The perception of individuals having magic or psychic abilities can be attributed to skilled practitioners who demonstrate extraordinary capabilities that seem inexplicable. Despite plausible non-magical explanations, the functional outcome can appear like magic, leading to the sense of awe and wonder. Certain meditation traditions, such as the realization process, emphasize the understanding and interpretation of body cues and energy, enabling practitioners to convey information effectively through body language.
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How easy is it to shift our baseline level of happiness? What sorts of things can most effectively shift that baseline? And are they highly specific to each individual or generalizable to most people? What are the differences between conceptual and phenomenal self-love? Why might it be useful to view shame as a kink? How does self-love or self-acceptance differ from indulging or even just tolerating the worst parts of yourself? What's the best way to think about "woo"? How genuine is the stereotypical guru demeanor of serenity, graciousness, and attentiveness? Is it possible for people with aphantasia to learn visualization? What's so interesting about perfume? What can people do to become better writers?
Sasha Chapin is a writer currently living in California. Most of his recent writing is on his Substack. His most popular posts there are "What the humans like is responsiveness" and "50 Things I Know". He also wrote a book called All the Wrong Moves: A Memoir About Chess, Love, and Ruining Everything. Learn more about him at his website, sashachapin.com, or follow him on Twitter / X at @sashachapin.
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