Luke, I'm so glad i saw this post! I especially like that you said "I’m also thinking about whether or not they are, to some degree, completely pointless." And the part about these spiritual practices potentially being illusion.

I think - as Jordan Peterson says - people are seeking meaning, so they latch onto anything offering that. Personally, I'm super skeptical. Like you, I've explored the "shortcuts" some. I learned a few things but i feel as if I've gleaned more "enlightenment" from doing 15 years of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, luckily from a very down to earth teacher. No mystical bullshit.

Which brings me to a concern. Maybe two or more related. (1) masculinity being demonized at what seems to me an increasing rate, (2) testosterone reduction, and (3) infiltration of mysticism and veganism infiltrating the voluntaryist community.

Your thoughts?