12-31-2006, 04:10 PM
Hi, Everybody. :) Are you, ... Languishing and anguishing? ... Hurting and blurting? If you are feeling spiritual pain, of any type, please take a few minutes and read the following.
___________________________________________________________________________
Catharsis: Emotional release. An experience or feeling of spiritual release and purification brought about by an intense emotional experience. [Also, in Psychiatry: The purging of complexes. The process of bringing to the surface repressed emotions, complexes and feelings in an effort to relieve them. Also, the result of this process.]
ALL of us here are--or have been--in various stages of this process. The first empowering tool in dealing with this--or any--issue we face, is RECOGNITION! AWARENESS! Do not deny or run and hide from the process! It is your "Friend"! It is not your "Enemy"!
"Spiritual Catharsis" means that things we have held most dear have suddenly, most unexpectedly, come to be viewed differently by us. This is not a changed condition that we sought or desired. It was thrust upon us without any invitation on our part.
The things we once considered as inviolable and sacred and rock-solid have disappointed us and left us shaken to our core. Therefore, we are in a total quandry. An element of "Panic" and "Paranoia" almost certainly accompanies this process.
WHAT DO I BELIEVE? WHO CAN/SHOULD I TRUST? IS ANYTHING REAL???
These are "normal" reactions to an extremely "abnormal" situation.
WHAT DO WE DO???
First of all,...TAKE A DEEP BREATH! As many as necessary. Actually, deep, conscious, breathing is one of the most relaxing, calm-inducing therapeutic techniques known to mankind. I use it daily.
Next. Understand that "All Is NOT Lost"! It is not the end of one's life or the end of one's world.
It SEEMS worse in the midst of the situation that it will later on.
Next. (Here's the "Biggie") Simply PRAY TO JEHOVAH GOD...INCESSANTLY. Ask for the "peace of God." Ask for contentment. Ask for CLARITY. Ask for understanding and guidance.
Go about your business of seeking truthful answers...SLOWLY! Be patient and gentle with yourself. When you discover an "Answer" that you are completely sure of,...it will open up a whole new series of "Questions" for you, anyway! BR has a great expression for it: MAKE HASTE...SLOWLY!
Anyway, maybe this is sufficient "Food For Thought" on this topic for "Openers."
Know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Know that YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS! Better. Stronger. More sure of your faith and your God than ever before. I'm not fond of quoting Nietzsche. (He's the one credited with originating the "God Is Dead" slogan, you know.) But, in this instance, I must.
He ALSO said: "That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger"!
Try not to panic. Rely on Jehovah COMPLETELY. One baby-step at a time.
___________________________________________________________________________
Emotional Attachment. ---- The "Vested Interest" Syndrome. --- Issues. ---- Diss- You's.
I believe all of the things I'm about to say, have been said more than once on this DB, previously. At the risk of boring you with redundancy, I'm gonna say 'em again.
Emotional Attachment. One of the most difficult aspects of any person's "Spiritual Catharsis," is the "Emotional Attachment," which has been developed to the "Religion," which one has come to consider as vital and indispensable. This is a very strong bond. Very reminiscent of a chain, or stocks, such as might be worn by a prisoner or a slave. It is the ultimate form of "Dependency." Actually, to be a bit more accurate, "Co-Dependency."
Remedy: Be gentle and patient with oneself, as one comes to grips with the reality of the situation, and, s-l-o-w-l-y, extracts oneself from the enslaving, imprisoning, entity.
***************
The "Vested Interest" Syndrome. Have you ever conducted a Bible study with someone, -- let's say, a Catholic person, -- whose entire family for countless generations have been, ... Catholic? Have you watched them grapple with the enormously-difficult challenges of [1] finding the humility to admit that their way of worship for their entire life has been full of serious defects; and [2] realizing that, for them to make meaningful changes in their way of worship will carry a tremendous price in terms of ostracism, shame, and ridicule, from their close and extended family? [Substitute "Watchtower Religion," for "Catholic," if you wish.]
