Ok, so this is a companion thread to Fitness 2009, only not about your body, but your soul.
Whether you are an atheist, an agnostic, a theist or something else altogether, are you happy where you are in terms of your soul (or lack thereof)?
I went through a very spiritual/soul searching period back in college and then again for a short while earlier this year, when I got a bit into yoga and "gay tantra" I've been reading about (it's not about gay sex, rather accepting your sexuality as part of the divine and whatnot). It really struck a chord with me, but then I kinda lost interest and have been lazy/unwilling to go beyond theory and just trying to live my life in a way that's spiritually fulfilling. I'm not made for a traditional religiousness, but I think I need some form of mysticism/spirituality in my life, I'm just too lazy to do it (other than when watching a good movie or reading a good book, I sometimes get this feeling of touching the transcendence - but every time it passes).
How about you?
P.S. Consider this a semi-drunk thread. I've seen a good movie with my good friend earlier today and now after he left I'm on my second glass of shiraz. :P
Interesting that you should start this thread today. A friend of mine noted last week that when she's not nurturing her spirituality, it's a lot like not getting enough sleep. She becomes crabby, defensive, and downright annoyed at life. But since she doesn't really belong to any organized religion, it's become more difficult to nurture that aspect of her life. I find I have the same problem.
So, together we've decided to spend one night a month tapping into that part of our psyche. As soon as we decided to do that, other women mentioned that they, too, felt that same draw. So, tonight I'm having five other women over to the house to spend time together to meditate and discuss our spiritual needs.
It sounds horribly weird and odd, but in truth I seriously miss the commaraderie of the ritual of going to church on Sunday morning, hearing the mass said, singing the responses, taking communion, etc. What I don't miss is the bs that comes from following a specific religion. This sort of mini-mediation session will hopefully fill that.
Quote from: merithyn on October 04, 2009, 04:20:25 PM
Interesting that you should start this thread today. A friend of mine noted last week that when she's not nurturing her spirituality, it's a lot like not getting enough sleep. She becomes crabby, defensive, and downright annoyed at life. But since she doesn't really belong to any organized religion, it's become more difficult to nurture that aspect of her life. I find I have the same problem.
So, together we've decided to spend one night a month tapping into that part of our psyche. As soon as we decided to do that, other women mentioned that they, too, felt that same draw. So, tonight I'm having five other women over to the house to spend time together to meditate and discuss our spiritual needs.
It sounds horribly weird and odd, but in truth I seriously miss the commaraderie of the ritual of going to church on Sunday morning, hearing the mass said, singing the responses, taking communion, etc. What I don't miss is the bs that comes from following a specific religion. This sort of mini-mediation session will hopefully fill that.
That sounds cool, actually. Women reclaiming their spirituality is what the organized religion has always feared - you are like a coven. :D
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 04:22:18 PM
That sounds cool, actually. Women reclaiming their spirituality is what the organized religion has always feared - you are like a coven. :D
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blazer.ashland.k12.ky.us%2FAcademics%2FEnglish%2Fstepp%2Fimages%2Fwitches.jpg&hash=9439be0ff799360d1ee68f89fbcd63a038fe2514)
Except that none of us believe in "magic". That kind of puts a damper on the whole coven thing. :( Which is too bad. I'd like to be a witch. :menace:
You work at a school don't you? So there's probably plenty of people who already think you are. :P
According to some theorists, women do not really need anything to do magic - they have magic between their legs. It's us men who need to utilize wands and chalices to imitate that result. :P
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 04, 2009, 04:31:31 PM
You work at a school don't you? So there's probably plenty of people who already think you are. :P
There is a teacher who comes in about once a week and asks me to move my broomstick so he can park his car. :blush:
Spirituality? How ridiculous.
I am fine with my lack of religious belief, yes.
Quote from: fahdiz on October 04, 2009, 04:51:02 PM
I am fine with my lack of religious belief, yes.
You weren't 10 years ago. :contract:
Why worship a flag or god when we could worship the best of us: our will to be great?
Quote from: Faeelin on October 04, 2009, 04:59:02 PM
Why worship a flag or god when we could worship the best of us: our will to be great?
It's fine - I meant it to be a thread about spirituality in the broadest possible sense - including lack thereof or a naturalistic type, like you say.
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 04:32:44 PM
According to some theorists, women do not really need anything to do magic - they have magic between their legs. It's us men who need to utilize wands and chalices to imitate that result. :P
some satanic rituals have men drinking menstrual 'flow' out of a chalice as a way of breaking from all established religious and societal mores.
