What attracts people to the spiritual?

[Unveiled Artist]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

I have a very very similar situation. I also have anxiety, in additon depression and seizures. Anxiety and depression has a lot to do with how we interpret reality. I personally feel I have ADD but if its a physical issue say you go get your keys, pick them up, your bring switches, you drop the keys go back to the bed get up and say thats right breakfast take everything out put on the stove, then picm up your keys, put the bowl in the refrigetator, and leave to run back and turn off the stove,

This sounds exaggerated but its not. If your mind does this in general, Id mention this to youe doctor.

Spiritually, Ive been Buddhist, then Catholic, then pagan. I found religion or spiritual paths dont work well for me because of my spontenous brain cant function on one disciple.

So I have many interests such as creativity. If you have many interest, set different projects (say if you like art) in different areas of your room or if you have your own place your home. When your interest switches, dont throw the other things you lost interest away (thats also a depression thing in IMO) but just calmly switch projects. Its literally meditative multitasking.

Religions with discipline may not match your personality. Maybe find a Univeralist Uniterian church so you have a sense of community without disciplinary religion. (And you arent marked off for not attending meetings).

What are you interested in? Maybe list all the things you "were" interested in and are "now". Which ones have you stuck with (maybe self reflection. Maybe some things you do and dont realize they are interests you do as habit and fun).

Trying to think of other things. Use your interests as your spirituality. Write it down. When your mind switches dont beat yourself up. Youre just taking a break. Ride the wave of the new interest then write it down whe you feel it slipping. Notice which interest you come back to more often.

Invest time in it by reflection and maybe reminders to do at least one thing a day related to that interest. For example, I love art. Sometimez my mind shifts but I always carry my pad and pencils just in case my interest come back. If I dont pray for a month, I try not to fret. I let it come naturally.

You may want to reflect on what spirituality means and what your personality and values are. There is probably a religion out there but unless youre willing to put effort (a lot of it more than many) in an interested spiritual path, I dont feel disciplinary religions will work for you.

Try spontenuity and meditative multitasking.

Hope this helps.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

God.

Jn 1:9 - Every society eve found has had a believe in a higher power of some kind.

If you take a group of at least 100 people and ask them to write down any 2, 1 digit numbers. the ones most written will be 3 and 7.

3 reminds us of the Trinity and 7 is he most used number in the Bible, and it symbolizes spiritual completion. Those who belive in God are spiritually complete.

A bit of trivia. I have notices that when a basketball player is going to shoot foul shots, if he bounces the ball more than once, it is usually 3 times.

If a line in a song is repeated, it is usually repeated twice, making it sung 3 times.

I find that more than coincidental.

Sounds like paredolia to me: you find significance in those numbers, so you take notice of them when you see them, whether it's real or not.

Most of the things you've presented as actual stats and facts come across as made-up nonsense.

I remember when my grandmother got a Honda Accord. She said "you know, I never used to notice Hondas before, but now they're EVERYWHERE!"

You think 3 and 7 are special, so you pay attention to 3 and 7.

But just for giggles, let's go with your assumption that these numbers appear way more than expected, and that this occurs because they're some how special or important. Why would we assume that they're special BECAUSE of Christianity? Why wouldn't we take Christian use of these numbers as just more examples of the same trend?

If the numbers 3 and 7 are overused in the Bible, why wouldn't you apply the same approach that you've applied to all these other cases? If you're willing to say "aha! These songwriters repeat their lines 3 times because they're being influenced by something special about the number 3!", why wouldn't you also say "aha! These Biblical scribes invented a three-part god because there's something special about the number 3!"?

 

[Araceli Cianna]

I'm the same. I think it's the mystery. Humans either shun it out of fear or ignore convention and explore... but through exploration we learn truth. Even if truth is naturalistic, we learn about ourselves as humans through it.

