What spiritual things do people here do every day?

Do you read the bible or meditate or do anything like that? Read the Tao Te Ching? Do affirmations? Yoga? Just curious. Does it help?

Meditation.

Do you write them your self or get them from another source? I used to do some Louise Hay years ago, she is really a great healer I think.

Some I make up on the fly. If nothing else, the meditation and affirmations do help me with my attitude about circumstances, which in turn, helps me to feel more connected with my source.

right before I go to bed most nights, but I do it when I wake up some times as well.

then I went on an anti-depressant and I lost the ability to do that. It took me a really long time to work up to an hour though. And I miss it because my bird used to sit on my shoulder while I was doing it, I think he would meditate with me. :)

(it's frequently a spiritual experience for me, anyway)

I e-mailed you earlier, btw. :hi:

I just replied :)

I got it. :hi:

Sunrise, weather, snow, warmth, cold, leaves, flowers, frost, rain, lightning, sunset -- it's all amazing.

nature used to be my church and my life before I got this stupid computer. :(

We can devote attention to many things but still worship others. That's my take, at least.

As long as we acknowledge our inspirations even for minute amounts of time, we grant them power, as we grant it to ourselves.

Myself, I live in an inner-city neighborhood and can hardly see the sky, let alone the horizon or any significant amount of trees or fields or mountains. But I still feel more connected to them than anything I pass by each day.

The reward is in the journey.

:hug:

I am in a semi-rural area and am surrounded by nature pretty much. And rednecks in pickup trucks that aren't very nice sometimes, but other than that it's pretty beautiful.

I can't remember seeing anyone in here getting banned. Do the trolls even post in here?

And I would think posting in the lounge would be a great way for a troll to build a decent post count before venturing into the other forums.

I don't know if anyone actually does that,but it wouldn't surprise me at all.If I just thought of it I bet one of them has too.

If somebody is posting irrational right-wing drivel, does the "1000+ posts" next to their user name give the post any credibility?

So some people give it credibility,whether it deserves any or not.

when I came around here at first I had a very low post count and I got flamed majorly twice before I had a thousand posts. People are much more willing to attack and pass judgement on someone they do not know or know well than someone they have 'known' (however the limited capacity we have for 'knowing' each other on the internet) for years, or have been seeing around for years.

I have thought that too .:loveya:

To ask the Great Spirit daily for strength, guidance, patience, wisdom and to watch over my family while I'm away. Sometimes I get in a busy rush and forget. Sometimes I get reminded.

get reminded that is. :hi:

I:

• read and reflect on my Tao Te Ching passage for the day.
  
• meditate.
  
• have candle, waterbowl and bell-ringing ceremonies.
  
• do my tai-chi.
  
• re-arrange things in accordance with positive energy. (Yup..that's feng shui.)
  
• brush my teeth.
  
• mealtime reflection.
  
• breathing routine.
  
• !censored! (It helps center me for my day.)
  

Yes, it helps immensely.

that is a lot of work. You should be commended. I look at either Buddhist meditations or something from the Tao on a semi-regular basis but it needs to be daily.

;)

:hi:

I have wandered away from my spiritual side, but it would probably be helpful if I re-connecte din some way, because it is helpful for anxiety.

:hi:

but why is it we never want to do the things that help us?

wow, this is hitting home with me this week. So why do we feel we don't deserve it?

For example, I was raised in a fairly rigid religion, and internalized the whole "burden of original sin" message from when I was a very young child. The church's message was "we are not worthy". Kind of difficult to formulate a belief that one is deserving while hearing that particular message repeatedly.

Why would you not deserve good things? God created you and called you "good". And I happen to agree.

but years of negative "programming" from varying sources is difficult to overcome.

But I am overcoming it!

:)

My tradition emphasizes "giving thanks in all things", and it does help. I couldn't do the "original sin" stuff. I fear I'd believe it!!

You're a great soul!! Don't forget that!

:)

I am really feeling spiritually connected these days. And it is helping with all the mundane things.

As the old saying goes: Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.

:D

Wow that is amazingly true, lol. I wish I could find the one I like, about the student seeking enlightenment, and each day her teacher comes out of his cave and thwacks her on the head with a stick. This happens day after day until one day, as he is about to come down on her head with the stick, she reaches up and blocks him before he can strike her. He tells her then that she has reached enlightenment, and she says she does not understand. (Sorry this is a very rough paraphrase.) He says "You now know everything you need to know. You know that you will never know everything there is to know, and you know how to stop the pain."