To my mind "spirituality" is a bit of a misnomer. For one, it implies belief in a spirit, or spirits. Though for lack of a better word, I suppose we are stuck with it.
What it suggests to me is the existance of a philosophy or activity which in effect directs a person's attention away from their own ego, and towards contemplation of something outside of themself.
I am convinced that much of our personal unhappiness, once our basic needs and wants are taken care of, derives from an excessive inward focus.
Thing is, many supposedly 'spiritual' activities have the opposite effect, acting either as yet another social group (soon complete with hierarchy and rivalries with all that implies about egotism) or otherwise intended to boost a person's sense of exclusivity and self-esteem.
I find that in yoga the hardest exercises for me are the ones that involve "ego eradication". Though it's mainly because they make my arms hurt like a motherfucker. :P
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 04, 2009, 05:15:43 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 04:32:44 PM
According to some theorists, women do not really need anything to do magic - they have magic between their legs. It's us men who need to utilize wands and chalices to imitate that result. :P
some satanic rituals have men drinking menstrual 'flow' out of a chalice as a way of breaking from all established religious and societal mores.
Ok that's one bridge too far for me. :P
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:21:26 PM
I find that in yoga the hardest exercises for me are the ones that involve "ego eradication". Though it's mainly because they make my arms hurt like a motherfucker. :P
Ego eradication would be much easier if you saw yourself the way we see you.
Quote from: Malthus on October 04, 2009, 05:17:07 PM
... contemplation of something outside of themself.
That's my take on spirituality as well.
Quote from: Razgovory on October 04, 2009, 05:25:27 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:21:26 PM
I find that in yoga the hardest exercises for me are the ones that involve "ego eradication". Though it's mainly because they make my arms hurt like a motherfucker. :P
Ego eradication would be much easier if you saw yourself the way we see you.
That's funny coming from you. Considering my Languish "enemies" are Neil and raz, I guess I should congratulate myself. :D
Quote from: Faeelin on October 04, 2009, 04:59:02 PM
Why worship a flag or god when we could worship the best of us: our will to be great?
Because that doesn't actually exist.
I'm completely uncaring.
Not even athiest.
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:27:10 PM
That's funny coming from you. Considering my Languish "enemies" are Neil and raz, I guess I should congratulate myself. :D
[jaron] can i be your enemy? [/jaron]
Recently I have been studying the Nag Hammadi Gnostic codex, the Apocryphon of John.
Quote from: merithyn on October 04, 2009, 04:20:25 PM
Interesting that you should start this thread today. A friend of mine noted last week that when she's not nurturing her spirituality, it's a lot like not getting enough sleep. She becomes crabby, defensive, and downright annoyed at life. But since she doesn't really belong to any organized religion, it's become more difficult to nurture that aspect of her life. I find I have the same problem.
So, together we've decided to spend one night a month tapping into that part of our psyche. As soon as we decided to do that, other women mentioned that they, too, felt that same draw. So, tonight I'm having five other women over to the house to spend time together to meditate and discuss our spiritual needs.
It sounds horribly weird and odd, but in truth I seriously miss the commaraderie of the ritual of going to church on Sunday morning, hearing the mass said, singing the responses, taking communion, etc. What I don't miss is the bs that comes from following a specific religion. This sort of mini-mediation session will hopefully fill that.
Hello there. :)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hds.harvard.edu%2Flibrary%2Fcollections%2Fuu%2Fimages%2Fbig-chalice_small.jpg&hash=ab7b13b3c8168e14d915c3bff71323fa6602b001)
fucking unitarians. :mad:
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 04, 2009, 06:41:22 PM
fucking unitarians. :mad:
I SHALL KILL YOU WITH KINDNESS. :mad:
Quote from: Caliga on October 04, 2009, 06:48:02 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 04, 2009, 06:41:22 PM
fucking unitarians. :mad:
I SHALL KILL YOU WITH KINDNESS. :mad:
Unitarianism is like drinking water. Utterly boring.
FIRE AND BRIMSTONE is the way to go.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 04, 2009, 06:50:04 PM
FIRE AND BRIMSTONE is the way to go.
Morons ranting about idiotic ideas does clearly appeal to you, being a Languish poster and all.
My religion is totally awesome IMHO.
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 08:15:55 PM
My religion is totally awesome IMHO.
