Why is this forum so unpopular?

Dagon

Now here is an interesting question in itself. I look around, and I see other forums that are hugely active. But the most active ones are where people are wallowing in some form of unhappiness.

Now here we have the spiritual forum, and it is almost dead. I posted a thread "Can truth be found in religions", and after 10 hours online, there were a total of 2 views!

If I post up a thread "My life is so horrible" on another forum, I will have about 100 views within a few hours.

Is modern society preoccupied with negativity and darkness? And if not that, then mindless entertainments and personal gain? Are we drawn to the dark aspects of humanity more and more? Has this resulted in strengthening certain forces in the world?

And does this Spirituality forum hold any significance whatsoever in these times of life in the fast lane, stress, depression, obsession with money, etc? Apparently not... people would rather wallow in misery and in other superfical distractions rather than find a way out.

I should also add, I once posted a spiritually themed message in one of the mentioned forums, offering some possibility of spiritual help to people who were constantly wallowing in misery, and all I got was skepticism and a little abuse. The said forum only seems to accept help in the form of doctors, psychologists, councellors, and suchlike...no spirituality allowed.

I should also say that I don't claim to be any better. Heck I regularly post on motors forum and stuff, so I'm just as superficial

I'm just posing the question, are we becoming more this way (dark, superficial, greedy), and does a spirituality have any use for the majority of users?

Oryx

We requested this forum as a kind of offshoot of the paranormal forum to discuss stuff that didnt fit there or in any of the regular religious forums.

I think the reaction (or lack of it) to this forum is typical of life in general. Religion and spirituality, outside of certain circles, is really unfashionable at the moment. People live in the here and now, and only look towards how big a mortgage they can afford, what colour car they can have and whether they look good :rolleyes: Investing in your spiritual side is something that can be left till your getting closer to death. A sweeping statement, I know, but one I feel to be true.

stevenmu

I've noticed it seems to be more popular when it's more active. Well, I suppose that's obvious, what I mean is that some activity seems to breed more activity. This may partly be because the forum gets noticed more when threads for it are on the homepage, and partly because people either don't want to start threads or don't know what to start them about. (I'm hoping over the next few weeks to start spamming the forum with any topic I can think of to try and kick start more activity)

Another reason is that some of the threads can be kind of hard to reply to. I've lost count of the amount of threads I've started a reply for, then half way through changed my mind on something or my train of thought has gone off on a complete tangent. I've often rewritten replies a few times before scrapping it and deciding to come back to it after my brain has untangled itself (and then completely forgotten all about it ). I think this is a good thing many of the topics here can provoke so much thought, but it does make replies less frequent.

Lastly, I think there's a lot of misconceptions about spirituality, both the forum and the topic in general. A lot of people seem to think it's either all about dancing with fairies and hugging trees, or else it's all about wasting money on premium rate phone lines etc. I don't think there's much that can, or should be done about this, when people are ready they'll come looking themselves. I'm sure there are a lot more spiritually inclined people areound Ireland who possibly aren't aware of the forum, and it would be good to try and get some involved. I've been thinking of various ways to do this, but haven't really thought of any that I'm happy with yet.

marius

Maybe it is because it is something people tend not to be frivolous about, in order to talk about something like spirituality there needs to be some time and energy put into it. It is a lot easier to fire off a quick post about how you think Roy Keane is a hero or how your girlfriend is annoying you in a five minute window in work, than discussing the merits of meditation on ones spiritual awareness etc.

homah_7ft

Maybe people don't like to be talked down to. Just a suggestion.

Oryx

homah_7ft wrote:

Maybe people don't like to be talked down to. Just a suggestion.

Is this really how you think this forum works, or are you trolling?

Oryx

Im sorry that last post was no 666 and I couldnt leave it like that and go home, especially seeing where I am.:D

homah_7ft

No I am not trolling. Sorry I just wanted to make my point starkly. Is it really necessary to put down other fora to claim this one should be more active?

Magic Monkey

Dagon wrote:

And does this Spirituality forum hold any significance whatsoever in these times of life in the fast lane, stress, depression, obsession with money, etc? Apparently not... people would rather wallow in misery and in other superfical distractions rather than find a way out.

I should also say that I don't claim to be any better. Heck I regularly post on motors forum and stuff, so I'm just as superficial

I'm just posing the question, are we becoming more this way (dark, superficial, greedy), and does a spirituality have any use for the majority of users?

