spiritually lost

[dreamer]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

[Hervé]

[...]
... I want to believe in something, but what?

[...]

... I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

There is only one answer to that and that is : YOU!

YOU as a spirit and the many ways to discover yourself as such.

Cheers!

[Wind]

Just follow your heart. :)

[dreamer]

I'm not looking for an instruction manual to enlightenment, I just...... well, I dunno. I guess that's it, I just don't know.

[we-R-one]

Why do you have to "be" anything? You are beautiful as you are- that is the message you can teach to your children. Classifications, especially in religion, seem to merely divide us IMO. You can still believe in God, just drop the name identification, just "be" you.

[Wind]

There is only one answer to that and that is : YOU!

YOU as a spirit and the many ways to discover yourself as such.

Cheers!


Why do you have to "be" anything? You are beautiful as you are- that is the message you can teach to your children. Classifications, especially in religion, seem to merely divide us IMO. You can still believe in God, just drop the name identification, just "be" you.

I thought that this song would be fitting. :)

V-FcdCyEuwU

[GarethBKK]

The fundamental beliefs of all religions are the same. The message is entirely coherent if you ignore the falsifications applied by religious institutions - any of them. We are all connected to the source within ourselves. If you see God not as an interventionist but the creator, with only love and compassion for all created, your Christian knowledge will serve you well. There are many threads on this forum that reject the church but uphold the Bible and Christian values. I have never had a religion, but say the prayer of St Francis daily. I also read the Quran, Bible and Vedas regularly.

[another bob]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what?

Greetings, Friend!

Let's say you take a little vacation from beliefs for awhile. What happens? Well, you still have to get up in the morning, right, and feed yourself, and probably you need to feed your family too, which means you go to work, do your job as best as it can be done, and then you come home and hang out with your family. What you don't need in the midst of this experience called "human life" is greed, envy, hatred, dishonesty, resentment, or arrogance. You can do just fine without them, and in fact, by doing so, you would start to notice that a kind of humble sense of integrity begins to infiltrate your being from the inside out. Just let it. All that means is that you are living with sincerity and honor. This has nothing to do with belief. You don't have to ponder second-hand opinions on what is "spiritual". That's usually a big head trap, and it's best to skip it.
What you'll also notice, if you pay attention, is that the genuine integrity that has come to characterize your life is "spiritual enough", and if the time comes when you need more, whatever that is will naturally appear. That's what happens when you live with integrity -- the universe appreciates the gesture, and responds accordingly. Don't take my word for it -- find out for yourself. It's not at all complicated. What's complicated is spiritual pretense, and games of belief. Who needs them, when you've had the real thing all along?

:yo:

[we-R-one]

Maybe I can offer additional insight ....like many of us, you're probably experiencing a spiritual awakening. You could be struggling because you have always identified yourself as being "something" as that was a conditioned expectation that many of us were drawn into because it was considered socially acceptable. Seeing the fraud behind what you once thought was a safe haven is the equivalent to having someone rip your clothes off and make you stand in public exposed naked for all to see. Basically you feel a sense of insecurity because the world you thought existed, you are now coming to find out, isn't set up for the reasons you had once believed. As you transform, you'll find that you may shift your set of beliefs as new truths come forward, but until that happens you feel lost and uncomfortable.

Could I possibly interject an idea for you? Could it be that you aren't lost, but rather on the threshold of discovering that really what you are experiencing is freedom and that you just haven't recognized it as such?

Make 'heart-centered' choices from this point forward and I think you will be a-okay no matter what path you choose; and don't be afraid to walk your own path which may stray away from the masses. You can't make a mistake as you are perfect all ready in every means.

I hope I'm not off base- my apologies in advance if I am- just merely trying to share what I have learned.

[delfine]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

Nobody can tell you which way to choose. Only you can. You only have yourself and your own gut-feeling to rely on in these matters. I can only say keep searching, if you are driven by a desire to know truth/God. Study different paths, listen to different teachers, and pick the one that resonates with you the most.
Btw spirituality is not about "betting on the right horse", or having the right beliefs :). It´s about you finding yourself.Religions and paths are ultimately means to an end; leading you from faith to knowledge, from being limited to the limitless. Choose the path, that leads you to greater realization and freedom.
If you want some inspiration, I suggest batgap.com.
Good luck..

