Kind of depressed

[Sand Dancer]

I have not generally been a depressed person, but lately there are a couple of issues that are really making me down. One is my continuing search for a spirituality, especially one where I can find like-minded people. The other is that, while I have many acquaintances, I have few friends where I live. Everyone seems so cliquey, or all they want to do is drink and eat in loud venues. These are older ladies and they are still into loud music, etc. I am a friendly and positive person but insecure, so maybe people sense that. Also, I am politically a centrist and am not interested in mainstream Christianity, as I believe in reincarnation and Jesus as a role model, not a god. Any suggestions?

 

[crossfire]

I have not generally been a depressed person, but lately there are a couple of issues that are really making me down. One is my continuing search for a spirituality, especially one where I can find like-minded people. The other is that, while I have many acquaintances, I have few friends where I live. Everyone seems so cliquey, or all they want to do is drink and eat in loud venues. These are older ladies and they are still into loud music, etc. I am a friendly and positive person but insecure, so maybe people sense that. Also, I am politically a centrist and am not interested in mainstream Christianity, as I believe in reincarnation and Jesus as a role model, not a god. Any suggestions?

Are there any liberal Quakers in your area?

 

[Eddi]

I have not generally been a depressed person, but lately there are a couple of issues that are really making me down. One is my continuing search for a spirituality, especially one where I can find like-minded people. The other is that, while I have many acquaintances, I have few friends where I live. Everyone seems so cliquey, or all they want to do is drink and eat in loud venues. These are older ladies and they are still into loud music, etc. I am a friendly and positive person but insecure, so maybe people sense that. Also, I am politically a centrist and am not interested in mainstream Christianity, as I believe in reincarnation and Jesus as a role model, not a god. Any suggestions?

Have you ever looked into Unitarianism?

I used to be one of those but ultimately found it unfulfilling

I think it can be good for others though

At the very beginning of my involvement with them I considered it a perfect fit, but eventually grew out of it

 

[metis]

Also, I am politically a centrist and am not interested in mainstream Christianity, as I believe in reincarnation and Jesus as a role model, not a god. Any suggestions?

Enlightenment can take time, so please have patience.

Are there any liberal Quakers in your area?

Very good suggestion, imo.

Also, maybe @Sand Dancer can find a more liberal Protestant church or Unitarian Universalist church. There are also Buddhist meditation houses.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Everyone seems so cliquey, or all they want to do is drink and eat in loud venues.

I am really sorry that you're going through this.

If you're willing to share, I'd love to have some sense of ...

• your approximate age,
• your general location in Florida, and
• your top three interests outside of your "search for a spirituality."

I've known many 'spiritual' people who have built lasting ties through book clubs, service work, and fitness centers -- none hosted by a specific religious institution.

I wish you well.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Are there any liberal Quakers in your area?

There is one but the local group is more a political group than a religious group. The Orlando group, where I used to live, is more religious.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Have you ever looked into Unitarianism?

I used to be one of those but ultimately found it unfulfilling

I think it can be good for others though

At the very beginning of my involvement with them I considered it a perfect fit, but eventually grew out of it

I am a Unitarian I guess. I went to a great UU church in Orlando but the ones where I live now are more political and like a business meeting instead of learning about different spiritual ideas.

 

[Sand Dancer]

Enlightenment can take time, so please have patience.



Very good suggestion, imo.

Also, maybe @Sand Dancer can find a more liberal Protestant church or Unitarian Universalist church. There are also Buddhist meditation houses.

I have tried the liberal Protestant churches, as well as a liberal Catholic church. I enjoyed the Catholic church. It's a 40 minute drive but I could get back into that one. I also enjoy attending the Buddhist "services" near me. It's a 45 minute drive but I could do it. Nothing close by me seems to be a good fit I guess. lol

 

[Sand Dancer]

Enlightenment can take time, so please have patience.



Very good suggestion, imo.

Also, maybe @Sand Dancer can find a more liberal Protestant church or Unitarian Universalist church. There are also Buddhist meditation houses.

Patience is a virtue and I need to try to develop that one.

 

[metis]

I enjoyed the Catholic church.

As I have been, even though I am very far from being a "good Catholic" as I question everything.