Hi Dagon,

Having an interest in motors (or for that matter anything on the "physical plane") doesn't necessarily imply superficiality. Only, as you say, when we place too much emphasis on them for receiving fulfillment do they become "superficial distractions." One can still have possesions, interests, yet recognise they aren't the be all and end all unto themselves for achieving fulfillment and happiness.

homah_7ft's comment is completely understandable, as it does seem patronising to hypothise that people would rather "wallow in misery", and that spirituality taught through spiritual teachings/teachers knows better. That hypothesis seems like it's coming from an egotistical viewpoint, and from my very limited knowledge, that's not the way these teachings are taught, in a "I know best, it's not your fault you don't know any better" manner (Just to clarify, I'm not attacking you either here!) However, it ("spirituality") can offer new and different perspectives that we may have not been privy to before, the objective being to achieve a greater understanding of the world and of ourselves.

My €0.02 cents.

solas

Good question Dagon. I think the genre here at boards is pretty typical in that it reflects the growing secularism in Ireland. The majority of folk are in college, another vast swathe are gamers/puter heads and the rest just want to get away from the daily toil and chat about "stuff". It's very much a reality on the ground. Spirituality is seen in the same light as religion and most folk here consider these things as delusions or disorders of belief.
I've been a member of spiritual fora that comprise of mainly US, UK and Aussies, the former think the Irish are all holy catholics who can't think about anything other than eternal redemption and repentance, it's difficult trying to explain that how very far from the truth that is.

joseph dawton

It's a well known fact that bad news sells newspapers. Most people are cosseted in an illusion created to keep us all in our place and collectively hoodwink ourselves that our way of life is valid and right. Many people believe the TV and advertising and our so called 'leaders' at a certain level but unconsciously a lot of people are deeply unhappy with modern life. The trouble is that it is at such a buried level in a lot of people that they cannot understand why feel empty or what to do about it.

The world has sped up, most noticeably in the last century, and real spirituality takes time to experience, time is something we don't give ourselves any more, although we always complian about. For most people if the answers don't come quick and easy then it's no good. Therefore most people look elsewhere be it money, power, drugs, sex, violence, whatever. A forum like this is a minority interest, but there's nothing one can do really, people will do what they want and if they don't want spiritual fulfilment (or to discuss) they wont.

http://www.electricpublications.com

solas

JD wrote:

TV and advertising and our so called 'leaders' at a certain level but unconsciously a lot of people are deeply unhappy with modern life. Therefore most people look elsewhere be it money, power, drugs, sex, violence whatever.

In fairness tho it's not really our place to judge how people choose to feel happy, drugs sound appealing to me right now

Also, on the issue of TV, PR and advertising, I'm not sure how familiar other people here are with other spiritual communities online, but all the ones I visited are UK, US and Aus people, and a lot of TV programs in these nations reflects spiritual issues of awareness, so they get a regular feeding.
It's also notable as they are all allies in the current "global war against terrorism" and I wonder how relative it all is in the bigger picture (me spiritual brain working). Perhaps there isn't such a great need for internalisatation here. The Irish have been dealing with issues of terrorism and the nature of belief for a long time and consequently, they are a deep seated people and have a tendency to be introspective on the whole, with or without religion or spirituality. They just don't talk about it much. (unless they're gee eyed)

I know its slightly off topic but it's something I've been meaning to discuss for a while.

Oryx

homah_7ft wrote:

No I am not trolling. Sorry I just wanted to make my point starkly. Is it really necessary to put down other fora to claim this one should be more active?

The OP didnt come across to me that way, I thought Dagon was wondering why people tend to ignore anything religious or spiritual. I love the variety on boards, I dont think theres anything wrong with posting all kinds of stuff, all over boards, if you check my profile, youll see I get about a bit too.:) But it is true that this kind of forum is only visited mostly by regulars, and fresh input is low, people dont want to discuss things here. Maybe we come off a bit too holy.;)

homah_7ft

KatieK wrote:

The OP didnt come across to me that way, I thought Dagon was wondering why people tend to ignore anything religious or spiritual. I love the variety on boards, I dont think theres anything wrong with posting all kinds of stuff, all over boards, if you check my profile, youll see I get about a bit too.:) But it is true that this kind of forum is only visited mostly by regulars, and fresh input is low, people dont want to discuss things here. Maybe we come off a bit too holy.;)

Magic Monkey seems to have seen something similar to me in the original post. I have think that was probably not how it was meant to come across but I just wanted to highlight how it might seem to someone (like me) who just happened to see this forum. Still it seems to have got a bit of spark going here and that is certainly good.