 

[Sammeleh]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

And here I was thinking this morning, how is it the human race "evolved"? Have scientists actually figured how a Neanderthal came from an ape? Why are apes still not evolving? The Bible says after God created animal life, He said, "Let us make man in our image." So evidently animals were not made in God's image but humans were. Another big push into the spiritual for many people is that we wonder what happens to us when we die. Most of us don't want to die. What do you think? Do you think any of these factors weigh in on why people are inclined to the spiritual?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

We're wired to seek out patterns, causes, and purpose (meaning). Unfortunately, when these things are not meaningfully present, we (as a species), have a tendency to manufacture them, instead of accepting that they are not there.

 

[meghanwaterlillies]

Well I knew there was before hand no preaching or plucking got me there to that know God but I met some along the way and to be known by Christ in such.. That still added to this next step, I think it was more so love brought to a love of a man.. But I didn't think well that makes me closer to God or I'd bring them closer. If I truly believe some people had the same as I, I wouldn't need to do it them.
I can see some wrongs, but there is a but............
But since many sought to make it bad or just argue, even must give up creationists, let's me hurt with a B plan evolution. Then flip flop ideas whatever that may be male female then a secret one wants to be the secret evolution and have many "creationists". Or a creationist has many evolutionists, So I keep away, I even did exactly what I was lead to knowing I was going to show the cards that were dealt to certain people, or even fact it. Others may receive help that I wouldn't to un-fact something. I did take the hard "narrow way." Some just doubt, whatever. That its bad you you you, are you sure yes or them them wemmmmm yes...I guess FREEDOM arguers under the guise of "freedom." To keep me away or whatever. I'm like I am freedom.
I did on love

 

[omega2xx]

Sounds like paredolia to me: you find significance in those numbers, so you take notice of them when you see them, whether it's real or not.

Most of the things you've presented as actual stats and facts come across as made-up nonsense.

Only the part I called trivia. I have seen the statement abut 3 and7 being listed the most I have seen demonstrated, and it is a fact that all societies have has dome kind of a belief in a god.

I remember when my grandmother got a Honda Accord. She said "you know, I never used to notice Hondas before, but now they're EVERYWHERE!"

Irrelevant.

You think 3 and 7 are special, so you pay attention to 3 and 7.

Because all numbers in the Bible have a symbolic meaning, I pay attention to all of them.

But just for giggles, let's go with your assumption that these numbers appear way more than expected, and that this occurs because they're some how special or important. Why would we assume that they're special BECAUSE of Christianity? Why wouldn't we take Christian use of these numbers as just more examples of the same trend?

You shouldn't.

]If the numbers 3 and 7 are overused in the Bible, why wouldn't you apply the same approach that you've applied to all these other cases? If you're willing to say "aha! These songwriters repeat their lines 3 times because they're being influenced by something special about the number 3!", why wouldn't you also say "aha! These Biblical scribes invented a three-part god because there's something special about the number 3!"?

Because you last statement isn't true. I also didn't say he numbers are overused.

 

[New Age Spiritual Leader]

To be spiritual is to be your Self.

We strive to learn all we can, but it is never enough to satisfy our quench....so we begin anew.....trying to find that groove we think exists. It really never does, except in our own minds.

We live out our lives on a path we choose through free will.....each one is different.....each one looking at the same goal.

Strive not to seek knowledge of the spiritual, but strive to be your Self. If you cannot even do this, what exactly are you striving for?

Please remember - no other person is living your life. You are the one who will have to answer for your actions ("we reap what we sow")....no one else will.

Religions were made to ease this painful journey at times.....great.....but they are not the end all of end alls. They are just stepping stones for a higher learning......a higher understanding of Self.

"To know yourself is to know the kingdom of God." - Jesus

 

[syo]

Spirituality is part of human identity. Why ignore this aspect of ours?

 

[Akivah]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

{snip}

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

I think its your soul trying to establish a connection or addressing some un-met need. However souls and G-d have no physical attributes which your intellect is requiring, so the souls' yearning is denied.

