Posts by Introspection

25

Hi i am new

by rolling rock in

jw
friends

hay all i am new and, just wanted to say hi.... and ask a question... how would i go about talking to my fokes about all the new "truths" that i have learned in the last few months?.

.

chad inactive jw for 9 years now.... thanks

That's a really tricky question, because while you do want to open their eyes you certainly don't want them to get defensive and shut you out, they have stay open or else it's no good in the long run. There is this one guy locally who I am trying to reach ever so gently, but then my approach is rather different.. Personally, I hope to emphasize self-evident truths any reasonable person would agree with as a contrast to what he is no doubt being drilled with at the meetings five times a week. I suppose for me it's a matter of trying to get them to come to certain conclusions so it wouldn't just be a matter of me saying so. It really depends on your folks and your relationship with them though. In any case, being on this board will no doubt give you some ideas. Welcome.

Mark

16

inactive for 5 months...confused!

by babyboo in

jw
friends

a little about me: i'm a 17 yr old femme-i'll be 18 the 30th of this month.

and yes, i'm going to celebrate it.

i haven't celebrated it since i was 6. i have 2 older sisters, an older brother, and a younger brother.

Introspection

Babyboo,

I just want to quickly mention that while there's certainly no shortage of people who are knowledgeable about the bible and discussion of doctrines and such, the thing I enjoy about this board is that there are a lot of basically good hearted people. The thing that comes to mind here is the scripture that says by their fruits you will know them. Anyways, hope to see you around.

Mark

151

Intro's quote-o-rama

by Introspection in

i guess i've been inspired by stephen's quote threads, so i'm going to start one myself.. not one particular author here, just whatever i can find:.

q: why do you think that people are so protective of their egos?

why is it so hard to let go of one's ego?.

Introspection

When you know beyond all doubting that the same life flows through all that is and you are that life, you will love all naturally and spontaneously. When you realize the depth and fullness of your love of yourself, you know that every living being and the entire universe are included in your affection. But when you look at anything as separate from you, you cannot love it for you are afraid of it. Alienation causes fear and fear deepens alienation. It is a vicious circle. Only self-realization can break it. Go for it resolutely.

-Nisargadata

7

Once again, it's me

by Nicolas in

i send you this post because i have a problem with timidity.

i don't know why but, since i'm young, i have this problem.

now, i will try to see a psychologist because i want to find the reason why i have this problem.

Introspection

Hi Nicolas. I used to be pretty timid, I'm still kind of a quiet person but I'm not frightened or fearful in any way, I'm just not pushy. It's funny, but I think seeing some of the hypocrisy among the witnesses snapped me out of it, because I knew it wasn't right. Another thing is I realized it isn't just about what I think as an individual, so in a way it's about humility, which might be a strength you have going for you. People who are self-righteous might be puffed up but I think you show your real strength when you start admitting to yourself there are uncertainties in life. Those people might seem confident, but when their thinking is based on self-delusion it is worth nothing in reality.

But as far as what you can do, I believe that while working with a mental health professional can be beneficial it is also very helpful to educate yourself. I suppose it all depends on the severity and exact nature and cause of your timidness, but maybe brief therapy would be helpful too - it doesn't necessarily mean you have any serious problems if you seek therapy. You can start by looking for a good book by a pro. Unfortunately I can't recommend anything because I never looked into that specific topic, but perhaps some on this board who work as counselors would have something in mind. You might also look on the web, search for reviews etc.

151

Intro's quote-o-rama

by Introspection in

i guess i've been inspired by stephen's quote threads, so i'm going to start one myself.. not one particular author here, just whatever i can find:.

q: why do you think that people are so protective of their egos?

why is it so hard to let go of one's ego?.

Introspection

Now I shall tell you the nature of this absolute Witness. If you recognize it, you will be freed from the bonds of ignorance, and attain liberation.
There is a self-existent Reality, which is the basis of our consciousness of ego. That Reality is the Witness of the states of ego consciousness and of the body. That Reality is the constant Witness in all three states of consciousness--waking, dreaming, and dreamless sleep. It is your real Self. That Reality pervades the universe. It alone shines. The universe shines with Its reflected light.
Its nature is timeless awareness. It knows all things, Witnesses all things, from the ego to the body. It is the Witness of pleasure and pain and the sense-objects. This is your real Self, the Supreme Being, the Ancient. It never ceases to experience infinite release. It is unwavering. It is Spirit itself.

