Forums: Are they Self-validation and psychotherapy?

[Kulapops]

Hi All,

Racking my brain for useful input at the moment.

Welcome to all the new members, maybe you can shed some light on an age old problem for me.

With all the fervour of late , I am still fascinated why we get so excited about a subject (any subject that takes our fancy), a blank box and a blinking cursor?

What purpose do forums fulfil, and why are they so addictive? I've been logging on here for two years now, and I could try and sound suave and sophisticated and nod sagely and say yes...'I've seen things come, and I've seen 'em go here at Avalon...'

But the truth is, I can't figure out why two years later I'm just as hooked into what I think about the world and what everybody else does.

If I'm not smiling or groaning, or raising my eyebrows about someone else's opinion, I'm opening up my gob to add my own.

So what are forums for, really? Sharing information? I could go to a library. There's a whole internet full of info at my fingertips.

Is it for direction and leadership amongst a peer group?

Hmm... I'm not going to profess to answer this one, I think it's along the lines of self-validation, but I could be wrong - I'm no psychotherapist !

Where else would we get self-validation in our lives?

Hmmm.. would be interested for any thoughts on this one, especially for those new to forums in general.

Best wishes, and good luck !

K

[Adaiahsshadow]

The best answer I could come up with is not a quest for information, but more a quest for original information. A search to push what you personally have conceived is possible. A list of possible new ideas and thought patterns that had never occured to us before. It's also an oppurtunity to see the individual behind the new idea. Rather than be exposed to an unbodied thought. It allows you to, see the persons background, motivation, overall view, rather than just a surface idea. It allows you to see the world through a new set of eyes and in turn adjust your view according to the new information.

[modwiz]

Hi All,

Racking my brain for useful input at the moment.

Welcome to all the new members, maybe you can shed some light on an age old problem for me.



With all the fervour of late , I am still fascinated why we get so excited about a subject (any subject that takes our fancy), a blank box and a blinking cursor?

What purpose do forums fulfil, and why are they so addictive? I've been logging on here for two years now, and I could try and sound suave and sophisticated and nod sagely and say yes...'I've seen things come, and I've seen 'em go here at Avalon...'

But the truth is, I can't figure out why two years later I'm just as hooked into what I think about the world and what everybody else does.

If I'm not smiling or groaning, or raising my eyebrows about someone else's opinion, I'm opening up my gob to add my own.

So what are forums for, really? Sharing information? I could go to a library. There's a whole internet full of info at my fingertips.

Is it for direction and leadership amongst a peer group?

Hmm... I'm not going to profess to answer this one, I think it's along the lines of self-validation, but I could be wrong - I'm no psychotherapist !

Where else would we get self-validation in our lives?

Hmmm.. would be interested for any thoughts on this one, especially for those new to forums in general.

Best wishes, and good luck !

K

We hunger for community and meaning. Discussing the meaning of life is important.

Resolution and problem solving of the small but personally important organic issues that arise provide meaning and validation in a world where money, what toy and which TV you watched are the order of the day.

Libraries aren't communities and speech is discouraged.

Forums are the progenitors of the villages and small towns of intentional communities that will be the future.

I will hold that dream.

[ViralSpiral]

I dont think its as much self-validation as validation itself.....
Basic human need, n'est pas?


Cyber hug from a small, yet swelling village

[galactica]

a possibility of moving beyond Tribalism ...

[witchy1]

Hi Kula, lots of reasons IMHO,

Its a safe place to discuss all those things that you just cant discuss with others - like who really wants to tell there Mum and Dad, brothers and sisters about reptoids........ Not me! - but when they reveal themselves then I can say - pfffftt - old news, knew about it ages ago. ( But I need to discuss it in the interim and get others points of view on it along with many other subjects)

There are not many places where one can gather as a truely global community with common goals along with personal and collective objectives.

