I am trying to find spirituality within myself. I am searching for something to believe in that is more than just the beliefs itself. I was raised Catholic and am now so turned off by any Christian religion. It is all too formal to me. I don't feel it in my heart, soul and mind. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I just feel lost and don't know where to turn. Thank you. Serious, respectful answers only please.
2007-10-10 06:53:16 · 11 answers · asked by katie 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
read Eckhart? Tolle
2007-10-10 07:01:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spirituality is a journey, not a destination. You seem to know, at this point in your life, that the Catholic teachings you grew up with are not necessarily the ones that will see you through the rest of your days.
My only suggestion for you is to search. Actively and deliberately. Read everything of a religious or spiritual nature that interests you. Ask questions and truly listen to the answers others give.
Above all, don't give up. Take your time to explore, to search, and to find that thing that echoes true in your heart. There are no easy answers or shortcuts, but there is always support (sometimes where you don't expect it) along your journey.
2007-10-10 14:12:38 · answer #2 · answered by shewolf_magic 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I highly recommend reading the Tao Te Ching. Link below, it isn't very long. I like Taoism because it is very gentle, open, tolerant, non-administrative, and values wisdom and compassion.
You're at the beginning of a spiritual journey. Don't worry about the lost feeling. You aren't lost. You're just in a place you've never been before.
Look around, follow your heart - it knows the way. Let it be your guide.
Edit: another good read is Conversations with God by Neale Walsch. Volume 1. I didn't care for or entirely agree with the other volumes, but I liked the ideas in the first one.
2007-10-10 14:11:20 · answer #3 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just enjoy your life and don't worry about it so much! Do what you FEEL in your heart. You don't need to go to church, or be a PART of ANY religion in order to feel spiritual! Its Inside you. There really are no truths to spirituality, it comes from within! And don't let the Catholics or ANY other religious fanatic make you feel bad about not being Catholic anymore, because that's what they were taught to believe and say.
2007-10-10 13:58:13 · answer #4 · answered by Triple Threat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is so un-coincidental that you are asking what I was thinking on the way to work this morning. I was pondering how to tell someone who feels apart from God...how to really find Him.
Here is my suggestion....without adding in all the rituals...forgive someone. And I dont mean forgive and toss them away. Forgive..and forgive repeatedly, till it literally sickens you to do it. Forgiving and restoring a person who has offended you is the single most, selfless thing that a human being can do...and I believe...is the one thing that will draw you closest to God. Why? Because in forgiving someone..who doesnt deserve it...you begin to understand the unfathomable amount of love...it would have taken Jesus..to forgive us for denying Him.
I was saved for about 10 years without 'feeling' God in my heart, soul and mind. Why? Because I never allowed myself to 'hurt' long enough to need Him. I would run from pain, via 'my next boyfriend', or the next margarita or the next party...whatever could dull my senses and take my mind off of my trouble. Until you can understand the pain of Paul asking God to 'remove the thorn' and God's answer that His Grace...was sufficient-then you can never really understand who God is..what He did for you..and why you should love Him...beyond the priests and the prayers and the offering and and the sermons.
2007-10-10 14:07:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I am trying to find spirituality within myself.", why? Why rush to replace one set of beliefs with another. The questions of why and how are big ones. It is OK to say, "I don't know.".
Maybe there is a faith that will fill your needs, but please take your time, ask yourself what is you believe and why. You don't need to have the answers right now. The desire to look for them will be enough.
Good luck my friend. It is not an easy thing to do, the consideration of ones own thoughts.
2007-10-10 14:04:32 · answer #6 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read all you can find, on all religions. Take quite time for prayer and meditation. Get away if you can, so you can spend time in your own head and think.
2007-10-10 13:58:06 · answer #7 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look within...find out who you really are. Most spirituality can be summed up as "know thyself". Meditate, contemplate, etc...but be curious about yourself and dive deep.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-10-10 14:04:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
keep reading untill you find something that seems to fit. If you find nothing, then believe what you will. You do not have to be a part of any herd to be spiritual.
2007-10-10 14:02:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Check out other religions on religioustolerance.org
Even if you don't find one that suits you, a little knowledge never hurts!
Good luck on your journey.
2007-10-10 14:15:18 · answer #10 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