Remedy: Be gentle and patient with oneself, as one comes to grips with the reality of the situation, and, s-l-o-w-l-y, extracts oneself, and begins to make appropriate changes in one's thinking and course of action.
***************
Issues. Sometimes our own personal issues, which we may be struggling against, can prompt us to over-react, or react inappropriately, to another, as they struggle through THEIR own "Spiritual Catharsis." This would amount to an un-loving and un-kind demonstration on our part toward the other person in question. This would amount to our failing to grant the other person the time and the space to "come to grips," with their own issues, at their own pace. We do well to remember that each one of us is on an individual "journey." Many similarities. Yet, distinct differences. We are at different places. We move at different paces. We must cope with differing remaining traces.
Remedy: "Love is long-suffering and kind. Love ... does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5.) We do well to remember that TRUTH will not be defeated. It will see to its own triumph. We need not fear that truth will be squelched. That just isn't going to happen.
***************
Diss- You's. In our eagerness to defend the cause of truth (the truth, as WE presently perceive it), we may, without taking the time to pause and pray, launch into an attack upon another who speaks in a way that isn't resonant with our own feelings. The way the other person speaks and reasons may produce dissonance for us, indignation. We feel a need to "set matters straight." Thus, before we know it, we have spoken hastily and disrespectfully toward another. How do I know this? Because, I have been guilty of this very thing, in the past. So, I certainly know whereof I speak.
Remedy: If we truly believe someone is completely out of line with what they are saying, and/or how they are saying it, ...
[1] Why not communicate that to them, LOVINGLY, in a Private Message???
[2] Worst-Case Scenario: Use the "Report" function at the bottom of each post.
______________________________
"By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."--John 13:35.
___________________________________________________________________________
Recoil. -- Part I. When we are first able to come to grips with the unpleasant reality that our religious organization may not be all that we had imagined it to be, the "natural" reaction is to recoil in horror. Shocked disbelief. "This simply cannot be." (Denial.) Many stay in "denial," for quite some time. There is "unfocused anger" associated with denial, which usually manifests itself in unreasoning defenses of untenable positions, doctrine, organizational policies, actions, etc. The voice deep within us is screaming, "Please let it NOT be true." Therefore, the "anger," is likely to be displayed toward anyone and everyone with whom we come into contact. We may go to any lengths of specious reasoning, mindless assertions, red-herring blame-deflection, and simply refuse to exercise a "sound mind," or, use our "powers of reason" properly and fully. For a time. It happens.
Recoil. -- Part II. Then, when we are finally able to ACCEPT the true nature of the reality, the next thing that happens puts us in a very precarious position. We begin to reason, ... "All right. If they are wrong about this, are they wrong about everything? What about this? What about that?" ... It IS good to re-examine everything. The danger lies when we approach such re-examination with a predisposition to "show up" those whom we had formerly revered. Now, the "anger," is very different. It is focused like a laser beam toward that which we formerly adored. (Worshipped???) Firing a rifle or shotgun launches a projectile at great speed in a forward direction, but also produces a "kick" back against your shoulder. Novices usually come away bruised from this experience. That kick is the "recoil." You have just been lauched forward, spiritually, with great momentum. And, you have just experienced recoil. Don't let the recoil break you. Maintain a calm objectivity in your process of re-examination and re-evaluation. Try to set aside any malice or vehemence toward what you had formerly considered your "pipeline to God." You are simply looking for facts and Scriptural support. Nothing more, nothing less. You are simply a "Truth-Seeker." "Let anger alone and leave rage."--Psalms 37:8.
"First do no harm." Widely recognized as the medical Hippocratic Oath. (Not to be confused with any Hypocritic Oath, such as, "You will listen to us unquestioningly, and obey whatever we tell you.") These four words can prevent us from inflicting much unnecessary damage to ourselves and others. Pray. Ponder. Evaluate, internally. Use your senses to "take it all in." Use your mouth (or, your keyboard) to "let it out," only very cautiously and discreetly.