Nowhere else will you find a group of kindred spirits kind souls and inquisitive minds. (Even the UN struggles with the concept)

I learn so much each time I log on, if not from someone here, then through a link or two where my journey twists and turns trying to make sense of not only this world but other ones as well. I dont think I would find this information in the library, nor would I be able to gain others perspectives on the matter.

Always there is someone here with wisdom and knowledge happy to assist in others learnings.

There are many other reason, but on top of the list must be that it just makes you feel good to be here. Its the right place to be. Not all forums are created equal. This one is entirely unique

[ace]

Hi All,

Racking my brain for useful input at the moment.

Welcome to all the new members, maybe you can shed some light on an age old problem for me.

With all the fervour of late , I am still fascinated why we get so excited about a subject (any subject that takes our fancy), a blank box and a blinking cursor?

What purpose do forums fulfil, and why are they so addictive? I've been logging on here for two years now, and I could try and sound suave and sophisticated and nod sagely and say yes...'I've seen things come, and I've seen 'em go here at Avalon...'

But the truth is, I can't figure out why two years later I'm just as hooked into what I think about the world and what everybody else does.

If I'm not smiling or groaning, or raising my eyebrows about someone else's opinion, I'm opening up my gob to add my own.

So what are forums for, really? Sharing information? I could go to a library. There's a whole internet full of info at my fingertips.

Is it for direction and leadership amongst a peer group?

Hmm... I'm not going to profess to answer this one, I think it's along the lines of self-validation, but I could be wrong - I'm no psychotherapist !

Where else would we get self-validation in our lives?

Hmmm.. would be interested for any thoughts on this one, especially for those new to forums in general.

Best wishes, and good luck !

K

Thank you for the welcome.

The racking of your brain has worked, you have me thinking.
I see beyond the blank box and the blinking cursor. it is my being that resonates with your words, and vice verse.

In that moment we are one, while maintaining our unique individuality.
I might read 500 words you say. just one might be enough to change the course of my thinking.

I find my people here. (birds of a feather, we flock together.

maybe if i put my arm around you and remind you of the other world, we would laugh together

Who shot Phil Mitchell? is your TV bigger than mine, Liverpool have just paid 35 million for Torres, David beckems new tattoo
lady gaga, buy a new phone chuck it away, buy another, face book, twitter 945 just got up,, 1130 off to the pub 1345 watching the telly
1830 looking forward to Eastenders, blar blar blar........

were in the right place. your in the right place.

I am probable talking to myself here, but thank you for reminding me.
This addiction will do me more good than all my old addictions i left behind.

I could'nt put the libary any better than what Modwiz has.

Kind regards

Ace

[vibrations]

I've just see us all as a unique beings, sharing some similar points of view. I came here coz of the fact that I think in very similar way as Bill express his points of view. So I think it is worth sharing. Beside that, a valiuble information can be find here. And I do not want to judge enyone. We all have fears and doubds, so how can I talk about someon knowing absulutely nothing about him. Let's share and try to groww.

[joamarks]

ill think they are addictive because its the first time in history you can share and expand your occult universe to a 24/7 timespan with a big group of people.

in other words: forums contribute to making obscure little worlds of ours real

[vibrations]

ill think they are addictive because its the first time in history you can share and expand your occult universe to a 24/7 timespan with a big group of people.

in other words: forums contribute to making obscure little worlds of ours real

I like thi very much. Simple and nice.

[ViralSpiral]

This addiction will do me more good than all my old addictions i left behind.

Ace


this.... and ditto

[rhythm]

Seeking the truth is very addictive
im greatfull for that ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLQD90Las5c&feature=player_embedded

when you have the truth in your heart ... you can stop scrolling :tape:
if you want.... or maby you will carry on :ranger:
cos it wont matter eny more:o

[ViralSpiral]

The words in the video below are not important, the rest is http://rationalia.com/z/icon_e_wink.gif

Free psychotherapy thanks to the world wide web.......