[wynderer]

hi Dreamer --

from we-R-one's post:

'Could I possibly interject an idea for you? Could it be that you aren't lost, but rather on the threshold of discovering that really what you are experiencing is freedom and that you just haven't recognized it as such?'

i went thru that time of the bottom falling out of all the belief systems i was standing on -- it's not pleasant, but i think we-R-one describes what is really going on in you

lots of good suggestions from others here for you

[westhill]

Morning Dreamer...
wynderer just said beautifully what what I was going to say.
I just got done reading Herman Hesse's Siddhartha.
Consider yourself lucky that you can question like this.
You haven't lost anything you didn't need to begin with.

[Pam]

another Bob, I came on this thread to give my 2 cents worth and was moved by your commonsense recipe for a life well lived.....I don't think there is any more that I can say...and certainly I will not say it any better...thankyou

[Karunai]

I don't know if it has to do with this, but I felt it has something related to it lol. Your post reminded me of this thread (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?48225-Spiritual-Hmmmmm...) and this one (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?47785-The-Path-yours-our-mine). I bet there are many more.

You know... you are not really 'lost'. You are already a spiritual being. Perhaps what you need is a catalyst to express your infinite spiritual Nature. What you need to have always present is that you just don't need 'a' catalyst, 'cause all around you and in you, are already expressions of It. You don't need to 'believe' in something, perhaps your mind is the one who needs that clutch, which is ok but it's just your mind who 'forgot' its own nature; be an all time explorer and never get stuck in anything. You just need to feel It. Like Starseed said, "Just follow your heart".

What do you feel when you see your children?. Love. "Just follow your heart".
I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? Loving them, and empathy.

Our heart is our compass in this Cosmic Journey. :)

[Tony]

Please excuse me for saying this, but I do not think you are spiritually lost, just spiritually obscured...like the rest of us! We all have this conceptual fog in the mind which confuses us.

Our spiritual being (that which is aware of the mind saying, it is spiritually lost) is not lost.
It's just there, noting the confusion of the conceptual mind.

It's like someone riding from village to village asking, “Where is my donkey?”
….a simple old woman, looks up and says, “You are already sitting on it.”

Of course this is easier said than done. It's easy to say, “Just be you”. But what is that?
You are not your thoughts, but that which is aware of those thoughts.
There are many methods to help us, which one we find suitable will depend on our temperament.

We gradually peel away the layers of obscuration to find the 'donkey'.

What we think we know now, and what we will know in 500 years will be more refined.
So anything we think we know now, we needn't be held onto, too tightly!

When you do find the 'donkey'...let it go!

[Joe Akulis]

Sounds a lot like what I went through. I reached a point where I was convinced that there was more to all of this than traditional Christian teaching can explain. But does that really make you an ex-Christian? Or does it make you a Christian Plus?

What are some of the things you found in your search through the "other paths of sprituality" that broke your mind free from some of your traditional Christian beliefs? Perhaps if we knew a little more about what makes you question, then we can help you by suggesting where you should continue your search. I bet ten bucks the people on Avalon can help balance the things that trouble you by pointing to things that will uplift you.

This is the best advice I can give you: DON'T STOP SEARCHING! It may feel overwhelming, perhaps because we only get so many minutes a day to even try to be curious about life, and the stinking internet makes it easy to get overwhelmed with revelations from every corner of the globe. But always stay curious, and always wonder. If you do that, and follow your thirst, this period of spiritual doldrum won't last long. One good way to put wind back in your sails is to go back to Jesus and say, "You have something to teach me. Please lead me to it." Just because Christianity may not have ALL the answers doesn't mean Jesus or the Holy Spirit can no longer be your guide. Right?

[Rocky_Shorz]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

remember, religions are gatherings of like minded believers, the message isn't as important as the meeting of spirits...

having a Spirit means you will always have spirituality, it isn't possible for it to be lost...

when 3 gather together in faith, you, your wife and child can change the world...

just believing the sun will rise is faith... ;)

[bogeyman]

When the time in right it will seek you out. Often in our lives there are moments like this. I have had a few of them, feeling lost without direction, it is a time of change, walking in the wilderness, but you may find it in a place or at a time you least expect it.