Well, maybe that's enough for now. Folks, I'm here to tell you, ... This Spiritual Catharsis is mighty rough stuff.
Be gentle with yourself. Go slow. Take it easy. One baby-step at a time.
___________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual Catharsis: A Brave and Solitary Sojourn.
She rehearses and rehearses in her heart. Her stomach lurches.
She tells herself, 'I did find out things not found in most churches.'
She tells herself, 'I thought I did, "make sure of what is fine." '
And, now, she tells herself, 'I'd only learned to "toe the line." '
Abdicating her responsibility to verify things.
A 'Channel,' told her they were so 'Discreet,' and did decry things.
'You only need assimilate the "food," which we will give you.'
'Authenticate it for yourself? A crime! We'll not forgive you!'
She asks herself, 'Where will I go?' But, wait. That's the wrong question.
Not, "Where?" But, "To WHOM?" would one go??? (It's merely a suggestion.)
To, Jesus? Could it be so simple? He, of 'kindly yoke'?
The one who promised a 'light load,' assuring, it's no joke?
'Religion,' has accustomed her to running on a treadmill.
With, 'Guilt,' and, 'Fear,' and, 'Shame,' -- she simply overflows with, 'Dread,' still.
A hamster on a wheel that never slows and never stops.
Conditioned, well, with, 'Terror,' of those Watchtower 'shunning,' chops.
'Catharsis,' takes her forward for a step or two, but, then, ...
She panics, feeling in free-fall, and slips right back, again.
'Catharsis,' -- spiritual, -- is a process which takes time.
And, yet, it's leading her to 'peace of God,' truly sublime.
___________________________________________________________________________
Denial.
As the saying goes, ----> "It ain't just a river in Egypt."
If people knew they had a choice, they would not live in, "Denial."
If people knew what existed beyond "Denial," they would not remain in, "Denial."
Generally speaking, people remain in, "Denial," because it has become, "Familiar."
Denial protects one from the frightening, "Unknown."
"I'll stay with the 'Devil,' I know, rather than chance the 'Devil' I don't know."
It takes great, "Courage," to move past, -- out of, -- "Denial."
That makes sense, since, "Courage," is the opposite of the "Fear," which keeps one imprisoned in, "Denial."
The Bark Of The Tree. ---- The Onion.
Many are quite familiar with these illustrations, I am sure.
If the bark of a tree is ripped away, suddenly, violently, the tree is subject to attack and disease; the tree is left in a precarious, vulnerable, condition.
Likewise, with, "Denial." A person cannot safely throw off all of the protective outer "bark," at one time. This must take place gradually, in order for the person to progress and grow more healthy.
The hard and thick "bark," of "Denial," which may have surrounded us, throughout much (or, all) of our life, has kept us alive. It has sheltered and shielded us from that which we may not have been ready for, up until now. It is good to be gentle with oneself, as one is moving out from, "Denial." Go slowly. Be nurturing and reassuring to yourself.
In the end, the tortoise will do much better than the hare, in exiting, "Denial."
The Onion. When do we all get to say we are completely free of any taint of "Denial"?
Somewhere near the end of the Millenium, perhaps.
Yes, we are all the product of, maybe, 200 or more generations of cumulative inherited, "Dysfunction."
The human family IS a dysfunctional family. (!!!)
So, in terms of, "Denial-Escape," ... there are no graduates. We move forward. But, there is always further progress to be made. As with the onion, if we can delicately peel back the thinnest possible layers, one at a time, we will discover new awarenesses within ourselves. What will be revealed will be new awarenesses about ourselves.
You've heard it described as a journey of, "Self-Discovery"? As trite as it may sound, that is exactly what it is.
Moving from, "Denial," is moving into, "Self-Discovery."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving out of, -- away from, -- "Dysfunction."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, "Authenticism."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, "Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, ... "True Worship."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, ... "Genuine Spirituality."
Buried deep within each and every one of us is the spark and the power to, ...
