How it Works1 min ago
Spiritual Compass
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Is it possible to find the true sense of self, to discover an inner peace without the need for worship of others or teachings from exalted beings in this hectic world?
If so, have you used any practices that have brought you to this way of being or would you seek out a way to reach your full potential in life(not necessarily just work-based objectives).
If so, have you used any practices that have brought you to this way of being or would you seek out a way to reach your full potential in life(not necessarily just work-based objectives).
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Find the true sense of self?
One of the things most overlooked by critics of the Bible, is that it WORKS.
It gives us this paradox, (paraphrased), if we want to discover our life, we must be prepared to lose it.
If we insist on keeping it, we will lose it.
Only by focusing on the needs of others, by self sacrifice, do we discover our true selves and the meaning of life.
To place yourself in the centre of the universe, and demand that your wants and needs be met, will cause you to lose your identity as a human being.
Only in service to others do we find fulfillment.
One of the things most overlooked by critics of the Bible, is that it WORKS.
It gives us this paradox, (paraphrased), if we want to discover our life, we must be prepared to lose it.
If we insist on keeping it, we will lose it.
Only by focusing on the needs of others, by self sacrifice, do we discover our true selves and the meaning of life.
To place yourself in the centre of the universe, and demand that your wants and needs be met, will cause you to lose your identity as a human being.
Only in service to others do we find fulfillment.
Thank you Theland for your answer.
I think we should not place our own needs on a pedestal when there are so many who find just getting from day to day an immense struggle.
When we are ill and lose our well-being is the only time we may personally ask for help because if those who have lived a life of serving others are weak then they themselves are unable to be strong for those in need.
If the ego takes over asking for acceptance or gratitude while looking for fulfillment in tending to those less fortunate then we are not being true to ourselves.
I have found inner-peace in acceptance of myself but still continue to search for answers to the many questions within that keep me in awe of this life.
I think we should not place our own needs on a pedestal when there are so many who find just getting from day to day an immense struggle.
When we are ill and lose our well-being is the only time we may personally ask for help because if those who have lived a life of serving others are weak then they themselves are unable to be strong for those in need.
If the ego takes over asking for acceptance or gratitude while looking for fulfillment in tending to those less fortunate then we are not being true to ourselves.
I have found inner-peace in acceptance of myself but still continue to search for answers to the many questions within that keep me in awe of this life.
To find inner peace and contentment I believe you need to be receptive to new and old ideas with an open mind, whether it is nature, self understanding, inner spirituality or old and established religions, or no religion at all. Basically accept personal change, or accept the things you cannot change.
I don�t think you can achieve inner peace if you resent fellow man for their beliefs however irrational they may seem to you. Even, and let me make this absolutely clear, they do support Tottenham.
Whilst I am of course a Catholic (steady now), I often find peace and contentment in places that give a me a sense of freedom or of emotional spirituality, such as the beaches and forests of North Norfolk, Stonehenge, Abu Simbl or in the back garden with my wife and daughter on a sunny day.
In these instances my religion doesn�t really play a part, but it is always there on the back-burner when I need to turn to it.
I don�t think you can achieve inner peace if you resent fellow man for their beliefs however irrational they may seem to you. Even, and let me make this absolutely clear, they do support Tottenham.
Whilst I am of course a Catholic (steady now), I often find peace and contentment in places that give a me a sense of freedom or of emotional spirituality, such as the beaches and forests of North Norfolk, Stonehenge, Abu Simbl or in the back garden with my wife and daughter on a sunny day.
In these instances my religion doesn�t really play a part, but it is always there on the back-burner when I need to turn to it.
For Inner peace you have to get close to the creator. You have to think about the reality of this life. When someone asked Muhammed (pbuh) that what this life is about?
He said "This life is as you are traveling through desert and stop under a tree for a while. To gather few things which will help you through the travel and more importantly after your journey has finished".
Where we came from we have to one day go back there. Few will believe in it few will not. Right or wrong will be decided one day. Worldly enjoyments of Gods blessings are not bad if used in line with God�s given rulings. Otherwise I have not seen anyone taking these worldly material things with them when they die. When you go to the examination hall, the only thing which gives you some comfort and peace of mind is to know that you have prepared for the exam. Just like that people definitely think in their life at least once that what I have to take with me when I go from here. That one chance is from God to think about the reality of life. Few avail that and many will never.
My mother always said �My dear always look at the one who is below you than the one who is above you�.
If you have learn to be content and thankful to God what you have, instead of what you do not have. Trust me you will have peace of mind you would know yourself.
He said "This life is as you are traveling through desert and stop under a tree for a while. To gather few things which will help you through the travel and more importantly after your journey has finished".
Where we came from we have to one day go back there. Few will believe in it few will not. Right or wrong will be decided one day. Worldly enjoyments of Gods blessings are not bad if used in line with God�s given rulings. Otherwise I have not seen anyone taking these worldly material things with them when they die. When you go to the examination hall, the only thing which gives you some comfort and peace of mind is to know that you have prepared for the exam. Just like that people definitely think in their life at least once that what I have to take with me when I go from here. That one chance is from God to think about the reality of life. Few avail that and many will never.
My mother always said �My dear always look at the one who is below you than the one who is above you�.
If you have learn to be content and thankful to God what you have, instead of what you do not have. Trust me you will have peace of mind you would know yourself.
I totally agree with you Octavius.
We may have debates on here that get a little heated but I always take in to account that peoples beliefs are their own and if they help them in whatever way possible then that is good.
I too cherish the wonder of nature and find all that it holds is really beyond words.