Oryx

homah_7ft wrote:

Magic Monkey seems to have seen something similar to me in the original post. I have think that was probably not how it was meant to come across but I just wanted to highlight how it might seem to someone (like me) who just happened to see this forum. Still it seems to have got a bit of spark going here and that is certainly good.

It has, not saying itll ever be as popular as AH... And there are plenty of other deserted forums around, we just dont go there

Ciaran500

Dagon wrote:

Is modern society preoccupied with negativity and darkness? And if not that, then mindless entertainments and personal gain? Are we drawn to the dark aspects of humanity more and more? Has this resulted in strengthening certain forces in the world?

And does this Spirituality forum hold any significance whatsoever in these times of life in the fast lane, stress, depression, obsession with money, etc? Apparently not... people would rather wallow in misery and in other superfical distractions rather than find a way out.

Not all of us deal with problems in the same way and not everyone believes in spirituality.

And it does sound like you are talking down to people who are not into spirituality, who are you to say the world is getting "darker" cause of lack of belief. I'd find it akin to someone saying you're going to hell because you don't follow religion X.

Oryx

Im not trying to talk down to anyone, and Im not what you would call religious, I have my own beliefs, everyone else is free to do what they want. But on a similar theme to Dagon, why is it that mentioning religion and spirituality is totally un-pc? Giving 'secular' advice or information is fine, but mention religion and your likely to get flamed. The reaction time and again is 'dont try to convert/force your views on me.' This is as true in life as in boards, just ask a Jehovahs Witness (although they may be trying to convert you ) Apart from football, it's the one thing that seems to divide people.

solas

In observation, it might be true to say that most spiritual folk have little time for sitting in front of puters. Apparantly, It's not a very spiritual place to be

I'd like some drugs now

homah_7ft

KatieK wrote:

Im not trying to talk down to anyone, and Im not what you would call religious, I have my own beliefs, everyone else is free to do what they want. But on a similar theme to Dagon, why is it that mentioning religion and spirituality is totally un-pc? Giving 'secular' advice or information is fine, but mention religion and your likely to get flamed. The reaction time and again is 'dont try to convert/force your views on me.' This is as true in life as in boards, just ask a Jehovahs Witness (although they may be trying to convert you ) Apart from football, it's the one thing that seems to divide people.

To be fair anytime someone takes a stance with even a hint of self righteousness on boards they are flamed. I have to say it's not always justified but it's the way of boards. I have seen people attacked over saying a certain processer, political viewpoint or price of item is correct.

Oryx

@ solas Ha, I think your right. Turning off and going home to meditate.

Just say no.

Ciaran500

But if someone truly believes in something surely someone trying to preach or convert them is pointless and considering another religion could be seen as blasphemous.

I'm a complete atheist and if someone came to me to tell me about a religion I'd just fob them off. Any chance of me believing in a god is not going to come from someone telling me about it.

solas

hang on, before you go home, where are you going during meditation...I need some inspiration.

homah_7ft

This is taking off now. How about someone starts a new thread?

Dirk Gently

I don't think the lack of activity on this forum reflects people spending less time on their spiritual aspect of life. Maybe most people have experienced modern education and realise that spirituality is a non-event and irrelevant. They can’t be accused of spending less time reflecting on their spirituality if they don't believe they have a spiritual side to reflect on.

As for darker topics, these are a reality of life and people need to discuss them. Most people would feel that there is no answer in spirituality as they simply don't believe in religion or spiritual guidance and see it as primitive and negative in itself. People on the spirituality forum may believe in religion or some higher being and see it as a comfort, and I'm happy for them and wish them well, but the fact is that most people seek out practical advice when dealing with problems and not a placebo.
(I hope my post generates some traffic on your forum )

homah_7ft

It would depend what you would describe as spiritual. Many people post in a bluster looking for advice on a pc crashing or a relationship breakup. Oftentime a helpful reply will start, "First take a deep breath". Is this telling the person to centre themselves?

solas

<wanders down grassy sunlit path while listening to bubbling stream>

solas

<sits on mossy stone shaded by leafy trees, waiting for imaginary happy pill prescription to arrive when accosted by an angel with fluffy wings>

stevenmu

<wonders if Solas' happy pill prescription actually arrived several hours ago >


I think I understand what Dagon is saying, or something similar anyway. I think he's making two seperate points, one is that forums like Computers/Tech or Motors (both of which I post on too) are very popular, which is fine and shows that there is the potential for a lot of traffic, i.e. boards.ie has lots of members. The second point is half social commentary, half theory about why many people don't post here.

