So excited to find this board!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
So excited to find this board!!!
8
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 9:58am
Wow!! You have no idea how excited I am to find this board! I love the idea of having a place where you can come and discuss your ideas and beliefs without people trying to convert you or tell you how misguided you are. Awesome! A little about myself, I am a 29 year old single female. I have recently had a spiritual reawakening that is making big changes in the way I live and see the world. I attended a weekend seminar/course/workshop (not sure what to call it) that incorporated a lot of spirituality and psychology. The reason I attended the workshop is because I was in the bouts of DEEP depression. I was at the point that I just wished I would just die. I could never commit suicide…but I just wished and prayed that something would happen to “put me out of my misery”. This seminar was a last ditch effort to try to regain some peace. I came out a totally new and alive individual (as did the others who were there with me). I now feel like I have a new lease on life. I am looking to grow and heal in all aspects; physically, mentally and spiritually. I have been into spirituality as far back as fifth grade. That was tough growing up in a strict Catholic household. I was always looking for more. I guess I just felt that Catholicism wasn’t “IT” as in the only way to “heaven”. I love Catholicism and still consider myself Catholic even though I am not practicing. I guess I just sort of see it as “childhood memories” versus my religion (does that make sense to anyone else?). I have been trying to find a place of worship but can’t seem to find one that really fits. I must admit, I have only tried one…Universalist Unitarian. But, the one I went to seems awfully political versus spiritual. I am interested in the Unity Church I have been hearing about. I have heard about it here, on the Indigo the Movie website and through people that I went to the seminar with. This is something I will definitely be looking into soon. If anyone has any info regarding it…please share! I am also interested in looking into the Bahai faith.
I still hold onto some things about Catholicism…like the Rosary…I love the Rosary. It is a great meditation tool. I love the structure of the Mass and the way all Catholics all over the world are on the same page as far as the liturgy is concerned. I guess I will always consider myself Catholic…I’m just looking for somewhere that I can really call a spiritual home. I am making big changes in the way I eat…I realize now that I have not been treating my body as well as I should. I know that I have to have that balance in the three aspects. I have neglected my body for so long. My son and I are doing a whole foods approach now and it is great! I am trying to live in the now and be present. Easier said than done!!! This is a journey that I started a long time ago…I guess I just put it on hold and forgot about it when I had my son. My issues with depression are now about 95% to 98% improved. I am no longer on medication. I feel so much better!! Anyway…I am rambling. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 12:29pm

Welcome!! This board does have a wonderful energy, doesn't it? :-) No reason to completely give up the old just because you're adding new to your life. What's that saying about throwing the baby out with the bathwater? Keep what works for you. I personally am quite happy to straddle the fence between two sets of beliefs. I look for the Truth behind both and don't worry about labels. Much easier that way. ;-) And as for the babbling... as you can see, I do it too!

Again, welcome!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 12:56pm
I'm not at all throwing away all about my Catholic upbringing. Like I said, I am definitely holding onto the Rosary...and occasionally I will go to Mass. But, when I go to Mass, I see it as more of a "visit" to childhood memories and tend to go to Mass when I'm feeling homesick. I just don't feel as though that's my spiritual home. I'm not into the labels, but I need to be around people of like mind. It keeps me in that "good place"...so, I guess that's what I'm looking for. A fellowship where I am surrounded by people who either 1. share the same beliefs I do... or 2. Are open to discussion of different viewpoints and spiritual beliefs. I have learned after 29 years of being Catholic...that the Catholic church is not open to that. So, I have to go find kindred spirits somewhere. It keeps the energy flowing in my life.
Avatar for dustbunny48
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 1:08pm

...but I just wished and prayed that something would happen to “put me out of my misery”.


Something did!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 1:16pm
You are so right!! Thanks! I know I will like it here! I am learning so much by reading everyone's posts. I think I've been surfing them all morning!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2004
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 3:00pm

Hi mcduenas and welcome :) I'm a newie here too and am also glad to find this place. I don't ascribe to any particular religion but class myself as being spiritual but holding on to many of the christian values I was brought up with. I personally think that for many it is the lack of tolerance and respect for others' religion and beliefs that turns many away from some of the more structured religions. You won't find that here though as so far I haven't found anyone who doesn't respect another's point of view even if they don't necessarily agree with it.

Brightest Blessings
Carol

Avatar for dustbunny48
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 6:01pm

I think you truly hit the theological nail on the head:

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2004
Sun, 02-20-2005 - 6:42pm

Hi Barbara, I had to smile at what that clergy person told you about satan. I can well imagine some people I know (some even within my own family) who probably think the same about me. I just wish they could feel the happy, peaceful feelings that such a belief brings.

Brightest Blessings
Carol

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2004
Mon, 02-21-2005 - 7:59am
Welcome! I am new here too and it helps to be able to talk to people with open minds and different ideas. You never know, some may work, some may not work for you, but nobody ever judges you for your opinions. People here have helped me get through both emotional and physical problems too with a more positive attitude. I grew up Catholic also and I love the rosary. Some are made absolutely beautifully! They can be very inspiring. I also love Mary. The statutes and her presence. Catholic churches are also gorgeous especially on special occasions like Christmas Eve, Easter, etc... The candles, stained glass, and artwork can be really inspiring. I don't consider myself a practicing Catholic, but the history behind the buildings and the Vatican is very interesting to me to this day.
Enjoy the board and its people. It really makes you feel you're not alone out there!
Love and Blessings!
Robbyn