Hello Mcdc42790,
Welcome to the Nexus. Thanks so much for submitted an Introduction Essay.
caban and Enoon summed things up pretty well, I must say.
My only additions would be to remind you that as a New Member you are limited in areas where you can post but just by logging on you can view the entire contents of the forum. There are a lot of sub-fora with in-depth information to check out. Also, check those links at the top of the forum pages - they are full of all kinds of gems.
So, just keep reading and keep posting and I'm sure you'll get voted for promotion in no time at all. In the interim, in terms of posting, do what I do and really enjoy the Welcome Area - it's where the most interesting posts happen in my opinion.
Again, welcome to the Nexus.
"But even if nothing lasts and everything is lost, there is still the intrinsic value of the moment. The present moment, ultimately, is more than enough, a gift of grace and unfathomable value, which our friend and lover death paints in stark relief."-Rick Doblin, Ph.D. MAPS President, MAPS Bulletin Vol. XX, No. 1, pg. 2Hyperspace LOVES YOU