New here

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2006
New here
7
Sat, 08-05-2006 - 10:26pm

Hello everyone,

I'm new here and I'm hoping to find some answers....some direction....clarity.....I was raised in a family where the only time we went to church was to attend a wedding or funeral. Religion was never a part of my life at all. I am in my early 30's and I now find myself feeling 'lost' and somewhat confused. I have no idea on how to start this journey. How have you tackled this? How do you find out what is right? I'm really at a loss, but for some reason I have felt drawn towards the area of faith. My life just seems so unbalanced and lonely. Can anyone help? Thank you.

Kristie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2002
In reply to: kristiek2006
Mon, 08-07-2006 - 12:19am

Hi Kristie,

I think you already realised you want to have faith in somthing so you took the first big step. Finding what works for you can take a lot of time, but know that you are NEVER alone on this path, God or whatever name you chose to give him will be there. The quest you are embarking upon is a very very personal one.

Since you really don't know what you feel ok with I would suggest you learn about the different religions and spiritual paths first, read books, attend seminars, whatever it takes. In the long run you may find that you like one particular aspect of one religion and another from another religion while you totally feel unconfortable with anything in a third. Know that it's OK to mix and match, and that it's ok if in the end you can't say for sure "I'm christian" or "I'm buddhist" or anthing, that you have no clear label doesn't mean you have no faith it means your are spiritual and well tuned with yourself and god.

I myself was raised christian, went to church with my parents occasionnaly (that meant when the weather was roten on Sunday, that we woke up early enough and that there was not much to do) My parents pushed me to attend the religious classes organized by our community, and I did go not because I believed what was taught there but because all my friends were going. Things started truning sour when the teacher told us about heaven and hell...I always hated this notion of "one life one chance" I strongly believe in reincarnation and it was so very early in my life. The teacher made me feel guilty about my own belief saying god would disapprove...I went through several years of being totally confused, scared of death, and torn between conforming to what my parents apparently chose for me, and what I really wanted to be.
Nowaday I can say my beliefes are quite close to those of Hinduism but I would never never label me "hindu" as I don't feel like embracing another religious movment and having a finger pointed at me if I don't conform 100% to something. I created my own faith, it works for me and this is what matter the most :-)


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My Adventures

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
In reply to: kristiek2006
Mon, 08-07-2006 - 9:10am

Hi, Kristie.


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2006
In reply to: kristiek2006
Tue, 08-08-2006 - 10:20am

Thank you for responding to my post. Yes it does seem like a very slow process. I feel like I want an immediate solution, but I know it doesn't quite work like that. I hope I can find some answers here. It seems as though the group here is very supportive and understanding. Thanks again for including me.

Kristie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kristiek2006
Wed, 08-09-2006 - 12:57am

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2003
In reply to: kristiek2006
Wed, 08-09-2006 - 8:47am

Hello Kristie!

Welcome! I myself came back here few weeks ago after few years of absence.

I am on a spiritual interspace. I have been Catholic for most of my young life until I have decided to doubt it and find the truth. Unfortunately it has gotten me no where. Because no one knows the real truth and all believe in something.

As girls stated here, when the student is ready the teacher will come, but so far in all my years of being ready the teacher still didn't find me. Hoping he will come one day... :)

Good luck on your journey!
Zel

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kristiek2006
Wed, 08-09-2006 - 9:10pm

Hi Kristie,
I was born to Jewish parents. I don't feel comfortable with religion. I go to Unity church once in a while, I really like that. I am happy believing in God energy, spirit guides, angels, help from the spirits who have passed on that I know and from the ones I don't know.

We all find our way. you will too. Ask the universe to guide you. Love, Leila

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
In reply to: kristiek2006
Wed, 08-09-2006 - 10:08pm

So, have you taken the Belief-o-Matic quiz yet?