[4evrneo]

Dreamer,
I just wanted to share a bit about myself, its fitting as you will see.
I used to consider myself "christian", as a young child and adult. Then in my 30's I studied Catholicism and a year later was baptised again as a Catholic. I am now in my 40's and have studied many different cultures as far as religion goes and I have come to understand that "all" religions are very similar in beliefs and values but for me something was missing. I have finally realized that it was me all along that was missing. In my awakening, I have discovered that is doesnt matter, love yourself most of all, love others, accept God in what ever way feels right. We are all connected to each other and the earth. What helped me to discover my truth was to go within, meditate and search the answers in your heart, it will never lead you wrong. The heart to me is the only door for all to find their truth. I teach my kids (now young adults) that its ok to not know, but just be honest, be yourself, love others and be the best they can be. Although my kids still feel lost, this past year they have grown and are slowly searching within and dont ever realize it. I can honestly say that I have worried endlessly about my children and now I have realized they have their own path and all I am supposed to do is accept them for who they are and love them with all my heart. I have now a peaceful feeling deep inside that everything is how its supposed to be. We are all children of God. We are all loved profoundly and we will all be just fine. To me, you are not spiritually lost, you are perfect in every way, love is in your heart so you are on the right path.
All the best dreamer,
Annette

[westhill]

There's a lot of love in this thread.
I thank you all...

[we-R-one]

I have finally realized that it was me all along that was missing. In my awakening, I have discovered that is doesnt matter, love yourself most of all, love others, accept God in what ever way feels right. We are all connected to each other and the earth. What helped me to discover my truth was to go within, meditate and search the answers in your heart, it will never lead you wrong. The heart to me is the only door for all to find their truth. I teach my kids (now young adults) that its ok to not know, but just be honest, be yourself, love others and be the best they can be. Although my kids still feel lost, this past year they have grown and are slowly searching within and dont ever realize it. I can honestly say that I have worried endlessly about my children and now I have realized they have their own path and all I am supposed to do is accept them for who they are and love them with all my heart. I have now a peaceful feeling deep inside that everything is how its supposed to be. We are all children of God. We are all loved profoundly and we will all be just fine. To me, you are not spiritually lost, you are perfect in every way, love is in your heart so you are on the right path.
All the best dreamer,
Annette

Wow, such amazing posts you guys! Like I should expect anything less from Avalon members........I can very much relate to Annette's comments. I was thinking about this thread earlier today and reflecting upon my own experience and I never truly understood what they meant when one said "the truth lies within", until my own spiritual awakening began to occur. As a star seed, one of the characteristics we are noted for is not conforming. In a 3D sense we are considered troublemakers because we go against the grain and don't necessarily flow with the masses(this is by design and another story for a different time). Though religion was encouraged at a young age, I was Lutheran, I fought it every step of the way, knowing that something wasn't quite right. My first spiritual awakening occurred between 92-94, via a kundalini, but because I did not understand I went back to sleep and it wasn't until 2008 that I began to awaken. Two years down the road, in 2010, is when I truly began to "look within" and the truth came forward so fast it was like being hit with a ton of bricks. I'm laughing now, but I can assure I wasn't laughing back then in the summer of 10. My star seed identity was the first truth that came from "within". It took me three weeks to wrap my head around that realization, and as far out as that type of identity may be for some, all the characteristics were matching in ways that I could no longer deny. A huge truth was bubbling to the surface, of a concept that I couldn't have made up in a thousand years even if I had tried. I remember drowning myself in endless glasses of wine, sitting outside in my back yard reading, reading, reading, to get to the bottom of things. There was no knowledge of Avalon for me to seek out assitance. I was on my own. My head was spinning so fast.......and not to be dramatic, but for the reader to understand what it felt like.....well, you know those scenes in the movies where the camera is spinning around the actor as he stands still? It felt exactly like that. I would often wake up the next morning pinching myself because I couldn't believe what I was discovering. I thought I was dreaming and the feeling just wasn't going away. Still to this day, I sometimes get that feeling. What is real?.... I ask myself....do I even know what reality is?