I agree with Dagon on the second point, there's something in real life, and is replicated here on boards that I call the Eastenders Effect. Basically, people get hooked on watching soaps because the utter and continual misery portrayed on them makes people feel better about whatever problems they have in their own lives. And then having problems just becomes a way of life, and while many people do have real problems, others make the tiniest little thing into a huge ordeal. I posted on PI a few times thinking it'd be nice to try and help people, and it was, but I ended up getting depressed over the amount of people who think the world is going to end everytime they break a nail. (that's not to say all PI posts are like that, many obviously are real issues).

I'm not totally sure about the connection this would have with this forum though ?

homah_7ft

Why do you think the other fora present misery? I would say 80% of the activity here focuses on happiness. People talking about the things that enthuse them or just make them smile. I don't buy into the notion that our society is becoming less spiritual.

solas

steve wrote:

<wonders if Solas' happy pill prescription actually arrived several hours ago >

wishful thinking.

I agree with Dagon on the second point, there's something in real life, and is replicated here on boards that I call the Eastenders Effect. Basically, people get hooked on watching soaps because the utter and continual misery portrayed on them makes people feel better about whatever problems they have in their own lives.

Its all about escapism, (something I presently could do with a healthy dose of) spirituality just offers a different outlet, conveniently with meditation you get to decide the ending.

I'm not totally sure about the connection this would have with this forum though ?

If your referring to PI's then I think that spirituality is a place people often turn to when they are looking for answers, just not many here.

Scofflaw

Possibly because of (a) the confusion with Spiritualism, and (b) that most people discuss spiritual matters under one of the other Religion / Spirituality fora?

cordially,
Scofflaw

Oryx

And some people, in fairness, go 'spirtuality, wha?' - dont really know what it means...

Nevyn

Well then they should have a look at the charter

Twigy

I think this fast paced lifestyle we all have doesn give us enough time to reflect on our spirituality. It is also a little scary to thing we do not have complete control over ourselves. Most people dont have the time or energy needed to think so deeply about themselves.

stevenmu

homah_7ft wrote:

Why do you think the other fora present misery? I would say 80% of the activity here focuses on happiness.

That's not what I was trying to say, in fact I'm not too sure anymore what I was trying to say, or what it has to do with this forum.

Stabshauptmann

I dont think its a preoccupation with misery, if I started a thread about hell, demons and bad karma do you think it would get a huge number of views?

I think most ppl wont read a forum for a subject that (they think) doesnt effect them. This could be in part due to misconceptions about what this forum is about as steven said or because ppl are happy with what beliefs and practices they have at the moment (including apathy if thats the case).

I think Ill put a little line or two in my sig if it is the case of the former and just a misconception...

Scofflaw

KatieK wrote:

And some people, in fairness, go 'spirtuality, wha?' - dont really know what it means...

Ah. Also, of course, it's "below the fold", and doesn't show up unless you scroll down..

cordially,
Scofflaw

Oryx

Scofflaw wrote:

Ah. Also, of course, it's "below the fold", and doesn't show up unless you scroll down..

cordially,
Scofflaw

I meant them what dont visit here at all but just skim the home page most recent posts....

homah_7ft

Thaedydal wrote:

Well then they should have a look at the charter

A wonderful idea. I should really have had a peep in there earlier.

lostexpectation

I think people get pissed off about people by people like Dagon and Mogsa who's language isn't far off from the fire and brimstone talk,

he suggests that only religion or spirituality is the answer to the fast paced money driven material world...

is there a secular phrase for spirituality...


well said homah and clown bag

Dagon

This is not about the original poster - forget about me. Making judgements on me is a wastage of energy. I'm asking a much more important, vital question. I am not telling you how it is, I'm just asking "is this where we are"? Maybe it isn't true or maybe it is? I want us to find out together and explore it. I'm not telling you how it is, I'm just asking the question so we can find out as a group.