 

[Ob1Shinobi]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

1. what does "spiritual" mean? if youve decided that there are no such things as ghosts then youll never be content with a "spirit" focused spirituality. its impossible to be happy with a religious organization that believes in things that you think are silly. if "spirituality" means something to do with developing your own "human spirit" then you might find activities like sky diving, or learning jiu jitsu, or being a volunteer for hospice to be much more spiritual than going to a church or joining some new religious community. if spirituality has something to do with what you might call "the exploration of consciousness" then you have to get into disciplined practices like yoga; meditation, lucid dreaming, "altered states", ect, provide opportunities to explore the nature of Being, but they arent things you just show up and share with the group like a sermon or a communion ritual, they are exercises and procedures that you have to learn and commit to doing under your own initiative.

2. the interests that keep coming back over time are the ones that you probably really want the most. we all have a natural curiosity about things in general,but if a certain topic has recurred to you since youth and it still reasserts itself to your mind as an adult, then it might be an important piece of who you are, or who you could become if you took it seriously. personally speaking, i lost so much of my life by not making a certain thing into a major priority; now i am playing catch-up and im happy that im finally doing it but i wished i had dedicated to myself to it years ago. I would be a better and happier person, im sure, simply because i would have been following my dream. but also because if i had been committed to it 15 years ago, i would now be an established expert in a field that I love. we lose the time no matter what we spend it on, but if we spend it on something we truly love then at least we can say it wasnt wasted

3. mastery is a result of long term consistency. not trying to preach or talk down to you, only a friendly reminder, got to stick with things if you want to master them

 

[sanraal]

What attracts me to the spiritual? Lovely question. For me, it's 1) a deep feeling of being loved by God (higher universal being) knowing that I am not alone when people are mean to me, 2) by living through the Divine I get positive energy and love of life out of a thankful feeling to interact with others and say what I feel or think and need, 3) knowing we are more than just a mind and body, but also a spirit.

 

[meghanwaterlillies]

To be spiritual is to be your Self.

We strive to learn all we can, but it is never enough to satisfy our quench....so we begin anew.....trying to find that groove we think exists. It really never does, except in our own minds.

We live out our lives on a path we choose through free will.....each one is different.....each one looking at the same goal.

Strive not to seek knowledge of the spiritual, but strive to be your Self. If you cannot even do this, what exactly are you striving for?

Please remember - no other person is living your life. You are the one who will have to answer for your actions ("we reap what we sow")....no one else will.

Religions were made to ease this painful journey at times.....great.....but they are not the end all of end alls. They are just stepping stones for a higher learning......a higher understanding of Self.

"To know yourself is to know the kingdom of God." - Jesus

Your picture in the back is hilarious is that even possible?

 

[meghanwaterlillies]

To be spiritual is to be your Self.

We strive to learn all we can, but it is never enough to satisfy our quench....so we begin anew.....trying to find that groove we think exists. It really never does, except in our own minds.

We live out our lives on a path we choose through free will.....each one is different.....each one looking at the same goal.

Strive not to seek knowledge of the spiritual, but strive to be your Self. If you cannot even do this, what exactly are you striving for?

Please remember - no other person is living your life. You are the one who will have to answer for your actions ("we reap what we sow")....no one else will.

Religions were made to ease this painful journey at times.....great.....but they are not the end all of end alls. They are just stepping stones for a higher learning......a higher understanding of Self.

"To know yourself is to know the kingdom of God." - Jesus

but totally not my definition though

 

[meghanwaterlillies]

Keep on searching and maybe you'll find what you are looking for.

Not sure that I have any words of wisdom you haven't already read!

Here's a site with a bunch of spiritual quotes - may help?

Words of Wisdom ~ Spiritual Awareness

Wishing you all the best!

once I ran into a universalist found they sucked.

 

[Theist]

What attracted me to the spiritual was a passionate interest in all things Roman. I eventually became interested in Roman religion and Roman rituals, and then into reconstructionist groups online. I prayed to the Gods of Rome and got what I asked for. I have my health, good looks, money, friends, a career. I have been very lucky. So in return for all of the gifts I have received I give offerings to the Gods and Goddesses. Simple as that.