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI


edit: seriously, cannot phathom this You-tube linkage thingie out... maybe a kind mod can assist :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI

[rhythm]

The words in the video below are not important, the rest is http://rationalia.com/z/icon_e_wink.gif

Free psychotherapy thanks to the world wide web.......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI


edit: seriously, cannot phathom this You-tube linkage thingie out... maybe a kind mod can assist :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI

ITs Blank ...nothing there ;)

********




Edit by Bill :)

To insert video, first click on the little INSERT VIDEO icon. Then a little window appears, and you paste the YouTube URL in there.

[ViralSpiral]

ITs Blank ...nothing there ;)

of course. I see (or dont) that too......
this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI


can u perhaps help an elderly fairy with the internetz? :)

[truthseekerdan]

The words in the video below are not important, the rest is http://rationalia.com/z/icon_e_wink.gif

Free psychotherapy thanks to the world wide web.......


1UuaOye9VyI



edit: seriously, cannot phathom this You-tube linkage thingie out... maybe a kind mod can assist :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI

Fixed :nod:

[Lord Sidious]

For me, it is a way for me to share what I think I know with others and for me to partake of them.
Hopefully, we can all compare notes and come to our own individual realisations of who and what we are.
Once we figure that out, then we will sweep this paradigm into the rubbish bin of history where it should be.

[Kulapops]

Dear all,

Many thanks for your fascinating and varied posts... food for thought there definitely.

So what do we have? I like the ideas of sharing, community, validation, peerage (not the Lords but stuff you can't talk about with Mum and Dad.. or colleagues for that matter)

I'm sure many here have had that feeling, 'I don't fit in to the real world, so where do I fit in?'

Does Avalon provide a home for the 'others' ? Those who didn't go for promotion, want to see a better world, can't work out why the world outside looks flat, when you feel it should be solid?

I got a jolt when I started reading 'truthout.org' ten years ago - after 9/11 the concept that there was information and articles that just weren't shown by the media.

But ten years on I do wonder about the validity of anything I read. Oh.. I know there is real stuff out there, alright, and some that is weirder than truth. Look at synchronicity for example ! That's true , isn't it?

There are many great souls here at Avalon, but I recommend trying to meet some of them if you can. Hell, I may even dig up a community thread - that's the reason I came here in the first place. Community is something we lack in the real world.

Ace said something about energy connections, and that is true for Avalon... it connects energetically, links souls across the ether. Mostly in thought and agrement, or through disagreement. But that is an energetic interaction, because you never meet the other.. only your emotions interact... and what are emotions?

So I question my emotional need to be right, or to find out stuff I didn't know, and why this stuff. Heck, I don't know how to change my carburettor either, but am I looking that up? Am I discussing that on the forum?

So that makes Avalon special, why these particular topics? All jokes about messianism are actually not that far of the mark. People want spiritual answers to their lives. I think that is one reason why they come to a place like this. Myself included. I think though it is so individually tailored, that the only one who can answer those questions is yourself. Myself.

Meanwhile, it's fun to read what others have to say, and watch the path they are taking, while procrastinating on one's own spiritual development. ;0)

Maybe that's why I can't get away lol.

[ace]

There are many great souls here at Avalon, but I recommend trying to meet some of them if you can. Hell, I may even dig up a community thread - that's the reason I came here in the first place. Community is something we lack in the real world.

Good old face to face talk, any one ever in paris, the coffee's on me...

Kind Regards
Ace

[Ross]

Hi Kula,

Nice to see you!

Well, Im here to help the forum and members, to try to facillitate a smooth running, low noise community. Not always easy. Even with the introduction of the Charles info, the site is still reasonably smooth, The membership quality on a whole is very good.

The team and the friends I have made since being here is wonderful and most appreciated. This is what keeps me here mostly. Im kinda de-sensitised to the info, The truth? what on earth is that? Nothing raises my eyebrows anymore...tho Im very happy we now have a astronomy/cosmology sub forum.;)

Again, nice to see you pop in:cool:

Ross

[Kulapops]

Hi Ross, thanks for popping by too ! I get that there is another level and sense of 'community service' at mod level which further adds to reasons to be here.

