Posted by pegasus on January 18, 2011, at 12:18:20
In reply to what must I do to be saved?, posted by Annabelle Smith on January 17, 2011, at 20:50:57
Well, also there are millions of people in the world who do not believe in a creator God, and are not at all suicidal. They find meaning, and a way to feel centered amid the chaos, in other concepts. For example, many people find meaning in service to humanity. Some find meaning in trying to attain enlightenment, or in other types of personal growth. Many people believe in "God" more as the energy of the universe than as a specific, supreme sentient being.
I don't believe in God, per se, although I was raised in a strict Catholic home and have great respect for many religious leaders. I understand that sense of longing for God, or for the human connection and grounding that comes with participating in an organized religion. And . . . I personally find meaning in relationships, and personal growth, and forming my own community and grounding rituals around those. It is, as you say, incredibly helpful to be able to identify what makes life meaningful.
I think cultivating mindfulness is very helpful in this regard as well. It can help you find some grounding in your immediate experience. That can help you feel centered and grounded even when you can't be in the presence of your T, or feel grounded in a belief in God. For example, when chaos feels overwhelming, I find it helpful to check in with what I hear, what I see, what I smell, what I feel. It's small, but over time, with practice, I've found it to become more and more grounding. Truly.
- P
poster:pegasus
thread:977186
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20101228/msgs/977307.html