Journey forward, past, "Denial."
Happy sojourning.
___________________________________________________________________________
So, when does one begin their process of, "Spiritual Catharsis"? What launches it? What, if anything(s), can catalyze (or, accelerate) it?
I dare say, most of us, here, are underway, and all at different junctures, in our own personal, "Spiritual Catharsis," aren't we? No two journeys are alike. And, yet, all will be just fine. All will end up, together, at journey's end.
In the last earlier post (just above), we talked about, "Dysfunction," and "Denial." ... A person cannot really begin a meaningful forward movement toward spiritual health and emotional well-being, unless and until these Great Inhibitors, are recognized, addressed, and dealt with.
(Perhaps, see the post concerning, ... "Awareness, ... Acceptance, ... Action," ... in the, "Mixed Messages," thread.)
Religiosity breeds deep, "Dependence." More accurately stated, ... "Co-dependence."
The reasons why a person might find themself so entrapped, are many and complex. But, they all have to do with a lack of mental/emotional soundness. Soundness of mind is, -- to an extent, at least, -- absent. As a result, their perceptions are skewed. They frequently project their own inner misery onto the world and people outside of them.
Constantly needing to be concerned with 'everyone else,' -- what are they doing? ...why? ...how? ...etc. -- is a red flag that a person is trapped in extreme dysfunction.
"We constantly obsess with the shortcomings of others and our deep-seated compulsion to 'fix' them, as a way of avoiding focusing on our own unresolved issues and misery." (From a rather basic 'Recovery,' publication.)
How does a person, so afflicted, move forward?
Step One: ADMIT the reality of the situation. Acknowledge one's own utter powerlessness over the situation. Surrender, completely, in total, honest, heart-felt humility to the God of all comfort, who is also the God offering Recovery to all of us.
With that Surrender, ... that Admission, ... that Acknowledgement, ... the door swings open to permit wonderful things to begin to happen within a person.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was posted earlier on other Discussion Boards. I am only bringing it over here, for future reference on the part of any who may find it useful.
Much LOVE to ALL! :D isomam
___________________________________________________________________________
Catharsis: Emotional release. An experience or feeling of spiritual release and purification brought about by an intense emotional experience. [Also, in Psychiatry: The purging of complexes. The process of bringing to the surface repressed emotions, complexes and feelings in an effort to relieve them. Also, the result of this process.]
ALL of us here are--or have been--in various stages of this process. The first empowering tool in dealing with this--or any--issue we face, is RECOGNITION! AWARENESS! Do not deny or run and hide from the process! It is your "Friend"! It is not your "Enemy"!
"Spiritual Catharsis" means that things we have held most dear have suddenly, most unexpectedly, come to be viewed differently by us. This is not a changed condition that we sought or desired. It was thrust upon us without any invitation on our part.
The things we once considered as inviolable and sacred and rock-solid have disappointed us and left us shaken to our core. Therefore, we are in a total quandry. An element of "Panic" and "Paranoia" almost certainly accompanies this process.
WHAT DO I BELIEVE? WHO CAN/SHOULD I TRUST? IS ANYTHING REAL???
These are "normal" reactions to an extremely "abnormal" situation.
WHAT DO WE DO???
First of all,...TAKE A DEEP BREATH! As many as necessary. Actually, deep, conscious, breathing is one of the most relaxing, calm-inducing therapeutic techniques known to mankind. I use it daily.
Next. Understand that "All Is NOT Lost"! It is not the end of one's life or the end of one's world.
It SEEMS worse in the midst of the situation that it will later on.
Next. (Here's the "Biggie") Simply PRAY TO JEHOVAH GOD...INCESSANTLY. Ask for the "peace of God." Ask for contentment. Ask for CLARITY. Ask for understanding and guidance.
Go about your business of seeking truthful answers...SLOWLY! Be patient and gentle with yourself. When you discover an "Answer" that you are completely sure of,...it will open up a whole new series of "Questions" for you, anyway! BR has a great expression for it: MAKE HASTE...SLOWLY!
