The new kid on the block (is an atheist)

[Bobbybanned]

I just read a posting by 'morning glory' that I concluded was well written. In short, it suggested that this is a forum, thread, or whatever (a place) to be nice and allow people to be who they are. A place to leave judgments behind.
In recovery, the majority of those recovering are in one way or another leaning on their spirituality as an asset to their agenda. Considering the fact that I am an atheist, well, let's just say I am often judged in a negative light by those who do not understand me. I try not to take the judgments personally, but it can be difficult sometimes.
As far as making a point here, well, I suppose I just want to look for something that everyone can actually have in common, regardless of their spiritual, religious, or any other kind of belief system they have adopted. Me, personally, I am not at all spiritual. Yes, I do realize that could be argued (based on semantics) but I am speaking literally, therefore; since we are all suffering, as well as benefiting, from the same thing, which is the human condition, it should be easy enough to determine that each and everyone of us is capable of compassion. That is certainly something that we can literally offer each other without an expense.
Compassion is not always easy to give, let alone acknowledge. People allow their prejudices, their ignorance (not stupidity, just lack of awareness), as well as their fears, to prevent them from being compassionate. Speaking from my own experience(s), I had put up walls and found myself resenting many religious minded individuals because of the discrimination I experienced. I did this of course to protect myself, when in fact I was simply behaving in the very fashion that I was accusing others of behaving. I began to compromise my own values and principles and justified by making the determination that I had the right to do it based on the initial behavior of others. I was wrong and it was I who was paying the price for this type of behavior. With walls up to protect myself from people, I was also preventing myself from the experience of people. No, I cannot control what others do, but I can control what I do. And that is all there is to it. Sometimes, when I am able to do the right thing, rather it is pleasant or not, it may even open the eyes of another. Who knows. With compassion at the forefront of any and all methods of operanda, well, it certainly seems to be a decent place to start.

Thanks for reading, Bobby

[historyteach]

Hi, Bobby;

Good to see you here. I hope you don't mind, but, I made the type larger on your post, for ease of reading. I didn't change any other thing on the post though. Eyes are getting old -- not me, mind you. Just the eyes. :andy:

I appreciate your post. You may also find much support on our secular forum. Here's a link. http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...r-connections/

I've enjoyed your post here very much. ANd understand the ideas inherent in it. None of us are immune to the effects of discrimination. What we do with our responses does indeed matter -- both for ourselves and others. Thank you for sharing here. I look forward to hearing more from you!

Shalom!

[aloneagainor]

Originally Posted by Bobby4444

I had put up walls and found myself resenting many religious minded individuals because of the discrimination I experienced. I did this of course to protect myself, when in fact I was simply behaving in the very fashion that I was accusing others of behaving.

With that kind of self-awareness we can move outside the walls that separate, and be open to cross those barriers that divide. It's living by example. How one lives is a stronger message than any words that we say.

Originally Posted by bobby4444

In recovery, the majority of those recovering are in one way or another leaning on their spirituality as an asset to their agenda... With compassion at the forefront of any and all methods of operanda, well, it certainly seems to be a decent place to start.

Spirituality isn't necessarily about spirits and mysticism and God and all. To me, spirituality is about the inextricably intertwined interconnection that unites all things. It is the energy, the life force that comprises the Whole. It is about recognizing my place in it. About being respectful of all, mindful of my environment and all that surrounds, being as compassionate and understanding of things outside of myself as I can be.

Regardless of the terminology used, we have this in common! There are beautiful insights on this Spirituality forum, and, following Historyteach's lead, suggest the Secular Connections forum to you...there's a couple threads ongoing right now that are a direct reflection of what you wrote in your post here today.

Always wonderful to see active, engaged minds joining in the choir here. Good to meet you.

[indigo]

Thank you Bobby.

indigo