Negative. It is stupid, and without moral value.
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:27:10 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 04, 2009, 05:25:27 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:21:26 PM
I find that in yoga the hardest exercises for me are the ones that involve "ego eradication". Though it's mainly because they make my arms hurt like a motherfucker. :P
Ego eradication would be much easier if you saw yourself the way we see you.
That's funny coming from you. Considering my Languish "enemies" are Neil and raz, I guess I should congratulate myself. :D
Have I risen that far in the ranks? I remember when I was just a newbie and got in arguments over the definition of "boat".
Martinus considers himself my enemy? How amusing.
Well, as he is the personification of gayness, you do spend a lot of time attacking him personally.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 04, 2009, 09:04:36 PM
Well, as he is the personification of gayness, you do spend a lot of time attacking him personally.
It's never personal. Not a person.
Quote from: Caliga on October 04, 2009, 06:39:43 PM
Quote from: merithyn on October 04, 2009, 04:20:25 PM
Interesting that you should start this thread today. A friend of mine noted last week that when she's not nurturing her spirituality, it's a lot like not getting enough sleep. She becomes crabby, defensive, and downright annoyed at life. But since she doesn't really belong to any organized religion, it's become more difficult to nurture that aspect of her life. I find I have the same problem.
So, together we've decided to spend one night a month tapping into that part of our psyche. As soon as we decided to do that, other women mentioned that they, too, felt that same draw. So, tonight I'm having five other women over to the house to spend time together to meditate and discuss our spiritual needs.
It sounds horribly weird and odd, but in truth I seriously miss the commaraderie of the ritual of going to church on Sunday morning, hearing the mass said, singing the responses, taking communion, etc. What I don't miss is the bs that comes from following a specific religion. This sort of mini-mediation session will hopefully fill that.
Hello there. :)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hds.harvard.edu%2Flibrary%2Fcollections%2Fuu%2Fimages%2Fbig-chalice_small.jpg&hash=ab7b13b3c8168e14d915c3bff71323fa6602b001)
No shit. Going there is like going to a social club by way of a group therapy session.
Quote from: Razgovory on October 04, 2009, 08:42:34 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:27:10 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 04, 2009, 05:25:27 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 05:21:26 PM
I find that in yoga the hardest exercises for me are the ones that involve "ego eradication". Though it's mainly because they make my arms hurt like a motherfucker. :P
Ego eradication would be much easier if you saw yourself the way we see you.
That's funny coming from you. Considering my Languish "enemies" are Neil and raz, I guess I should congratulate myself. :D
Have I risen that far in the ranks? I remember when I was just a newbie and got in arguments over the definition of "boat".
I wish I had a Languish enemy.
My "spirituality" is pretty much a funky blend of Deism, Stoicism, and "amused misanthropy".
Quote from: Tonitrus on October 04, 2009, 09:13:48 PM
My "spirituality" is pretty much a funky blend of Deism, Stoicism, and "amused misanthropy".
Sounds pretentious.
Quote from: Neil on October 04, 2009, 08:41:13 PM
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 08:15:55 PM
My religion is totally awesome IMHO.
Negative. It is stupid, and without moral value.
Morality is a tool of the weak.
Quote from: Faeelin on October 04, 2009, 09:36:51 PM
Quote from: Neil on October 04, 2009, 08:41:13 PM
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 08:15:55 PM
My religion is totally awesome IMHO.
Negative. It is stupid, and without moral value.
Morality is a tool of the weak.
Incorrect. Morality is a tool used by the strong to impose their will on the weak, with their own consent.
No idea what spirituality is. Not going to bother with it.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 04, 2009, 09:14:59 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on October 04, 2009, 09:13:48 PM
My "spirituality" is pretty much a funky blend of Deism, Stoicism, and "amused misanthropy".
Sounds pretentious.
I knew I had forgotten one more.
Quote from: Monoriu on October 04, 2009, 09:55:51 PM
No idea what spirituality is. Not going to bother with it.
It makes a lot of people a lot of money.
Quote from: Monoriu on October 04, 2009, 09:55:51 PM
No idea what spirituality is. Not going to bother with it.
It's like superstition, but without the negative spin.
Quote from: Neil on October 04, 2009, 08:41:13 PM
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 08:15:55 PM
My religion is totally awesome IMHO.
Negative. It is stupid, and without moral value.
Nonsense, it is brilliant and shines the light of true morality upon every topic. Open yourself to true gloriousness of Unity and be saved heathen!