Anyway, maybe this is sufficient "Food For Thought" on this topic for "Openers."
Know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Know that YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS! Better. Stronger. More sure of your faith and your God than ever before. I'm not fond of quoting Nietzsche. (He's the one credited with originating the "God Is Dead" slogan, you know.) But, in this instance, I must.
He ALSO said: "That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger"!
Try not to panic. Rely on Jehovah COMPLETELY. One baby-step at a time.
___________________________________________________________________________
Emotional Attachment. ---- The "Vested Interest" Syndrome. --- Issues. ---- Diss- You's.
I believe all of the things I'm about to say, have been said more than once on this DB, previously. At the risk of boring you with redundancy, I'm gonna say 'em again.
Emotional Attachment. One of the most difficult aspects of any person's "Spiritual Catharsis," is the "Emotional Attachment," which has been developed to the "Religion," which one has come to consider as vital and indispensable. This is a very strong bond. Very reminiscent of a chain, or stocks, such as might be worn by a prisoner or a slave. It is the ultimate form of "Dependency." Actually, to be a bit more accurate, "Co-Dependency."
Remedy: Be gentle and patient with oneself, as one comes to grips with the reality of the situation, and, s-l-o-w-l-y, extracts oneself from the enslaving, imprisoning, entity.
***************
The "Vested Interest" Syndrome. Have you ever conducted a Bible study with someone, -- let's say, a Catholic person, -- whose entire family for countless generations have been, ... Catholic? Have you watched them grapple with the enormously-difficult challenges of [1] finding the humility to admit that their way of worship for their entire life has been full of serious defects; and [2] realizing that, for them to make meaningful changes in their way of worship will carry a tremendous price in terms of ostracism, shame, and ridicule, from their close and extended family? [Substitute "Watchtower Religion," for "Catholic," if you wish.]
Remedy: Be gentle and patient with oneself, as one comes to grips with the reality of the situation, and, s-l-o-w-l-y, extracts oneself, and begins to make appropriate changes in one's thinking and course of action.
***************
Issues. Sometimes our own personal issues, which we may be struggling against, can prompt us to over-react, or react inappropriately, to another, as they struggle through THEIR own "Spiritual Catharsis." This would amount to an un-loving and un-kind demonstration on our part toward the other person in question. This would amount to our failing to grant the other person the time and the space to "come to grips," with their own issues, at their own pace. We do well to remember that each one of us is on an individual "journey." Many similarities. Yet, distinct differences. We are at different places. We move at different paces. We must cope with differing remaining traces.
Remedy: "Love is long-suffering and kind. Love ... does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5.) We do well to remember that TRUTH will not be defeated. It will see to its own triumph. We need not fear that truth will be squelched. That just isn't going to happen.
***************
Diss- You's. In our eagerness to defend the cause of truth (the truth, as WE presently perceive it), we may, without taking the time to pause and pray, launch into an attack upon another who speaks in a way that isn't resonant with our own feelings. The way the other person speaks and reasons may produce dissonance for us, indignation. We feel a need to "set matters straight." Thus, before we know it, we have spoken hastily and disrespectfully toward another. How do I know this? Because, I have been guilty of this very thing, in the past. So, I certainly know whereof I speak.
Remedy: If we truly believe someone is completely out of line with what they are saying, and/or how they are saying it, ...
[1] Why not communicate that to them, LOVINGLY, in a Private Message???
[2] Worst-Case Scenario: Use the "Report" function at the bottom of each post.
______________________________
"By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."--John 13:35.
