really, we are a complex life form. not just singular life form.
so maybe the fruit is life, is a life form but not a mature life form.
hmm i am thinking about biology, now, not life, like a dog and cat, and eating and pooping etc.
but the fact that, a sperm and then a egg came together, and then a complex life form develops.
but while a fetus, the mom consumes food and grows you in her womb.and when you are born you still feed from her, untill you can hunt for food in a sense and eat solid food.
so like begins before your first memory or ideas to what life is
i'm trying to come to a satisfying conclusion here...
just the fact that we think death is okay and aging and growing old is okay, i think is wrong because, life well, there another perspective i have about life,
basically, its the bloodline, living on, and not YOU but the life bits of you, surviving and living on
but complex life evolved for that purpose to procreate but i think the "why?" is what i want answered and i think it can be answered.
what started me thinking this was cancer being a cause of death, and then also something interesting about why we have short life spans, because i think its counterintuitive to have such a short life span
but the reason for short life span, is due to, being evolved mostly from small rodents, after the dinosaurs died, from a asteroid or whatever.
smaller primates gene pool survived by having lots of babies basically.
im thinking about life again and the fact there is like genders and the fact like life is set up in such away instead of not.
like even fish, swim together in regards to consciousness i think it can only come from a living thing
by that i mean, if there was no conciousness, meaning mindlessness, I think it would be evident by lions eating eachother, but that doesnt happen,
but canibalism does exist, but its not a natrual occurrence exactly but im thinking atm that conciousness is just that self-awareness of what you are
so like a flower, knows to bloom and not to bloom, but does a flower have free will?
lets just forget that for a moement.
if we think about the body, and brain, we are the brain, that controls the body, but we also have a nervorus system, that we dont control at all, such as sweating and digestion and so on.
but again as i said we are complex life forms, so like maybe we really are not, or toenails, get what i mean?
"I think therefore I am"
is probably a good enough conclusion of thought. sorry for rambling.