I love that parable, it has been more relevant in my life than any other. Reaching up and stopping that stick from hitting me in the forehead before I am black and blue has been the hardest struggle for me. I wish I could find that online somewhere. That one and the one you just related are really enough info to get anyone through life. :)

it is my 'id' that gets me in trouble with not wanting to do spiritual disciplines. But I've seen lately you can get sucked into a vortex of negativity pretty quickly if you are not careful...not going there. I find I'm not as vulnerable to that if I at least try to connect with what is beyond, or whatever.

meditating, being spiritual in whatever way you wish, does help prevent negativity. I know this, and can't get myself to do the things that can help.

which is a very spiritual act I think :shrug:

actually, I occasionally talk to the gawdess, and she tells me to slow down, rest my spirit, eat, exercise, read, love my son, work hard, honor my friends, etc

:shrug:

:silly:

Some days, that is all one can do!

as we talked about earlier in that pm; I don't do to well with that "you should" stuff, either on the giving or receiving side. I once heard that "one of the worst things you can do is interfere with the growth of another human being" and that can be done both through enabling and through harm.

Lest we forget, acts of kindness, random or otherwise, are possibly the most important thing we can do spiritually, at least they are for me anyway. :)

that is so true

...I mean, all the prayer, meditation, asking for blessings for ourselves,families, friends and even our enemies is all well and good, but if we don't reach out when we have the opportunity to help someone, even if it's just a kind word or something to brighten their day a little, we're keeping all that inside instead of pouring it out on the world.

You never know, that person may have prayed for a blessing and youj ust may be the delivery person for it. :bounce:

"that person may have prayed for a blessing and you just may be the delivery person for it."

Wow, I've never heard it stated that way before, thanks for putting it so succintly. I also extend that to the entire animal kingdom and not just humans. :)

and at set times--silent prayers before meals, etc. I read scripture, but it's hard to know when that's for work and when it's for my personal spiritual life. They tend to co-mingle. I must admit, I'm often amazed at the wisdom I find there. I also find time spent with the critters and with friends to be spiritually powerful, reminding me how amazing creation, and therefore the Creator, is. Have gotten out of the habit of yoga, but feel like I should take it up again.

I grew up in a religious family and it is a habit...I don't even designate who I am praying to. I also have kept the discipline from twelve step of praying for people who I have resentments against or who have harmed me...that is one of the most effective tools I've ever learned even though it is a mother-effer and I resisted it for a long time. You know, 'please let this person be happy and fulfilled and get what they want out of life and be cured of their addictions or whatever, yada yada yada...' That is a tough monkey but it works. Time spent with pets is also a great one, I don't know if I could stand to live without all the little creatures around.

But playing with the beagle is easier!! :)

resentment is no fun, though, and this is a cure-all. The first time I heard it I thought the people were crazy, and that there was no way in hell I would ever do that. But it works, and it's better than letting someone live 'rent-free in your head', as they say.

Before I was able to do any of that I had to bury the old God of my childhood and just kind of not even define what force it was I was praying to.

the vengeful God image--or it never sunk in. Anyway, it's not how I think of God. I'm amazed when people feel resentful or angry toward God, because I don't see God as angry or punishing or any of that.

I used to work in restorative justice--ran a victim offender mediation program--and it was breathtaking to see what happens when people who think they are enemies sit down together and find common ground and forgiveness. THAT was spiritual!!

It truly does happen one person at a time.

:)

This tiny little denomination that people think are either crazy or naive because of their pacifism, who just kept plugging away. Trying to change the system when it seemed intractable, believing things will be transformed if they just keep believing. It was inspiring.

People sometimes ask me why the Mennonites are so "unrealistic" and I tell 'em, "they think you're the one being unrealistic when you say people can't change, that the world can't become peaceful". It really changed the way I look at lots of things, including social change and the people who will bring it about.

now I must rest my weary head. niters all.

I should do the same.

And don't you ever forget it!

:)

sleep well. :hi:

...and just open my eyes and look around.

there are daffodils blooming outside my window and if there is no hard frost things will be popping out all over in a few weeks. :)

There's still snow "blooming" outside my window.

I have noticed that the bald eagles are starting to nest. Two pairs. One by Flathead Lake and the other over by the Fisher River near Libby.

