---This is a re-post. I was replying to the last posts that you guys made, but this response somehow made it's way back up to being right in the middle of posts made several days ago. I don't know how I managed to do that...still trying to get used to this the new forum format (unsuccessfully). Anyhow, sorry to sound like a broken record, but I brought this down here in case you guys didn't think to re-read the entire thread in search of stray responses (lol)....
DANA:
I've been sort of applying them...mostly I'm just trying to remain aware and figure out how much of it I can accept, what makes sense to me, what works for me, etc. I don't take it seriously in the sense that I'm now a 'follower' LOL coz following is something I don't ever want to do again, but I take it seriously in that I think the insights offer a different perspective into human interaction, one that I find fascinating to explore.
Yes, this is how I feel about it. I'm spiritually seeking...like on some spiritual journey or quest (I guess that sounds cheesy). Although I've lost my faith in the bible, I haven't closed my mind completely to the possibility that there is a higher power, even though tangible evidence is lacking...I feel like I have had "spiritual encounters". No, I haven't seen ghosts or been abducted by aliens (LOL) but there have been times when I have just sensed a presence in my life. And that keeps me, IMO, open to the idea that there may be more out there than just what we can see. The book was so fascinating to me, in that I could relate to a lot of what he was saying. The energy exchanges made sense to me and could explain why, when in certain situations, I react the way I do (and vice versa). I've also realize the unconscious methods that those around me use to manipulate me. Even if it is a work of fiction, there are undoubtably some concepts there that can be applied and learned.
I thought it was funny that you mentioned being a "follower" . I kept thinking the whole time I was reading this book, that it had the potential of leading to some sort of movement..."the celestine movement"...lol. I'm not keen on being a follower ever again either. And I can say with the utmost certainty that I will never be a part of any organized movement, religion, society, etc...ever again. But I felt the book did offer some insightful advice on relationships and human interaction.
I feel sort of apprehensive about going on about the book. [insert Twilight zone music here] I know a lot of folks would find it strange...I know the descriptions of aura's he described freaked me out a bit. That's a little out there for me, but I could definitely see how his insights could help many people, especially when it comes to power struggles and, what you were talking about, codependency. I'm a very independent person, and actually have a tendency to push away (intimate relationships) those who attempt to bend me into submission. The insights dealing with power struggles and things of that nature have helped me the most. I'm married to a control freak (real personality didn't surface until after "I do"). At this point, it's just a matter of keeping my head above water, you know?
My friend (the friend I mentioned earlier) invited me to a Mary Kay party (ugh). I probably should've went anyway, although I really don't care too much for that kind of thing. Some of my really old friends (pre-marriage, pre-jw friends) would've been there...and right now, I need all the support I can get. I feel sort of bad about not going...so, I'll probably call her back next week and try to get together. My husband is really weird about me having any friends (except those he hand-selects), so it's hard to function like a normal person in that capacity. It's like I could go, but I have to deal with his reaction (withdrawn, ignoring me) to it for ever how long it takes for it to wear off. It's more trouble than it is worth to have friends because of having to deal with the way my hub acts about it. whoa...I'm getting too personal here right in the middle of a public forum....
Seriously, if you ever want to talk feel free to email me ([email protected])
You and your friend have a good time....take care....
LITTLE TOE:
I haven't seen you around in a while. I hope life is treating you okay.
One question: Are you married? LOL...just kidding...but seriously, I always love your posts. They are so passionate and wise.
I have never been outside of my state (Georgia) and the surrounding states (NC, SC, Tenn, FL, AL). I know, it's sad (I feel a "poor me" drama coming on) but, fortunate for me, I live in the NE Ga mountains. And it is magnificiently beautiful here, especially this time of year. I envy you, that you have seen first hand the way others in other parts of our world have to live. I wish I could say, from experience, that I have seen that, but I haven't. I have heard and read about things such as you are talking about but never seen it with my own two eyes. I once had a friend who had traveled to Jamaica (I think it was Jamaica...I may be wrong) and had said that most of the houses had dirt floors, no running water, etc. He had mentioned having met a man who had no legs, who would carried himself by walking on his hands. He said this was one of the happiest people he had ever met and that everyone he met there seemed happy and content....and never had he heard the statement "No problem" so much in his life. We do take so much for granted. I do feel that I am very appreciative of everything. Although, I do catch myself complaining (a lot).
The biggest lesson, that I believe it taught me?
Contentment with little, and appreciation of anything I might be lucky enough to have.
Our lives are short enough, in this world (a man of 50, in that part of Africa, was considered ancient), without stressing over things beyond our control, and being unappreciative when we "have" something.
I treasure the little things, cameos of life, shared moments, lives touched, a smile, a blush, a sunset, the green of a blade of grass.
Beauty is all around us, if we would but perceive it. It can enhance our lives.
Wow! If we could all learn that and really comprehend what it means to have something. Putting in perspective the things that are really important and really makes life worth living, is sometimes the hardest thing to do. I have a hard time with "stressing over things that are beyond my control". But perhaps one day, I'll nip that in the bud. Allowing yourself to absorb the beauty around you and appreciate the little things; things as simple as the air you are breathing...these are things that make life more complete.
I think that books like this can help us reappraise certain things like that, and help stir up moments of appreciation.
It's only a book, it's only fiction, it's only...
...it's only another example of something that may touch your life for the better, if you can be perceptive enough to take the good out of it that may enrich your experience.
Couldn't have said it better myself....
Take care!!!
Sadie