Thanks for all you do.

And ace.. given the price coffee is in Paris, I'd gladly meet you for a cup. Rue Daguerre ou Boulevard St-Germain ?!

K

[ThePythonicCow]

Well, Im here to help the forum and members, to try to facillitate a smooth running, low noise community. Not always easy. Even with the introduction of the Charles info, the site is still reasonably smooth, The membership quality on a whole is very good.
This is the best run site I've seen, and I've seen my share. Good work, mods!

[write4change]

If there is any reason why I think the string theory is correct this is it--the net. When I first got on and new sites were popping up and off and new companies offering this service--I could actually feel sites that felt "clean" and sites that were total "noise."

I truly get a sense of some people from their postings. If Edgar Cayce could do it with a letter--is this not the letter of our time?

This is the only site in the last five years that I have not been disappointed about every day. I am energized and drained. I think I am going thru a mental colonic.

Now you all know how crazy I am but here is the one place it is all -- all right.

[Lord Sidious]

If there is any reason why I think the string theory is correct this is it--the net. When I first got on and new sites were popping up and off and new companies offering this service--I could actually feel sites that felt "clean" and sites that were total "noise."

I truly get a sense of some people from their postings. If Edgar Cayce could do it with a letter--is this not the letter of our time?

This is the only site in the last five years that I have not been disappointed about every day. I am energized and drained. I think I am going thru a mental colonic.

Now you all know how crazy I am but here is the one place it is all -- all right.

Most of the time when people say something I don't get, I just put it down to me not having the context.
If we put someone down to being crazy if we don't get them, that is about the receiver, not the sender.

[genorose]

hi Kulapops from genorose
i note you are a senior member - i am a new member
as you seem to say what is the purpose of spending your life posting threads in a forum when we are already potentially overloaded with info on the net - we are in information overload
i have been suggesting by replies -by email and by threads that a new approach might be in order such as having a forum where all members can physically meet and talk face to face
the net is full of forums and after a while people realise that there is no substitute for face to face communication somewhere in the uk or globally
i live in australia -have dual citizenship and both uk and oz passports and hope to make it to the uk this year
perhaps a groundswell could begin here with a new direction to more personal communication or people will get bored and give up
give us a chance to meet and get involved
cya
gernorose

[DeDukshyn]

Hi All,

Racking my brain for useful input at the moment.

Welcome to all the new members, maybe you can shed some light on an age old problem for me.

With all the fervour of late , I am still fascinated why we get so excited about a subject (any subject that takes our fancy), a blank box and a blinking cursor?

What purpose do forums fulfil, and why are they so addictive? I've been logging on here for two years now, and I could try and sound suave and sophisticated and nod sagely and say yes...'I've seen things come, and I've seen 'em go here at Avalon...'

But the truth is, I can't figure out why two years later I'm just as hooked into what I think about the world and what everybody else does.

If I'm not smiling or groaning, or raising my eyebrows about someone else's opinion, I'm opening up my gob to add my own.

So what are forums for, really? Sharing information? I could go to a library. There's a whole internet full of info at my fingertips.

Is it for direction and leadership amongst a peer group?

Hmm... I'm not going to profess to answer this one, I think it's along the lines of self-validation, but I could be wrong - I'm no psychotherapist !

Where else would we get self-validation in our lives?

Hmmm.. would be interested for any thoughts on this one, especially for those new to forums in general.

Best wishes, and good luck !

K

Self validation could be true, but just one answer? no room for dynamics? I will say I believe the reasons are plethora, with which I conclude the "reasons" are perhaps not the cause at all. Perhaps more just a gathering of like frequencies, or interests.

[Flash]

It is funny cause I was just thinking about this yesterday. I compared this forum with the "salon" the aristocratie used to have in the 18th century France and probably England. People would meet, invite sometimes some artist, discuss politics, science, even spirituality, and it would go on for hours and hours, well into the night. They would often meet regularly every week or every second week.

We don't have that anylonger. To me, the forum was some kind or re - creation of those "salon" generally hosted by a wealthy lady.