It must be amazing. Do you live out west?

Yes the daffodils have been in bloom for over a week.

the southern bald eagles breed in winter and the juveniles are out of the nest by now (extreme southern louisiana)

...depending on elevation. The eagles that nest up by the mountain lakes run a month later than those that nest in the valley.

We have more wildlife than you can shake a stick at. :)

I do better in cold climates and I've heard there are only like 50 people for every square mile...or 1 person every 50 square miles, or something like that. :shrug:

...but everyone lives right next to each other in small and mid-sized towns. Not as cold* as you might imagine, either. Was in the forties today. We usually do, however, have a few days every winter where it gets down to -20.

*the above info doesn't apply to eastern Montana where it does get as cold as you might imagine. :)

my last winter in Asheville we had a couple of -20 windchill nights and one -30 windchill, all three of which I had to walk about a half mile to where my car was parked. Of course -20 with windchill added can be alot different than zero with a -30 windchill but I handle that stuff so much better than heat, let me tell you.

i'm embarrassed to say that the most spiritual thing i do is curse and swear

I suppose it's better than holding it in. :hi:

:loveya:

one would think, so I admire you for that. :hi:

in the midst of it all, when I'm feeling at my most down-hearted, I am always uplifted whenever I REMEMBER how truly blessed I am.

Here's a great affirmation for you, that I thought I'd share:

"Every day I remember more of who I really am. Opportunities present themselves to me just because. I walk around the Universe aware that the Good that I seek is seeking me. I free my possibility from expectations. I am willing to entertain talents that I never considered. I strengthen skills that I never knew I had. I love more than I ever imagined possible. I understand more than I comprehend. The future is clear even when I don't see the way. My faith is unshakeable and my trust ever apparent. "Yes" is a rhythmic mantra of my soul."

It's not mine, (meaning I didn't write it) but I have it taped to my desk. :D :hug:

the one I always remember is "the universe is always working for my greatest good" and I've had a powerful example of that in my life recently. I don't go throwing it around alot because I think that it can feel judgemental to people who are on the receiving end of it when they are going through tragedies or hard times but for me I know that exclusive of those unforseen freak things that happen this is really true and it really renews my faith every time something that seems bad but has a really positive outcome in the end happens. If I am not feeling peace or gratitude I need to look at what it is that is the problem; Madison Avenue as a whole is devoted to making us feel not grateful through whatever media we expose ourselves or are exposed to, backing up from that of course it is always my senses that get me in trouble, particularly vision. I 'see' things I want, people I want to be like, be with, look like, whatever...I love the Buddhist saying 'don't let your brain get sucked out by your senses' because it can happen so easily. I love that affirmation, thanks for posting it. :hug:

:hug:

btw, if you're into it, lemme know what you think of that article I sent you in your other thread about the devil:
"The Madness of George Bush, A Reflection of our Collective Psychosis"

it's really quite an interesting perspective....

I can't take it all in at once...I will finish the rest tomorrow. :hi:

I normally would but that is some heavy stuff, lol.

good luck! :hi:

the one I always remember is "the universe is always working for my greatest good" and I've had a powerful example of that in my life recently. I don't go throwing it around alot because I think that it can feel judgemental to people who are on the receiving end of it when they are going through tragedies or hard times...

Recently a friend of mine who is making extremely dramatic (and exciting) changes in his life opined that the universe appeared to be backing his plan. I kept my mouth shut, as I'm one of his circle of acquaintances who has spent years on trying to make positive long-term changes, only to face very disheartening results. That's not even counting the people I know who receive devastating piece of news after devastating piece of news -- things beyond their control, like multiple diagnoses of serious illness, a child facing chronic sickness, etc. And it's all sorts of people who go through this -- the patient, the chronic complainers, et al.

In decades of prayer and shattering experiences, I don't have a single easy answer in this. But two things strike me in this: Some people forget empathy when everything's going their way and wax condescending to those who are facing the opposite situation. And perhaps we are meant to overcome obstacles. I have one friend who tends to view circumstances as indicating something about God's will. By that standard, a researcher could talk himself out of finding a new vaccine, or an author could give up on trying to publish his/her first book.

But as for the universe, well, my short answer is that I've seen kind, thoughtful people suffer unbearably cruel circumstances not of their own making, and I've seen blessings rain upon the vindictive, the selfish, the unkind. So it has been, and so it will likely remain.