Quote from: Monoriu on October 04, 2009, 09:55:51 PM
No idea what spirituality is. Not going to bother with it.
So much for the mystical eastern soul.
My hotel this weekend had a Gideon's Bible and a "Gideon's Buddhist book". I started reading the latter - kinda interesting, since I know nothing of Buddhism. I thought about stealing it so that I could finish reading it, but realized that would be wrong.
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 10:00:31 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on October 04, 2009, 09:55:51 PM
No idea what spirituality is. Not going to bother with it.
So much for the mystical eastern soul.
Mono just made Baby Lao-Tsu cry. :lol:
Quote from: Neil on October 04, 2009, 09:54:02 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on October 04, 2009, 09:36:51 PM
Quote from: Neil on October 04, 2009, 08:41:13 PM
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 08:15:55 PM
My religion is totally awesome IMHO.
Negative. It is stupid, and without moral value.
Morality is a tool of the weak.
Incorrect. Morality is a tool used by the strong to impose their will on the weak, with their own consent.
I thought it was the other way around.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
Buddhists would argue that it is because that Christianity got stuff from it, but more likely they were both transformed by the influence of local Indo-European cults and Hellenistic philosophy.
Quote from: Queequeg on October 05, 2009, 12:17:46 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
Buddhists would argue that it is because that Christianity got stuff from it, but more likely they were both transformed by the influence of local Indo-European cults and Hellenistic philosophy.
How's Hinduism fit in? I'd have thought that Buddhism would be far more influenced from that than Hellenistic philosophy.
I'm not at all spiritual and I'm happy with that. No plans to try and expand my spirituality either.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 12:34:50 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on October 05, 2009, 12:17:46 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
Buddhists would argue that it is because that Christianity got stuff from it, but more likely they were both transformed by the influence of local Indo-European cults and Hellenistic philosophy.
How's Hinduism fit in? I'd have thought that Buddhism would be far more influenced from that than Hellenistic philosophy.
The Greco-Bactrian kingdoms left behind by Alexander meshed hellenic thought with hinduism, but I'd also be willing to speculate that there are things innate in man that need no external influence to arise independantly - such as "do unto others as you wish done unto you", for example, which is found all over the world.
Quote from: miglia on October 05, 2009, 01:02:23 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 12:34:50 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on October 05, 2009, 12:17:46 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
Buddhists would argue that it is because that Christianity got stuff from it, but more likely they were both transformed by the influence of local Indo-European cults and Hellenistic philosophy.
How's Hinduism fit in? I'd have thought that Buddhism would be far more influenced from that than Hellenistic philosophy.
The Greco-Bactrian kingdoms left behind by Alexander meshed hellenic thought with hinduism, but I'd also be willing to speculate that there are things innate in man that need no external influence to arise independantly - such as "do unto others as you wish done unto you", for example, which is found all over the world.
Notion of the Greek Monad and Hindu Brahman are both examples of the universal spiritual concept of a oneness that everything emanates from.
Quote from: Valmy on October 04, 2009, 08:15:05 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 04, 2009, 06:50:04 PM
FIRE AND BRIMSTONE is the way to go.
Morons ranting about idiotic ideas does clearly appeal to you, being a Languish poster and all.
:Embarrass:
I came for the rants.
I miss the old preachers ranting about the catholics, the jews, the homos, etc. etc.
Now, even the baptists seem watered down a bit.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
My hotel this weekend had a Gideon's Bible and a "Gideon's Buddhist book". I started reading the latter - kinda interesting, since I know nothing of Buddhism. I thought about stealing it so that I could finish reading it, but realized that would be wrong.
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
The Tao kicks Buddha's ass.
I think we should apply the Wu Wei philosophy to the financial crisis ;)
Quote from: Monoriu on October 05, 2009, 11:04:44 AM
I think we should apply the Wu Wei philosophy to the financial crisis ;)
Heh, I'd like to get all Han Fei Tzu on some of those investment types ... :D
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 05, 2009, 10:53:44 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
My hotel this weekend had a Gideon's Bible and a "Gideon's Buddhist book". I started reading the latter - kinda interesting, since I know nothing of Buddhism. I thought about stealing it so that I could finish reading it, but realized that would be wrong.
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
The Tao kicks Buddha's ass.
The Tao that kicks Buddha's ass is not the Tao.
