Self Philosophy Development

[mrs_dragon]

Hey all

Comments

[tcpip]

Blaise Pascal discussed this in a rather harshly titled essay, "The Misery of Man Without God". Although non-theistic myself, I certainly understand where he was coming from. Developing a sense of wonder with the natural universe, deep solidarity with others and critical reflection of the self are paths which can provide the sort of foundation that I think you're seeking.

Hope this helps.

[mrs_dragon]

Thanks for the insight, that sounds like a great start. I'll have to give it a read. : )

[amyww]

I've been trying to figure that out my whole life. And the only true thing I've found is that the answer for me changes

[mrs_dragon]

Thank you for your thoughts! You've given me a lot to mull over. : )

[aiwendel]

I cobble from anywhere and everywhere, Christianity, Buddhism, Nature, Paga/wiccan stuff, self help books, any other religions/ spiritual speakers/ books or poetry that say anything meaningful that seems helpful

[mrs_dragon]

Thank you for your thoughts!

I cobble from anywhere and everywhere, Christianity, Buddhism, Nature, Paga/wiccan stuff, self help books, any other religions/ spiritual speakers/ books or poetry that say anything meaningful that seems helpful.
How do you ensure that the result is cohesive? Do you go by a gut feel or do you have a more methodical way to collecting/sifting?

I am learning to be patient and kind to myself; having reserved the worst judgement and criticisms for me before and learnt the hard way being unkind to myself does not help me to be a better person, just a small hurt needy one

This is so hard and a lesson I am currently trying to absorb.

[aiwendel]

cohesive... hmm I'm not sure it is; well except it must be. I guess I must have some innate 'do no harm, be good to others and the planet' sort of philosophy and I judge whether things fit into that and analyse whether a rule is relvant or meaningful in todays world and in my life and try to figure out WHY the text says what it does, judge what the good and bad of it is if you do/don't follow it. And to be honest this gets a high percentage discarded. I have to understand the point before going along with something I guess.

hmm
You're making me think - thank you!

[mrs_dragon]

Thank you! That sounds very logical and balanced. : )

[cairech]

I believe in "cobbling together" your own belief system. To put it another way, I believe that religion should be a creative experience.

We seek the truth, our own truths, and adhere to them as best we can. Sometimes these truths pounce on us, sometimes we track them down, some are handed to us. This is true even for people who do follow a prescribed faith.

[mrs_dragon]

I believe that religion should be a creative experience.

That is a very eye opening observation. Thank you.