When I rejoined the Church around 7 years ago, I told the priest that because of my science [anthropology] background, it is my nature to question everything but that I can dedicate myself to helping people as best as I can, and he was willing to accept this and me.

 

[Sand Dancer]

I am really sorry that you're going through this.

If you're willing to share, I'd love to have some sense of ...

• your approximate age,
• your general location in Florida, and
• your top three interests outside of your "search for a spirituality."

I've known many 'spiritual' people who have built lasting ties through book clubs, service work, and fitness centers -- none hosted by a specific religious institution.

I wish you well.

I am in my early 60s, 1.5 hours south of Jax, and I like health and fitness, reading and travel. Thank you!

 

[Regiomontanus]

I have not generally been a depressed person, but lately there are a couple of issues that are really making me down. One is my continuing search for a spirituality, especially one where I can find like-minded people. The other is that, while I have many acquaintances, I have few friends where I live. Everyone seems so cliquey, or all they want to do is drink and eat in loud venues. These are older ladies and they are still into loud music, etc. I am a friendly and positive person but insecure, so maybe people sense that. Also, I am politically a centrist and am not interested in mainstream Christianity, as I believe in reincarnation and Jesus as a role model, not a god. Any suggestions?

You and I are close to the same age (I know this from a response of yours above - and I lived in NE Florida for many years. Surfing the waves off the coast/jetties of St. Augustine). Anyway, your spiritual path is on you, though IMHO Eastern Orthodoxy is the true path.

In any case, I have found the balm of salvation to be getting back to nature. Hike in the woods. Try to forget the cares of modern life and connect to Creation. Birds, butterflies - even insects point towards our Creator.

Good luck.

 

[Eddi]

the ones where I live now are more political and like a business meeting instead of learning about different spiritual ideas.

That's a bit rubbishy

 

[Sand Dancer]

You and I are close to the same age (I know this from a response of yours below - and I lived in NE Florida for many years. Surfing the waves off the coast/jetties of St. Augustine). Anyway, your spiritual path is on you, though IMHO Eastern Orthodoxy is the true path.

In any case, I have found the balm of salvation to be getting back to nature. Hike in the woods. Try to forget the cares of modern life and connect to Creation. Birds, butterflies - even insects point towards our Creator.

Good luck.

Yes, that is something I crave.

 

[Regiomontanus]

That's a bit rubbishy

What do you mean?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I am in my early 60s, 1.5 hours south of Jax, and I like health and fitness, reading and travel. Thank you!

You sound pleasant. Thank you!

And if you ever have a chance, take a day trip to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (in Gainesville).

 

[Sand Dancer]

You sound pleasant. Thank you!

And if you ever have a chance, take a day trip to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (in Gainesville).

Aw, thank you!! Never heard of that but it sounds lovely. Thanks!

 

[Secret Chief]

I have not generally been a depressed person, but lately there are a couple of issues that are really making me down. One is my continuing search for a spirituality, especially one where I can find like-minded people. The other is that, while I have many acquaintances, I have few friends where I live. Everyone seems so cliquey, or all they want to do is drink and eat in loud venues. These are older ladies and they are still into loud music, etc. I am a friendly and positive person but insecure, so maybe people sense that. Also, I am politically a centrist and am not interested in mainstream Christianity, as I believe in reincarnation and Jesus as a role model, not a god. Any suggestions?

Have you searched online for any reachable places that may reflect your needs/persuasions?

 

[Brickjectivity]

Any suggestions?

If you can afford it start an official meetup page. This is a web site where you pay to advertise your club. Usually its for forming groups. Suppose you want to find people who like to play cards or people who like to motorcycle read books or knit. That's what its for. It provides a forum as well as event announcements. For example if you want to see who wants to meet at Schlotsky's for a sandwhich followed by a movie on Saturday at 6pm you can simply put that up in your events, so people can RSVP. A lot of people get a group going and then ask for dues at meetings to cover the price of the meetup page.

 

[Quagmire]

One great way to meet people with similar interests and values is to get involved in volunteer work.

Depending on the venue you're apt to meet some people who have qualities that I think you might resonate with: introverted and empathetic, reliable, considerate, patient, upbeat, and positive, . . .

People I would describe as quietly spiritual.