Quote from: Martinus on October 05, 2009, 11:52:11 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 05, 2009, 10:53:44 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
My hotel this weekend had a Gideon's Bible and a "Gideon's Buddhist book". I started reading the latter - kinda interesting, since I know nothing of Buddhism. I thought about stealing it so that I could finish reading it, but realized that would be wrong.
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
The Tao kicks Buddha's ass.
The Tao that kicks Buddha's ass is not the Tao.
:lmfao:
Quote from: Martinus on October 05, 2009, 11:52:11 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 05, 2009, 10:53:44 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 10:22:05 PM
My hotel this weekend had a Gideon's Bible and a "Gideon's Buddhist book". I started reading the latter - kinda interesting, since I know nothing of Buddhism. I thought about stealing it so that I could finish reading it, but realized that would be wrong.
Not that I'm gonna convert or anything. It's just interesting to see the parallels and differences with Christianity.
The Tao kicks Buddha's ass.
The Tao that kicks Buddha's ass is not the Tao.
Touche.
No god, no church, no problem. :P
I'm an atheist and see no need for all that spirituality stuff, thank God.
Quote from: Malthus on October 04, 2009, 05:17:07 PM
What it suggests to me is the existance of a philosophy or activity which in effect directs a person's attention away from their own ego, and towards contemplation of something outside of themself.
This is my interpretation, as well.
Quote from: Caliga on October 04, 2009, 06:39:43 PM
Hello there. :)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hds.harvard.edu%2Flibrary%2Fcollections%2Fuu%2Fimages%2Fbig-chalice_small.jpg&hash=ab7b13b3c8168e14d915c3bff71323fa6602b001)
The Unitarian churches near us tend toward a fairly Christian view rather than an individualistic one. They're open to everyone, but still hold Christ to be the savior, etc. I'd rather stay out of the Biblical religions entirely, if I can manage that.
:huh: That's strange. I knew there were some conservative Unitarian congregations but would have expected them to be confined to parts of New England.
Quote from: merithyn on October 05, 2009, 07:48:32 PM
The Unitarian churches near us tend toward a fairly Christian view rather than an individualistic one. They're open to everyone, but still hold Christ to be the savior, etc. I'd rather stay out of the Biblical religions entirely, if I can manage that.
The Savior? And not a teacher or spiritual leader? Wow Unitarian philosophy fail.
The whole point of Unitarianism is rejection of the Trinity...which is right and good since the Trinity is irrational and absurd.
Quote from: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 07:50:03 PM
:huh: That's strange. I knew there were some conservative Unitarian congregations but would have expected them to be confined to parts of New England.
We're just this side of the Bible Belt. I was amazed at just how Christian this entire area was/is. Honestly, it's a bit frightening.
Quote from: Armyknife on October 05, 2009, 07:56:01 PM
Most of the people I've met who describe themselves as being spiritual or interested in such matters have invariably proven have three or more of these characteristics : - self-obssessed, narcissistic, shotaway and/or lacking any critical reasoning skills. :cool:
Since the whole point of spirituality is to become aware of things outside yourself perhaps they are interested in it because they are trying to stop being so self-obsessed?
Also critical reasoning skills are pretty essential for exploring spiritual things since the amoung to bullshit out there can easily lead the foolish astray.
Quote from: Valmy on October 05, 2009, 07:53:25 PM
The whole point of Unitarianism is rejection of the Trinity...which is right and good since the Trinity is irrational and absurd.
Wrong. The whole point of Unitarianism is to bend with the wind, and then bend some more. By standing for nothing, they become nothing.
Quote from: Neil on October 05, 2009, 08:03:42 PM
Quote from: Valmy on October 05, 2009, 07:53:25 PM
The whole point of Unitarianism is rejection of the Trinity...which is right and good since the Trinity is irrational and absurd.
Wrong. The whole point of Unitarianism is to bend with the wind, and then bend some more. By standing for nothing, they become nothing.
So dating one is likely to lead to some interesting positions?
Quote from: merithyn on October 04, 2009, 04:29:55 PM
Quote from: Martinus on October 04, 2009, 04:22:18 PM
That sounds cool, actually. Women reclaiming their spirituality is what the organized religion has always feared - you are like a coven. :D
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blazer.ashland.k12.ky.us%2FAcademics%2FEnglish%2Fstepp%2Fimages%2Fwitches.jpg&hash=9439be0ff799360d1ee68f89fbcd63a038fe2514)
Except that none of us believe in "magic". That kind of puts a damper on the whole coven thing. :( Which is too bad. I'd like to be a witch. :menace:
I know several witches. None of them are all that "magical" :p
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 06, 2009, 02:32:17 AMI know several witches. None of them are all that "magical" :p
But all of them are completely bonkers, eh? :)
Quote from: Valmy on October 05, 2009, 07:59:43 PM
Since the whole point of spirituality is to become aware of things outside yourself perhaps they are interested in it because they are trying to stop being so self-obsessed?