-Shankara

1

Relax without drowsiness

by Introspection in

researchers in japan have discovered an amino acid in green tea which acts as a relaxant without causing drowsiness.

from the october issue of life extension magazine:.

the tranquilizing effects of theanine are not imaginary.

Introspection

Researchers in Japan have discovered an amino acid in green tea which acts as a relaxant without causing drowsiness. From the October issue of Life Extension magazine:

The tranquilizing effects of theanine are not imaginary. Theanine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier of humans and exerts subtle changes in biochemistry. An increase in alpha waves has been documented, and the effect has been compared to getting a massage or taking a hot bath. Theanine is different than kava-kava in that it doesn't cause drowsiness. And unlike tranquilizing drugs, it doesn't interfere with the ability to think. Studies on rodents show just the opposite: theanine enhances the ability to learn and remember. By shutting down the "worry" mode, theanine increases concentration and focuses thought. This is the concept behind the Japanese tea ceremony which causes a person to focus on the moment. Consider this: the risk of mortality for Japanese women who practice tea ceremony is half of other Japanese women. The Japanese are already the longest-lived people on earth.
Theanine is a caffeine antagonist. It does the opposite. Th effects can readily be seen in EEGs of rodents given caffeine, then theanine. One of the things that theanine changes is GABA, a brain chemical known for its calming effect. Theanine increases GABA, while caffeine decreases it. GABA doesn't just relax, it also creates a sense of well-being. Theanine's ability to increase this brain chemical can put you in a better mood by changing biochemistry. Theanine also increases levels of dopamine, another brain chemical with mood-enhancing effects.

16

inactive for 5 months...confused!

by babyboo in

jw
friends

a little about me: i'm a 17 yr old femme-i'll be 18 the 30th of this month.

and yes, i'm going to celebrate it.

i haven't celebrated it since i was 6. i have 2 older sisters, an older brother, and a younger brother.

Introspection

Hi Babyboo,

Technically I'm also inactive, I was never disfellowshipped nor did I disassociate myself, I just left. There is this one guy who's an active witness that I still talk to. But frankly, I have no desire to go back to meetings. I'd imagine that after going for years you'd miss it, but if they people are like that what kind of encouragement can you hope to gain? I was one of those people that never missed a meeting for years, but it took a matter of a couple months for me to stop going. I just couldn't stand being around people with that kind of mindset anymore. Contrary to what they say, many who leave still have a spiritual interest. Hang around for a while, I'm sure you can find people here who are encouraging.

7

And if no after-life, what.......?????

by JW72 in

jw
friends

regarding war and killing and justice:.

i think the problem lies in what people 'believe in'.. if you believe in any kind of after-life, you have a certain safety net that allows you to be extra peaceful and in a sense say 'it doesn't matter if i die because i'll be dying for my faith and i know i'll be reunited with my family'.. but, what about those of us who don't believe in an after-life, this world is all we have.. it is so unfair to expect us to sit back and peacefully protest and die in doing so.. it's all about whether you believe there is more than just this 'system' to look foreward to.

chris

Introspection

People who believe in an afterlife can still live this life fully. I believe Farkel mentioned that his uncle who's a Mormon does kind deeds just for it's own sake? Which also brings up the subject of whether you're doing things for your own gain or others..

21

just wanting to talk to someone...

by airwlk149 in

jw
friends

ok- this isn't going to be very interesting.

just wanting to talk without speaking words.

but i am not talking about the "friend" who is really an issue.

Introspection

Chris,

I was not thinking of your message at all when I wrote that. Remember one of her threads was titled "am I normal?" I was simply speaking of the typical attitude among those who may be critical of her, specifically in her immediate area. She also used the word normal in the first message in this thread.

12

To KILL or Not to KILL?

by Amazing in

jw
friends

a tough question: to kill or not to kill?

this is a very tough question because there can be so many variables, so many views, so many things to consider, so many circumstances, so many beliefs.

do we kill as we do any of this?.

Introspection

I believe a more accurate statement would be that beliefs held religiously is a cause of such senseless violence. A religious institution can encourage it's members to blindly follow or educate and empower them, it depends on the emphasis. Of course, if gaining members is the main motive then the more infantile and manipulable they are the better. However, to say religion is the cause, as if any and all religion as belief systems, many with teachings to the contrary it is the sole cause of such acts just makes no sense.