For the record, I refer to "we" a lot, meaning that I am of - not apart from - the madness in the world. I don't separate myself from anyone, or from the "superficiality" and dullness that exists in the world - therefore there can be no "talking down"! you are missing the whole point if you think that, and maybe you are just playing around here, and don't want to seriously go into these questions for whatever reason... I see this happening a lot on boards.

people would rather wallow in misery and in other superfical distractions rather than find a way out.

And I'm including myself in that.

Joseph, Katie and SteveMu are looking at the problem and exploring it, without trying to form judgements on it.

Unfortunately I have to go now but will respond properly tomorrow

happy cookie

Going back to the original post and topic I wouldn't say this forum is unpopular, in fact there may be people like myself who have been lurking around for a good while and never posted anything so the forum might still be popular for viewers (sorry, haven't looked at the charts or statistics or whatever)

I believe that people turn to spirituality when something major disrupts their routinely lives and they start looking for answers. As to whether they are asking the questions is a different matter, probably because most of us have preconceived ideas of what we should/should not experiencing (spiritual wise) and are afraid of whatever judgement others might make of us (as in: "Oh, he's seeing things/hearing voices/blah blah blah). People might actually be embarrased about the situations... that's just 2 reasons out of many!

That doesn't mean either that other people are less spiritual, they just haven't stopped to ask the questions methinks. And since we're at it, what does exactly mean being spiritual? I know people who think they're very spiritual just because they go on "meditation holidays / retreats" etal.... that doesn't mean they're more spiritual than your average Jane who watches her soaps but takes time off every Saturday morning to help her community...

Oh, forgot to say as well, sometimes it's very difficult to separate spirituality from religion. I haven't lurked around any of the religious forums but I would think that many spiritual as such questions have probably been posted there (as another poster mentioned I think)

And the final question... is it the case that if a forum is unpopular it will be moved or something?

Happy.

Dagon

Really I was just asking the question about society, and not trying to have a go at the general masses of boards as being superficial, and... like soooooo totally like... not spiritual man!!

It was just curiousity. Trying to find out if we are actually running from darkness towards more darkness, or are we helping ourselves to find the truth of life? Are we interested in studying and understanding the "field of life", rather than just playing intellectual games all the time?

We humans seem to be becoming more mechanical all the time. At school, all that is taught is technical knowledge, mechanical information. And so, naturally, humans end up living quite mechanical lives. The mind itself is mechanical and conditioned, always reacting, building up images of things, reacting more to these images. The mind is a slave to ideas, to books, to all sorts of pointless addictions. What has been left out in all the education we've received is a study in the field of life. I'm not using the word spiritual anymore because we have too many associations built up with this word and it seems to cause confusion. It is just a lack of understanding of the field of life that exists, and there is a huge empty void within modern humans (and down though the ages) that is left totally, horribly empty. You can see it if you look. Look at the lack of happiness in young people, the crime, the rising problems with dicipline, teachers having nervous breakdowns, etc. These are just a few small examples, I won't dwell on these things..

People live in the here and now, and only look towards how big a mortgage they can afford, what colour car they can have and whether they look good

In other words, we are not really living in the here and now. Always looking towards a better house, newer car, mortgage, whatever. In all this, life is left behind. Living is left behind. You become totally dull, only concerned with images. Your life reflect your dullness, and you create much misery for yourself, and other. You become a totally conditioned machine, running at a fast rate until you reach death. When you reach death, all of the important things that have been accumilated have become totally useless, and during the entire life no time was spent gaining an understanding of the gift of life, of the gift of the present moment.

it does seem patronising to hypothise that people would rather "wallow in misery", and that spirituality taught through spiritual teachings/teachers knows better. That hypothesis seems like it's coming from an egotistical viewpoint, and from my very limited knowledge, that's not the way these teachings are taught, in a "I know best, it's not your fault you don't know any better" manner

I'm not hypothesising anything, I'm just trying to find out. Are people - WE - wallowing in misery? Maybe I am wrong. I'm just asking - is it possible for us to look around and find out for ourselves without believing anybody else, any teacher or any guru or self proclaimed "spiritual" person? Don't believe me, don't believe a book, but find out. For instance, go and read the PI forum - find out what problems exist in the world. Find out how people are attempting to solve these problems. Look at it, without judging... just to see what is happening in the world. Just look... no opinions yet. Leave your opinions about the thing behind for now, and strip it back to what you see.