Also critical reasoning skills are pretty essential for exploring spiritual things since the amoung to bullshit out there can easily lead the foolish astray.
I agree with Mongers that the whole idea of spiritual people makes me a bit suspicious. So many of them seem like Madonna minus musculature. Spirituality's a middle class hobby for ladies what lunch - a bit like Pilates - or an aesthetic choice like an Indian fabric hanging on the wall. 90% of the time, if not more, people who are 'spiritual' have as much to do with reasoning and the world around them as they have a genuine connection to the origins of the various ethnic fabrics that they own, wear, use to decorate their house.
Though, of course, there are some genuinely very spiritual people.
I suppose that depends on what circles one travels in. Our group Sunday seemed very focused on thinking beyond themselves and where they fall in the bigger picture. That, at least, is what came out of the night from my perspective. It used to be that those answers came from the priest or minister, but when you drop religion, that tends to get lost, too.
We're hoping to regain some perspective without bothering with the Hell and Damnation speeches.
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 06, 2009, 02:32:17 AM
I know several witches. None of them are all that "magical" :p
I'm good friends with at least six women who consider themselves "witches". They all believe in "magic(k)" in some form or another, even if it's just manipulating energies. I just have a hard time believing that that's possible, which makes it hard to follow the same path. *shrugs*
Quote from: merithyn on October 06, 2009, 07:17:18 AM
Quote from: BuddhaRhubarb on October 06, 2009, 02:32:17 AM
I know several witches. None of them are all that "magical" :p
I'm good friends with at least six women who consider themselves "witches". They all believe in "magic(k)" in some form or another, even if it's just manipulating energies. I just have a hard time believing that that's possible, which makes it hard to follow the same path. *shrugs*
I want to punch those 6 women in the
nu..stomach.
Quote from: merithyn on October 06, 2009, 07:17:18 AM
I'm good friends with at least six women who consider themselves "witches". They all believe in "magic(k)" in some form or another, even if it's just manipulating energies. I just have a hard time believing that that's possible, which makes it hard to follow the same path. *shrugs*
So I was right about the completely bonkers part. :smoke:
I'm Raistlin.
Quote from: merithyn on October 06, 2009, 07:14:34 AM
I suppose that depends on what circles one travels in. Our group Sunday seemed very focused on thinking beyond themselves and where they fall in the bigger picture. That, at least, is what came out of the night from my perspective. It used to be that those answers came from the priest or minister, but when you drop religion, that tends to get lost, too.
We're hoping to regain some perspective without bothering with the Hell and Damnation speeches.
Come now surely even in mainstream Catholic and protestant denominations hell and damnation rarely come up anymore.
Quote from: Sheilbh on October 06, 2009, 07:09:29 AM
I agree with Mongers that the whole idea of spiritual people makes me a bit suspicious. So many of them seem like Madonna minus musculature. Spirituality's a middle class hobby for ladies what lunch - a bit like Pilates - or an aesthetic choice like an Indian fabric hanging on the wall. 90% of the time, if not more, people who are 'spiritual' have as much to do with reasoning and the world around them as they have a genuine connection to the origins of the various ethnic fabrics that they own, wear, use to decorate their house.
Though, of course, there are some genuinely very spiritual people.
Yeah for some people it just oozes out of them.
I do not get exactly what you are getting at. Clearly anything can become an aesthetic choice for those who see the world that way. Even your work, your children, your family, you hobbies and everything can in the end come down to how one decorates your life. Certainly tons of people treat their religion that way.
But anyway I just figure since spirituality and religion does stimulate a specific part of the brain it is a physical phenonmena in humans and logically one should explore that part of themselves.
Quote from: merithyn on October 06, 2009, 07:17:18 AM
I'm good friends with at least six women who consider themselves "witches". They all believe in "magic(k)" in some form or another, even if it's just manipulating energies. I just have a hard time believing that that's possible, which makes it hard to follow the same path. *shrugs*
Meh I suppose that sort of thing has some value but I refuse to believe in something that makes no rational sense. Rituals and things like that can be good in setting your mind in certain ways and empowering yourself but beyond that it goes into the realm of superstition. Alot of people get that way about prayer.
