by Julia Orwell 23 Replies latest jw friends
I want to practice Christianity but I feel I can't just yet as I'll be 'outed' before I'm ready. The spy network will report me to the elders, and that's it, I'm gone before I'm ready. And before my husband is ready.
Can one feel spiritually frustrated? Like you want to follow Jesus but are being stifled?
How about a daily Bible reading - your husband is with you in this? - and discuss the reading together ... perhaps role play in your head in situations "what would Jesus do", and find ways in which you can really act Christ-like instead of JW-like. Being friendly to people, seeing them in a different way.
Are you wishing to attend Church? Perhaps there is an online church you could tune into ... I know little of these things, but there have to be some sincere ministries online.
Hope that is helpful.
xo
tal
First century christians retreated to the catacombs to practice their religion. In monasteries, much of the spiritual aspects are practiced solo. Meditation on your diety can be amazing. Try chanting his name for 15 minutes. Try stating focused on him for 15 minutes. The lengthen it to an hour.
S
You don't need a religion to do that Julia. Why not start by reading the NT in another version to the WTBS one. That will give you lots to think on and pray about.
Loz x
This is spiritual. Reading is mental. There is a difference. Spiritual is altering your mind state from where thought takes place. The idea is to stop thoughts and stay focused on your target, your deity, jesus or god as you view them. Be frustrated, no more!
S
Thanks Satanus, I'll give the meditating thing a go.
I've been comparing translations which is very interesting, but it is more mentally stimulating than spiritual.
'I'll give the meditating thing a go.'
Cool. The idea is to prevent your mind from interjecting things. Merely observe without putting in labels or forcing anything. Stay centered/balanced. If there is something that you don't like, you can bat it aside.
S
So what do you do? Just sit there with your eyes closed and focus on Jesus? I've always been an over-thinker. It will be difficult but useful to shut off the interminable internal monologue for a few minutes.
Sit in a comfortable upright chair. Eyes closed or open, whatever works best for you. When your mind wonders, just bring it back. It takes effort. A quiet place helps. Not being too full or having too much coffee helps.
I started, many yrs ago, focusing on god. I chanted 'god' over and over, the first time, when i was in a pentacostal church. Then, i did the just focusing thing, without using words. I didn't actually find or see god (bible god). But, maybe you will. I saw and found many other things. Meditation helps me w depression, as well. I can often shut off negative thoughts.
S
That is called focused meditation, where you have a target. If that is too hard, you can start w breath meditation. Then, when you have learned it a bit, go back to the object focused one. Practicing one kind at a time is recommended.
S