...when I see a dead animal on the road, I bless its spirit and visualize it ascending.

I do my own little prayer for car-killed animals, I have been doing it for years. Glad to know I am not the only one. :hi:

:-)

But I do for dogs and cats. :loveya:

Especially if I find myself getting stuck in a really negative mindset. And I also try to think of something in my life that I'm grateful for.

by a specific author? I tried googling the the other day and couldn't find any online, I could only find links to books...that's when I went to the daily zen website
http://www.dailyzen.com/ and they have Buddhist sayings for every day but sometimes Buddhism makes me think too hard and I can get on a treadmill in my own head which is not a good place to be. I really have liked Louise Hay best of all, she has really positive energy.

Gawain and a few other authors.

Not too long ago, I really wanted to talk to a friend of mine, but had no way of contacting this person directly, so I started doing affirmations (and visualizations) of talking with him on the phone. Within a day, he called! And the thing is, I didn't know what had happened to him, or what was going on, so it was pretty damned cool!

practice gratitude, living in the moment, compassion, random acts of kindness - I just try to live my life that way, rather than isolating a few things.

I used to do tai chi and a bit of yoga - it's something I've got to get back to doing once again.


Anything can be a spiritual experience if you want it to be.

Very true. Wise words, indeed, my friend.

Good to see you tonite. :hug: :loveya: :hi:

Great to see you, too! :hug: :loveya:

this "Madden" must be something else, because I hear about it all the time. :hi:

I'm a believer in the healing power of fur. :)

Oh, and I find a daily glass of white wine mixed with lemon water (a spritzer) quite spiritual. :beer:

is nothing to scoff at. I really admire people who do animal rescue or just pick up strays when they can. It makes the world a better place. He who saves a life saves the whole world...can't remember where I heard that one. Goodnight all. :hi:

really Christian I repeat the 23 Psalm over in my head. I read a book about how to interpret it differently and I can't remember the guy's name but he also wrote "Sermon on the mount" I think. He is all about positive thinking.

I like this line: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life"

I love that 23rd Psalm. I have used that one all my life. I will take help wherever I can get it, you know.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

My favorite verse is the 4th one, particularly "for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

then I go lie down for a bit, and I get over it. :D

:hi:

what Ben Franklin said about exercise. :)

good to me. I haven't ever done much physical meditation outside of yoga which I don't do anymore.

Music solves everything.

:)

given me peace. :hi:

Me and the mat and the universe. :bounce:

And if it weren't for yoga I'd go nucking futs! :P

I just have a hard time staying focused unless the position feels really challenging. :shrug:

Sometimes I forget.

When I got into twelve step and allowed myself to pray again it was like a damn breaking that had been holding back for years. I don't exactly designate to whom, I just do it.

Make rude comments to my wife about church-goers.

We don't believe in spirits, so we don't believe in the spiritual.

each their own. :hi:

Matthew 6:5-6 is one of the most meaningful New Testament passages for me.

I think that's kind of when I'm off the hook though, lol, I need more help first thing in the morning when I get up. :hi:

I meditate daily and get some yoga in. I do a bedtime meditation for each of my kids, working through what they're thankful for and setting up their tomorrows. Then I do a quick mini-version of the Twin Hearts for each of them. Later on I do my own. And try to live presently, which is the real challenge.

Wow. That is such a positive thing to do for your kids.

:yourock:

You might not have thought it when you posted, but some positive today was really what I needed.

Thank you.

a time of grateful contemplation. Any God that lets us have Grey Goose can't be all bad.

Is that a Fender Stratocaster, or something else?

a rarity in sea-foam green. Great little guitar, for the price. Playing it through a Dr Z Carmen Ghia head (18 watts, class-a, hand wired) and a ZBest 2/12 cab, loaded with Celestions. Toss in a little delay and a Fulltone OCD pedal for lead playing, you've got yourself a monster mid-priced rig. Way fun.

was a pic. Sea foam green sounds reall pretty. :)

Followed by prayer and meditation.

first thing in the morning, get it started right, instead of going throughout the day just kind of hit or miss. :hi:

it just throws me off center for the rest of the day. If I don't actually put it into my routine (like brushing my teeth or showering) I won't get to it.
It really helps me focus and stay centered the whole day.

And for DU! Thanks people.

when it's warm I can garden, taking care of plants real important stuff but it's freezing so I just sing in the shower