  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Kit of House Lannister  
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Are you set in your views? Or do you keep on wondering? This week's Spiritual Newsletter is all about questioning minds...
kittiara |
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Thinking back on my last few Newsletters, I realize that some of them may have been slightly controversial in nature. I do apologize for this. I have a questioning mind, and a tendency to write about whatever is going around in my head at that very moment. This could be anything, from nice and fluffy topics to an internal debate about whether or not big business has a strong influence on our perceptions and the way we live our lives (don’t worry, I will spare you that one!).
My great-aunt (may she rest in peace) was a lady who was very set in her ways. She was also extremely set in her views, which meant that she didn’t approve of me very often. She wasn’t happy with me when I was a child and asked such questions about what was outside the universe if it’s ever expanding, and where God comes from. She also wasn’t impressed with me when I grew up, because she was very certain that a woman should get married, stay at home, look after the place and do as she is told. For some odd reason that lifestyle didn’t appeal to me very much.
I think that as children our perceived realities change all the time. Most children will ask an endless stream of “whys”. It helps them make sense of the world around them, and it helps to shape their perceptions and beliefs. Children are very adaptable, fitting together the pieces of the puzzle, but it seems that there’s always room for one more piece if needs be.
As adults, perhaps we stop questioning things to a certain extent. Life has helped us form a set of opinions and beliefs, and it’s quite easy to stick to those. This is true for some people more than others. I know people who are extremely set in their ways and I know people, amongst them quite a few artists, who keep on questioning just like I do.
I do think questioning things is an important part of spiritual growth. This applies to religious people as well as those on other paths. For example, there are many ways to interpret Bible texts for those who aim to live in accordance to those texts. The reader needs to work out for themselves how the words were meant and how to apply them to their every day life.
I fully admit that I’m not really a Bible-reading person, and if you are a regular reader of this Newsletter, you will know that I’m very much in search still for the correct path for me. My questioning mind doesn’t stop there, however – it questions the words and actions of politicians, news stories and the world around me in general.
Don’t worry; I am not a tinfoil hat wearer. And I do admit that I am very certain about some things, from my firm belief that all people are equal to my definite dislike of asparagus. I’m pretty sure I won’t ever change my mind about that!
I feel that it’s good to question. It helps us learn, it helps us grow as people, it helps us as writers. It does have its downsides, though. Like right now, when I am typing this Newsletter in the middle of the night because I couldn’t sleep… wondering and, yes, questioning.
kittiara |
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The Spiritual Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! 
~~~
I might be here, now.  - Another uplifting Newsletter, Kit. 
I believe that teaching by example is the simplest way to grab attention to faith and personal beliefs. Trying to pound beliefs into one's brain can yield an opposite reaction.
What has been gained by that? Nothing!
Keep up the good work!
WW
Thank you so much for your uplifting words and your encouragement! I always wonder what the response will be to my Newsletters (and sometimes I dread finding out  ), so your kind words are definitely appreciated!
~~~
sarahreed - I agree that we should be positive and kind people; actions do speak louder than words. My husband and I don't agree on many aspects of religion, but we both try to be kind and helpful to others, following basic principles that we do agree on and we're generally happy people.
It sounds like you and your husband have found a wonderful balance! I know that this is not always easy, and it's certainly worthy of respect!
~~~
Ashworth  - Thank you for an informative and intelligently thought out article. Finding a balance seems key to being comfortable with one's own beliefs while being interested in those of others. My own personal relatonship with The Almighty is not threatened by conflicting views of others, however vehement their condemnation. At the end of the day, I believe all major religions preach the same basic message, which is simply to treat others as you would wish yourself to be treated by them. It's all too easy to get bogged down by dogma and tradition, and lose sight of the real goals. Our personal beliefs should help us extend kindness to all peoples of faith, and otherwise. Who can say for sure how many ways God has chosen to reveal Himself to the world population?
Thank you very much for writing in! I fully agree with you . Indeed, who can say? We do not know His ways, we can only wonder, and try our very best in life.
~~~
Quick-Quill  - I am in so much agreement with this newsletter. I was almost going to stop it, but I have had renewed vision in the last two. People who put their views on a blog or public "social network" (I liked that) are subject to being rediculed, endorsed, and/or critizied. Be careful when posting your beliefs to the public. Not everyone will agree, some like to argue and have no compunction to set the person up to fail in their ideals. Be confident, be sure in your faith, but Never, Never argue or try to change a mind set in concrete. If someone bashes your ideal, be respectful, your answer will be read by millions who pass by your page. What are you telling them both spiritually and politcally? I will never change my doctrinal beliefs, but I am open to views that may change the way I present them. Anxious for next month's offering.
Thank you so much for your kind and wise words! I feel honoured that you chose to keep your Newsletter subscription, and I sure hope I won't disappoint you this month!
~~~
fleckgirl - Thanks so much for a wonderfully put NL Kittiara! I think that it can almost be entertaining to watch some people so zealously support their faith, to the point of making others feel like their belief, if not the same, is wrong. You would think they'd want to encourage a better knowledge of their religion, faith, etc. to help grow their belief in the community, but really I think it turns more people away, when it is boasted out there, almost in fury... Of course that's just my 2 cents. But then again, I tend to keep my thoughts about religion to myself too, except when asked... and well, maybe here since you brought it up! Wink
Thanks again~
Fleck
Well, I am glad you wrote in! I, for one, agree with you, which may not come as a surprise .
~~~
Big Mike 2humble2bragbut... - If a person's faith gives them peace in the midst of turmoil, courage and hope to face all of life's troubles, and the ability to love in ways that yield healthy marriages and other relationships, but they keep that faith to themselves, aren't they being cruel?
Thanks for writing in! I think it's all about the way this faith is shared. Is it done with kindness, and from a genuine desire to help others find this peace and courage? And is it done in a manner that doesn't cause grief or upset? Is it done when the other person has shown a need for this support? In such cases, it can certainly be helpful to share.
On the other hand, when a faith brings happiness to one person, but it's presented to the other person through attacks and unkindness, and this is most likely going to be counter-productive!
Those are just my feelings, of course, and my observations.
~~~
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Spiritual Newsletter Team:
Sophy  , northernwrites, kittiara |
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Spiritual: November 11, 2009 Issue [#3379]
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