___________________________________________________________________________
Recoil. -- Part I. When we are first able to come to grips with the unpleasant reality that our religious organization may not be all that we had imagined it to be, the "natural" reaction is to recoil in horror. Shocked disbelief. "This simply cannot be." (Denial.) Many stay in "denial," for quite some time. There is "unfocused anger" associated with denial, which usually manifests itself in unreasoning defenses of untenable positions, doctrine, organizational policies, actions, etc. The voice deep within us is screaming, "Please let it NOT be true." Therefore, the "anger," is likely to be displayed toward anyone and everyone with whom we come into contact. We may go to any lengths of specious reasoning, mindless assertions, red-herring blame-deflection, and simply refuse to exercise a "sound mind," or, use our "powers of reason" properly and fully. For a time. It happens.
Recoil. -- Part II. Then, when we are finally able to ACCEPT the true nature of the reality, the next thing that happens puts us in a very precarious position. We begin to reason, ... "All right. If they are wrong about this, are they wrong about everything? What about this? What about that?" ... It IS good to re-examine everything. The danger lies when we approach such re-examination with a predisposition to "show up" those whom we had formerly revered. Now, the "anger," is very different. It is focused like a laser beam toward that which we formerly adored. (Worshipped???) Firing a rifle or shotgun launches a projectile at great speed in a forward direction, but also produces a "kick" back against your shoulder. Novices usually come away bruised from this experience. That kick is the "recoil." You have just been lauched forward, spiritually, with great momentum. And, you have just experienced recoil. Don't let the recoil break you. Maintain a calm objectivity in your process of re-examination and re-evaluation. Try to set aside any malice or vehemence toward what you had formerly considered your "pipeline to God." You are simply looking for facts and Scriptural support. Nothing more, nothing less. You are simply a "Truth-Seeker." "Let anger alone and leave rage."--Psalms 37:8.
"First do no harm." Widely recognized as the medical Hippocratic Oath. (Not to be confused with any Hypocritic Oath, such as, "You will listen to us unquestioningly, and obey whatever we tell you.") These four words can prevent us from inflicting much unnecessary damage to ourselves and others. Pray. Ponder. Evaluate, internally. Use your senses to "take it all in." Use your mouth (or, your keyboard) to "let it out," only very cautiously and discreetly.
Well, maybe that's enough for now. Folks, I'm here to tell you, ... This Spiritual Catharsis is mighty rough stuff.
Be gentle with yourself. Go slow. Take it easy. One baby-step at a time.
___________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual Catharsis: A Brave and Solitary Sojourn.
She rehearses and rehearses in her heart. Her stomach lurches.
She tells herself, 'I did find out things not found in most churches.'
She tells herself, 'I thought I did, "make sure of what is fine." '
And, now, she tells herself, 'I'd only learned to "toe the line." '
Abdicating her responsibility to verify things.
A 'Channel,' told her they were so 'Discreet,' and did decry things.
'You only need assimilate the "food," which we will give you.'
'Authenticate it for yourself? A crime! We'll not forgive you!'
She asks herself, 'Where will I go?' But, wait. That's the wrong question.
Not, "Where?" But, "To WHOM?" would one go??? (It's merely a suggestion.)
To, Jesus? Could it be so simple? He, of 'kindly yoke'?
The one who promised a 'light load,' assuring, it's no joke?
'Religion,' has accustomed her to running on a treadmill.
With, 'Guilt,' and, 'Fear,' and, 'Shame,' -- she simply overflows with, 'Dread,' still.
A hamster on a wheel that never slows and never stops.
Conditioned, well, with, 'Terror,' of those Watchtower 'shunning,' chops.
'Catharsis,' takes her forward for a step or two, but, then, ...
She panics, feeling in free-fall, and slips right back, again.
'Catharsis,' -- spiritual, -- is a process which takes time.
And, yet, it's leading her to 'peace of God,' truly sublime.
___________________________________________________________________________
Denial.
As the saying goes, ----> "It ain't just a river in Egypt."
If people knew they had a choice, they would not live in, "Denial."
If people knew what existed beyond "Denial," they would not remain in, "Denial."
Generally speaking, people remain in, "Denial," because it has become, "Familiar."
Denial protects one from the frightening, "Unknown."
"I'll stay with the 'Devil,' I know, rather than chance the 'Devil' I don't know."