My guess is, you(Dreamer),are just at the initial stages of awakening. There will be times, if you haven't experienced this all ready, where things will frighten you. You are watching your reality crumble all around you and all those beliefs that went along with it. You are breaking out of the 3D Matrix, a world that consists of what I like to call "preconceived misconceptions". Something I learned quickly are two key points that seemed to elevate my awakening to record speed-
1. Do not operate in fear
2. Be willing to shift your set of beliefs as new truths come forward(mentioned this one all ready)

Fear will hold you back and you will find those around you, will not proceed forward because they are not ready to let go of their belief systems. This is something to respect as all souls are not necessarily ready to awaken. You are going through a process which is similar to what many of us have all ready experienced. The path you choose will be different from others as I know mine has been. There is no correct path. The correct path is what works for each individual. Your children may take a different path. Be the "guide" you are waking up to be for them when their time comes. Honor their right to choose what works best for them, otherwise you are creating the very dictatorship pattern that you are trying to free yourself from (see holographic universe).

Once you get over the shock of it all, you will begin to understand the sense of freedom that encompasses your consciousness. You realize how enslaved you've been by your own belief systems! Which I might add, many that have been crammed down our throats for eons of time. You will have to go down some rabbit holes to look within, and not everyone will want to go with you. It can be lonely at times, but the personal rewards are discovering your own truths, the truths from within. Which led me to the amazing realization that we are all connected to Source(God), via the same energy field also know as Source Field and my thoughts are your thoughts and your thoughts are my thoughts as we-R-one.......and that is a beautiful thing.

[SilentFeathers]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

Finding ourselves spiritually is a journey, most often a lifelong one. Sometimes it's best not to try too force certain things to happen, sometimes it's best just let things flow and happen as they are suppose to happen.

It sounds to me that you are moving in the right direction....believe in yourself, follow your heart and let go of the past. Don't focus on being duped or stumbling around in the dark. You are not stumbling around in the dark, and how do I know this? I see it in your small paragraph above where you clearly show/express your love and concern for your children and your desire to do the right things for them.....your desire to be a good father (which I sense you already are).

Being a loving person is one of the most important ingredients, if not the most important, for anyone to discover more about themselves spiritually.....enjoy your journey and just be the best person that you know how to be.....everything else will eventually fall in to place with a little patience and trust.

[kreagle]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

dreamer,

Everything about your post, here, brings tears to my eyes and really tugs at my heart,....especially the part where you candidly state......


I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how?

Whatever you do,..... my dear, dear, friend,.....don't fall into the vicious trap of allowing 'others' to tell you what 'your heart',....is,.....or is not,....telling you! Your heart will not lie to you, my friend! It will tell you the 'unadulterated truth',.....and 'if' it is telling you what you have revealed in your statement that I have highlighted above,.....there's a very valid reason for that!

Your 'heart is crying out',....my dear friend,.....for 'help, understanding, and fulfillment',.....and that's a beautiful thing!

(Case in point)

Matthew 5:6
King James Version (KJV)

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.


If you are really,....I mean really,.....'hungry and thirsty for righteousness',.....if you really,....I mean really,......'want to know the Truth',......then God is obligated by His Word, here, to fill you. ( He will not turn away a 'genuinely hungry/thirsty soul!,......spiritual nourishment is on the way!)

In your 'quest' for direction, for you and your 'precious children',.....how about coming over to 'our thread',.....'Bible Topics and Questions', whenever you get a chance.

I care deeply about your 'situation', my dear friend!

What appears to be a 'dilemma to you',.....is simply an 'opportunity for God' to reveal Himself fully to 'you and your children'!


Your friend, brother, and servant,.........kreagle

P.S. don't hesitate to PM me for any 'personal help, or questions'!!

[nonesuch]

....I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

You've kind of done the right thing by making your request here on Avalon.

Even among the rubble of broken Christianity, a Universal gem still shines. It simply states, "Ask, and you shall receive."

You want clarity? Ask. Direction? Ask. Your next step? Inspiration? Make those your requests.

If you feel you have no faith or belief anymore, ask without faith or belief. You already proved you could do that in your original post.

Where do you aim your requests when you're lost? Anywhere you wish. You can't miss the mark since the answers are going to come from an Intelligence and Order that is located everywhere, whether you like it or not.