Lets forget completely about the word spiritual if you like for a while, because being able to look and see clearly without judging anything is quite enough.

time is something we don't give ourselves any more, although we always complian about. For most people if the answers don't come quick and easy then it's no good. Therefore most people look elsewhere be it money, power, drugs, sex, violence, whatever.

I can see this has happened. As somone else said, we have become more secular. So if there isn't an instant thrill or an instant and measurable result, then it is not good enough. So another interesting occurence coming from this is the search. The endless search for something to give fulfillment. If we look around, can you see a search going on? Are people are searching... for something? Can you see this? And what is found? Look around and see if you can find it. Does that thing give happiness? Or does it lead to more searching?

Giving 'secular' advice or information is fine, but mention religion and your likely to get flamed.

Not even religion, just techniques that provide definite ways to finding peace. So we are back to the question - would we prefer to keep on running from one mindless entertainment to another short term fix (be it psychological help or physical), always running from a desire to a hatred, from a passion to an aversion...to a quick fix (be it medical help or so-called religious help) can we look at that for a minute, and see if that is what's taking place here?

The reaction time and again is 'dont try to convert/force your views on me.' This is as true in life as in boards, just ask a Jehovahs Witness (although they may be trying to convert you ) Apart from football, it's the one thing that seems to divide people.

This is exactly what organised religions have done - divided people, fragmented people. People have lived in fragments. Anything that does this is again moving away from understanding life, understanding reality, understanding that we are all together in finding the truth. Separateness is an illusion that has been solidified by many so-called spiritual practices unfortunately.

To be fair anytime someone takes a stance with even a hint of self righteousness on boards they are flamed.

There is no stance to be taken on this one - we are just exploring these problems. If somebody here takes a stance it becomes a pointless excercise. We have to find out, we've wasted too much time with our own personal ideas and images about reality. Can we just look at reality, without judging it, or judging ourselves?

Any chance of me believing in a god is not going to come from someone telling me about it.

This is important; I say that you should find out for yourself what the trith is. Dont believe anyone about it, or any book or idea or philosophy.

As for darker topics, these are a reality of life and people need to discuss them

These darker topics exist. Do you think we have started to somehow *accept* them as being the reality of life? Have we accepted that our life should be a bundle of miseries and problems? And are we trying to run away or escape from that? Is it possible that the reality of life that we have *accepted* contains problems created at a much deeper level of ourselves? Problems that keep on occurring and make us ill, depressed and suicidal? Have we really found solutions to these things, or are we just playing around with tme and multiplying them?

having problems just becomes a way of life, and while many people do have real problems, others make the tiniest little thing into a huge ordeal.

And this becomes a deeper and more serious issue. If you look around, can you see this darkness multiplying and gaining quite a hold over us?

Its all about escapism, (something I presently could do with a healthy dose of) spirituality just offers a different outlet, conveniently with meditation you get to decide the ending.

Real meditation has absolutely nothing to do with escapism. As I've said, there are a lot of so-called spiritual practices out there that are not very helpful and only provide a quick fix. It ends up doing more harm and can be dangerous.

he suggests that only religion or spirituality is the answer to the fast paced money driven material world.

I hope I haven't said that anywhere? Ok then, leave your ideas of spirituality and religion completly behind - leave all your ideas behind. Can we do that? So forgetting about spirituality and religion, we can look at the thing as it is.

lostexpectation

Dagon wrote:

I hope I haven't said that anywhere? Ok then, leave your ideas of spirituality and religion completly behind - leave all your ideas behind. Can we do that? So forgetting about spirituality and religion, we can look at the thing as it is.

so now that you taken out God is the answer to all our ills out, we/you're left with nothing, so why did start this thread again? anything to add yourself?

MeditationMom

Just read this long thread - and have you all and your answers and questions mixed up in my head. So I'll respond to all of you as ONE...

My whole life, has been informed and driven by spiritual concerns, insights, longings. I have lived all over the world and have had contact with thousands of people. I can tell you that it is not often that I get to have conversations, explorations, discussions or even arguments with people about spiritual matters. One of you mentioned how unsure and uncomfortable most people are, talking of these matters, and I have found that to be true, also, including myself.