Quote from: Valmy on October 06, 2009, 07:43:34 AM
I do not get exactly what you are getting at. Clearly anything can become an aesthetic choice for those who see the world that way. Even your work, your children, your family, you hobbies and everything can in the end come down to how one decorates your life.
Oh of course. But in my experience people who describe themselves as spiritual are more likely to seem like Ab Fab extras than normal.
QuoteCertainly tons of people treat their religion that way.
I don't think so. Religion takes quite a lot of effort. It involves going to Church, praying 5 times a day, cooking up a storm at Gurdwara.
Quote from: Sheilbh on October 06, 2009, 07:51:32 AM
I don't think so. Religion takes quite a lot of effort. It involves going to Church, praying 5 times a day, cooking up a storm at Gurdwara.
Well I sort of agree actually. In my personal opinion spirituality is a social process, since I think it is somehow connected to forming deep companionship among people...which is ironic considering how often we kill each other over it by anyway...so outside of an organized social structure it is more difficult.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:24:46 AM
I'm Raistlin.
Presumably not including the coughing up blood and dying part though.
Quote from: Agelastus on October 06, 2009, 07:57:24 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:24:46 AM
I'm Raistlin.
Presumably not including the coughing up blood and dying part though.
Considering my luck in the past 3 years, maybe.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:58:42 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 06, 2009, 07:57:24 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:24:46 AM
I'm Raistlin.
Presumably not including the coughing up blood and dying part though.
Considering my luck in the past 3 years, maybe.
:huh:
:(
I really hope you are wrong about that.
Quote from: Armyknife on October 05, 2009, 07:56:01 PM
Most of the people I've met who describe themselves as being spiritual or interested in such matters have invariably proven have three or more of these characteristics : - self-obssessed, narcissistic, shotaway and/or lacking any critical reasoning skills. :cool:
The key here is 'people who
describe themselves as 'spiritual'".
Most people who are genuinely interested in these matters do not wear their interest on their sleeves, so to speak.
The type of person who
wants others to recognize them as 'spiritual' is far more likely to be a bullshit-artist, seeking some sort of recognition of status from others. It's the equivalent of the sort of person who, in highschool, went around calling
himself "cool'.
Your
genuinely "spiritual" person (and I'm using that term in the sense I defined it above), you might never know cares about such matters. He's the person studying math because he sees something in the patterns of the numbers that fills him with awe, or she's the quiet person who volunteers at a local Church to help those less fortunate than themselves, but who never rants about Jesus.
Quote from: Sheilbh on October 06, 2009, 07:09:29 AM
Quote from: Valmy on October 05, 2009, 07:59:43 PM
Since the whole point of spirituality is to become aware of things outside yourself perhaps they are interested in it because they are trying to stop being so self-obsessed?
Also critical reasoning skills are pretty essential for exploring spiritual things since the amoung to bullshit out there can easily lead the foolish astray.
I agree with Mongers that the whole idea of spiritual people makes me a bit suspicious. So many of them seem like Madonna minus musculature. Spirituality's a middle class hobby for ladies what lunch - a bit like Pilates - or an aesthetic choice like an Indian fabric hanging on the wall. 90% of the time, if not more, people who are 'spiritual' have as much to do with reasoning and the world around them as they have a genuine connection to the origins of the various ethnic fabrics that they own, wear, use to decorate their house.
Though, of course, there are some genuinely very spiritual people.
See my reply. To my mind, this is true of the sort of person who wants
others to acknowledge them as "spiritual" or whatever.
My impression is that there are more genuinely "spiritual" people about than is usually acknowledged - only, they tend to shun such recognition, or be unaware that it is anything worth recognizing.
Meri's spiritual event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhZXq2SvJ0U
And if it seems like I'm picking on Meri, I'm not.
Quote from: Malthus on October 06, 2009, 08:11:54 AM
See my reply. To my mind, this is true of the sort of person who wants others to acknowledge them as "spiritual" or whatever.
My impression is that there are more genuinely "spiritual" people about than is usually acknowledged - only, they tend to shun such recognition, or be unaware that it is anything worth recognizing.
It is also rather rude to discuss in public. It is like telling everybody how much money you make. I don't think I have ever discussed my spiritual beliefs outside of church. Granted that is mostly out of fear the other person might start telling me about their religion.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 08:13:35 AM
Meri's spiritual event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhZXq2SvJ0U
And if it seems like I'm picking on Meri, I'm not.