 

[Robert Landbeck]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with? In a word, Aspirations. Whether those aspirations provide for an authentic 'spiritual' encounter remains open to question. It's back to definitions. With thousands of types and claims of so called spirituality in the market place, it seems like choosing a breakfast cereal in the super market, most have two much sugar and not enough of what's good for you. For some the sweetness is the point, for others, when they recognize the lack of spiritual nutrition, they move on to try some thing else. But in a world overwhelmed by materialism to the point of destroying the very planet that sustains us, I have to doubt that any spirituality bought and sold in the market place has provided any true insight into that ethereal nature. We aspire but never realize, only to pretend. To avoid confronting the very un-spiritual character of human nature itself!

 

[arthra]

I go through this cycle. Suddenly I feel strong spiritual inclination, I try to find a religion or spirituality that will satisfy said inclination, I find no evidence then finally I give up and eventually it will start all over again. When I've tried to find correlation with any particular events like massive stress, new environment ect there is no noticeable connection.

I am very curious as to why I've so often sought out the spiritual when just about everyone else I knew either made up their minds or just further explored their own path. No answer whether positive or negative seems to satisfy.

There is a whole extra annoying element as well. Pretty much every time you try to talk to someone or well I've tried to talk to someone they treat it in the most childish terms. They'll speak down to you like you're in baby's first religion course. Like you've never read anything on religion and you clearly need to be addressed like a child.

I should point out this whole cycle doesn't just have an effect on my spiritual life. The same sort of cycle will come in hobbies and interest in general. I'll get a sudden intense interest in something and focus on almost nothing but that then in a few weeks or a couple months It will switch to something completely different. Some people say that is just life but the sheer intensity of the change make me think there is something more going on there.

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

I'm sure you realize that each person has their own unique path to follow and has unique challenges to face along the way... The important thing in my view is not to give up or turn your back on the quest because you will I am certain find treasures along the way.

Most religions have had a decided mark on social organization as well as how to deal with life's issues. In my case I found that the Baha'i Faith offers solutions in my life... We anticipate a global consciousness that will solve many of the current issues facing humanity such as the extremes of wealth and poverty.. dealing with belligerent powers by establishing an international court of arbitration and recognizing the oneness of humanity as a response to those who claim race supremacy, recognizing the equality of men and women so that we all have opportunities in education and employment.

I suggest that the reason people are attracted to the spiritual path is that we are spiritual beings to begin with.

 

[godnotgod]

So what is it that attracts people to the spiritual to begin with?

We think it is the self that is seeking; that 'I seek', but that is not true. The self is an illusion. The divine nature is playing a game of Hide and Seek, hiding within the multitudinous forms of The Universe it itself has created, forms that include you and I. This is the Hide phase. Then comes a period of dissatisfaction with life, and the Seek phase begins, all the while being subtly prompted to do so by the divine nature within, and at the same time, the thinking mind with it's 'I', thinks it is The Seeker. When this facade is pierced one day, realization comes into play, and one sees that one is none other than That which one seeks; that there is no such duality as 'self and other'.

"That which you are seeking is causing you to seek"
Cheri Huber, Zen Buddhist

"Tas tvam asi"
(Thou Art That)
from Hinduism

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

If a line in a song is repeated, it is usually repeated twice, making it sung 3 times.

I find that more than coincidental.

When writing and making points about a subject, I tend to try and think of at least 3 things. This has absolutely nothing to do with anything spiritual. It is only because 2 only barely qualifies as a plurality - being only 1 greater than the singularity. A set of 3 of something gives rise to a (perceived) "proper" plurality. That's it, nothing more. I would guess it is the same with the basketball player. If you're going to bounce more than once... then twice is only barely committing to that plurality. 3 times is the perfect blend of plurality and brevity. What else does it need to be?