Ask the air around you if nothing more concrete comes to mind. Or maybe direct your request to the place where God was in your heart. It might seem like nothing is there anymore. Don't try to change that. Aim your request at that empty space without attempting to recreate any past habits, rituals or beliefs. You don't need to pump yourself up with false faith. Just ask for what you want.

You could use the power of intention to instruct a part of your awareness—maybe its huge tan ear tucked in your unconscious—to listen for answers that are true and right for you now...on your behalf.

Tell that part to report back to the conscious 'you' in unmistakeable ways you’ll recognize when useful information arrives. Then, sometime later, whether you're paying attention or distracted, you may receive a jolt of insight, or else, a few words in a book you’re reading will pop out at you with a clear message. It could be a bird singing on a fence that provokes a new meaning or a conversation over a beer unintentionally conveys the very tips and tricks you need in that moment, etc. It doesn’t matter how the answers show up.

Once you've made your request for the day, the hour or the moment, forget about it and go about the business of your life, even if that is an uneven walk in the dark for a while longer. The answers will come.

You’re on track.

[GammaMO]

Although much good has come out of religion (and bad), I always had a problem with it because it can be so limiting.

It's like taking God in all his/her glorious diversity and mind-blowing, unimaginable awesomeness and shoving it in a box.

Then everyone comes once a week and stares at the box. Of course there's plenty of arrogant men milling around making rules about the box and people spend an enormous amount of time arguing about the contents and history of the box.

Meanwhile, out in the parking lot, a little toddler bends down, picks up a dandelion and is amazed at what happens when she blows it. She smiles and giggles and her soul soars. Ahaa! There you have it. That moment in time, God was right there!

[kcbc2010]

I totally understand what you are feeling because I've struggled with my faith as well.

I still claim the label Christian, but I also have some unorthodox beliefs. I don't think that you have to choose between some of these things, like reincarnation and Jesus. I think that what you are missing is really community. It's nice to talk to everyone on PA, but it's not like we have picnics and special events and a regular meeting place (in the real world, not on the internet) where we gather to share a message from.....well, I can't exactly say, "the good book" can I?

I hope you get the idea I am trying to express. It's hard to be an island of "awake" and know that others who share your beliefs aren't located in a neighborhood near you. It isn't like you want a church per se, but you want the fellowship that comes from spending time with people who share the same values as you do. I think we all feel that way sometimes.

[dreamer]

Thank you all so much, words escape me. This just reaffirms why it is I chose to join this forum, this is a thing of beauty, so much love shared here. eveth one of you help, thanks from the bottom of my heart.

[4evrneo]

Thank you all so much, words escape me. This just reaffirms why it is I chose to join this forum, this is a thing of beauty, so much love shared here. eveth one of you help, thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Dreamer,
You are worth all the compassion and all the love, always remember that.
Im tearing up, gotta run :cry:
Blessings,
Annette

[Tony]

Nice thread.

[kreagle]

Nice thread.

pie'n'eal,

Yes, indeed,....but truly, the only thing that can really make it 'nice',....is 'if' he will allow his heart to lead him to the Truth!

Let's all 'pray' for him and his family,....OK?


Blessings to all,...especially 'dreamer',.......(May his 'dreams' become a reality,...in Jesus' name!).......kreagle

[Anchor]

I am going to make this as short as possible, because if I don't, it will drag on way to long. after learning what I have, about Christianity ( the religion I used to claim) , and all these other paths of spirituality, which are so many I can't name, where is one to go? I am so lost, I want to believe in something, but what? I want to teach my children to be spiritually fulfilled, but how? I feel like I got duped with Christianity, and I'm on guard towards anything else, like I don't want to choose the wrong one..... I am stumbling in the dark. where do I go?

You named yourself dreamer.

It may be of benefit to have a think about why you did that.

Was it inspiration?

From whence did that inspiration come?

Was it you?

If it was, then perhaps you are guiding yourself. If not, then perhaps you are being guided.

So you may not be as lost as you first might have thought.

John..

[4evrneo]

Thank you we-R-one,
I agree, sometimes the initial trip into within may have to be done alone. At the time this started for me this past year, I had no support or encouragement. Now I realize it was perfect that it happened that way.

Dreamer,
This will all unfold beautifully, keep smiling and keep your heart open, this awakening will be worth every moment.

Blessings,
Annette

[ljwheat]

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