It takes great, "Courage," to move past, -- out of, -- "Denial."
That makes sense, since, "Courage," is the opposite of the "Fear," which keeps one imprisoned in, "Denial."
The Bark Of The Tree. ---- The Onion.
Many are quite familiar with these illustrations, I am sure.
If the bark of a tree is ripped away, suddenly, violently, the tree is subject to attack and disease; the tree is left in a precarious, vulnerable, condition.
Likewise, with, "Denial." A person cannot safely throw off all of the protective outer "bark," at one time. This must take place gradually, in order for the person to progress and grow more healthy.
The hard and thick "bark," of "Denial," which may have surrounded us, throughout much (or, all) of our life, has kept us alive. It has sheltered and shielded us from that which we may not have been ready for, up until now. It is good to be gentle with oneself, as one is moving out from, "Denial." Go slowly. Be nurturing and reassuring to yourself.
In the end, the tortoise will do much better than the hare, in exiting, "Denial."
The Onion. When do we all get to say we are completely free of any taint of "Denial"?
Somewhere near the end of the Millenium, perhaps.
Yes, we are all the product of, maybe, 200 or more generations of cumulative inherited, "Dysfunction."
The human family IS a dysfunctional family. (!!!)
So, in terms of, "Denial-Escape," ... there are no graduates. We move forward. But, there is always further progress to be made. As with the onion, if we can delicately peel back the thinnest possible layers, one at a time, we will discover new awarenesses within ourselves. What will be revealed will be new awarenesses about ourselves.
You've heard it described as a journey of, "Self-Discovery"? As trite as it may sound, that is exactly what it is.
Moving from, "Denial," is moving into, "Self-Discovery."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving out of, -- away from, -- "Dysfunction."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, "Authenticism."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, "Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, ... "True Worship."
Moving from, "Denial," is moving toward, ... "Genuine Spirituality."
Buried deep within each and every one of us is the spark and the power to, ...
Journey forward, past, "Denial."
Happy sojourning.
___________________________________________________________________________
So, when does one begin their process of, "Spiritual Catharsis"? What launches it? What, if anything(s), can catalyze (or, accelerate) it?
I dare say, most of us, here, are underway, and all at different junctures, in our own personal, "Spiritual Catharsis," aren't we? No two journeys are alike. And, yet, all will be just fine. All will end up, together, at journey's end.
In the last earlier post (just above), we talked about, "Dysfunction," and "Denial." ... A person cannot really begin a meaningful forward movement toward spiritual health and emotional well-being, unless and until these Great Inhibitors, are recognized, addressed, and dealt with.
(Perhaps, see the post concerning, ... "Awareness, ... Acceptance, ... Action," ... in the, "Mixed Messages," thread.)
Religiosity breeds deep, "Dependence." More accurately stated, ... "Co-dependence."
The reasons why a person might find themself so entrapped, are many and complex. But, they all have to do with a lack of mental/emotional soundness. Soundness of mind is, -- to an extent, at least, -- absent. As a result, their perceptions are skewed. They frequently project their own inner misery onto the world and people outside of them.
Constantly needing to be concerned with 'everyone else,' -- what are they doing? ...why? ...how? ...etc. -- is a red flag that a person is trapped in extreme dysfunction.
"We constantly obsess with the shortcomings of others and our deep-seated compulsion to 'fix' them, as a way of avoiding focusing on our own unresolved issues and misery." (From a rather basic 'Recovery,' publication.)
How does a person, so afflicted, move forward?
Step One: ADMIT the reality of the situation. Acknowledge one's own utter powerlessness over the situation. Surrender, completely, in total, honest, heart-felt humility to the God of all comfort, who is also the God offering Recovery to all of us.
With that Surrender, ... that Admission, ... that Acknowledgement, ... the door swings open to permit wonderful things to begin to happen within a person.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was posted earlier on other Discussion Boards. I am only bringing it over here, for future reference on the part of any who may find it useful.
Much LOVE to ALL! :D isomam