So that is definitely one problem. Then, even if you want to talk about spiritual matters, how do you do it? Even Jesus was misunderstood and ended up cruxified. So it takes courage and willingness to look like a fool, to get flamed, to get misunderstood etc. It takes no courage to exchange one's feelings for a popular football star, but try running around proclaiming your awe for Jesus or Buddha, or your love for prayer or meditation.
"Want to go to a strip bar?" "Nah, been there done that, I'd rather go home and meditate or help my wife do the dishes so she can have a little quiet time, too." You'll be laughed out of town by most.

So, let me compliment you. I was overwhelmed yesterday by my love for all of you - after about a week on this Irish Spiritual Forum - my first time ever to go on line and join anything on the Internet - that alone is a miraculous event! Can't believe I landed in Ireland (all the way from California)- your beautiful, green, sweet, rich in spiritual history, Ireland.

When I asked myself where this love comes from, I found that I feel welcome here with you. I get to express myself, I can be helpful to you, as I have been around the block, so to speak, and if you all get mad at me I just turn the computer off and take a break until everybody forgets what a fool I am. I could even change my name and start over. I wonder every day whether I come on too strong in that "Mom", "Know-it-all" or "Guru" kind of way, but the fact is, that I know what I know, and I know what I don't, and I am dying to express it. I recognize many of you are in certain phases I was in, in the past, and feel I can be of assistance. I wonder who I am talking to - teenagers, old people, crazy associal maniacs, other moms, and it doesn't matter. Each one of you has a soul and a spirit at a ceratin phase in their longing and search for the truth, and that is who you are to me.

I was so surprised to find you! Halleluja- there are people out there who think, and struggle about these matters, and may care for my contributions or be able to enlighten me in these areas of contemplation. This is too amazing. Thank God for this amazing thing the materialistic, secular, money hungry people have come up with - the Internet and my slick computer.
Popular? -we may not be. Is there truth in numbers? I think not.


And you may be surprised how "spiritual" some people are. I used to get terrribly bored at social functions, where nothing but money, cars, sports, business and politics was discussed. Then I read a statement that said, "If you are bored, you are boring." So then, at these functions, I would ask "safe" questions like " Have you ever been to India?" or " Did you know that the reason the Irish have the cloverleaf for a symbol, is because St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity to them that way?" and the most interesting spiritual conversations would start and often to my surprise the most materialistic, stupid people turned out to be the most grateful that they had found someone to talk to about their experiences and thoughts and became the most intersting to me, even lifelong spiritual friends - and I became someone to them with whom it was safe to talk about such things.

Do we live in a spiritual wasteland? With the amonut of money and effort that
is being spent on creating disire and greed in, not just us, but our very young children, I am afraid the answer is yes, but something in me trusts that it has always been so in some way and somehow is divinely part of the whole. The danger we (-us here in this forum/thread-) are in, spiritually speaking, is that we may feel special, superior, better than "the others". Careful!

stevenmu

lostexpectation banned for two weeks.

solas

meditationmom wrote:

So, let me compliment you. I was overwhelmed yesterday by my love for all of you - after about a week on this Irish Spiritual Forum - my first time ever to go on line and join anything on the Internet - that alone is a miraculous event! Can't believe I landed in Ireland (all the way from California)- your beautiful, green, sweet, rich in spiritual history, Ireland.

hello, have we met?
If not you can givus a hug anyway. Welcome to the forum. (flattery works with me)

6th

solas wrote:

.....(flattery works with me)

Takes note!

Anyway as Solas said - welcome! Now lets get this forum kick started!

stevenmu

Welcome to the forum MeditationMom. I've noticed too that sometimes the people you'd least expect are willing to talk about deeep spiritual or existential matters with a little prodding. A few drinks usually helps too . I think many people do think about spiritual matters but are unsure how to bring it into a conversation or unsure about what reaction they'll get.

Nevyn

Hi there MeditationMom,

I hear you on the boring converstaions part.
Really I hate to see time wasted talking nothing with people you learn nothing about them and they nothing about you.

It can certainly take time to find people to have those talks with but there are some of use arround

solas

setven wrote:

I've noticed too that sometimes the people you'd least expect are willing to talk about deeep spiritual or existential matters with a little prodding.

I'm just highly sensitive and need a little gentle caressing, from time to time.