u/Alvahod

What could have been the cause?

Where they on PrEP only without using condoms? Did they use condoms without PrEP?

Both, or neither?

I don't see this conversed about often so I am curious.

I’m looking for some feedback on How to Meditate Without Even Trying (Eckhart Tolle Editions).

I am interested in exploring meditation as a practical tool for focus and mental clarity, but I prefer approaches that stick to psychological and neurological principles rather than superstitious or "woo-woo" beliefs.

For those who have read this specific edition:

• Does the book keep things grounded? I'm looking for techniques that rely on mindfulness and observation rather than spiritualist frameworks.
• Is it actionable? Does it offer a clear "how-to" that fits into a busy schedule without requiring a lifestyle overhaul?
• What happens if you swap this approach for a traditional "sitting" practice? I'm curious if the "without trying" aspect actually yields results or if it's too passive to be effective.

I’m looking for some feedback on How to Meditate Without Even Trying (Eckhart Tolle Editions).

I am interested in exploring meditation as a practical tool for focus and mental clarity, but I prefer approaches that stick to psychological and neurological principles rather than superstitious or "woo-woo" beliefs.

For those who have read this specific edition:

• Does the book keep things grounded? I'm looking for techniques that rely on mindfulness and observation rather than spiritualist frameworks.
• Is it actionable? Does it offer a clear "how-to" that fits into a busy schedule without requiring a lifestyle overhaul?
• What happens if you swap this approach for a traditional "sitting" practice? I'm curious if the "without trying" aspect actually yields results or if it's too passive to be effective.

This is despite the fact that cutting out added sugar this year has led to these changes:

• Sleep: Needing less than 8 hours of sleep instead of 10.
• Blood Pressure: Dropping from 150/103 mmHg to 108/68 mmHg.
• Pulse Rate: Dropping from 84 bpm to 59 bpm.
• Vitality: Having significantly more energy.
• Cravings: Having no sugar cravings (just the usual OMAD hunger).
• Finances: Staying out of debt (in December, I spent my tuition money on cake and owed over 50% of my living allowance due to my addiction).

So, what is wrong with me? Why would I want to go back? I am afraid of what will happen when I get money end of month.

This is despite the fact that cutting out added sugar this year has led to these changes:

• Sleep: Needing less than 8 hours of sleep instead of 10.
• Blood Pressure: Dropping from 150/103 mmHg to 108/68 mmHg.
• Pulse Rate: Dropping from 84 bpm to 59 bpm.
• Vitality: Having significantly more energy.
• Cravings: Having no sugar cravings (just the usual OMAD hunger).
• Finances: Staying out of debt (in December, I spent my tuition money on cake and owed over 50% of my living allowance due to my addiction).

So, what is wrong with me? Why would I want to go back? I am afraid of what will happen when I get money end of month.

I live in a largely Christian country where, when starting all kinds of meetings, it's expected to begin with a prayer.

What would be the politely way to handle this as an atheist without causing unnecessary attention?

It is worth noting that, it's truly unusual to be an atheist here; almost everyone is supposedly religious. Stating that I'm non-religious or an atheist, starts endless questions I’ve no interesting in answering.

P.S. I should have given more specific examples.

1. When I am the chair of the meeting: I am expected to pray most of the time or to bring it up (i.e. ask someone to do so), which I'm uncomfortable with.

2. When I'm not the chair: Sometimes I am directly asked to pray. This is because most people assume I'm a Christian (in fact, some say I have demeanour of a pastor, which is obviously a compliment). So, the expected response to request is for me to glady pray.

I live in a largely Christian country where, when starting all kinds of meetings, it's expected to begin with a prayer.

What would be the politely way to handle this as an atheist without causing unnecessary attention?

It is worth noting that, it's truly unusual to be an atheist here; almost everyone is supposedly religious. Stating that I'm non-religious or an atheist, starts endless questions I’ve no interesting in answering.

P.S. I should have given more specific examples.

1. When I am the chair of the meeting: I am expected to pray most of the time or to bring it up (i.e. ask someone to do so), which I'm uncomfortable with.

2. When I'm not the chair: Sometimes I am directly asked to pray. This is because most people assume I'm a Christian (in fact, some say I have demeanour of a pastor, which is obviously a compliment). So, the expected response to request is for me to glady pray.

In Botswana, when starting all kinds of meetings, it's expected to begin with a prayer.