As well, it is very rare to find a large group of like minded (or like hearted) people with similar interests and degree or understanding within a rather small neighbourhood or environment that is the typical daily environment most of us have.

Therefore, for whichever reason, I truly appreicate to be with all of you here,
Love
Flash

[Kulapops]

The words in the video below are not important, the rest is http://rationalia.com/z/icon_e_wink.gif

Free psychotherapy thanks to the world wide web.......




edit: seriously, cannot fathom this You-tube linkage thingie out... maybe a kind mod can assist :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuaOye9VyI

Hey... thanks for this.

When I saw the first two minutes I started thinking 'What a w*nker'.... but then...

If you haven't watched this yet... PLEASE, PLEASE... start around two minute mark.. but probably the best effect is when you sit through the mind numbing first part.. for proper contrast.

Thank you so much for this.... Let's not take ourselves too seriously , eh?

K

[Kulapops]

P.S. Thanks genorose. Perhaps some of the older members will remember that Avalon's founding principle was about forming 'ground crews'.... a place where like minded people could meet and discuss, like those salons... and then find each other locally and perhaps form communities if enough people were interested.

Here's an old link of mine on AV1.. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19365

Of course, there's been a lot of water under the bridge since then.

We've weathered predictions (watch out for that one - they're always at least six weeks away and never about tomorrow), channellers, Jane B and the Swine Flu epidemic - I was really convinced that was one that was going to get us ! whoo-ey ! I don't mind admiting I've been taken in with the best of them.


But all of that has brought me to a different place of understanding.

I feel like I've looked behind the curtain, and now I can say 'Look.. it's up his sleeve'...

Faith is a powerful energy. Avalon is about faith. Faith in the unkown, and trust, that the unkown is knowable (ha-ha-ha .,,. watch the psychotherapy vid again and laugh some more Avalaughians :) )

The unkown is not knowable, that's why it's the unknown !

Do you even know who you are yet? I mean, really?

It's a noble path to walk along, and it will bring answers. Not sure about the other info about the outside world though.

One other interesting thought I had is this, if perhaps one reason why people like to band together over religion.. and faith and forums.. is that is one way in which we can truly feel together. And as we are one consciousness, we enjoy those moments where we truly feel like we are one, of one mind and one heart. People who can unite a people even temporarily may gain exalted status, because people like feeling united.

Of course, it's worth wondering if the reason why people 'get behind' is as much about the shared feeling of being together with 'each other' as it is about the leader. Hmm. Don't know, but it's a thought.

And eventually I hope we will feel united because we can do it without being led into it, but through free choice. Maybe this is one reason why forums make us feel close to home. Would be great if we just all held hands because we felt like it, and not because we are uniting behind some cause or person.

I'm not going to say Avalon is the place for that, because, two and a half years on.. we can see that it looks very much the same. It's a carousel. Be careful with that hope of change. Didn't someone get to be President recently on the back of promises of change and hope?! But maybe the human race will keep on wanting change until it happens.. and there hope there.

Gosh, it's only two thousand years since someone got nailed to a tree for saying 'why can't we be nice to each other'. Wonder how the world will look in another two thousand? So I wouldn't worry too much about change coming next week...whatever package it's dressed up in. These things take time.

Enough of the Kula-waffles for now :)

Peace and love

K
xx

[king anthony]

I'm new to forums, meaning I have not done too much in any forum - and new to here.

Personally, I came here (in brief) to possibly learn something (as I still have some questions of my own), to hear others 'speak' (sharing the fragmented knowledge and truths), to hopefully establish some 'friendships' (over some virtual tea and cookies), to let a small part of the world know 'I am/was here'...

what I offer in return is the same to others. I am not here to changes minds (as that would be a personal decision), I am not here to judge (or be judged)...

why does speaking with others need to be anything other then these things? Is not anything more (by putting a label on it or a preconception) missing the point of discussion - unless address an audience?

Information is power (we heard this before).