My knowledge of football is limited so I'll have to pass on that one. Pass! Is that a football term? :0)
We may have debates on here that get a little heated but I always take in to account that peoples beliefs are their own and if they help them in whatever way possible then that is good.
I too cherish the wonder of nature and find all that it holds is really beyond words.
My knowledge of football is limited so I'll have to pass on that one. Pass! Is that a football term? :0)
Theland quotes 'self-sacrifice', but if we view helping others as self-sacrifice, then in reality, in our own minds, we see ourselves as martyrs. Attitude of mind in this life is all-important, but with that attitude we will always see our cup as half-empty rather than half full.
Self-obsession is selfishness, and creates dissatisfaction with life, often leading to depression. The 'poor me' syndrome is destructive. God has been mentioned here, but religion is also a vehicle that produces self-obsession, because, although some people of religion do tremendous work for those less fortunate, in the main, it's all about 'saving me'. If we can only take the time to look beyond ourselves, to count our blessings, to treat others as we would wish to be treated - and to offer our services to those who need help more than we do, then our own troubles become insignificant, and the resulting rewards to our own sense of well-being are enormous. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, peace of mind is the most precious thing we can experience, but we'll never find that if we're self-obsessed because we will never be satisfied, and therefore we will never achieve our full potential.
Octavius, still pining for that brunette you met at Lourdes, eh?
Self-obsession is selfishness, and creates dissatisfaction with life, often leading to depression. The 'poor me' syndrome is destructive. God has been mentioned here, but religion is also a vehicle that produces self-obsession, because, although some people of religion do tremendous work for those less fortunate, in the main, it's all about 'saving me'. If we can only take the time to look beyond ourselves, to count our blessings, to treat others as we would wish to be treated - and to offer our services to those who need help more than we do, then our own troubles become insignificant, and the resulting rewards to our own sense of well-being are enormous. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, peace of mind is the most precious thing we can experience, but we'll never find that if we're self-obsessed because we will never be satisfied, and therefore we will never achieve our full potential.
Octavius, still pining for that brunette you met at Lourdes, eh?
Hello Naomi, I hope you are well?
If some followers of religions perpetuate the `saving me' aspect of their chosen faith, what do they hope to achieve by this?
Is it a question of looking after those within their own religious community, if there is such a thing anymore or just the message that their God (biblical) had supposedly given them by example of Jesus for instance within the Christian faith?
We sacrifice ourselves to help others ad infinitum/what goes around, comes around.
I'm sure that wasn't the true message of Jesus.
If some followers of religions perpetuate the `saving me' aspect of their chosen faith, what do they hope to achieve by this?
Is it a question of looking after those within their own religious community, if there is such a thing anymore or just the message that their God (biblical) had supposedly given them by example of Jesus for instance within the Christian faith?
We sacrifice ourselves to help others ad infinitum/what goes around, comes around.
I'm sure that wasn't the true message of Jesus.
Party central luna!
Certainly the message of Jesus was not about self-aggrandizing. The church has focused on salvation for centuries, and many say the true meaning of his message has been corrupted, misinterpreted, often ignored completely throughout history.
The contentment of a clear conscience is one of the purest forms of hapiness. When we do what is wrong, our conscience confronts us and makes us feel a sense of shame and guilt. Some people do this by adhering to religious or societal rules, other do it by helping others less fortunate than themselves, or just in need. I don�t think it is fair to consider they all think they are martyrs � of course some do � but many do it through their love of fellow man, generosity and humanity in general. Some do it on the back of their religion (missionaries, aid agencies etc) some do it independently of any religion, just out of the common good.
If this brings them a sense of well-being and contentment, then so be it, it may also bring a sense of well-being and contentment to the people they are helping.
Certainly the message of Jesus was not about self-aggrandizing. The church has focused on salvation for centuries, and many say the true meaning of his message has been corrupted, misinterpreted, often ignored completely throughout history.
The contentment of a clear conscience is one of the purest forms of hapiness. When we do what is wrong, our conscience confronts us and makes us feel a sense of shame and guilt. Some people do this by adhering to religious or societal rules, other do it by helping others less fortunate than themselves, or just in need. I don�t think it is fair to consider they all think they are martyrs � of course some do � but many do it through their love of fellow man, generosity and humanity in general. Some do it on the back of their religion (missionaries, aid agencies etc) some do it independently of any religion, just out of the common good.
If this brings them a sense of well-being and contentment, then so be it, it may also bring a sense of well-being and contentment to the people they are helping.
Even Jesus himself said 'The poor will always be with us' when Mary Magdelene was concered about washing his feet using an expensive fragrance.
I interpret this as saying that even if you give everything of yourself you will never erradicate the problems in the world and indulging your own needs from time to time isnt a sin.
I interpret this as saying that even if you give everything of yourself you will never erradicate the problems in the world and indulging your own needs from time to time isnt a sin.
Naomi, I think that I have come across as a po faced hermit wearing a hair shirt and sackcloth and ashes. I must have used a poor choice of words.
Either that or you have been having an extended lunch, and washing it down .......
Well, a breakdown in communication.
The bottom line is, I agree with you. Yes, really.
Lourdes?
A guy in a wheelchair was at Lourdes, and his helpers lifted him in his chair and lowered him into the water.
When they lifted him out, a true miracle had occurred, his wheelchair had two new tyres!
Either that or you have been having an extended lunch, and washing it down .......
Well, a breakdown in communication.
The bottom line is, I agree with you. Yes, really.
Lourdes?
A guy in a wheelchair was at Lourdes, and his helpers lifted him in his chair and lowered him into the water.
When they lifted him out, a true miracle had occurred, his wheelchair had two new tyres!
-- answer removed --
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