What would be the politely way to handle this as an atheist without causing unnecessary attention?

It is worth noting that, it's truly unusual to be an atheist here; almost everyone is supposedly religious. Stating that I'm non-religious or an atheist, starts endless questions I’ve no interesting in answering.

P.S. I should have given more specific examples.

1. When I am the chair of the meeting: I am expected to pray most of the time or to bring it up (i.e. ask someone to do so), which I'm uncomfortable with.

2. When I'm not the chair: Sometimes I am directly asked to pray. This is because most people assume I'm a Christian (in fact, some say I have demeanour of a pastor, which is obviously a compliment). So, the expected response to request is for me to glady pray.

I live in a largely Christian country where, when starting all kinds of meetings, it's expected to begin with a prayer.

What would be the politely way to handle this as an atheist without causing unnecessary attention?

It is worth noting that, it's truly unusual to be an atheist here; almost everyone is supposedly religious. Stating that I'm non-religious or an atheist, starts endless questions I’ve no interesting in answering.

P.S. I should have given more specific examples.

1. When I am the chair of the meeting: I am expected to pray most of the time or to bring it up (i.e. ask someone to do so), which I'm uncomfortable with.

2. When I'm not the chair: Sometimes I am directly asked to pray. This is because most people assume I'm a Christian (in fact, some say I have demeanour of a pastor, which is obviously a compliment). So, the expected response to request is for me to glady pray.

​I live in a homophobic country where people would ask you, if you're openly gay: 'how do you do it?'—as in, how do you have sex with each other since there's no vagina.

They know, obviously; it's meant to chip away at one's 'gay pride' because faeces would be brought up if one entertains such dialogue. If you're closeted, even if they know you're gay, usually they won't bother you because at least "you're not parading it".

How would you answer such questions without compromising your respectability?

P.S. I appreciate the responses but most disregarded the respectability requirement. I'm not going to be uncivilized just to soothe my ego for a moment. In fact, that's what's expected of us in some cases; they want to "out-insult" us.

I will do MSc. Which MSc would be good for me: Stats, CS, Math?

By the time I graduate, I'd have done these math modules:

Intro to probability,

theory of computation > discrete math > formal methods,

pre-cal > introductory cal> cal 1 > cal 2,

linear algebra 1.

If I had to choose between:

linear algebra 2 vs ordinary numerical analysis vs cal 3 vs basic statistical theory I (pick 2),

and,

differential equations vs advanced algorithms vs basic statistical theory I <can only be picked if basic statistical theory I was picked> (pick 1),

which modules should I pick?

Which career opportunities would that increase?

I will do MSc as a bridge to becoming Operations Research Analyst / Operations Research. Which MSc would be good for me: Stats, CS, Math?

By the time I graduate, I'd have done these math modules:

Intro to probability,

theory of computation > discrete math > formal methods,

pre-cal > introductory cal> cal 1 > cal 2,

linear algebra 1.

If I had to choose between:

linear algebra 2 vs ordinary numerical analysis vs cal 3 vs basic statistical theory I (pick 2),

and,

differential equations vs advanced algorithms vs basic statistical theory I <can only be picked if basic statistical theory I was picked> (pick 1),

which modules should I pick?

I will do MSc as a bridge to becoming Operations Research Analyst / Operations Research. Which MSc would be good for me: Stats, CS, Math?

By the time I graduate, I'd have done these math modules:

Intro to probability,

theory of computation > discrete math > formal methods,

pre-cal > introductory cal> cal 1 > cal 2,

linear algebra 1.

If I had to choose between:

linear algebra 2 vs ordinary numerical analysis vs cal 3 vs basic statistical theory I (pick 2),

and,

differential equations vs advanced algorithms vs basic statistical theory I <can only be picked if basic statistical theory I was picked> (pick 1),

which modules should I pick?

I will do MSc as a bridge to becoming Operations Research Analyst / Operations Research. Which MSc would be good for me: Stats, CS, Math?

By the time I graduate, I'd have done these math modules:

Intro to probability,

theory of computation > discrete math > formal methods,

pre-cal > introductory cal> cal 1 > cal 2,

linear algebra 1.

If I had to choose between:

linear algebra 2 vs ordinary numerical analysis vs cal 3 vs basic statistical theory I (pick 2),

and,

differential equations vs advanced algorithms vs basic statistical theory I <can only be picked if basic statistical theory I was picked> (pick 1),

which modules should I pick?