You know it is actually good to see nerds getting outside and getting some exercise.
Quote from: Valmy on October 06, 2009, 08:22:30 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 08:13:35 AM
Meri's spiritual event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhZXq2SvJ0U
And if it seems like I'm picking on Meri, I'm not.
You know it is actually good to see nerds getting outside and getting some exercise.
No, its not. Nerds need to die horribly.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_vY8I5HvOvk8%2FSZCgRYVhgvI%2FAAAAAAAACfQ%2FLaijRaIYR54%2Fs320%2Frevenge-of-the-nerds.jpg&hash=3483e3d2c7ee9cb19c33e16ebfca2daebae95ace)
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 08:25:35 AM
No, its not. Nerds need to die horribly.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.loveyourself.net%2FLY%2FPhotos%2FCarmenSolo.jpg&hash=12aeb6cf00f6a4fa2f11136f63e0863f278b0e34)
Quote from: merithyn on October 05, 2009, 07:44:22 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 04, 2009, 05:17:07 PM
What it suggests to me is the existance of a philosophy or activity which in effect directs a person's attention away from their own ego, and towards contemplation of something outside of themself.
This is my interpretation, as well.
Interesting. I would have defined it as the opposite.
Quote from: Malthus on October 06, 2009, 08:11:54 AM
See my reply. To my mind, this is true of the sort of person who wants others to acknowledge them as "spiritual" or whatever.
I agree.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 06, 2009, 09:58:21 AM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.loveyourself.net%2FLY%2FPhotos%2FCarmenSolo.jpg&hash=12aeb6cf00f6a4fa2f11136f63e0863f278b0e34)
I dont mind contemplating the spirituality in this.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 11:59:23 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 06, 2009, 08:51:18 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:24:46 AM
I'm Raistlin.
I wanna be Tasslehoff!
Kender, hobbits, gnomes and halflings should be liquidated.
Gnomes stay pretty much out of the way, and so are alright. Halflings and hobbits generally keep to themselves and just go along, which is alright. Kender are troublesome, and should be liquidated.
Quote from: Malthus on October 04, 2009, 05:17:07 PM
What it suggests to me is the existance of a philosophy or activity which in effect directs a person's attention away from their own ego, and towards contemplation of something outside of themself.
That's a good definition. Though in practice it usually ends up being this:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin
It's like superstition, but without the negative spin.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 06, 2009, 08:51:18 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:24:46 AM
I'm Raistlin.
I wanna be Tasslehoff!
Including the part about seeing most of your friends die and then being squashed by a giant personification of Primordial Chaos?
Quote from: Valmy on October 06, 2009, 07:47:16 AM
Meh I suppose that sort of thing has some value but I refuse to believe in something that makes no rational sense. Rituals and things like that can be good in setting your mind in certain ways and empowering yourself but beyond that it goes into the realm of superstition. Alot of people get that way about prayer.
Yeah this is more what my friends and I are after.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 08:13:35 AM
Meri's spiritual event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhZXq2SvJ0U
And if it seems like I'm picking on Meri, I'm not.
:lmfao:
I love that video!
Quote from: Maximus on October 06, 2009, 10:06:45 AM
Quote from: merithyn on October 05, 2009, 07:44:22 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 04, 2009, 05:17:07 PM
What it suggests to me is the existance of a philosophy or activity which in effect directs a person's attention away from their own ego, and towards contemplation of something outside of themself.
This is my interpretation, as well.
Interesting. I would have defined it as the opposite.
Could it be a combination of both?
Quote from: merithyn on October 06, 2009, 06:46:48 PM
Could it be a combination of both?
I think you are on to something here.
Quote from: merithyn on October 06, 2009, 06:43:55 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 08:13:35 AM
Meri's spiritual event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhZXq2SvJ0U
And if it seems like I'm picking on Meri, I'm not.
:lmfao:
I love that video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlb850wKgvQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlb850wKgvQ)
:cool:
Quote from: Agelastus on October 06, 2009, 03:31:57 PM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 06, 2009, 08:51:18 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 06, 2009, 07:24:46 AM
I'm Raistlin.
I wanna be Tasslehoff!
Including the part about seeing most of your friends die and then being squashed by a giant personification of Primordial Chaos?
A Kender would find all those new experiences amazing.